Zig Zag Zindagi: My Friend Pinto

Produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ronnie Screwvala of UTV, My Friend Pinto directed by Raaghav Dar, stars Prateik Babbar and Kalki Koechlin along with Arjun Mathur, Shruti Seth, Makrand Deshpande, Raj Zutshi & Divya Dutta.



Prateik Babbar may be a newcomer to the industry, but he is learning the tricks of the trade — including how to ensure maximum publicity for his projects.



A case in point is how he has cashed in on Friendship Day to create a buzz around My Friend Pinto, which marks his first solo lead role.



“Prateik flew down from Delhi — where he was promoting Aarakshan — to Mumbai and planned a surprise bash for his friends,” says a source.



But is this just a promotional move?

“So what if his party on Friendship Day coincides with the theme of his film My Friend Pinto?” a friend says. “He hasn’t had time to catch up with the gang, and this is a great way.”



We have seen Prateik in more serious roles, but this time rising star Prateik takes on comedy playing Michael Pinto.



Michael is sweet and funny but at the same time, he is also trouble. A lot of trouble! And apparently he will bring the house down, (we hope not literally, but with laugher and applause) when the films opens October 14th!

Prateik in awe of Deepika Padukone

There was something Prateik wanted to accomplish when he started working and that was to work opposite Deepika Padukone.

The actor has always been in awe of Dippy and now he's got a chance to work with her in Prakash Jha's next release. While his dream was to romance her, it's Saif who romances her and not Prateik.

In a recent interview, he said that he is very excited to work with Deepika and that she is extremely helpful.

Check out Deepika's hot images here !!

Ahana Deol debut postponed..

The launch vehicle of Deol clan's youngest star-kid and Hema Malini's daughter Ahana Deol has been canned for now. She was to debut with Aparna Sen's modern day version of Romeo & Juliet.

This is not the first time that her debut Hindi venture did not seen light. Five years ago, Sen was to direct Hindi film Gulel with Abhishek Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan. The project got aborted for several reasons, one being Bipasha Basu's reluctance to play a mother.

Says a source, "Both Hemaji and Aparna wanted Prateik opposite Ahana. He possesses the sensitivity and vulnerability to portray a modern-day Romeo. And he matched Ahana's personality, too. They met him and things seemed to be working out. But finally, he begged off with the no-dates reason."

"It is true, for now Ahana's film with Aparna is not happening. We wanted Prateik for the male lead. But he says he has no dates," said Hema Malini.

It's a beautiful script and I want Aparna to make it with my daughter. Maybe now we'll do it with a completely new face. As soon as I finish releasing Esha's film Tell Me Oh Kkhuda I'll decide what to do."

For now Ahana will just have to wait for the right Romeo to fit into her dream of playing Juliet.

Spanish Masala..

Amy Jackson will be doing a Malayalam film titled Spanish Masala to be directed by Lal Jose.

Spanish Masala is about an Indian in Spain who falls for one of the native lovelies. The part is perfect for Amy even if she is from London and not a Spaniard. Her co - stars will be Dileep and Kunchacko Boban.

Lal Jose, one of the leading directors in the Malayalam film industry has an amazing track record and has worked hard on the script for this film visiting Spain to do some research required for his story.

There are already a lot of expectations from this project and Amy is glad to have landed with such a nice project on hand.

Amy Jackson who was last seen opposite Arya in Madarasapattinam will soon be seen in Prem Katha, the Hindi remake of VTV with Prateik Babbar.

Sequel to VTV

Great news for all those who love to see romantic flicks; the team that gave us the sweet and lyrical Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya is coming together once again. And, the best part is that they are going to give us a sequel to VTV, one of the most lovable romantic musicals to come out in recent years. Its going to be Silambarasan and Gautham Menon joining hands one again with the core team that gave us VTV being retained. We are not yet sure how much of the team is being retained, but knowing the part that Rahman’s music played in taking VTV straight into our hearts, it is difficult to imagine a sequel to the superhit without the wizard’s compositions.

VTV came at a time when Silambarasan’s career was being perceived to be moving on an action/mass hero track. But, choosing to go subtly and delightfully romantic, in the classy way of Gautham Menon, Silambarsan broke all perceptions and images that had been associated with him. Yes, this actor had different dimensions and he had chosen the right time and team to exhibit that. The character of Karthik will be remembered even a decade from now as the one that put Silambarasan on the course that he was destined for. And, it is not surprising that he is eager to be Karthik once again. And, if we talk about Karthik, how can we forget Jessie. We are not yet sure whether Jessie will be a part of the sequel, but Jessie will be close to the hearts of movie lovers as the character which presented Trisha in her most classy persona as yet. And, can we overlook Ganesh? Gautham Menon’s casting masterstroke that was the most endearing character in the movie after Karthik and Jessie.

Yes, we know that you want to see them all again, but we are not sure how much of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya will be carried over to Vinnaithaandi Varuven – yes, that is the provisional title as of now. But, it is not going to be all like VTV-1. If that was a smooth, mellow and sweet love story that left you with a lump in your throat towards the end, the new one will have more color, more vigor and more energy. The energized version of VTV!

So, are Gautham Menon and Silambarsan getting to work on it immediately? No, Silambarasan is still busy with Vettaimannan and Gautham Menon is working on the Hindi version of VTV-1 and is also in talks with Jiiva for a Tamil film. So, VTV-2 will take off only after Vettaimannan and the Hindi VTV are done and a final decision is taken on the project with Jiiva.

Its Gautham Menon back to what he does best, romance. After the change of track in Nadunissi Naaygal, he is getting back to the endearing romantic ways that have made his films favorites with lots of viewers around the world; so get ready to fall in love all over again – hosanna.

Gowtham, Jiiva and A R Rahman

Gautham Menon’s next Tamil project will be with Jiiva and pairing up opposite him will be Samantha.

The director has decided to direct an action-romantic flick and has found Jiiva to be the most suitable for this. This venture will go on floors once Gautham is done with the Hindi version of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya that is currently shot in Chennai titled 'Premkatha' starring Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson reprising the roles originally played by STR and Trisha.

Manoj Pramahamsa may wield the camera for this venture too while Gautham has decided to retain Rajeevan (art director) and Anthony (editing) for the production. The icing on the cake for this venture is the Oscar Winner A R Rahman, who has been roped in to score the music for this flick.

Prem Katha in Chennai

Gautham Menon's Hindi remake of VTV, called Prem Katha is being shot currently in hot spots all over the city.

For the past three days, the shoot took place in Amethyst, Chennai. Picturesque ECR will also be featured in the film. Adyar Ladies Club will be used to shoot the police station scenes. Finally, some songs are scheduled to be shot in AVM.

Prateik Babbar the talented son of yesteryear Bollywood actress Smita Patel and he will be reprising Silambarasan's role and Amy Jackson will be playing Trisha's character. The makers are confident that the film will repeat its success.

Prakash Jha's Aarakshan - First Look

Prakash Jha is back with another hard-hitting movie Aarakshan in which he has worked for the first time with the superstar Amitabh Bachchan, the versatile Saif Ali Khan and the gorgeous Deepika Padukone. As the name of the movie suggests, it’s based on the controversial issue of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.

The movie is mostly shot in Bhopal. Aarakshan tells the story of Deepak, played by Saif, who is a Dalit, a bright person and a gifted teacher of a renowned college. Fate plays its role and he falls in love with Poorbie (Deepika Padukone) who is daughter of Dr.Prabhakar Anand (Amitabh Bachchan). Prabhakar Anand is the legendary idealistic man who runs the college. Another important character in the film is of Prateik Babbar, who is Saif’s good friend and a rich fellow.

When the court passes an order of 50% Reservation in India, these people's lives take a complete new turn. The movie promises to be high on drama, conflict and rebellion, which will test their love and friendship for each other.

Saif Ali Khan is proud to be a part of Aarakshan. He has been busy with his own home productions, but was always on the lookout for a chance to work with a director like Prakash Jha.

Here is the first trailer of the film where you can see how Saif romances Deepika, and how things gradually change after the court order:

Heroes waiting for Gowtham . .

Gautham Menon’s next project in Tamil is the hot topic for discussion in Kollywood as the director is very busy with 'Prem Katha' the Hindi remake of Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya with Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson playing roles that were originally played by Silambarasan and Trisha.

The Director's next project has become a hot topic as 'Prem Katha' is expected to be wrapped soon and his Tamil venture is now in question with all due respect to his films from Minnale to Nadunisi Naigal.

It is said that Gautham now has a wonderful action-based script and is looking for a suitable hero to play the lead role and Kollywood’s youngest heroes Arya, Karthi and Jiiva are vying with each other to lap up this role to boost their careers to the next level.

Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya ?

Director Gautham Menon is busy shooting the Hindi version of Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya. The shooting of this film has been progressing in various localities in Mumbai and team will travel down to Kerala shortly and begin the second schedule there from May 23rd onwards.

Once the shooting in Kerala is over, the director and his team will fly down to the United States to can some important portions there. Gautham, it is said, has modified the script of VTV to suit the Bollywood audience.

VTV was a smash hit in Tamil and starred Silambarasan and Trisha in the lead roles. Sources close to Gautham say that the Hindi version is shaping up well and will turn out to be a bigger success than the Tamil version.

VTV Hindi Remake to hit floors soon

‘Vinnaithandi Vaaruvaaya’ was a smashing hit in Tamil. The film was directed by Gautham Menon with Simbu and Trisha in the lead. Now the National Award winning director is all set to make another hit with the Hindi version of VTV. The film will get on the floors on April 4, say reports. Right from his first film ‘Minnale,’ Gautham has been receiving offers from producers for Hindi remakes of almost all his films.

All the speculation surrounding the remake of Vinnaithanndi Varuvaaya in Hindi can be put to rest as it has been confirmed that the shooting will commence on April 4th. Prateik Babbar, son of Smita Patel and Raj Babbar, is to play the role played to perfection by Silambarasan in Tamil. Amy Jackson of Madrasapattinam fame will play Trisha’s role.

The project was delayed as Prateik was caught up with commitments to his Hindi film, Dhobi Ghat produced by Aamir Khan. But his dates are available now and he is also eager to begin shooting for VTV. Amy Jackson has spent the interim taking diction lessons in Hindi so that language will not be a barrier. AR Rahman has been roped in to do the music. The stage is all set for an encore of the phenomenal success of VTV.

So we can expect some great fireworks on screen with splendid music and great locations, yet again for the Hindi VTV.

Gautham Menon off for his new movie's shoot

Gautham Vasudev Menon's Nadunisi Naaygal has been torn by the critics, but the film went on to take a good opening.

NN made on a shoe string budget , as per trade sources will get a share around Rs 1.10 crore from releasing centres in Tamil Nadu in its first week! Meanwhile last Sunday, Gautham Menon left for an exotic foreign locale to complete the script of his new film in Tamil.

The film will start rolling in July with a big star. As per sources it will be a typical Gautham genre, romantic musical film laced with action. Meanwhile Gautham Menon is embarking on a new mission, to make his VTV in Hindi with Prateik Babar, Omy Vaidya and Amy Jackson.

AR Rahman has handed over all the seven songs for the Hindi remake which has dialogues by Javed Akthar.

The shooting of the film will start March middle and it will be completed in one single schedule.