Posts Tagged ‘Raj Kumar Hirani’

VOTD : Filmmakers VS Critics

Posted: November 29, 2010 by moifightclub in bollywood, VOTD
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If you missed the latest episode of Koffee With Karan, we have got the most interesting part of the show. Our VOTD – Critics talking about filmmakers and the directors talking about the film reviews.

KWK had Raj Kumar Hirani, Farah Khan and Imtiaz Ali as guests on the show. And the critics were Mayank Shekhar, Minty Tejpal, Sarita Tanwar, Anupama Chopra, Rajeev Masand and Taran Adarsh. But WTF is Sarita Tanwar ?! Someone who has no clue about films and rated Once Upon A Time In Mumbai and My Name Is Khan 4.5 stars! And Taran Adarsh ? Well, thats a joke. Or joker. You decide.

VVC Versus Chetan Bhagat – all the details & the dope!

Posted: January 1, 2010 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, gossipmongers, News, songs & videos, Story / Plot / Synopsis, Thoughts, writing
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25th December (Friday) – This is how it started (see the pic). Chetan Bhagat and his book is not mentioned in the opening credits of the film 3 Idiots. In the closing credit, it comes quite late. 

27th December (Sunday) – In an interview to Hindustan Times, Chetan says that it feels strange. Click here to read the full interview.

29th December (Tuesday) –  Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Aamir Khan accused Chetan Bhagat of being publicity hungry at a press conference in Bangalore. And then this is what happened. Check out the video.

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December 31st (Thursday) – Chetan Bhagat wrote a post on his blog titled A book, a film and the truth and explained his stand on the credit controversy. Click here to read the post.

1st January (Friday) – Vidhu Vinod Chopra started the year with a bang. Shut Up! Today at a presser in Delhi, Vidhu Vinod Chopra lost his cool and went insane when asked about Chetan Bhagat’s claims. Check out the video.

And here is more….

September 9, 2009 – Here is the link to an interview where RajKumar Hirani said that the film is only 5 percent similar to the book.

 How true are you keeping 3 Idiots to the book by Chetan Bhagat Five Point Someone?

3 Idiots is inspired from the book but it is completely different. I would say just five per cent of it is the same. Books and films are different. So the moment you decide to pick up a book and make a film as it is, it will be a disaster. It’s a nice book, but it’s anecdotal and films can’t be anecdotal. It has to have a story. The reason I mention this is because people should not go to the theatre thinking, we are going to watch Five Point Someone and later find out that it’s a completely different film.

Chetan Bhagat is also not exactly holier-than-thou. He said that he never read the script or may be, just the first draft. But check out this video (thnx for the tip Mohammad Moizuddin), at 5:30, Chetan saying that Raju narrated the full script to him, 2-3 times.

We havent read the book. But those who have, said its easily more than 5-10 percent. And if thats the case, then Chetan surely deserves better place in the credit. Watch any film which is based on any book, its always mentioned in the opening credits. And if the similarity is beyond the set up and the one liner pitch, Chetan also deserves a story credit.

Whats surprising is that in the centre of it is Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The man who doesnt leave any small credit. Remember the song bande me tha dum in Munnabhai MBBS. If we are not wrong, Vidhu Vinod Chopra suggested one or two lines of the song, to be exact, just the phrase bande me that dum! Rest was all written by Swanand Kirkire. But check out anywhere, Vidhu Vinod Chopra is credited everywhere for those few words. He made sure that he is credited.

At the Apsara Awards that year, when the song was nominated and only Swanand’s name was mentioned in the nomination list, VVC was shouting from rooftop for getting his name in the credit list. Yeh to poori kahani hai Sirji!

We love the filmmaker because he is insanely passionate about films and has discovered some great talent. He is the only producer who shares profit with his cast and crew. Abhijaat Joshi was paid Rs 1 crore after the sucess of Lage Raho Munnabhai. A writer getting a crore in this country ?? Thats Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. But thats VVC!

But the man is equally pompous and loud and loves talking about only his films. Its difficult to say why he did this to Chetan Bhagat, whose PR guys are always on overdrive to the point of irritation. But sadly this time, the man seems to be on the right side. And to read the contract between Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Chetan Bhagat, click www.vinodchopra.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

And isnt it a great irony! The film which told us that ranks, grades and marks are not everything, their makers are fighting over the credit! Wow! Strange are the ways of bollywood. And you, Mr RajKumar Hirani, where do you stand ?

Film Reviews : 3 Idiots

Posted: December 24, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, film review, News, reviews
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Raj Kumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots is here! So, all is well or not so well ? Looks like its a divided house. It has Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani and Omi Vaidya in the the lead. Here are some of the early reviews….

Raja Sen (Rediff) – This isn’t a bad film, though. By which I mean it conjures up a few moments, it will doubtless make some people cry, and every now and then we glimpse some heart. Yet it hurts to see that this is traditional Bollywood masala schlock, with scenes calculated to tickle and to evoke sympathy. It’s not awful at all, but since when did ‘not bad’ become good? Dr Feelgood doesn’t make the cut this time, and we need to measure him by the high bar his previous excellence has set — by which degree this is a whopper of a disappointment – 2/5

Gaurav Malani (ET) – The film redefines Idiot as ‘I do it on my own terms’. After watching the film, you won’t mind being certified as an idiot. If you still don’t approve of the film, you are a certified cynic. 3 Idiots is one of the most entertaining films of the decade – 5/5

Anand Vaishnav (Buzz18) – 3 Idiots is a happy film with a positive message. But you never feel for or root for its characters. Releasing in the festive season, this film will deliver truckloads of laughter, but might not satisfy the expectations of watching an Aamir Khan-Rajkumar Hirani film. It’s just another feel good, time pass watch – 3/5

Taran Adarsh (Indiafm) – On the whole, 3 Idiots easily ranks amongst Aamir, Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s finest films. Do yourself and your family a favour: Watch 3 Idiots. It’s emotional, it’s entertaining, it’s enlightening. The film has tremendous youth appeal and feel-good factor to work in a big way – 4.5/5

Kaveree Bamzai (India Today) – Mr Hirani, Mahatma, we bow to you. Aamir, we think you’ll make a great HRD Minister. And yes, a word for the man who produced it as he did the Munnabhais. More power to you, Vidhu Vinod Chopra. We know now why you speak so much, so long, and so loudly. It’s because movies such as these can silence everyone else – 5/5

Nandini Ramnath (Time Out) – The message is a bit mixed, since the movie ultimately celebrates achievement. Given how Ranchchod ends up, it’s clear that whether you’re self-taught or schooled, you’ll remain an idiot if you aren’t also talented to begin with – 2/5

Mayank Shekhar (HT) – Before 3 Idiots on screen, you still don’t feel like the fourth idiot in the theatre. That’s a non-Bollywood relief. This is the sort of movie you’ll take home with a smile and a song on your lips, unless the hype has entirely messed up with your expectations – 3.5/5

Since Anupama Chopra is married to Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Mayank Shekhar has reviewed the film for NDTV this friday.

Shubhra Gupta (Indian Express) – It makes the point, but not as magically as it could have, given Hirani’s unique gift of building extraordinary moments out of the ordinary. ‘3 Idiots’ was good in parts, but it didn’t blow me away – 3/5

Aniruddha Guha (DNA) – Even as you have come to accept Khan’s genius at ensuring a good product for audiences every time, this one is a Rajkumar Hirani show all the way. And it becomes easy to say that because even if you take Khan out of the equation, the film would probably make a similar impact – 4/5

Nikhat Kazmi (TOI) – The high point of the film is the fact that director Rajkumar Hirani says so much, and more, without losing his sense of humour and the sheer lightness of being. The film is a laugh riot, despite being high on fundas – 4.5/5

Rajeev Masand (CNN IBN) – An earnest but calculated effort that runs, but never flies. Watch it anyway, because it’s the season to be jolly, and good laughs are guaranteed – 3/5

Whats your take ? Where do you stand between 2 and 5 ?

RajKumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots – new pic!

Posted: October 16, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, first look, News, pics, Thoughts
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A new still of Three Idiots (3 Idiots) is out. The film is directed by Raj Kumar Hirani, produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi. 

The pic comes with a punchline that reads “Jab Life ho out of control, toh seeti bajaa ke bol! Its on the back side, not visible in the pic. We wonder if this is Hirani’s Jadoo ki jhappi for 3 Idiots! 

Think this pic will be used for the cover of music cds. And the pic is spot the bum contest! See if you get the bums right!

3idiots1

 

5million interviews for just 5% : Chetan Bhagat should shut up now!

Posted: September 10, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, gossipmongers, News, shit, Story / Plot / Synopsis, Thoughts, writing
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Chetan BhagatIf you like Chetan Bhagat or if you think he is the best thing to happen to desi writing or if you are desperately waiting for his next book Two States, then this place is injurious to you health. Kindly move on to next blog!

In Bollywood and Mumbai’s first class train compartements, people read only two authors. Chetan Bhagat and Paulo Coehlo. People have only two favourite books – The Alchemist and Five Point Someone. And I hate the smell of both the books! Chetan Bhagat is the shittiest thing to happen in desi writing in recent time. He is, what i call, potty writer! You read it while doing potty, finish it by the time your potty is over and then use it as tissue paper! Pure junk like McDonald’s and priced also at the same range! If someone is willing to sign my cousin who is in 5th standard, do let me know, he can also write the same.

No imagination, no thought, bad writing. Period. But too much of publicity! The three books by him are three mistakes of his life! And according to news reports, Raj Kumari Hirani’s Three Idiots is based on Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone. WTF!! How is that possible ? I could not digest the news. Spent sleepless nights. How could Hirani do it ?

Its official! Vidhu Vinod Chopra bought the rights of the book. Bus aur kya! Chetan Bhagat went on promotional over drive. Some million interviews on how the next Aamir Khan film is based on his book and blah blah blah. Pics in some million poses and more!

I was surprsied, confiirmed it and found that its just the setting and nothing beyond that. But on one side it was me and the other side it was Chetan Bhagat and his million interviews. Nobody was willing to believe me that VVC and Hirani bought the rights only to be safe, so that nobody can question them later on.

Finally, Raj Kumar Hirani has clarified in this interview (read the second last question. hav copy pasted it here also)  to Mumbai Mirror that the film and the book is only 5% similar! Yes, just five percent!

Q. How true are you keeping 3 Idiots to the book by Chetan Bhagat Five Point Someone?

A. 3 Idiots is inspired from the book but it is completely different. I would say just five per cent of it is the same. Books and films are different. So the moment you decide to pick up a book and make a film as it is, it will be a disaster. It’s a nice book, but it’s anecdotal and films can’t be anecdotal. It has to have a story. The reason I mention this is because people should not go to the theatre thinking, we are going to watch Five Point Someone and later find out that it’s a completely different film.

Game over, Mr Bhagat! Am much relieved. Now can that potty writer Chetan Bhagat just shut the fuck up! Enough of him and his mistakes!

UPDATE (1st Jan 2010) – Click here to read all the details and the dope about the credit controversy of 3 Idiots. Vidhu Vinod Chopra VS Chetan Bhagat.

Xclusive : Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots sold to Studio 18 for 85 cr!

Posted: August 1, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, gossipmongers, News, Thoughts, Xclusive
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Three IdiotsFirst it was Shah Rukh Khan’s My Name is Khan , which Fox Star bagged for Rs 100 crore. Not sure about the exact details yet but the deal is confirmed. And now the exclusive dope on Aamir Khan’s next – we have got to know that Aamir Khan’s 3 Idiots (Three Idiots) have been bagged by Studio 18 for Rs 85 cr! Woohoo! 3 Idiots is directed by Raj Kumar Hirani, produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and stars Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.

Except Music, Studio18 has got all the rights of 3 Idiots (Three Idiots) for Rs 85 crore. Music rights is with T-Series. So, if we add 10-15 cr more for music rights, it will be equal to 95-100 crore. Shah Rukh Khan & Aamir Khan on par! Fox Star and Sony was also interestd in it. But two factors contributed towards Studio18 bagging the rights. Aamir Khan’s personal and professional equation with Studio18.

Aamir is close to Vandana Malik, head of Studio18, whose daughter Avantika Malik is Imran Khan’s girlfriend. And professionally Aamir was happy with the box office result of Ghajini, which was distributed by Studio 18. Ghajini was sold for Rs 90 cr. And so Aamir made sure that Studio18 gets the preference for 3 Idiots.

3 Idiots will release on the last week of december as the date has proved lucky for Aamir Khan since last two years. First it was Taare Zameen Par, then Ghajini and now Aamir wants to stick to the same date. So, come what may, 3 Idiots will release on the last friday (25th december) of the year.

Hirani, Bhardwaj, Gowariker – Why & How Shah Rukh Khan lost them all ?

Posted: June 24, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cast & crew, cinema, etc, gossipmongers, News, Thoughts
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Why is Shah Rukh Khan digging his own grave ? Is it difficult to get the star quotient out of your head or is it impossible to hear anything beyond the voice of your cronies! That’s what it looks like. Reminds us of the film Luck By Chance and Hrithik Roshan talking to his image.

Raj Kumar HiraniRaj Kumar Hirani – Greed killed it. Hirani approached Shah Rukh Khan for Three Idiots. Khan offered to produce the film, pay him Rs 25 cr for writing-directing fees and asked Hirani to leave Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Lil did he expect that some people have the guts to say NO to Rs 25 crore. And a NO to Shah rukh Khan. Vidhu Vinod Chopra even asked Hirani to take the offer if Hirani wants it. But Hirani knew what he wanted. When Hirani said NO, Chopra wrote a letter to Shah Rukh Khan and made his views clear. Then the twist happened,  Hirani got Aamir Khan for the same film. Who is having the last laugh ? Need we say more.

Vishal BhardwajVishal Bhardwaj – Ego killed it. Some time back, Bhardwaj approached Shah Rukh Khan for a film. He narrated the script. Khan wanted changes. Disagreement. Vishal was trying to find a way. But Khan’s cronies made it ugly. As if the world moves according to Khan & his cronies, the script should be exactly what the King wants. Vishal left him. According to today’s Mumbai Mirror, now Hrithik Roshan is doing a film with Vishal Bhardwaj. We are waiting to hear more.

ashutosh gowarikerAshutosh Gowariker – Dumbness killed it. We are not great fans of Shah Rukh Khan – the actor. We love him for his intelligence & the great rise from being an outsider to the top. Swades & Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na – are the only two films of Khan which can tolerate. Rest is beyond us. But it seems Shah Rukh doesnt think so.  He wants commercial success.

According to this report, Shah Rukh doesn’t want to work with Ashutosh Gowariker anymore. Has he really lost it ? We think so. And hope that Gowariker gets someone better soon.

That leaves Shah Rukh Khan with only three directors – Karan Johar, Farah Khan & Aditya Chopra. And they will recycle him in same kind of dead boring roles.

Now compare it to Aamir Khan & the the directors that he has worked in recent past..

1. Raj Kumar Hiri – Three Idiots

2. A R Murugadoss – Ghajini

3. Amole Gupte ( writer/creative director ) – Taare Zameen Par 

4. Kunal Kohli – Fanaa 

5. Rakeysh Omprakash mehra – Rang De Basanti

6. Ketan Mehta – The Rising : Mangal Pandey

7. Farhan Akhtar – Dil Chahta Hai

Its not very difficult to guess that Aamir is willing to work with anyone who can convince him. Unlike Shah Rukh, he is not looking for “freinds” who can direct him. He is looking for “directors” who can direct him. And this is surely working in his favour. Shah Rukh, are you listening ? 

Xclusive : Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s next – Pachasvi Saalgirah

Posted: May 27, 2009 by moifightclub in bollywood, cinema, etc, News, writing, Xclusive
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This one is fightclub exclusive. And by exclusive, we mean it, unlike others.

vidhu vinod chopraThis is one insane man whom we absolutely adore. Because this man loves and worships cinema. Here goes our xclusive dope….Vidhu Vinod Chopra is busy developing a new script tentatively titled Pachasvi Saalgirah (50th Anniversary). As the name suggests, its about an old couple who are soon going to celebrate their 50th marriage anniversary (isnt that rare these days). And so whats the plan ? The old man wants to spend the anniversary night in a five star hotel, his long cherished dream. Then ? Well, the script is still being developed. So all you curious folks have to wait some more. We will get you more when it happens.

Also, Munnabhai Chale Amreeka and Ferarri Ki Sawari’s story sessions are very much on. But looks like Talisman may not happen soon. The priority is Broken Horses after Three Idiots which is almost done.

Dope on Raj Kumar Hirani’s Three Idiots – Aamir Khan is NOT playing a college student in the film. No need to worry about his looks and get up any more. He plays a mysterious character who lands up in a college to spread some gud old philosophy about education system..whats right and whats not!