Anil has acquired the all-India theatrical rights of KJo's next opus Agneepath, starring Hrithik Roshan , Priyanka Chopra and Sanjay Dutt. This decision comes as a surprise since Karan Johar after parting professionally with Yash Raj Films, has always trusted UTV for the distribution of his projects.

A source from the industry revealed, "Everything is fine between KJo's company Dharma Productions and UTV. In the recent past UTV sold the theatrical rights to different people.

Now, they have sold it entirely to Thadani. It's a structured deal.

Of course, KJo was kept in the loop. That's the only difference.

Yes, it was expected that Agneepath would follow the same route but then everything can't remain the same forever. The modalities worked out well for Thadani.

" KJo and Anil went to the same college - HR college in Churchgate. They are frequently in touch.

KJo trusts Anil a lot. What tilted the scales in Anil's favour is perhaps the way he handled Milan Luthria's The Dirty Picture, produced by Ekta Kapoor who is also KJo's close friend.

While the money that Anil had to shell out is still not known, the deal in question was routed through UTV. Revealed the source, ""Anil signed the deal only on Wednesday afternoon.

" When contacted, Apoorva Mehta (CEO, Dharma Productions) confirmed that now Anil Thadani would be in charge of the all-India theatrical rights of Agneepath. "Eros International holds the overseas rights," he added (less)

The trailer of Jodi Breakers shows the duo to be in the business of splitting up couples. They are even shown distributing their business cards to people and asking them to get in touch with them if they need their services.

On the other hand, the synopsis of Heartbreaker on Wikipedia reads: 'Alex and his sister run a business designed to break up relationships. They are hired by a rich man to break up the wedding of his daughter.

The only problem is that they only have one week to do so'. Jumani says, "To be honest I was surprised when I saw the promos of Jodi Breaker .

It looks like a remake." He adds, "It's a coincidence that both the films have been announced around the same time.

I am glad that it's not going to affect our film because it is releasing next week." The distributor however admits that he is not in a position to take any legal action.

"I can't really do anything. I am distributing the film.

The remake rights are with Universal. They have not sold the remake rights to anyone.

As far as I know, Karan Johar is the only guy who came close to buying it. I am not sure if he has bought or not.

" Jumani goes on to add, "I think they (Universal Studios) already have an idea. It depends on them if they want to take any action.

" Tweet (less)

One at Film City on Monday was a suitably glittering affair. We learn the rights for telecasting the film's music launch has been sold to a television channel, surely a first.

At the packed venue, SRK lifted a noticeably heftier Kareena who had come in late, and joked: 'She no longer has time for me, yeh aaj kal sirf chote chote Khans ke saath kaam karti hain.' Bodyguard, anyone? (less)

One closely trailing. But the amazing news is that Dharma Productions has reportedly topped 'em all for the satellite rights of their January 26, 2012 release Agneepath.

Says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "Satellite prices have been zooming up in recent times. But Agneepath has definitely set a record.

While I'm not aware of the exact price that the rights have been sold for; I'm told it is an astounding figure.'' Taran adds, "I'm not shocked with this piece of information or the reported price because as I said earlier Hrithik's movie rights including that of Kites was picked up for a huge amount.

The actor is one of our most dependable superstars and obviously there is a rush to buy the rights of his movies. To me, the month of January is looking exciting because of Agneepath.

" Trade journal editor Vajir Singh adds, "Agneepath had the buzz from the time the first promo aired. It is a natural thing; you have so many A-listers associated with this film.

The fact that Agneepath is a part of the Dharma bouquet and has actors like Hrithik, Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra in it is enough to give the trade and the general public an adrenaline rush. 2011 has been an exciting year at the movies; 2012, too, starts with a promise.

By virtue of the fact that the film comes in the first month of the year and because it has bankable names in it, is on top of the list of the most exciting films of next year." (less)

Our source closely associated with Nariman Films alleged, "Nariman Films are the original producers of the Film "DON" released in 1978 starring Amitabh Bachchan . In the year 2005 Mr.

Shahrukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar approached Nariman Films for the remaking rights of the original film "DON" through Mr. Javed Akhtar .

We had given them remaking rights only for Don - The chase Begins Again in 2005. We have never given remaking rights for "Don-2 The chase continues ".

Therefore we have raised our objection upon the Infringement on our Copyright of our film "Don" through our Advocates Mr. Digvijay Chopra and Miss Iva Bansal of Film India Corporate Legam Law Firm.

" Advocate Digvijay Chopra confirmed the news saying, "A legal Notice has been sent to Excel Entertainment , Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment , Shah Rukh Khan , Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani , Baba Arts for Infringement of Copyrights . The remaking rights were only given for the film 'Don- The chase begins again' starring Shah Rukh Khan.

It was granted by an agreement which expired in year 2009.Thereafter they never renewed the said agreement or took prospective rights from Nariman Films.

" Counsel Advocate Iva Bansal added, "Without any renewal of remaking rights Excel Entertainment and Red Chillies have made the film Don 2 ,the chase continues, Not only have they Infringed upon the title registered to Nariman Films i.e "Don" and "Don-2 - the Return of the King" which is in this matter second infringement .

The first infringement is the Film Don-2 itself made without taking necessary rights as per law." You see the Title Don -2 has already copyrighted in name of Nariman Films way back in January 2005.

Reliance Entertainment has taken the distribution without any NOC from Nariman Films who hold the negatives of the original film Don and is there copyright. We shall also extend our objection to Don 2's overseas distributors Paramount Films.

" Don 2 is slated to release in the last week of December 2011 (less)

Now he has confirmed he will be back on the small screen to co-host Live! With Kelly along with Kelly Ripa Jan 31, reports contactmusic.com.

Ripa is currently looking for a permanent replacement for her long time sidekick Regis Philbin, who retired from the show last year. Tweet (less)

"Yes, my production house has got the Hindi remake rights of 'Mankatha' and we will soon be taking it to Bollywood. The cast and crew are yet to be finalized.

We will announce it after Nov 15," said Raja. Tweet (less)

Dushman nahin. Par iss show mein toh sabhi dushman hain ," Gulabo told IANS over telephone from Mumbai after being evicted on Saturday night's episode.

Within two weeks of the show, the Bigg Boss House became quite a battleground with fights among contestants Pooja Misrra, Shonali Nagrani, Juhi Parmar, Amar Upadhyay and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi among others. "Women may be enemies in this Bigg Boss House but in my house, my heart, women are friends and supporters of each other.

Here, they are only hungry for fame," she said. Gulabo, who is the seventh child of her parents, was born in the nomadic Kalbeliya community.

She was buried alive by her father after birth as he couldn't afford to raise another daughter. Her aunt rescued her.

She feels her simplicity was overshadowed by the crass, "two-faced" contestants. "I am not brought up to fight over trivial issues.

I couldn't do that, couldn't add spice to the show by creating a ruckus. I didn't even gossip much and didn't maintain two faces in front of the participants.

"I was as I am in reality - I am an artist after all and I don't know how to manipulate and backbite," she said, adding that this was the reason she was voted out of Bigg Boss 5 . Gulabo wanted to stay longer.

"I came with three boxes for three months. I had thought that I will stay for long.

But I couldn't. However, it was a nice experience because I got to see a lot, I got to learn a lot.

"I learnt to be strong. Earlier I used to drink a lot of coffee and tea.

Now I have learnt to live without it..

. or at least drink less of it.

Secondly, I also learnt what games people play." Gulabo is happy on one count.

"People knew me by name but I have to credit the show for giving me face value. Now the public will know me by face," said Gulabo, who wanted to use the Bigg Boss winner cash prize to build a school in her hometown Ajmer.

"I feel sad I couldn't win the amount that could have helped me build my school. But school toh banega.

I want to open my Kalbeliya school where students will not just be taught dance, but also other handwork like jewellery making," she added. Tweet (less)

Though still playing in narrow release, the film has found enthusiastic audiences and has been a critical darling since premiering at last May's Cannes Film Festival, positioning it as the first silent movie with serious awards prospects since the first years of the Oscars in the late 1920s. In an age of elaborate computer effects and digital 3-D projection, The Artist is such a throwback to early cinema that it comes off as something entirely fresh.

"It's very relaxing for people to actually go to this movie," said Dujardin, nominated for best actor in a musical or comedy for his role as a silent-era star whose career implodes when talkies take over. "It's a new visual and emotional experience for people.

..

. It's really strange and rare to not hear anything in the theater.

" Tied for second-place at the Globes with five nominations each are George Clooney's family tale The Descendants and the literary adaptation The Help, both competing for best drama. Also in the running for best drama: Martin Scorsese's family adventure Hugo ; Clooney's political thriller The Ides of March ; Brad Pitt's sports tale Moneyball ; and Steven Spielberg's World War I epic War Horse.

For best musical or comedy, The Artist is up against: Joseph Gordon-Levitt's cancer story 50/50 ; Kristen Wiig's wedding romp Bridesmaids ; Woody Allen's romantic fantasy Midnight in Paris ; and Michelle Williams' Marilyn Monroe tale My Week with Marilyn. Along with honors from trade groups such as the directors, actors and writers guilds, the Globes help sort out key contenders for the Oscars, whose nominations balloting closes Friday, with nominees announced Jan.

24. British comedian Ricky Gervais returns as host for the third-straight year, despite uneasy moments a year ago when he took sharp swipes at celebrities and Golden Globe organizers themselves.

It paid off with a boost in TV ratings for the show, though, so the Globes invited Gervais back. A win Sunday can firm up a film's prospects to triumph at the Oscars, though the Globes have had a bad track record predicting eventual best-picture winners in recent years.

Over the last seven years, only one Globe best-picture winner -- 2008's Slumdog Millionaire -- has gone on to claim the top honor at the Oscars. Before that stretch, the Globes had been on an eight-year streak in which only one of its two best-picture recipients went on to become the Oscar champ.

Last year, The Social Network won best-drama at the Globes and looked like the early Oscar favorite. But momentum later swung to eventual Oscar best-picture winner The King's Speech.

The Globes generally do a better job predicting who might take home the acting Oscars. A year ago, all four actors who won Oscars earned Globes first -- lead players Colin Firth for The King's Speech and Natalie Portman for Black Swan and The Fighter supporting stars Christian Bale and Melissa Leo.

Along with Clooney, Pitt and Williams, other established stars nominated for Globes include Meryl Streep in the Margaret Thatcher tale The Iron Lady, Leonardo DiCaprio in the J. Edgar Hoover saga J.

Edgar, Glenn Close in the Irish drama Albert Nobbs and Kate Winslet in the stage adaptation Carnage. The lineup also features many newcomers to the awards scene, among them Wiig for Bridesmaids, Gordon-Levitt for 50/50, Michael Fassbender for the sex-addict drama Shame, Rooney Mara for the thriller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Brendan Gleeson for the Irish crime tale The Guard.

The Help picked up three acting nominations: Viola Davis for dramatic actress and Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain for supporting actress. Adapted from Kathryn Stockett's best-seller about black maids speaking out about their white employers during the civil rights movement, the hit drama has been a career-maker for many of its collaborators, including first-time director Tate Taylor, a childhood friend of Stockett, and producer Brunson Green.

"It's a testament to pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and not taking no for an answer," said Spencer, a longtime friend of Tate who had been toiling in small parts before The Help. ''Kathryn was an underdog, and Tate and I and Brunson.

..

. They'd only done independent films and shorts, and now they're in the big leagues.

" The Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of about 85 entertainment reporters for overseas outlets. The ceremony, carried live on NBC, is a more laid-back affair than the Oscars, with Globe guests sharing dinner and drinks that can loosen up stars' tongues when it comes to presenting or accepting awards.

Behind the scenes, the HFPA and the Globes' longtime producers, dick clark productions, continue to fight in federal court over which entity has the authority to negotiate multi-million dollar broadcast rights to future shows. Although this year's telecast was never in serious jeopardy, the HFPA is anxious to try to negotiate a better deal with other networks.

While Hollywood will be in party mode right through the Feb. 26 Oscars, not every nominee will join the fun.

Midnight in Paris director Allen, a notorious no-show at awards ceremonies, said he does not believe in competition among films. "Who's to say Steven Spielberg's film is better than Martin Scorsese's or better than Francis Coppola's? These guys are all wonderful filmmakers, and everybody does his best," Allen said.

"Who's to say what's best? You can say that's your favorite, and that's fine. .

..

But to say it's better than another film, it's a very subjective judgment. Someone else may feel, 'No, I think this is the better film.

' It's unquantifiable." Tweet (less)

"I really like the idea of an anti-tour. The opposite of this (Aphrodite Live).

I don't think I can get bigger than this production. "It would be really great to do tiny, intimate shows; no dancing, no lights, there's nothing flash about it.

(I'd be) performing songs that would never ever, ever have a hope in hell of being in a show like this. "(It would be) only fan-known B-sides or songs that I've just done once," Minogue said.

Tweet (less)

After proving to be a hit at the box office, 'Agneepath' has caught the attention of South filmmakers who are apparently queuing up to buy the rights of the movie already, or so we hear. While all and sundry are going gung-ho about this news, filmmaker Karan Johar won't speak about it.

He has decided to keep mum on the matter, unless something substantial takes place. However according to sources, Karan isn't too keen to sell the South-remake rights of the movie, just like that! We are told, "It's a very dear movie to Karan.

He's going to think ten times before giving away any remake rights. And even if he does sell the rights, he may want to be part of the making and involved in some integral way.

Karan may be a good businessman, but he is extremely emotional, and sentimental." Well, so KJo is not necessarily going 'Show me the money', right now! He's probably testing people's passion for filmmaking and cult cinema (less)

A source informed that Akki and Ajay are very fond of the Will Smith- Martin Lawrence starrer. "They are in talks with the original filmmakers to buy the rights for the remake," said the source.

However, it is still uncertain which actor will essay Will Smith's character (less)

Our source says, Don-2 producers went to town saying that they were due to collect an ex-amount of money(a huge fee) for the satellite rights of the film. Yes it is confirmed that Don-2 did get a big price against satellite.

But what is also true, is that there allegedly is a clause in the contract that says that SRK-PC would compere the awards night for the channel that has picked up the airing rights of Don-2; and their emceeing fee is also allegedly adjusted against the full price of the satellite sale.'' While the technicalities of SRK and PC's fee for their emcee act may or may not interest people; or may or may not be exactly the way our source tells us; what is truly interesting is the fact that these two superstars have been sold as a package item.

Ahem! (less)

. 'Honesty starts from our conscience' - Salim Khan We have only got the freedom to breathe.

We can't talk, we can't demand. It is a very selective democracy.

It was after so many sacrifices, so many lives laid down and so many tragedies that India got its freedom. The individuals who sacrificed selflessly for India had a vision for post-independence India.

But what happened? Did we get freedom from poverty? Did we get freedom from hatred? Can all the people of India manage to get at least two square meals a day? Forget communal harmony between two religions, today there are caste wars and daughters are killed by their parents. No political party says what they will do for the country, instead they expose scams of the other party during elections for their own gain.

Will corruption stop when the Lokpal bill comes into existence? Will that police c o n s t ab l e, who stands at the other end of the 'No Entry' sign give up his chance of taking home 2,500 to 3,000 in bribes every day? We give bribes even to get our legal and legitimate work done. Even I have succumbed to that.

Honesty starts from our conscience. It is our mother who tells us 'don't pick it up, give it back'.

But mothers these days are seen only on the silver-screen not at home. Mothers are busy at work or found in clubs.

The family is the first school and a mother is the first teacher. But that doesn't happen today.

Freedom doesn't merely mean driving the British out and hoisting our flag. Law and order, governance, administration was much better in the British period.

I was 12-years - old when we got our freedom and I have exper i e n c e d those days. Today, people have the freedom to announce Bharat bandh, they have the freedom to burn buses, freedom to block roads.

'We have to be free of biases' - Javed Akhtar Are we really free? I am afraid it can't be answered in a yes or a no, because we as a society, as a nation, are rather paradoxical. There are countries where there is no freedom, you cannot write anything, you cannot say anything, you cannot protest against the establishment.

We are somewhere in between. I can write articles against the establishment, I can write about various cultures, sub-cultures, communities.

I can dissent on the most sensitive topic, but I can't do the same in a movie. That will be banned.

That will be censored. The people who matter are willing to give the common man freedom up to a point where it does not challenge the status quo.

And when it comes to that, there is no freedom. But we should not be pessimistic.

Since we have accepted the basic norm of freedom, we have got our basic morality right. In practice, we have to struggle and get complete and real freedom.

However, this ideal form of freedom is not possible without some kind of economic justice in the society. What is freedom to me? That I be allowed to live with all my identities.

I don't believe in a singular identity as it can be dangerous. Everybody should be free to protect his or her dignity.

I should be free to make choices - the kind of job I want, where I live, who I marry..

.Our law allows us but society is not very liberal, to put it mildly.

A lot of freedom is taken away from an individual not from law enforcement agencies but from the civil society, which itself cries for freedom. It's a contradiction.

We as individuals have to be free of biases, prejudices, opportunism, corruption and only then we can have a completely free society. 'You cannot change the way people think' - Pritish Nandy, filmmaker & columnist I was born into freedom and grew up with it.

For me, and for millions of Indians, freedom means everything. It is only recently that I find it under assault.

No, not only from the State, which has chosen to believe that the only way to ensure greater security for the nation is by trampling on the freedom of its individual citizens. So you have indiscriminate phone taps, unexplained encounters, custodial deaths, banned Internet sites and attempts to tap into private chats and emails.

These would have been unthinkable some years ago. But far worse than that it are the new incursions into personal freedom by radical fringe groups who want to tell us how to dress, what to eat and drink, how to pray to our different Gods, w h a t books to read, what movies to watch, who to marry.

This is what worries me most. You can change governments that intrude upon your personal freedoms.

But you cannot change the way some people think. The burning of books, the vandalising of libraries and art galleries, the outlawing of beer bars, beating up college girls who dress in jeans, prohibiting people below 25 from drinking, honour killings, and of course these stupid, meaningless bomb blasts meant to hurt and intimidate the common citizen are all signs of intolerance and erosion of our personal freedoms.

The magic of India has always been its celebration of freedom. If we allow that to be eroded, we will erode the greatness of this nation.

India is its many cultural and religious narratives that run concurrently. That is what makes us, us.

'How free are our tribals?' - Rahul Bose, actor & social activist While India can certainly boast of a democracy that holds, largely, free and fair elections, a judicial system that, in fits and starts, upholds constitutional liberties and a s e em - inglylive ly and vocal press, it would be worth examining what democracy has translated into in our everyday lives. How free are our women? Like the men, can they walk out at night without fear in our cities and villages? How free are India's Muslims? Can they step forward and name and shame Hindu-born terrorists like Hindus do in the reverse? Can young Muslims go to the press and speak out when they are rounded up after a terror attack as a matter of routine? How free are our Dalits? Can they say they are not discriminated against in private sector jobs in the country? How free are our tribals? Can they contentedly claim they have the same rights as our farmers? How free are our urban poor? Can they lay equal claim to the government services that their middleclass counterparts enjoy? How free are our linguistic minorities? Can Biharis claim they enjoy Mumbai's comforts with the same fearlessness as their Maharashtrian counterparts? How free are our politicians? Can they effect systemic change without a nod from the mining lobby/the real estate lobby/the industrial family house lobby/the 'trade interests' lobby? How free is the press? Which articles do they carry that are bought by people with the reader having no clue? Finally, how free are you? Free to, within the bounds of the Constitution, wear jeans to college, celebrate Valentine's Day, whistleblow on a powerful lobby, have a drink in a pub, choose a person of your choice to marry, speak out against the uncle who raped you.

You tell me. 'Freedom is being free of fear' - Rina Dhaka, designer Sixty-five years of Independence, but are we really free? Am I free to do a Hare Rama, Hare Krishna T-shirt with a logo of Lord Ram or Krishna to express my creativity? To be honest, I'd be scared.

I'm not free, even after years of Indian Independence. When we're not free, we live in fear that doesn't allow us to grow.

As a nation, we doubt everyone; we have no faith or trust in the goodness of the other. Truth is, we're paranoid of the powerful in this country, and they disempower us.

When we are living in fear, can we ever be free? Can I safely walk on the road without the fear of being killed by a terrorist? This is a new fear. People want to be free, people want liberty and people love democracy, yet do they really realise what freedom actually is? Is there space in our country to live freely, to do what our heart desires? I define freedom by being free of fear, being liberated.

It's freedom from anger. In our country, we're not even free to protest; look at Anna Hazare.

Is he free to demonstrate for his people? True freedom comes from inner freedom; we need to move ahead with a new confidence. Personally, we all need to free our minds from stereotypes and fear.

A celebration of freedom is incomplete if we live in fear and are not allowed to fulfil our creative pursuits. Being free in these times is also about being tough, e n t e r - prising, and genuine.

This free spirit will take our nation ahead. Express your freedom for only then can you enjoy and live life to its best.

Simply put, be free to think simply, naturally and spontaneously. 'Soon, we'll be a truly free country!' - Mary Kom, five-time world boxing champion This question is actually as complicated to answer as it sounds simple! I do believe that India has taken very large strides in becoming a truly free country, though there is still some way to go before we can be completely 'free'.

The increasing freedom in India is manifest in so many ways - options on occupations, including in sports being a viable career (thank God!); options on goods, technologies, entertainment options, travel, etc; options and increasing access to education; access to the best Indian and International cinema, which while still censored, is obviously being censored less and less and is reflecting the maturity and freedom of choice of the Indian audience - even the option to select one's own life partner, which would have been well near impossible only a few years ago! My personal experience in becoming a boxer does perhaps tell the story of the increasing freedom in India. From the time I was laughed at when I made the decision to become a boxer to now, when I am respected for what I am and what I have achieved - everything suggests a transition in attitudes.

That said, there are a lot of ways in which we still aren't free. We still struggle to control our population, to ensure the safety of women, to fight violence on various fronts, to control corruption, to increase education and literacy and to improve health.

Yet, positive steps have been taken and I have no doubt that in the coming years, we will be a truly free country! It is important to remember that almost all countries, including free societies such as America or Europe, have in their past or are now undergoing a phase of transformation, where they have fought or are fighting against restrictions on their freedom and have moved or are moving towards a free society. Watch Video'+'';} else {tmpdiV="";} var b1=""; var b2=""; var hid="526"; if(sldemsidcnt>1){imglinksh='View Images';}else{imglinksh='View Image';} var b2 = ''+''+ capt +''+ tmpdiV +''; bellyad.

innerHTML = b2 + b1; (less)

The 82-minute film will be available online for 24 hours. Accusing the Censor Board of acting as a "moral conscience of society'' the filmmaker said he wanted to challenge the manner in which the Board had become a "Soviet style censorship body.

'' "The film contains shocking, heart-wrenching stories of the effects of brutality and terror by Indian armed forces and militants alike. Its prequel Inshallah, Football was given an adult certificate by the Censor Board.

Another film of mine Dazed In Doon (based on life in Doon School) was forbidden for screening, exhibition or distribution by a Dehradun court. So I have decided to bypass the censor board and release my film online for a day tomorrow," Kumar said.

He says he has not approached the Censor Board for his latest movie, which was culled from the footage filmed while researching and making Inshallah, Football. "My aim is to make the film into a case study on censorship in India.

If the board okays it, it's fantastic. Else, we will put it online and seek viewers' opinion on the film.

Last option is DVDs, which is the case with Inshallah, Football, and, of course, the Internet," says Kumar, who was nominated for an Oscar in the Live Action Short Films category for his film Little Terrorist in 2005. One does not need the Censor Board's approval for releasing films online in India.

Cyberlaw expert Pavan Duggal said that while Kumar would break no law by putting an original piece of work online, authorities could take action if they felt that the content uploaded was inflammatory (less)

Then her relationship with co-star Uday Chopra was more talked about than any movie. Now it seems that her current photo shoot will be in news for more than creativity.

Tanishaa it seems shot for some very revealing pictures for the Indian version of an international men’s magazine. But when she saw the results of the steamy shoot, she panicked and had the magazine pulled off the stands.

Even the website, where the raunchy pictures were uploaded, has been down since. The actress wore a green bikini for the photo-shoot and the cover had her in an upside pose.

She was very comfortable during the photo shoot and was happy with the results. The pictures were shot for the January issue.

All was fine until Tanishaa received an advance copy a few hours before the mag hit stands nationwide. The actress’ family threw a fit at the suggestive pictures and had her call the editor.

The actress offered to pay for the damages and requested the publisher to pull the magazine from the news stands. Meanwhile, another cover girl was zeroed upon, and after a rush shoot, the magazine went into reprint.

However, the pictures were on their website and were viewed by many before they were taken off. There were five pictures and they were all suggestive.

She was wearing a military green bikini top with a green thong. The website then crashed and hasn’t been up ever since.

It’s been more than 10-odd days now. Tanishaa refused to admit to the pictures, “I don’t what you are talking about.

I haven’t done any photo shoot with any magazine.” Sphere: Related Content Posted in (less)

However, it didn't do well at the Box Office as it was considered quite a dark film. An insider says, "Abhishek won a lot of praise for his role in Sarkar and Sarkar Raj.

This is probably why his family banner is keen to produce Angaar, which is in a similar vein and is an intense film." Since talks have just been initiated, no one is willing to officially comment on the story (less)

His real passion is biking . ""Biking is not just a hobby for me, it's my passion.

I live for the adrenaline rush. I often hear people crib that they have no time to pursue their interests.

But I just don't agree with it. When you enjoy something it's not a chore.

If I am travelling to Karjat for a shoot then I send my stuff in a car and ride to the location."" (less)

Titled Tagore , the film starred Chiranjeevi as an anti-corruption crusader who starts a vigilante organisation called Anti-Corruption Force. It as old as 2003, and was quite forgotten, but suddenly there was a high demand for its remake rights, say sources.

The producers of Tagore jacked up the remake rights of the film to a staggering Rs 10 crore. What's more, Mantena is believed to have paid up the amount.

When contacted, Mantena said he is in the process of acquiring the rights for the film. "I love the title and I love the message of the film.

I think it's far more relevant today than it was when it was made seven years ago." Interestingly, Tagore itself is the remake of a 2002 Tamil film called Ramanna .

AR Murugadoss, who directed Ghajini for Mantena, had also written Tagore . According to sources, Mantena wants to cast Aamir Khan in the role of the anti-corruption crusader.

While not denying this bit of news, Mantena refused to talk about the subject. He said, "I can't talk about the casting.

It's too early." Tweet (less)

He also invited Oscar-winner Swank and action man Van Damme to watch violinist Vanessa Mae perform as part of his birthday party, and both wished him many happy returns. However, the stars' attendance has infuriated activists who accuse Kadyrov of acts of brutality and torture against his own people.

"Ramzan Kadyrov is linked to a litany of horrific human rights abuses. It's inappropriate for stars to get paid to party with him.

It bolsters his image and legitimises a brutal leader and his regime. And getting paid to be part of such a lavish show in Chechnya trivialises the suffering of countless victims of human rights abuses there," a spokesperson for the Human Rights Watch organisation said.

Tweet (less)

She said: "I really did some soul-searching, and I needed that. I needed to just be with the family.

" Kim - who reportedly made up to $18 million for selling her rights to the wedding - also hit out at claims she only married Kris to help her career. She told Live! With Kelly host Kelly Ripa: "If you really think about it, if [the marriage] was a business decision, and I really made all that money that everyone was claiming that we made off this wedding, and if the wedding was fake and just for TV .

..

I'm a smart business woman. I would have stayed married longer.

This was a bad business decision. If you really think about it, it doesn't make sense.

" Kim - who still describes herself as a "hopeless romantic" -said she was surprised at the amount of criticism she has faced since the divorce was announced. The 31-year-old beauty said: "It's been a hard couple of months.

I really didn't think that following my heart would create this much backlash." Tweet (less)

One in Bangalore Every one knows that RA.One is Shah Rukh Khan's most ambitious sci-fi superhero film that is coming out on Diwali Wednesday.

Here are some more tidbits about the much awaited film: * Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the film, which also stars Kareena Kapoor and Arjun Rampal in prominent roles, has been made on a Rs.150 budget crore and has already created a lot of buzz.

* The film is releasing in more than 3,000 screens in the domestic market in 2D and around 500 screens in 3D. The film has been dubbed in Tamil and Telugu and it will also make inroads in South Korea and Hongkong, where Bollywood movies are not so popular.

* The idea of the film originated when Anubhav was watching a commercial about six years ago which showed two children controlling a human with a remote. * Anubhav and Shah Rukh watched as many as 200 superhero films in multiple languages from all over the world before making RA.

One . * Shah Rukh has roped in Oscar winner Resul Pookutty for the special sound effects.

The team went to Los Angeles get the sound effects done for the film. * Jeff Kleiser of 1994 Hollywood film Stargate was hired as the supervisor of visual effects.

* Nicola Pecorini of Loathing in Las Vegas fame is the director of photography, while the film is edited by Academy-award winner Martin Walsh. * It has 3,500 VFX shots, which could mark a new beginning for the use of the technology in Indian films.

* The task of adding special effects was outsourced to multiple specialty studios including in London, Paris and Bangkok, as also in the US. * Dolby surround 7.

1 system has been installed in several multiplexes in the run-up to the sci-fi's release. * Chinese actor Jackie Chan was reportedly approached for a role in the film and later Chinese-American actor Tom Wu was signed on to be a part of the film.

* Shah Rukh roped in international singer Akon for two songs - Chammak Challo and Criminal - and both of them are a rage. * The G.

One suit that Shah Rukh wears in the film is made of silicon, styrofoam and rubber and is said to be considerably heavy. SRK said he lost 5 kgs after shooting in the superhero suit.

* Shah Rukh had to don prosthetic make up for 8 to 10 hours a day without a break which made it difficult for him to even eat and drink. * Tamil superstar Rajinikanth and actress diva Priyanka Chopra will be seen in cameos in the film.

* Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has given his voiceover for the film. * The music launch of RA.

One was streamed live on a video-sharing site for an undisclosed amount. The event's telecast rights are believed to have been sold to the TV channel for a Rs10 crore.

* Satellite rights of the film have reportedly been sold for Rs 35 crore, while distribution rights have been sold for Rs 77 crore. Tweet (less)

Interestingly, word is that several prominent producers were vying for the Bollywood rights of the film, especially now when anti-corruption statements have acquired a profound relevance, thanks to Anna Hazare. A source said, "After acquiring the rights of the Telugu film Vikramarkurdu which he has remade as Rowdy Rathod with its original director Prabhu Deva helming the Hindi remake, Sanjay was not really open to another South remake.

He did Rowdy..

. for the experience.

But then someone recommended Ramana to him. When Sanjay saw the film, he was blown away.

Made nine years ago, it is still as relevant. He had to acquire the remake rights and he had to get the director of the Tamil original to do it.

" The film will be directed by A R Murugadoss, who is said to have already approached Shah Rukh Khan to play the lead. Murugadoss confirmed, "I will be directing the Hindi version of Ramana .

Shah Rukh and I have talked about the film." Ramana featuring Vijaykanth in the lead and directed by the Ghajini maker Murugadoss was an all-time hit in Tamil.

It was remade into Telugu with Chiranjeevi in the lead, and in Kannada as well. Tweet (less)

The report stated, "In an emotional conversation, he concluded that he is leaving his family and moving abroad as he does not have enough faith in gay rights making headway in India and he might have to face many problems here." Needless to say, various websites picked up the news and it spread like wildfire all over the internet.

However, when BT contacted his wife Ayesha - who was unaware of the story - she rubbished the report as a figment of someone's overactive imagination. "This is the most ridiculous story I've heard.

Jackie will be in splits when he hears this! I have many gay friends and I respect their preferences, but Jackie is definitely straight. I can vouch for that!" Asked whether this was a publicity stunt as he had been approached for a reality show, she said, "Jackie doesn't need to pull a stunt like this! Yes, he was approached for Bigg Boss, but he rejected it despite being offered a huge amount of money.

" Meanwhile Jackie, who is shooting for a Kannada film in Mysore, only laughed hysterically over the story and said, "Bhidu, I'm not gay! Kaam dhanda nahin hai logon ko..

. kalyug jhelo (People have no work.

..

it's the times we live in)!" (less)

Bobby Bedi of Kaleidoscope Entertainment bought the rights of Alaipayuthey and remade it into Saathiya in 2002. A source informed Mumbai Mirror, "Bharat bhai shares a very good personal and professional rapport with Mani sir.

They had co-produced Saathiya with Yash Chopra earlier. The venture turned out to be a hit.

Bharat Bhai was keen to buy the remake rights of Thalapathi as the script and the treatment of the film has all the pre-requisites for an entertaining Hindi film." Thalapathi starring Rajinikanth , Mammootty and Shobana in the lead roles with Arvind Swamy, Srividya, Amrish Puri, Bhanupriya, Nagesh, and Charuhasan in supporting characters was inspired by the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata.

"Bharat Bhai flew down to south India and after a long discussion with Mani, finalised the deal. His company, Mega Bollywood Pvt Limited (same company that made Devdas) bought the remake rights of the film at a hefty amount.

The film will be directed by Puja Jatinder Bedi, who is currenlty awaiting the release of his debut film Ghost," added the source. Bharat Shah confirmed the story and added, "We have bought the remake rights of Thalapati.

The project will commence after the release of Ghost." Having worked behind the scenes for films like Mangal Pandey , The Myth and Saathiya, Puja is excited for this big challenge.

She said, "The film was made in 1991 so I plan to modernise parts of the story as well as a few action sequences. However, I plan to keep the screenplay and the characters intact.

" (less)

"Yes, my production house has got the Hindi remake rights of 'Mankatha' and we will soon be taking it to Bollywood. The cast and crew are yet to be finalized.

We will announce it after Nov 15," said Raja. Tweet (less)

Bean) from Hollywood were the personal guests of Formula 1 owner, Bernie Ecclestone in Delhi. While Sachin was given the honour of waving the flag for the start of race, Mr.

Bean was given the responsibility of being live from the grid for German and European channels and Gulshan Grover was given the responsibility of being live from the grid for a UK channel (less)

Kollywood insiders reveal that Salman, after his successful south Indian remakes in Hindi - Wanted, Dabangg and Bodyguard, might be the one to bring the film to Bollywood. Sources close to Raghavendra revealed that the director is insisting on at least Rs 4 crore to sell the remake rights.

And though Salman is eager to remake the film in Hindi, another source revealed that his brother Sohail is against paying such a huge sum to the makers of the film (less)

Sources say his was one of the first names bandied about when the discussion of the project took place. This is the third film he will be doing with good friend Sanjay, after Dhamaal and Double Dhamaal (less)

Dushman nahin. Par iss show mein toh sabhi dushman hain ," Gulabo told IANS over telephone from Mumbai after being evicted on Saturday night's episode.

Within two weeks of the show, the Bigg Boss House became quite a battleground with fights among contestants Pooja Misrra, Shonali Nagrani, Juhi Parmar, Amar Upadhyay and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi among others. "Women may be enemies in this Bigg Boss House but in my house, my heart, women are friends and supporters of each other.

Here, they are only hungry for fame," she said. Gulabo, who is the seventh child of her parents, was born in the nomadic Kalbeliya community.

She was buried alive by her father after birth as he couldn't afford to raise another daughter. Her aunt rescued her.

She feels her simplicity was overshadowed by the crass, "two-faced" contestants. "I am not brought up to fight over trivial issues.

I couldn't do that, couldn't add spice to the show by creating a ruckus. I didn't even gossip much and didn't maintain two faces in front of the participants.

"I was as I am in reality - I am an artist after all and I don't know how to manipulate and backbite," she said, adding that this was the reason she was voted out of Bigg Boss 5 . Gulabo wanted to stay longer.

"I came with three boxes for three months. I had thought that I will stay for long.

But I couldn't. However, it was a nice experience because I got to see a lot, I got to learn a lot.

"I learnt to be strong. Earlier I used to drink a lot of coffee and tea.

Now I have learnt to live without it..

. or at least drink less of it.

Secondly, I also learnt what games people play." Gulabo is happy on one count.

"People knew me by name but I have to credit the show for giving me face value. Now the public will know me by face," said Gulabo, who wanted to use the Bigg Boss winner cash prize to build a school in her hometown Ajmer.

"I feel sad I couldn't win the amount that could have helped me build my school. But school toh banega.

I want to open my Kalbeliya school where students will not just be taught dance, but also other handwork like jewellery making," she added. Tweet (less)

Korean action-suspense master Kim Jee-Woon is directing the film, which is based on a script by Andrew Knauer that was rewritten by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. Lionsgate has domestic and international distribution rights.

The film is up for a 2013 release. Tweet (less)

It also overtakes what Star Network paid for this year's big Diwali release, RA.One , trade sources said.

Jayantilal Gada, CMD, Pen India Pvt Ltd, the agency that aids the purchase of films for Zee Cinema, justifies the hefty price tag, saying that channels study the production banner's track record on the small screen before pitching to buy the satellite rights. "We chose to buy Agneepath over several other biggies because Karan's (producer Karan Johar of Dharma Productions) movies have always delivered great numbers.

And the promo of this film showed promise," he said. Without commenting on the figures, trade analyst Amod Mehra says, "There are only a handful of leading satellite channels in the market.

Likewise, there are only four or five really bankable stars, and not more than 10 big films a year. Zee has shelled out the money for Agneepath to break the pattern of Karan's films going to either Star or Sony, and to strengthen their market position.

" According to the trade circuit, the TV satellite rights market has grown more than 10 times in the last decade alone. "Big flicks bring channels high TRPs and bumper ad revenue.

And no channel keeps a film to itself. Syndication is a common practice, and it also helps recover costs, that otherwise wouldn't make economical sense," Amod said, recalling that the 2007 hit, 'Jab We Met', was the first film in recent times to be syndicated to different channels.

Tweet (less)

Dushman nahin. Par iss show mein toh sabhi dushman hain ," Gulabo told IANS over telephone from Mumbai after being evicted on Saturday night's episode.

Within two weeks of the show, the Bigg Boss House became quite a battleground with fights among contestants Pooja Misrra, Shonali Nagrani, Juhi Parmar, Amar Upadhyay and Laxmi Narayan Tripathi among others. "Women may be enemies in this Bigg Boss House but in my house, my heart, women are friends and supporters of each other.

Here, they are only hungry for fame," she said. Gulabo, who is the seventh child of her parents, was born in the nomadic Kalbeliya community.

She was buried alive by her father after birth as he couldn't afford to raise another daughter. Her aunt rescued her.

She feels her simplicity was overshadowed by the crass, "two-faced" contestants. "I am not brought up to fight over trivial issues.

I couldn't do that, couldn't add spice to the show by creating a ruckus. I didn't even gossip much and didn't maintain two faces in front of the participants.

"I was as I am in reality - I am an artist after all and I don't know how to manipulate and backbite," she said, adding that this was the reason she was voted out of Bigg Boss 5 . Gulabo wanted to stay longer.

"I came with three boxes for three months. I had thought that I will stay for long.

But I couldn't. However, it was a nice experience because I got to see a lot, I got to learn a lot.

"I learnt to be strong. Earlier I used to drink a lot of coffee and tea.

Now I have learnt to live without it..

. or at least drink less of it.

Secondly, I also learnt what games people play." Gulabo is happy on one count.

"People knew me by name but I have to credit the show for giving me face value. Now the public will know me by face," said Gulabo, who wanted to use the Bigg Boss winner cash prize to build a school in her hometown Ajmer.

"I feel sad I couldn't win the amount that could have helped me build my school. But school toh banega.

I want to open my Kalbeliya school where students will not just be taught dance, but also other handwork like jewellery making," she added. Tweet (less)

The producers of "Rangam" had sold the rights of the film to a Bollywood producer who has firmed the deal with the "Rajneeti" director. Confirms a source close to the development, "Yes, Prakash has signed on the dotted line and will remake "Ko".

He will also bring in the hero for the project. Prakash was mainly chosen because he is known as a filmmaker who deals with political subjects and the plot of the Tamil superhit starring Jiiva and Karthika suits his style perfectly.

" We also learn that the remake rights of "Ko" was among the highest paid to a Tamil film after " Ghajini ". The grapevine says that the amount is close to `1.

5 crore. Following the huge success of Southern remakes in Bollywood, top production houses have been competing heavily for bagging the remake rights of hit films (less)

"To me the concert experience is at the heart of what music is about. You come to a show and you are in the room so it is the real thing.

I have been to concerts where I think, 'Oh, I really am in the room with Tony Bennett and it is like he is in my living room'. That is a great part of the experience.

I then think, 'Wait a minute, people must think that about me'. When we make mistakes playing live, we always now turn it and say, 'Tell you what this proves we are live'," he said.

However, McCartney refused to divulge the offenders. Cheryl Cole was famously accused of miming during her live performances on the 'X Factor' while Elton John criticised Madonna for lip-synching during her 2004 tour.

Tweet (less)

" Magadheera is a passion project for us at Phantom and we are happy to have the rights to re-create this magical piece of work, that blew us. Ranveer is the best thing that could have happened to it.

He has all the ingredients to be a passionate lover a warrior and an entertainer all at the same time. All the biggest fans of Magadheera are coming together to re-live its magic with the support of Allu Aravind (producer of the original film)," said Bahl.

Before confirming Ranveer, there were strong rumours that actor Ranbir Kapoor was do the film. Magadheera will go on floors this year with a budget of 50 crores.

Bahl is yet to sign an actress opposite Ranveer and a director to helm the ambitious project. The Band Bajaa Baaraat actor is currently shooting for Lootera , the first film to come out of the newly formed production house.

Tweet (less)

And since the producers of the remake weren't given the rights to make a sequel, Nariman Films has sent them a legal notice and is suing them for copyright infringement. The producers at Nariman Films say, "We have raised our objection through our advocates Digvijay Chopra and Iva Bansal.

" Confirming that a legal notice has been sent to Excel Entertainment, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Shah Rukh Khan and Baba Arts, Digvijay Chopra states: "The remake rights were given only for the film Don: The Chase Begins Again , starring Shah Rukh Khan, by an agreement, which expired in 2009. Thereafter, they never renewed it or even take any prospective rights from Nariman films.

" While Baba Arts was not involved in the production, the advocates point out they had originally acquired the rights, which were then sold to Excel Entertainment for Rs 1.25 crore in 2005, with the knowledge of Nariman Films.

Further Iva Bansal explains that without any renewal of the remake rights, Excel Entertainment and Red Chillies Entertainment have gone ahead and made Don 2 . "Not only have they infringed upon the title registered by Nariman Films, i.

e. Don and Don 2: Return Of The King , which in this matter, is a second infringement.

The first infringement is Don 2 , made without taking the necessary rights as per the law," she states. Bansal also explains that the title Don 2 has been copyrighted in the name of Nariman Films in January 2005.

"Reliance Entertainment has taken the distribution rights without any No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nariman Films who hold the negatives of the original film Don . We shall also legally proceed with Paramount Films as we are informed that they are the overseas distributors," she maintained.

When asked why Nariman Films didn't initiate any action against the makers of Don 2: The Chase Continues , before or during filming, the advocates elaborated: "The reason is because all the production houses and senior and influential members of the film industry made the partners of Nariman films believe by way of undue influence and fraud that they (Nariman Films) have sold all their rights for their original film Don and are in no position to proceed legally to vindicate their right for the Amitabh Bachchan starrer, and even sent a legal notice to Nariman Films to confirm the same." However, Nariman Films has now come to know from various sources that the advocates they first consulted are on the legal panel of the opposite party.

Now the original producers have approached another law firm and have learnt that the case of infringement, undue influence and fraud, is clearly evident in this case. "And after learning the same they have taken legal action," summed up the advocates for Nariman Films.

Chopra and Bansal reiterated that they will be taking legal action against the makers of Don 2: The Chase Continues at the High Court as well as criminal courts for necessary relief. "We will be approaching the courts for stay on the release and promotions as well as confiscating all the Infringed Copies under the Copyright Act," said Chopra and Bansal.

Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment maintains, "Whatever we are doing is legal and their charges are false." Tweet (less)

And since the producers of the remake weren't given the rights to make a sequel, Nariman Films has sent them a legal notice and is suing them for copyright infringement. The producers at Nariman Films say, "We have raised our objection through our advocates Digvijay Chopra and Iva Bansal.

" Confirming that a legal notice has been sent to Excel Entertainment, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Shah Rukh Khan and Baba Arts, Digvijay Chopra states: "The remake rights were given only for the film Don: The Chase Begins Again , starring Shah Rukh Khan, by an agreement, which expired in 2009. Thereafter, they never renewed it or even take any prospective rights from Nariman films.

" While Baba Arts was not involved in the production, the advocates point out they had originally acquired the rights, which were then sold to Excel Entertainment for Rs 1.25 crore in 2005, with the knowledge of Nariman Films.

Further Iva Bansal explains that without any renewal of the remake rights, Excel Entertainment and Red Chillies Entertainment have gone ahead and made Don 2 . "Not only have they infringed upon the title registered by Nariman Films, i.

e. Don and Don 2: Return Of The King , which in this matter, is a second infringement.

The first infringement is Don 2 , made without taking the necessary rights as per the law," she states. Bansal also explains that the title Don 2 has been copyrighted in the name of Nariman Films in January 2005.

"Reliance Entertainment has taken the distribution rights without any No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Nariman Films who hold the negatives of the original film Don . We shall also legally proceed with Paramount Films as we are informed that they are the overseas distributors," she maintained.

When asked why Nariman Films didn't initiate any action against the makers of Don 2: The Chase Continues , before or during filming, the advocates elaborated: "The reason is because all the production houses and senior and influential members of the film industry made the partners of Nariman films believe by way of undue influence and fraud that they (Nariman Films) have sold all their rights for their original film Don and are in no position to proceed legally to vindicate their right for the Amitabh Bachchan starrer, and even sent a legal notice to Nariman Films to confirm the same." However, Nariman Films has now come to know from various sources that the advocates they first consulted are on the legal panel of the opposite party.

Now the original producers have approached another law firm and have learnt that the case of infringement, undue influence and fraud, is clearly evident in this case. "And after learning the same they have taken legal action," summed up the advocates for Nariman Films.

Chopra and Bansal reiterated that they will be taking legal action against the makers of Don 2: The Chase Continues at the High Court as well as criminal courts for necessary relief. "We will be approaching the courts for stay on the release and promotions as well as confiscating all the Infringed Copies under the Copyright Act," said Chopra and Bansal.

Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment maintains, "Whatever we are doing is legal and their charges are false." Tweet (less)

This Farhan Akhtar directed motion picture has sold its satellite rights for a whopping 37 crores, inform trade sources. It's Zee TV who has bought the satellite rights for this movie.

Apparently, this is one of the biggest satellite deals to take place in the history of Indian cinema. It's the hype of the movie along with the success of it's predecessor that has helped it in scoring this big one at the box office.

It looks like the producers have already started their walk to the bank, smiling (less)

"It is flattering to be called a gay icon," Imran told the magazine in an exclusive interview. "`I have always been a supporter of gay rights.

" When asked if he was ready for a desi Brokeback, he quipped: "Sure, why not!". In the accompanying candid interview, Imran talked about the success of Delhi Belly , his new films with Katrina and Kareena and why he 'locked lips' with dost Ranbir Kapoor on Karan Johar's show (less)

However, it seems that their plans will now have to wait on a court verdict. A source informed us that producer Vinod Bachchan, who supposedly owns 51 percent of the rights to the film, filed a case against Eros for announcing the film's sequel without his consent.

Reportedly, the hearing took place yesterday afternoon and the high court has prohibited both parties from going ahead with the sequel. "Not only that, the court has also prevented remaking the film in any other form.

Upon submission of all the documents by both parties, the court will then decide who has the rights," added the source. When contacted, Vinod Bachchan said, "Yes, I have sent them a legal notice.

I am the 51% rights holder of the film and no one can make a film without my consent. How can they announce the film, without even asking me? The court too has said that no one can make a sequel at the moment.

" On the other hand, the official spokesperson of Eros International said, "This is incorrect news, as the rights are not with him." (less)

I think it'll make interesting reading. So I am looking at it.

" Meanwhile, Shobhaa De is rumoured to have picked up publishing rights. De avers, "The biography is just an idea at the moment, nothing is on paper yet," adding that she would publish a book on Khanna if it was commissioned.

"He's lived life on his terms and it would make for a fascinating read." We concur! (less)

It also overtakes what Star Network paid for this year's big Diwali release, RA.One , trade sources said.

Jayantilal Gada, CMD, Pen India Pvt Ltd, the agency that aids the purchase of films for Zee Cinema, justifies the hefty price tag, saying that channels study the production banner's track record on the small screen before pitching to buy the satellite rights. "We chose to buy Agneepath over several other biggies because Karan's (producer Karan Johar of Dharma Productions) movies have always delivered great numbers.

And the promo of this film showed promise," he said. Without commenting on the figures, trade analyst Amod Mehra says, "There are only a handful of leading satellite channels in the market.

Likewise, there are only four or five really bankable stars, and not more than 10 big films a year. Zee has shelled out the money for Agneepath to break the pattern of Karan's films going to either Star or Sony, and to strengthen their market position.

" According to the trade circuit, the TV satellite rights market has grown more than 10 times in the last decade alone. "Big flicks bring channels high TRPs and bumper ad revenue.

And no channel keeps a film to itself. Syndication is a common practice, and it also helps recover costs, that otherwise wouldn't make economical sense," Amod said, recalling that the 2007 hit, 'Jab We Met', was the first film in recent times to be syndicated to different channels.

Tweet (less)

"That Girl in Yellow Boots", written and acted by Kashyap's wife actress Kalki Koechlin, is releasing Sep 2 even in non-NRI theaters in America. "None of my films had been released internationally so far.

Be it 'Black Friday', 'Dev D' all the films went to festivals, garnered acclaim and I ended up selling it to the satellite," Kashyap told IANS in an interview. "'That Girl in Yellow Boots' is releasing in all Scandinavian countries, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and in America there would be 30 art house releases.

It's apparently a small release but a big one for my film," Kashyap said. Kashyap criticised Indian distributors, terming them inefficient and dishonest as they "repeatedly failed or deliberately didn't make international releases" of any of his films even after owning overseas rights, "just assuming there is no market for such non-conventional films".

"What has been my frustration ever since I started making film is that my films go to festivals across the world then when I approach distributors they ask for world rights as well. They take the world rights but don't release them outside saying there is no market for the film abroad.

Internationally none of the distributors know how to distribute it or they hide the film from the non-NRI market. "If a film has big stars like the Khans then a roadside tea stall owner would be able to distribute it across the globe," he said.

He said: "When there is a film which is highly acclaimed in the festival circuit why would that not be loved by other people. For example 'Udaan' garnered audience choice award of another country, why can't they distribute the film in theatres for the same audience of that country.

" He is thankful to producer-distributor Viacom 18 for supporting his endeavour to explore the international market for his film. "I thought that I would distribute the film worldwide personally.

It took one year to find international distributors. Then we got Viacom 18, which is the first producer-distributor that said we would work in collaboration because it's the first time for both of us to explore the global market.

Viacom 18 is collaborating with so many distributors world wide," said Kashyap. "That Girl in Yellow Boots", is a look at the social criticism Kalki Koechlin suffered for being an actor with French connections coupled with other real time incidences that appeared in the newspapers, revealed Kashyap.

"When my relationship started with Kalki there used to be all kinds of stories. It was out of reluctance of accepting a white person.

She had become a topic of coffee table conversation. A white girl looks good that's why she has got a chance in Hindi film, that's what was concluded.

"What people forget that, is that girl left England to live here as she was born in India and secondly she grew up on the diet of sambar and rice, and she still continues it as she can't take spicy food and her first language is Tamil. But all these things got discounted.

We thought let's make a film on it mixing with stories of its kind that appeared in newspapers," said the 38-year-old filmmaker. "The mixture of all those stories evolved into the story of 'Yellow Boots'.

It's a thriller based on a girl's search for her father but set in an underworld that's mushrooming around us that we refuse to see or know," he added. The film also features Naseeruddin Shah in a pivotal role (less)

So congratulations to team", tweets KRK. Agneepath had a starry screening last night" amazing screening for Agneepath last night with the cast n crew.

. karan malhotra take a bow! Kaali Aali re aali", tweets excited Priyanka Chopra .

Sanjay Dutt , Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra's starrer Agneepath is the remake of the 1990 Hindi film 'Agneepath'. The story revolves around Hrithik Roshan who takes an oath to bring back the glory of his fathers name and take revenge against Kancha Cheena.

The movie is all set to be released on 26 th January. Sources indicate that the film has reportedly costs its makers around 62 cr, with print and publicity the film has already recovered around 35 cr from the sale of satellite rights; 15 cr from the overseas rights given to Eros International and also approximately 10 cr from music and other rights.

Let's wait and watch whether it will break Bodyguards' first day record or not (less)

Here's what they have to say: Bipasha Basu : Proud to be an Indian independent girl. Happy Independence Day! Let's all value d efforts of all the brave people who fought for our Independence! Jai Hind! Shahid Kapoor : Respect to all armed forces .

..

We feel the independence due to them!!! Anupam Kher : My country gives me enough reasons to be a proud Indian even when I am disheartened at times. I love INDIA.

Happy Independence Day. Shekhar Kapur : Independence day is to reflect on those to whom freedom has not brought freedom from hunger, destitution, degradation, Independence Day is a day of humility for all that we have not been able to achieve for our people.

Divya Dutta : A very happy Independence day all!! I love my India! Zayed Khan : Freedom is a privilege! One must remember the many sacrifices our forefathers have made and fought for before we can begin to fathom the several advantages we have today. Freedom means the ability to dream , to do , and to excel in whatever it is that we choose.

Freedom enacted responsibly, is freedom earned! Karan Johar : Respect your independence first then celebrate it..

.protect your nation first then love it.

..

JAI HIND!!! Riteish Deshmukh : Happy Independence Day. So proud to be an Indian - together we celebrate our unity -- Indianess is the only religion we follow- JAI HIND BORN INDIAN - WILL LIVE INDIAN - WILL DIE INDIAN.

Tusshar Kapoor : Happy Independence Day to Indians around the world. Let's make an attempt to think freely, an independence that would enrich our lives!! Kalki Koechlin : Let's be free from corrupt systems in our working lives and corrupt systems in our governing forces.

Have a thoughtful Independence Day. Genelia D'Souza : Happy Independence Day.

..

so proud to be an India and so proud that INDIA is my motherland. I LOVE MY INDIA! Uday Chopra : Independence Day! Thanks to all those who fought for it and gave their lives so that we could hold our heads up and proudly say we are Indian! Sonam Kapoor : Happy Independence Day.

The best thing about me is that I'm an Indian. My country is the strongest, wisest and the most peaceful! Shruti Seth : May we all be free of corruption, religious and societal prejudices, fear, terror and petty judgement.

Happy Independence day. Free your mind! Neha Dhupia : Let's all keep freedom alive .

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Happy Independence Day. Dia Mirza : Happy Independence Day! Know your duties and rights and respect them.

Be free! Jai Hind Kunal Kohli : If you love your country, keep your roads clean, pay your taxes, don't complain do something, vote, no corrupt shortcuts, be positive. Jai Hind! Minissha Lamba : Freedom is something we are born with.

We don't know what it was like to live under foreign rule. What we do need to learn is accountability as a sovereign nation.

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" "Naam Hai Boss", the source adds, is a remake of the 2010 Malayalam blockbuster "Pokkiri Raja", with Mammootty and Prithviraj in the lead. While Akshay will be playing Mammootty's role, Prithviraj's role will be played by Pakistani model-turned-actor Imran Abbas.

The film will be directed by Anthony D'Souza (less)

If you see action films, where's the scope for music? Even the original Agneepath had three or four songs," Atul Gogavale told IANS on behalf of the duo. "Our album has six songs, and we have tried to maintain a good variety with one intense Ganpati song, one qawwali, one romantic number, another song capturing the emotions of a brother and sister.

..

We wanted to give this album our best because it is very special for us," he added. Ajay-Atul entered the film industry in 2004.

They primarily composed for Marathi films, and earned acclaim for their tunes in the 2009 film Jogwa , for which they won a national award. They have even composed for Bollywood albums like Viruddh, My Friend Pinto and Singham .

But Agneepath , the music rights of which are with Sony Music, is close to their heart for a reason. "We have watched the original Agneepath at least 200 times.

We are so inspired by the aura of that movie and by Mukul S. Anand's background score and can relate with the story so much, that we knew exactly what kind of music we wanted to create for the remake.

"It is almost like a dream come true to recreate that aura, especially because we are such big fans of the film. We wanted to keep the same grandeur of music that people used to listen to in the 1980s, which is missing nowadays.

So we used a lot of live instruments and a lot of percussion to bring that feeling alive," said Atul. Their spicy song Chikni chameli , a Hindi version of their own Marathi hit Kombadi palali , is already a rage on all music channels and radio stations.

The duo is glad that through the movie, they have got the chance to take their Marathi tune beyond regional cinema. "The song is a great move for Marathi cinema because you never had so much confluence of talent within India.

The song is very peppy, and Karan Johar wanted us to do a Hindi version of it for the film. Of course, Katrina Kaif's dance has added to the song and we are glad with the way it has been received," he added.

Agneepath features Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. The movie, directed by debutant Karan Malhotra, will release Jan 26 next year.

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Interestingly, word is that several prominent producers were vying for the Bollywood rights of the film, especially now when anti-corruption statements have acquired a profound relevance, thanks to Anna Hazare. A source said, "After acquiring the rights of the Telugu film Vikramarkurdu which he has remade as Rowdy Rathod with its original director Prabhu Deva helming the Hindi remake, Sanjay was not really open to another South remake.

He did Rowdy..

. for the experience.

But then someone recommended Ramana to him. When Sanjay saw the film, he was blown away.

Made nine years ago, it is still as relevant. He had to acquire the remake rights and he had to get the director of the Tamil original to do it.

" The film will be directed by A R Murugadoss, who is said to have already approached Shah Rukh Khan to play the lead. Murugadoss confirmed, "I will be directing the Hindi version of Ramana .

Shah Rukh and I have talked about the film." Ramana featuring Vijaykanth in the lead and directed by the Ghajini maker Murugadoss was an all-time hit in Tamil.

It was remade into Telugu with Chiranjeevi in the lead, and in Kannada as well. Tweet (less)

Whatever roles he has done -be it films where he had to kiss his partner or fight in the rains -the audience can always identify with his emotions. There is an instant connect.

Even if Emraan is serenading a girl wearing a sharkskin jacket while driving a sports car, he makes the members in the audience believe that they too can do what Emraan is doing. In "Shanghai", I made Emraan play a character who represents this viewer whose icon is someone like Emraan Hashmi.

He is a small town guy eking out a living by being a photographer. He does odd jobs, isn't very well-read or articulate and has two or three press cards on him.

Basically, he is a man of all seasons. What's nice about Emraan is that he is a natural actor and has great comic timing.

He is sharp and his presence adds the laugh lines to "Shanghai". His character undergoes a transformation and by the time the film ends, he is finally facing his own reality.

You are the only director with whom Abhay Deol has done two movies. How did you see him evolve as an actor? Abhay is usually the black sheep in most of his films.

In "Shanghai", he is the core of conservative, middle class India who clings on to his patriotic belief that India has to take over China one day. I've known Abhay as a very spontaneous actor who doesn't rehearse much.

But in this film, Abhay was different. He was playing a Tamil Brahmin who is an IAS officer.

Abhay asked for a language coach and insisted that everyday, before we shot the scenes, he spent at least 40 minutes with him. He researched on IAS officers apart from interacting with two different Tamilians from different social classes.

He also got a book to learn Tamil alphabets. It's a tough task to speak in Tamil-accented Hindi without turning it into a caricature.

Your movie is based on Greek author Vassilis Vassilikos's novel titled Z, the rights of which you had purchased. There is a Costa-Gavras movie that has already been adapted from the same book.

How difficult does the scope of adaptation become in such cases? The organic difference between a book and a film is that while in the former we need to read what the character is going through and figure it out in our heads, the audience has to see those experiences in a movie. Ergonomically, a book often meanders in terms of the narrative.

A film, in contrast, has to be more evocation and linear in structure. Writing the screenplay of an adaptation is a tough job.

Urmi Juvekar and I bickered for a year to get the screenplay in place. It is a continuous iterative and interactive process.

One has to be flexible. In the book, there are two characters who come from the lowliest of society.

They are involved in negative acts but Vassilis has dealt with them quite positively. He understood the compulsions of these two characters.

The earlier film ignored these two characters. I didn't.

Is this because in the Indian context, finding a sentimental reason for a character's flaw is always a great way to win over the audience? No, that's not it. The book was set in the 1960s and was written in the context of the Left and the Right wing politics.

Today's India has no political ideologies as such. It is more about the rich and the poor.

From being a transmutation of a "Left and Right film", "Shanghai" became a "Rich and Poor movie". "Shanghai" is a political thriller at a time when real-life political scenario has become one big tamasha with a lot of thriller element.

Does that interest you? No. Most of the political thrillers in India are about this tamasha.

But my film is about the politics of real life. It is about the politics that decide where you will live and which road will be open for you and which building will be demolished to create which mall.

The great Indian political tamasha, in contrast, is a creation of the bad habits of the elite media of our country. One has to manufacture tamasha and have people opine on every possible event because there are so many pages to fill up.

My interest doesn't lie there. My movie is about the blood and sweat politics of real survival.

While you spent a year deciding on the screenplay of the movie, most of the hits in India today don't even have the script. What's the importance of scripts in the context of Indian cinema then? A script of an Indian film is as important as you make it.

A film with lots of stars and expensive locations might generate 100 crore at the box-office. But who knows whether the film wouldn't have generated 200 crore at the BO if more attention was paid to the script or not.

For me, the important factor is the need to make better and well-made cinema that's organically complete. A well-made cinema should not be judged by its BO success.

The maker and his respect for what he does in cinema should not be judged by what he earns by doing so. Are you happy with what you've earned? Yes, I am.

I have my house, my cars and can afford a decent standard of living. Do you still not have a television at home? I don't.

My mobile still doesn't have Internet connectivity. But do I look ill-informed? I have my iPad and I am very prompt about replying to e-mails.

Does your daughter insist that you let her to watch cartoons on television? We don't have a television at home. She doesn't watch it.

Can she speak Bangla? No, she can't. The fault is completely mine because I have never spoken to her in Bengali.

My wife, Richa, is from Kolkata and can speak the language. But Richa and I speak Bengali only when we have some secret to share in front of others.

Otherwise, we speak in Hindi and English. I certainly want our daughter to be introduced to Bengali literature.

My parents did that to me and hence my world opened up. I too would want that to happen to her and will soon gift her a Barnaporichoy (less)