Movie Review: Please, no Once Upon A Time In Mumbai... Dobaara

Starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha

Directed by Milan Luthria

Rating: * *

How do I put this politely? This is arguably one of the most ill-timed gangster drama with most performances so loud and unassimilated that these characters could easily be contestants in a Eid special segment of Comedy Circus where the theme is 'Gangsta Rap' This is done-to-noisy-death gangsterism done with heartbreaking seriousness.

It takes some doing to wrap up such a time-worn love triangle into a pretence of modern storytelling. Milan Luthria's earlier films like Kachche Dhaage and Dirty Picture had some interesting conflicts between characters who are driven by a desire for revenge but are frustrated in their malevolence by their love for the very same people they want to hate. 

The problem with Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara is that the two main characters who love each other to death, literally, are people we've met over and over again. Most notably in Ram Gopal Varma's Company where Ajay Devgn and Viveik Oberoi played gangster and protege with great conviction and ballsy velocity. 

The subsequent spinoffs have gotten seriously diluted. 

This one is a sequel to Luthria's 2010 film where Ajay Devgn's imposing personality and gravelly voice had made the pale and sometime unintentionally funny proceedings bearable. 
Except for Sonakshi Sinha playing a starlet who talks too hard and too much and gets the male protagonists (who need to be spanked for playing with guns when their IQ level suggests video games would be more apt) into a serious conflict merely because she's too dumb to see they both love her. . . . Dobaara has no redeeming qualities. 

Akshay Kumar as a Dawood doppelgang(st)er is inept, to say the least. His dialogues meant to show his mastery over the hoary art of rhetorics, come out sounding like wimpy words of wacked-out wisdom picked up from messages in Chinese cookies, if not from forwarded sms messages. 
I'd just like to suggest to the dialogue writer Rajat Arora to go easy on the bumper-sticker wisdom next time. You can't make the hero look heroic by spilling tacky wisdom all over the frames in the hope that audiences would applaud the bombastic words without thinking about their relevance. 

This film wallows in a kind of imbecilic irreverence where the protagonists seem bold brave, sexy and even brazen but are actually cardboard versions of the triangular lovers in Raj Kapoor's Sangam and Vinod Kumar's Mere Huzoor. 

But at least love triangles of the past were honest about their melodramatic intentions. Once Upon A Time. . . Dobaara cloaks its outdated radical ideas in a rumbustious display of trendiness. 
Undoubtedly some sections shine brighter than the rest. Aslam (Imran Khan)'s friend making out with his girlfriend in the car while Aslam gives angrezi lessons to Jasmine (Sonakshi Sinha) is a nicely-conceived moment that loses its sheen in repetition. 

One of the 'jokes' that ties Sonakshi's character to her lover-by Imran Khan is his misuse of the word 'intercourse'. The film uses the word (prudishly beeped out by the censorboard) over and over again like a school boy that has just found a non-punishable way to say 'sex' in the classroom. 
A flavour of flagrant criminality is created through back-projected nostalgia. The film opens with an archival cricket match 'fixed' by the all-powerful underworld don. The sequences seems more 'fixed' by the director than the Dubai-based ganglord would have ever imagined. 

Fleets of black and yellow Fiat cars ply up and down Mumbai's roads in a show of periodicity. A wanton woman (Sophie Chowdhary, in a seductive cameo) cheats on her unsuspecting husband, making out with the dreaded don in the backroom at a noisy party. 

You can almost smell the cheap perfume and the discount-rated champagne trying to pass as the genuine stuff in Shoaib's party. This guy thinks he is menacing. He is actually a joke. And if the real Dawood is anything like the way Dawood-like gangster portrayed here by Akshay Kumar, we have nothing to fear except his cheesy dialogue-baazi. 
Where in all this self-defeating noise and activity is theslippery sinisterness on the streets of Mumbai? 

The gangster-villain (Akshay insists he is a villain, and who are we to argue with an overgrown brat of a guy who keeps smashing up furniture and appliances every time he doesn't get his way?) and his cronies appear to have walked out of 'loin' Ajit den in the 1970s, not quite sure which way they are supposed to head in the present-day milieu of such awe-inspiring gangster epics as Luc Besson's Taken and Amit Kumar's Monsoon Shootout. 
This one comes too late. Except for a skillfully-shot train robbery sequence featuring Imran Khan at the start, it has too little to offer in the way action and adventure. 

The stunts appear stunted. Except for Sonakshi Sinha who plays the self-seeking starlet with earnest air-headedness, Pritobash Tripathy who plays Imran's sidekick with misplaced sincerity and Sonali Bhendre who delivers the only truthfully-worded monologue in this verbally-cramped drama, the other performances are all of the watch-me-ham variety. 

And really, what this film has done to the Mohd Rafi Qawwalli Tayyab ali pyar ka dushman would make Manmohan Desai wince if he was alive. 
Dobaaraa done. Please please, no third helping. Otherwise, to rephrase one of Akshay Kumar's favourite dialogues in this film, Agar ek baar dobaara aur kiya toh sequel ka silsila bura maan jayega.

read more...

Too close for comfort: Celebs on Media's invasion

Two top actresses with two drastically different opinions about dealing with the media. While Katrina Kaif recently wrote an open letter to the media, chiding them about using her pictures while she was on a holiday, Deepika Padukone says, `If I am a public figure and if someone has captured me, I feel I should be more careful.

While certain celebrities argue that over the time, their state of 'private being' is constantly being invaded by the media, others feel that given their glamorous status, they can hardly shy away from the glare of the arclights or the camera bulbs. Being under the constant gaze of the public eye is after all a small price to pay for the glitz and glamour that stardom brings.

Aye

Shah Rukh Khan
I chose this life and when I stand on top of my building and wave, there are many happy faces, which in turn makes me very happy. I want this life and I know I am a public figure. So with good things, there are some others that used to disturb me.

People also wanted to peek inside my house but I would protect my children, my family and my friends as ferociously as I can. But I have accepted all these and on 99.9 per cent occasions, only good things will happen and I don't want to get disturbed by the remaining 0.1 per cent.
Tusshar Kapoor
It is now a part and parcel of the media boom that Hollywood saw many years ago. Now since our film industry is growing and becoming bigger, it had to happen. I think that as an actor, one has to learn to adapt and become more cautious.
Raima Sen
I think all celebrities want their private lives to be kept under wraps. Like for example if I go to a night club with someone, I cannot expect the media not cover it simply because it is a public place. Sometimes public shoot pictures and upload them and it is not always the media we can pin the blame on.
Richa Chaddha
The society is moving towards the tabloid culture of the US. Social networking and microblogging sites have made stars very accessible. And the Internet has given relevance to gossip as news. It's inevitable. I would say let people do their job. Live and let live. Actors are in the public domain but they are not public property.

Nay
Katrina Kaif
I agree the media has the freedom but my point is that there is a difference between roaming in public and being on a holiday in the middle of nowhere. You shouldn't have to be looking over your shoulder. It is just a request for people not to use the picture. Those who feel it is okay to use them, will do so. But at least I know I have done my bit to ask.

Manoj Bajpayee
Media folk will behave the way you want them to. Once you let them peep into your personal life, they will always come in even when you don't want them to. I lead a very boring family life. I go to my shoots, finish them, get my cheque and come home. But I have maintained that I will keep my personal life personal and the media understands that.
Imran Khan
The paparazzi culture is starting to sneak in here and I've always found it strange. I personally have never had anything to hide so I'm perfectly fine with it. But it is not fair to take away someone's personal choice. You should allow a person to follow what they feel is correct. In my case, I was dating Avantika long before I joined the industry. So, there was never a question of who I was seeing. I even announced that I was getting married. I was never uncomfortable talking about. But it is not fair to assume that it is that easy for everyone.
Neetu Chandra
Media has become like a family member who wants to know every possible thing happening in your personal life. They scare me sometimes because the freedom of revelling in love and family is suffocated by them.
Jacqueline Fernandez
I find it unfair taking pleasure and advantage of a person in a vulnerable position. Celebrities are humans too. Why target them for no reason?

read more...

Imran Khan's Bangalore connect

Actor Imran Khan, who is shooting for "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein" in Bangalore, says the city will always be special for him as that is where he spent some of his childhood years.

The 30-year-old studied at a boarding school in the city at a very young age. Being back in the city for a film makes him quite excited.

"I have spent a lot of my childhood in Bangalore and thus this city will always be very special to me," Imran said in a statement.

He has also been sharing his childhood memories with the crew.

"When he got the news that the movie shoots were going to happen in Bangalore he was thrilled and shared his childhood tales with us. He was more than happy to leave for the shoots," said a source.

"Gori Tere Pyaar Mein" is directed by Punit Malhotra, and also features stars Kareena Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor and Sainath Dukkipati.

read more...

Imran follows the footsteps of uncle Aamir

Actor Imran Khan is following in the footsteps of his uncle Aamir Khan and pasting posters of his new film "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" on taxis. Imran recounts the similarity between his way and what Aamir once did.

"Twenty four years ago Aamir uncle pasted the posters of his film 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak'. I remember him telling the story that he and my mother were roaming around the by-lanes of Bandra and seeking the permission of rickshaw drivers to paste the posters of his film and telling them that he is the hero of the film," the 29-year-old said while promoting the film.

"Flash forward 24 years and I find myself doing the same thing. Actually in our city public transport is the most important thing whether it is rickshaw, taxis or buses, it has always been the lifeline of the city. I think it is the easiest way to communicate and reach out to the people," he added.
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" also features Anushka Sharma, Pankaj Kapur and Shabana Azmi. It hits theatres Jan 11.

read more...

Emraan-Imran A Case Of Mistaken Identity

It was nothing short of a farcical faux pas when clothes meant for Emraan Hashmi in Mumbai were carried to Imran Khan in Chandigarh leaving the two stars amused and the production house common to both the projects, a little red-faced.

There is Imran Khan.And there is Emraan Hashmi. And the two shall never meet. Or at least one can safely say they lead very different personal and professional lives.

Until now when they are both part of two different films produced by Vishal Bharadwaj. And now we hear there was a massive confusion over their identical names, thought spelt differently within Vishal Bharadwaj's production team eventuating in outrageous miscommunication regarding the requirements of the two actors.

Says a source from Vishal's team, Though Emran was shooting for Ek Thi Daayan in Film City ,Mumbai and Imran was on location in Chandigarh for Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola , clothes meant for Emraan in Film City were transported to Imran in Chandigarh.
It was left to the two stars to see the lighter side of the confusion created by their similar-sounding names. We hear the Imran and Emraan were highly amused when the production team insisted on sending shooting-material to the wrong Imran/Emraan.

Says the team member, We were even able to joke about it.Some of us suggested that perhaps wearing Emraan's clothes would make Imraan a terrific kisser.Luckily Emraan and Imraan saw the lighter side of the mix-up.

read more...

Imran wary of controversy before Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola release

Actor Imran Khan believes his forthcoming film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola deals with a somewhat taboo subject and this may give rise to some controversy before its release.

"It's a very taboo subject. Not controversial but people can find a way to make it controversial," the 29-year-old said here Tuesday at a radio station.

"I'll tell you what will happen, one week before the release someone will find a way to make it controversial, someone or the other will get offended, just see," he added.

His co-star Anushka Sharma chipped in, "It is what it is."

The film is set in a village where Anushka plays Pankaj Kapoor's daughter, while Imran works with Pankaj. However, problems arise when Anushka gets involved with another man, Arya Babbar, a powerful politician Shabana Azmi's son.

Anushka, who plays Bijlee, said the role was quite tough for her.

"For me the role was difficult to play because of the way I am, I say whatever I think. But Bijlee is somebody who holds her emotions and her thoughts to herself," the 24-year-old said here.

"She portrays an image that is not maybe who she is. So I think that was a little difficult," she added.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film releases Jan 11.

read more...

People's opinion matters most to Imran

Imran Khan says he never really gives in to a critic's opinion because for him appreciation from a large group of people matters the most.

"I never really gave anyways to critic opinions because it is ultimately the opinion of one person, so why should I take the opinion of one critic? To me appreciation comes from large number of people," Imran told.

"If any one person says it (movie) is good, then it doesn't necessarily have to be good. When a whole lot of people say that it is bad, then I will listen to them. And when a whole lot of people will say it is good, then I will listen to them," he added.

The actor made his Bollywood debut in 2008 with "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" and went on to do films like "Delhi Belly", "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" and "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu".

Imran is now looking forward to the release of his upcoming film "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola", in which he dons a typical Haryanvi look, however, he refuses to take the credit for it.

"Look for the film was not really a hard work. I will not take the compliment for that because you have some really talented people, who helped me getting the perfect look," said Imran.

"My costume designers, makeup artists have put in a lot of research and hard work for that. So I will not take the credit for that," he added.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" also features Anushka Sharma, Arya Babbar, Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi. It is slated for Jan 11 release.

read more...

Kareena, Imran in Bangalore to shoot for Johar film

Actress Kareena Kapoor will soon start shooting with actor Imran Khan in Bangalore for Karan Johar's new production.

"I am starting my shoot with Imran Khan for Karan Johar's film. I will start shooting for that film from January. We will be shooting in Bangalore for the first schedule," Kareena told.

The duo was last paired in "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu". Their new film, which is yet to be titled, will be directed by Punit Malhotra.

Kareena's calendar is packed.

"Post-Bangalore, I will be in Bhopal in February to shoot for Prakash Jha's 'Satyagrah'. I am really looking forward to these films," she said.

The actress, who married Saif Ali Khan Oct 16, has been busy with her endorsements and even shot an item number, "Fevicol se" for "Dabangg 2".

Kareena says she wants to continue exploring various genres in the film industry.

"I don't want to pin-point and explore just one kind of role. I want to try different genres. I want to do different kinds of role and I will continue doing that," said the 32-year-old.

read more...

Imran and Aamir Khan show support for a cause

Aamir Khan and Imran Khan are raising awareness for cervical and breast cancer

The mamujaan and bhaanja team is part of an initiative by the Cancer Patients Aid Association. Aamir, who is known to support pertinent social causes, observes, It's important for women to educate themselves and know the signs and symptoms of cancer.

Early diagnosis can save your life. Imran adds, Women's health is very important and the breast and cervical cancers are major threats that can be fought through awareness programmes.

read more...

Actors have to worry about work, not money: Imran Khan

Quality of work is more important for actor Imran Khan than money.

"Actors have to worry about their work and not money. Producers are the guys who have to worry about the money," Imran told.

"There are films which have done massive business and nobody has liked them. To me, it is important that people should remember my films 20 to 30 years down the line.

I should be proud of doing a film. Money will come and go what matters is what do people say when they talk about you," he added.

Imran's upcoming film "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" is slated to release early next year, and might turn out to be a big grosser of the first quarter of 2012.

However, Imran feels the release date of a film doesn't matter.

"It really doesn't matter when the film releases. What matters is, 'Have people liked the film?'. The best I can say is that I am proud of this film and I am part of this film, beyond that nothing is in my hands," said Imran.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" also features Anushka Sharma, Arya Babbar, Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi.

read more...

Honest critics are rare: Imran Khan

Actor Imran Khan feels there may be many people who praise him to his face, but there are few who give him honest reviews. Among the rare ones are his mother, and his wife, Avantika.

"The biggest critics in my life are my mom and my wife Avantika. The truth is that when you become an actor, when you become a celebrity, people will come and tell you 'Bro, you are the best, you have done a good job'. So those people are everywhere," Imran told. 

"What is very rare is people who will say these are your weaknesses, this is your problem and this is where you have to work on. People who will honestly do that, those are very rare," he added. 

Among Imran's much-awaited projects is "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola", directed by acclaimed film-maker Vishal Bhardwaj. The actor feels there is a tremendous benefit to work with experienced directors like Bhardwaj, who has given the industry a different genre of cinema with projects like "Omkara", "Ishqiya", "Kaminey" and "7 Khoon Maaf". 

"I never realised it before, but now I realise that you get tremendous benefit as an actor. Earlier, I have worked with first-time directors or second-time directors... there is a sense of two of us finding our way together. We used to find the correct way of working. 

"Here I am working with someone who has consistently proved himself and he knows what the correct way of working is," said the 29-year-old.
In "Matru Ki...", Imran will be see playing a Haryanvi boy. Having played the modern, boy-next-door roles in the past, he admits that he was apprehensive about this one before he began shooting for it.

"I was skeptical. I had great doubts about whether I will be able to learn the body language correctly. I was very nervous and I spoke to Vishal about it. He said, 'I have immense faith in you'. He said, 'if you can put your best effort, then you can do it'," said Imran, citing how encouraging Bhardwaj was all the time.

"He introduced to me a teacher named N.K. Sharma in Delhi. He has a theater group in Delhi. I spent two to three months in Delhi working with him to understand the dialogues and the body language. Everything had to be learnt from scratch," he added. 

Imran is nervous about this film, and says it is quite normal.

"I think that in my experience, any person, who is an honest artist or an honest worker, will always be nervous about whether they have done a good job or not. The greatest people that I know or I respect would say, 'Did I do good enough and can I do better?'" 

"Matru..." also features Anushka Sharma, Arya Babbar, Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi.

read more...

It's awkward to kiss on screen onscreen

Actor Imran Khan has locked lips with Anushka Sharma in "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola", but he admits that he finds it awkward to kiss someone he isn't romantically involved with.

"It's awkward when you are kissing someone who you are not romantically involved with because it is a very intimate act. Normally you do it with somebody who you are very close to, but here you are kissing someone who you don't know that well," Imran told.

Nevertheless, Imran feels Anushka is very talented and she has done a very good job in this Vishal Bhardwaj-directorial.

"We have done a photo shoot together. I watched her films and I felt she is a very good actress. But until you work with a person, you don't really get to appreciate that person. When I actually started working with her, I got to know more about her talent. She has done very good work in this film," said Imran.

"Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" also features Arya Babbar, Pankaj Kapoor and Shabana Azmi in important roles. The film is slated to release Jan 11 next year.

read more...

It's very challenging to work with Pankaj Kapoor: Imran

Acting alongside versatile veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor turned out to be quite a challenge for Imran Khan while they worked together for "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola".

"Pankaj Kapoor as an actor is a very challenging co-star to act opposite, because he improvises a lot and he pulls out new things as they happen. You have to be in the moment with him, you have to be ready with whatever he will do, and you have to be ready to pick that up and take it forward," Imran said.

Besides Pankaj Kapoor, Imran says he was surprised to see the working style of acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj. He was especially glad to see the space Bhardwaj gives to his actors.

"I was very surprised by his style of directing. He gives a lot more freedom to the actors than I expected. If during the take, you decide to do something different, he will let you do that. He liberates the actor and puts a lot of power in actor's hands," said Imran, who romances Anushka Sharma in the quirky movie.

The film is slated for Jan 11, 2013 release.

read more...

It's fun taking risks in career: Kareena Kapoor

From her debut with the 2000 film 'Refugee' to her latest release 'Talaash', Kareena Kapoor has come a long way in her decade-long career

The actress says she picks different kinds of roles as she prefers taking risks when it comes to choosing films. Be it a 'masala' film like 'Bodyguard' or a women-centric movie like 'Heroine', Kareena has it all in her kitty. 

The 32-year-old Bollywood A-lister says it is her duty as an actress to dole out a variety of films for her fans. "It is the duty of an actor to try and pick up different roles, be a little brave about the whole thing. 

Sometimes films will work and sometimes they won't. It's fun taking risks. I just can't just keep looking pretty and doing a song-and-dance film," Kareena told in an interview. The actress said people had asked her not to play Riana Briganza in Shakun Batra's 'Ekk Main Aur Ekk Tu' earlier this year, as the film was slightly unconventional.
"When I was doing 'Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu', everyone said it is slightly non-commercial, since the boy doesn't get the girl in the end. I only did the film because people were saying that. I told Shakun that if you change the end of this movie, I'm not doing it.

That was me. I wanted to do Riana Briganza and wanted my year to end with something totally bizarre like 'Talaash'. I'm happy with both," said Kareena. This year has been quite colourful for Kareena.

While in Aamir Khan starrer 'Talaash' she played the spirit of a prostitute, Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Heroine' had her star as a Bollywood actress. Kareena also turned out as an ISI agent in 'Agent Vinod' and will be next seen in a item number in 'Dabangg 2'.

"I always try to balance the mass-oriented films with the other kinds. My fans love to see me in commercial stuff as well, for that there is the item song 'Fevicol se' that I have done for 'Dabangg 2'. 

"It's nice to do a role like Rosie in Talaash, who is so sensitive, and then something like this song. People should see that I am trying to do different things and not just confidently doing my own thing or repeating the same," she said. 

read more...

Avantika trips on the red carpet, avoids fall thanks to hubby Imran

Imran Khan's wife Avantika tripped on the red carpet of a recent event. But before the big fall, Imran was around to hold her.

Maybe her designer heels got stuck in the carpet.

read more...

Kareena-Imran coming together again

After receiving great response for their pairing in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor will be seen together in yet another film. Karan Johar has confirmed the news of featuring the duo in Dharma Productions' upcoming film.

The film will be directed by Punit Malhotra who earlier directed the youthful film I Hate Luv Stories under the same banner.

Sources reveal that this film has a love story vibe and is 'super fun yet poignant'. Kareena and Imran share a great chemistry in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu and are looking forward to recreate the same magic again.

The coming year has an exciting lineup of films for Dharma Productions including Ranbir- Deepika starrer Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani with followed by 2 States with Arjun Kapoor and Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor's film directed by Punit Malhotra!

read more...

Imran Khan in high demand

Actor Imran Khan's youth connect seems to have made him the most sought after guest at youth-oriented functions and college festivals.

The actor is being invited at various college festivals from all over the country as judge, chief guest or for interactions.

However, with his movie assignments, it is difficult for the 29-year-old to accept all the invites.

"Yes, it is true that we have received invites. We are trying to work out Imran's schedule and be part of some at least," said Imran's spokesperson.

read more...

Parineeti and Imran become Mango people

Imran Khan and Parineeti Chopra have been roped in to endorse a mango drink. The duo's commercial is slated to air soon 

Says a source, The makers of the mango drink had been facing a tough competition from a rival brand. That's the reason why Imran and Parineeti were roped in. They felt the two youngsters could lure the target audience.
Imran is seen very less on the endorsement circuit while the one-film old Parineeti has been bagging more endorsement deals than films! 

Adds the source, Imran was the brand ambassador for a cola which was formerly endorsed by his mamujaan, Aamir Khan. But after Imran's deal expired, the brand has no stars endorsing it now.

read more...

Imran and Anushka go Haryanvi for Matru Ki Bijlee...

Vishal Bhardwaj, who earlier explored the badlands of western Uttar Pradesh for "Omkara", wanted a rustic Haryana setting for his new film "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" and set costume designer Payal Saluja on the job. And what an image change it turns out to be for its stars Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma!

'Chocolate boy' Imran has turned a Haryana boy, complete with full beard, earrings and muscles. And Anushka Sharma, marked for her Punjabi image, wears a grungy look. Veteran Pankaj Kapoor wears two looks - one classy and another as rustic as it gets!

Set in a Haryana village, the comedy-drama is about Harry Mandola (Pankaj), an industrialist whose life revolves around drinking and daughter Bijlee (Anushka), and both father and daughter share an unusual bond with Harry's Man Friday, Matru (Imran).

Bhardwaj was clear in his directive, says Saluja. "He wanted an authentic Haryana flavour in the look of the film."

It was a challenge given the cast.

"Imran has an urban look and image. We had to add a rustic flavour. Vishal didn't want a raw-looking protagonist since he wanted to show the character as educated and well-travelled. So we worked around a modern rustic look for Imran, " Saluja told.

For his character, Imran was made to wear a 'khamiz', the tunic worn by men in the region. He was given a 'gamcha', the handy scarf slung across the shoulders. He also sported a heavily bearded look during the shoot and went out of his way to get his ears pierced to wear 'murki' (gold earrings worn by men in the region).

The usually lean Imran beefed up to play Matru. The fair-skinned actor was also given a natural tan to become what Saluja likes to describe as a "sexy rustic man".

"Imran was accommodating. He wanted to get comfortable with the accessories and used to wear them and the costume even after the shoot. The look is not caricaturish, and he carried it all naturally, " said Saluja, who earlier worked with Bhardwaj on "Saat Khoon Maaf", "Ishqiya" and "Maqbool".

Pankaj Kapoor, who Saluja considers is a "bank of knowledge and talent", was given two looks.

"He is naturally rustic looking. So for one look, he had to look like a rich, classy industrialist. We had to design a businessman's image. We used natural fabrics like linen in muted tones like grey, beige and off white, and accessorised it with hats and stoles. We sourced some high-class hats from Europe.

"For Pankaj-ji's second look, we went into the interiors of northern India, to Rohtak, where you will find people who are as Jat as it gets. So we drew this look through the people in the villages, " said Saluja, who took a month for her research to style the movie.

Anushka's look required some mix and match. So far, Anushka has been seen as a city girl with Punjabi touch but this movie sees her in a different light.

"For one sequence, we got a 'desi ghaghra' made. It is traditional and its 'ghera' was made out of 26 metres of cloth. The ghaghra, made by locals, was heavy, and despite Anushka's tiny waist, she used to wear it happily, " she said.

When so much work goes into designing looks and wardrobe for the cast, the budget has to be big.

Bhardwaj was kind with the budget, says Saluja, refusing to divulge any figures.

"Vishal understands costume well. He takes a lot of interest in each department, and so it is satisfying to work with him, " she said.

The film is expected to come out January.

read more...

Imran gets coached to be Haryanvi Matru

Delhi-based theatre coach NK Sharma trained the actor for his role of a tough Haryanvi in 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola' 

Imran Khan will soon be seen playing Man Friday to veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor in his forthcoming film by Vishal Bhardwaj. 

He will essay a tough Haryanvi in the film. And the man behind the cameras to give the Bandra boy the quintessential Haryanvi diction and attitude is New Delhi-based theatre coach NK Sharma.

Our source says, Bhardwaj requested his good friend Sharma to coach Imran into the perfect Haryanvi male. He tutored him for days and also made sure that he had the right body language before he went on the sets. 

Being a perfectionist, Imran didn't want to leave any stone unturned to get his act right. Imran incidentally had to reside in Delhi for a month to get his body language and accent right. 
Didn't want to play 'Matru'?

The actor initially had apprehensions about essaying a Haryanvi lad in Vishal Bhardwaj's film 

Our sources also say that so tensed was Imran at the prospect of playing a Haryanvi lad that the day after he signed Bhardwaj's film, he paid a visit to the director to opt out of the project.

Our source says, Being a Mumbai boy, Imran obviously had no clue how to speak like someone from Haryana. He had initially said yes for the film. However, after the first day of reading the script, he realised it was not going to be his cup of tea.

Imran tells us, It's true that I first thought I had made a mistake by agreeing to do the film. I went to Vishal sir to ask him to cast someone else. But thankfully, he didn't budge and I finally became a part of the film.

read more...