Bhaag Milkha Bhaag shortened for global release

Director-producer Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has shortened "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" (BMB) for its international release. He has reduced the playing-time of the biopic by 30 minutes and said the new version is suitable for a no-interval format.

Everyone loved everything about "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", a film that chronicles the rise of Olympian athlete Milkha Singh, also known as Flying Sikh. The only area of quibble was the inordinate length of three-hour-and-10-minute. And that has now been taken care of.

Since there were no clearly demarcated areas in the narration that could be pruned down, and the songs carried the plot forward, Mehra and the film's editor P.S. Bharathi went through the process of looking through the entire footage to zero-in on individual shots and scenes where the verbal exchange could be reduced.

An arduous and challenging task -- but the job is now done.

The decision comes as a surprise considering Mehra maintained that the story had to be told within the time-frame afforded by the script.

Said Mehra: "Bharathi and I haven't forced cuts into the narration. We wanted to bring the length down to a no-interval format, since there is no tradition of breaking a film into two halves in the West. To eliminate the interval-point for the international version, we had to re-edit the film." 

At the home front, the film opened to positive response and if the viewers relished the narration, they thoroughly appreciated Farhan Akhtar's endeavour to play Milkha convincingly in the successful movie, which raked in approximately Rs.55 crore in the first week.

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Richa gets warm welcome from Farhan

Richa Chadha was in for a surprise when she reached the sets of her upcoming film in New Delhi

A basket with flowers and healthy snacks was waiting for her in her vanity van with a message from producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani welcoming her. Richa is very impressed with her producers and excited to work with them for the first time.

The producers also arranged a special screening of their recently released Talaash in the capital for the cast and crew. orget, overseas and video rights. Going by the numbers, Khiladi 786 is a superhit already in its first week and is Himesh's fifth hit film in a row that has touched gold.

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Aamir brings credibility to his films: Farhan Akhtar

Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar believes superstar Aamir Khan's link with a supernatural thriller like Talaash itself, spoke volumes about the film's content.

"It automatically speaks something about the content of the film. He is someone who is known to attach himself to a film that has a serious story to tell and something new to share with people, " the 38-year-old said here Monday at the success party of the film.

"He is known to do that and when he attaches himself to a movie like Talaash, it automatically sends out a signal to the people that there must be something interesting going on in the movie, " he added.

Besides playing the lead as Inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat, Aamir was also the co-producer of Talaash along with Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani.

Farhan, however, accepts that Aamir's celebrity status is also a major reason why people come to watch a film.

"This is completely apart from his celebrity status. That of course brings in numbers and it brings a lot of people wanting to watch him as fans, but also, I think it brings in a certain credibility to a project, " Farhan said.

Farhan also wrote some dialogues in the film, while his sister Zoya co-wrote the story along with film's director, Reema Kagti.

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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag to be shot in Thailand

The next schedule of biopic based on Milkha Singh will be shot in Thailand

Milkha Singh had run thousands of miles to prepare for his many races. And now the makers of the biopic based on the acclaimed athlete are crossing geographical boundaries to shoot the much-awaited film.

After filming in Australia and Ladakh, the cast and crew of the Farhan Akhtar-starrer are off to Thailand to shoot a certain sequence of the biopic.

A source says, It is a very important sequence in the film where Farhan's character will be shown taking part in international races and training there. The entire crew of the film is going to Thailand.

Since the sequences shot there will portray his character undergoing some gruelling training, Farhan is apparently taking extra care of his diet and exercise regime.

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Farhan Akhtar and wife Adhuna go skydiving

Farhan and Adhuna Akhtar indulged in skydiving at an event held near Lonavla in a bid to promote the sport.

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Farhan's beefy look gets a thumbs up

Actor Farhan Akhtar's hard work seems to be paying off as he is getting a lot of compliments for his athletic body in the upcoming movie "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

The 38-year-old went through rigorous training to acquire a sporty body structure for the biopic on athlete Milkha Singh. His look is being appreciated.

"He has been getting a great response after the teaser released. He has worked on achieving the look for a long time. There's a lot more to it, which is yet to be seen," Farhan's spokesperson said in a statement.

The teaser of "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, was out Dec 1.

"Farhan has worked really hard to achieve the perfect body for 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'. He has been religiously following a fitness regime that athletes follow for almost two years now. He has been through various training sessions, which only sports people undergo," a source said.

"In all of his earlier films, Farhan has had a very lean look. This is the first time that he has worked on his body so much. And playing Milkha Singh meant that he had to follow the regime of runners, which is very difficult. He's as fit as a sportsman now," the source added.

His look also floored actress Lara Dutta, who posted "You are hot" to Farhan after watching the movie's trailer.

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" also features Sonam Kapoor. It is slated to release July 12 next year.

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Farhan hopes Bhaag Milkha Bhaag will boost athletics

Actor Farhan Akhtar hopes "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", a biopic on sprinter Milkha Singh, gives a boost to athletics in the country.

"I do believe that athletics does need a boost in the arm like many other sports do. There are a lot of thing we are planning to do through this film, through the message of this film and hopefully that will happen," the 38-year-old said here Tuesday at the Aamby Valley hill city where he kicked off a skydiving event.

Farhan, who spent a lot of time with Milkha Singh to work on his role, says the athlete wants the film to inspire young people to win an individual medal for the country.

"Milkhaji had said that his biggest dream with this movie is to get more people inspired to enter athletics, more people will get inspired to want to win an individual medal which really hasn't happened yet for this country," Farhan said.

"We hope to motivate young people through this film and somehow be involved in helping him (Milkha Singh) realise this dream that he has had for 60 years," he added.

Farhan has built a six-pack for the film, and it is a result of a strict workout regime.

Talking about the preparations for his role, Farhan said: "It does take a lot of hard work, eating correct, make sure you get enough rest because rest actually is as important for your body to look good as is exercising it."

"You need to give up on a lot of things but you know the reason for doing it and the cause for doing it is much larger than all of this and that keeps you going," he added.

Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" also stars Sonam Kapoor and is slated for release July 12, 2013.

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Lara finds Farhan hot!

Farhan Akhtar has left a lasting impression on Lara Dutta with the trailer of his upcoming film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

"So...saw 'Talaash' (which I really liked), but what stayed with me long after is the accompanying trailer of BMB ('Bhaag Milkha Bhaag')! @FarOutAkhtar, you are hot," tweeted Lara.

"Talaash", featuring Aamir Khan released to a good reception Nov 30, while "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, will hit the screens July 12, 2013

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Exciting challenge to play Milkha Singh: Farhan Akhtar

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar says playing sprinter Milkha Singh in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" has been an exciting challenge.

"It was definitely a challenge, but it was a challenge that was a very exciting one to accept," the 38-year-old said here in an interview.

The biopic is directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Asked if he had to learn Punjabi for his character, Farhan said: "In bits and pieces. I mainly focussed on dialogues and certain improvisations within scenes. But of course I had to, because there is a very distinct Punjabi flavour to the whole film."

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" also features Sonam Kapoor, and is slated to release July 12.

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Opening of Ritesh, Farhan's preview theatre delayed

Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's plans of opening Lightbox, a special preview theatre, have been delayed as it is not ready yet.

Both Ritesh and Farhan, who co-own production house Excel Entertainment, were supposed to open the plush private theatre with the screening of "Talaash", but the opening has been shifted to next week.

Situated in Mumbai suburb Santacruz, Lightbox is a luxurious theatre with comfortable seats and state-of-the-art technology.

"Ritesh and Farhan were keen to open the preview theatre called Lightbox before the release of 'Talaash'. Work has been going on for almost a year to get the state-of-the-art theatre opened in suburbs. Unfortunately, it gets operational by next week, " said a spokesperson for Excel Entertainment.

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Bhaag Milkha Bhaag wrapped up; Farhan gets emotional

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" shoot has been completed and its lead actor Farhan Akthar says he is feeling a sense of loss because the team will disperse now.

"As the shoot on 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' crosses the finish line, enveloped by a sense of loss. The unit - our temporary commune - is broken up. Best wishes to all," tweeted the 38-year-old.

Produced and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film is a biopic on athlete Milkha Singh, fondly called Flying Sikh, and Farhan plays the title role. "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" also features Sonam Kapoor.

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Don't Get Typecast: Farhan Akhtar warns Priyanka

Bollywood's desi girl Priyanka Chopra has reached Hyderabad for the shooting of the "Zanjeer" remake and actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has warned her against doing too many remakes and getting typecast. 

"In Hydrabad for 'Zanjeer'. Starting a new film always makes me nervous, " Priyanka tweeted. 

Amit Mehra is producing the film, which was originally made by his late father Prakash Mehra in 1973 with Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya in the lead roles.

In the remake, being directed by Apoorva Lakhia, southern star Ram Charan Teja and Priyanka are playing Vijay and Mala, respectively. 
Farhan tweeted: "Priyanka Chopra, do you realise that this is the third official remake of Amitabh Bachchan you are in? Be careful you don't get typecast." 

Earlier Priyanka had featured in the remakes of 1978 film "Don" and 1990 "Agneepath".

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Farhan turns sutradhaar

Multi-talented Farhan Akhtar now turns narrator for an ad campaign for Dulux Velvet Touch.

The campaign is said to be woven on the theme of 'accelerated success'.

The director-actor-singer-producer will take the audience through inspirational and transformational moments in the ad, says a source.

Farhan was seen shooting for it in a unique get up.

The television commercial has script and poetry by acclaimed writer and adman Prasoon Joshi.

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Farhan calls out for proper sanitation in trains

Bollywood actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is dismayed at the state of sanitation in the Indian Railways and says the conditions demand immediate attention.

"Looking at the unhygienic state of our railway lines, it needs more attention from the Sanitation Ministry (Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation) than the Railways. It's a prime environment for mosquitoes to breed and it stretches across the length and breadth of the country, " tweeted Farhan.

His comment comes at a time when thousands of people in the country are afflicted with dengue. Veteran filmmaker Yash Chopra also recently died of dengue.

"The fact that, even in 2012, waste from train toilets falls directly onto the tracks is shameful! No reason this should continue, " added the 38-year-old.

Farhan is the son of famed lyricist-writer Javed Akhtar, who is also a Rajya Sabha member.

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Southern hottie Priya Anand plays lead in Farhan Akhtar's Fukrey

Southern actress Priya Anand has bagged one of the female leads in Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar's upcoming production "Fukrey".

The 26-year-old, recently seen as Sridevi's niece in "English Vinglish", will share the screen with Pulkit Samrat, Richa Chaddha and Manjot Singh.

When asked, the spokesperson of Excel Entertainment confirmed the news: "Everyone loved Priya's performance in 'English Vinglish'. This will be her first central portrayal in a youth-centric romantic film."

Priya is a known name in Tamil and Telugu cinema and her work has been appreciated in movies like "Leader", "Nootrenbadhu" and "Kazhugu" down south.

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Farhan slams smoking scroll in films

Actor-producer Farhan Akhtar has questioned the sense of running an anti-smoking warning in a movie, especially with an adult rating.

"Why can smoking in film not be dealt with in the rating given by the censor board? Why the demand for a ridiculous scroll during the scene," tweeted Farhan.

Smoking scenes are now allowed in movies, albeit with a warning with the particular scene.

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Harvard conducts case study on Farhan's Excel Entertainment

The famed Harvard Business School (HBS) has done a case study on Indian film production company Excel Entertainment, the banner behind movies like "Dil Chahta Hai", "Rock On!!" and "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara".

The company, co-owned by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, is the centre of a case study, which will be taught to second year MBA students at HBS in early 2013.

Confirming the development, Sidhwani said: "It's a huge honour for any organisation."

Earlier this year, Sidhwani was invited to speak at the Harvard India Conference 2012, held at the university's campus in Boston. His talk gave them a good insight, and they decided to take it further by doing a case study.

Mukti Khaire, associate professor at HBS flew down to Mumbai from Boston for a week and was the faculty lead on the case.

Khaire worked closely with Namrata Arora, associate director, Harvard University South Asia Initiative, during the case-writing process on Excel Entertainment.

As part of their research, they did extensive interviews with Farhan, Sidhwani and other key members of the Excel Entertainment team.

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Ladakh trip makes Farhan nostalgic

After Shah Rukh Khan, it is filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar who is heading to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir for shooting for his upcoming film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag". Going there brings back a lot of memories.

"Leaving for 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' second schedule. To the heavenly location called Ladakh. Mind racing back to time spent there 10 years ago, filming 'Lakshya', tweeted the 38-year-old.

Produced and directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is a biopic on athlete Milkha Singh, fondly called Flying Sikh, and Farhan plays the title role. The film also features actress Sonam Kapoor.

Farhan, who made his debut as a director with 2001 super hit "Dil Chahta Hai", shot his second directorial venture "Lakshya" in Ladakh in 2004 with Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta.

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Farhan Akhtar celebrates Rakhi with Farah

Actor-director purchases two high-end watches to gift cousin Farah Khan and sister Zoya for Raksha Bandhan

On Raksha Bandhan last week, Farhan Akhtar not just remembered to get a gift for his sister Zoya but also for his second cousin Farah Khan. And with Zoya being away from the country, Farhan decided to celebrate the day with Farah.

Our source tells us, Farhan was really missing Zoya who had gone to London for some work. So he decided to celebrate the occasion with Farah. He also gifted a watch to her from the same brand that he endorses. But he paid for it.

Apparently, Farhan bought two watches, costing around a few lakhs. He has decided to gift the second one to Zoya. Both the watches are said to be quite high end.

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Farhan, Kareena and Chitrangada's Dhruv finally set to roll

The director has started reworking on his long-in-the-planning political drama starring Farhan Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor and Chitrangada Singh

Way back in 2009, Sudhir Mishra had spoken about his plans to make Dhruv, his own magnum opus. The film was scheduled to star Farhan Akhtar, Kareena Kapoor and Chitrangada Singh.

However, courtesy the lead actors Farhan and Kareena getting busy with their other professional commitments, the film never saw light of the day. But now word is that the director has again started work on the film.

Sudhir tells us, `Yes, I'm reviving Dhruv and I'm re-working the script completely. The shooting will take place soon after I finish working on Mehrunissa.`

The film, a political drama, is said to be produced by Farhan and his production house partner Ritesh Sidhwani. It remains to be seen if Kareena will still give her dates for the film.n

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