Okay fellow Filmis, that’s it for our randomness. Sona has to go watch Damages while Jasmine catches up on Lost! If you guys didn’t know this already, Priyanka and Ranbir, with the team of “Anjaana Anjaani,” have been shooting in SF for quite a few days now. So, we’ve been trying to meet them, mostly Priyanka so we can become her stylists! Alas, we have no information. So we’ve been tweeting incessantly. We doubt we’ll get to meet her, but she replied and that really made our day and the next few days! She’s so sweet! Hopefully we’ll find out when they’re shooting in San Jose and get a chance! Love you all!

P.S. The link to the Filmfare Awards winners is here!

Yes we know we’ve been missing for longer than anyone would’ve liked, but things happen and well that leads no new posts. But, something big happened a few hours ago, the Filmfare Awards! Here are the pictures that are available so far, thanks to Filmicafe. Enjoy! We’ll post up the winners soon and more pictures as they come along!

Also Shammi Kapoor, @shamsheraj, is on Twitter! That just makes us so happy! Yaaaaahooooo!!

Well this press-release isn’t about some TV personality, nor is it from Mumbai. This is about Veer and the British actors that are partaking in the movie and it’s from the UK. It seems the PR people associated with Hindi TV and films don’t have spell-check or find it unnecessary to learn grammar. (This is giving PR people a really bad reputation, we both chose Public Relations as our options and anyone who has studied Communication realizes the value of good writing.)

We didn’t change anything, there’s a lot of information, read on if you want to play ‘connect the spelling and grammar mistakes.’ Guess at least we got some good quality pictures out of it…and if we’re getting press releases that should mean something good, right?

VEER SYNOPSIS

From the misty pages of history comes a story of extreme valour fierce pride and poignant love. As the British enslave India with their devious devide and rule policy, kings and nawabs fall to their guile and cunning and entrust their precious kingdoms to the foreigners.

Except for the brave pindaris who prefer deaf to honour and will fight to their last breath to save their land..their mother.

The bravest, the toughest, the strongest of the Pindaris is Veer. As Veer takes on the might of the British Empire, he also has to fight the conniving king of Madavgarh as well his own jealous tribesmen. But then the stakes are high…

As stake is his love for princess Yashodhara, at stake is his thirst to avenge his father’s dishonour. At stake is his very existence itself.. Cannons roar, swords clash in fierce battle, the dead pile up…And when the dust settles down on the blood soaked land..One valiant warrier stands head and shoulders above them all – Veer!

Veer an epic saga of bravery and drama, treachery and love…

www.veerthemovie.in Releasing on 22nd January 2010.

LISA LAZARUS

Lisa Lazarus has been an established model since the young age of 13, modelling for brands such as Elizabeth Arden, GHD, Tigi Bed Head, Leekes and more. Lisa gained a few years experience before entering into glamourous life style of beauty pageants, she won her first title Miss Llanelli at the age of 16, then went on to win Miss Swansea, 3rd place in Miss Wales and 12th runner up to Danielle Lloyd in Miss Great Britain 2006. Lisa’s success give her to opportunity to represent Wales in ‘Model of the World’ competition held in Africa where she was awarded ‘Miss Bikini Great Britain 2006′. Most recently Lisa won the Miss Universe UK 2008 title, and represented the UK in the famous Miss Universe competition owned by Mr Donald Trump. Miss Universe 2008 was held in Vietnam, 80 girls form all over the world took place in the final which was won by Miss Venesuela.

Lisa made her debut in Bollywood through one of the biggest forthcoming film ‘Veer’ starring superstar Salman Khan. Presented by Eros International and produced by Vijay Galani Moviez, ‘Veer’ is an epic love story of a warrior set in British India. The film is directed by Anil Sharma of ‘Gadar’ fame who specialises in period films. In ‘Veer’ Lisa plays the character of a very glamorous and sweet English girl, the well cultured and cheerful daughter of Resident Madhavgarh. She has come to India to explore its beauty and to learn about its culture and tradition. Lisa falls in love with Salman Khan.The Welsh beauty will have to fight for the affections of Salman on screen with another lead actress Zarine Khan.

TIM LAWRENCE

Tim has been in the Bollywood industry for many years. Tim started his career in Bollywood in 2004 when shooting for, ‘I Proud to be Indian’. Staring opposite Sohail Khan. Now staring opposite Salman Khan, he’s back in Veer.

In Veer Tim plays Fraser plays a hardcore british defense officer now promoted to Governor general. A cruel man who wants to rule india for the queen. At the beggining He helps the the king of india double cross the Pindaries after they help the king destroy another tribe. Fraser kills thousands but avoids killing Veers father. As the story progresses Fraser sets up a British education policy in uk but with a double twist to it.

Veer is set on revenge… Tim has worked extemely hard on this character and is excited to seeing the movie.Tim would love to do more films in india as he finds it an amazin adventure and very demanding but satisfying. He also works for an english agency called Ugly`s. Tim gets all sorts of work inc tv ads, fashion shoots, editorial work, advertising modelling. Recently Tim did a commercial for meatloaf, has done commercials for many products and companies and his image is in many computer games such as Gangs of London. Tim has worked in british films such as King Arther, The Devinchy Code, Chaplain,but he enjoys the hub of the indian industry best of all.

WILLIAM CHUBB

William Chubb’s long acting career has encompassed appearances in theatre, television and film. In particular he is known for his roles in West End theatre, which include Richard Greatham in Noel Coward’s Hay Fever with Judi Dench, Dr Emerson in Whose Life is it anyway? with Kim Cattrall, and the Headmaster in Alan Bennett’s History Boys. His television appearances include leading roles in The Ambassador with Pauline Collins, and Extremely Dangerous with Sean Bean. His films include The Affair of the Necklace and Gladiatress. He is currently rehearsing Peter Hall’s new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Judi Dench.

In Veer William plays Steve, the British administrator of the Kingdom of Madhavgarh. Veer falls in love with Angela, Steve’s daughter. The role involved shooting at film city in Mumbai, and on location in Rajasthan, and several of the scenes included dialogue with Salman Khan.” He can be contacted through Brunskull Agency.

In this interview Shirish talked about his various projects, the ones in the works, on hold due to financial issues and of course the one in the past. His experience in the film industry so far, basically some really good Filmi fun! And of course, you’ll notice the format of the interview…ab waqt ke saath toh chalna padta hi hai but it took a while to figure out how to embed the files, for some reason all the codes out there weren’t working, but it finally worked and now you get to be a little more filmi!

We’ve been hearing a lot about your upcoming films – Tees Maar Khan, Joker, Alien Sahib, and Udan Patola – can you give us a little tidbit about each one.

Discusses why he changed the name to Alien Sabhib form Udan Patola and further talks about Alien Sahib.

Talks about another film in the works under ‘Three’s Company’ with Salman Khan, an action film. They will start shooting for this film once completing Alien Sahib. He also discusses Joker.

Please tell us about your experience with Jaan-E-Mann.

What’s your favorite thing about Jaan-E-Mann, favorite memory about making that movie?

What made you change your paths so drastically, from electronics engineer to writer/director? Also, what advice would he give to anyone interested in working in ‘Bollywood?’ (We know, we know…it’s Filmistan.)

What kind of challenges do you face in your job?

What’s the best thing about your job?

How do you start the process of writing a script? Do you first have the characters in mind or the story?

And lastly, our “rapid fire” round…the favorites!

Pastime: Watching movies!
Food: I’m not a foodie, I’ll eat basically anything….protein shakes!
Movie: Man on the Moon by Milos Forman.
Filmmaker: James Cameron
Book: Mahabharat
Song: Chayyia Chayyia from Dil Se
City: New York

And lastly. . . Shirish close your eyes and tell us your favorite thing to do in Mumbai. If it were a Sunday morning, where would you take us?

Hmmm….haven’t thought of that yet. I’d have to look at your pictures first.

Jasmine: You would have to look at our pictures?
Shirish: Yeah, yeah…(laughs)
Jasmine: We’re your Facebook and Twitter friends. (laughs) We’ll say ‘hi’ on there and than you’ll know what we look like.
Shirish: I’ll take you wherever you guys want to go yaar. (laughs)

There was a lot of laughing going on at this point…that’s why we transcribed this part of the interview, it’s kind of hard to hear over all that laughing.

Sona: What do you do on Sunday mornings?
Shirish: I’m mostly working…(laughs)
Shirish: I guess you’ll take us to your workplace than…

More laughing

Shirish: Yeah yeah, I’ll take you to my workplace…that’s what I do, I just wake up and go to work (laughing)!

Song Name: Dil To Bachcha Hai
Film/Album: Ishqiya
Singer(s): Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
Music Director: Vishal Bhardwaj
Lyricist: Gulzar

Aisi Uljhi Nazar Unse Hatt Ti Nahin
Daant Se Reshmi Dor Katt Ti Nahin
Umar Kab Ki Baras Ke Safaid Ho Gayi
Kaari Badri Jawani Ki Chatt Ti Nahin
Wallah Yeh Dhadkan Bhadne Lagi Hai
Chehre Ki Rangat Udne Lagi Hai
Darr Lagta Hai Tanha Soney Mein Ji
Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Thoda Kachcha Hai Ji
Haan Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Aisi Uljhi Nazar Unsey Hatt Ti Nahin
Daant Se Reshmi Dor Katt Ti Nahin
Umar Kab Ki Baras Ke Safaid Ho Gayi
Kaari Badri Jawani Ki Chatt Ti Nahin
Ra ra ra ..

Kisko Pataa Tha Pehlu Mein Rakha
Dil Aisa Baaji Bhi Hoga
Hum Toh Hamesha Samajhte The Koi
Hum Jaisa Haaji Hi Hoga
Hai Zor Karein, Kitna Shor Karein
Bewaja Baaton Pe Ainway Gaur Karein
Dilsa Koi Kameena Nahin
Koi Toh Rokey, Koi Toh Tokey
Iss Umar Mein Ab Khaogay Dhokhey
Darr Lagta Hai Ishq Karney Mein Ji
Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Thoda Kachcha Hai Ji
Haan Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji

Aisi Udhaasi Baithi Hai Dil Pe
Hasne Se Ghabraa Rahe Hain
Saari Jawani Katraa Ke Kaati
Piri Mein Takra Gaye Hain
Dil Dhadaktaa Hai Toh Aise Lagta Hai Woh
Aa Raha Hai Yahin Dekhta Hi Na Ho
Prem Ki Maarein Kataar Re
Taubah Yeh Lamhe Katt Te Nahin Kyun
Aankhon Se Meri Hatt Te Nahin Kyun
Darr Lagta Hai Mujhse Kehney Mein Ji
Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji
Thoda Kachcha Hai Ji
Haan Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji

And while we are at it, Striker also looks very interesting…looks like the 80s!

Release Date: January 8, 2010
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Johny Lever, Fardeen Khan, Sushmita Sen, Tara Sharma
We’ve really missed Sushmita so this one is a must-watch for us. However, the promos of the film dont’ look too promising but it might just surprise all of us.

Release Date: January 29, 2010
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Mohnish Behl, Neetu Chandra, Ritesh Deshmukh, Rajat Kapoor, Alok Nath, Gul Panag, Paresh Rawal, Simone Singh, Rajpal Yadav
It’s directed by RGV, so it can either suck or be awesome…we’re hoping it’s going to be awesome! Mr. B’s in it…Ritesh, who’s always good in every movie and it has huge list of brilliant supporting actors such as Paresh Rawal, Rajat Kapoor, Neetu Chandra, Gul Panag, Rajpal Yadav and many more.

Release Date: February 12, 2010
Director: Karan Johar
Cast: Kajol, Shahrukh Khan, Jimmy Shergill
Our blog started with a post about this movie and we’ve written about this film so many times…oh and don’t forget we almost got on the production team for MNIK’s San Francisco schedule! Even though we’re jinxed in every way possible when it comes to this movie, we’ll still watch it in the theater, now that the journey is about to come full circle. Uhh plus…Kajol and Shahrukh together again!

Release Date: February 2010
Director: Pooja Bhatt
Cast: Mona Laizza, Himesh Reshammiya, Amrita Singh
Really not a film we’d put in our “waiting” category because of a certain Mr. Reshammiya, but this one’s directed by Pooja Bhatt! We loved Pooja Bhatt’s “Paap” and have seen it too many times…it’s such a visual delight ;)

Release Date: May 28, 2010
Director: Prakash Jha
Cast: Nana Patekar, Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal, Naseruddin Shah
Just look at the cast and you’ll see why we’re dying to watch this movie…that’s hardcore people! Nana’s back! The story also sound so interesting plus can’t wait to hear more Hindi dialogues from Katrina…

Other movies that we are looking forward to in the upcoming year are ‘Delhi Belly’ because it’s an Aamir Khan production, he always makes an excellent ‘product.’ ‘Hook Ya Crook’ because John is in it, but it’s already been delayed and that has us worried…just look up ‘Aashayein’ and you’ll see why. ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’ because of Farhan. ‘Ayesha’ because Sonam and Abhay – that’s just cute! More reasons needed? Amazing clothes worn by Sonam and c’mon it’s Abhay Deol, he’s never done a bad film…okay lets not jinx that. ‘I Hate Love Stories’ because again we love Sonam and she’s opposite Imran Khan…plus the title is intriguing. ‘Anjana Anjani’ because really excited to see Ranbir and Priyanka together! ‘Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai’ is on this list only and only because of Lara, otherwise it looks like another piece of garbage. Okay our fellow Filmistanis…that’s enough for today! Tata!

This was on our ‘must-watch list’ since day one because of the usual suspects.

1. Aamir Khan — Aur farmaaien?
2. Kareena Kapoor — We’ve loved her since the very beginning – Refugee, but she’s getting better and better with each film…and we get to see her with Aamir, it’s always refreshing to see new pairings.
3. Rajkumar Hirani — Everyone loved both Munna Bhais and good movies are hard to come by these days, so experience and a good track record always keeps us hopeful.
4. Boman Irani — the man is a character actor, in the best sense. Always entertaining.
5. R. Madhavan — Liked him in Rehna Hai Tere Dil mein, LOVED him in Ramji Londonwaley.

The film opens with Farhan (R. Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman Joshi) in the search for their long lost college friend Rancho (Aamir Khan) with the ‘help’ from the Silencer (Omi). The film is narrated by Farhan and it goes back and forth from the present day to the days that the ‘3 Idiots’ spent in college together. In the flashbacks is where we first meet the other characters Virus (Boman Irani) and Pia (Kareena Kapoor).

Seedha dil se, Rajkumar Hirani did it again! A film full of emotions, love, lessons, and good humor – the film left us with the same feeling we got after watching Lage Raho Munna Bhai. It is definitely a strong contender for ‘The Filmistan Awards‘ 2009. The story (Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijit Joshi) as whole is what made the film work. Sometimes you like a film because it had brilliant dialogues and the characters were so clearly etched out and so relateable, this film had that — yes, but the story as a whole really made it what it is — something you get invested into.

As far as the performances go we weren’t expecting to be surprised. We expected good performances from everyone involved and everyone delivered, right down to Millimeter (character in the movie). But, it’s hard not to mention Aamir because he’s so effortless. His mannerisms totally reminded us of someone we would know at school. Yes, we were wondering why a man in his 40s is playing a college student, but once we were watching the movie that doubt disappeared. Sharman shined in the emotional scenes. Madhavan was great overall and really stood out when he was convincing ‘Hitler Qureshi.’ Boman was Boman. Kareena…Kareena — there wasn’t enough of her, not even close. She was so good…her ‘drunk scene’ was better than Aamir’s ‘drunk scene!’ That’s right!

The music by Shantanu Moitra is average but the picturization of the songs is what makes it more interesting — by the way a “Jahaan panaa tussi great ho” to Muraleedharan C.K.’s cinematography…and Ladakh was breathtaking. “Zoobi Doobi” is a favorite because of it’s stereotypical filminess – dancing in the rain, the lovers standing on a bridge in a moonlit night, and of course the usual jhatkas and matkas. Coming in next is “All izz well,” it’s the one that actually gets stuck in your head when you come back from the theater, partially because you hear the phrase “All izz best” a million times in the movie…one more reason to like the film – it gives you a phrase to let go of your worries and let your heart know that everything will be fine, this sure made us feel better!

Sheena Parikh did the costumes for the film and made sure that they were appropriate for the characters. Loved Virus’s look in the film – you’ll know why we say that! We know Manish Malhotra also did the costumes, so we’re assuming that he dressed Kareena. He definitely did her bridal outfit but we’re not sure about Kareena’s normal clothes, but if he actually did the “normal” look for her then we’re very proud of him! Once again, a big shout out to Kareena’s makeup artist for doing such a brilliant job.

We’ve seen some really good films in the last few years that had good messages, Munnabhai MBBS, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Rang De Basanti, Delhi 6, Wake Up Sid and now Three Idiots. It’s a poignant film, but more importantly it’s a real entertainer and it was hilarious. Kaash rewind kar sakte tabhi.

Went to go watch this one with high expectations because of Dharma, Karan Johar, Saif and Kareena’s first appearance on the silver screen, and of course Rensil D’Silva because he wrote the screenplay for one my all-time favorite films – Rang De Basanti! I have to say I enjoyed the film while I was watching it, but there were too many things that were wrong with it for me to have that feeling last longer than the end of the film.

A film with a bad script has nothing else to save it from failure and throw in some horrible editing and it all goes downhill. Things that give me the courage to still talk about the movie and say the word “love” in the same sentence as Kurbaan would be Kareena! I loved Kareena in the film – she looked beautiful, acted really well, and I think she looks amazing when she cries…I’m looking forward to some crying from her in 3 Idiots as well…haha I know it’s a bit weird.

What really surprised me in this film was Akki Narula’s work as a costume stylist. I loved the two distinctive looks he gave Kareena in the film – the first one with long skirts, churidaars, mojaris, scarves and sweaters and the other look with nice luxurious coats and scarves…also kudos to the makeup artist (whose name I cannot find anywhere!) for making Kareena look so beautiful.

Overall, it completely failed as a film and I realized that even more after I watched New York for the second time! Kabir Khan actually handled the terrorism subject really well and made sense of the subject. So, what was the film trying to depict…that all Muslims are bound to be terrorists? Or some Muslims? Someone please tell me, I usually don’t have trouble understanding complicated stories but this one has my head spinning

Rocket Singh – Salesman of the year

WOW! Is that really Ranbir Kapoor??? The promotional song that had created such dhamaal amongst everyone and was playing in my head all day…everyone on Facebook was talking about it too…Pocket mein rocket hai, pocket mein. Yash Raj Films has been experimenting with different types of films, but this was probably the first time they took such an unusual approach for marketing a film…only one promotional song as a trailer for a film! And guess what? It worked…I went to go watch it and most people I know went to go watch it as well.

Watched the film and liked it! It was definitely an unsual film for our industry, it wasn’t a love story with backdrop of action but it was a story about a salesman…simple. I said it in my last review and I’ll say it again, Ranbir has arrived and is here to stay. He molds himself into different characters and makes them so believable, he really did look like a sardarji you would know…I would know…anyone would know. His mannerisms, his bhangrafied dance moves, everything was a pleasure to watch.

Overall, a simple and inspirational story with some funny moments! However, toward the end the film was a bit dragged and it could’ve be cut short, otherwise no complaints I guess… but Shimit’s Chak De India was far superior.

De Dana Dan

Jail

It was a usual Madhur Bhandarkar flick…it was real, full of emotions, and depicted the struggles of an everyday person. Neil Nitin and Mugdha Godse both did really well in the movie. No complaints from the film in any way.

Blue

Visually amazing but a weak script! I watched this one for Lara, she looked amazing in the movie and of course acted really well. Underwater scenes, scuba diving, swimming with sharks, beautiful yachts…that’s all the movie delivered…oh and why was Zayed Khan in the movie? Why is he still getting films despite the fact that he’s never acted in any of them!

Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani

Really, not as bad as I heard it was. Loved Ranbir, I mean he’s just too freakin’ good in every movie and well Katrina was okay …she tried! (She’s beautiful though) There were some really funny bits in the movie and there were scenes that reminded me of Andaz Apna Apna and even one scene from Sholay! The climax fighting scene was so remincent of the climax in Andaz Apna Apna, oh and Robert was in this movie as well. However, it was nowhere close to AAA. Andaz Apna Apna is a classic and I feel like Rajkumar Santhoshi tried to use a similar type of humor in this film but it just didn’t work…let’s face it people, classics cannot be recreated.

Main Aur Mrs. Khanna (SPOILER!!!)

I actually had some expectations from this movie because I liked the last time I saw Kareena and Salman together in “Kyun Ki.” I was also hoping to give Sohail Khan Productions the benefit of the doubt because of Lucky — that movie was adorable! But, all those expectations went down the drain. Itni ghatiya movie thi!

I was rolling my eyes at half of the scenes in the movie. The characters were so superficial that I couldn’t relate to any of them and thus was not invested in the outcome of their life…so obviously the acting was sub-par. And even though I just said that I wasn’t invested in them, I couldn’t believe that Mrs. Khanna stayed with Samir, but than not like Akash was good enough. She should’ve left both of them! But Mrs. Khanna didn’t really make sense to me either…so whatever.

The dialogues were horrible. The movie had three good things…Mrs. Khanna’s living room was beautiful, Priety guest-starred as Haseena Jagmagia and that reminded me of Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, and they played the song “Bade achche lagtein hai” from Balika Badhu.

All The Best

Well, my mom thought the movie was funny…retarded, but funny. I didn’t really have any expectations from the movie considering it was another ensemble cast doing another “comedy” picturized so brightly that it hurt my eyes. And that’s what it turned out to be…well from the fifteen minutes I was able to watch it, than I feel asleep and don’t know what happened. P.S. I miss the old Ajay Devgan.