Tees Maar Khan copy of Peter Sellers’ After The Fox?
How many of you have heard about the most famous Hollywood comedian (after Charlie Chaplin of course) Peter Sellers? If not, please watch his movie The Party. Anyway, the point to bring up a man of such repertoire is because his films are still inspiring a lot of filmmakers from Bollywood. Peter Sellers 1966 Italian film After The Fox (Caccia Alla Volpe) is one such example. Yes, you heard it.
But the word ‘inspiration’ is too cliche. It’s ‘similarities’ that count when our filmmakers get inspired. After a bit of research, we found out that one of the most anticipated films of this year, Tees Maar Khan, is a fully inspired version of the 1966 comedy, After The Fox starring Peter Sellers. And after watching the trailer, here are some of the ‘similarities’ evident between both the films:
Peter Sellers plays Aldo Vanucci (aka the Fox), one of the greatest criminals of the world, and master of disguise. After Aldo escapes from the Italian prison he was held in, he meets again with his friends, and plans to retrieve the “gold of Cairo” a large shipment of gold, that waits to be unloaded somewhere in Italy. Aldo devices the perfect plan. Posing as a famous director, he finds the ideal coastal village to unload the shipment, and persuades the entire population that he has chosen their village as the set for his new movie. Everybody, including the idiot chief of the local police is so excited, that they can’t even imagine that in fact they are helping the Fox to get the “gold of Cairo”.
1. After The Fox: Peter Sellers plays a master of disguises thief who makes an entire village a movie set to pull off a heist.
Tees Maar Khan: Akshay Kumar plays a master of disguises who makes an entire village into a movie set to pull off a heist.
2. ATF: Victor Mature plays a vain movie star acting in the “film within the film” and Sellers plays on his vanity.
TMK: Akshaye Khanna plays a vain movie star acting in the “film within the film” and Kumar plays on his vanity.
3. In both cases there is a bumbling police chief.
4. In both cases, the hero’s mother really thinks he’s a filmmaker.
5. In both cases there’s a femme fatale.
6. ATF: A ship is heisted.
TMK: A train is heisted.
In the past, we have seen many Bollywood filmmakers getting inspired by World cinema and Hollywood films and making their own desi versions of the films without realizing the consequences. Well, it’s time they do! In fact in the recent past, many Hollywood studios have taken Bollywood producers to court due to plagiarism and copyright infringement. Will Tees Maar Khan producers also face the music now? Well, this is something that only time will tell.
Aisam, Rohan crash out of Kremlin Cup
Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his Indian partner Rohan Bopanna were defeated 6-4, 7-5 in the ATP Kremlin Cup quarter-finals on Friday.
The Indo-Pak Express lost to Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki from Serbia.
Earlier, Qureshi and Bopanna had defeated Czeck Leos Freidl and Victor Hanescu from Romania 6-1, 3-6, 10-8 in the first round.
US crude falls below $74 on economy fears
SINGAPORE: U.S. crude futures fell below $74 on Tuesday, extending losses for a second day, as expectations of higher crude inventories fed fears that a slowdown in global economic growth was hitting demand.
Investors took profit on oil after equities slid on skepticism that governments can boost growth, while the yen clung near a 15-year high against the dollar.
U.S. President Barack Obama”s Monday remarks on additional steps to generate jobs growth and a rise in U.S. consumer spending in July failed to lift oil and equities markets.
U.S. crude prices are meeting considerable resistance above $75 due to concerns about the economy and high oil inventories, Stefan Graber, Credit Suisse”s commodities analyst, said in a note. “For now, we expect further consolidation around $75.”
U.S. crude for October delivery fell 84 cents, or 1.12 percent, to $73.86 a barrel by 0439 GMT, after halting three days of gains on Monday.
ICE Brent for October fell 68 cents to $75.92 a barrel.
Oil fundamentals in the United States, the world”s largest consumer, remained weak as stockpiles rose for the second time in a row last week on higher imports, a British news agency preliminary poll of analysts ahead of weekly inventory reports showed.
Oil turns lower in Asia; stays above $75
SINGAPORE: Oil prices turned lower in Asian trade Monday on profit-taking and as investors realised that the US economic recovery remained weak despite the Federal Reserve chief”s reassurances, analysts said.
New York”s main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in October, was down seven cents to 75.10 dollars a barrel, and Brent North Sea crude for delivery in October dipped nine cents to 76.56 dollars.
Both contracts had posted gains in morning trade, extending gains from Friday following reassurances by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke on the US economy, but failed to gain traction.
“There was some profit-taking because Ben Bernanke”s reassurances are just simply words,” said Victor Shum, senior principal for energy consultants Purvin and Gertz in Singapore.
“The reality is that the US economic outlook hasn”t changed… What Bernanke managed to do with his words was to momentarily stop a lot of the bearish sentiment in the market,” he told media.
Shum said recent economic data coming out of the United States points to a weak economic recovery in the world”s biggest economy.
In a highly anticipated speech, Bernanke said prospects for a US growth pick-up appeared to “remain in place” despite a sharp cutback in the pace of second-quarter economic expansion.
Bernanke added that the Fed would take more “unconventional” steps to boost growth if the economic outlook “deteriorated significantly”.
Shum said a rally in Asian stocks helped minimise the dip in oil prices.
“In the absence of significant news events, the oil market looks to equities for guidance,” he said.
“This has added more volatility to oil because equities are influenced by daily economic data.”
Asia stocks slacken on US, China outlooks
HONG KONG: Asian shares lost ground and the dollar fell to its lowest level against the yen this year on Friday due to weak US and Chinese economic data, although Mumbai was lifted by positive earnings.
Sentiment took a hit from news out of the United States earlier of a drop in manufacturing activity in New York state and only a modest rise in industrial production across the country last month.
Data also showed a decline in US producer prices, suggesting a slow recovery and possible deflation. Google”s second-quarter revenue also disappointed as it was only one percent up from the first quarter.
The data sent the dollar to its lowest level so far this year against the yen.
The greenback fell briefly to 86.93 yen in the afternoon, its first dip below 87 yen since July 1 and its lowest since early December.
The euro bought 1.2921 dollars in Tokyo compared with 1.2922 dollars in New York earlier after soaring past 1.29 for the first time in over two months. The euro fell to 112.44 yen from 113.11 yen.
“The US economy, which had been believed to be staging a solid recovery, now seems to be stalling,” said Hachijuni Bank dealer Masatsugu Miyata.
Tokyo shares closed down 2.86 percent, with exporters such as Sony and Nissan hit hardest due to the strong yen.
Hong Kong and Shanghai both closed flat, as Agricultural Bank of China”s IPO underwhelmed on its Hong Kong debut, following a tepid start in Shanghai on Thursday.
AgBank”s shares closed up 2.2 percent from their 3.20 Hong Kong dollar IPO price.
“Investors are waiting on the sidelines as they think Agbank will fall below its IPO price in no time,” said Wang Junqing at Guosen Securities.
Shanghai was down two percent for the week as a whole and Hong Kong down 0.6 percent.
Zijin Mining fell 3.73 percent in Hong Kong in the fall-out from a toxic spill that has killed off vast numbers of fish.
Sydney closed down 0.45 percent, or 19.9 points, at 4,422.7, with new leader Julia Gillard expected to call national elections for August over the weekend.
However Mumbai was more exuberant, edging up 0.26 percent, or 46.36 points, to 17,955.82, buoyed by strong quarterly earnings data from top software exporter TCS.
TCS rose 6.16 percent after announcing that its net profit for the quarter ended June had jumped 21 percent to 18.44 billion rupees (402 million dollars), beating forecasts thanks to improved demand for outsourcing.
India”s largest private bank ICICI Bank rose 2.32 percent on hopes it too would announce strong earnings amid higher demand for loans.
Singapore”s Straits Times Index closed up 0.48 percent, or 14.17 points, at 2,957.72. DBS Group gained 18 cents to 14.80, while Singapore Airlines fell two cents to 15.02.
Oil hovered around 76 dollars in volatile Asian trade.
New York”s main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in August, was down 24 cents at 76.38 dollars a barrel in the afternoon. Brent North Sea crude for September delivery turned lower and was down 35 cents at 75.74 dollars.
“Some economic data in the United States are signalling slower economic growth and that has put a lid on any price rally,” said Victor Shum, an analyst with energy consultancy Purvin and Gertz in Singapore.
Gold closed at 1,208.00-1,209.00 US dollars an ounce, down from Thursday”s close of 1,211.00-1,212.00 dollars.
In other markets:
– Manila closed down 0.72 percent, or 24.95 points, at 3,442.68 points.
Top-traded Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. was unchanged at 2,460 pesos but Ayala Land Inc. was down 1.67 percent. Aboitiz Power Corp. also fell 1.26 percent.
– Taipei fell 0.52 percent, or 39.95 points, to 7,664.57.
Acer rose 1.93 percent, while TSMC fell 0.67 percent despite announcing a nearly 10-billion-dollar investment to build a new plant.
– Seoul closed down 0.73 percent, with auto and technology stocks pulling down the index amid lingering fears of a double-dip global recession. The benchmark KOSPI ended down 12.84 points at 1,738.45.
– Wellington slipped 0.55 percent, pushing the benchmark NZX 50 Index below 3,000 points, despite a five percent increase for New Zealand Refining company. The company, which produces about 80 percent of the diesel, petrol and jet fuel used in New Zealand, opened a new plant that lifts its capacity by 15 percent to around 135,000 barrels a day.
The NZX-50 index was down 16.56 points at 2,985.760.
– Kuala Lumpur closed up 0.29 percent, or 3.88 points, at 1,336.65.
Scomi Engineering climbed 31.3 percent, while Public Bank inched up 0.9 percent. Tobacco giant BAT slid 0.5 percent.
– Bangkok closed up 0.79 percent, or 6.52 points, at 827.54.
Banpu lost 4.00 baht to 610.00, but Bangkok Bank rose 3.00 baht to 129.50.
– Jakarta rose 0.40 percent, or 11.86 points, to an all-time closing high of 2,992.45 as foreign funds bought banks and blue chip mining stocks.
Bank Negara Indonesia jumped 7.6 percent, while tin miner Timah climbed 4.6 percent.
Oil hovers around 76 dollars in Asian trade
SINGAPORE: Oil hovered around 76 dollars in volatile Asian trade Friday on weak economic data which dampened hopes for a swift US rebound from recession.
New York”s main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in August, was down nine cents to 76.53 dollars a barrel in morning trade. Brent North Sea crude for September delivery added seven cents to 76.02 dollars.
“Some economic data in the United States are signalling slower economic growth and that has put a lid on any price rally,” said Victor Shum, an analyst with energy consultancy Purvin and Gertz in Singapore.
Doubts about the strength of the US recovery were fuelled by reports Thursday that manufacturing activity in the state of New York and in the Philadelphia region was weaker than expected this month.
The strength of the economic rebound in the United States is being closely watched by investors because it consumes more energy than any other country in the world.
Shum told media concerns over the US economy were weighing down on Asian stocks Friday and the sentiment was likely to spill over into the oil market.
“I see some downward pressure from the Asian equities markets… I don”t think we”re going to see a whole lot of gains in oil,” he added.
Oil prices are likely to trade between 70 and 80 dollars a barrel for some time, Shum said.
“There is really no big driver to cause oil to break out of this range,” he said.
Hot-shot Villa leads Spain into semi-finals
JOHANNESBURG: David Villa scored the only goal as European champions Spain beat Paraguay 1-0 at Ellis Park on Saturday to set up a World Cup semi-final against Germany.
Villa, who now has five goals in the tournament, struck the winner seven minutes from the end of what had been a disjointed quarter-final performance from the fancied Spaniards in a game that saw both goalkeepers save second-half penalties.
Germany, who lost to Spain in the Euro 2008 final, had earlier thumped Argentina 4-0 in Cape Town.
“We didn”t play well mainly because we didn”t get enough of the ball,” said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque.
“We are now amongst the four best teams in the world. Our next opponents are Germany who are the best team at the moment.”
Spain”s Cesc Fabregas, who came on for the out-of-form Fernando Torres in the second half, admitted the semi-final will require a step-up in class.
“It feels good to be in the semi-finals, but we know it”ll mean nothing if we don”t reach the final,” he said.
“We watched Germany beat Argentina and they played very well. They are one of the best teams in this tournament. We will have to play our very best to be able to beat them.”
Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said his side paid the price for not taking the opportunities which came their way.
“We had chances but didn”t take them. But never mind. I congratulate my players for their progress at the World Cup,” he said.
Paraguay made a good start to the match and created two chances in the first 10 minutes.
Jonathan Santana shot too close to goalkeeper Iker Casillas from 20 yards and then Cristian Riveros failed to hit the target with a header from Victor Caceres”s pinpoint cross.
Spain were out of sorts with even Barcelona playmaker Xavi uncharacteristically wasteful with his passing.
However, he finally brought a spark to the European champions” play when he hit a dipping volley from 25 yards just over the bar.
Four minutes from the break Paraguay had the ball in the net as Nelson Valdez latched onto a long ball and slotted home into the bottom corner but his strike was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool forward Torres remained an isolated figure up front and it was not surprising that Spain coach Vicente del Bosque replaced him with Fabregas. The game burst into life around the hour mark.
Paraguay had a golden opportunity to take the lead on 59 minutes when Gerard Pique was penalised for hauling down Oscar Cardozo in the box.
But Cardozo missed the resulting penalty with Spain captain Casillas guessing the right way to make the save.
Spain then went straight up the other end and Antolin Alcaraz was adjudged to have tripped new Barcelona signing Villa in the area.
Xabi Alonso stepped up to bury the penalty but was ordered to retake it as Spanish players had encroached.
Second time around he changed sides but Justo Villar then guessed right and saved before Sergio Ramos”s follow up was blocked on the line.
Spain, though, felt they should have had another penalty immediately as Fabregas tumbled under Villar”s dive.
Villar then parried a curling effort from Andres Iniesta before del Bosque threw on a forward Pedro for defensive midfielder Alonso as he went searching for the win.
Spain finally got the breakthrough on 83 minutes after a typically swift passing move through the heart of Paraguay”s defence.
Iniesta laid the ball to Pedro on the right and although his shot came back off the far post, it fell kindly to Villa whose own curled effort nestled in the net after coming off the woodwork.
In a frantic finale Casillas dived at the feet of Roque Santa Cruz to prevent an equaliser while Villar then stopped Villa from making the game safe.
Oil below 78 dollars on profit-taking, weaker stocks
SINGAPORE: Oil prices eased in Asian trade Thursday as stock markets weakened and investors booked profits following a surge above 78 dollars a barrel, analysts said.
New York”s main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in July, shed 55 cents to 77.12 dollars a barrel while London”s Brent North Sea crude for August delivery was off 22 cents at 77.92 dollars.
“Oil prices have eased a bit and this is consistent with the movement in equities,” said Victor Shum, a senior principal with the Purvin and Gertz energy consultancy.
“It”s not surprising that we are seeing declines at the same time that we are seeing some easing in the Japanese Nikkei stock index,” he told AFP.
Japanese stocks opened lower Thursday, with the headline Nikkei index losing 57.90 points or 0.58 percent to 10,009.25 in the first minutes of trading.
Shum said investors were also cashing in profits after oil prices rose for the third day running Wednesday, with the New York contract reaching an intra-day peak of 78.13 dollars, its highest price since May 10.
“Oil pricing has been rallying for the past couple of days in line with the rally in equities and after these gains, investors are inclined to book some profits,” Shum said.
Prices had gained support from a surprise drop in US gasoline inventories, which stoked hopes for rising summer demand in the world”s biggest energy-consuming nation.
Oil rebounds in Asian trade as ”fear factor” eases
SINGAPORE: Oil prices rebounded in Asian trade Wednesday, taking their lead from strong performances in regional equities markets, analysts said.
New York”s main futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in July, gained 62 cents to 69.37 dollars a barrel.
Brent North Sea crude for July delivery advanced 60 cents to 70.15 dollars. Crude prices headed up as dealers were heartened by strong performances by Asian bourses on Wednesday morning, analysts said.
“Oil is taking its cue from equities,” said Victor Shum, senior principal of Purvin and Gertz energy consultants in Singapore.
Major Asian stock markets rose in early trade Wednesday, with the Japanese, Hong Kong and Singapore bourses heading up.
Traders were buying into the market following a dive in Asian stock markets on Tuesday, Shum added.
“The fear factor that drove markets plunging down yesterday has subsided, therefore we are seeing equities and oil prices heading up…. Enough investors felt it was oversold,” he said.
Rising tensions on the Korean peninsula and fears that the European debt crisis could torpedo economic recovery had sent Asian stock markets plummeting Tuesday. Shum warned that oil prices could remain volatile until the issues are resolved.
hunchback of notre dame
May 23, 2010 by Trend PK
Filed under World News
tar Wars IV: A New Hope: In the 1977 science-fiction classic a rebel battle against a totalitarian galactic regime reaches an isolated farm boy (Mark Hamill), whose connection to the struggle turns out more personal than he ever imagined. Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford and Peter Cushing co-star (12:55 p.m. Spike). The 1980 sequel “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back” follows at 4 and the third film of the original trilogy (and sixth of the saga) airs at 6:55.
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The Hunchback of Notre Dame: As Quasimodo, Charles Laughton has clock-stopping looks in this 1939 adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic. Cedric Hardwicke and Maureen O’Hara also star (5 p.m. TCM).
Troy: The Trojan War story is retold without the gods and goddesses of Homer’s original in this 2004 adventure. Brad Pitt stars as Achilles, Orlando Bloom plays Paris and Diane Kruger is cast as Helen. Brian Cox, Brendan Gleeson and Peter O’Toole also star (8 p.m. AMC).
Witchville: Luke Goss and Ed Speleers star in this new, supernatural TV thriller (9 p.m. Syfy).. The courts sentence Quasimodo to be flogged, and the only one who will give him water while he is tied in the square is Esmeralda. Later, at a party of nobles, Esmeralda again meets both Frollo, who is bewitched by her, and Phoebus. When Phoebus is stabbed to death, Esmeralda is accused of the murder, convicted by the court and sentenced to hang. Clopin, King of the Beggars, Gringoire the Husband of Esmeralda, and Quasimodo, the bellringer, all try different ways to save her from the gallows
