Hometown's hometown, after all.

George Clooney, one of the most stylish & sexiest actor in Hollywood, currently directed and acted in a film called Leatherheads.

The film is mainly about a professional football team in 1920s...and it could be categorized as a comedy+romance+sports.

What's more interesting or rather surprising is that Clooney chose his very own hometown Maysville, Kentucky for the premier of this film.
The co-actor, Renee Zellweger, also accompanied him there.

A bit of his birth biography? He wasn't actually born in Maysville, but he was born in Lexington & he grew up in Augusta_25km west of Maysville.

No wonder Maysville has quite an influence on him.
Imagine yourself growing up in a suburb near New York City or Paris, you'll see what I mean here.

The movie was shown at the Washington Opera Theatre, Maysville last week. But unfortunately, it could only hold 300 seats.

"It was a huge part of my life, this town. I'm just like them. I just happen to be a little more famous," he told the Louisville Courier-Journal, the local paper.

"Leatherheads" was released officially on 4th April...in the US.

Chinese Clash With Hollywood

Beijing Jeboo Interactive Science & Technology, a Chinese online movie firm, sued 5 Hollywood studios (including Disney, Columbia and Universal) and the Motion Picture Association America for falsely accusing it of piracy.

"Services like Jeboo have profited from copyright infringement," said Frank Rittman, vice president of MPAA.

Jeboo was accused of pirating 20 popular films including "Pirates of the Carribean2" & "Hitch".

However, the oriental firm Jeboo denies this accuse, by explaining that pirated movies did not originate from it.
Furthermore, it claims itself to be China's largest distributor of non-pirated videos.

Race_Aint All About Sports

I just watched this film. It's superb...it's all about twists & turns that one could possibly imagine.

It all started with Ranvir Singh (Saif Ali Khan) betting in a horse-race which he lost by being cheated.
The movie unfolded along with all the surprises & wows & romance & brutality.

The story is mainly about 2 brothers Ranvir & Rajeev Singh (Saif Ali Khan & Akshaye Khannna respectively).

Elder bro Ranvir manages all the wealth inherited from their father while the young Rajeev remained a drunkard.

It all changes when Rajeev tried to assassinate his bro by making master-plan which includes Ranvir's sweetheart Sonia(Bipasha).

But the real thriller begins only after the death of Ranvir.

A private investigator Robert D' Costa (Anil Kapoor) with his assistant Mini (Sameera Reddy) took the case only to find that late Ranvir's 100 million (from life insurance) is to be handed over to his secretary Sophia (Katrina Kaif) whom he wedded secretly...instead of his assassin bro Rajeev.

Then there comes a couple of twists & turns, leaving the audience dizzy while stimulating their nervous system....when late Ranvir returned & recounted his experience & Sonia's loyalty.....are you excited????

All in all, this is a "fantabulous" movie for those who enjoys watching thriller & romantic movie that is mind-stimulating.

However, those looking for easy-watching or comedy....don't even come near to the screen....maybe except for some energetic songs ;)

I know (or rather hope) you don't wanna wait another second to watch this movie. That's why I've included in this post the movie splitted into 4 parts. Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4


I know the resolution aint good...but you can still watch 'em. If you're ready to put in some more time...followings are the links where you can get pretty good resolution:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

For those who don't understand hindi (urdu), i'm really sorry but i still couldn't find free ones with subtitles.
If anyone finds that out, please reach me at bhollyhish@gmail.com

In case you got confused on the way, this picture would explain everything:

From left to right:
Sophie (Ranvir's secretary)
Mini (Detective D'Costa's assistant)
Ranvir Singh(The elder bro)
Detective D'Costa
Sonia (Ranvir's sweetheart)
Rajeev Singh (The younger bro)

Desclaimer:
The videos are embedded and I don't bear any responsibility for copyright issues.

Stars Are Shining on South Africa & Vancouver

Bollywood's mega star Sanjay Dutt has quite an influence in South Africa, which is a usual spot for Bollywood movies to be shot.

Well.... for those not in touch with Bollywood....Sanjay Dutt doesn't have a clean criminal record.
He spent about 3 months behind bars in 2007 for possessing illegal weapons.

Despite this fact, President of Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry Themba Ngcobo said during his visit to India "He (Sanjay) is bigger than any icon there. He has girls swooning over him and his fan following is bigger than any Hollywood megastar. South Africans just love him. In fact, I am one of his fans myself and I have never missed any of his films, even though I usually see it with subtitles."

Meanwhile, Vancouver is also becoming an ideal spot for Bollywood & Chinese stars to recreate.

According to Vancouver's Online Source, Chinese actors are there because they can avoid media pressure while coming "to Vancouver to eat, rest, get fresh air, and visit relatives".

Former Miss World Aiswarya Rai & Hrithik Roshan (both starred in blockbuster Jodha Akbar), "enjoyed the North American dishes and views on offer at Bridges on Granville Island and Milestone’s at English Bay."

King Khan, Shahrukh Khan enjoys shopping there.



John Abraham & 3 Deol siblings also break loose at times at Plush at the Plaza of Nations.

A cool place to make your pockets flat :)

Hard-Learned Lesson for Gere

On April 27th 2007, an Indian court issued arrest warrants for Hollywood actor Richard Gere and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on Thursday, saying their kiss at a public function "transgressed all limits of vulgarity."

That caused quite a riot in India.... demonstrators burned the posters of the actors and some even demanded death sentence.

Gere left Indian straightaway then....but now, the table has turned. The threat is now removed and he's now free to carry out his philanthropic efforts for Tibet and AIDS.

According to Robin Hicks, a cultural anthropologist interviewed by The New York Times last year: “Frankly, I was shocked at his behavior. He’s been to India so many times. He should have known better.”

Quite a hard-learned lesson huh.

Hollywood & Politics & Economy...An Odd Combination?

People might think that Hollywood is just meant to entertain people. But I'd say it's a little (much) more than that.

I hope I could bring some light on this topic during current events of the US presidential election and the US oncoming economic recession.

+++++

Midst the race to White House, Hollywood's stars Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner are giving full political support to Barack Obama. While Obama's pastor & mentor Jeremiah Wright criticized the States on the grounds of AIDS & 9/11, when Affleck was interviewed he avoided the topic by saying "I haven’t seen them, so I cannot comment."

The video can be watched here(God damn America). But warn you, the language is a bit nasty & harsh.

+++++

Studies have shown that the US economic depression or recessions are the golden time for Hollywood movies.

Though it's still debatable whether the US is currently in the stage of recession, movie industry is hoping for some large cash.

"We don't want to wish recession on anyone or hard times on anyone, but we certainly have done very well during recessions," said John Fithian, president of the Theater Owners group, in a speech at ShoWest's opening.

Hollywood is currently with revenues running 4 percent ahead of last year's, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.... despite the fact that the economics is taking a dip.

Well.... everything happens for a reason. So, this trend also has some of its own reasons:

1- According to film historian Leonard Maltin "it seems they can always pull together the money to go to the movies" compared to buying a 50" plasma.

2- Going to movies (cinemas) is much more ideal & cheaper than other activities like sporting matches, concerts, and even bowling.

3- Movie's a great escape from everything.... lousy bosses, annoying neighbors, and most importantly fear of job insecurity because of the diving economy.

4- Online ticketing has made going to cinemas even more popular since you don't have to turn up for sold-out shows. All you have to do is log on to Yahoo! Movies or Movies.com and book for a ticket out of hell ;)

After all, shareholders' nightmare turns out to be Hollywood's heaven!

Harry Potter's Follow-Ups

Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe received credible and serious death threats last week.

The bosses at Warner Bros were really concerned and assigned 4 body guards, all of 'em have past army experience.

Dan's regular driver was also replaced with a security guard and to tighten the security, he's been asked to switch 3 cars in a day.

According to The Sun newspaper: "There is a real concern for Daniel's welfare. No one has said what has been going on. It's all hush-hush - but security has been massively ramped up. Daniel has the four guards with him at all times."

Meanwhile, there's another news about Harry Potter which only those who've read the Deathly Hallows (the last sequel of the series) could understand!

The final Harry Potter movie is gonna be split into two "to celebrate what this franchise has been and do justice to all the words and ideas that Jo [Rowling] has put in the amazing story" according to Alan Horn from Warner Bros.

Those keen readers following up with Rowling's sequels could sympathize this statement but cynics say that it's just commercial purpose.

However, the star himself seems quite unsatisfied: "There have been compartmentalised subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut," Daniel Radcliffe, told the Los Angeles Times. "The seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go."

The budget for this film is estimated around 4.5 billion.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part I will come out in November 2010, and Part II will appear the following May.

Too Many Things To Catch Up In Bollywood World

Hello... Sorry for late posting. I was a bit busy downloading free stuffs from internet. But finally, I manage to overcome the temptation & write my post. Hope u guys enjoy reading the "juicy" stuffs from bollywood world!!!

Some Real Definitions Of A Great Actor

I like this definition: "A great actor is one who can get into the skin of any character that he is asked to portray and live the character on the screen. Though every actor worth his salt tries to do just this, very few succeed in their efforts."

(MeriNews)

The one and only actor fitting into this definition is: Hrithik Roshan.
He plays the role of a stylish singer, a retarded child adult, a master-brain thief, and an Indian emperor. Have a look at the following photos....

A Superstar's Passion For Children....Something quite new in bollywood world!

After directing, producing and acting the film Taare Zameen Par (Stars On Earth), Aamir Khan played as a storyteller as he launched story books for children. Quite passionate for children, i must say.

He also gave some thoughts about financially-challenged children throughout India.
"There are a lot of children in the country who cannot afford to purchase books. Therefore, our efforts should be towards making these books available to those kids who cannot purchase books," said Khan.


An Alchemist of Box Office Movies

It's none other than Akshay Kumar, the second most popular actor nowadays in Bollywood.

In 2007, though some were not that good, four films he acted were "super hits." What to say? Whatever he touches, it turns into box office gold.

He also offered his formula of success on interview:
"If you want, I can write down my secret formula so that people remember it all their lives. Okay, first you write Om. That’s what I always do. Then comes dedication, which is followed by talent. Subtract arrogance. Divide it by luck. That is equal to hit machine. But, tell you what, prayers work much better than this formula or maths."

He also said Ranvir, quite a newbie in bollywood, is Bollywood's best actor.

Never seen any actor that straightforward.

ibnlive

Directors' Comments At "Who should be the boss"
A sign of green-eyed monster???

During a two-day media summit organized by industry lobby Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Assocham), two talented filmmakers (Jagmohan Mundhra & Sudhir Mishra) raised questions against Bollywood actors nowadays playing like boss while making movies.

They said...
"The corporate houses first sign the stars, then look for the script suiting them,instead of choosing stars according to the script....
The stars have the right to select what they would want to be in the film. It is really the wrong way....
They even hope that "the star system is demolished".

Quite harsh, isn't it? Well, they definitely are possessed by some green-eyed monster....maybe a bit.

Priyanka's Generosity"I, Priyanka Chopra, hereby pledge to donate my organs in case of brain death." pledged Bollywood sweetheart Priyanka Chopra at a function organised by the Army Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AORTA) in Mumbai.

Brain Death means the situation when the brain stops working but the whole body functions normally.

Quite touching, huh?

Bollywood Acting School In EnglandIndian movie star, normally in comic roles, Anupam Kher is opening the 1st Bollywood acting school in UK, this September.
He said it'll be the springboard to launch his plans to open acting schools in South Africa & Australia.
It is a 3-month intensive course taught by Bollywood actors & filmmakers. The fees is about 6000 pounds/ student.
He said the course is open to all backgrounds & he won't be teaching old-style, stereotypical acting methods.

I must say this is the result of Bollywood movies frequently shot in Britain, especially for the scenes of romantic songs.

Is Auctioning On Ebay "That" Popular???

Sexy & Attractive Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson is auctioning herself on Ebay. Could you believe it!

The auction package includes a chance to spend the evening with her at the premiere of one of her movies, He's Just Not That In To You.

She said "The winner of the charity auction will not only get to attend the premiere but 100 per cent of the proceeds go directly to supporting Oxfam's work so please, please, please bid high."

Oxfam is an international development and relief agency which delivers development programs and emergency relief services, and also campaigns for change in global practices and policies that keep people in poverty.

The deadline of auction is 12th Mar. 2008. By far, there are 140 bids with the highest being $33433.33.

Grab your chance.... of course, those around LA area. ;)
Opportunity doesn't knock twice, dudes.

Some Quick Facts About World's "Largest" Movie Industry

Make a guess! What would be the largest movie industry on planet Earth???
Bingo... It's "Bollywood"! Those who answered Hollywood missed the point just a bit.

Let me give you some quick facts about this booming movie industry.

• On average, Hollywood produces 500 films a year with an audience of 2.6 billion whilst Bollywood clocks about 1000 films per year with 3-billion audience.
• Though it out beats Hollywood by figures in terms of films produced and audience, Bollywood still couldn't have the revenues as strong as Hollywood which has about $51 billion. Meanwhile, Bollywood is thriving with about $1.3 billion!

• Another factor to consider is that Bollywood stars are nowadays getting recognition from all over the world more than ever in its history.
  

Wanna go a little deeper? Right on.....

• Shah Rukh Khan, aka King of Bollywood, recounted his experience to Berlin: “I got so much love from the crowd. There were hardly any Asian faces there and yet, there were rows and rows of people waiting to meet me.”

• Hrithik Roshan, aka Heartthrob of Bollywood, has a fan base in Indonesia, Myanmar, South Africa, U.A.E, the Netherlands and Belgium.

• Aishwarya Rai, one of the few "Queens of Bollywood", is well known as "traffic stopper". Funny, huh? She once caused a traffic jam of about a mile in Dubai when she was on a shooting. A fan of hers from Denmark sent her Rs 26 lakhs as a gift in an envelope with her house address written on it! Quite a big fan, i must say, lol.

Do You Think Hollywood Is Independent???

If you think that Hollywood is independent and it stands on its own feet, I'll say go watch the Oscar Academy Awards (again)!!!

Surprisingly, all the winners for best acting were from outside the United States:
1. Daniel Day-Lewis who won best actor for "There Will Be Blood" is a British
2. Best supporting actor, Javier Bardem, in "No Country for Old Men" is a Spanish
3. Marion Cotillard who won the Oscar for best actress for "La Vie en Rose" is a French and
4. Tilda Swinton who won best supporting actress for "Michael Clayton" is also a British.

Though Hollywood started with its own market and audience, times have changed. Nowadays, more than half (around 54%) of the ticket sales for Hollywood movies come from abroad... according to Jonathan Taplin, a professor at the University of Southern California.

Hollywood has also lost its market shares in some countries, such as South Korea from 80% to 40%.

To make matters worse, Hollywood faces piracy & illegal copying of movies worldwide.

But if you look at it from the bright side (like VOA News), all these are just "Hollywood looking overseas for talent and profit".

Courtesy of VOA News

How High Are Their Expectations???

I must say it's pretty common nowadays to hear children and teenagers alike complaining about how their parents are disappointed if they don't perform well in their studies.

I've decided to post this review of a bollywood film, Taare Zameen Par, to encourage everyone performing not so well in school and studies (oh yeah, that includes me lol) & to tell parents to value their children.

This film was directed and produced by a renowned bollywood actor Aamir Khan, who also played the role of the teacher who never gives up on his students regardless of their performance.
The main character is surprisingly not the superstar Aamir Khan, but cute eight-year old Ishaan. He was kinda a dyslexic in the film who was lost in his own world of imagination. He was sent to a boarding school for his poor performance and inability to adapt. That's where he met Aamir to guide him and to polish his true talents.

Aamir Khan portrayed successfully the need of the parents to recognize their children truly and completely. That recognition should not only be limited to their performance in school but also in every area of their lives. All in all, this is a greatly inspirational movie.

This is one of the few bollywood movies that is out of the box and not a stereotype including excessive romance & revenge.

Finally...The Moment of Oscars

This is the moment we've all been waiting for...The 80th Annual Academy Awards!

Surprisingly, all the award-winning movies nowadays are not really the hits or the blockbusters. People used to have the tradition of recognizing the award-winning movies at the instant. But but... that tradition is no more. Now, we're all rushing to watch the nominees only after they're announced, some of which are far from blockbusters. (Who can say? Maybe the jury doesn't take the support & emotions of public into account anymore.)

So, let's take a look at the Oscar Award Winners, shall we??? ;)

1."No Country for Old Men," best picture;
2.Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, director;
3.Daniel Day-Lewis, actor in a leading role;
4.Diablo Cody, original screenplay;
5."Taxi to the Dark Side," documentary feature;
6."Freeheld," documentary short;
7."Atonement," original score;
8."There Will Be Blood," cinematography;
9."Falling Slowly" from "Once," original song;
10."The Counterfeiters," foreign-language film;
11."The Bourne Ultimatum," film editing;
12.Marion Cotillard, actress in a leading role;
13."The Bourne Ultimatum," sound mixing;
14."The Bourne Ultimatum," sound editing;
15.Joel Coen and Ethan Coen,
16."No Country for Old Men," adapted screenplay;
17.Tilda Swinton, supporting actress;
18.Javier Bardem, supporting actor;
19."Peter & the Wolf," animated short;
20."Le Mozart des Pickpockets," live-action short;
21."Sweeney Todd," art direction;
22."The Golden Compass," visual effects;
23."Ratatouille," animated feature;
24."La Vie en Rose," makeup;
25."Elizabeth: The Golden Age," costumes;
26.Robert Boyle, honorary Oscar.

Particularly, some superstars hosted some parts in the ceremony... such as Tom Hanks & Harrison Ford. Surprisingly, one award (if i'm not mistaken, it's for documentary), the award nominees and the winner was announced by the army men in Iraq via satellite.

The ceremony itself was quite mag & I think everybody was happy in the end.

Welcome to this Blog!

Hello everyone...welcome to my blog...

I don't know whether you'll just skim around and press Alt+F4 or... You'll give a second look at it.
All I wanna say is that I'm trying my best to maintain this blog and to update it as regularly as possible_ultimately, trying my best not to waste your precious time.
Thanx for at least bothering yourself of typing out my blog name on your browser or clickin' the link somewhere, friends.
I won't disappoint y'all.