The first promo of Yashraj Films' upcoming action extravaganza, TASHAN, was included in the reels of their last release, AAJA NACHLE. Just that single trailor (which we had discussed in detail), which concluded with Anil saying, "First impression is last impression", seems to have worked like magic and was enough to build a tremendous hype around the film. And if that was not enough, an unlikely source, the posters of the movie (in cinemas) are taking the curiosity to dizzying heights. A proof of that is the high number of enquiries at the theatres where these hoardings have been displayed. So what's the latest on TASHAN?
As per our trade and exhibition sources, Yashraj Films is all set to launch a publicity blitzkrieg for the film, with the tag line- 'The Ishtyle... The Good Luck... The Pharmoola' from the first week of March, followed by a quick audio release.
Vijay Krishna Acharya's TASHAN, forecasted/projected as one of the biggest openers of the year by the trade is all set to hit the screens on 25th April 2008 and is likely to be the only major release of the week.
(Glamsham)
Catch every rumor spreading around Yash Raj Films (YRF) - India’s biggest entertainment house.
Yash Chopra on Budget 2008
Filmmaker Yash Chopra was recently hailed as the most powerful man in Hindi cinema. Unassuming and humble, we caught up with him in his own studio, and asked him about Budget 2008.
I don't know what it's oing to be. But I do hope they take the entertainment industry into consideration. The amount of taxes imposed on production houses is tough to bear, and leaves little profit for filmmakers.
This is extremely disappointing. We need to encourage people to make more films, but when there is hardly anything you get in return it often becomes a losing proposition. Also, not all films work.
That makes matters worse. I have more people working in my accounts department than on the films I am making. That's the scene. The paperwork is endless.Lets hope there's an end to this endless madness soon!
(TOI)
I don't know what it's oing to be. But I do hope they take the entertainment industry into consideration. The amount of taxes imposed on production houses is tough to bear, and leaves little profit for filmmakers.
This is extremely disappointing. We need to encourage people to make more films, but when there is hardly anything you get in return it often becomes a losing proposition. Also, not all films work.
That makes matters worse. I have more people working in my accounts department than on the films I am making. That's the scene. The paperwork is endless.Lets hope there's an end to this endless madness soon!
(TOI)
Huge Curiosity For Tashan
The publicity campaign has not even started for Tashan but curiosity levels for the film are huge and we not talking about the trade but actual film going public. There are posters of Tashan at most multiplexes and certain single screens and it seems the public cannot wait for the film as enquiries are in thousands about the film from the public. This could be due to the fact the YRF have cleverly held back the music and promotion of the film that the public is desperate to find what the film is about. If one poster can create this sort of craze then its going to be something else by the time of release.
The publicity campaign is expected to start in the first week of March and there is no doubt that will film create a stampede at the box office with opening day records being smashed all over India. Tashan stars current box office favourites Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor alongside Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor in a stellar role.
The publicity campaign is expected to start in the first week of March and there is no doubt that will film create a stampede at the box office with opening day records being smashed all over India. Tashan stars current box office favourites Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor alongside Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor in a stellar role.
Aditya Chopra files for divorce, to marry Rani?
He made the hugely popular Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and the not so brilliant Mohabbatein , soared at the box office with Dhoom and Chak De , and is now all set to direct Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi .
But finally, hot-shot film producer and sometime director Aditya Chopra's penchant for romance on the big screen may get a legal entry into his real life this May.
Movie mogul Yash Chopra's son is finally on his way to ending his marriage with Payal Khanna and perhaps making a new beginning with current beau, actress Rani Mukherjee.
Chopra's films may have a rambling, leisurely feel, but the mutual consent petition he filed a couple of months back is a crisp two-page affair. There's no storyline here.
As the law requires, it merely says that the husband and wife have irreconcilable differences and want out.
Their married life of five-odd years is headed nowhere, they have told the family court in Bandra. The mandatory six-month cooling-off period required after filing a mutual consent divorce petition will get over this May for the producer.
It took three joint meetings with their lawyer for the two to set their divorce process in motion. Their lawyer advised them and they agreed not to mention the terms of settlement in the court documents, opting instead for an out-of-court arrangement. As there are no children involved, heartache is at a minimum.
Aditya's family is not too happy with his decision. Family sources say that his parents love their daughter-in-law and would like to take care of her even after the formal split. She has, in any case, been given a spacious home in Juhu and her bank balance has been augmented by several crores. Yash Raj Studios, which has churned out blockbusters and is worth an estimated Rs 1,000 crore, owes its success to the 36-year-old Aditya's brains.
The quiet, soft-spoken producer prefers to keep a low profile in the media and his interviews are hard to come by.
Aditya's marriage, it is believed, started falling apart about two years ago. In the first half of 2006 he almost moved out of his house, said sources close to the family. Better known as Adi in the film industry, he returned from the outdoor shoot of Karan Johar’s film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna but instead of going home checked into a five-star hotel.
An adamant Adi had insisted then that he would not come home, even as his parents tried to reason with him. He apparently wanted Payal to move out of the house before he returned home. He even allegedly threatened to start his own production house, said industry sources. Payal then decided to move to Singapore for sometime so that Aditya would return home and work.
The sprawling and swanky Yash Raj Films studio at Andheri link road with its state-of-the-art set up has apparently been designed by Payal. She had worked relentlessly for years to put up the new YRF studio.
(Source : TOI)
But finally, hot-shot film producer and sometime director Aditya Chopra's penchant for romance on the big screen may get a legal entry into his real life this May.
Movie mogul Yash Chopra's son is finally on his way to ending his marriage with Payal Khanna and perhaps making a new beginning with current beau, actress Rani Mukherjee.
Chopra's films may have a rambling, leisurely feel, but the mutual consent petition he filed a couple of months back is a crisp two-page affair. There's no storyline here.
As the law requires, it merely says that the husband and wife have irreconcilable differences and want out.
Their married life of five-odd years is headed nowhere, they have told the family court in Bandra. The mandatory six-month cooling-off period required after filing a mutual consent divorce petition will get over this May for the producer.
It took three joint meetings with their lawyer for the two to set their divorce process in motion. Their lawyer advised them and they agreed not to mention the terms of settlement in the court documents, opting instead for an out-of-court arrangement. As there are no children involved, heartache is at a minimum.
Aditya's family is not too happy with his decision. Family sources say that his parents love their daughter-in-law and would like to take care of her even after the formal split. She has, in any case, been given a spacious home in Juhu and her bank balance has been augmented by several crores. Yash Raj Studios, which has churned out blockbusters and is worth an estimated Rs 1,000 crore, owes its success to the 36-year-old Aditya's brains.
The quiet, soft-spoken producer prefers to keep a low profile in the media and his interviews are hard to come by.
Aditya's marriage, it is believed, started falling apart about two years ago. In the first half of 2006 he almost moved out of his house, said sources close to the family. Better known as Adi in the film industry, he returned from the outdoor shoot of Karan Johar’s film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna but instead of going home checked into a five-star hotel.
An adamant Adi had insisted then that he would not come home, even as his parents tried to reason with him. He apparently wanted Payal to move out of the house before he returned home. He even allegedly threatened to start his own production house, said industry sources. Payal then decided to move to Singapore for sometime so that Aditya would return home and work.
The sprawling and swanky Yash Raj Films studio at Andheri link road with its state-of-the-art set up has apparently been designed by Payal. She had worked relentlessly for years to put up the new YRF studio.
(Source : TOI)
SRK to mediate between Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra
Buzz is strong about Karan Johar not being happy with the price Yash Raj is offering him for distribution rights of his next, directed by protégé Tarun Mansukhani and that he and old pal, Aditya Chopra had a tiff over it. Their common pal, Shah Rukh Khan is playing mediator in all this claim industry sources.
"Every Dharma Productions film by Karan Johar has been distributed by Yash Raj worldwide. Though the rights price increased with every released film as they all went on to become super hits, it was still considerably low as compared to new players in the market – the corporate companies such as UTV or Eros or even big distributors like Ashtavinayak were willing to offer.
But due to his equation with Adi, Karan never thought twice about it, but now he is in two minds with a joint offer by Eros for the Abhishek Bachchan– Priyanka Chopra – John Abraham starrer directed by Tarun Mansukhani and for KJo’s SRK – Kajol starrer My Name Is Khan.
It is reportedly around Rs 175 crore (75 crore for the yet untitled Mansukhani film and 100 crore for MNIK). Eros had approached KJo through SRK," an industry source reveals.
"SRK'''s home production, Om Shanti Om was sold for close to Rs. 70 crore to Eros. SRK, during his trip to the UK for the Zee Carnival, met with the Eros big wigs wherein they put forth the proposal to him to put it up for KJo. SRK is learnt to have spoken to Karan regarding it and clearly telling him to put friendship on one side and business on the other.
The kind of money offered is almost more than double than what KJo would expect from Yash Raj for both his films. At the same time, SRK it seems is also speaking to Aditya over it on Karan's behalf making him understand Karan's predicament. He is ensuring either Adi increase his offer price to what the current market price for biggies of such proportions is or let Karan have his way. The ball is presently in Adi's court now," adds the source.
"SRK has always in the last few years never approached the Chopras for the distribution rights because he has always been a thorough professional who has never mixed business with friendship. It is high time he expects Karan too follows suit. Next in the pipeline might be Rakesh Roshan, who too is being offered unheard of sums for his Krrish 2. He has been distributing his last few films like Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish through Yash Raj for a lesser price as compared to the market rate," the source concludes.
But one thing is sure industry insiders say. “Whether this deal happens between them or not, Adi and Karan are not going to go their separate ways.”
"Every Dharma Productions film by Karan Johar has been distributed by Yash Raj worldwide. Though the rights price increased with every released film as they all went on to become super hits, it was still considerably low as compared to new players in the market – the corporate companies such as UTV or Eros or even big distributors like Ashtavinayak were willing to offer.
But due to his equation with Adi, Karan never thought twice about it, but now he is in two minds with a joint offer by Eros for the Abhishek Bachchan– Priyanka Chopra – John Abraham starrer directed by Tarun Mansukhani and for KJo’s SRK – Kajol starrer My Name Is Khan.
It is reportedly around Rs 175 crore (75 crore for the yet untitled Mansukhani film and 100 crore for MNIK). Eros had approached KJo through SRK," an industry source reveals.
"SRK'''s home production, Om Shanti Om was sold for close to Rs. 70 crore to Eros. SRK, during his trip to the UK for the Zee Carnival, met with the Eros big wigs wherein they put forth the proposal to him to put it up for KJo. SRK is learnt to have spoken to Karan regarding it and clearly telling him to put friendship on one side and business on the other.
The kind of money offered is almost more than double than what KJo would expect from Yash Raj for both his films. At the same time, SRK it seems is also speaking to Aditya over it on Karan's behalf making him understand Karan's predicament. He is ensuring either Adi increase his offer price to what the current market price for biggies of such proportions is or let Karan have his way. The ball is presently in Adi's court now," adds the source.
"SRK has always in the last few years never approached the Chopras for the distribution rights because he has always been a thorough professional who has never mixed business with friendship. It is high time he expects Karan too follows suit. Next in the pipeline might be Rakesh Roshan, who too is being offered unheard of sums for his Krrish 2. He has been distributing his last few films like Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish through Yash Raj for a lesser price as compared to the market rate," the source concludes.
But one thing is sure industry insiders say. “Whether this deal happens between them or not, Adi and Karan are not going to go their separate ways.”
Chopras top Filmfare Power List
Proving once again that the golden levers of power in Bollywood are really behind the screen and not on it, the father-son team of Yash and Aditya Chopra have, for the third year in a row, come out at the top of the Filmfare Power List.
The Filmfare Power 2007 survey was conducted by AC Nielsen-ORG MARG, the largest market research and information company in South Asia. Respondents included actors, technicians, financiers, distributors, exhibitors and photographers. The results have some major surprises and some rude shocks in store.
Following the Chopras is Shah Rukh Khan, who maintained his No 2 position, riding largely on the success of his home production Om Shanti Om and the Chopras' Chak De , the two biggest grossers of the last year. At No 3, in a surprise elevation is Akshay Kumar, who had not two but four hits in 2007 - Namastey London , Heyy Babyy , Bhool Bhulaiyya and Welcome .
Amitabh Bachchan, No 3 last year, has slipped four notches to No 7, and is now only one ahead of his pretty daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Bachchan. Between Akshay and Amitabh is the solid bankable quotient - Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and A R Rahman. Aishwarya, who leads among the heroines, has pipped Rani Mukerji, who is a hair's breadth below at No 9.
Karan Johar may have sat the year out as far as film-making goes but his natty turn as television anchor in Koffee With Karan has won him the hamper at No 10, ousting in the process the more productive competition. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Saawariya and Vidhu Vinod Chopra Eklavya don't seem to have cut the mustard, with their lavish productions having failed to stir the box office.
According to Filmfare, the criteria that decides the winners include factors like their box-office draw, their ability to generate funds for others, and their ability to call the shots no matter what.
Which perhaps explains why Yash and Aditya Chopra, who gave the country an anthem of sorts of with Chak De India , were catapulted to top spot despite four damp squibs - Ta Ra Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle .
The Filmfare Power 2007 survey was conducted by AC Nielsen-ORG MARG, the largest market research and information company in South Asia. Respondents included actors, technicians, financiers, distributors, exhibitors and photographers. The results have some major surprises and some rude shocks in store.
Following the Chopras is Shah Rukh Khan, who maintained his No 2 position, riding largely on the success of his home production Om Shanti Om and the Chopras' Chak De , the two biggest grossers of the last year. At No 3, in a surprise elevation is Akshay Kumar, who had not two but four hits in 2007 - Namastey London , Heyy Babyy , Bhool Bhulaiyya and Welcome .
Amitabh Bachchan, No 3 last year, has slipped four notches to No 7, and is now only one ahead of his pretty daughter-in-law, Aishwarya Bachchan. Between Akshay and Amitabh is the solid bankable quotient - Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan and A R Rahman. Aishwarya, who leads among the heroines, has pipped Rani Mukerji, who is a hair's breadth below at No 9.
Karan Johar may have sat the year out as far as film-making goes but his natty turn as television anchor in Koffee With Karan has won him the hamper at No 10, ousting in the process the more productive competition. Sanjay Leela Bhansali Saawariya and Vidhu Vinod Chopra Eklavya don't seem to have cut the mustard, with their lavish productions having failed to stir the box office.
According to Filmfare, the criteria that decides the winners include factors like their box-office draw, their ability to generate funds for others, and their ability to call the shots no matter what.
Which perhaps explains why Yash and Aditya Chopra, who gave the country an anthem of sorts of with Chak De India , were catapulted to top spot despite four damp squibs - Ta Ra Rum Pum, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag and Aaja Nachle .
Kaafi with Karan
Johar wants Chopras to re-negotiate the terms for his next film Dostana; meanwhile, he is talking to other distributors
Karan Johar shares a personal equation with Yash Chopra and his son Aditya. Karan calls the Chopras ‘his family’, and has had many successful business dealings with them as well, as Yash Raj Films has distributed all of KJo’s films.
However, this may change with Dharma Productions’ next project, which is being directed by Tarun Mansukhani.
The Chopras are known for driving hard bargains. They are in the position to call the shots and pay stars a pittance for acting in their films.
Also, when it comes to distributing films, they make their own laws. Until now, they worked with Karan on a commission basis but now he wants a fresh deal with the Chopras.
Outright price
After proving his worth at the box office, the talented filmmaker believes he deserves a bigger slice of the revenue the film earns.
“Karan recently met up with Adi and told him that he doesn’t want him to distribute Dostana on a commission basis. He said that he would like to continue being associated with YRF but he wants them to pay him an outright price for the film,” says an industry insider.
SRK’s push did it
If Adi doesn’t accept Karan’s terms, he’s willing to take his film to Eros for distribution. Adi and Karan will sit down soon to sort out the details.
It wasn’t easy for Karan to make this decision, and one he would not have made without a gentle push from his good friend SRK. Shah Rukh advised him to keep his personal equations aside while making a business deal.
Insiders reveal, “It was Shah Rukh’s suggestion that if Yash Raj wasn’t ready to buy his movie at an outright price then he should approach Eros. Now, Karan is busy weighing his options and taking a final call.”
Also on the table is the option of Karan taking the film to an international studio for distribution. Will YRF give in to KJo’s demands? Watch this space for more.
Karan Johar shares a personal equation with Yash Chopra and his son Aditya. Karan calls the Chopras ‘his family’, and has had many successful business dealings with them as well, as Yash Raj Films has distributed all of KJo’s films.
However, this may change with Dharma Productions’ next project, which is being directed by Tarun Mansukhani.
The Chopras are known for driving hard bargains. They are in the position to call the shots and pay stars a pittance for acting in their films.
Also, when it comes to distributing films, they make their own laws. Until now, they worked with Karan on a commission basis but now he wants a fresh deal with the Chopras.
Outright price
After proving his worth at the box office, the talented filmmaker believes he deserves a bigger slice of the revenue the film earns.
“Karan recently met up with Adi and told him that he doesn’t want him to distribute Dostana on a commission basis. He said that he would like to continue being associated with YRF but he wants them to pay him an outright price for the film,” says an industry insider.
SRK’s push did it
If Adi doesn’t accept Karan’s terms, he’s willing to take his film to Eros for distribution. Adi and Karan will sit down soon to sort out the details.
It wasn’t easy for Karan to make this decision, and one he would not have made without a gentle push from his good friend SRK. Shah Rukh advised him to keep his personal equations aside while making a business deal.
Insiders reveal, “It was Shah Rukh’s suggestion that if Yash Raj wasn’t ready to buy his movie at an outright price then he should approach Eros. Now, Karan is busy weighing his options and taking a final call.”
Also on the table is the option of Karan taking the film to an international studio for distribution. Will YRF give in to KJo’s demands? Watch this space for more.
Rakhi Sawant in Yash Raj's next?
Item queen of Bollywood Rakhi Sawant is keen to get into the A-league of Bollywood. She recently performed an item number in Rakesh Roshan's Krazzy 4 . And if sources are to be believed Rakhi has been signed by Yash Raj Films for their forthcoming film.
According to a source, Rakhi has been signed for Yash Raj's Shahid Kapoor Rani Mukherjee starrer to be directed by Anurag Singh. itss going to be a life time role for Rakhi. Its not a cameo. She will be seen as a dancer from the Bhand Samaj doing nautanki . Rakhi's role is quite bold just like the way she is in her real life. She will have some really bold dialogues and rocking dance numbers in the film.†reveals a source.
It is believed that Rakhi's role in this film will help her raise the bar and be at par with the league actresses. The source adds that Chopras have asked Rakhi not to talk about the film as per their confidentiality policy.
When we quizzed Rakhi about the film, she was surprised to know how we came to know about it. She neither confirmed nor denied the news but as expected, asked us, “Who told you about this? I dont want to comment on this. She further said, my dream to work with Yash Raj. I am dying to work with them and if I get an opportunity to work with them, it would be like a dream come true.
Yash Raj Films maintain complete secrecy about their projects but it is believed that the film will commence in March 2008.
According to a source, Rakhi has been signed for Yash Raj's Shahid Kapoor Rani Mukherjee starrer to be directed by Anurag Singh. itss going to be a life time role for Rakhi. Its not a cameo. She will be seen as a dancer from the Bhand Samaj doing nautanki . Rakhi's role is quite bold just like the way she is in her real life. She will have some really bold dialogues and rocking dance numbers in the film.†reveals a source.
It is believed that Rakhi's role in this film will help her raise the bar and be at par with the league actresses. The source adds that Chopras have asked Rakhi not to talk about the film as per their confidentiality policy.
When we quizzed Rakhi about the film, she was surprised to know how we came to know about it. She neither confirmed nor denied the news but as expected, asked us, “Who told you about this? I dont want to comment on this. She further said, my dream to work with Yash Raj. I am dying to work with them and if I get an opportunity to work with them, it would be like a dream come true.
Yash Raj Films maintain complete secrecy about their projects but it is believed that the film will commence in March 2008.
Katrina’s role deleted from Yash Raj Film opposite Ranbir!
by Rajiv Dutta
Katrina Kaif may be on a high as she has signed two films in one week - one with John Abraham for Yash Raj Films to be directed by Kabir Khan and the other with Akshay Kumar in Shree Ashtavinayak's Blue.
But the fact is that Katrina was offered the Yash Raj Film as a sop!
This is because her role was deleted in the other Yash Raj project, directed by Siddharth Anand, with Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba.
Says a source, "This is one of those rare occasions that a heroine's track has been chopped from a film, while there are three more actresses whose portions have been kept. Katrina was slated to shoot for the film this month.
"They decided to do away with her role as the other actresses have already shot for the film (Deepika, Bipasha and Minissha have completed schedules in Mumbai and Australia). That's why Yash Raj offered her another film as a sop, so she doesn't feel upset.
"She signed John's film last week. Salman knew she was doing John's film and in fact, had told her she should do it. Salman doesn't want his personal equations to come in the way of Katrina's career."
Yash Raj Films spokesperson Monica Bhattacharya confirms that Katrina's track has been taken out from Siddharth Anand's as-yet untitled film.
She says, "Siddharth Anand's next film which is slated to release later this year is a story about a man (Ranbir) and the four women he meets. Sixty per cent of the film has already been shot and we found the story was becoming too long. As a result we decided to do away with one girl's character altogether. Katrina's character was the only one that has not yet been shot, so we decided to do away with her character."
Katrina Kaif may be on a high as she has signed two films in one week - one with John Abraham for Yash Raj Films to be directed by Kabir Khan and the other with Akshay Kumar in Shree Ashtavinayak's Blue.
But the fact is that Katrina was offered the Yash Raj Film as a sop!
This is because her role was deleted in the other Yash Raj project, directed by Siddharth Anand, with Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba.
Says a source, "This is one of those rare occasions that a heroine's track has been chopped from a film, while there are three more actresses whose portions have been kept. Katrina was slated to shoot for the film this month.
"They decided to do away with her role as the other actresses have already shot for the film (Deepika, Bipasha and Minissha have completed schedules in Mumbai and Australia). That's why Yash Raj offered her another film as a sop, so she doesn't feel upset.
"She signed John's film last week. Salman knew she was doing John's film and in fact, had told her she should do it. Salman doesn't want his personal equations to come in the way of Katrina's career."
Yash Raj Films spokesperson Monica Bhattacharya confirms that Katrina's track has been taken out from Siddharth Anand's as-yet untitled film.
She says, "Siddharth Anand's next film which is slated to release later this year is a story about a man (Ranbir) and the four women he meets. Sixty per cent of the film has already been shot and we found the story was becoming too long. As a result we decided to do away with one girl's character altogether. Katrina's character was the only one that has not yet been shot, so we decided to do away with her character."
Yash Chopra to direct a film
13 February 2008 (Sawf News) - Close on the heels of the recent announcement from Yash Raj Films that Aditya Chopra will direct a film after 8 years his father, Yash Raj Chopra, also announced his intent to direct a film this year.
"This year, I am going to direct my next film. The story has been finalized, only the script has to be given shape," Chopra announced at an event by the Ladies Study Group on Wednesday, February 13.
Chopra's last directorial venture, Veer Zaara (2004), was a huge box office success.
The 75-year-old producer / director made his directorial debut in 1959 with Dhool Ka Phool, earlier having assisted his elder brother BR Chopra on the sets of Naya Daur (1957).
A quintessential romantic at heart, Chopra is best remembered by hits such as Veer-Zaara, Dil To Pagal Hai and Lamhe.
Chopra's banner - Yash Raj Films - is one of the most revered banners in Bollywood. Until recently it had an enviable reputation of delivering one hit after the other.
The banner lost some of its Midas touch in 2007 - four of its releases - Aaja Nachle, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Ta Ra Rum Pum - failed to rouse the box office though, Chak De! India was a huge success.
Chopra brushes aside the reverses last year.
"I am not disappointed. If the films don't work it doesn't mean you will stop making movies. You like the story, believe in it and go ahead," he says.
However, it is believed that the father son duo has rolled up its sleeves and gone back to directing in order to restore the banner's reputation.
That can only mean that movie goers in India are in for a rare treat!
News Copyright © Sawf News.
"This year, I am going to direct my next film. The story has been finalized, only the script has to be given shape," Chopra announced at an event by the Ladies Study Group on Wednesday, February 13.
Chopra's last directorial venture, Veer Zaara (2004), was a huge box office success.
The 75-year-old producer / director made his directorial debut in 1959 with Dhool Ka Phool, earlier having assisted his elder brother BR Chopra on the sets of Naya Daur (1957).
A quintessential romantic at heart, Chopra is best remembered by hits such as Veer-Zaara, Dil To Pagal Hai and Lamhe.
Chopra's banner - Yash Raj Films - is one of the most revered banners in Bollywood. Until recently it had an enviable reputation of delivering one hit after the other.
The banner lost some of its Midas touch in 2007 - four of its releases - Aaja Nachle, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Ta Ra Rum Pum - failed to rouse the box office though, Chak De! India was a huge success.
Chopra brushes aside the reverses last year.
"I am not disappointed. If the films don't work it doesn't mean you will stop making movies. You like the story, believe in it and go ahead," he says.
However, it is believed that the father son duo has rolled up its sleeves and gone back to directing in order to restore the banner's reputation.
That can only mean that movie goers in India are in for a rare treat!
News Copyright © Sawf News.
Old formula films are flopping, says Yash Chopra
There is one simple reason behind the recent surge in popularity of Bollywood in the West, says legendary Indian filmmaker Yash Chopra. "People who see our films feel happy," he said.
Indeed, Bollywood's pulling power of romance, costumes, music, comedy and stories is helping to propel Hindi films beyond the Indian diaspora and into mainstream cinemas around the globe as well as reaching the world of marketing and advertising.
"Bollywood is doing damn good business overseas," said Chopra, who is here as a member of the jury for the German capital's 56th international film festival which runs until Feb 19.
His invitation to join the jury is a reflection both of his reputation as one of most prominent members of the Indian film industry as well as the worldwide interest in Bollywood movies.
In fashion, music clothes and food - "India is happening" said Chopra, whose filmmaking career spans almost half a century with love and romance the central themes of the more than 30 films he has directed and produced over the years.
Born in Lahore (now Pakistan) in 1932, he initially worked as an assistant director to moviemaker IS Johar and on films made by his brother B.R. Chopra.
He made his directorial debut in 1959 with Dhool ka Phool, a story about unwed motherhood, illegitimacy and hopes for communal harmony.
Just over a decade later he established his own company, Yash Raj Films before rapidly becoming one the most powerful moguls in Hindi films pumping out a series of smash box office hits.
"Today audiences are ready to accept anything different," he said. He quickly added: "You have to give them a package of full entertainment."
As India changes rapidly, Bollywood has been questioning its direction with Chopra saying that movies using what Indian cinema calls the old formula (comprising a few songs, a couple of comedy routines and several action scenes) were starting to lose their audience appeal.
"Films made using the old formula have been starting to flop", he said.
"We have to present new subjects," said Chopra with Bollywood beginning to tackle questions like sexuality and political issues including corruption as well as international standard action films.
Indeed, Bollywood's pulling power of romance, costumes, music, comedy and stories is helping to propel Hindi films beyond the Indian diaspora and into mainstream cinemas around the globe as well as reaching the world of marketing and advertising.
"Bollywood is doing damn good business overseas," said Chopra, who is here as a member of the jury for the German capital's 56th international film festival which runs until Feb 19.
His invitation to join the jury is a reflection both of his reputation as one of most prominent members of the Indian film industry as well as the worldwide interest in Bollywood movies.
In fashion, music clothes and food - "India is happening" said Chopra, whose filmmaking career spans almost half a century with love and romance the central themes of the more than 30 films he has directed and produced over the years.
Born in Lahore (now Pakistan) in 1932, he initially worked as an assistant director to moviemaker IS Johar and on films made by his brother B.R. Chopra.
He made his directorial debut in 1959 with Dhool ka Phool, a story about unwed motherhood, illegitimacy and hopes for communal harmony.
Just over a decade later he established his own company, Yash Raj Films before rapidly becoming one the most powerful moguls in Hindi films pumping out a series of smash box office hits.
"Today audiences are ready to accept anything different," he said. He quickly added: "You have to give them a package of full entertainment."
As India changes rapidly, Bollywood has been questioning its direction with Chopra saying that movies using what Indian cinema calls the old formula (comprising a few songs, a couple of comedy routines and several action scenes) were starting to lose their audience appeal.
"Films made using the old formula have been starting to flop", he said.
"We have to present new subjects," said Chopra with Bollywood beginning to tackle questions like sexuality and political issues including corruption as well as international standard action films.
John-Kat sign YRF project
The banner will now unite Katrina Kaif and John Abraham for the first time.
The yet-untitled film will be directed by Kabir Khan. Khan made his feature debut with YRF's Kabul Express [Images] in 2006, starring John Abraham and Arshad Warsi.
Following Dhoom in 2004, this will be John's third Yash Raj Films production.
While Katrina hasn't yet worked for the banner, this will be her second film for them. She is already committed to a film for them directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Ranbir Kapoor.
The John-Kat film will go on the floors in July, and release in 2009. The rest of the cast is still being finalised.
Speaking about the story of the film, Kabir Khan says, "This is a very relevant and contemporary story, and it is very close to my heart."
The yet-untitled film will be directed by Kabir Khan. Khan made his feature debut with YRF's Kabul Express [Images] in 2006, starring John Abraham and Arshad Warsi.
Following Dhoom in 2004, this will be John's third Yash Raj Films production.
While Katrina hasn't yet worked for the banner, this will be her second film for them. She is already committed to a film for them directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Ranbir Kapoor.
The John-Kat film will go on the floors in July, and release in 2009. The rest of the cast is still being finalised.
Speaking about the story of the film, Kabir Khan says, "This is a very relevant and contemporary story, and it is very close to my heart."
Akshay-Kareena in Shaad Ali's next
Shaad Ali, who directed the hit Bunty Aur Babli and the flop Jhoom Barabar Jhoom for Yash Raj Films, is back with a new film for the same banner.
Titled Tevar, the film is likely to star Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor.
This will be Akshay's second film with Yash Raj, after the upcoming film, Tashan. The only other time Akki worked with Yash Raj was in a guest appearance in Dil Toh Pagal Hai.
Shaad Ali showed promise as a director when he made his debut with Saathiya in 2002. Bunty Aur Babli seemed to establish that fact but his last film, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom sank at the box office.
Lets hope Tevar shows off his talent again.
Titled Tevar, the film is likely to star Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor.
This will be Akshay's second film with Yash Raj, after the upcoming film, Tashan. The only other time Akki worked with Yash Raj was in a guest appearance in Dil Toh Pagal Hai.
Shaad Ali showed promise as a director when he made his debut with Saathiya in 2002. Bunty Aur Babli seemed to establish that fact but his last film, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom sank at the box office.
Lets hope Tevar shows off his talent again.
Hrithik refuses Yash Raj Banner!
It is learnt that the real reason for the actor's refusal is that now he only wants to star in films that are co-produced under his home banner Film Kraft
Hrithik Roshan has apparently fallen out of favour with the Yash Raj banner. If sources are to be believed, Hrithik refused to be a part of Aditya Chopra's next. This is not the new film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Shah Rukh Khan, announced on Friday, but another project which Aditya was contemplating.
An industry insider reveals, "Hrithik has decided not to be a part of Aditya Chopra's project. Adi had a film in mind that was to be a two-hero project. Aditya wanted Shah Rukh and Hrithik for it."
The source continues, "When Adi approached Hrithik, he declined the offer and gave him the clichéd reason of having a date problem. This was because he starts shooting for Anurag Basu's film in March and Adi wanted his dates from May itself."
However, it is learnt that the real reason for the actor's refusal is that now he only wants to star in films that are co-produced under his home banner Film Kraft.
Continues the source, "All directors going for script narrations get the standard line of 'why don't you make this film for my dad's banner'. Even the film Anurag Basu is making with Hrithik is a co-production between UTV, Basu and Film Kraft."
A source at Yash Raj who wanted to remain anonymous said, "Because of Hrithik not doing the film, Aditya scrapped the project. Now he will just be concentrating on Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with Shah Rukh and a new girl, as Adi has as many as three scripts sitting with him at the moment."
Rakesh Roshan remained unavailable for comment.
Hrithik Roshan has apparently fallen out of favour with the Yash Raj banner. If sources are to be believed, Hrithik refused to be a part of Aditya Chopra's next. This is not the new film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi starring Shah Rukh Khan, announced on Friday, but another project which Aditya was contemplating.
An industry insider reveals, "Hrithik has decided not to be a part of Aditya Chopra's project. Adi had a film in mind that was to be a two-hero project. Aditya wanted Shah Rukh and Hrithik for it."
The source continues, "When Adi approached Hrithik, he declined the offer and gave him the clichéd reason of having a date problem. This was because he starts shooting for Anurag Basu's film in March and Adi wanted his dates from May itself."
However, it is learnt that the real reason for the actor's refusal is that now he only wants to star in films that are co-produced under his home banner Film Kraft.
Continues the source, "All directors going for script narrations get the standard line of 'why don't you make this film for my dad's banner'. Even the film Anurag Basu is making with Hrithik is a co-production between UTV, Basu and Film Kraft."
A source at Yash Raj who wanted to remain anonymous said, "Because of Hrithik not doing the film, Aditya scrapped the project. Now he will just be concentrating on Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi with Shah Rukh and a new girl, as Adi has as many as three scripts sitting with him at the moment."
Rakesh Roshan remained unavailable for comment.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi Is Talk Of The Town
It was around four o clock yesterday as the official announcement was made of Aditya Chopra's next film Rab De Bana Di Jodi and all the talk in the industry was about this film. Never has a film created such waves just on announcement and the film is not even what you call a big film with budget set at around 22 crore. The excitement was probably due to the fact that Adi Chopra who is regarded within the hindi film industry as the best director is helming another film after eight years. His first film DDLJ had just gone into its 642nd week in Mumbai when the announcement was made.
Speculation was going on for months as to what would be Chopra's next film. Insiders suggest that he was toying with the idea of directing the next Dhoom series film but after many hush hush meetings with Shahrukh Khan they zeroed on a traditional Yashraj Punjabi love story with music and heartwarming emotions expected to be the highlights. Aditya Chopra decided to make what he is best at and that is a film in the mould of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. As soon as the name Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hit the industry the comparisons with DDLJ were going to be made but it will take one big effort to match that legendary film. There are also some in the trade who believed Aditya should have gone with the Dhoom series as that may be the need of the hour as these sort films are more viable at the box office today than musical love stories. Only time will tell if this is the right decision but most fans of the the Aditya/SRK combination are happy as they would prefer them to make a romantic film rather than an action film. Lets hope that the box office sees it that way as well.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is expected to be wrapped in four months between May and August. Initially Shahrukh Khan was expected to shoot for Karan Johar's next from May but that film will now commence in October. If all goes to plan RNBDJ will be released on October 24th to take the benefits of Diwali week. Incidentally this will also be the 13th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
A new heroine will be launched with the film. The search will be through a talent hunt by Yashraj which will commence soon. The film is expected to have guest appearances by Hrithik Roshan and Rani Mukherjee though this has not been confirmed by the production house yet. Other cast and credits are to be finalised.
Speculation was going on for months as to what would be Chopra's next film. Insiders suggest that he was toying with the idea of directing the next Dhoom series film but after many hush hush meetings with Shahrukh Khan they zeroed on a traditional Yashraj Punjabi love story with music and heartwarming emotions expected to be the highlights. Aditya Chopra decided to make what he is best at and that is a film in the mould of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. As soon as the name Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi hit the industry the comparisons with DDLJ were going to be made but it will take one big effort to match that legendary film. There are also some in the trade who believed Aditya should have gone with the Dhoom series as that may be the need of the hour as these sort films are more viable at the box office today than musical love stories. Only time will tell if this is the right decision but most fans of the the Aditya/SRK combination are happy as they would prefer them to make a romantic film rather than an action film. Lets hope that the box office sees it that way as well.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is expected to be wrapped in four months between May and August. Initially Shahrukh Khan was expected to shoot for Karan Johar's next from May but that film will now commence in October. If all goes to plan RNBDJ will be released on October 24th to take the benefits of Diwali week. Incidentally this will also be the 13th anniversary of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.
A new heroine will be launched with the film. The search will be through a talent hunt by Yashraj which will commence soon. The film is expected to have guest appearances by Hrithik Roshan and Rani Mukherjee though this has not been confirmed by the production house yet. Other cast and credits are to be finalised.
Aditya Chopra to direct again
Eight years after he directed Mohabbatein, Aditya Chopra [Images] will helm another film. Titled Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, the film will star his lucky mascot, Shah Rukh Khan.
The female lead will be a newcomer, to be chosen by a talent hunt competition.
Aditya, the man made the most successful film in Hindi cinema, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, took a break from direction to establish the Yash Raj studio in Mumbai. He went on to produce many hits like Dhoom, Dhoom: 2, Hum Tum , Bunty Aur Babli , Salaam Namaste and Chak De! India.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will be produced by Yash Chopra and scripted by Aditya. The shooting will commence in May, and the film is likely to release at the end of this year.
The female lead will be a newcomer, to be chosen by a talent hunt competition.
Aditya, the man made the most successful film in Hindi cinema, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, took a break from direction to establish the Yash Raj studio in Mumbai. He went on to produce many hits like Dhoom, Dhoom: 2, Hum Tum , Bunty Aur Babli , Salaam Namaste and Chak De! India.
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will be produced by Yash Chopra and scripted by Aditya. The shooting will commence in May, and the film is likely to release at the end of this year.
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