Pompeii reveiw by ANIZ FILMVALA

Pompeii

 reveiw by

 ANIZ FILMVALA 

*****

Pompeii a disaster and adventure movie which is just a visual entertainer with its high value production design and VFX.

A ancient tale of two lovers in the city of Pompeii [Rome] in the year AD 79, Milo (Kit Harington-without six-pack abs) is a slave gladiator who is in a Arena to fight all the odds to win his true love Cassia (Emily Browning) gorgeous daughter of a rich trader, who has reluctantly engaged her to Roman Senator Corvis (Kiefer Sutherland).

Director Paul W. S. Anderson "Pompeii" is just about its grand look and interesting effects of the volcanic eruption. Less is done on the story part as it’s a cliché romance about the roman era is a crackpot and to add more disappointment the impassive chemistry of the lovers.

An addition to the archive of 3D movies.

Cast

Kit Harington as Milo   

Emily Browning as Cassia   

Kiefer Sutherland as Senator Corvis

Jared Harris as Lucretius   

Jessica Lucas as Ariadne   

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Bridgageous   

Carrie-Anne Moss as Cassia's mother   

Paz Vega as Flavia   

Joe Pingue as Graecus

SAB TV’s FIR team senses “Darr”

SAB TV’s FIR team senses “Darr”

Horror is back in business as unusual paranormal activity leaves the cast and crew of SAB TV’s FIR horrified and helpless. While it may be common for Kavita Kaushik aka Chandramukhi Chautala from FIR to face new challenges in her everyday life and solve mysterious crimes in the city, the actress and the other crew members faced their moment of fright, during the recent visit of Bollywood actor, Jimmy Shergill during the promotion of his upcoming horror film “Darr @ The Mall”. The film releases in India on 21^st February, 2014.

A source from the sets informs us that while Kavita and Jimmy were shooting for their sequence, the main door of the studio suddenly shut and locks. Although the crew and staff tried hard their best, they could not open the door. To add to the chaos, a technical snag rendered the set powerless. The subsequent power-failure rendered the set pitch dark with only the vocal sounds of people being heard.

This created a near panic situation as the enclosed atmosphere of the set started getting claustrophobic. Since the set was sound proof with limited air flow, even the mobile networks were unavailable when the set crew tried to call for help.

Just like the suddenness of the power failure, the power was restored and light was switched on as abruptly and unexpectedly. Even the studio door got unlocked on its own. The biggest surprise however was the fact that there was nobody outside who was responsible for this abrupt chain of events. Truly strange!

While speaking about the incident, Kavita Kaushik says, “Since we did couple of Horror based comedy show in FIR in the past, the idea of promoting “Darr @ The Mall” went off pretty well”.

It was an interesting day for Kavita Kaushik experiencing the thrill and excitement during the shoot.

Tune into FIR on SAB TV every Mon-Friday at 10:30 pm

Team of Youngistan at the special screening of the Love Saga, Pompeii!

Team of Youngistan at the special screening of the Love Saga, Pompeii!

Set in 79 AD, Pompeii is a love saga that encapsulates the story of a slave gladiator, Milo played by the American TV sweetheart Kit Harington who has to save his love Cassia played by Emily Browning amidst a volcano eruption that threatens to erase the entire civilization of the glorious city of Pompeii. 

The film which is being distributed by PVR Pictures in India and releasing this Friday, 21st of February saw a special screening of the movie on Wednesday night

(19th of February)

where in attendance were some renowned names from

the

Films and Television industry. 

The lead pair of t

he  upcoming film Youngistan, Jackky Bhagnani and Neha Sharma

were in attendance along with

Satish

Kaushik

,

Arjan Bajwa

, Gaurav Chopra were

the other

 few names present at this screening!

 

David Dhawan’s Bawaarchi No 1

David Dhawan’s Bawaarchi No 1

Flys down his cook all the way from Mumbai to Bangalore & Bangkok

During the making of a film, actors generally tend to bond with each other owing to the long hectic schedules which they have outdoor! Ditto happened on the sets of Balaji Motion Pictures upcoming masala entertainer ‘Main Tera Hero’.

The film which is directed by Comedy King David Dhawan will see his son VarunDhawan teaming up with him for the very first time along with the beautiful ladies Nargis Fakhri & Ileana D’Cruz!

Main Tera Hero has a large portion of the film which have been shot in Bangalore & Bangkok  and the shooting schedules of this film had been so erratic & long that Davidji ensured he had a cook on the sets all the time to give the artists and crew ‘ghar ka khanna’ informs a source close to the production team.

David Dhawan flew his personal cook all the way from Mumbai to Bangalore & Bangkok so that the crew does not miss their home & become home-sick. When you are shooting in outdoor locations food is a basic necessity, everything else can be managed when you have yummy food in your tummy!

We tried contacting David Dhawan but he was unavailable to comment, but a spokesperson from Balaji confirmed and said, “Davidji is like a father figure, and treats all his actors like his children only, he was quite concerned about Nargis & Ileana’s health along with Varun’s and therefore he ensured his cook prepares delicious delicacies for one and all”

Now isn’t that sweet well! We are sure all the other actors in B Town too would be wanting to have a director like Davidji!!

Directed by David Dhawan and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, Main Tera Hero is all set to hit the screens on 4^th April 2014, starring Varun Dhawan, Ileana D’cruz and Nargis Fakhri in the lead roles.

Glamorous Girls on shoot for hindi film “SEX & DEMON”

Glamorous Girls on shoot for hindi film “SEX & DEMON”

It was pleasure to watch exotic photo shoot of Hindi Film “SEX & DEMON” with three beautiful and gorgeous girl Saimira Rao, Jyoti Sethi & Aaaradhya Kapoor on 19^th February 2014 at Nirvana Studio, Oshiwara where debutant but confident director Abhishek Jawkar was busy doing a special photo session for his first film “SEX & DEMON” with these three damsels.

Film is being produced by RENAUD INCORP, with music by Nakash Aziz. Director Abhishek Jawkar has made various ad films for Fox Channel since year 2005, he has also been active as script writer plus he is distributor in south film industry, this his first film, regarding subject Abhishek said “This film is about three girls who decide to go on a wild spinster party. They hire male escorts and takes them to a forest house where there is not even mobile network to get complete privacy, where they start experiencing paranormal things in the house and one girl gets possessed and then the story unfolds thereafter”. All three girls Saimira Rao, Jyoti Sethi & Aaaradhya Kapoor are not only established models but have also acted in some TV shows and regional films from Punjabi & South, in spite of there 1st Hindi movie they were confident of there roles. Abhishek will starts its shooting from 2nd March 2014, and will be shot in one schedule at Mangaon (On Mumbai-Goa Highway) and he is preparing release of it in June 2014.

Jackky shoots at a unique Robot restaurant in Tokyo for Youngistaan

Jackky shoots at a unique Robot restaurant in Tokyo for Youngistaan 

Jackky has made sure everything in Youngistaan is unique. Whether its shooting a love song at the real location- Taj Mahal or shooting at a Robot Restaurant in Japan. Jackky shot another song of the film at a very famous and unique Robot restaurant. This restaurant is the only restro in the world where one can find machine robots, Giant robots sized 12-feet which are operated by inadequately dressed women, tigers, dinosaurs, cavewomen, lasers, motorcycles and so on. This restaurant is in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Kabukicho district.

Aamir Khan is all set to start the next season of Satyamev Jayate.

After receiving an overwhelming response from people, Aamir Khan is all set to start the next season of Satyamev Jayate.

This time around, Aamir will begin his journey of Satyamev Jayate 2 from the very spot where an individual by himself broke a mountain. He plans to hold first ever press conference of SMJ 2 at the very spot on 22nd February.

Dashrath Manjhi had given 22 years of his life to break the mountain in a small village Gehlaur in Gaya, Bihar to make a road for the people there. Aamir Khan would have his first press conference standing on the road symbolising the spirit of an individual.

During the last season, Aamir was extremely impressed with this man who was working towards changing something as impossible as this.

As a mark of respect, Aamir decided to start the journey of SMJ 2 with this place.

The show starts airing from 2nd March 2014.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvUYIhqDsbs (THE STORY IS AT 57.30)

Jameson Done In Sixty Seconds (DISS)

Jameson Done In Sixty Seconds (DISS)


Jameson Done In Sixty Seconds (DISS) short film competition, has see filmmakers from 19 countries competing against each other. It challenges contestants to re-make their favourite Hollywood movie in just under 60 seconds. Whether you’re an animator with a passion for Claymation, an action junkie with a love of budget special effects, or even a first-time director shooting your film on a smart phone, The Done in 60 Seconds competition is for everyone with a passion for filmmaking.

This year Acclaimed director and screenwriter Vikramaditya Motwane has been selected as the Indian Director and official spokesperson to represent Jameson India at the Jameson Empire Awards 2014 and is a part of the jury for the Indian round. In 2012 maverick film director par excellance Anurag Kashyap had been the Indian jury member. This trend of Indian jury will continue in the coming years…

About the Contest

· The contest was launched in India mid October last year and ran upto January 2014 to crowd source entries Post this selection of entries, a grand finale judging event is held in Mumbai on 21st  February 2014 to select the best short film that will represent India at the international competition.
· The lucky winner(s) will make it to the Jameson Empire Done in 60 Seconds Global Final, to be held in London on Friday 28th March 2014. The final five will then head off to the Jameson Empire Awards on Sunday 30th March 2014, where they will have the chance to walk the red carpet and mingle with world class talent from the film industry. Here the ultimate DISS winner will be announced and handed their very own Jameson Empire Award.

Alia Bhatt at Radio Mirchi Mumbai studio for the promotion of her upcoming movie Highway.

लेडीज फर्स्ट का फर्स्ट लुक जारी

Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Nadiadwala

Imtiaz Ali gears up for his upcoming release on 21st February 2014, Highway. This project marks the debut of another professional pairing i.e. Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Nadiadwala.

This is the first time the duo has come together to work on a project. Sajid Nadiadwala, who has worked with the biggest stars like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar will be seen investing in a lot of young talent this year.

Says Imtiaz, “I had a certain confidence (in Sajid’s work). The kind of films he’s done in the past, like Ghulami (1985) — one of my favourite films — are the kind of movies I’m making. That is what I think has interested him in Highway.  I’m a director and he’s (Sajid) a producer; the influence we had on each other is that now I’ve turned producer and he’s turned director. I’m taking guidance from him.”

Sajid Nadiadwala is not just excited about his first project with Imtiaz but he also hopes that the pairing continues for a really long time.

Says Sajid, “The best thing about Imtiaz is that I get ideas from him free of cost… I’ve discussed scenes with him from a film he’s not even associated with. I’ve been a producer for 25 years, but as director, I’m a newcomer. The most important thing for me was to be part of the journey. I never comment on how the film is, but I’d say I’m happy with the outcome.”

The trailer and songs of Highway have been loved by the audiences and there is a lot of buzz around the film.

The Kapur boys Aditya and Shahid share the same surname in the real life

The Kapur boys Aditya and Shahid share the same surname in the real life.

While there has been a lot of conversation about Shahid Kapoor's look and hair cut in his upcoming movie Haider, there is another Haider who is set to roll some eyes.

The young actor, Aditya Roy Kapur had started sporting the very similar haircut like Shahid lately. The new haircut has been the actors look in his upcoming movie Dawat-E- Ishq.

Ironically, both the actors are not just sharing the same kind of buzz cut but also will have similar names in their upcoming movie.

As Shahid will be seen playing Haider, Aditya’s character name in Dawat-E- Ishq is called Haider too. Both the Haider's have been making a lot of noise with their new look.

Both the actors’s character in the movie will have strong look resemblance and the same name, in two very different genres of films which will release very close to each other.

Dawat-E-Ishq is Aditya’s first release this year. It is a humorous film set in Hyderabad and Lucknow.

Rajat Kapoor’s directorial venture Ankhon Dekhi is closing to a release

Rajat Kapoor’s directorial venture Ankhon Dekhi is closing to a release. The trailer of the film has got a lot of appreciation from all quarters and is gaining a lot of traction.

Post the trailer launch, Rajat got a lot of calls and messages. The most surprising one was from a publication called Ankhon Dekhi.Ankhon Dekhi is a age long publication.

Ironically the theme of both the movie as well as the publication is very similar. The film is based on a man who believes in things that he sees for himself not what others tell. Just like that the publication is known to publish what they see and is true.

As the name of the publication and their belief they follow is same as Rajat’s film, so they reached out to him to congratulate to make such an inspiring story.

Rajat had no idea of the publication and was very surprised. He was very keen to see the paper for himself.

It is a complete irony but a pleasant one.

Few directors who would be working as assistants with Excel

There is a lot happening this year with Ritesh and Farhan’s production house “Excel Entertainment.” With various projects going on floors and the house busy with casting and pre production work etc, there is one more aspect which has come into ones notice.

The production house is giving an opportunity to several new directors in the year 2014. Moreover, this new change has been a policy decision which the house has decided upon. This would be a golden opportunity to all those directors who are longing to showcase their work.

Out of the lot, there would also be few directors who would be working as assistants with Excel while others would be from the outside. Out of the new directors, Excel is already working with Nitya Verma, Rahul Dholakia and Karan Anshuman.

The production will will be further seen giving chances to various news and fresh directors.

The Monuments Men review by ANIZ FILMVALA

The Monuments Men 

review  by

ANIZ FILMVALA 

*****

Directed by George Clooney ‘The Monuments Men’ is a true story and a tribute to the unsung heroes who lost their life in the search operation of the priceless art treasure, the history says that In World War II around in 1943, Frank Stokes [George Clooney ] persuades the US President that triumph of the allies will be insignificant if the art treasures of Western society are vanished or stolen in the warfare. Hence to recover the missing art and to restore it he is ordered to bring together an Army unit as designated ‘The Monuments Men’ as a team of seven come together to guide Allied units and search for stolen art.

Somewhere in occupied Paris, Claire Simone[Cate Blanchett] a curator, is forced by a Nazi officers like Viktor Stahl to keep an eye on the theft of art for Adolf Hitler's proposed Führermuseum in Linz.James Granger[Matt Damon] comprehend that Simone will not assist with those who are art looters. So the unit makes division to search for various objectives to be successful. While In the search Donald Jeffries[Hugh Bonneville] of the British Army is killed attempting to prevent the Nazi Colonel Wegner from stealing a statue of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo.

In conclusion, they locate a German mine which is devastated and is in the part of the Soviet occupied region. Finally they recover the enormous quantity of gold and invaluable artwork.

Though the film lacks the pace and vivid truth of such heist which occurred. It’s more of a comedy with witty lines and an ensemble cast of great oldies. Some brilliant outdoor scenes shot by American Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael is praise worthy, a soothing background score by Alexandre Desplat which matches with the period and gratifies the pleasure of watching the movie.

Cast

George Clooney as Lt. Frank Stokes

Matt Damon as Lt. James Granger

Bill Murray as Sgt. Richard Campbell

John Goodman as Sgt. Walter Garfield

Jean Dujardin as Lt. Jean Claude Clermont

Bob Balaban as Pvt. Preston Savitz

Hugh Bonneville as Lt. Donald Jeffries

Cate Blanchett as Claire Simone

Sam Hazeldine as Colonel Langton

Dimitri Leonidas as Sam Epstein

‘ITS OUR STUDIO’ flaunts their funk with their flagship store in Mumbai

‘ITS OUR STUDIO’ flaunts their funk with their flagship store in Mumbai

Trendy and quirky lifestyle brand ‘ITS OUR STUDIO’ after being established and showcasing phenomenal variety of styles on its website has launched its flagship store in Tardeo, Mumbai over the weekend with boxes full of vibrant and eccentric accessories at competitive prices. Established in 2011 by Samir Virani, this new home of fabulous fashion accessories is a synonym for trendy yet sophisticated, peculiar and extremely functional everyday use products. With this launch, the brand known for its exquisite collection and customizing merchandises in many known films is sure to bring out the inner funk in every persons routine.

Speaking on the launch of ITS OUR STUDIO store, Samir Virani says, “Planning is a key part of any successful procurement. ITS OUR STUDIO offers a range of quality driven, innovative products in lifestyle, corporate and merchandising sector and is an established brand in its niche market. We don't aim to cater only to the younger generation but infact would want to be known as a brand that has something for people of every age group. I am certain that the new store will help us successfully attain the target that we have set for the company as all products are exceptional and a design enthusiast’s delight”

The Flagship offers spacious, chic interiors that have got a stylish and exciting ambience for its patrons. With the amalgamation of quirky yet trendy look, it consists of all fun elements added to it to give an overall extravagant experience. ITS OUR STUDIO is certainly a lifestyle destination with a difference. ITS OUR STUDIO offers a variety of innovative products and accessories so you can be sure to get elegant merchandises like shot glasses, ashtrays, customized stationery, accessories, personalized gifts for occasions, and funky mugs for coffee and tea lovers and more exclusively made for you. So treat yourself with something special this season of love.

'Jackky denies, his Role is not Inspired by real life politician'

'Jackky denies, his Role is not Inspired by real life politician'

Youngistaan, which is produced by MSM Motion Pictures and Pooja Entertainment and Films Ltd. is been making news these days that this movie is based on real life politician due to Jackky Bhagnani's appearances at the promotional events of movie and also his character portrays a young dynamic politician who has a live-in relationship. Whereas Jackky declines these rumours and explains that how his character, Abhimanyu Kaul is not inspired by real life politician. 

Jackky says, "It's not based on any real-life politician. Instead, he is a mixture of mannerisms of several legislators." He adds,"I play a leader who the country would want. My character isn't based on anyone in particular. He is a 28-year-old Politician who goes on dates, introduces nation to modern banking reforms, teaches them how to e-vote and doesn't play blame games. He believes in the policy that if you want change, you have to be the change."

Jackky further states that Abhimanyu Kaul knows how to keep his personal and professional life different. "I think young India is ready for lot of changes. My character shows the divide between the old-school and modern-day mindsets. He doesn't go against his culture, but brings about a revolution. The current political turmoil helps us. When everyone in the real world is playing blame game, here's a guy who owns up whenever he has messed up. He says,'don't vote for me if you don't wish to, but cast your ballot at least."

Fatigue takes a toll on Deepika's health

Deepika Padukone is known for her professional conduct and all her directors and producers have always had good things to say about her.

 

She is extremely punctual and pushes herself till her uttermost capacity.

She is known to have medicines and continue shooting even when she is under the weather. Infact last week itself she worked for 30 hours straight. 

 

After shooting for Happy New Year for 16 odd hours, Deepika rushed for her dance performance at an award function. Not only did she perform, she also did a thorough rehearsal with the team before that.

However the young actress had a sudden bout of ill health over the weekend (Saturday)

 

Deepika was shooting till wee hours on Friday and almost fainted.

She woke up running high temperature on Saturday and felt extremely weak. A doctor was rushed home who advised her strict bed rest.

Deepika who is a workoholic would usually skip his advice, take medication and head straight to the studio but this time around, she was physically drained

She had a hectic day ahead with a magazine shoot and brand commitment to keep.... However she very weak and hence had no option but to stay home and rest.

Spokesperson of Deepika confirms "Deepika health has taken a toll. The doctor has strictly advised her complete rest for couple of days."

Sonam Kapoor known for her great sense of fashion

Sonam Kapoor known for her great sense of fashion also has a good taste for art and heritage architecture.

In Mumbai, Sonam loves South part of the city & the kind of buildings there. Every time the actress visits there she has been heard talking about the kind of architecture the place has. The actress especially likes the old building of the theaters Eros, Regal, Liberty and the old British buildings.

The actress recently shot on a very famous building in the South Mumbai. The entire shoot took place on the roof top.

Sonam was elated to be at a vantage point from where she could see the beautiful tower tops of the building.

Vidyut Jamwal the young Akshay Kumar

Vidyut Jamwal, whose films Force and Commando did extremely well especially in Punjab is getting calls from distributors there telling him how they feel he is the younger Akshay Kumar of the industry.

They told him how there is an equal craze for his films in Punjab like it was for an Akshay Kumar action film.

Even his fans feel there are a lot of similarities between the two actors.

Some of them being their absolute love for fitness and their very strong association with Martial arts.

While we have seen Akshay Kumar doing a lot of action movies in the past, we see how the only action hero of this generation, Vidyut Jamwal has picked movies for the love of action.

When Vidyut's fans wrote to him to congratulate him for the Umeed Ka Naya Chehra award that he won at Zee Cine awards recently for Commando, many also mentioned to him how he is the younger version of Akshay Kumar.

Aditya Roy Kapur does recce for Fitoor

Aditya Roy Kapur accompanies his director of Fitoor opposite Katrina, Abhishek Kapoor for the recce to Kashmir.

The actor has put the rumors to reset of the film to be shelved as rumored earlier.

Aditya, who is currently shooting for Habib Faisal's Dawat-e-Ishq with Parineeti Chopra, had some days off from the shoot when he decided to accompany Abhishek for the recce.

The actor took keen interest in going for the recce to see the beauty of Kashmir and the probable locations where they would shoot for his upcoming next.

Aditya and Abhishek spent about 6-7 days in Kashmir in search of locations and as scheduled the film will go on floors in June - July 2014.

Aditya said, "I like to be involved with my films from the beginning. It helps me understand the whole film and my character better. So when I got to know that the recce of Fitoor was starting I was keen to make the trip. "