'Lakshmi' movie review: Encounter with harsh realities of child prostitution

Story Line: Lakshmi (Monali Thakur) is 13 years-old girl who has been kidnapped and sold by Chinna (Nagesh Kukunoor) and his brother Garoo (Satish Kaushik) to a brothel.

The teenage girl has been forced to become a sex worker. After two failed attempts to escape from the hell, Lakshmi is rescued by a local NGO. With the help of the NGO, she decides to put the two pimps, Chinna and Garoo, behind the bar. The film is an honest and appalling story of Laksmi’s journey to emerge victorious against all odds.

Related Articles

    'Ragini MMS 2' movie review: Want to make your weekend ?dirty? with Sunny Leone?

    Kajol looks beyond women-centric roles for Bollywood comeback

    'Haider' is my toughest film: Shahid Kapoor

    'Lakshmi' will get limited release: Nagesh Kukunoor

    Nokia X review

Movie Review: Based on true story, the film is an appalling and heat wrenching journey of a brave girl. While Kukunoor has directed this film with utmost intensity, singer turned actor Monali Thakur gives flesh and blood to the character of Lakshmi. Monali isn’t an actress surely but she does a brilliant job in the film. Her natural innocence and childlike beauty goes well with the character. Monali Thakur has taken a very bold step by making her Bollywood debut with such an unconventional film. In future, she has to be careful in choosing movie offers.

Nagesh Kukunoor has always made a mark as a filmmaker but in this film he shows his flair for acting.

The strong story plot moves one so much, that minor flaws remain unnoticed. There are few scenes in the film which might shake you to the core and you start relate yourself to Lakshmi’s pain. The dialogues of film may make you feel uncomfortable in certain situation. But when it comes to conveying the underlying message, there is no better way.

(JPN/inextlive)

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Gulaab Gang movie review: A treat for females on Women's Day

Film: Gulaab Gang

Director: Soumik Sen

Cast: Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla

Story Line: Fearless Rajjo, the character played by Madhuri Dixit runs a shelter-house for abused women in western region of northern India, where she teaches the feminine gender to stand up for their rights and fight for justice.

Besides making them aware of their rights Rajjo makes sure that these women become self-dependant. These women are also given training of Indian martial arts. The ladies are the embodiment of ‘Goddess Durga’, who always fight for justice and stand against wrong.

As the story progresses, Rajoo meets cunning politician Sumitra Devi played by Juhi Chawla, who can go to any extent to be in power. Being unaware of Sumitra Devi’s intention, Rajjo decides to extend support to her in the election.

Rajjo later understands that Sumitra Devi just wants to use her heard earned reputation for self benefits. Rajjo then decides to contest election against Sumitra Devi. What happens after the election forms the rest of the story?

Movie review: Director Soumik Sen has used the power of Madhuri’s expression to the fullest as the dancing queen has given a power packed performance. In some parts of the movie, the writer- director seems confused and has not been able to do justice with the movie’s plot.

This is the first time Juhi is seen playing a negative character and she looks pretty convincing as a politician. But her bubbly look and soft image does not go well with the character of the cunning politician. The story line is tight and it makes you glued to your seats. While the story is awesome, dialogues are not effective. Though this film has all the necessary ingredients to be a Bollywood hit but you will still feel that there is something missing.

(JPN/inextlive)

Source: Movie Review

Ritesh Batra’s ‘The Lunchbox' inspired by stories about housewives

"I wanted to find personal stories from among them. Instead we became friends and they started telling stories about the housewives they would pick up lunchboxes from," Batra said.

"I got more interested in that. So I abandoned the documentary and started writing this," said the director, who has won the Best Debut Director prize at the prestigious 2014 FilmFare Awards for the film.

That was the genesis of the film set to release in New York and Los Angeles on Friday after a stellar run at the world's top film festivals including Cannes, Toronto, and Sundance where it met with rave reviews.

It then opens March 7 in San Francisco, Washington DC, Chicago and other major US cities.

Batra never anticipated the way the film seems to have taken both India and the West by storm.

"You are just trying to be honest to every moment of the film," he said. "It's hard enough to make a film. To anticipate what it's going to do later is just impossible."

The story revolves around Ila, a young middle class Mumbai housewife, trying to win back her husband's affections through his stomach and how a rare mistaken delivery in Mumbai's famously efficient 'dabba' delivery system of lunchboxes, from homes to offices, connects her to a testy old widower (Irrfan Khan) through notes in the lunchbox.

"It was a very difficult role to cast," said Batra, who after lots of auditions spread over several months, settled on Nimrat Kaur, a relatively unknown actress who had earlier appeared in a couple of TV commercials in India.

For the lead character of Saajan and his office colleague Shaikh, "I always had Irrfan and Nawazuddin Siddique in mind and I was thrilled when they came on board," he said.

Batra has no immediate plans for a new film. With "The Lunchbox" set to release in US then in Hong Kong, Israel, UK, Japan, and Australia "I have a lot of commitments to the film for the next few months - lots of travelling."

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Ranveer, Arjun are great actors:Priyanka

You went all out to play a cabaret dancer in Gunday. Tell us something about that.

The movie is based in Kolkata in 1970 when cabaret was very popular then. Many Anglo-Indian girls from Europe performed in the city back then. We did not want to make it an Indian cabaret because Helen Ma’am has done a great job in the past and I don’t think we could have matched up to it. So, we tried to do it the European way.

Could you relate to your character in this film?

I usually don’t relate to any of my characters, but surprisingly, I related tremendously to Nandita of Gunday because she is a very proud girl and has a keen sense of what’s right and wrong. She is a cabaret dancer, she is graceful, poised, well-spoken, beautiful... but at the same time, she is very tough and can put the boys in their place.

Apparently, director Ali Abbas had approached his Mere Brother Ki Dulhan heroine, Katrina Kaif, for your role before you.

I know Katrina and Ali are very good friends but I have no idea whether he approached her. Aditya (Chopra, the producer) had called me and Ali came and narrated the script. There are so many films which I was supposed to do but other heroines have ended up doing — a film eventually belongs to the person whose name is in the credits.

Which one of the film’s heroes — Ranveer Singh or Arjun Kapoor — do you share better chemistry with?

Both Ranveer and Arjun are great actors but I can make chemistry happen with a pole (laughs). You reach a point where you create chemistry.

You are pretty fearless in the roles you take on, in Barfi!, for instance.

I am definitely a rebel... but only if there is a cause. I have always been someone who bends or breaks rules because I like to push things a little bit to see how far I can. I have authority issues which is why I am so excited about my film about Mary Kom because to me that’s not just Mary’s story, it is the story of every girl who is told ‘These are your limits’. Mary would turn around and say, ‘No, I can do more than what you believe. I’d do the same.

How is the preparation for playing Mary Kom coming along?

(Grimaces) Ghaas-pus khilate hain mujhe — who eats this food? It’s killing me — my whole day revolves around going to the gym. I have new-found respect for the boys because they do this all the time, every day! The film on Mary Kom is a tough one physically because I have to create a new body and I am also learning an entirely new sport when I am not sporty in any way.

When is your next single out?

We have shot the video, now it’s on the editing table. We should be ready by the end of March. It’s my first solo single. It’s a cover of the 1991 single I Can’t Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt. It’s my spin on one of my all-time favourite songs. I have made it into a dance track with EDM (Electronic Dance Music).

When do you see yourself getting married?

I am a very private person. Unless I have a ring on my finger and I know this is the person I want to live with for the rest of my life, I don’t think it’s anyone’s business to know what I am doing.

Courtesy: Mid-Day

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Bihar family awaits Aamir Khan to tell 'Mountain Man's' story

They now hope actor Aamir Khan, who visited their village for his TV show "Satyamev Jayate", will tell the world the real story of their lives.

Both Bhagirath and Basanti are disabled and live in penury at Dasrathnagar Dalit tola near Gahlaur in Gaya district, about 100 km from state capital Patna.

"I heard that a hero is coming to our village soon. We will tell him the real story of our lives full of misery," Bhagirath said in Magahi, a local dialect, in reference to Aamir Khan's proposed visit to see the road and meet the villagers.

Dasrath Manjhi had single-handedly carved out a 360 feet long, 30 feet high and 30 feet wide passage by cutting through a hill near Gahlaur with a hammer and chisel, working day and night. He died in 2007 after a battle with cancer.

The hill was between Attari and Wazirgunj blocks in Gaya district. Thanks to Manjhi, the village blocks have been brought closer. Manjhi began his uphill work when his wife was injured and he had to go around the mountains to reach the nearest hospital.

Basanti, who said she was proud to be the daughter-in-law of Dasrath - popularly known as "Mountain Man" - said she will request Aamir Khan to telecast their real story to the world.

"We have been left in the lurch, ignored by politicians and officials despite repeated assurances to help us," she said.

"We have been neglected by the state government and the district administration. No one has helped us to ensure a better life for us."

What pains her is that she and her husband beg for money for an annual ritual in memory of Dasrath.

Bhagirath and Basanti work in the village primary school as cooks for preparing the mid-day meal for children. Both of them are paid Rs.1,000 a month.

Aamir Khan reportedly said he will visit Dasrathnagar to dedicate this season's first episode of "Satyamev Jayate" to Dasrath Manjhi. The episode, set for telecast March 2, will be dedicated to a man who made the impossible possible with his hard work and dedication.

(Agencies)

Source: Entertainment News & Movie Review

Varun Dhawan follows Michael Jackson’s footsteps

Accordingly, the Student of the Year actor has copied MJ’s moves in his second Bollywood outing ‘Main Tera Hero’. In fact, the actor has imitated the icon in all four tracks of the film, which is directed by his father David Dhawan.

“Varun requested choreographer duo Bosco-Caesar to include Michael Jackson’s signature moves in all the songs. They readily agreed as they are big fans of MJ as well and they wanted to pay him a tribute. Like everyone else, Varun was heavily influenced by MJ, especially, when he was a student at Shiamak Davar’s dance class,” says a source.

“Varun made sure that MJ’s famous moves such as the moonwalk, the pelvic thrusts, crotch grabs, side slides, the anti-gravity lean and the synchronized dance moves feature prominently in the film’s songs. He wants audiences to immediately relate to the dance moves,” the source adds. Matching MJ’s steps with Varun in the film are his co-stars Nargis Fakhri and Ileana D’Cruz.

Courtesy: Mid-day

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

After a point, you become shameless: Imtiaz Ali

The duo, who recently visited the MiD DAY office, sounded excited about their film that hits the marquee tomorrow. Excerpts:

From the trailers of Highway, it appears you have had a gruelling shoot. How different was it when compared to your debut film?

Alia Bhatt (AB): It was quite adventurous. We travelled across six states and ventured into remote, isolated places. We did physically exhausting things like running, climbing trees and mountains. Going de-glam was very refreshing for me. I didn’t have to worry about make-up and my clothes. That helped me focus on my performance. I asked my mother and sister not to join me at shoots because I wanted to be alone and put my capabilities as an actor to test.

Imtiaz, why did you choose Alia for the role? It came as a surprise...
Imtiaz Ali (IA): It came as a surprise to me as well! I was looking at someone with more life experience. But when I met her, I realised she has an emotional insight into things and since she has never been on the road before, she would do an honest job of it.

Alia, how was working with Imtiaz different from your film with Karan Johar?
AB: Karan likes to sit before the monitor, but Imtiaz prefers to get physically involved. So much so that you could see his hair or arm in the frame! Sometimes, he would even drive the truck.

Was shooting in Kashmir tough?
IA: That was, in fact, the easiest schedule. My crew comprised of travel enthusiasts and this made shooting in Himachal Pradesh so much fun.

Imtiaz, Rockstar received mixed reviews. Are you tense about Highway’s prospects?
IA: No, not at all. In this business, there is so much pressure to perform that after a point, you become shameless. Luckily, I was born that way (laughs).

Courtesy: Mid-Day

Source: Bollywood News

Salman’s birthday surprise for Sajid Nadiadwala on sets of 'Kick'

A spokesperson for the film said, "A red carpet was rolled out in the evening, as we waited for Sajid sir to finish the shot and go to his vanity. The entire place was lit up with big lights, sky lanterns and lots of balloons."

Sajid’s family, mother Shafaat, wife Warda, kids Subhan and Sufyan surprised the director by visiting the sets to wish him happiness. A three-tier cake baked specially for the evening was said to be in a shape of a huge movie camera.

The source further mentioned, "Sir was stunned as he walked out. Flooded with flowers and gifts, he happily posed with everyone, for pictures. He and Salman were engrossed giggling about past memories with his family and Jacqueline."

The team is currently shooting in Film City, Mumbai, for the much talked-about project. Sajid’s calendar is marked with releases like 'Highway', '2 States', 'Heropanti', 'Kick', 'Phantom' and an untitled film.

Courtesy: Mid-day

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

The curious case of Mallika Sherawat

The actress, who shot to fame with her film Murder, has somehow found a way to stay in the limelight with her celeb appearances.

The latest news has it that the actress, who divides her time between LA and India, has been invited by the Oxford Union to address a panel discussion on gender discrimination. Despite having no hit film in the past three years, Mallika has grabbed headlines for her antics — be it singing Happy Birthday to a politician, making provocative statements or just her dressing sense.

One wonders how Sherawat — whose films make less noise than her celeb outings- ends up with such invitations. Clearly, her PR machinery has been on an overdrive.

Courtesy: Mid-Day

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Bollywood has too much pressure now: Juhi Chawla

"I thank god that I was there (at the peak of my career). I think there's too much pressure now," Juhi said.

"There are so many newcomers...Earlier once you made a mark, at least you had a chance of getting ahead. I think today you really have to stand your ground to be able to sustain, said the actress.

"There is so much noise around like size zero, public relations, marketing...I hope these girls are also enjoying themselves," she added.

The 46-year-old actress believes a lot has changed about the heroine in Bollywood.

"I think the line between the heroine and item girls is blurred now. I liked my heroine to be the way she was...sweet or at least she used to blush sometimes. Now there is nothing! They are so open about everything. I am happy now I have enjoyed myself and now I see all this drama happening around," she said.

She is candid about the fact that it had pained her to give up her position to the new generation after a point in time.

"At one point I felt that pinch. I was hurt. It was like somebody had walked into my shoes but beyond a point I had started to accept it. (Now) It's like how embarrassing...I can't do those roles again. I have crossed that (phase)," she said.

Juhi was also insecure about competition during her time.

"I was a little foolish, young and insecure. I was being compared to Madhuri (Dixit), Manisha (Koirala) and Karisma (Kapoor). That used to keep happening, and even though you try to shut it out from your mind, somewhere you get affected, she added.

Juhi stars alongside her once-rival Madhuri in forthcoming film "Gulaab Gang".

"In this film, I am not competing with her. I am completing the film with her,” she said.

"Madhuri is playing the hero in the film but if you take my character out of the film then nothing is left in it," said the versatile actress, who plays a negative role in this movie, which hits theatres on March 7.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Deepika Padukone: ‘Queen’ of award ceremonies this year

Deepika gave four consecutive blockbusters last year, all of which crossed the 100- crore mark. She won the best actress award in almost all the award functions.

After making her dream Bollywood debut in 2007 with Farah Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’, this diva won the hearts of both critics and masses in 2013 with films such as Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela’.

The actress donned different looks and avatars in all her movies that released last year. Deepika’s next movie is Farah Khan's ‘Happy New Year’ opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

The actress is currently working with Homi Adajania’s offbeat English-comic-thriller ‘Finding Fanny Fernandes’ in which she plays a prominent role.

She will also be seen opposite Rajinikanth in ‘Kochadaiiyaan’.

JPN

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

'Gunday' to pay tribute to Yash Chopra

Chopra died in 2012 and "Gunday" was the last script he had heard.

It was Zafar's idea to include a tribute to the filmmaker, known for directing great movies like "Deewaar", "Kabhi Kabhie" and "Chandni".

Chopra gave his inputs and suggestions to the director regarding the script of "Gunday". He told Zafar to shoot the coal mine scenes at the actual location and not recreate it here, which was also his dream during "Kaala Patthar", said a statement.

"It was Ali Abbas Zafar's idea, he was very, very keen as this was Yashji's last script that he had heard. This was an emotional moment for Ali," said a source from Yash Raj Films, which has produced "Gunday" as well.

Releasing Friday, the film features Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Rajniesh Duggal shocked by murder bid accusation

Singh in an elaborate FIR (first information report) filed in Uttar Pradesh has named choreographer Ganesh Acharya, actress Daisy Shah, who was seen in "Jai Ho", and Rajniesh as the co-accused in an attempt to murder him during the shooting of a film titled "Soda".

Reacting to the allegation, Rajniesh said he has never heard of Satyendra Singh nor has he acted in any film called "Soda".

He said: "Who is this guy? And which film is he talking about? I've never worked in any film called 'Soda'. Then how can I be accused of anything and be named in an FIR? This is very strange. The only film I've recently completed is titled 'Spark' and I am the only lead in it."

Rajniesh, seen in the movie "1920", has asked his lawyer to look into the matter. But he wonders what is the solution to nuisance litigation.

"Anyone can accuse a known name of anything and harass the hell out of a person. Who is this Satyendra Singh? I don't even know this guy! There should be strong legal remedies to humbug litigation...," he said.

Meanwhile, Rajniesh is having a blast shooting for "Fear Factor" in Cape Town.

"It's a never-before experience. I am doing the things that I'd never dream of doing or experiencing outside camera range. It's fun and full-on action," he said.

(Agencies)

Source:  Bollywood News & Movie Review

'Hasee Toh Phasee' wins box office battle

'Hasee Toh Phasee' has collected Rs.18.5 crore net. India business only," trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted on Monday.

Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Anurag Kashyap's Phantom Productions have jointly produced the Vinil Mathew directorial venture and the Rs.25 crore romantic-comedy came out on about 2,000 screens across the country.

One of the highlights of the film is the lead cast - Siddharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra.

Meanwhile actor Shekhar Suman's directorial debut "Heartless" starring his son Adhyayan Suman along with Deepti Naval and Om Puri, was released on the same day and it hit about 800 screens.

Nila Madhab Panda-directed "Babloo Happy Hai" and Hasnain Hyderabadwala directed "Ya Rab", which revolves around terrorism, also released on the same day.

"'Heartless' has done the best out of the three. It will be close to Rs.75 lakh over the weekend. The other two are disasters,” said Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines.

Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR Cinemas, said that “Heartless” was marketed well and added: “The occupancy was around 70 percent.”

Adhyayan, who is yet to taste big success, is happy with the reviews and tweeted: “On the way back opened three radio stations and they were talking about how good the film is and their reviews. Thank you."

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Arjun Kapoor wants to do biopic on politician

"I don't want to play an actor on screen. I would like to play an interesting character, but I have never thought about who it should be. I would like play someone from our history may be someone from the freedom movement or post the freedom era...to see their journey and why they did and all," Arjun said here on Sunday.

"I find politics very interesting. So may be a biopic on a politician because they have so many facets to their personality. While in the biopic of an actor there is not much to explore - their personal and professional life. I would like to do politically based biopic if possible," he said.

   

Arjun will be next seen in YRF's 'Gunday' co starring Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra. He made his debut with the same banner with 'Ishaqzaade'. His another film 'Aurangzeb' also came from YRF.

   

"Whatever YRF will offer to me I will always consider that important as it is a birth place for me. I am more comfortable here. Aditya Chopra shouts at me when I do a lot of masti," he said.

   

Arjun will be next seen in a romantic film titled '2 States', based on noted author Chetan Bhagat's novel of the same name.

   

He also has a film with Homi Adajania called 'Finding Fanny Fernandez' and a film with his producer father Boney Kapoor's 'Tevar'.

   

The film -- '2 States' -- is about a Punjabi boy (Krish Malhotra) played by Arjun falling in love with a south Indian girl (Anaya Swami), played by Alia Bhatt.

   

"It is about a typical Indian problem that happens in marriage (love marriage). The film is ready as we have finished shooting and hopefully the trailer will be out soon.

It will show me in a different light which is nice. I am excited as the film is all to set to release on April 18," Arjun said.

   

"I have 'Finding Fanny Fernandez' with Deepika Padukone and I enjoyed working on it. I am looking forward to it. It will be out on July 4," he added.

(Agencies)

Source: Entertainment News & Movie Review

'Kamasutra 3D' director files defamation case against Sherlyn Chopra

In his complaint, filed before Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrate Court recently, Paul alleged that the actor had abused him on social networking site Twitter.

The court posted the case for further proceedings to March 5.

Paul submitted that on January 15, the actor took to Twitter to direct abusive, obscene, comments against him.

Earlier, Chopra had filed a complaint in a police station in Mumbai alleging that Paul did not pay the remaining Rs seven lakh of her total remuneration for acting in the film.

She had also alleged that Paul had threatened to forfeit her remaining remuneration for the movie 'Kamasutra 3D', after she rejected his sexual advances.

Courtesy: Mid-Day

Source: Entertainment News & Movie Review

Katrina launches hair care product range

The "Dhoom:3" star launched the brand's 6 Oil Nourish, which includes Nourishing shampoo, Nourishing conditioner and 6 Oil Nourish Extraordinary Oil, here on Tuesday.

"I'm elated to have embarked on my journey with L'Oréal Paris with the launch of 6 Oil Nourish. I believe 6 Oil Nourish is a fantastic range of hair care products and can truly work wonders for hair that needs to be nurtured and nourished," Katrina said in a statement.

She has endorsed a mango drink and depilatory cream brand.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review

Sonakshi Sinha to work with Remo D'Souza for new film

The 26-year-old actress, who shook her leg with Prabhudeva in her previous films, said the new song is "killer and crazy".

"On my way to rehearse for a song in Tevar. Killer crazy song!! My first time working with Remo... Looking forward!," tweeted Sonakshi.

Remake of 2003 Telugu film 'Okkadu', the film also stars Arjun Kapoor in the lead. The film is producing by Arjun's father Boney Kapoor.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News & Movie Review