Shraddha Kapoor works for 72 hours

Actress Shraddha Kapoor has a choc-o-block work schedule courtesy her two films along with brand endorsements.

Shraddha Kapoor She is fulfilling her work with a continuous 72-hour stretch.
The 'Ek Villain' star, who is currently filming for her upcoming next 'Baaghi' in Bangkok, shot throughout the night and left directly for the airport to be back in the city for a few hours.
The actress landed in the city and headed straight to a press conference for a brand, followed by two meetings, according to a source. She returned to Bangkok, where she is to continue the day's schedule for the film.
Her spokesperson confirmed the news and said: "Shraddha returned to Mumbai just for a couple of hours to fulfil a brand commitment on a turn a round day to avoid affecting the films shoot schedule."
Shraddha is presently shooting simultaneously for her upcoming films 'Baaghi' and 'Rock On 2', which are scheduled to release in 2016.

Karan Singh Grover: Intimate scenes most uncomfortable part of acting

Actor Karan Singh Grover, who has shot some sensuous and intimate scenes for director Vishal Pandya's 'Hate Story 3', says it is the "most uncomfortable part of acting".

Karan Singh Grover
"It's probably the most uncomfortable part of acting," Karan said during a visit to the IANS office here on Wednesday with the cast of the film.
Karan, who is seen getting intimate with both his co-stars Zarine Khan and Daisy Shah, also said that if such scenes are liked by everyone that means the actors have "done a good job".
"But if everyone is liking it (intimate scenes)... that means we have done a good job," he said.
Karan, who shot to fame with TV series "Dill Mill Gayye", where he played the handsome doctor named Armaan Malik, says he doesn't wish to do a daily soap at the moment as it takes up "too much" of his time.
"I am ok for doing season based shows, but doing a daily at this moment is not possible because that takes up too much of my time and that's 30-day minimum guarantee," the "Alone" actor said.
"Hate Story 3", which is slated to hit the theatres on Friday also features actor Sharman Joshi in a key role.

Ranveer, Ayushmann among others express grief for Chennai flood victims

celebrities have expressed their grief and conveyed their prayers for all those who are battling the deadly floods in Chennai currently.

Ranveer Singh and Ayushmann Khurrana

Numerous actors present at the Van Heusen and GQ Fashion Nights conveyed their feelings about the situation.

"It's a very pressing issue, our hearts truly go out to all our friends in Chennai. I really hope our government and everybody else can band together and help our brothers and sisters there," actor Ranveer Singh said.

"I pray that everything works out and condolences to everyone who lost their dear ones in the floods. The world needs to look at what we are doing to planet Earth, it's an alarm for all of us to do our little bit to save our mother Earth," Ranveer added.

Actor R. Madhavan said that "A lot of my friends and family members are facing a tough situation in Chennai. They're just stunned. The milkman, or the people who bring food in this six-feet water in which snakes and scorpions are swimming, I'd like to appreciate them and I'm thankful to them."

"The spirit of Chennai is best seen during the time of stress. They're saying that the next three days there would be more rain and there is 6-7 feet water currently which they're struggling to tackle," the actor informed.

There have been record rains in Chennai during the past couple of days where more than 40 people have died. The rescue operations are currently underway at several locations.

Actress Taapsee Pannu, who acted in Tamil films, said, "It's really sad, I don't know who to blame or what to blame for what is happening. It's not their fault that they are suffering. The runway is clogged and it's almost an emergency situation in Chennai, I hope the entire country realizes it and on a humanity level does something about it."

"I'm in touch with few actor friends of mine, even in their houses there is water, so it's not that the upper strata of the society is not suffering," she added.

Actress Radhika Apte sai, "What message can I give, it's absolutely horrible. I hope the situation becomes better soon. I have spoken to several people there but in the past two days, a lot of them have their phones switched off because of no electricity."

"The armed forces are there, they are taking care of it. We can just have prayers for them and the best part is that the radio presenters are doing a very good role, I've been from the radio industry myself and I can vouch for it that they'll be 24x7 right now, spreading messages and helplines will be on," Actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana said.

Other Bollywood celebrities too expressed solidarity with the affected with messages on social media.

Films' promotional budget adding stress on market

The promotional budgets of films seem to be getting bigger and bigger, adding extra stress on the market

Gone are the days when promotions and publicity of the film used to take up a small portion of the budget of the film. Thanks to the advent of social media perhaps, now P&A budgets are making for a bigger and bigger share in the budget pie. In a milieu of films releasing, the film makers' biggest concern remains how to get the attention of the cine goers. To get that attention and retain it, the makers are spending greater and greater amounts for publicity, thus making the stakes higher and higher for the film in the market. While we had one music launch not so long back, now every song is launched in separate glittering events before the actual launch. This, apart from the various promotional activities thought up by the production and PR team, thus pumping in more funds. While these promotions might or might not help a film, it definitely places a bigger risks for films, since it requires bigger returns for it to get even.

Aggressive promotions did not translate into Shaandaar’s success
A liability
Says a source, “On an average, filmmakers spend anywhere between R5 crore to R20 crore to market films. Presently, an amount like Rs 5-6 crore is bare minimum for any flick to be noticed by the audience. Even if a project costs R2 crore, the producers will have to shell out an additional R5 crore, at least, to be able to spread the word about their film. Over time, marketing and promotions have become very aggressive and it goes without saying that if a filmmaker doesn’t put in money for extensive promotions, chances are that the film wouldn’t work at the box office.”

However, 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' faired well at the BO despite not being promoted extensively
“It is also believed that a well-marketed film will result in building excitement around it and the audiences wouldn’t mind shelling out money to buy tickets,” adds the source.
Filmmakers Onir opines that nowadays, P&A have become a liability for producers. “Today, P&A has become a liability for both big-budget and small-budget films. Having to spend on media coverage to reach the audience is sad. But, it’s also true that content no longer guarantees media coverage.”
Content is king
Sandeep Singh, who has co-produced films such as Mary Kom and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela, says that ultimately content of the film is the king. “Every aspect of filmmaking is important, but today, the industry folk believe in numbers and not in the art of filmmaking. For me, content is the king and a content driven film will do well despite moderate promotions as opposed to a film with weak content and aggressive promotions. Films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Shaandaar are biggest examples. The former went on to do well despite not being promoted a lot whereas Shaandaar’s feisty promotions did not translate into a good run at the box office,” he says.
“Also today there are numerous avenues to market a film and the team which handles promotions comes up with innovative ideas to do so. We as producers get attracted and invest the money. If the film ends up bombing at the box-office it is us who has to bear the brunt,” adds Singh.
Hansal Mehta seconds Singh’s opinion and believes that good content is all that matters,” P &A can never sell a poor product. Aggressive marketing might give you a great opening on Friday but the quality of the content decides box office success. This ridiculous spending is ruining the industry and if this doesn’t change, we are heading towards a financial disaster.”
Sachiin Joshi, who has co-produced Jazbaa, says that investing well in P&A can make or break a film. “People nowadays are busy in the lives. Therefore extensive promotions are the only way through which you can get them theatres,” he explains.
P&A budget of a few films
>> Dilwale - Rs 20-25cr
>> Bajirao Mastani - Rs 20-25cr
>> PRDP - Rs 28-32cr
>> Shaandaar - Rs 12-15cr
>> ABCD 2 - Rs 8-12cr
>> Drishyam - Rs 10-12
>> PKP 2 - Rs 8-10 cr
>> Katti Batti - Rs 10-12cr
>> Hero - Rs a10-12cr

Spotted: Singer Amit Kumar rehearsing for a concert

Singer-composer Amit Kumar during the rehearsals for an upcoming concert to celebrate the Indian music industry. Pic/PTI

Katrina Kaif steps out in style at a fashion event

An awards function which raises a toast to men’s fashion saw the glitterati coming out in their best style numbers.

Katrina Kaif looked stunning in a cutout bodice gown which more than flattered her figure.


Dino Morea
Zayed Khan and Dino Morea stuck to casual get ups, but looked good nonetheless.


Ranveer Singh
Radhika Apte looked elegant in a white dress with gold pumps and a bold red lip.


Radhika Apte

Sangeeta Bijlani

Chunky Pandey

R Madhavan

Vikas Bahl

Gulshan Devaiya

Spotted: Shraddha Kapoor and other celebs at Mumbai airport

Shraddha Kapoor

Karan Kundra

Neha Dhupia


Prabhudheva
Power duo

Nana Patekar and Vikram Gokhale at a poster launch of a Marathi film

Sunny Leone denies making cameo in 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'

Bollywood actress Sunny Leone has denied being a part of Karan Johar's next directorial venture 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil'.

Sunny Leone
There were reports that Leone would be seen making a special appearance in the Ranbir Kapoor-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-Anushka Sharma starrer.
When asked if she will be part of the romantic-drama, Leone said, "That's not true. People like to make up the craziest news. Trust me, if I am doing something I always tweet about it. We always let everybody know what's exactly going on. We're pretty much open about this," Leone told PTI.
The 34-year-old 'Ek Paheli Leela' star also rubbished the rumours that she was approached to star opposite actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui for Sohail Khan's next.
"No it's not true. I was not approached for it, no," she said.
The actress, however, will be seen as a superwoman in a venture of her own production house.
"My production house is developing a superhero character and we will see what happens. It's an amazing concept and an amazing idea. So we will see what happens next with it," she said.
Sunny Leone will be seen in 'Mastizaade' releasing on January 29 next year.

Shraddha Kapoor's action mode turned on

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is currently shooting for the Sabbir Khan-directorial 'Baaghi: A Rebel for Love', is all geared up in her action mode.

Shraddha Kapoor
The 26-year-old actress took to her Instagram and posted a picture of herself, wherein she is seen rehearsing an action sequel.
The 'ABCD 2' actress captioned the pic, "Action mode #Baaghi."
Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the flick also stars Tiger Shroff and will hit the theatres on April 29.

Character in 'Wazir' loosely based on Farooq Abdullah?

Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akthar starrer 'Wazir' is all set to hit theatres next month and if the latest is to be believed, a character in the film is inspired by politician Farooq Abdullah.


A still from 'Wazir'
Says a source, "A character named Yazaad Qureshi (played by Manav Kaul) is loosely based on the well-known politician. However, the makers of the film are trying to keep things under wraps to avoid controversies. A few glimpses of the trailer show Kaul dressed similar to Abdullah. Apparently, his body language and mannerisms are also inspired by the veteran political leader."


Farooq Abdullah
The source adds, "The trailer showcases certain sequences that are shot in Kashmir. Interestingly, producer of the film, Vidhu Vinod Chopra is a Kashmiri Pandit and Amitabh Bachchan essays the role of a Kashmiri Pandit."
The film features Farhan Akhtar playing an Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) cop.
The film's spokesperson remained unavailable for comment.

Shah Rukh Khan to play extended cameo in Gauri Shinde's next?

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will reportedly be seen in an extended cameo in filmmaker Gauri Shinde's next movie, which also features Alia Bhatt.

Shah Rukh Khan
"Contrary to rumours, Shah Rukh is not playing the lead. He will only be seen in a cameo," a source from the film's unit told IANS.
The source added that it was a women-centric project with three male leads.
"One of the male leads is from the south filmdom. The makers are closely guarding the names of the lead actors," he said.
The film is jointly produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Dharma Productions.
This will be Shinde's second directorial after the critically and commercially successful 'English Vinglish' (2012).

Is Sridevi's daughter Khushi grooming herself for Bollywood?

This snapshot of Khushi Kapoor has gone viral on the net.

Khushi Kapoor
Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's younger daughter appears to be grooming herself for Bollywood.
Though Sri always maintains that Janhvi (her elder daughter) and Khushi are too young and should complete their education first.

TV actor Harshad Chopda's Bollywood debut finally finds a heroine

Telly actor Harshad Chopda's Bollywood debut finally finds a heroine; goes on floors

Television actor Harshad Chopda's Bollywood debut, 2016 — 'The End', finally went on floors yesterday in Mumbai. The comic caper, directed by Jaideep Chopra, however, underwent its share of trouble before everything fell into place.

Harshad Chopda and Priya Banerjee
Apparently, the makers found it difficult to finalise the female lead of the film and after much to and fro, zeroed in on newcomer Priya Banerjee, who featured in the Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-Irrfan starrer Jazbaa.
Buzz is that the makers initially approached Tapsee Pannu, but she expressed her reservation to act opposite Harshad. Apparently, she wanted her co-star to be changed.
Later, Madhurima Tuli, who was seen in the Akshay Kumar-starrer Baby, earlier this year, was finalised opposite the actor. She even attended workshops for the film with his co-star for five-six days but the makers changed their mind. They felt that the actress wouldn’t be able to do justice to the role as they wanted a younger actress to essay the part and hence Madhurima was ousted from the project.
Says Jaideep Chopra, “Yes, I had met Taapsee Pannu and she loved the subject, but wanted a change in the film’s cast which includes Harshad Chopda along with Divyendu Sharma and Kiku Sharda.
Talking about Madhurima’s exit from the flick, he says, “At a later stage, I felt Madhurima would not be able to do justice to the role. I wanted a younger, fresher face.”
Incidentally, Taapsee had acted with Divyendu Sharma in David Dhawan’s 2013 film Chashme Baddoor.
Chopra has earlier produced and directed Maazii (2013) that starred telly actress Mona Wasu.

Hate Story 3- Movie Review

'Hate Story 3'
A; Erotica/Thriller
Director: Vishal Pandya
Cast: Sharman Joshi, Zareen Khan, Karan Singh Grover, Daisy Shah
Rating: 

'Hate Story 3' poster. Pic/Santa Banta
This film is touted as an erotic thriller... If your idea of erotica is seeing Zareen Khan in various stages of undressing or Karan Singh Grover's biceps that show more emotions than his face or a Daisy Shah getting in and out of the pool in tacky sets of swimwear, then this one's for you.
However, must tell you that the 'erotica' part is limited to the intermittent songs that come and go as if once in a while the director (Vishal Pandya) realises that he has to heat up things to justify the genre the film is supposed to belong to. In his book, erotic is obviously defined as the camera moving in and out of the ladies' bosom and crotch areas or the gents' shirtless torso moving up and down on the woman's body under layers of bedsheets.
The story is about this ultra rich businessman Aditya Dewan (Sharman Joshi) and his wife, Siya (Zareen Khan). Their idyllic life is slowly and steadily shattered by another businessman Saurav Singhania (Karan Singh Grover). In their first meeting Singhania makes an 'indecent proposal' to Aditya, and thus begins the hate story between the two men. Kaya (Daisy Shah), is Diwan's employee and is used as a pawn in the whole game of oneupmanship between Aditya and Singhania. The story takes several thrilling twists and turns and manages to keep your curiosity till the very end.

Dialogues in this film are written clearly with one solid instruction, cram in all the jargons of business world, to make the characters look all important and hmm…businesslike. Unfortunately, those very dialogues and amateurish execution makes the characters look more caricaturish than believable.
Sharman Joshi, otherwise a decent actor, walks around with a stiff air about him as if he himself was not sure if he could carry off a successful, smart businessman's role. Daisy was stiff too, perhaps because she was stuck in clothes a size smaller than hers.

Though Grover has a good screen presence and can be quite charming, his acting skills need a bit of honing to be done. Zareen has a pretty face attached to a pair of lips that wouldn't stop moving.
This movie is definitely a front bencher's delight.

Steven Spielberg: No one can replace Harrison as Indy

Los Angeles: Brushing all the rumours that a new actor may replace Harrison Ford in the fifth 'Indiana Jones' movie, filmmaker Steven Spielberg said no one else can play the titular role except the Hollywood veteran.
The 69-year-old director, who helmed all four previous films in the franchise, confirmed that a fifth Indy flick is
in the works with Ford, 73, in it, reported People magazine.
"I don't think anyone could replace Harrison as Indy, I don't think that's ever going to happen," Spielberg said.
"It's certainly not my intention to ever have another actor step into his shoes in the way there have been many actors that have played Spider-Man or Batman. There is only going to be one actor playing Indiana Jones and that's Harrison Ford," he added.

Imtiaz Ali: The reaction to 'Tamasha' makes me emotional

Director Imtiaz Ali has carved a niche for himself with movies that are content-driven and appealing to the younger audiences. The success of his recently released film, 'Tamasha', proves that young India is looking for meaningful cinema which can influence their minds.

Imtiaz Ali
Speaking about the audience reaction, Imtiaz affirms, "The younger lot, be it college students or working executives, have most certainly taken up to the film. I believe it’s the audience that has pulled this film. Younger audiences are now demanding a change in the commercial movie format. With Tamasha, I have tested the boundaries of commercial cinema. I have heard real-life stories. Three girls have told me that 'Tamasha' influenced them to quit their job and chase their dream. To enable and motivate someone through cinema is the biggest compliment for a director. The reaction to 'Tamasha' makes me emotional as I know the film has reached deep. I see the responses on social media as a barometer of the influence it has on young minds."
On working with producer Sajid Nadiadwala again, Imtiaz says, "Sajid is an invisible producer which is the greatest support a director can ask for. It is also rare. During the making of the film or even after, there was no talk about budgets and costs of recovery. We purely spoke about cinema. I respect Sajid, the producer, for he wants to be involved with visionary movies and 'Tamasha' is just that. He is truly an awesome producer. I would love to make many more movies with Sajid in the future. One can never tell as people go through ups and downs, and maybe I will make an all out commercial meaningless entertainer someday as well!"

'Angry Indian Goddesses' - Movie Review

'Angry Indian Goddesses'
A; Comedy/Drama
Director: Pan Nalin
Cast: Tannishtha Chatterjee, Rajshri Deshpande, Sarah-Jane Dias, Pavleen Gujral, Adil Hussain, Amrit Maghera, Anushka Manchanda, Sandhya Mridul
Rating: 

Still from 'Angry Indian Goddesses'
The best thing about this film is that Nalin's six protagonists are brave women with no fake moralistic inhibitions, thus truly representing the urban women of today. They are justifiably hopping mad at the hypocritical society at large, which is still stuck in the medieval ages and is reluctant to evolve to be on par with their independent thinking. In Bollywood, where you rarely get to see even a chick flick, this comes as a breath of fresh air.
The intention is right, the execution is decent but the outcome is sadly not what it could have been. Genuinely spoken from the women's point of view, Pan Nalin's 'Angry Indian Goddesses' raises certain issues that should make not only women but everyone angry. However, unfortunately too many issues crammed into a two hour film makes it all confusing and diluted.
The six sexy and strongly individualistic women, Joanna (Amrit Maghera), Freida (Sarah-Jane Dias), Lakshmi (Rajshri Deshpande), 'Pammy' Pamela Jaswal (Pavleen Gujral), Suranjana (Sandhya Mridul) and Madhurita (Anushka Manchanda) are chafing with the way the world full of leering men, unsupportive husbands and fathers and cops with archaic bent of mind is choosing to treat them. They get together in Goa to be part of Freida's wedding. They are later joined by Nargis (Tannishtha Chatterjee). Even as the girls are ironing out their differences and trusting each other enough to bring out their angst, an unfortunate event happens, leading to an unforeseen outcome.
These are the women who unapologetically drink, smoke, openly talk about sex and would rather boldly attack a bunch of eve teasers than demurely slink away. Their bonding, fights and everyday girly chatter sans any forced drama is delightful and believable. What works against the film is that the women are dealing with too many issues and also a shocking, typical Bollywood kind of melodramatic climax which works against how the rest of the film is presented.
The director has hand picked a good bunch of actresses to play their individual parts. Among the others, Sandhya Mridul as a no nonsense professional, Pavleen Gujral as a Delhi housewife, Rajshri Deshpande as the feisty maid and Sarah-Jane Dias as the affectionate, non judgemental girl, stand out with their performances.
Watch it you must, for the attempt made to highlight some real issues yet presented in a light, entertaining manner.

Jacqueline Fernandez in Christmas mode

Jacqueline Fernandez stepped out in a black leather skirt, black top, silver heels and red lips at a brand endorsement event in New Delhi.

The actress is also feeling Christmassy already. She has begun the countdown to making merry by playing Santa Claus to her fans.
The actress has initiated a Xmas activity on her Twitter handle which will enable her fans to receive personalised gifts from her.

'Ranveer's not good looking enough for Bajirao... film is inaccurate'

Descendants of the Peshwa and Mastani feel 'Bajirao Mastani' depicts their ancestors inaccurately and want director Sanjay Leela Bhansali to screen it for them before release

The promos and songs released so far by the team of 'Bajirao Mastani' have clearly dissapointed the descendants of Bajirao Peshwa. Although, they haven't seen the film as yet, but whatever promos and songs they have seen seems to have left the descendants of the royal family fuming. They believe that the makers have failed to depict the history of Bajirao, Kashi Bai Saheb and Mastani Bai Saheb correctly.
"The kind of dance been shown in the film is wrong. They have never danced and neither has Shrimant Bajirao danced. I have objection with the songs, 'Pinga' and 'Malhaar'. Also, the lyrics of 'Pinga' are unacceptable. The makers of the film have never consulted us to get any detail on the great warrior. So we want them to show us the film before its release," says Udaysinh Peshwa, descendant of Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa at press conference in Mumbai on Friday.

Awais Bahadur, heir of Mastani, said the makers did not consult the family before making the film. "Has there ever been a king in India who made his wives dance in his court? They should've consulted us before making the film. We don't want to ban it, show us the film, remove all the objectionable shots and then release it."
Udaysinh said Bhansali had promised the family that it will be an excellent film when they were invited on the sets of the film. 
"I didn't visit. My family was there. They even requested him to keep the story true to the history. He had promised." The film is based on the book "Rau Kashibai" which, Udaysinh said, had faults too.
Earlier, the descendants had filed a plea in the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking a stay on the release of 'Bajirao Mastani'.
The descendants have, as mentioned at the press conference, also written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Ministry of Culture and the Censor Board requesting them to ask the film's team to show them the movie before its release. However, they have not received a response to the letters except the the Ministry of Culture has responded saying that this issue can't be addressed by them. The descendants claim that the film's director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has also not responded to their request.
"We want them to show us the movie so that if we find any more incorrect historical facts, we can ask them to change them and only then release the film. We are not demanding a ban," said LtoR Dr Anuradha Sahasrabuddhe (social Activist), Shaheen Bahadur, Nawab Zulfikar Bahadur, Owais Bahadur Nawab Sahab Indore (Descendant of Mastani Baisaheb), Udaysinh Peshwa, Pune (Descendent of Shrimati bajirao Peshwa), Shrimant Sardar Satyasheelraje Dabhade, and Usman Bahadur (Son of Owais Bahadur) during press confrence at Mumbai Press club., a descendant of Sarsenapati Umabaisaheb Khanderao Dabhade - the only female Commander-in-chief of the Maratha Army.
LtoR Dr Anuradha Sahasrabuddhe (social Activist), Shaheen Bahadur, Nawab Zulfikar Bahadur, Owais Bahadur Nawab Sahab Indore (Descendant of Mastani Baisaheb), Udaysinh Peshwa, Pune (Descendent of Shrimati bajirao Peshwa), Shrimant Sardar Satyasheelraje Dabhade, and Usman Bahadur (Son of Owais Bahadur) during press confrence at Mumbai Press club. Pic/Bipin Kokate
They maintained that while a filmmaker can exercise creative freedom, it shouldn't tarnish a real life warrior's image. Further, Mastani's Baisaheb descendant, Nawab Zulfikar Bahadur felt that actor Ranveer Singh was not the right choice for the lead role. "I don't think Ranveer matches the kind of look that Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa had. Bhansali (who has also produced the film) should have considered someone as good looking as the warrior was," said Zulfikar Bahadur.
Social activist Dr Anuradha Sahasrabuddhe said, "The costumes used for the 'Pinga' are inappropriate. I object to way the actresses have shown skin."
Also present at the press coference were Mastani Baisaheb's descendants Owais Bahadur Nawab Sahab and Shaheen Bahadur, and historian Mandar Lawate.
Produced and directed by Bhansali, the film starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, is scheduled to release on December 18.

'Kajarya' - Movie Review

'Kajarya' 
A; Drama
Director: Madhureeta Anand
Cast: Ridhima Sud, Meenu Hooda, Kuldeep Ruhil
Rating: 
Kajarya it deals with a very pertinent issue, and with the kind of grimness that the issue deserves. The film primarily talks about female infanticide but as the story unfolds, it reveals disturbing layers of more issues that women face in their day to day lives.
Meera (Ridhima Sud) is an ambitious reporter from Delhi who lands up in a village in Haryana and stumbles upon a well kept secret of the village -- human sacrifices made for a special pooja every year. In spite of resistance, Meera persists on following the lead and ends up coming face to face with Kajarya, the 'witch' who's blamed for killing female babies. Meera in her idealistic enthusiasm is quick to jump to conclusion about Kajarya being a vamp and how she deserves nothing less than death sentence. It is only later that Meera realises the folly of her knee jerk reaction but by then it's too late. But this serves as an impetus for her to look into her own life which is being aggressively controlled by her boyfriend.
Director Madhureeta Anand subtly and surely drives home the fact that exploitation of women doesn't necessarily happen in villages but can also be a part of rich, urban homes.
Dark, straight narration with excellent performances work for the film. Meenu Hooda who plays Kajarya is near perfect as the helpless woman caught in a web of loyalty for the man she loves and a drug induced haze. Kuldeep Ruhil, who plays Banwari, the man who exploits Kararya and Sood give good support.
Don’t miss this one. It is a sincere attempt to bring forth an issue that is very much a part of this country and the one we must be really worried about.

Amy Jackson

'Bigg Boss 9' Day 53: Mandana fights with her team over task

Mandana Karimi who is seething with rage over her destroyed belongings, fights with her own teammates who are asking her to give up the task. Will she pay heed?

With the housemates being tested on their 'pride' quotient, the war to destroy the opponent’s belongings continues with Mandana and Kawaljeet being the targets during the task. When Mandana’s prized possessions are taken away and destroyed, Mandana claims that she is emotionally attached to those three items. She further continues by saying that the items taken away from Kawaljeet only beget his materialistic attachment and do not stand even ground to her emotions.

Mandana Karimi
While housemates claim that Mandana's selfishness does not allow her to see other's emotions, Kawaljeet keeps up his stance by saying that he does not care about anything else but his spondylitis pillow.
Mandana gathers up her team members Keith, Rochelle and Prince in the bedroom and tells them that she does not wish to give up on the task because her favorite belongings have been taken away and destroyed. Rochelle and Keith oppose her opinion and ask her if she will not feel guilty about destroying anyone else's belongings. They also request Kawaljeet to give up when Priya overhears this and forbids them from convincing Kawaljeet to give up. After this, Kawaljeet's team takes away Mandana's Versace shoes and destroys them as well.

Keith Sequeira seen talking to Mandana and his team during the task Later, when Rochelle requests someone to stop this task because it has reached beyond everyone's tolerance level, Mandana claims that they will always have a problem with her because when she gives up during a task, they want her to continue and when she diligently does her task, she is asked to give up! Rochelle says that they are only fighting for her belongings and do not wish to see them destroyed.
Realising that the house has been immersed in chaos, Priya puts order to the task and says that as the supervisor of the task, she has come to a conclusion. She says that if a team wants to give up on a task, she will take that as the final verdict.

Priya Malik
Rochelle, Keith and Prince who are convinced that they wish to discontinue the task immediately raise the white flag, much to Mandana’s dismay. Later, Rishabh feels bad for Mandana and hugs her, emoting how much he empathises with her situation.

Prince seen arguing with Kishwer
Meanwhile, in the garden area, Prince and Kishwer get into a heated argument when Kishwer blames Prince for destroying Kawaljeet's spondylitis pillow and says that they should have thought before taking away Kawaljeet's medical conditions. In his defense, Prince says that they did not intend to make him suffer. Prince further retorts by saying that according to his logic, Bigg Boss would have most definitely returned the spondylitis pillow to him after the task and that’s why they decided to destroy it.

Prince being seduced during a task
After lights out, Mandana is still seething with rage and talking to Rishabh about how Keith and Rochelle always try and maintain their image. Rishabh tells her firmly that it was her attitude that went against her. Overhearing the conversation, Keith tells Mandana that he does not play upon his image and that the task was primarily about taking it to a level where everyone's tolerance level will be put to test.

Rishabh getting seduced during the task