Now, Vaiko seeks ban on Madras Cafe

After Naam Tamizhar, Vaiko's MDMK has sought a ban on John Abraham-starrer political-thriller "Madras Cafe", alleging that it portrays LTTE in a bad light.

"I request the centre to ban the film. The film should not be allowed to release and if screened, human rights organisations should protest against it in cities like Mumbai, " Vaiko said in a statement.

"I also urge the Tamil Nadu government to ban the film in the state, " he added.

"Madras Cafe", directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a fictional story based on real events that took place during Sri Lankan civil war.

When the film's trailer was release in July, the Tamil activist group Naam Tamizhar lead by filmmaker Seeman sought a ban on the film on the grounds of portraying LTTE cadres as terrorist.

On Sunday, a special screening of the dubbed version of "Madras Cafe" was organized for the group, but they are sticking to their guns.

Seeman said: "The film tries to portray late LTTE chief Prabhakaran as a terrorist. We don't appreciate it and request the distributors not to screen the film in the state. The sentiment of the film is anti-Tamil and we don't agree with it".

The film also features Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna and Leena Maria is ready for Friday release.

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John's Madras Cafe - Treading On Thin Ice

Looks like Madras Cafe is turning out to be a film which is too bold for its own good. With the film's second trailer release, a fresh bout of controversies is rising. Madras Cafe's second trailer is out and it talks about the assassination of India's ex Prime Minister.

The trailer also shows a Tamil rebel group leader Anna played by Tamil actor Ajay Ratnam. Call it a coincidence but the actor bears a very close resemblance to the LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. The look and the costume are similar to the rebel leader as well.

The Tamil group Naam Thamizhar have already expressed their objection to the film's release as they are alleging that the film is showcasing the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in bad light. The group has also demanded that they should be allowed to preview the film before the release. However, the film's director Shoojit Sircar has denied the allegations.

Any fictional story will take things from real events. And for this film it is the backdrop of Sri Lanka, so, obviously, it refers to all those who were part of that time -- from the rebels, to civilians, to the peace force and the governments of Sri Lanka and India. Please watch the film before arriving at any conclusions.

Earlier Shoojit Sircar had said that There is a fictional rebel group in the film but we don't call them the LTTE and unless you see it you can't pass judgment.

Well! Simply calling the rebel group by a different name may not save the day for Madras Cafe if there is any protest post release. As of now, the makers of the film are very happy that the film has been cleared by the Censor Board and is releasing on the scheduled date of 23rd August.

'Madras Cafe' starring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri has been directed by Shoojit Sircar and is slated to release nationwide in theatres on 23rd August. It is co-produced by JA Entertainment, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Rising Sun Films.

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John Abraham pledges Rs 10 lakh in support of Biennale

Bollywood Actor John Abraham visited a key site of Kochi-Muziris Biennale today and pledged Rs 10 lakh in support of the three-month art extravaganza

The 39-year-old paid a detailed two-hour visit to Aspinwall House in Fort Kochi, the main venue of the event that began on December 12. John, whose father is an architect from Aluva near the city, was taken around various installation art and painting sites at the sea-facing heritage building by fellow Mumbaikar Bose Krishnamachari, Malayali co-curator of India's first Biennale.

The actor said the Biennale had the capability to refine the mind of the viewer. "It is when you get to know deeper about an art that you plumb its amazing depths. I've now got the inspiration to visit more biennales across the world.

I'm extremely happy to visit my native land in this kind of an occasion," he said. John said the country today required artistic endeavours like the Biennale.

"I'm totally convinced that it merits major financial backing. As an artiste myself, I believe it is my responsibility to do my bit for it," he added.

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John, Riteish share birthday

Bollywood stars John Abraham and Riteish Deshmukh shared their birthday on Monday. 

John, who turned 40 this year, wants to keep it low on his birthday and flew down to Kerala to be with his folks, media reports said. 

"I don't really like blowing candles or listening to the birthday song. It embarrasses me! My family too steers clear of big celebrations,` the actor was quoted on the website of Mid Day. 

According to the reports, the actor receives cash in a sealed envelop from his parents, as birthday gift every year. 

The actor is very hopeful for the upcoming year with three back-to-back releases and all being actions films. 

He is also very excited about his role as the dreaded gangster 'Manya Surve' in the much talked about film by Sanjay Gupta. 

The actor is currently shooting in Kerala for his close friend Shoojit Sircar's upcoming film. 

Abraham, who earned the Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination for 'Jism' charmed the audiences with 'Dhoom' , and has received two Filmfare Award nominations, for his negative roles in 'Dhoom', and 'Zinda'. 

Having tasted success with 'Water', John produced his first production Vicky Donor which was a critical and commercial success. 

On the other hand, comedy hero Riteish, who turned 34 this year, not only shares the birth date with John but has recently shared screen space in Sajid Khan's comedy blockbuster 'Housefull 2'. 
The actor has made the audience laugh with films like 'Masti', 'Heyy Babyy', 'Dhamaal', 'Housefull', 'Double Dhamaal', 'Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya', 'Housefull 2' and 'Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum'. 

Riteish also owns 'Veer Marathi' Celebrity Cricket League and is also the team's captain. 

Presently, Riteish is set to launch his own production house with a Marathi film. 

The actor got married to actress Genelia D'Souza earlier this year and lost his father Vilasrao Deshmukh in August 2012. 

The film fraternity has wished both the actors on their special day through a social networking site 

Director Ken Ghosh has wished Riteish on Twitter : "#HappyBirthdayRiteish have a rocking year (sic)." 

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh wished: "Here is also wishing my dear friend John Abraham a very happy birthday !!! GOD bless you bro !! (sic)." 

"Here is wishing one of the finest people and a brother to me @Riteishd a very happy birthday ! GOD BLESS YOU (sic)," Mukesh tweeted Riteish.

Actor Rana Daggubati tweeted Riteish,"Happy birthday @Riteishd have a fab year (sic)."

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John Abraham gives Saif Ali Khan some biking tips

John Abraham taught Saif Ali Khan a thing or two about his new motorbike

In an industry where one-upmanship is a common feature, it's heartwarming to hear of instances when actors bonded best with each other. On the sets of their next, John Abraham apparently turned coach for Saif Ali Khan to teach him the finer nuances of biking.

A source from the sets says, Saif would often arrive on the sets of the film on his new bike. And John was often spotted with Saif discussing their love for two-wheelers.
In fact, we hear that John even taught the Nawab how to pull off a few stunts on the bike and a thing or two about its controls. He would even apparently talk to Saif about his recently purchased Mustang.

In fact, Saif was so impressed with John's knowledge about two-wheelers and four-wheelers that he even told the latter to take his car or bike whenever his heart desired.

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John to serve wine at his gymnasiums

The actor plans to serve the beverage at the specially created bars in his gymnasiums in Mumbai and Pune

They say a glass of red wine everyday is good for health. Taking a cue from that, John Abraham has apparently decided to include a bar in the two commercial gymnasiums that he will be launching soon, in Mumbai and Pune.

A source says, John believes that it is important to not only work out but also watch what is going into your stomach. His bars will not only serve health drinks but will also serve red and white wine.

Studies show that wine boosts the body's defence system, strengthens bones and controls blood sugar problems.`

It is said that the actor will personally look into every client's consumption of liquids at the bar.

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John flattered by girlfriend Priya's Sexiest compliment

Actor John Abraham, named the sexiest man alive by People magazine, says his girlfriend Priya Runchal's first reaction was one of disbelief. But she followed it up with a flattering compliment. 

"She said, 'Are you serious they gave it to you this year? You should have been getting it every year!' I think that's the best compliment I got," the 39-year-old said here Wednesday while unveiling the magazine's cover. 

John says it is good to have an appreciative partner like Priya. 

"I asked her (how she feels about it), and she said 'Oh, that's good.' That is it, she is very reserved and answers very limited. 

"Well, I am sure she is very happy. It is nice to be appreciated for your work and when your partner is appreciative, I think it is very special," he said.

John broke up his nine-year-long relationship with Bipasha Basu in 2011. 
Meanwhile, talking about his upcoming film "Race 2", John said he was back in a similar avatar that he sported in "Dhoom". 

"After 'Dhoom', 'Race 2' is the first film I have done in a similar space. John Abraham is back in 'Race 2' exactly like the Kabir in 'Dhoom'," he said.

John, who turned producer with "Vicky Donor" this year, is willing to produce a movie like "Race" but admits his productions are quite different from the usual films. 

"Why not? I think it is important to produce entertaining commercial films. But my films have an edge, the ones I produce, and I would like to believe I possess great content and I would love to show it," he said.

Directed by Abbas-Mustan, "Race 2" also stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandes, Anil Kapoor and Ameesha Patel. It is set for release Jan 25, 2013.

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Quite an earful Race 2!

After shortlisting 20 odd tunes for Abbas-Mustan's nex film, Pritam finally picked his favourite 

The soundtrack may not make or break a film's fate at the box office, but it certainly can create a buzz around the project. No wonder that Pritam along with the makers of an upcoming thriller had to work hard at deciding what to finalise for the final cut. 

Buzz is that Pritam had shortlisted 20 odd tunes but had a tough time selecting the final one. A source says, The music director along with Abbas-Mustan and producer Kumar Taurani just didn't know which one to pick.
Creative producer of the film Jay Shewakramanai adds, Pritam presented some tunes to us and we liked them too. However he said he was not entirely happy with them himself and kept rejecting them one by one. He wanted a theme that would become an instant party anthem.

However, once the music director had got his right tune, he couldn't contain his excitement. Jay says, He called us at 1.30 in the night to announce he had found his favourite tune.

Incidentally since the track features the entire cast of the film, choreographer Ahmad Khan had a tough time coordinating the shoot in Turkey. 

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John to co-produce Jaffna and Hamara Bajaj

Actor John Abraham has joined hands with Viacom 18 Motion Pictures to co-produce "Jaffna" and "Hamara Bajaj", his next projects as producer.

John, 39, made his production debut with director Shoojit Sircar's directorial "Vicky Donor" this year. The movie was a sleeper hit, and earned rave reviews.

Sircar is also directing both "Jaffna" and "Hamara Bajaj".

"Vicky Donor" was co-produced by John and Eros Entertainment, but Sircar had expressed his resentment with the production banner for not sending the movie for even consideration when a jury was selecting India's official entry for the Oscars.

If sources are to be believed, John feels Viacom 18 has done justice to both big budget and even smaller budget, concept-based films like "Kahaani", "Gangs Of Wasseypur" and "OMG: Oh My God!", which have done well at the box office.

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Dhoni better biker than me: John

John Abraham, who showcased his biking skills in "Dhoom", says modestly that close friend Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a better biker than him.

"Whenever Mahi is in Mumbai, we ride bikes together. I think he is a better biker than me. He is my closest friend whether it is from the cricketing world or from Bollywood," John said on BIG CBS PRIME's "India's Prime Icon".

John says that the Indian skipper is very grounded.

"A small town boy from Ranchi, he is very respectful. He loves his parents a lot and I feel that he is the best captain in the world," added the actor.

Dhoni will feature as one of the contenders on "India's Prime Icon", which shows works of popular icons from different walks of life.

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Books are a great inspiration for films, feels John Abraham

Many seek inspiration in books and it seems actor John Abraham is one among them. And ever since he turned producer, even more so.

At a recent book launch in Bandra, John told B-S, When you start looking at a book as a producer, the first thing that comes to your mind is that how are you going to convert that book into a story.

He further believes, Books are a great inspiration for films, I feel. I like reading inspirational books.

A book that I really admire is Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It's a novella. I even like reading fiction. There is so much that you can draw from these books that can be made into films.

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John Abraham calls Pankaj Udhas his mentor

Actor-producer John Abraham looks up to ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas as his mentor and credits him for his success

The actor had appeared in music video of the Udhas' song 'Chupke chupke' during the struggling days of his career and ever since calls the singer as his mentor.

'I look at sir (Pankaj Udhas) as a mentor because when I came into this industry as a model, the first person who graciously accepted me in his music video was sir, ' the 40-year-old said here Friday.

'With 'Chupke chupke' he is the one man who is more than responsible for my success, ' John added. Heaping praises on Udhas, John said, 'I just told him that your voice still sound so beautiful, it's amazing and it's really an honour to be here.'

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Mohanlal in John Abraham's Jaffna?

Actor turned producer John Abraham, a half Malayali, is planning to rope in Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in his next film 'Jaffna' 

'We are also looking at regional films. I am producing a Marathi film. Definitely, I would love to produce a Malayalam film. 

We have one of the best actors in our country there - a gentleman called Mohanlal. There is so much to learn from him, ' John, who turned producer with 'Vicky Donor', told while talking about his future plans.

'I hope he has a role in 'Jaffna'. We are planning to do it together, ' added the actor who will co-produce the film. To be directed by Shoojit Sircar, 'Jaffna' is an off-beat political thriller about Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's (LTTE) activities in Sri Lanka before it was decimated by the Sri Lankan Army in 2009.
After making a success as a producer, does he plan to write scripts? 'I don't know about writing, but maybe I will think of direction at some point of time, ' he said.

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Suniel Shetty to launch John Abraham's brother

No, not in a film! The actor will be introducing John's brother Alan in his upcoming real estate project 

John Abraham's brother Alan is all set to have a different kind of 'launch'. Suniel Shetty will be launching the interior designer in his upcoming real estate project in Lonavala. Shetty's realty company S2 is in the process of developing 21 luxury villas in the hills of Lonavala that have been completely designed by Alan and the actor's father Abraham John.

A source informs, `Alan is now a part of every project that Anna is making. Everything about the project is kept under wraps till December as Anna has big plans of launching Alan and the project.` While currently Shetty is busy with his film commitments, he apparently visits the site every 10 days.
Alan tells us that it was John who introduced him to Shetty. He says, Suniel has an eye for design. The actor was keen on landscape and that's something we are good at. My dad is actively involved and we brainstormed and designed this project together. 

Sunil and I have decided to work on other projects as we make a great team. Shetty states, I'm launching Alan as he's like a younger brother to me and he's the next big thing to watch out for.

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John Abraham's US connect

Actor-producer is looking at inking a deal with an American production house to collaborate on international projects

John Abraham's personal life may be sorted out and the actor may be in a happy space with Priya Runchal. But considering that his girlfriend's family is settled in the US, can he ignore professional pursuits there?

A birdie chirps that Johnny boy's production house is looking at international ventures. Buzz is that the actor-turned-producer is looking at inking a deal with an American production house to collaborate on international projects.

With Priya's folks in the US, it will help the star to have a business base there too! John who tasted success with his first production venture Vicky Donor seems to be turning out to be a better producer than an actor? What say?

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Third time lucky for John?

After two previous failed attempts, John Abraham could be finally working with Sriram Raghavan on his next film

After two hits and misses, looks like their third attempt might prove to be more fruitful. Word is that John Abraham is all set to work together with director Sriram Raghavan's on his next.

On two previous occasions, John and Raghavan were slated to work with each other. While one was to be co-produced by Milan Luthria, the other project was to be produced by Gaurag Doshi and starred Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in it. Both films however never took off.

While Raghavan rules out that John might act in the film, he confirms that the actor will definitely produce the project. The director says, Right now I am still in the scripting process and have not approached any actor for it. It is too early to talk about the project.

After his action flick Agent Vinod failed to work wonders at the box office, the filmmaker is all set to return to his favourite genre thrillers.

Raghavan adds, Once the scripting is over, we will start the casting process. When we contacted John Abraham to know if he has been roped in for the project, all he said was, No comment!

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January will be a busy month for John Abraham

As January spells a busy month for John Abraham with two of his films lined up for release, the actor is wondering how he will find time to shoot for Farah Khan's film that stars him along with Shah Rukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan

The film is slated to roll at the same time and there is no way Johnny boy can shoot for it.

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So, When is John marrying Priya Runchal?

His marriage plans have always drawn public interest, but for now Bollywood actor John Abraham says he has no clue about his marriage.

The 39-year-old, who is said to be dating investment banker Priya Runchal, says his free time is best utilised when he is with his family.

Asked when he is extending that family, John told: "You know honestly, I really don't know!"

"But I (like to) spend a lot of time with my family. In this hustle and bustle of trying to reach somewhere, that's the best thing. We are all family people at the end of the day.

"All of us like to go back to our parents, so I spend time with my mom and dad because they are the most important people in my life, " said the actor, who was earlier dating Bipasha Basu.

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Anushka, John have best bikini bodies in India

They are both fit and fab. Anushka Sharma and John Abraham have topped the respective female and male lists of a poll for the best bikini bodies. 

According to a survey by Hotels.com, Anushka receieved 11 percent votes, the maximum among Bollywood's slim and trim beauties like Sunny Leone, Deepika Padukone, Bipasha Basu, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Nargis Fakhri.

John received 20 percent votes for having the best beach body, which he proudly flaunted in the 2008 film "Dostana". Hrithik Roshan follows close behind with 17 percent votes. Other names in the list include hunks like Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal, 
In terms of international celebrities, Hollywood actress Jessica Alba and soccer ace David Beckham top the best bikini bodies poll.

More than 5,000 travellers from across the world participated in the survey, conducted by Hotels.com last month.

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Success lies in making the youth happy: John Abraham

He scored a bull's eye with his debut production "Vicky Donor", but John Abraham says he hasn't cracked any success formula. The success, he says, just lies in doing good work, and in knowing what makes the youth happy.

The 39-year-old cringed upon being asked how he managed to crack the "formula" in the first go.

"See... honestly, if something goes wrongtomorrow, you'll say 'What went wrong?' It's normal! So rather than basking in the limelight and saying 'Hey listen, everything is fine', the important thing is to continue doing good work," John told.

"I think the formula is very simple as far as I am concerned. As an individual, I believe I know what makes the youth happy in terms of films, and I want to make films for young people, who can go and say 'Hey, this is really nice, this was a lot of fun and sensible too.' So that's the space I want to operate now and I am enjoying that space," he added.

It's unconventional for actors-turned-producers to let newcomers take centrestage, but John didn't think twice about letting Ayushmann Khurrana act in "Vicky Donor", a film with a subject as strong as sperm donation. The reason?

"I wanted to be a hands-on producer. Most actors produce films that they only act in. I wanted to make sure I make films that I believe in, even if the cast is otherwise. And I have a lot of faith in Ayushmann. I am producing another film with him. He is an absolutely talented and completely a gem of a boy," said John, who has cast Ayushmann for another film named "Hamara Bajaj".

There are few other films in the making under John's banner, he said. " 'Jaffna'was a film in the making for about two years. Because of 'Jaffna', 'VickyDonor' happened. That was a film Shoojit Sircar and I were working on. 'HamaraBajaj' was also a film Shoojit was planning to make with a newcomer, so we decided to take Ayushmann in it."

"The fourth film is 'Kala Ghoda'. Besides this, we are making three more films, which we will announce later," John said.

It will be a good mix of films, but primarily "commercial films with smaller budgets".

"The important thing is casting them right. These days, people make proposals, not films! So the important thing is to make good cinema. If 'Vicky Donor' is a benchmark, then I guess people know the kind of films I want to make," he said.

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