LAKSHYA: In a nutshell

The movie was shot in a period of : 146 days.

The shoot: on the locales of Ladakh were canned at minus 8-9 degrees while the shoot in Delhi was done at 45 degrees. The camera crane was put up at 17,800 foot above the sea level.
Chartered flights were booked to transport the heavy equipment to the locations in Ladakh. Internally, the equipment was transported using donkeys and trucks.

Glimpses of reality: While Dil Chahta Hai was largely autobiographical, Lakshya too draws from Farhan's life. Hrithik's character in the movie starts off as a young boy who is very confused and is struggling to figure out what he wants to do in life. Farhan went through the same in his own life.

First thought: Farhan Akhtar had earlier approached Arjun Rampal to essay Hrithik's role in the film. Arjun could not allot dates to him since they were already booked for Rajiv Rai's Asambhav.

Hair flair: Farhan Akhtar has again created another hair story with Lakshya. His fascination for the hairstyle stems from the fact that he wanted a difference between the actors playing their role as opposed to the actor playing their image. In the movie, Preity changes two hairstyles and Hrithik three.

The breakdown: Farhan Akhtar had a collapse while shooting in Ladakh. The unit doctor has informed the crew that their bodies would react to the high altitude by the loss of appetite and they would have to force-feed themselves. And since Farhan being the non-cautious kind did not eat properly, it lead to weakness resulting in the subsequent collapse.

The timeplan: Farhan Akhtar sent out memos of being on time to all the lead stars of Lakshya. The reason being that since they were shooting outdoors, they needed natural sunlight. Timing was critical especially for certain scenes like post-battle ones or the ones that were required to be shot early morning. And being in Ladakh, they could shoot only from mid-April till end-September because after that period, the roads are blocked. So he had to issue memos or else he would had to shoot this year!

The rolemodel: Preity's character has been modeled on TV anchor Barkha Dutt who covered the Kargil war and was feted for her bravery.

The storyline: Set against the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil war, Lakshya marks the return of prolific writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar (who had written classic films like Sholay, Deewar, Zanjeer, Sagar, Mr.India and many more) to the scripting mode after a hiatus of more than 14 years.

Why Hrithik?: Javed Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan agreed on Hrithik because he has the physique and the looks that suited the character.
"Physicality was important because he should look like he is in the army. He should be able to convey physical as well as mental toughness.
Hrithik also has the knack of looking slightly confused, slightly spoilt and rich. He plays this rich Punjabi boy in New Delhi. But we also wanted someone who could look vulnerable, could portray a sense of responsibility and feel the sense of loss"- Farhan Akhtar.

Item number: Main aisa kyon, the song with Prabhudeva [who also choreographed the dance sequences in the film], was supposed to be set in a very surreal environment. Farhan wanted someone who could do some surrealistic moves and also wanted to make it a challenge for Hrithik so he could have some fun. Main aisa kyon has a very lazy, hip-hop kind of music. It reflects the character [Hrithik], who is a typical Capricorn, not a very active, out-there kind of person. He is very laidback. He is a very scruffy guy who may wake up in the morning and go to his friend's place without even brushing his teeth.

*Verdict of the movie: flop

"I created history"

After Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun!, Hum Saath-Saath Hain, Director Sooraj Barjatyahas has created yet another Prem. Not Salman Khan but his time with Hrithik Roshan.

In Sooraj's Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, Hrithik Roshan plays Prem, starring alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor.

"It was great fun doing the film," says Hrithik, particularly since MPKDH's Prem is nothing like the characters that led Sooraj's earlier films. "Prem's character is out of the world. He is a bit too special. He has a pure heart and a very strong conscience. The best thing about him is that he feels everybody he meets is good. He has immense strength. He is flamboyant, loves dancing and jet water scooting and scuba diving. I have never played such a character before."

Hrithik says he has essayed Prem's character to the best of his ability. "I have done this role with conviction. But at this moment, I cannot sit here and judge whether I did a good job. One thing about Prem is that, however realistically you portray him, he is not to be found in real life. He is like a fantasy. But I am sure people like Prem exist in the world."

Asked what it was like to work with Abhishek, who has been painted as his rival by some sections of the media, Hrithik says, "Yes, it is the media who said he was my rival. I know Abhishek since my school days; I used to travel with him in our school van.

"The best part about doing this film is that I got to work with two people I am extremely comfortable with -- Kareena and Abhishek. You see, acting is about give and take. If you have a good actor in front of you, your acting automatically becomes better."

As to what it was like to work with Sooraj, he says, "I have never seen a person as good as Sooraj Barjatya. He was so nice to me. He gives so much importance to his cast and his crew. He is the most honest director I have met."

Commenting on MPKDH's music, which has been composed by Anu Malik, Hrithik says, "The music is great. My favourite song in the film was Chali aayi, but I later shifted my loyalty to another song because I thought that was much better. A few days later, I felt a third song was better than the other two. So every time I shot for a new song in the film, I felt that was my best song."

Asked how he felt when almost all his releases after his debut film Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (co-starring Amisha Patel) flopped -- with the exception of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and, to a certain extent, Mission Kashmir -- Hrithik says, "My films failed, but my roles were appreciated. At present, I am doing fewer films because I want take my time and choose the best ones. While making films like Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai and Koi Mil Gaya (both films are his father Rakesh Roshan's productions; the latter stars Preity), I was on constant high. I was excited because I wanted to do those films. Now, I am being selective."

He adds, "I am working on only one film now and that is [Farhan Akhtar's] Lakshya. After it is over, I will look forward to signing a new film. But now I want to be choosy about the roles I do."

How did he feel when the media buried him with the same speed that they had anointed him superstar? "I entertain myself by reading such things," he grins. "The media made me God. Now, the same magazines say Hrithik Roshan is finished. At one point, they were selling my face. They were saying the star had arrived."

But did he feel hurt by this volte-face? "Not at all," he says. "After all, I created history. Why should I bother [what the media says]? It is all part of the game."

If MPKDH is, like Hrithik hopes, a hit, it will boost three careers -- that of Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan. The Barjatyas, particularly director Sooraj, will also be very pleased -- after all, Hum Saath-Saath Hain did not match the super-duper success of his earlier directorial ventures.

Review of Yashraj films' much awaited 'Mujse Dosti Karoge'

Mujhse Dosti Karoge (By Taran Adarsh)
[courtesy: indiafm.com]

A Yash Chopra presentation, MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE, written-directed by Kunal Kohli, is a love triangle.

What would you do if the one you loved was actually not the one you loved? What would you do if your best friend was in love with the one you love? What would you do if you knew your best friends are sacrificing their love for you?

Meet Raj (Hrithik Roshan), Pooja (Rani Mukherji) and Tina (Kareena Kapoor) – three best friends thrown into situations that time, letters, love and separation have created for them.

A friendship that starts off in the picturesque, hilly town of Shimla and ends or rather continues in London. Much like Raj, Pooja and Tina, traditional in their values, yet modern in their approach and outlook towards life.

A bit of Hollywood flick THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS. A dash of KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI. And, to an extent, SAAJAN. Of course, there's a glimpse of HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN as well. A wee bit of K3G too… That sums up MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE, which is as fresh as last month's newspapers.

A 'khichdi' of several films, MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE suffers primarily in that one vital department that is the lifeline of any film – script. Director Kunal Kohli, who has been credited with the story, screenplay and dialogues of the film, has chosen the easy way out by borrowing from successful films. And that's where it suffers, for there's nothing novel or innovative whatsoever that MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE could boast of.

What could've been an interesting love story of two friends falling in love with the same guy, loses out due to the predictability in the script. Besides the goings-on being humdrum, there're hardly any memorable moments (unlike Yashraj Films previous ventures!) that the viewer carries home after the show ends.

The first half has a few interesting moments. The communication between Hrithik and Rani and also the scenes when Hrithik returns to Shimla, can be singled out. They are well handled undoubtedly. The story moves at a smooth pace till Hrithik learns the truth in the church (the interval point!).

But, unfortunately, the film dips completely in the second half. The sequences are lengthy, besides being predictable, and the story is stretched to such an extent that the viewer starts getting impatient. The film also gets very talk-heavy at this point.

Moreover, the climax – with the 'sindoor' suddenly falling in Rani's forehead – is, perhaps, the most ridiculous end seen in a love triangle. Prior to that, the sequence involving the foursome – Hrithik, Rani, Kareena and Uday – could've been handled with maturity.

Director Kunal Kohli has handled a few sequences with sensitivity, but has relied too heavily on the tried and tested stuff, so much so that the outcome is tedious. Technically speaking, his shot execution is plain mediocre. How one wishes the critic of yore tuned film director would've come up with something fresh and original for his debut vehicle, instead of relying so heavily on clichéd, formula-ridden, stale stuff.

Rahul Sharma's music is another sore point. Yashraj Films has always been known for memorable music, but in this case, barring 'Jaane Dil Mein Kabse Hain Tu', none of the songs are worth mentioning. The parody, for instance, is so lengthy that the impact is lost. Actually, the lack of a strong musical score is another factor that takes the film down. Cinematography is alright. Dialogues are appropriate.

MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE clearly belongs to Rani Mukherji, who has the meatiest role comparatively. The actress is superb in a role that fits her like a glove. Hrithik Roshan does what he has been doing since his first film – flash the by-now-famous smile, look smashing in designer outfits and dance exceptionally well. That's about it!

Kareena Kapoor's role is an extension of what she did in K3G. Sadly, this time, the actress is relegated to the background completely. A good actor like Uday Chopra is wasted terribly. The likeable actor has been given a raw deal. Neither is his role a special appearance, nor is it the second lead.

On the whole, MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE has two strong points – the reputed production house's track record and an impressive cast – but a number of weaknesses [which includes an unoriginal script, a weak climax, uninspiring direction and a dull musical score] overpower the plusses completely. At the box-office, the film may not find many takers after the initial euphoria subsides. Disappointing!

Hrithik's US concert: A big sell out!!

"I have to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming," Hrithik declared, on landing in Los Angeles with wife Susanne after a sellout concert in Calgary, Canada. The Roshans were amazed by the media coverage given to the current heart throb as major American newspapers, including the Washington Post and The New York Times had carried front page mentions of the actor. The concert, called Heartthrobs Live In Concert, included --- Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Aftab Shivdasani --- with a trip to Atlanta, Washington, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Detroit, Orlando, Houston and Calgary.
"For the first time, I enjoyed performing. It took me nine shows to get into the groove and accept that the tour would be a whirlwind, and that I might as well accept it. In spite of my reservations, they turned out fine, except the one in Washington, where I did not have the time to check the stage beforehand. I wore the wrong shoes. It was like dancing on ice. I was trying to strike a balance, just like my career," Roshan chuckles. He continued, "I have got over my inhibitions about live shows. I still maintain that I am essentially an actor. But this tour has changed my attitude towards live performances. I now know why my colleagues enjoy being on stage so much. It is our chance to connect directly with fans. This is the closest an actor gets to his audience. I no longer compare live appearances with a Michael Jackson or a Britney Spears concert. For them, it is their job. For me, the stage is an opportunity to interact with my audience and to be close to as many of them as possible."
Speaking of the many memorable experiences during the tours, Roshan talks about the old Indian security guard he met at the airport at Calgary before flying to LA. "He bought two bottles of juice for me and Suzanne. He compared me to all the greats of Indian cinema and said I was his favourite after Dilip Kumar. When we were leaving, he had tears in his eyes. I will never forget that encounter."
This is the first time that the Kapoor sisters performed at a live show together. Karisma Kapoor, who has the reputation of being one of Hindi cinema's most disciplined and hard-working heroines, wowed the crowds with her performance. Known to be an electric on-stage performer, her dancing is as natural as her chic dress sense.
One of Kareena Kapoor's recent sensuous portrayals was as Kaurwaki, in Santosh Sivan's Asoka. The film starring Shah Rukh Khan and produced by him and Juhi Chawla, did not fare well. But one of the songs, composed by Anu Malik, that hit the top of the charts thanks to its sultry appeal and melody, not to mention Kapoor's oomph, was San sanan.
A concert that was a thoroough treat for teh Bollywood fans abroad!!

Click here to see them in action

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Review

K3G finally hits the screens! Karan Johar comes up with another hit but what is this movie all about?
A helicopter’s buzzing wings dissolve to a girl pirouetting joyously. A high-heeled soiree cuts sharply to a robust celebration in a downbeat mohalla. A disturbed young man dispenses words of wisdom to his kid brother on a park bench before which an azure-green meadow stretches as far as the eye can see.

Tears-‘n’-laughter are a deadly combination. Only Johar achieves it, compelling the viewer to guffaw and weep, alternately, in the course of his opulently-mounted family drama that is kabhi staunchly traditional and kabhie hip-hop trendy.

Working from a sturdy screenplay which spans 10 years in the life of the ultra-cushy Raichand family, the director avoids the cliched pitfalls of vicious villainy and grotesque exaggeration.

The Raichand house is plunged in gloom, foster son Shah Rukh Khan) must leave on a self-willed exile on marrying a vivacious mohalla girl (Kajol) of his own choice. But like Dashratha, the patriarch wallows in his loneliness instead of effecting a practical truce.

A decade later, then, it is the Raichands’ younger biological son (Hrithik Roshan) who resolves, like Bharat, that enough is enough. Grief must give way to a reconciliation, a mission that can be accomplished in tandem with his childhood sweetheart (Kareena Kapoor), who has now blossomed into a howlarious Spice Girl. Get set, then, for a virtual war of wit and emotions between the three disparate generations. True, on the surface, the story is conventional. Gratifyingly, Johar grabs the formula and freaks out on it, in the process whipping up a confection that is as delicious as crunchy chocolate nougat.

On the nitpicking side, you do feel that the screenplay skims over the adoption question. If Raichand could bring a child home without fussing over the tot’s antecedents, why is he so opposed to the lower strata in principle? Also, the Johnny Lever track is half-baked. And yes, there are a couple of songs too many, like that predictable tango against the backdrop of the Egyptian pyramids. The music score has its high as well as flaccid points.

Never mind.Those are minor blemishes in an otherwise rich tapestry. In the behind-the-scenes departments, Sharmishta Roy’s splendid sets, Farah Khan’s dynamic choreography. Kiran Deohans’ glitzy camerawork and the co-ordinated costume designs, are the major assets.

It goes without saying, that K3G wouldn’t have been the magical movie that it is if it weren’t for the top-calibre stars.Whenever Amitabh Bachchan is in frame, you cannot take your eyes off him. Staying magesterially in character, he resists the temptation to patronise Raichand.He looks every bit the dominating and strict father and easily steals the Say shaava shaava song from his other costars. He reserves his best for the climax. Though there is nothing in his role he hasn't done in the last two years.

Jaya Bachchan is a marvellous complement, internalising her hurt and remorse, moving you to tears with the natural use of her voice and facial expressions.

Once again, Shah Rukh Khan is terrific, cool with romance, comedy and excelling himself when it comes to conveying the mixed feelings of someone caught between his own pride and his father’s prejudice.

Kajol is wowee, making you dip for superlatives. She is lively, extroverted and yet so quietly sensitive that you’re re-re-convinced that she was born to act.

The surprise scene-stealer is undoubtedly Hrithik Roshan. He looks dashing, dances like magic, dresses well and proves he can perform too. He clearly holds his own in his scenes opposite Shah Rukh and Amitabh.

Kareena tries hard to look attractive with the skimpiest possible clothes probably lesser than the length of her role. She ends up being too loud. In a sporting cameo appearance, Rani Mukherjee exudes amazing grace.

Though reviewers might not digest:

* Amitabh singing Aati Kya Khandala (note, Ghulam released in 1998) for Jaya, with Rani looking on amused, at his birthday party. Only the party is part of a 'Diwali 10 years ago' flashback scene.

* In the same flashback, the young Shah Rukh and a child artiste sip from Coke and Pepsi cans in Chandni Chowk. I used to think the soft drink giants introduced cans in India only recently.

* Ditto to the hi-tech cellular phones in the flashback.

* The five-finger right hand of the kid playing junior Rohan, is clearly visible in the first half of the film. Equally visible is the six-finger right-hand of the grown-up Rohan (Hrithik Roshan). The director could easily have asked one of the two Rohans to hide his right thumb (like Hrithik did in Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai).

The simliarity betweeb Karans, Chopras and Barjatyas:
What is it about 'K3G' that makes one feel it might go the 'Mohabbatein' and 'Hum Saath Saath Hai' way? Here are the similarities. All the three directors are second-generation star directors. Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar vow by Shah Rukh Khan. All the three make youthful romances peppered by family drama. But probably the weakest link is in their respective cinematic visions, or so it seems. Ther actually hovering around each other's story lines rather than makinging something really different.
This is what Karan Johar's new formula of success is: Maine Pyar Kiya + Hum Saath Saath Hai + Mohobbatein + Kuch Kuch Hota Hai = K3G

K3G pictures and wallpapers