Shagird : Movie Review

Starring: Nana Patekar, Mohit Ahlawat, Rimi Sen, Anurag Kashyap

Written & Directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia

Rating: 2.5/5

There is this utterly delightful action sequence where Nana Patekar, playing a belligerent corrupt but effectual cop in a crime-infested small town of Uttar Pradesh run by the political mafia, barges on to a nefarious hide-out. He peeps into the room where the goons are watching a vintage black-and-white song on television. Then they switch to a channel airing a Himesh Reshammiya song.

Patekar slams into the room and shoots them all down.

?This is what happens when you listen to the wrong songs. ?

The savage humour of the above sequence stays with you in a film that could have made a much more forceful impact had Shagird come four years earlier.

Given today?s jaded political scenario with politicians of both genders perpetrating the most obnoxious deeds of corruption on the national exchequer, the Bunty Bhaiyas and the Shakeel Bhais of this film appear to be relatively harmless creatures of the underworld.

Like the cops in the films of earlier millennium this film arrives a little late after the action is over. The film exudes the scent of jadedness. That could also be because of the characters who are so steeped in corruption and debauchery they seem born for hell. However the feeling of experiencing something decadent seeps deeper into the narrative.

Much of the goings-on fall into the realm of ?realistic? cinema located in the cow-belt that has been a staple of a certain breed of directors like Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Kashyap and Tigmanshu Dhulia.

The absence of an inspiring budget repeatedly takes its toll on the narrative?s claim to credibility. There are innumerable sequences which jump out of nowhere, and not in a startling but annoying show of unpredictability.

The kidnapping of the tv journalist Rimi Sen and her two colleagues by militants looks so staged you wonder how seasoned professionals could fall for it.

What works are some of the dialogues and Nana Patekar?s wry cynical cop?s part. He brings in that familiar yet engaging element of intrepid defiance into the theme of corruption and compromise.

Here again, the role suffers from a sense of staleness. Patekar and his shagird from the police department were far more warmly portrayed in Shimit Amin?s Ab Tak Chappan by Patekar and Nakul Vaid.

Shagird is not devoid of merit. The Patekar characters affinity to vintage film songs gives a centre to an otherwise-doddering tale of desperate corruption.

They don?t make songs like they used to. Neither do the contemporary cops thrillers like Dum Maro Dum and Shagird match the brutal persuasive powers of past cops flicks like Zanjeer and Ardh Satya.

Khakee is a fading colour in our movies. The hero in Shagird doesn?t even bother to wear it.

Ragini MMS : Movie Review

Cast: Raj Kumar, Kainaz Motivala

Director: Pawan Kripalani

Rating: 2/5

When Dibakar Banerjee took a previously done concept to make "Love Sex Aur Dhokha" (LSD), he not only created cinematic poetry but its commercial success made its studio greedy enough to replicate the formula.

Sadly, what the studio did not realize is that unlike science, in cinema, formulas can not always be replicated. Proof - "Ragini MMS", a clone between LSD, Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity.

Uday (Raj Kumar) takes Ragini (Kainaz Motivala) to a secluded house rigged with cameras. He intends to shoot a sex video. What he does not know is that the house is haunted. The sexy twosome, soon turn into a murderous threesome.

There are too many things wrong with the film - the jump-cuts are often jarring, there are no subplots, it abounds in all cliches of the horror genre, though the performance of the lead pair is convincing, the others are bad, the ghost may not be wearing a white bed sheet and a candle, but her hazy, ugly witch avatar has been done to death before, the ghost is seen so much that she stops being frightening and the audio during the horror scenes is so loud that instead of the scene, it's the sound that scares etc.

"Ragini MMS" does not seem to be the work of one or a few creative soul, rather it looks like the handiwork of many heads trying to break creativity together that end up breaking apart the film instead.

One of the most key elements of a horror film is silence. The simplest trick in the horror filmmakers manual is to punctuate the film with lots of silent moments raising a false alarm in the minds of the viewer and striking horror when least expected.

There is so much loud background noise put into the film that any sense of nuances is completely lost. The lack of a credible back story or subplots ensures that you don't empathize with your butchered couple.

Raj Kumar who almost essays the same videotaping voyeur's role he played in LSD, is underutilized and though a feeble attempt is made at the end to make you empathize with him, it's too late.

Also the concept of horror in the film is of western origin - that of pure evil. The Japanese version of horror, which is gaining currency in Hollywood after dozens of their horror films have been remade, is that of empathy for the ghost as well where the film also become a mystery, besides being a dumb slasher movie.

Also for horror films, besides a notable exception in Paranormal Activity, linear plots don't work. The unexpected twists in the story do.

Ekta Kapoor, who after landmark films like LSD and "Shor In The City", has the chance to become the patron saint of creative directors, needs to remember that a director and his team is hired for their creative vision. She needs to learn to trust them for that.

Also, she needs to remember that you can copy a format and a formula, but not style and panache.

News : 'Don't link me with Saif', says Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra?s visited Saif Ali Khan on the set of ?Agent Vinod? sparked the rumor that she is in a relationship with the actor but the dusky beauty rubbishes the report and said that such stories are made by media and she does not share any relationship with Saif Ali Khan.

When asked Priyanka Chopra said, ?It was just a casual meeting. Now please don?t link me up with him at least. There was nothing negative between us, really. We never hated each other. Everything was hyped.?

Piggy Chops also added that she is not dating Shahid Kapoor now and is very much single. ?I?m not seeing anyone right now and I am very much single.?

She is currently shooting for ?Barfee? with Ranbir Kapoor. Giving and insight of the story, the actress said, ?So far, I have only shot for five days. Playing a mentally challenged girl is difficult as there is a very thin line between being a caricature and portraying the real character. This is my toughest role so far?.

Hot : Barbie Doll Epitomised

Finally the wait is over as the most awaited doll of the year ?Barbie I Can Be a Movie Star?, which is inspired by the Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif was unveiled in Mumbai. The lovely actress, lived up to her Barbie doll image, all decked up in pink. Her attire matched that of the newly launched Barbie.

?I am thrilled and excited at having the ?I Can Be a Movie Star? Barbie Doll inspired by me. It is almost unbelievable, that a doll that I grew up playing with is one day going to take after me, seem like me. Barbie is not just another Doll; she is one of the most popular characters in the world who is a fashionista and has a flourishing career. It is an absolute honour to be associated with Barbie,? said Katrina at the event.

Katrina clarified that the doll doesn?t have her facial features.

?It?s a small doll and there was no intention of changing its features, so it does not resemble me completely.?

At the event Katrina gifted the newly launched dolls to a few lucky young girls and posed with them on stage.

News : Shilpa Shetty expecting her first baby

Shilpa Shetty is over the moon. She always wanted a baby and with God?s grace, her wish has come true. Shilpa Shetty is expecting her first baby. Shilpa who is married to Raj Kundra way back in 2009 is ecstatic to become a mother.

Before tying the knot with Raj, Shilpa once said in an interview, "I'm desperate to start a family. I just love children, and we've a beautiful readymade nursery (in the new house). I want at least two children.

There is already a child's bedroom here because Raj has a nephew and I can certainly see my children running around this place.

And there is enough space for us to live at one end while Raj's parents live at the other."

The couple does not want to declare the good news now as she is in her first trimester. Lately, Shilpa has been seen doing the rounds of several clinics.

The feeling of becoming parents is first for Shilpa while Raj had already experienced the same. He had a daughter from his first marriage.

Gossip : Neil and Asin, an item???

Soon after his break up with childhood sweetheart Priyanka, Neil Nithin Mukesh has been seen getting very friendly with actress Asin Thottumkal.

They have been spotted having cozy dinners together.
If buzz is to be believed, on Neil?s advice, Asin went on to buy the same car as he owns. However, the stars, like many others before them chose to maintain that they are ?simply friends?.

Rumours also has it that, Neil has been recommending Asin to many producers. In fact, Neil had angrily told a section of the media recently, ?Asin is a very close friend, and I see no reason why I should shy away from that. I am fond of her and we are good friends, but I don?t need to recommend her to anyone.?

Well, the Cat will soon be out of the bag

Hot : Udita Goswami's nude photo creates ripples on net Read more: Udita Goswami's nude photo creates ripples on net |

Next Bollywood actress whose nude picture is doing all round the net is Udita Goswami. As usual, she expressed her shocked to see her utterly sensuous photo shoot. Her picture goes along with some international singer and the actress is totally blank as how it happened and when.

Udita Goswami accused the cyber cell in India. She says, "I wish cyber cell was more responsible and active in India to avoid misuse of the power of the Internet."

The photo carried a tagline, ?Just get burnt?. She was totally wetty and her secret asset was highlighted with a red circle.

Hot :Aishwarya sizzles at Cannes

On the opening day of Cannes film festival, the former beauty queen and actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sizzles as she walked the red carpet with grace. She looked elegant and gorgeous in Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture gown with a peplum at the waist.

Draped in a one-shoulder gown, Ash looked utterly gorgeous. She was styled simple with naked neck and small diamond earrings.

Aishwarya?s Cannes journey started way back in 2002 when she appeared for Sanjay Leela Bhansali?s ?Devdas?. Over the years, she has been a perfect face of L?Oreal and represented it at the Cannes.

Well, Ash is the perfect definition of beauty.

News : Amrita?s Diamond set goes missing from film set

Recently, at the Film City, while shooting for a patchwork sequencefor Love You Mr Kalaakaar, Amrita Rao lost her diamond jewelery set worth Rs 7 lakh. The actress had kept her bag containing the jewelery set in her vanity van.

Says Amrita, ?I was horrified. I had never been in such a situation before. I have lost things in the past (like cell phones) but this was a vanishing trick.?

?For this particular scene, I was to wear a traditional outfit and it was perfect for it.?

After a thoroygh search, Amrita borrowed a jewelery piece from her co-star Madhoo, in order to complete the shoot.

?I did ask all the unit hands present but no-one owned up. And without any proof, I just could not point fingers at any innocent person.?

She adds, ?I also told my co-star Tusshar Kapoor about it. He informed the production team.?

Rao hasn?t filed a police complaint yet. ?Some people said I should but I haven?t. I was hoping that the concerned person returns it quietly. I have also been busy with the film?s promotions. But now I will have to take a call on it.?

Hot : Shruti, Siddharth in a live-in relationship

Kamal Hassan?s daughter Shruti Hasan who debuted in Bollywood with ?Luck? is in a live-in relationship with her boyfriend and actor Siddharth. Dad Kamal Hasan is actually very happy with Shruti?s decision and blessed the duo a happy relationship ahead.

Shruti has refused five Bollywood films because she wanted to make her career down south so that she could get Siddharth?s company always.

Marriage is definitely on the cards for Shruti and Siddharth.

Hot : Katrina Kaif smoking HOT on Vogue India!!! May 2011?

atrina Kaif looks super hot, flaunting her figure in the black Bordelle bodice wrap corset, black shorts with thigh suspenders and a translucent, gauzy skirt.

The magazine is the special makeover issue and quite rightly highlights Katrina?s transition from a cutesy girl to a siren.

Talking about Katrina?s reinvention, Anaita Shroff Adajania, Fashion Director of Vogue India, said: ?Katrina best exemplifies the makeover theme. The idea for the shoot was to bring out the rawness to her sensuality. It?s a side of her that has been unseen. At the shoot, she willingly experimented and transformed into a sultry siren. We love this side of her and we love her reinvention!?

News : Kangana locked herself in a vanity van

Kangana Ranaut throws tantrums on the set and walked out refusing to shoot. Her behavior delayed shooting for two hours. Kangana Ranaut locked herself in a vanity van. She was angry with the rumor that is doing the rounds that she is trying to get back into Sanjay Dutt?s clan. She accuses the unit members for spearing such false rumor.

A source from the sets elaborates, "Kangna was in a very bad mood. She walked in on the sets and went straight to her vanity van.

Everyone figured she was upset, but they didn't think that she would actually hold up the shoot for the day. When an assistant director went to call her, she yelled at him and asked him to inform the unit she doesn't want to shoot."

It took over two hours to appease Kangna. "She thinks someone from the unit was talking ill of her. She's maintaining distance from Sanju and trying not to entertain any loose talk.

She is angry that in spite of that, people from the set were spreading gossip about her. So she locked herself in the van and refused to come out till an apology was issued."

Sanju baba was to report in the evening but delay in the shoot made him to shoot at night.

News : Imran Khan gets BOLD in Delhi Belly

The no nonsense Imran Khan is all set to get naughty in his upcoming flick Delhi Belly. No more will he be tagged as the Bollywood chocolate boy. The actor is shooting for one of the boldest scenes ever in his upcoming crime and sex comedy Delhi Belly. He is going to get all steamy between the sheets.

In the film, the 28-year young star will play a bachelor sharing a flat with two other single friends in the Indian city. Imran has recently shot for a lovemaking scene with his female co-star, where he is seen moving ?down? instead of staying on top of the girl.

As a source tells a daily, ?Yes, Imran has shot for the said scene? This is the boldest scene he has done. Obviously, it is all under the covers, but you cannot miss the implication.?

Delhi Belly is directed by Abninav Deo. Releasing July 1, the film has been produced by Aamir Khan, and features an ensemble cast including Kunal Roy Kapoor, Poorna Jagannathan, Vir Das and Shenaz Treasurywala.

News : Its official, Aishwarya signs Bhandarkar's 'Heroine'

Madhur Bhandarkar?s hunt for his leading lady for his highly anticipated project, ?Heroine? finally been over. She is none other than former beauty queen and actress, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The announcement will be made at Cannes this year.

?Yes, it?s on. But we will talk about it at Cannes,? says Aishwarya. Bhandarkar confirms the report saying, ?I am really happy that finally everything is set, I have structured the script keeping Ash in mind. It is one film that every actor would to do, and I am glad Ash agreed to do it. And we will start shooting next month?, says the 42 year old filmmaker.

It was earlier said that Kareena Kapoor was approached for the movie but due to some unknown reasons she turned down the offer. Madhur said about casting Bebo, ?I feel it is jinxed for me to think Kareena doing any films as due to some or the other reason, it never materializes. She was my first choice for ?Page 3? and ?Fashion? but even that never happened.

Keeping the main plot intact, Madhur has changed some objectionable parts for Aishwarya.