ngimpor™: Saif Ali Khan

Showing posts with label Saif Ali Khan. Show all posts

Ban lifted for 'Aarakshan' in Punjab

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 10:04 AM

Theatres in Punjab will Monday screen Prakash Jha's "Aarakshan", which deals with the issue of caste-based reservations, after the government announced it was lifting the ban on the film.

"We have deleted the scenes and dialogues to which the state government committee had objections. These portions have been submitted to the state government and will not be shown. The rest of the film will be screened in theatres across Punjab," an official of a multiplex at Zirakpur, near Chandigarh, said Monday.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had Sunday cleared the file, revoking the ban on the film across the state, officials said.

The ban was revoked after Prakash Jha Productions agreed to delete the objectionable scenes and dialogues following a letter by Punjab's principal secretary (home).

A high-level committee set up by the Punjab government to preview the movie had Friday recommended revocation of the ban in the state if the film producer agreed to make certain changes.

The committee said the film contained some dialogues and scenes that could provoke the emotions of certain communities, especially those from the weaker sections of society.

"This may prove to be a disturbing factor in society, especially in Punjab where more than 31 percent of the 2.77 crore population belongs to the weaker sections, including the Scheduled Castes," the panel said.

The committee even listed the positive aspects of the film.

"The committee felt that the movie has depicted the educational backwardness of the Dalits, which can be addressed in a positive manner and the same is well brought out," its report said.

"The movie focuses on the bane of commercialisation of education. It has clearly brought out the message that the educational system needs to be improved for the uplift of the Dalits."

A spokesperson of the committee said: "Since the overall message of the movie is positive, the committee feels that the movie may be released in Punjab after making the amendments as suggested."

The government imposed a ban on the film Thursday following intelligence reports that it could lead to social disturbance.

"Aarakshan" stars Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Movie Review of Aarakshan Movie

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 1:23 AM

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar, Manoj Bajpai

Director: Prakash Jha

Rating: ** 1/2

Choose an explosive title for your movie, hire a clever PR agent and then pick up some controversies along the way.

At a time, when politicians and the rest of our moral brigade are just waiting for the slightest opportunity to shout themselves hoarse if they find something or someone 'offending' their sensibilities, there couldn't have been a better way of getting a movie wanted as well as unwanted attention.

When Jha made films like Mrityudand and Gangajal, you could sense a genuine intention behind them. With Aarakshan, I am not so sure.

Do I even need to mention that Aarakshan deals with, or is supposed to deal with, reservation for Dalits and other 'pichchde jaati ke log'? Everyone in India (even those who aren't Bollywood buffs) knows by now what all the noise has been about.

But here comes the twist ”while you go in expecting an explosive movie on the issue of caste-based reservation, you end up listening to a lambi bhashan on the commercialisation of education!

Deepak Kumar (Saif Ali Khan) doesn't use his second name, so you have to assume he belongs to the Dalit community, and Dr. Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan) dotes on him and his brilliance. Anand is the principal of the college and is a strict disciplinarian with rigid rules against corruption.

Some of the trustees aren't too happy with the stubborn principal. Anand, saviour of the downtrodden, gets into trouble when some people take advantage of his generosity.

Anand's daughter Purbi (Deepika Padukone) is in love with Deepak, but breaks all ties with him when he has an argument with her dad. Sushant (Prateik Babbar) is Purbi's college mate and he wants to fight against reservation in education.

This film, which deals with education more than reservation, holds your interest in the first half, but meanders aimlessly in the second half. Some of the scenes, especially the climax, are unwittingly hilarious.

But I must make a mention of a few rare scenes and dialogues that are likeable. Like the scene between Anand and his wife (Tanvi Azmi), when she presents her layman view on reservation.

As for the performances, Amitabh Bachchan is more than excellent. His transition from a person in authority to a helpless teacher shines above everything and anyone.

One can't really imagine anyone else doing that role as well as Mr Bachchan. Saif has made a sincere attempt and is more or less convincing, but his character is sketchy.

Deepika is pretty good, but I wish she didn't deliver dialogues like she has just mugged them up in her dad's classroom. Prateik is a huge disappointment. This guy needs better direction. Manoj Bajpai's mediocre performance as a greedy and power- hungry teacher comes as a surprise.

Given how extensively the film talks about the commercialisation of education, I think someone should take up the cause of commercialisation of inflammatory issues.

While Jha has succeeded in garnering enough attention for Aarakshan as a result, he has failed to give this sensitive issue its due. That, in my opinion, is not a good thing either.

Mysterious girl in Saif Ali Khan's life

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 12:28 AM

With his first film as a producer, Love Aaj Kal, Saif Ali Khan introduced Giselli Monteiro to Bollywood. However she wasn't revealed until the movie released. Saif is all set to repeat this technique in his next venture Cocktail.

Our source said, "Cocktail is directed by Homi Adjania and apart from Deepika, there is another actress in the film.

While there were rumours that Kareena would be playing the part, the fact is that there is a new actress from London, who will be making her debut in the film. Saif wants to keep the actress under wraps until the film releases."

Confirming the news Saif said, "Yes it is true. But we are only 70% done with Cocktail and after that we have Agent Vinod. Right now, I am concentrating on Aarakshan. We will speak about it when the film is ready."

Vedita Pratap Singh shoots with Saif Ali Khan

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 6:07 PM

Lucknow gal Vedita Pratap Singh is on a roll. After tasting success in her debut film, "Bhindi Bazaar" Vedita is now having a great time shooting with the who's who of Bollywood. "

Bhindi Bazaar" was a great learning experience. Sharing screen space with actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Prashant Narayan, Dipti Naval etc was any new comers dream come true. I really feel I'm very lucky to have bagged that movie," says Vedita who's very happy with the success of her film. "Best was that my acting was great;y appreciated by everyone," she adds.

But there's lots more in store for the girl who has been busy shooting with the Chhota Nawab Saif Ali Khan in Parel in Mumbai since morning on Tuesday. "It's a very cute and hilarious TV ad for Amul Macho that Saif and I have been shooting since morning here. We're having loads of fun," says Vedita. Vedita will also be seen in a scooty ad, which will be aired on TV soon.

Wallpaper of Aarakshan: New photos

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 8:53 AM

Here's a look at some exclusive stills from the flick

Stills from Aarakshan

Deepika & Saif, Stills from Aarakshan

Stills from Aarakshan

Saif, Deepika to appear on KBC 5

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 8:09 AM

New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone will appear as special guests on the fifth season of the game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', which starts off August 15 with megastar Amitabh Bachchan as the host.

'One interesting candidate and the entire anxiety of the working of the show just flies past .. we had a few today and tomorrow is another day .. let us hope that all goes well .. the second episode towards the evening will have invites to Saif and Deepika .. who come to promote their film and mine as well - 'Aarakshan' !!!'Amitabh posted on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

'In many ways, the philosophy of the film and that of KBC is quite similar. Given opportunity, even the lesser privileged shall prosper. Or at least have the capacity to prosper,' he wrote.

However, Mumbai rains played spoilsport as the production unit had to stall the shooting of the show several times due to the noise of the rain.

'The rains have been incessant.. and so harsh that we had to stop shooting KBC at times, because of the noise factor. But all in all a most satisfying day ... harsh and hard, but satisfactory,' Amitabh said.

Saif had previously appeared with actress Preity Zinta in the second season of the show, while Deepika came as a guest last year although she didn't play.

'Aarakshan' is not dergatory to Scheduled Castes in any way

0 comments Posted by Baserolo at 2:12 AM

Filmmaker Prakash Jha wants to have a discussion and dispel the doubts of the National Commission of Scheduled Castes (NCSC), which has sought to see his film "Aarakshan" even before the censor board watches it.

The panel wants to confirm that the film has not misinterpreted the constitutional provision for reservations of the socially backward classes.

Jha said, having high regard for the commission, he is ready to have a linear discussion to dispel their doubts before arriving at any decision on their demand.

"I have heard that they have some doubts. We want to know what doubt they have for which they want to see the film even before the censor board, before the release of the film."

"It's a very honorable commission, who are working for human rights and the socially backward classes. I'd like to dispel any suspicions or doubts that they may have. First we should sit together and discuss their doubt, then only I would be able to take any decision," Jha told.

Releasing Aug 12, "Aarakshan" is a high voltage socio-political drama based on the most controversial policies of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpai, Deepika Padukone, Pratieik Babbar and Tanvi Azmi play pivotal roles in the film.

Older Posts Home

Here's a look at some exclusive stills from the flick

Blog Archive