Action Replayy all set to enter Oscar library
The makers of Action Replayy have a reason to smile. After all the screenplay of their film has been invited by the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences which wants it for its permanent script collection. Producer-director Vipul Shah got intimation on this regard early this week and he is making the necessary arrangements to ensure that a copy of the screenplay reaches Margaret Herrick library of the Academy.
Confirms Vipul, “Yes, they have shown a keen interest in preserving the screenplay of Action Replayy. They send out the invites for those films which they need for research purpose. Even earlier, a copy of screenplay of Namastey London was shared with them when they had expressed their desire for that. I am glad that they feel Action Replayy is worthy enough for students of cinema to read and learn.”
Screenplay of Action Replayy has been written by Vipul Shah and Aatish Kapadia. While the film has managed to make an impression at the Academy, ironically in ‘apna Bollywood’, many critics were far away from being kind to this Akshay Kumar-Aishwarya Rai film.
“It only shows that how far detached are quite a few of our esteemed critics are from grasping the real content of cinema”, shrugs away Vipul here, “Academy has shown so much good interest, those from the audience who have seen the film have liked it but then some really scathing comments from the critics did come as a shocker. Now that the screenplay is going to the Oscars library, it is definitely redemption of sorts.”
Ranbir Kapoor’s loss becomes Aditya Roy Kapoor’s gain
From one Kapoor to another. Debutant Aditya Roy Kapur who has made such a positive impact in Action Replayy has Ranbir to thank for the part. Post-Saawariya Aditya’s role was first offered to Ranbir who had reservations about sharing screen space with Aishwarya and Akshay.
Veejay-turned-actor Aditya Roy Kapur who also plays a major role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish, has found unexpected support in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who stars with him in both his post-debut films.
While Aishwarya plays Aditya’s mother in Vipul Shah’s Action Replay, she stars as his confidante and sympathetic shoulder in Guzaarish, two contrasting roles with the same actress that could create a confusion of perception, though it may be recalled Jaya Bhaduri played Sanjeev Kumar’s daughter and wife in Parichay and Koshish, respectively.
Aditya is totally unfazed and far from confused about his diametrically opposed parts with Aishwarya in the two films he’s doing with her.
“Sanjay Bhansali Sir’s and Vipul Sir’s film approach and treatment to the characters are so different, my response to the scenes is decided the minute I reach the sets for the two films. So I’m not confused by differing roles with Aishwarya in the two films,� says the young actor who made his debut last year in London Dreams as Zoheb, the Pakistani member of Ajay Devgan’s rock band.
“I had no burning ambition to become an actor,� confesses Aditya whose eldest brother Siddharth works with UTV and second brother Kunal is a director- actor. Aditya is the baby of the family. “Considering my eldest bro is 19 years my senior, he’s almost like a father figure. So yes, I’m the baby of the family. I think Sanjay Sir and Vipul Sir saw me veejaying on television and decided to sign me. Luckily both the experiences have been rewarding.�
Though Aditya has been seen around with his Guzaarish co-star Monikangana Dutta, it’s Aishwarya Rai Bachchan he likes talking about. “She has been very helpful with my scenes, telling me how to do them. She has been a silent support on the sets. I won’t forget that.�
Aditya has often been seen hanging out with Monikangana. But he dismisses any talk of their friendship being anything more. “She’s my co-star in Guzaarish. And we’re of the same generation. So we spend time together. Otherwise I am single at the moment.�
"Who said I am miffed with Akshay’s other films?" – Nikhil Advani
Nikhil Advani wasn’t miffed earlier. But miffed he is today for sure. Recently a news piece came out on how he was unhappy with the fact that despite being almost ready, his Patiala House with Akshay Kumar had to move from 2010 to 2011 so that the superstar’s two ‘comedies’ – Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan – could release first. With plans being confirmed for November and December release respectively for the two films, it was only in February next year that his dramatic fare Patiala House could finally find a slot for itself, albeit after a ‘delay’.
“Unhappy? Delay? Reconfirmation of plans? These are things that are news to me as well”, says Nikhil who is not even trying to hide his annoyance, “Who said that I was miffed with Action Replayy and Tees Maar Khan coming before Patiala House. I thought all of that was a closed chapter way back in July this year when release plan for all three films was chalked down with mutual consensus. Check in trade, the decision had already been taken that Patiala House would release on 11th February. So what delay are we talking about?”
Well, he may be pretty vehement with his confirmation here but there were speculations about him not being too amused with films by Vipul and Farah getting precedence over his.
“Nothing of this sort happens, especially so when your lead actor in working in films made by those directors who happen to be your friends”, Nikhil quashes all speculations here, “I have known for Farah for decades now. She is a dear friend of mine and I am sure along with Akshay, she has a blockbuster in hands with Tees Maar Khan. Vipul is my friend as well and the music of Action Replayy has to go down as one of the best in 2010. ‘Zor Ka Jhatka’ is a killer and I can see Action Replayy doing quite well.”
“If the two films do well at the box office, it is only going to help my Patiala House. Why should I be complaining? I am definitely not for sure”, says Nikhil with a straight face.
Currently, he is neck deep into the post production of Patiala House and spending quite some time to put together a final product which finds whole hearted acceptance from the audience. A film set in UK with a family drama at the core of it and cricket staying on to be a common thread that ties the narrative, Patiala House would be commencing just a week before World Cup 2011 commences. With just the perfect timing that the film is gaining for itself, Nikhil is making sure that the cricket element in Patiala House is nurtured well.
“Yes, there is cricket in the film which means that the film has to be a little longer than the so-called ideal running length of two hours that every film is supposed to come with”, says Nikhil, “The edited version of Patiala House would be 2 hours 20 minutes. That’s just the right kind of length for a film of this genre, scale, setting and star cast.”
A co-production of Bhushan Kumar, Mukesh Talreja and Krishan Kumar, Patiala House has music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and also stars Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Prem Chopra and Hard Kaur.
Live Chat: Aditya Roy Kapoor on Nov 2 at 1600 hrs IST
He started his career as a VJ on Channel V and later progressed into films making his debut in the ’09 film London Dreams. This year, Aditya Roy Kapoor, has two films lined up for release- Action Replayy and Guzaarish.
Aditya’s easy style and his own stylized brand of humour have set him apart from the rest. With the release of Action Replayy just around the corner, we decided to get Aditya to interact with you exclusively.
So, Aditya Roy Kapoor will be live on Bollywood Hungama’s Celebrity Video Chat, November 2, at 1600 hrs IST. Don’t miss it!!!
"I can’t believe I’m married to Mr. Rajesh Khanna’s daughter" – Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar has made a secret pledge to himself. As soon as the first copy of his retro-homage to the 1970s, Action Replayy, is complete, the first person who will watch the film will be his father-in-law Rajesh Khanna.
Arrangements have already been made for the special screening sometime next week. Akshay has clearly told his director-friend Vipul Shah that no one gets to see Action Replayy before Rajesh Khanna.
Ever since Akshay Kumar could remember, he has been the hugest fan of Rajesh Khanna. And now the reclusive Khanna has been coaxed out of his ivory tower to view his son-in-law’s latest film which pays homage to the decade when Rajesh Khanna ruled.
Says Akshay Kumar, “As a kid, I was the biggest Rajesh Khanna fan. Who wasn’t his fan in the 1970s? I remember queuing up for hours to watch Aradhana, Amar Prem, and Kati Patang. These are among my favourite films of all times.”
Interestingly, Akshay married his idol’s daughter in real life. Marvels Akshay, “Look at what destiny had in store for me. I married my idol’s daughter! I still can’t believe it.”
Convincing the reclusive Khanna wasn’t easy. Says Akshay, “But I was determined that he watches the film. The film is set in the era that belongs to my father-in-law. I am so proud of being part of the family now. Yes, Mr. Khanna will be the first person to watch the film. I’m determined about that.”
Live Chat: Vipul Shah on October 19 at 1600 hrs IST
His production house is rightly called Blockbuster Movie Entertainers; after all he is the person behind blockbusters such as Aankhen, Waqt, Namastey London and Singh Is Kinng. He is none other than Vipul Amrutlal Shah.
Vipul’s next film Action Replayy starring Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is all set for a big Diwali release. We at Bollywood Hungama give you a chance to have a Live video chat with Vipul Shah on Tuesday, October 19, at 1600 hrs IST. Don’t miss!
Akshay and Aishwarya to drive retro car on Marine Drive
Akshay Kumar is all set to give a new dimension to the saying ‘Leaving no stone unturned’. As his film Action Replayy is nearing its grand gala release, Akki and the Vipul Shah seem to be having some great gala plans for the film’s promotions. Firstly, it was Akki turning into a DJ who would be playing the hit tracks from the 70s.
Well, now, it seems that Akki and his (on-screen) lady love Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are all set to take the viewers for a ride of their lives. Well, before you get any designs about this lovey-dovey couple, let us clarify that come October 25, Akki and Ash can be seen on a vintage car in Marine Drive (Mumbai), as a part of the film’s promotions. On that day, the two superstars will also turn ‘Love Gurus’ and teach their fans how to woo their lovers. Well, the ‘ride’ doesn’t end there. Director Vipul Shah, in an attempt to spice up the promotions a bit more, said that one lucky ticket buyer will actually get to drive the same Impala car (with Akki and Ash) that has been used in the film. Vipul also adds that promotions of similar sorts are also being worked upon in Delhi as well.
Hope, all these jigs work in the favour of the film.
Akshay Kumar will turn DJ tonight at Mumbai night club
It’s finally happening on Saturday Night (October 9). The retro-music-and-dance night at a suburban retro club where Akshay Kumar would be deejay and play all his favourite songs from the 1970s as part of the promotional campaign for Action Replayy.
The retro Saturday night would be sadly incomplete without Akshay’s leading lady Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Aishwarya has gone to the Pusan Film Festival, leaving Akshay to his own musical devices on Saturday night.
Vipul explains his leading lady’s absence on this important night. “The retro-music night was to happen on September 30. But that turned out to be the date for the verdict on Ayodhya. When now Aishwarya has committed her time for such an important international festival I can’t expect her to set aside her plans. And she has promised she would try to fly back to Mumbai for the evening and then return to Pusan.”
Akshay, however, is reconciled to his solitary star appearance as a deejay for one night. He will now be accompanied by Aditya Roy Kapoor, the VJ turned actor, who plays Akshay and Aishwarya’s son in Action Replayy.
Akshay has already selected his favourite 1970′s songs which he says he is not willing to reveal.
Vipul will say this much about Akshay’s unique role as a deejay on Saturday evening: “A lot of the songs Akshay has selected are from Rajesh Khanna films. So we can expect a lot of R.D. Burman tracks.”
Further probing reveals that Akshay has zeroed in on O Mere Dil Ke Chayan (Mere Jeevan Saathi), Roop Tera Mastana (Aradhana), Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai (Kati Patang) and Yeh Kya Hua (Amar Prem) as his top-of-the-line dance tracks for the evening.
Akshay has been calling up the deejays at two of the most prominent night-places in Mumbai to understand how to conduct himself that evening. Wife Twinkle Khanna would be looking into Akshay’s look and wardrobe for the evening. Akshay will dress in 1970s’ retro style.
Says Akshay, “I don’t think any Indian actor or any actor anywhere has been a deejay at a night spot before. I’m quite excited.”
The doors at the club will be opened to all initially. But closed after the place fills up.
Says Vipul, “After all not too many youngsters would’ve the chance to get Akshay to play deejay while they dance. I suspect after a while there will be a stampede in there.”
Akshay Kumar to rope in Russell Peters & Rob Lowe for Break Away?
After producing films like Singh Is Kinng, De Dana Dan, Khatta Meetha, as well as upcoming films like Action Replayy, Patiala House and Tees Maar Khan that have entertained the Indian audiences, Bollywood’s ‘Khiladi’ – Akshay Kumar is all set to go international with his film Break Away. The English-Punjabi film showcases the struggles faced by South Asian immigrants.
The film in essence is a cross-cultural comedy, with a story that revolves around a Sikh immigrant family – how they cope with cultural conflicts and adapt to playing ice hockey and their new life. Unlike other cross-cultural films, Break Away is said to be quite unique.
The film, which is being directed by Robert Lieberman, will have Toronto-born Vinay Virmani in the lead role, while Akshay has even roped in the petite lass from the film 10000 BC Camilla Belle. However, what’s interesting to know is that Akki being a big fan of the Indo-Canadian comic sensation Russell Peters, is contemplating on roping him for the film along with Rob Lowe from the hit series ‘Brothers and Sisters’.
Break Away, which will mostly be shot in Toronto, is scheduled to begin in the coming few weeks and is said to be about one-hour-and-fifty-minutes long with its release being tentatively slated for next year.
Akshay Kumar to rope in Russell Peters & Rob Lowe for Break Away?
After producing films like Singh Is Kinng, De Dana Dan, Khatta Meetha, as well as upcoming films like Action Replayy, Patiala House and Tees Maar Khan that have entertained the Indian audiences, Bollywood’s ‘Khiladi’ – Akshay Kumar is all set to go international with his film Break Away. The English-Punjabi film showcases the struggles faced by South Asian immigrants.
The film in essence is a cross-cultural comedy, with a story that revolves around a Sikh immigrant family – how they cope with cultural conflicts and adapt to playing ice hockey and their new life. Unlike other cross-cultural films, Break Away is said to be quite unique.
The film, which is being directed by Robert Lieberman, will have Toronto-born Vinay Virmani in the lead role, while Akshay has even roped in the petite lass from the film 10000 BC Camilla Belle. However, what’s interesting to know is that Akki being a big fan of the Indo-Canadian comic sensation Russell Peters, is contemplating on roping him for the film along with Rob Lowe from the hit series ‘Brothers and Sisters’.
Break Away, which will mostly be shot in Toronto, is scheduled to begin in the coming few weeks and is said to be about one-hour-and-fifty-minutes long with its release being tentatively slated for next year.
