The Weekual Thursday PP: Summer Break Edition

THE 9TH WEEKUAL THURSDAY PP

Lime Reviews will have a summer break from next week on (I'll write more on that later - there'll be a bye-post, too), so of course, I won't be able to keep this feature during the next 8 weeks.

Therefore, I decided to create a summer break edition, where I'll present to you the films releasing until third week in August (at least the ones that are announced until now).

Something I also wanted to mention: I'm not trying to decide what you should watch and what not, I'm just giving my personal advice - so you can follow it or not, that's all up to you.

However, we'll skip the "first introduction posters", how I like to call them, the pictures or posters I usually post at the start of each post.

17. June

Always Kabhi Kabhi

Director: Roshan Abbas (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Let's start with some things I hate about the film until now:

- the voice of the first girl we see in the trailer

- Shahrukh using his commercial voice, as if he was selling a car or something... no emotions...

- the song at the end of the trailer

- the first look poster - everyone's looking very wax statue-y

We all know, that this isn't the next 3 Idiots or Main Hoon Na.

But. The film does have potential. To  entertain us, at least.

I hope that it's not all as bad as it looks like, even though I doubt that Shahrukh is more than an ambassador for this film.

Verdict: Maybe-watch

Bheja Fry 2

Director: Sagar Ballary (Bheja Fry)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

If Vinay Pathak as Bharat Bhushan is some kind of Indian counterpart of Zach Galfianakis as Alan in Hangover, then one could say that Bheja Fry 2 is some kind of Indian  counterpart of Hangover 2. I myself am a big fan of the Hangover-films, and also liked the second film, and I really liked Bheja Fry as well (read my mini review here). 

But will a second part work? It is, of course, without Rajat Kapoor (my love), but Kay Kay Menon is a good compensation. However, it will probably be quite senseless - but Hangover is not better regarding this factor.

Setting the story on a cruise, and later on an island, is a good idea though, as the film probably won't grow boring because of that.

Hm, my mind is split about this one, I don't really know what to think of it.

Verdict: Maybe-watch

Bhindi Baazaar Inc

Director: Ankush Bhatt (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Warning: The theatrical trailer is longer than 4 minutes, but you can watch half of it only, if you want to. I only watched half of it - I'm always scared to get to know more about a film, than I want to.

That aside, Bhindi Baazaar Inc looks really good. They've made a lot of posters, by the way... 

I just read an interview with Shilpa Shukla in the latest edition of ISHQ (a great Bollywood mag), and it was very interesting. I hope she'll be recognized more after this one.

I also already mentioned Kay Kay Menon, who will be playing a major role in BBI, and I'm excited for that, too.

In a whole, the film looks pretty interesting.

Verdict: Do-watch

Bin Bulaye Baarati

Director: Chandrakant Singh (Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaaa)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Ugh... eye cancer. 

(...)

Even more after watching the trailer!

If you want bad comedy, discrimination of homosexuals, nonsense, eye cancer and an item number by Mallika Sherawat in one film - watch Bin Bulaye Baraati.

If you don't want any of these, then don't watch it.

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch

My Husband's Wife/ Mere Pati Ki Patni

Director: Vinod Chhabra (Mysteries - Shaque (???))

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Even more eye cancer... What, are we back in the 90s? No, this is even worse.

A mixture of soft porn, soap opera and... well, the worst 90s' Bollywood films, and a trailer seeming to be made on Windows Movie Maker.

And the poster...

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch












24. June


Double Dhamaal
Director: Indra Kumar (Dil/ Mann/ Masti/ Pyare Mohan)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Indian slapstick... Always an issue. Sometimes, when in the right mood, I'm able to actually enjoy a film like this, but mostly I don't.

No Entry and Bhagam Bhag were two films like this, for instance, that I was able to enjoy.

Double Dhamaal doesn't look like the worst thing I've ever seen, nor the worst film Arshad ever wasted his talent in, so it might get a chance to convince me.

Verdict: Maybe-watch

1. July


Bbuddah... Hoga Terra Baap
Director: Poori Jagannath (Shart, Pokiri)

TEASER 1

I don't know if either Double Dhamaal or Bbuddah will be successful, or even both (neither being successful is not to be suspected), but I do know for sure, that big can't-see-through sun glasses in neon colours will be THE new accessory amongst Bollywood-lers.

I might buy some myself... That'd be fun. I could do a post on them...

Oh, sorry, I was just rambling... Well, you can look through all the teasers, I didn't want to do that myself, but I'm more optimistic concerning Bbuddah, than DD.

One explanation might be Amitabh, who is able to act in the worst films (*cough aag*), but still never looses his dignity, somehow... Another one might be that poster and trailer are more cool. Whatever.

Verdict: Do-watch




Delhi Belly
Director: Abhinay Deo (Game)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Wauw! I didn't know it was looking this good, as I've only seen the very first teaser some months ago...

I didn't even know Imran was in it. He finally gets the opportunity to show a new side of himself - the new styling is also very helpful. I am so seeing the JTYJN-talent back again (ok, I haven't seen any other Imran-film, but I've heard about them).

Did I ever mention I love Aamir Khan (which includes his company Aamir Khan Productions)? I think so. He is incredible. Everything he touches turns to gold (and I know you've heard that before, but it is true, d.i.!).

Sooooooooooooooooooo excited!
(By the way: when - is - Dhobi Ghat - releasing - on - DVD????)

Verdict: Watch, watch, watch it!!! (And feel pity for me for one second).






8. July


A Classic Story
Director: Pankaj Yadav (debuting)

So, it's hard to find anything about this one, other than the crew, which is unknown to me, so here are some links that might help the research-loving reader:

Pankaj Yadav's IMDB page  (the film doesn't have one yet)


Cast & Crew on indiafm


Saadat Hasan Manto on wikipedia (the one whose "Jaanki" the film is based on)

Verdict: Do-watch, because I'm curious








Chillar Party
Directors: Vikas Bahl (debuting as a dir.) & Nitesh Tiwari (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Okay, if you make a film, you seem to be having the option to give it a stupid name, create a couple of stereotype characters (here children) and invent a stupid plot that's even stupider than the things I mentioned before.

Then you have a film.

A good one? No. Can you know that without having seen the film? Yes.

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch












Murder 2
Director: Mohit Suri (Zeher/ Kalyug/ Raaz 2)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

I know that the Bhatt films are very sex-sells and like to "borrow" ideas from other film industries. I also know that Murder was very sex-sells and the idea was "borrowed".
But nevertheless, I like most of the Bhatt films, and there are many reasons for that (not only the fabulous soundtracks) - and Murder is one of the very best Bhatt films I know.

However, Murder 2 seems to be having more than one little flaw - here's a list of some things I'm not looking forward in it:
- Emraan's ugly hair style
- "Jaqueline Fernandez" (never heard of) instead of Mallika...
- the posters (ew...)
- No good songs until now (at least in the trailer)
- No chemistry, no good plot, no originality, no entertainment...
But: It's Murder 2. And it's the Bhatts. So who knows...

Verdict: Maybe-watch






15. July


Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Director: Zoya Akhtar (Luck By Chance) - FEMALE DIRECTOR!!!

THEATRICAL TRAILER

I love Zoya Akhtar. Not only because she's one of the few Indian female directors, but also because her films are wonderful.
Well... at least the only one she's made until now. Already one of my favorites.

The trailer of this one certainly also looks great (didn't watch it another time now, but I remember it) - three hotties, Europe, summer, sun... Perfect.
There can only be one big summer hit a year, and I think I can already tell for sure, that This Is It.
Yes, it's inspired by The Hangover. So what? It certainly looks better than Bheja Fry 2. And I love The Hangover. And I love Zoya, Abhay, Hrithik, Farhan... even Kalki.
Ok, some plot lines are a bit annoying (having fun before marriage - after that life's "over" (though I don't intend on marrying myself) and the annoying dominating female fiancé), but otherwise: Sooooooo excited!

Verdict: Do-watch






22. July


Singham
Director: Rohit Shetty (Golmaal-series/ Sunday/ All the Best)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Oops... I think I'm having a déja-Dabangg right now. Or is it a Dabangg-vu? Hm....

No, honestly. He's been training. There's a small love story, but he almost immediately gets the girl. He's corrupt. And: I almost forgot, he's a police officer. In a small village.

Yawn... I think I'll re-watch Dabangg instead.

... Or the Lion King hahaha....

Verdict: Rather-do-not-watch










29. July 


Khap
Director: Ajai Sinha


I don't think I want to say anything about a film that doesn't even have a poster yet.

5. August


Chala Mussaddi - Office Office
Director: Rajiv Mehra (Ek Jaan Hai Hum/ Chamatkar / Ram Jaane (...you're kidding?!))

... ... Sorry... ... Oh my gosh, this is really the guy who directed Ram Jaane (bursting with laughter)... I can't believe it! I have to watch this film!
Ram Jaane! "Pump up da bhangra"... Hehe.
He directed his first film in 1983! And the last one in 1995! ... I was born in that year.

Verdict: Do-watch


Chitkabrey - The Shades of Grey
Director: Suneet Arora (debuting - but check out his IMDB, there are pictures (!))

"The relationships of seven couples are put to a stress test. Whether they break or get stronger?".


That's all I can find about this film - but I'm not going to be mad, I mean, were out in the late releases now.








12. August


Aarakshan
Director: Prakash Jha (Mrityudand / Apaharan/ Raajneeti)

THEATRICAL TRAILER


Wow, I'm surprised there's already a trailer and everything...
I'm really looking forward to this one, and there are various reasons for that (yeah, list):


- Prakash Jha is a great director, and one of the best to make films about Indian politics - Raajneeti was superb
- We have a ensemble cast of good, but very different actors (yes, I'm starting to like Deepika even...)
- The trailer and first look seem promising


The film doesn't look as spectacular as my other favorite-releases, but I like that... It looks very Prakash Jha.


Verdict: Do-watch
















Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge
Director: Nupur Ashtana (debuting in dir.)

Ugh, I'm breaking out in a rash when hearing that title... Much worse than Luv Ka the End.
Otherwise, I like the idea of Yash Raj's new banner, Y-films, but... Hm. Would I be able to like a film with that title?


Verdict: Maybe-watch










Phhir 
Director: Girish Dhamija (Yakeen, and also releasing this year Dial M for Marriage (hehe))

So, it's a thriller, and I also read the plot.


However, it's hard to say anything without having seen the trailer or something... The poster looks kind of trashy, though. And I heard that Yakeen is terrible. 


Oh, and Dial M for Marriage? Honestly?


Verdict: Maybe-watch






























Soundtrack
Director: Neerav Ghosh (debuting)

Wooooow, I like that poster!


Okay, the "What the F!" might be a little over-the-top... but maybe it isn't... I don't know.


Judging from the poster, this film is good.


Yeah, I think it'll be good. I know for sure.


Verdict: Do-watch

Sorry for the weird formation of the last films - blogger fail...

Thank you for reading,

Mette M. K.

Raavan (2010) - A Wet Experience

I've made some changes to the reviews, just some slight ones, but I like them more now. I also checked, if there were some "faults" in the old posts, like pictures that aren't showing.

Raavan (2010) रावन

Director: Mani Ratnam

Authors: Mani Ratnam, Vijay Krishna Acharya

Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan, Govinda, Vikram

Plot: When a new police inspector comes to "their" village, the people living in the woods kidnap his wife, their leader being the animal-like Beera. However, Beera is not able to kill Ragini, the wife, and takes her to the home of the wood-people, where he finds himself falling in love with her.

Hidden Plot: Mani Ratnam tries to interpretate the Ramayana in a revolutionary way, discovering the good side of Raavan/ Beera.

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I'd been wanting so watch Raavan for such a long time now, and it has (as always) been wonderful to be satisfied by a film that you've had high expectations to. After reading some reviews, I had feared a Saawariya-vu, but no, my Mani didn't let me down - he never does. 

The film starts out perfectly already, with the genial "Beera", which was the only track I listened to before watching the film. Nothing unusual - I often can't relate to a soundtrack without having seen the film, even if the music is Rahman. Funnily, I'd say the soundtrack is one of the best 2010-BW-soundtracks, after having seen the movie now... I've listened to it the whole day. Every song is magical in its own way, the only one I don't like that much is "Kata Kata".

Wet, more wet, Raavan... Almost felt like a two-hour-shower.

Moreover, almost everything about Raavan is magical - which obviously is quite beneficial for a film inspired by an old religious tale. Never does anything definitely magical happen, but the interaction of Santosh Sivan & Manikandan's camera work, Rahmans music and Ratnam's concise but playful direction creates a sensation of mystery that captives the viewer.

Abhishek Bachchan said that he lost confidence after Raavan flopped, and criticized the editing on twitter, as soon as it was clear that the film was a flop. To me, the flaws are not to be found in the very fitting editing, but in Abhishek's performance, which admittedly was bumpy in parts. He did gain the sympathies of the audience, but on the other side, many of his reactions are hard to relate to, for example him being unable to kill Ragini, or the sudden love that he develops towards her. Of course, this is written in the screenplay - and I actually like these rather un-realistic reactions, as it is supposed to be some kind of a dark fairy tale, or at least a mythology-inspired film, but Abhishek fails in portraying this in the right way - at least sometimes. After hearing a lot of praise on Vikram (who plays the inspector in this one) 's portrayal of Beera in the Tamil version Raavanan, I'm eager to watch that one.

Yes, it was also raining in that scene... or something else... at least there was water...

Aishwarya Rai (yes, I know: Rai-Bachchan, but there's no melody in that), however, does not have these problems, being perfectly cast for the role of the bewitching, fearless-seaming Ragini. I think it was a good choice to cast her in the Tamil version as well. Even though there's not much room for real romance, the on-screen chemistry between Aishwarya and Abhishek is very nice, even though many people don't think so and find they shouldn't continue doing films together, "just because they're married". I also cannot imagine Mani Ratnam would cast two actors in the same film just because they're married. 

As in every other Mani Ratnam film, everything seems to be thought-out to the smallest details, and the best is just good enough. For example, Aishwarya's costumes were designed by sophisticated designer Sabyasachi, which indeed added to the magic of the film, and the film was shot at various outdoor locations all over the country. 

Only little frustration was the lack of depth in the characters - we never really get to know them or their backgrounds, so it's hard to relate and build a bond to the main characters.

Otherwise, Raavan included all I had expected: art, magic, great music, entertainment and new-wave-flair. Thumbs up.

7.5/ 10

Thank you for reading,

Mette M. K.

Kapoor Khazana: "The Start of Something New" - How it all began...

For a clearer overview of the Kapoors, view my Kapoor Family Tree.

Ever wondered, how all the Kapoors got their careers started? What the begins of each one were like?

Though you probably all have one, or more, favorite Kapoors, and know all about their careers and private lives, I'm sure there's some stories you haven't heard yet (me neither).

That thought then led me to creating this post, on the filmic origins of the Kapoors (those I could find out about), and here it is.

Prithviraj Kapoor - The Handsome Founder

Finding out anything about Prithviraj's oldest films is very hard - there seems to be no information left whatsoever. His first role, however, seems to be "Be Dhari Talwar" - but I'm not a 100 percent sure, as there really is no information. According to several sources, though, his first big role was in 1930's (some say 1929's) "Cinema Girl". He also played in India's first sound-film, "Alam Ara", from 1931. 

Prithviraj's was later on considered as the founder of the Kapoor family, being the first one of this khandaar to pursue acting. His last film was "Judaai" from 1980 - according to IMDB, which is weird, because he died in 1972. However, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for contribution to Indian Cinema, after his death.

I haven't seen any of his films yet - but I'm sure I will.

Trilok Kapoor - The Forgotten Brother

Trilok Kapoor, Prithviraj's brother, made his debut in 1933's Char Dervesh (also known as "Merchant of Arabia")... The film is known by some film fans as a classic - I didn't know it - but Trilok never gained as much recognition and success, as his elder brother. Today, he is very much forgotten by the fan community of Bollywood, even the fans of the real classics, and there's not even a wikipedia-entry on him. We don't even know, when he died.

Trilok's last filmic appearance was in a TV movie called "Akanksha", where he was credited as "Late Trilok Kapoor" - so I think he was already dead by then.

R. I. P., man whose films I have not seen.

Raj Kapoor - "The Show Man" AKA The Man Who Was Loved By Everyone

Today, everyone knows Raj Kapoor. For some people, he is the best actor who has ever sat his foot on this earth. I don't know anyone who doesn't like Raj Kapoor. Maybe some people haven't seen any of his films yet, I also watched my first RK film this year (Anari), but if they do, they love him.

He was a genius, no doubt. In his first film, he shared the screen with his father Prithviraj. "Inquilab" (1935) is rated high on IMDB, but not much information exists otherwise. Raj, though, was only 11 years old in it, and his first "real" role was in 1943's "Hamari Baat". 

Raj Kapoor also directed 10 films, and gained a good reputation as a director as well. 

Raj's first work as a director: "Aag" (1948)

In 1984, four years before his dead, he made his last filmic appearance in the TV movie "Kim".  

A little anecdote: When I was in Hamburg in April, buying all those new DVDs, I went to a lot of stores, and in each one, the Indian employees were like "These are Indian DVDs... They're in Hindi...", sounding like "Get outta here, this is for Indians only... bla, bla", but in the last one (also the one where I bought most), there was only one employee, and he was so nice. When he asked me, if I'm searching for anything in particular, I said, well... Raj Kapoor? He almost fell off his feet! "Oh my God, you like Raj Kapoor! How cool is that? Wow, you're a real insider..." and on, and on. I think most customers in Hamburg just want to buy some German dubbed kitschy "typical" Bollywood - meaning the "typical" that Western medias made the masses believe that Bollywood is like. 

Shammi Kapoor - The Indian Elvis

Shammi is the smaller brother of Raj Kapoor, and also he has a big fan community. He was especially successful during the 1950s and 1960s, and is still alive today (turning 80 in October, he is one year younger than my grandmother).  Shammi made his debut in 1953, where he starred in 6 (!) films. 

Who will people be starring at - Ranbir or Shammi.... ?

During the 90s, and until now, he mostly appeared in small and rather unsuccessful films, the last time in 2006s "Sandwich" with Govinda, Raveena Tandon and Mahima Chaudhry.

But this year, Shammi will be back in a film of one of the latest Kapoor-offsprings, Ranbir Kapoor: the long awaited "Rockstar". It will probably also be the first film I watch of his (speaking of Shammi, not Ranbir).

Urmila Kapoor never entered the film business, but married.

Shashi Kapoor - The One With the Pardesi Dulhan

Shashi Kapoor, the youngest brother of the Three Incredibles (though, let's not forget the small sister Urmila), has already acted in 168 (!) films - as a comparison: Raj Kapoor (who is dead) only acted in 67 films. Well, not everyone thinks that quality goes over quantity (like I do), but another reason might be that Shashi already appeared in many films as a child star - mainly mythology flicks. The first one was "Meena" from 1944 - and as always, I can't seem to find anything about this film. 

Shashi was also married to British actress Jennifer Kendal, and they appeared in various films together.

Today, Shashi Kapoor is 73 years old, and has been "retired" since 1998, when he appeared in the American production "Side Streets", along with some unknown foreign actors and Shabana Azmi.

No, I haven't seen any of his films - what did you think?

Randhir Kapoor - The Economy Class Son

Just like Raj Kapoor himself, Randhir (his eldest son) made his debut in a film with his father, which he also happened to direct. It turned out to be an average success, however, he never came anywhere near the genius-ness of The Show Man. Randhir worked his way through the years, directing and producing a couple of films, but mostly starring as the second lead, without ever reaching the big breakthrough. 

In 2010, Randhir starred in the two comedies "Housefull" and "Action Replayy", of which I have seen the later one, but was not in the slightest impressed by his acting - it was rather embarrassing, actually.

He will also appear in two upcoming releases this year.

Ritu Kapoor-Nanda, daughter of Raj Kapoor, never entered the film business, but is a "prominent Indian entrepreneur" according to wikipedia.

Rishi Kapoor - The One I Don't Really Get the Appeal For

Debuting in a film directed by your father, one of the biggest stars in Bollywood ever, is not a bad thing. Starring as the lead of a major hit of your decade after that, is not bad either - I'm talking of "Bobby", of course. Rishi Kapoor had luck by his side - but also, and I must admit that, talent. Until the 2000s, Rishi did a lot of romantic films after that kick-started career, and especially gained a big female fan community. From then on, and until today, he mainly played side characters as an older man, mostly in successful films like "Hum Tum", "Fanaa", "Luck By Chance" - and even God, in "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" (btw, one of the worst films I've ever seen... and also a flop). 

Yes, he is a good actor. But. I don't find him sympathetic at - all! Maybe you've heard about that Karan-Johar-conflict, maybe you haven't. Well, Ranbir, Rishi's son, shared his advice on how to keep several girlfriends or affairs at a time, without them finding out - and Rishi really appreciated his sons behaviour - and was FREAKING proud of that bastard (who though also happens to be a good actor, and, well, young people can be like that - but parents (who are married) should NOT appreciate that!). Rishi even grew very angry, when Ranbir's ex-girlfriend Deepika (whom I seem to like more after watching "Karthik Calling Karthik", btw), said some unpleasant stuff about Rishi's betaa. 

And that's why I don't like Rishi, Raj's most successful son.

Rajiv Kapoor - The One With The Short Filmography

It does look cheesy...

The youngest son of Raj Kapoor, only starred in 14 films, while he directed one and did some other behind-camera work for about 4 films.

His debut happened in "Ek Jaan Hain Hum" (1983), a rather unknown, cheesy-looking 80s fillum. I also haven't heard of his other films before, except for his directorial work "Prem Granth" from 1996, which I only heard of because Madhuri Dixit is in it.

After completing "Zimmedaar" in 1990, Rajiv Kapoor retired from his work as an... actor.

Rima Kapoor, the fourth child of Raj Kapoor, also never entered the film industry.

Aditya Raj Kapoor, son of Shammi Kapoor, worked mainly as a second unit or assistant director, and directed two unsuccessful films in 2007.

Kanchan Kapoor, daughter of Shammi Kapoor, never entered the film industry.

Kunal Kapoor - The One Who Wasn't As Hot As THE Kunal Kapoor

Again, someone who debuted in his father's film - and "Siddhartha" was, if I'm right, quite successful. After acting in some of his father, Shashi's, films, Kunal launched his own company and produced commercials. He only appeared in 8 films.

Karan Kapoor  - The One Who Was Just As Unsuccessful As His Brother

Karan's career was pretty much a copy of his brother Kunal's. He started it in "Junoon", a Shashi-film, and stopped after seven films. He also modeled.

Sanjana Kapoor - The Pioneer Woman

Calling her a pioneer might be a little over-the-top, but Sanjana Kapoor, daughter of Shashi Kapoor, was the first female Kapoor to pursue acting. She started out co-starring her parents Shashi and Jennifer in "36 Chowringhee Lane", and later on also appeared in the acclaimed "Salaam Bombay", after which she though quit acting. She then focussed on theatre, where she had more success.

Karishma Kapoor - The One I've Been Impressed By Lately

Looking a bit masculin... But this was a dream debut!

Karishma Kapoor, daughter of Randhir Kapoor, made a dream debut in 1991's "Prem Qaidi", and after that became not only the first successful female Kapoor, but even one of the most-loved actresses of a whole decade. 

Before I saw any of her films, I often felt that she looked weird on pictures, and not as sympathetic as her sister Kareena. Kareena is still my favorite, but after having some difficulties with Karishma in among others "Dil To Pagal Hai", "Shakti" and (though she was better in this one) "Raja Hindustani", Karishma came near to blowing me away in "Fiza" (2000). It was the first time that I really could see her great acting skills, and I was very impressed by her performance - especially the well-known crying-scene.

After her career high in the 90s, Karishma slowly vanished during the early 2000's, and only made films every couple years.

Her last appearance was in 2009's "Zamaanat" - a major flop - and she has two (or one?) children today.

Kareena Kapoor - The One I Love, Love, Love

Kareena made her debut along with the offspring of another legend: Amitabh's son Abhishek - completely stealing the show from him. While Abhishek had to struggle a lot to gain recognition, Kareena was almost immediately at the top. However, she had problems proving that she could handle serious roles, after having a lot of success with her "bitch" image, especially after doing "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham". You know that K3G was my first Bollywood film ever, so Kareena has been with me from the very beginning. I've seen almost every film of hers (excluding "Refugee", though), and she really is one of my favorite actresses. I love how she manages roles that are so different from each other, how she is incredibly sympathetic, and how her acting skills improved during the years.

Kareena will appear in various releases this years, many of them long-awaited, such as "Agent Vinod" and "Ra.One".

Nitasha Nanda, daughter of Ritu Kapoor-Nanda was credited in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", as Thanks.

Nikhil Nanda, son of Ritu Kapoor-Nanda is a business man, and married to Bachchan-daughter Shweta Bachchan-Nanda. 

Riddhima Kapoor, daughter of Rishi Kapoor and sister of Ranbir Kapoor, is 31 years old and has not entered the film industry.

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor is the latest offspring of the Kapoor khandaan, and the first one that I'm able to really "follow" through his career. His 2007 debut "Saawariya", a Sanjay Leela Bhansali creation, was longly awaited, and extremely pre-hyped... by me. As you all know, I was let down. The film was a failure, also at the box-office. 

By the way, Ranbir had also appeared in two short films before. After "Saawariya" though, both Ranbir and his co-star Sonam had their feet inside Bollywood, and both of them respectively launched their careers quite successfully. 

I'm even able to see away from the mentioned KWK-episode (and I wouldn't be able to like Barney from How I Met Your Mother otherwise - the major heart breaker), because I really like Ranbir. 

My favorite film with him until now is "Wake Up Sid". But the best is: I think we haven't seen all of his talent yet.

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Last but not least, my favorite Kapoor:

My favorite male Kapoor is Raj Kapoor

My favorite female Kapoor is Kareena Kapoor

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Thank you for reading,

Mette M. K.

Kapoor Khazana: The Family Tree

While thinking about the things I could write about for Kapoor Khazana (in this last week that is left to me, because I'm leaving to Greenland after it), I remembered something that I had done a really long time ago - I think last summer or so, when I wasn't stressed out or anything: The Family Tree.

Yes, I made a family tree of the (official) Kapoor family (by official I mean, the Shammi and Kareena ones, not the Sonam and all those other ones).

There might be some little flaws in it, I'm not sure, but I tried my best, and I will now present it to you.

I think it's a bit too large to fit in here, so just click on the image, then you'll be able to see it more clearly.

Thank you for reading,

Mette M. K.

The Weekual Thursday PP: Debut-time!

THE 8TH WEEKUAL THURSDAY PP

I just ordered three 2011 Bollywood DVDs two days ago, and it's the first time that I've:

- ordered more than 1 Bollywood DVD on the internet (excluding German releases from amazon.de)
- ordered Bollywood DVDs from outside Germany (this time India), excluding Salaam Namaste and KANK, which I ordered from Yash Raj (not at the same time)
- been patient enough to buy new releases on the internet, and not bought them at the local (ahem... is Hamburg local?) Indian store, where you can never be sure, if it's an original

I'm so excited. I just hope they'll be here in time. How long do DVDs ship from India to Germany?

And if you wondered, which DVDs I've ordered:
Tanu Weds Manu - heard it's okay/ good (and Madhavan is in it)
Yeh Saali Zindagi - I need to build my own opinion, everyone thinks so differently about it
Dum Maaro Dum - I - am - so - eager - to - see - myself (if it's crap or "crackatastic")

Sadly, just the other day some other DVDs were released, but well... I think I can wait (or buy at the local... ar... no... I  wouldn't do that).

Achcha, this week we have four new releases (don't believe in indiafm - never heard of our first release?!):

"Cycle Kick"... well, something with bicycles and Subhash Ghai...

Could be an un-witty comedy... or a good one

"Shaitan" - do I have to say more?

"West is West"... sounds okay... No, I haven't seen "East is East"

Cycle Kick
Director: Shashi Silgudia (debuting)

Believe me, there is almost zero percent information to find about this film on the internet.

I've searched (almost) everywhere, and all I could find was this poster, some stills and a list of the cast.

The cast is completely unknown to me, except for producer Subhash Ghai, who... well, who hasn't been too successful for the past years...

So, just guessing without any information, I think this could be a sports film... also about friendship... and believing in yourself.

With a... big soul, you know? Like, a really good Subhash Ghai flick. There might also be music in it... And... it might flop.









Love Express
Director: Sunny Bhambani (debuting)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

This one looks even worse than "Cycle Kick", because it has a theatrical trailer. A bad one.

It looks so cheap and wanna-be, that... I want to puke. Okay, that's a bit exaggerated, but hello "they want to make it"? "FUN"? "Friends, family, songs, dance, masti, romance, fun and tears"?

And Subhash Ghai you little bastard, two films from debuting directors, both produced by you, releasing at the same date?

... That's all.











Shaitan
Director: Bijoy Nambiar (debuting but was Line Producer for Raavan)

THEATRICAL TRAILER

Watching the trailer a second time, some doubts are popping up, but I still haven't lost my belief in "Shaitan" being a good film.

I really, really hope that it's not just a "we-want-to-shock-the-audience-of-India" film (like "Love Sex aur Dhokha" was at times), even thought that can also be fun.

I just want it to be outstanding, brilliant, new. "Dev D"-like. I mean, Anurag Kashyap is one of the producers. Has he ever done anything wrong? (Rhetorical question).












West is West 
Director: Andy De Emmony (various TV-series and TV-movies (non-Indian))

TRAILER

I don't like it when films are praised too much on the first look posters, but this film actually looks good. Judging from the trailer - I (almost) never watch more than the theatrical trailer before watching a film. So many films are being spoilt already in the first trailers, so I'm afraid of knowing too much before watching the film.

The director of this film is British (I guess), which might be complicated (crossover films, ya know... Shahrukh talked about it lately), but I'm definitely getting the appeal for this film...

I think I'll watch "East is East" soon, to fill out to emptiness between now and the-time-I'll-watch-all-those-films-I-want-to-watch.

By the way, is 2011 the year of debuting directors in Mumbai?

And even more by the way: why haven't there been no debuting female directors yet?

Thank you for reading,

Mette M. K.