Monday, December 13, 2010

Online Watch Midweek Box .Office 'No Problem' fair, 'BBB' shows big jump

Midweek B.O.: 'No Problem' fair, 'BBB' shows big jump
By Taran Adarsh,
December 13, 2010 - 16:47 IST



No Problem: Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sushmita Sen, Kangna, Neetu Chandra, Ranjeet, Shakti Kapoor, Baby Saloni, Vijay Raaz A few comic scenes Lacks clever one-liners, bursting-with-energy sequences and amusing goings-on. Fails to entertain Has done fair business given its star cast, but given the director's impeccable track record, the film has definitely under-performed. The breakup:- Fri: 4.25 to 4.5 cr., Sat: 4.75 to 5.25 cr. and Sun: 6 to 6.75 cr. Weekend: 15.5 to 16.5 cr. nett

Band Baaja Baaraat: Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Neeraj Sood, Manmeet Singh Sawhney, Manish Chaudhari Fresh, youthful and extremely entertaining. Plus, Anushka and Ranveer's first-rate performances Slips in the post-interval portions Picked up after a shaky start. Showed a big jump at several screens on Saturday and Sunday. Should maintain well on weekdays due to strong word of mouth. The breakup:- Fri: 1 cr., Sat: 2 cr. and Sun: 2.70 cr. Weekend: 5.70 cr. nett

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey: Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Sikander Kher, Vishakha Singh, Samrat Mukerji, Maninder, Feroz Wahid Khan Absorbing, informative and inspiring film. Recreates the bygone era convincingly Excessive length Disaster

Rakht Charitra - 2: Vivek Oberoi, Suriya, Shatrughan Sinha, Sudeep, Priyamani, Radhika Apte, Zarina Wahab, Anupam Shyam Taut writing and Suriya's bravura act Extremely violent Flop

Phas Gaye Re Obama: Rajat Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Sanjay Mishra, Manu Rishi, Amole Gupte Interesting plot, skilled direction and admirable performances Editing could be sharper Was affected by the new releases. The breakup [second weekend]: Fri: 8 lacs, Sat: 15 lacs and Sun: 17 lacs. 10-day total: 2.45 cr.

One of the major ones has been of Ajay Devgn walking out of the film.

Saif replaces Ajay Devgn in Prakash Jha's Aarakshan
By Bollywood Hungama News Network,
December 13, 2010 - 16:06 IST


Tags: Bollywood, News, Features, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Ajay Devgan, Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, Prateik Babbar, Deepika Padukone, Prakash Jha, Aarakshan


There has been immense curiosity around Prakash Jha's next film Aarakshan for a while now. The film which originally was said to star Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Bajpayee, Ajay Devgn, Prateik Babbar and Deepika Padukone, has since undergone lot of changes as far as the starcast is concerned.

One of the major ones has been of Ajay Devgn walking out of the film. It is now confirmed that the part which was originally to be played by Ajay will now be played by Saif. Confirming this, Amitabh Bachchan posted on his blog saying, "Preparations for 'Aarakshan' with Prakash Jha are on in swing and another meet today was done to finalize aspects of the oncoming shoot. Saif Ali now replaces Ajay and soon we shall be making a final announcement of this."

The film deals with the issue of reservation and its impact on the society. It will be shot in Bhopal next year.

The pretty actress Sonakshi Sinha has been signed by Shirish Kunder for his ambitious 3D directorial venture Joker.

Sonakshi Sinha to star opposite Akshay Kumar in Joker
By Bollywood Hungama News Network,
November 22, 2010 - 12:34 IST


Tags: Bollywood, News, Features, Sonakshi Sinha, Akshay Kumar, Joker, Shirish Kunder, Farah Khan


After impressing one and all with her performance in Dabangg, Sonakshi Sinha is certainly a hot property. The pretty actress has been signed by Shirish Kunder for his ambitious 3D directorial venture Joker. Sonakshi would be paired opposite none other than Akshay Kumar in Joker.

Explaining his choice of why Sonakshi for the leading lady, Shirish reasons, "Sonakshi fitted the role perfectly. Hers is an extremely performance oriented character which is there throughout the film with Akshay. Besides another reason for choosing Sonakshi is the fact that she and Akki would be a fresh on-screen pair considering Akshay has worked with most of the top leading ladies." Unlike Dabangg in which she played a village belle, Sonakshi would be seen playing a modern girl in Joker.

Besides Akshay and Sonakshi, Joker would also boast of a huge supporting cast which Shirish would be announcing in the days to come. Commenting on whether there will be some Hollywood technicians involved considering that it's a 3-D film, Shirish says, "Most of the technicians will be from India but yes, since this a new technology, we would be using the expertise of some experienced names from Hollywood too."

Joker is a co-production between Farah Khan & Shirish Kunder's Three's Company and Akshay's Hari Om Entertainment. The film goes on floors in January 2011 and will be mostly shot all around India.

Online Watch Kanti Shah has used Katrina Kaif's current sizzling chartbuster Sheila Ki Jawani as the title of his film.



Sheila Ki Jawani, a C-grade film
Bharti Dubey, MUMBAI MIRROR,
Dec 13, 2010, 10.14am IST


Kanti Shah, who is known as the king of C-grade films in Bollywood, has an interesting one up his sleeve this time.

Instead of using double entendres, Shah has used Katrina Kaif's current sizzling chartbuster Sheila Ki Jawani as the title of his film.

The announcement on Shah's film was used as an advertisement in a trade magazine recently. Kumar Mohan, the editor of the magazine, recalls, "When Kanti Shah came to me with the advertisement I laughed and told him that I knew he was capable of making the most of such ideas. These films are made on a shoestring budget of around Rs 25 lakh."

Shah admits, "The day the song became a hit I decided to make the film. I finished shooting within 12 days."

Shah insists his film is original and says, "I have only borrowed the first line of the song." But interestingly, Shah's wife Sapna, the protagonist in his film, plays a small-time heroine, much like Katrina, in the film.

Katrina Kaif is now one of the gang! Her Sheila ki jawani is the latest in a long line of raunchy numbers that have made top mainstream actresses shed their inhibitions to set the adrenaline pumping. Why, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai have done it too.

Katrina Kaif in Blue Film With Images Sheila’s jawani is still running confidently and without compromising it is attracting everyone who watches it. Its specific target is to bring down the song Munni Badnaam and become the most successful song of year.This song has made the team of Tees Maar Khan sure that the song will hit the top point and help in advertising campaign.There are plans involving a live show to put to jointly, deliberate for the ‘aam junta’ with Akshay and Katrina.The will no prices charged to see it. They will be spinning to the beat of ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’, Tees Maar Khan, ‘Wallah Wallah’ and more. This program will set up on this Saturday. This event is not done in a beach side but the concert will be done in Mumbai.Katrina Kaif in Blue Film With Images.

This is what they say 'Behti Ganga mein haath dhona'. On one hand, where Farah Khan and gang have spent millions of rupees and sleepless nights to perfect the song 'Sheila Ki Jawani', on the other hand is the filmmaker Kanti Shah, whose last film Rape was 'inspired' by the Shiney Ahuja 'rape' case.

Despite the grey areas, Shah wants to time the release of his film with Tees Maar Khan. He says, "I am working towards releasing the film on December 24. If I miss that I will surely release it in January 2011." Are you fine with that Farah?

Arjun Rampal signed his next with Pritish Nandy's older son,Kushan Nandy,a film that will be made under the Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) banner.

Will SRK ever forgive Arjun?
Kunal M Shah, MUMBAI MIRROR,
Dec 13, 2010, 10.13am IST


Tags: Shah Rukh Khan,Rongita Nandy,Pritish Nandy,Karan Johar,Arjun Rampal


Despite SRK's and Karan Johar's six-year-long war with Pritish Nandy Communications, Arjun Rampal chooses to sign Rongita Nandy's next.
This could well be out of the Mahabharata, where Arjun went against his own brothers, the Kauravas. Recently, Arjun Rampal signed his next with Pritish Nandy's older son, Kushan Nandy, a film that will be made under the Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) banner.

On the surface, this may seem like any other piece of news but it isn't. Arjun may argue that he was being professional in signing the project but his best buds Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar may not buy into that. For the past six years KJo and SRK have been at loggerheads with PNC.

That after so many years Arjun would go against his friends and sign a film with PNC comes as a huge shock to everyone connected with the SRK camp.

Reportedly, in 2004 during the private screening of one of PNC's films, Shabd, Gauri Khan and Karan Johar came to watch the film with a friend. Pritish Nandy's daughter Rongita Nandy had produced the film and she asked Gauri and KJo to leave. KJo, Gauri and later Shah Rukh were very upset with this treatment. They decided never to attend an awards ceremony that PNC used to host every year.

Our source says, "When the entire SRK clan banned the awards ceremony a lot of A-listers also abandoned the awards. As a result the ceremony eventually got cancelled.

This had colossal ramifications because gradually, most actors began refusing films under the PNC banner. Arjun is the first one to break this so-called rule."

Grapevine has it that Arjun was paid a very large sum for this film. While the actor refused to comment, a close friend of his said, "Arjun is not even aware of any problems between Karan, SRK and PNC. Arjun is sure that no one will hold grudges against him, especially because the so-called issue is over six years old. Arjun and SRK are still the best of friends, contrary to rumours about their fallout. Arjun loved the script of this film and is working in it. There are no two ways about it."

When contacted, Rongita Nandy said, "Yes, we are doing a film with Arjun and it starts this month. However, we are not giving out any details at the moment and we will make an official announcement soon."

You might want to tread carefully, Arjun. They say the film is a horror.

Online Watch Jackie Shroff starrer Children's film Bhoot And Friends release is postponed to Friday 31st December 2010.

'Bhoot And Friends' postponed to 31st Dec
TNN, Dec 13, 2010, 02.10pm IST

Tags: Bhoot And Friends hindi movie, Bhoot And Friends movie, Bhoot And Friends release date, Bhoot And Friends story, actors & actress of Bhoot And Friends, hindi movie Bhoot And Friends review and preview, hindi Movie Bhoot And Friends videos, trailers, sulekha movies


Jackie Shroff starrer Children's film Bhoot And Friends release is postponed to Friday 31st December 2010.

Produced by Aneesh Arjun Dev this kids' action adventure film was initially releasing on 24th December alongside Toonpur Ka Superhero as a Christmas bonanza. "However, announcement of Tees Maar Khan on the same date became too much to compete against.

It makes better business sense to postpone the film. Bhoot And Friends is a good film, one, kids and parents will enjoy. It's based on bedtime stories that we tell our children and is shot with real time characters, animation and special effects. And Jackie is a hot favorite amongst children. I don't want to get lost in the crowd on 24th," comments the producer Aneesh Arjun Dev.

Directed by Kittu Saluja and produced under the banner of Wide Angle Media Pvt Ltd, Hindi feature film 'Bhoot And Friends' is the story of an 11 years old boy and his little friends who are enjoying their summer vacations. However, all goes haywire when they accidentally get involved in hunting for a lost treasure which is also sought and hunted for by a notorious villain. Jackie Shroff plays the Ghost with magical powers in this kids adventure thriller flick. Other starcast of the film is Ashwin Mushran as main villain and Aditya Lakhia along with Child artistes Maarkand Soni (movie Khichadi), Ishita Panchal (Tappu of serial Uttaran), Akash Nair and Tejas Rahate.

Starring: Jackie Shroff, Ashwin Mushran, Aditya Lakhia, Markand Soni, Ishita Panchal
Producer: Aneesh Arjun Dev
Release Date : December 24, 2010

Jhalak season 4 show will be hosted by Mona Singh, winner of the first season of the dance reality show.


Jhalak Dikhla ja 4 Contestants List : Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 4 Participants : Jhalak
Dikhlaja 4 Contestants Complete List December 11, 2010 – 5:24 pm

Jhalak Dikhla ja 4 Contestants List : Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 4 Participants : Jhalak Dikhlaja 4 Contestants Complete List

Jhalak Dikhla Ja 4 Contestants

1. Yana Gupta
Bollywood Hot actress, Yana Gupta is making headlines again, as she participates in upcoming season of Jhalak Dikhla Ja.

2. Ragini Khanna
Govinda’s niece & Indian television actress is another participant of Jhalak Season 4. Currently she is playing the lead role in the television show Sasural Genda Phool as Suhana on STAR Plus.

3. Akhil Kumar
Akhil Kumar is an Indian boxer who has won several international and national boxing awards. Now Akhil is partcipating in Jhalak Dikhla Ja.

4. Renuka Shahane
Renuka Shahane is an Indian actress working in the Bollywood film industry and in Indian television. After a year-long break, Renuka Shahane came back in the Sony Entertainment Television show Jeete Hain Jiske Liye and now again she came back in the Sony Entertainment Television with Jhalak.

5. Meiyang Chang
Meiyang Chang is an Indian actor, television host and singer. Now Meiyang is came back in Sony Entertainment Channel. But now he will not sing, he will dance because he is the another participant of Jhalak season 4.

6. Sushant Singh Rajput
Sushant Singh Rajput is an Indian television actor best known for playing the role of Manav in Pavitra Rishta. After 3 Reality shows Zara Nachke Dikha, Comedy ka Daily Soap & Entertaiment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Sushant is again season is 4th season of Jhalak.

7. Anushka Manchanda
Anushka Manchanda is an Indian singer, model, an ex-Channel [V] -VJ and was a member of the Indian pop girl group Viva. Anushka was the another participant of Jhalak season 4.

8. Shekhar Suman
Shekhar Suman is an Indian film actor and a television personality. Presently Shekhar is judge in Sony Entertainment famous show Comedy Circus Ka Jaddo & now he again seen in Sony entertainment next reality show, but now he is not judge he is the participant. yes, Shekhar Suman is the another Cotestant in Jhalak Season 4.

9. Mahi Vij
Mahi Vij is an upcoming model and TV actress who has also featured in number of video albums. She is currently acting as Nakusha in Laagi Tujhse Lagan on Colors TV. She has also done a role in kaisi laagi laagan and shubh kadam. Now Mahi is coming to show his dance talent in Jhalak 4.

10. Krushna Abhishek
Krushna Abhishek is Govind’s nephew who is popularly known for his comic act. Krushna Abhishek is now seen in Jhalak season 4

11. Ankita Lokhande
Ankita Lokhande is an Indian television actor best known for playing the role of Archana in Pavitra Rishta. Now after her acting talent she is ready to show her dance talent & she is participant in Jhalak season 4

12. Dayanand Shetty
Dayanand Chandrashekhar Shetty is an Indian film and television actor. He has played Senior Inspector Daya in the Indian television series C.I.D. since 1999. Now he is participating in Jhalak season 4

The show will be hosted by Mona Singh, winner of the first season of the dance reality show.

Tags: jhalak dikhla ja 4 contestants, Jhalak Dikhla ja 4 Contestants List, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 4 members, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 4 Participants, Jhalak Dikhlaja 4 Contestants Complete List

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RGV has decided to properly launch southern star Suriya with a more conventional romantic-action drama and the actor says he won't mind teaming up...

Suriya ready to work with Ram Gopal Varma again
IANS, Dec 13, 2010, 11.32am IST

Tags: Tags:Suriya|Ram Gopal Varma|Rakht Charitra 2|Paritala Ravindra|Bollywood


Barely a week after the debacle of 'Rakht Charitra', the indefatigable Ram Gopal Varma has decided to properly launch southern star Suriya with a more conventional romantic-action drama and the actor says he won't mind teaming up with the director again.

Apparently the people behind " Rakht Charitra 2" felt Suriya didn't give the film the promotional pitch it required either in Mumbai or in Chennai and as a result it has bombed both in Hindi and Tamil.

But Suriya defends himself saying: "Over here (in Tamil cinema) we don't really go all-out to promote and market our films the way they do in Bollywood. You could say our marketing is more subtle. I don't go out and sell any of my films to the audience."

"However, for 'Rakht Charitra', I did make an effort to do more publicity than I usually do. RGV (Ram Gopal Varma) and I flew to Madurai to meet the audience and fans - this is something I haven't done before."

Suriya says "Rakht Charitra 2" was never meant for the masses. The film is a two-part biobic based on the life of slain factionist and Andhra Pradesh poltical leader Paritala Ravindra.

"'Rakht Charitra' was never meant to be a film for all tastes. Its intense violent theme was always a deterrent to a mass audience. Even my most violent films have a family base in the plot or there's a love story behind the violence. In 'Rakht Charitra' there was no digression from the intense theme....all in all, no regrets. I'd love to do another film with RGV."

Suriya is recovering from the back injury that was one of the reasons that prevented him from being in Mumbai during the promotion of the Hindi version of "Rakht Charitra 2".

"The doctors have asked me to take it easy. So we're shooting scenes. We'll shoot the action in the climax after a month."

Online Watch There are strong rumours that Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra are set to get engaged in February and tie the knot thereafter.

Rani, Aditya to tie the knot!
Prithwish Ganguly, TNN,
Dec 11, 2010, 12.00am IST



Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra are getting engaged in February... that's the buzz
Third time lucky? We just might be. There are strong rumours that Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra are set to get engaged in February and tie the knot thereafter.

According to top B-town sources, the long-time lovers, who live across the road from each other (Adi's Vikas Park residence in Juhu is diametrically opposite Rani's Theosophical Society compound bungalow) and who are yet to admit to their relationship, are ready to walk down the aisle. The last two times the rumour about their marriage broke was in 2008 and 2009 respectively but Rani came out boldly, rubbishing them.

However this time, industry seniors, particularly close to the Yash Chopra camp, give us indications. The two apparently never confirmed their relationship because Aditya was locked in a bitter divorce case with Payal Khanna, his childhood sweetheart. Adi, who married Payal when he was 30, filed for divorce in April 2009. They were connected even professionally as it was Payal who designed their plush production house.

Rani remained unavailable for comment, but her close friends denied any marriage plans. Incidentally Rani's No One Killed Jessica is being screened to the who's who of Delhi including politicians and armymen. Rani will be hosting a private screening only for Adi soon. Of course the media will not know what Adi thought of the film because he doesn't talk to the press. Tch...tch...

Online Watch What made Dilip sahab's day however was the presence of Bollywood's most beautiful face Madhuri Dixit at his birthday bash.

Madhuri makes Dilip Kumar's b'day special
Renuka Vyavahare, TNN,
Dec 13, 2010, 12.41pm IST


Tags:Yash Chopra|Subhash Ghai|Salman Khan|Rani Mukerji|Madhuri Dixit|Dilip Kumar|Bollywood


Hindi cinema's legendary actor Dilip Kumar celebrated his 88 th birthday on Saturday, 11 th December 2010.

Bollywood's biggest names dropped in at Dilip sahab's Bandra residence to wish him on his special day. Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji, Subhash Ghai, Pran sahab, Yash Chopra, Ayaan Mukerjee, Ashutosh and wife Sunita, Govinda, Sunil Dutt's daughters who are very close to Dilip sahab and Saira – Priya and Namrata Dutt all got together to meet the thespian.

What made Dilip sahab's day however was the presence of Bollywood's most beautiful face Madhuri Dixit at his birthday bash.

Madhuri looked stunning as she turned up in a beautiful black sari to wish her favourite actor Dilip Kumar a very happy birthday. Dilip Kumar and Saira were delighted to have their favourite actress come and see them.

Dilip sahab and Saira in unison revealed to TOI, "We are very fond of Madhuri and we've been meaning to meet her for some time now. We even tried calling her when she was in the US but couldn't get through to her. It was a pleasure having her at our place."

Saira added, "Dilip sahab loves Audrey Hepburn and Madhuri Dixit. These two have been his favourites."

We too at TOI take this opportunity to wish Dilip sahab a healthy and lovely life ahead.

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Online Watch Song 'Sheila Ki Jawani' on repeat mode on your mobile for the kids. Well, the trick is a tried and tested one and quite effective too.

Katrina’s proud of ‘Sheila’
Smrity Sharma, TNN,
Dec 13, 2010, 06.23pm IST


Tags: Sheila Ki Jawani,Katrina Kaif,Bollywood actress


Katrina's 'Sheila Ki Jawani' is a favourite with the young and old alike.

What will you do if you have two restless kids who keep you on your toes and keep you away from enjoying a nice quiet dinner at your favourite restaurant? Try playing the DJ and put the song 'Sheila Ki Jawani' on repeat mode on your mobile for the kids. Well, the trick is a tried and tested one and quite effective too.

We spotted a young couple at Mumbai's Hyatt accompanied by their two bratty kids for dinner. When the mommy and daddy failed to control their hyper active kids from running around and throwing on floor all things they could lay their hands on, they resorted to Katrina's 'Sheila Ki Jawani'. And within a minute, all was well with the kids (a 2 year and a 3 year old we learnt) sitting on their seats and enjoying the song, while the grown ups indulged in food and conversation.

When we related the incident to Katrina Kaif, it put an instant smile on her face. "Wow! It feels great," exclaimed the actress learning about the popularity of her song with kids who can't even speak properly.

"Its great news that the song is loved so much. I feel great to be part of Sheila," said the actress who has surprised and impressed one and all with her never before sexy moves in the chartbuster.

Katrina's surely proud of 'Sheila' and we are proud of her too...

Online Watch Home video of singer Miley Cyrus using a bong apparently to smoke the hallucinogenic herb salvia hit the Internet on Friday, Video.

Miley Cyrus's image hits a new low. Or, is it high?
Updated at: 0920 PST, Sunday, December 12, 2010

Tags: Miley Cyruss image hits a new low. Or, is it high


LOS ANGELES: Home video of singer Miley Cyrus using a bong apparently to smoke the hallucinogenic herb salvia hit the Internet on Friday, capping a year which has seen the teen star throw aside her squeaky clean Disney image.

The video obtained by celebrity website TMZ was said to have been shot days after Cyrus's 18th birthday in November.

It shows the star of Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" giggling and laughing after smoking from a glass pipe, commonly called a bong. TMZ said sources close to Cyrus told the website that the video was shot by one of Cyrus's friends, but the substance was not marijuana.

"Is that me tripping!?", Cyrus exclaims in the video, after using the bong and mistaking another person at the party for her ex-boyfriend, actor Liam Hemsworth

The herb salvia divinorum has hallucinogenic properties but is not illegal in California. According to a 2007 U.S. survey on drug use and health, about one million people had used it that year.

The singer's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, said on Friday he was saddened at the video, which quickly made headlines around the world.

"Sorry guys. I had no idea. Just saw this stuff for the first time myself. I'm so sad. There is much beyond my control right now," Cyrus said in a Twitter posting. Cyrus and his wife Tish announced in October that they were divorcing.

Representatives for Cyrus did not return requests for comment on Friday.

Miley Cyrus has sought this year to distance herself from the "Hannah Montana" character she began portraying in 2006, winning millions of young fans.

She played a rebellious teen in romantic movie "The Last Song", stepped out publicly with Hemsworth, and made two raunchy pop music videos.

The new image has dismayed parents of some of the younger fans of "Hannah Montana", whose final episode does not air until the spring of 2011.

The video even caused one betting site, bookmaker, to place odds on what might next be revealed about Cyrus. Examples included whether she might attend rehab, or be dropped by her record label.

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Online "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" sold $105.5 million worth of tickets globally, distributor 20th Century Fox said.

Foreign moviegoers rescue ailing ‘Narnia’
Updated at: 1101 PST,
Monday, December 13, 2010


Tags: Foreign, moviegoers, rescue, ailing, ‘Narnia


LOS ANGELES: The third movie in the shaky "Narnia" fantasy franchise took the top spot at the worldwide box office on Sunday despite a soft start in North America where it overshadowed "The Tourist," the new bomb starring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp.

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" sold $105.5 million worth of tickets globally, distributor 20th Century Fox said.

But moviegoers in the United States and Canada contributed just $24.5 million during its first three days. Industry pundits had predicted a $30 million to $40 million start for the third adaptation of C.S. Lewis' Christian-themed books.

The News Corp-owned studio said the film was No. 1 in at least 32 of its 56 overseas markets. Top contributors to the $81 million haul included Russia ($11.3 million) and Mexico ($7.5 million).

"The Tourist," starring Jolie and Depp as a mismatched pair cavorting around Venice, debuted at No. 2 in North America with $17 million -- short of muted forecasts in the $20 million range. Internationally, it earned $8 million from a handful of markets, led by Korea ($3 million, No. 2) and Britain ($2.2 million, No. 3)

Both films were lambasted by critics, and both carried hefty price tags -- $150 million and $100 million, respectively -- requiring strong overseas sales to make them profitable. The two previous "Chronicles of Narnia" films did most of their business overseas, where Depp and Jolie are also more popular.

The previous "Narnia" film almost sank the franchise. "Prince Caspian" opened to $55 million in 2008 on its way to a weak total of $142 million. The overseas haul was $278 million. Its predecessor, "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," ended up with $292 million in North America after a $66 million debut. Foreign fans kicked in an additional $453 million.

Fox took over the series after Walt Disney Co dropped it in the wake of the "Caspian" flop. The films are produced by family-friendly film company Walden Media, which is owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz.

Fox said it succeeded in its aim of resurrecting the franchise, and was "excited" about its overall prospects.

"The Tourist" marks the worst start in years for its high-profile stars. Jolie's last big flop was "A Mighty Heart," which opened to $3.9 million in 2007. Depp has to go back to 2001 for a worse performance: "From Hell," with $11 million.

Jolie was in theaters a few months ago with "Salt," whose so-so domestic total of $118 million (including a $36 million opening) was boosted by foreign sales of $175 million.

Depp starred in one of the biggest movies of the year, "Alice in Wonderland," which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide, two-thirds coming from overseas.

The new film also did worse than a recent pair of unloved matchups between big stars, "The Bounty Hunter," with Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler ($21 million); and "Knight and Day," with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz ($20 million). They finished with $67 million and $76 million, respectively, in North America. "Bounty Hunter" made a similar amount overseas, while "Knight and Day" earned $185 million internationally.

"The Tourist" was distributed by Sony Corp's Columbia Pictures, which has limited financial exposure. The studio is receiving a distribution fee from Oscar-winning producer Graham King ("The Departed"), who arranged financing himself.

Last weekend's North American champion, the Disney cartoon "Tangled," slipped to No. 3 with $14.6 million. Its total rose to $115.6 million after three weekends. Foreign sales stand at $77 million from 17 markets.

Perhaps the biggest splash in the top 10 was made by the smallest movie. "Black Swan" jumped seven places to No. 6 with $3.3 million from just 90 theaters in its second weekend. The ballet thriller, starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, is among the dozens of films vying for awards-season attention. It was distributed by Fox Searchlight, the arthouse arm of 20th Century Fox.

Online Watch Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt with fun films "Band Baaja Baarat" and "No Problem" respectively. Both films are releasing Friday.

"Band Baaja Baarat" Comedy Movie Battle In Box Office Vs No Problem


New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS) Comedy will be the box offce flavour this week - young actors Anushka Sharma-Ranveer Singh are set to battle it out with veterans Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt with fun films "Band Baaja Baarat" and "No Problem" respectively. Both films are releasing Friday.

Also lined up for release on the same day is Vinay Shukla's "Mirch", about women's sexuality.

Produced and distributed by Yash Raj Films, "Band Baaja Baraat" is a romantic comedy set in the backdrop of wedding planning. It is directed by debuntant Maneesh Sharma.

Shruti Kakker (Anushka), a graduate from Delhi University, is a no-nonsense girl from middle class household. She is focussed and ambitious in life and her goals are well planned.

Bitoo Singh (Ranveer), also from the same university, has no real aim in life. He whiles away his time having fun with friends. Fate brings the two of them together and they become partners in wedding planning business. Before setting up the venture, they make a rule - Don't Mix Work With Pleasure.

Both start their tumultuous journey together and go through various ups and downs of the business only to fall in love at the end.

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee is also set to take audiences on a laughter ride with "No Problem". Produced by Anil Kapoor under his banner Anil Kapoor Films Company, the film stars him along with Sanjay, Akshaye Khanna, Sushmita Sen, Paresh Rawal, Kangana Ranaut, Neetu Chandra and Suniel Shetty.

Bazmee has woven love, robbery, murder in the plot to make it an interesting watch. While Anil will be seen as a cop and Sushmita as his better half.

Bazmee isn't happy with the box office clash.

"It's never advisable to bring two big films on the same day. If anyone, they should move because we locked in the date first. But I think Yash Raj is superstitious about the second week of December because their 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' released during the same week in 2008 and was a hit," he said.

Director Vinay Shukla returns to to big screen with "Mirch", a film dealing with gender equality and women's sexuality. It stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Raima Sen, Boman Irani, Shreyas Talpade, Arunoday Singh of "Aisha" fame, Shahana Goswami and others.

Based on a story from the Panchatantra where a woman is caught red handed with her lover by her husband and yet manages to escape scot-free, the script goes through various versions of modern times.

Watch Shahrukh wishes us both well. He is an extremely intelligent and mature man and naturally would only want the best for his fellow colleagues."

Akshay: I am sure SRK wishes well for Farah and me
By: Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Hungama Monday, December 13, 2010, 12:14 [IST]

Tags: actor akshay kumar, actor shahrukh khan, wishes well, director farah khan, tees maar khan, producer shirish kunder, main hoon naa, om shanti om, shahrukh farah friendship, shahrukh farah differences


It has been close to a year since Farah Khan decided to move on from her professional association with Shahrukh Khan and approach Akshay Kumar to play the central protagonist in her third film as a director, Tees Maar Khan. However, the question that continues to haunt her is till date is about her 'split' with the man who worked in her first two films - Main Hoon Naa and Om Shanti Om.

Meanwhile, there has always been an ongoing speculation around how Akshay Kumar reacted when Farah approached her for the film. It was a known fact that when Farah and Shirish were planning to make Tees Maar Khan together, they had Shahrukh Khan in mind. However, one fine day they approached Akshay. How did the conversation go like?

Says Akshay with a straight face, "It went something like 'Akshay, I am going to be honest with you. Shahrukh unfortunately couldn't give us dates but it would be an honour if you would like to make this movie with us. Your character is Tees Maar Khan, so how about doing it? You know me very well Akshay, I am a director and a mom and I have mouths to feed. Can you give us dates this year?' Well, I was on board the minute Farah said 'honour'."

He soon brings on a laugh, "I am kidding. She sat with me a couple of times and narrated her concept. I loved it and from the bottom of my heart. I had full faith in Farah & Shirish's movie. And yes, honestly I was excited as well as relieved to fall in love with a script where I would be playing a hero, because very few heroic scripts really fascinate me these days."

Still, the fact remains that over all these years, Farah had always proclaimed her never-breaking bond with Shahrukh Khan. Didn't Akshay feel a little awkward to be actually consenting to not just work but also back this film by Farah?

"Are you kidding me", immediately responds Akshay, "I have nothing to feel awkward about. I am an actor and Farah is a director. Theoretically neither of us; or anyone for that fact needs to ask for anyone's permission to work. Farah's relationship with Shahrukh has nothing to do with me. I am aware of their incredible bond, I have never intended on jeopardizing or coming between either of them and they are both aware of that. I am sure Shahrukh wishes us both well. He is an extremely intelligent and mature man and naturally would only want the best for his fellow colleagues."

Getting serious, he adds, "But there is a lesson for all here. One should never mix personal with professional life. As the saying goes, 'Never get your Honey where you get your Money' (smiles). In this case, friends are people you go home to see while colleagues are people you go to work and see. When the two mix, at least one - if not both - partnerships can get seriously spoiled. I and Farah are just doing a job here. No one is supposed to get hurt. Bollywood is a business, it's not a festival."