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Pyaar Impossible - Movie Review

SHREK [and its instalments] has been one of the most loved movies of our times. An ogre falls in love with a princess and after overcoming their share of obstacles, the couple live happily ever after. Most Hindi movies take a similar route, don't they? We love happy endings. We want the underdog to accomplish his dreams. We feel euphoric if he walks into the sunset, holding the hand of his beloved.

A love story works if you fall in love with the on-screen characters and also if it knocks on the doors of your heart. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE does that. PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE may not be the ultimate romantic film, but you can't deny the fact that there's something about this film that stays with you, that you carry home... sorry, carry in your heart.

PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE also works because its protagonists, Uday and Priyanka, deliver sparkling performances. No wonder, you get drawn in their world in a jiffy.

Final word? Watch PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE if you are or even if you're not a romantic. It has its heart in the right place!

In a university in California, Alisha [Priyanka Chopra] is the name of that dream everyone wished came true. The most beautiful girl on campus, she makes hearts flutter like leaves in the wind. Everybody loves Alisha.

It is no surprise then that Abhay [Uday Chopra] loves her too. Abhay is a nerdy, awkward, bespectacled geek of the college who is so far removed from her world. She doesn't even know that people like him actually exist.

One day Abhay musters up enough courage to go and express his true feelings to her and realizes that it is never gonna happen. He comes to terms with the fact that Alisha is a Princess and he is just a Geek. That is when their ways eventually part. Later, their paths cross again, as Abhay is busy trying to launch his career. Fate again brings him face to face with the woman of his dreams, Alisha.

Will Abhay have the strength to believe in himself and attempt to achieve what he never thought possible?

You may draw parallels with Chris Columbus' I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER [2009], but the fact is that Uday Chopra's story in PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE [yes, he has penned the story, screenplay and dialogue] could be anybody's story. This is not about a nerd who wants his program back from a suave hacker. It's about a simpleton, his feelings, the complications in his life and the final triumph. Haven't we seen so many jodis in real life, who may not pair off well, but look compatible? Let's not forget, opposites attract!

You may also draw parallels with Aditya Chopra's RAB NE BANA DI JODI, but writer Uday Chopra and director Jugal Hansraj steer clear of anything that could be similar to Adi's film. The [sole] similarity starts and ends with a simpleton falling in love with an attractive girl.

Uday's screenplay remains faithful to the main plot, not deviating one bit. At the same time, it could've been tighter in the post-interval portions. There were ample occasions when Uday could've opened his heart, his motive of arriving in Singapore, that he's not a nanny, that he had been cheated by Dino. But he doesn't!

Thankfully, the writing is back on track towards its climax. Right from the kiddie song, to Priyanka realising that she loves Uday, to the press conference when Uday stands vindicated and Dino exposed, the penultimate moments are the mainstay of the enterprise.

Jugal Hansraj has the trappings of a competent director. He has handled several sensitive moments with dexterity. Salim-Sulaiman's musical score is pleasant, but it can do with that extra push [promotion] from the music division. Santosh Thundiyil's cinematography is top notch. Dialogue [also penned by Uday] are straight out of life.

PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE works largely due to the efficient performances by its principal actors - Uday Chopra and Priyanka Chopra. Both deliver sparkling performances. Priyanka has evolved into a fantastic actor and this film proves it yet again. Five minutes into the film and you realise that you are not watching Priyanka, but Alisha Merchant. That's what this fine actor does to you.

Uday gets it right as Abhay. Sure, the actor has been a part of several films in the past, but this one awakens you to this sincere performer, who, unfortunately, has never got his due. He plays the role of a Geek with astute understanding and it's thanks to his super portrayal that you feel for this character. This should be the turning point in his career.

Dino Morea springs a surprise and carries off his part very well. Anupam Kher is perfect in a brief role. Advika Yadav, the kid playing Priyanka's daughter, is adorable. And a terrific actor too!

On the whole, PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE is a feel-good film. If you are a romantic, this one's for you. Even if you're not, still watch it. Its one of those films that will bring a smile on your face - something that most Hindi films don't do these days!

B.O. update: 'Rocket Singh' opens to shockingly low response

Everyone was expecting ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR to start with a bang, given the fact that Ranbir Kapoor's last two films, WAKE UP SID and AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, had fetched a flying start. Also, the fact that Aditya Chopra, Shimit Amin and Jaideep Sahni had teamed up with Ranbir, only raised the expectations from the film. But the poor start of ROCKET SINGH sent shock waves within the industry. The film had a 20% to 40% start at certain plexes and at places, 10% to 15% start.

The reports are extremely mixed and it remains to be seen if the film picks up on Saturday and Sunday, like Yash Raj's previous two biggies, CHAK DE INDIA and RAB NE BANA DI JODI.

Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year - Movie Review

Some films absorb you instantly, from the very outset. But it takes time to get into the world of a salesman who thinks from his heart.

Come to think of it, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is about a simpleton, but the story of his struggle and accomplishment isn't the kind that would charge you or make you charter a similar path in life. Also, the story of an underdog who comes up the hard way should make you feel euphoric in the end, right? But ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR doesn't.

Frankly, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. It's a decent film, no two opinions on that, but the question is, [a] Is the story powerful enough to excite you and [b] Does it grab your attention in entirety? Sadly, the answer to both the questions is in the negative.

There's another problem and this is strictly from the point of those seeking entertainment. A Yash Raj film with Ranbir Kapoor [after AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI] essaying the title role, coupled with fun-filled promos ['Pocket Mein Rocket Hain'] might make you assume that it would offer loads of entertainment, but this has barely a song or two, as good as no romance and hardly any comic moments - the recipe for most Hindi movies.

In a nutshell, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is a dull and dry experience.

Harpreet Singh Bedi [Ranbir Kapoor] has just graduated and his marks are, well, let's say a little embarrassing. But marks never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career, and they never will.

He takes a deep, positive breath and dives into the world of sales, rumoured to be an ultra cool career. It's everything he dreamt of, with its smooth dressing, smoother talking men and women who can sell ice to an Eskimo, dreams to an insomniac and a lifetime mobile connection to a dying man. But soon, his idea of success begins clashing with the strange ways of these 'professionals' and 'bosses' he looked up to.

ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR may be based on a simpleton's life, but the viewer gets a hang of things only towards the second hour. The entire first hour is devoted to establishing the characters and also getting used to the way sales persons go about their business.

There's not much excitement in the first hour, barring a few attention-grabbing scenes that pop up intermittently. The story just flows, with the viewer not reacting much to the proceedings. But things change for better towards the post-interval portions when the protagonist and his colleagues' lives get complicated.

At least two sequences deserve a mention here. The first, when Ranbir and his boss have a lengthy telephonic conversation. The second, when the boss realises his folly and apologises to Ranbir. But, unfortunately, the culmination to the story doesn't give the feeling of euphoria or victory. Ideally speaking, it should have. That's one of the reasons why the impact is missing.

Shimit Amin is an efficient storyteller and he has been most faithful to the plot, but if the plot itself has its limitations, there's not much he can do to boost the proceedings. Jaideep Sahni has had the courage to narrate a new story, but the story is one-dimensional. Also, there screenplay is devoid of songs, romance and entertainment, which will go against the film completely.

Salim-Sulaiman's background score is effectual. Vikash Nowlakha's cinematography is alright.

Ranbir Kapoor is an exceptional actor and ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR mirrors this fact. The actor underplays his part beautifully, which only goes to prove that he's equally at ease essaying straight-out-of-life roles. Prem Chopra is exceptional. A number of new faces enact pivotal roles here, but the ones who stand out are Ranbir's boss Puri and colleague Nitin. Both are fantastic.

D. Santosh is first-rate. Gauhar Khan leaves a strong impression. Shazahn Padamsee doesn't get any scope.

On the whole, ROCKET SINGH - SALESMAN OF THE YEAR is more of a documentary on the life of a salesman. Lack of music, romance and entertainment, coupled with zilch hype, will go against the film. A colossal disappointment!

Ranbir benefits from Shah Rukh being busy

Aditya Chopra going ahead with first film without SRK

Aditya Chopra is reportedly all set to direct his next film after “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi”. It will be a young love story written by him as well.

For the first time, close friend Shah Rukh Khan will not be starring in a movie directed by Adi. As SRK is busy with Farah Khan's film “Happy New Year” and Farhan Akhtar’s “Don 2”, Adi had to come up with a script that required another kind of leading man.

As the need was for a young hero, Ranbir Kapoor is said to be doing the film now.

Is Ranbir on his way to becoming the new Yash Raj Films’ favourite? Looks like he’s at least on his way. Adi’s film will be his third with YRF after “Bachna Ae Haseeno” and the upcoming “Rocket Singh Salesman of the Year”.

Uncle Yash wants Mr Perfectionist

Chopra Sr has Aamir in mind for his next, which he will direct

Buzz is that Yash Chopra, who celebrated his birthday last night, has signed Aamir Khan for his next directorial project.

Chopra Sr is looking to return from a five-year directorial hiatus. His last was Veer Zaara with SRK.

Yash directed Aamir in Parampara in 1992. The director then approached him for Darr (1993). Shah Rukh eventually did the film.

A source in the industry reveals, "Chopra has been working on a number of scripts but now has his heart set on one recently. He thinks Aamir is perfect for the part. He has approached the actor and will soon meet him."

Relations between Aamir and the banner improved after Fanaa. If Khan does the film, it will take their association to a new level." The source further adds, "There is an urgency in the YRF clan to make big films with established stars." Chopra Sr wants to start his film by early 2010 and release it by the end of the year.

Says Rafiq Gangjee of YRF, "Yash Chopra's next directorial script has still not been finalised. The issue of casting arises only after that."

In Pics: Rani Mukherjee plays cricket to promote 'Dil Bole Hadippa!'

In Pics: Promotion of 'Dil Bole Hadippa!' at NDTV

Dil Bole Hadippa - Movie Review

Cricket, like Bollywood, is an addiction for a wide majority of Indians. DIL BOLE HADIPPA tries to capture the spirit of the game and the aspirations of a sportsperson, who's keen to play for her pind. On paper, the concept, which bears an uncanny resemblance to SHE'S THE MAN, sounds interesting, but the problem is its writing, which is tame and mediocre.

Let's elaborate. The plusses, first...
It's mandatory for cricket-based films like LAGAAN and VICTORY, which conclude with a cricket match, to have a thrilling finish. DIL BOLE HADIPPA too has a awe-inspiring end.
Also, the story of an ordinary girl who aspires to play cricket for the national team is motivating, with Rani Mukherji handling her part with complete understanding.

But there's a flipside too. The romantic moments between Rani and Shahid Kapoor lack fizz. Even the assorted characters in the film, like Sherlyn Chopra, Vrajesh Hirjee and Rakhi Sawant, contribute nothing to the film. They're mere props.

Final word? You expect DIL BOLE HADIPPA to score a century, like several films churned out by Yash Raj. But it settles down in the half-century range. Strictly average!

Veera [Rani Mukherji] is a fire-cracker of a girl who lives in a small village, but chases big dreams. She works in a local theatre group, but dreams of playing cricket in the big league. Yes, believe it or not, she wants to play with Tendulkar and Dhoni for India.

While Veera dreams on in India, Rohan [Shahid Kapoor] is an accomplished captain of a county cricket team in England. Rohan returns to India to captain his father's cricket team, which has been losing consecutively for the last 8 years.

In a village where girls don't play cricket, Veera has to put on a turban and beard and become a man to fulfil her dreams. Her brilliance on the field earns her a place in Rohan's team and Veera Kaur becomes Veer Pratap Singh. But what happens when the secret is out?

DIL BOLE HADIPPA has a patchy script. It's interesting initially, but takes the beaten path later. Rani's obsession for cricket is well established at the outset. So is the friendship between Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil [who heads the Pakistani team]. Also, the initial scenes between Anupam and Shahid are well integrated in the story.

The film shows promise when Rani transforms from Veera to Veer. All this happens in the initial 20-25 minutes, but the story comes to a screeching halt thereafter.

Problem begins... Shahid loses his heart to Rani and the film suddenly turns into a love story. Sherlyn surfaces in between to spice up the proceedings, but nothing happens. The conflict during the finale - when Shahid learns the truth - doesn't make the desired impact either. Even the re-emergence of the mother [Poonam Dhillon] in the story looks like a complete compromise from the writing point of view.

However, the match between the Indian and Pakistani teams in the climax is well executed and though the viewer is well aware what the ending would be, it keeps you hooked nonetheless. Unfortunately, the final speech by Rani [after the match is won] is outright predictable. The film would've benefitted with an innovative end.

Anurag Singh shows sparks of brilliance at times, but how one wishes the debutante director and his writers would've come up with a solid script. Pritam's music doesn't help either. Barring the title track, the balance songs are plain average. Cinematography is nice.

DIL BOLE HADIPPA belongs to Rani and as always, she delivers a sparkling performance as Veera as well as Veer, carrying both the roles effortlessly. Shahid plays second fiddle to Rani, which is very surprising. Nevertheless, he enacts his part well. Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil lend decent support. Poonam Dhillon has nothing to do. Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra are wasted. Vrajesh Hirjee is passable. Shri Vallabh Vyas does well.

On the whole, DIL BOLE HADIPPA is an ordinary fare. At the box-office, the film has some chances in North mainly thanks to the Punjabi flavour. The holidays ahead may help its prospects at plexes essentially, but the single screens will be dull.

Rani's sexy in her bikini

Believe it or not, but the whole ‘bikini top ‘n’ skimpy shorts’ avatar in short — flaunting Rani Mukerji’s hot new bod wasn’t her idea. Not even the producer or director had anything to do with it.

After she realised how much she had toned up (to play a male cricketer in Dil Bole Hadippa!), Rani just happened to discuss this idea with her designer friend Manish Malhotra. And from there on it was Manish’s game plan, after all, he’s transformed many a Bollywood girl in to glam queens. He suggested that it would be a pity to waste such a well-toned body by not showing it off. That’s how the idea of a special song was born. And is she looking hot? Talk about her ‘shapely’ success, and Rani says, “Believe me, I didn’t starve at all. I love my food, especially rice and sweets. There was no way I was giving up all that. So, I just worked out harder and was occasionally allowed my ‘cheat’ meals of rice, sweets, etc. And I’m happy. All gain, no sacrifice.” Imagine our Bong tigress on a ghaas-phoos diet? That’s not fair to such a beauty, na?

Aditya Chopra’s holds private film screening for Rani’s family

Raja Mukerji is raving about his sister in ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’

Aditya Chopra recently hosted a special screening of “Dil Bole Hadippa” for the Mukerjis.

“ Dil Bole Hadippa” is a very special movie for Aditya – it stars lady love Rani and has been directed by one of his closest friends, Anurag Singh. And hence he held a special screening for his very special lady and her family at the Yash Raj Studios.

This clearly shows Adi’s feelings for Rani Mukerji. Even thought the couple denies being in relationship this special gesture says it all.

Present at the screening were Rani, her mom and dad, her brother Raja and his wife Jyoti.

Aditya, who is known to stay away from the limelight, does not believe in seeking any media attention by holding such screenings. But he did this for his Rani and her family.

After the screening Raja was heard telling everyone, how rocking his sister is in the movie and went on praising her looks and her performance.

Looking at the promos, we cannot help but agree with him.

Prediction: Wanted v/s Dil Bole Hadippa

It’s Shahid versus Salman at the box office this week. Which film will rule and which will sink? Celebrity astro-numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi helps us decode the fate of these films.

About Dil Bole Hadippa, Bhavikk says,

This film will be a treat for all Rani Mukerji fans that have been yearning to see her in an author backed role since a long time. The title adds up to Number 53 – that means number 8 of Shani (Saturn). The planet of two extremes, it gives instant success or failure. There is nothing in between.

Rani Mukerji (21st March, 1978) is currently running through her 32nd year which is one of her weakest numbers. But Shani (Saturn) generally favors people or places vibrating on Numbers 1, 3, 5 or 6. In that case, Rani’s performance in this film will once again be appreciated by one and all. But since Rani’s stars are not up to the mark, the box office performance of this film may suffer and shall remain on the edge. Also the current year 2009 belongs to the Moon (Number 2) which does not support anything even remotely connected with Number 8 as both Numbers 2 and 8 do not form a good combination. This further dims the chances of this film hitting the boundary line.

But on the other hand, the man currently in form after Kaminey, Shahid Kapoor (25th February, 1981) is passing through his 29th year which is one of his best phases. The year also adding up on the same number acts as a bonus. For that matter, Shahid’s luck quotient should rub off on the film to an extent. All in all, Dil Bole Hadippa may turn out to be a good film but the ‘star power’ (read luck factor) is missing!

For Wanted, Bhavikk Sangghvi’s predictions are:

The title adds up to Number 25 which represents Neptune – Number 7. It is one of the most creative planets giving inspiration but it does not necessarily translate into a commercially successful venture. However the compound number 25 benefits in the long run. There is no doubt about that.

Salman Khan (27th December, 1965) is currently running in his 44th year which is one of his weakest numbers. The year 2009 adds up to Number 2 which is in direct contrast with Salman’s Number 9. The film is releasing in the month of September which is primarily ruled by Mercury (Number 5). Numbers 5 and 9 do not gel well at all. In that respect, a long run success of Wanted is ruled out.

The silver lining in the dark cloud is the release date of the film which is September 18 – Number 9 is Salman’s birth number and so the film will take a flying start thanks and there will be an element of euphoria which will settle down soon.

In short, Wanted – will do average business. Nothing spectacular but not bad as such.

Aamir, SRK ‘gave blessing to our set in a way’

Rani Mukerji remembers first day of 'Dil Bole Hadippa' shoot

Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji says she was delighted to see Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, "two special people" in her life, on the first day of shooting of her film "Dil Bole Hadippa".

"It was my first schedule for 'Dil Bole Hadippa'. We were shooting the song 'Bhangra Bistar' and coincidentally Shah Rukh was shooting for 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' and Aamir was shooting an ad at Yash Raj Films studios at the same time...they were all eager to see what I am doing in the song and if I am playing a man so they came and kind of gave blessing to our set in a way.

"It was really sweet because Aamir and SRK are two very special people in my life and I see their presence on the set on the first day of the shoot as a happy coincidence."

Releasing on Sept 18, the film will see the actress playing a man too. She is starring opposite Shahid Kapur and took cricket lessons for the role.

Video: Making of Aaja Nachle - Part 01

Video: Making of Aaja Nachle - Part 2

Rani dazzles at Toronto Film Festival

‘Dil Bole Hadippa’ premieres at the event

“Dil Bole Hadippa", became the first Bollywood film to premiere at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before its release in India.

Present in Toronto, Canada, was the film’s leading lady Rani Mukerji and debutant director Anurag Singh.

Seen here is the duo posing for a portrait during the “Dil Bole Hadippa" photo call at The Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto on September 13.

“I am over the moon at this privilege given to 'Dil Bole Hadippa',” Anurag Singh had said earlier.

He certainly is looking pleased, but it’s Rani we can’t help admiring. We rarely see in a gown, she’s looking stunning.

Rani’s acid test this Friday

For her, a lot is riding on 'Dil Bole Hadippa'

After starring in back-to-back duds like "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" and "Saawariya" and doing a few cameos in the last two years, Bengali beauty Rani Mukerji returns to the big screen in a new avatar in "Dil Bole Hadippa!". Releasing on Friday (Sept 18), the film will see the actress playing a man too!

Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the romantic comedy is the directorial debut of Anurag Singh, who has been an associate director for five films with filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and with Sanjay Gadhvi for "Dhooom 2".

The movie also marks the entry of Shahid Kapur into the YRF camp. He is paired opposite Rani.

The film tells the story of Veera (Rani), a fire-cracker of a girl who lives in a small village but dreams of playing cricket in the big league. Rohan (Shahid) is an accomplished captain of a county cricket team in England and returns to India to captain his father's cricket team, which has been losing consecutively since the last eight years.

In a village where girls don't play cricket, Veera has to wear a turban and beard to disguise herself as a man to fulfil her dreams. Her brilliance on the field earns her rave points and an entry into Rohan's team.

"There is something which the film says very subtly because preachy films can be really boring. 'Dil Bole Hadippa!; is very entertaining and in the end, it just leaves you with a thought," Shahid had said.

The 31-year-old actress also hit the gym for her toned look in the movie.

"Rani is very committed towards her body and her dedication has resulted in mind-blowing results. She is looking outstanding," celebrity trainer Satyadev 'Satya' Chaurasia had told IANS.

Debutant director Anurag Singh says the film has been shot entirely in villages.

"There is no trace of any city or skyscrapers in it. We did all our shooting in villages outside Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Amritsar over 80 days," he said.

Asked why he chose Rani and Shahid for the lead role, he said: "I wanted to bring in a pair which had never worked together before. There is some sort of freshness about Rani and Shahid working together. There was instant chemistry between the two," he added.

The film has had its share of controversies too. Initially, the title of the film was "Hadippa" but the rights to the same had been bought by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali who refused to part with it on YRFs request. The movie title was then announced to be "Dil Bole Hadippa!"

Then the Punjabi Cultural And Heritage Board showed displeasure over Rani's character in the film donning a patka instead of a pagdi, since an adult Sikh normally wears a pagdi and not a patka.

The Sikh community also raised objection regarding the use of a patka sign in place of a dot on letter 'I' in the movie title "...Hadippa".

Apparently, this is YRF's second film on a sport after their hockey-centric 2007 hit "Chak De! India". Also starring Anupam Kher and Dalip Tahil along with item girls Rakhi Sawant and Sherlyn Chopra, the movie premiered at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.

In Pics: Rani and Shahid promoting "Dil Bole Hadippa" at Yash Raj Studios