Pictures: Salman Khan's Chalet at 'Bigg Boss 9' With Family Photos and superhero twist!

'Bigg Boss Nau – Double Trouble' is all set to open doors to an all-new set of contestants who will call the 'Bigg Boss' house their home for more than 100 days. And when the contestants have a brand-new home to look forward to, host for the season – Salman Khan – also gets a swanky freshly designed chalet which ups the levels of comfort for the superstar as he takes a break from grilling the contestants about their doings in the 'Bigg Boss 9' house.

Strategically located right next to the 'Bigg Boss 9' house, the chalet boasts of many fascinating features and has been specially designed to suit Salman Khan's choices and requirements. With a sprawling living room, well-equipped kitchen and personalized bedroom, the chalet is designed to give Salman a homely feel at all times. As soon as you step inside the chalet, one cannot miss the large poster of Salman's 'Devil' avatar from his movie creating a strong visual of the actor's many roles. With a strong personality touting him as Bollywood's superhero, the living room further carries impressions of various superhero characters which have created international impact. A collection of artefacts of renowned superheroes like Superman, Spiderman, Ironman, Batman, and Hulk add to the allure of the room.

Salman Khan's 'Bigg Boss 9' chalet

Salman Khan’s bedroom, though, has a different feel altogether. Pulling at the various memories that the actor harbours in his heart for his family, Salman’s bedroom showcases a collage of pictures of cherished times spent with his family members including his parents and siblings over the years. Adjoining to the bedroom is a lavish bathroom which has the choicest amenities adding a touch of luxury whenever the actor stays at this home away from home.

Salman Khan's 'Bigg Boss 9' chalet

Salman Khan's bedroom in his chalet on 'Bigg Boss 9' sets

The fine interiors and theme has been designed by renowned designer Subhajyoti Datta. “Home is where the heart is and I wanted to ensure that Salman Sir feels at home on Bigg Boss Nau set. I wanted to fill the house with elements which encapsulate Salman’s endearing yet strong personality and that is how we came up with the superhero theme. I presented my thoughts to the team that works closely with Salman Sir and after we reached a consensus, we put together the entire house speedily within 20 days. I hope the superstar enjoys what we have put together for him inside the chalet this year!” says Subhajyoti.
Salman Khan's 'Bigg Boss 9' chalet

Collage of family pictures on the bedroom wall in Salman Khan's chalet

As Bigg Boss Nau – Double Trouble readies to stir up double the entertainment and double the fun for the contestants, we hope that the comforts inside and outside the Bigg Boss house will add to the excitement levels for the viewers.

First Look: Salman Khan in Sultan

Trust anything to do with Salman Khan always makes news. A picture of Salman Khan’s look for his upcoming film, ‘Sultan’ has been posted by the actor himself on social media.
Taken during a training session, Salman Khan looks intense with an impressive handlebar moustache. While you generally consider the facial hairdo to be more hipster, Salman Khan is in fact playing the role of a wrestler in the film. The picture also gives us a peek of his bulked up muscles.

Salman Khan playa the role of a wrestler from Haryana, Kesari Sultan, to be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The actor has already begun training for the film, which is said to be incredibly high on action.
“Wrestling is not a sport. It is about fighting what lies within,” reads the image of Sultan.

According to recent reports, the gruelling training sessions had left Salman Khan in pain. “In ‘Sultan’, I am a wrestler who goes into MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). It’s a different league of FITNESS. I have been training for the past five days and my head, back and knee are hurting. Everything is hurting, actually,” the actor had said.

‘Sultan’ is set to release on Eid 2016 and is set to clash with his friend SRK’s ‘Raees.’.

Jazbaa Box Office Report/Review/Earnings: Slow Start at BO

This week we see the release of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback film JAZBAA that also features Irrfan Khan. Jazbaa had a slow start of around 20% and will be totally dependent on word of mouth.

It will be about how much the film can grow in the evening shows and then the all important follow up on Saturday. The Sanjay Gupta directed Jazbaa does face competition from the Hollywood release THE WALK that has been receiving glowing reviews across the seas. In fact despite THE WALK featuring limited morning shows, it has garnered a 30% occupancy rate during morning.

On the whole, with mixed responses from the critics, Jazbaa has a slow start. However, the film will have to rely on strong word of mouth, while the 3D marvel THE WALK is expected to grow over evening and night shows. However the other English release PAN, that features THE WOLVERINE actor Huge Jackman, that caters to mainly kids is expected to be a slow earner.

The last Aishwarya Rai film was Guzaarish released in 2010 which opened to 3.82 crore nett. The highest is Dhoom 2 in 2006 which had an opening day of 5.85 crore nett.

The collections of Singh Is Bling are down heavily and looks that North India will be contributing 50% of all India in week two. Talvar has maintained very well and has increased shows in most of the theatres in the metros.

There has been a lot of talk surrounding it with a lot of expectations being attached to the film.

Another Movie Review of Jazbaa Starring Irrfan Khan and Aishwarya Rai

DIRECTOR: Sanjay Gupta
STARRING: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi
RATING: 2 stars

In the end a friend asks Irrfan Khan (Yohaan) why he lets Aishwarya Rai (Anuradha) go when he loves her. He replies, “Pyar hain tabhi jaane diya, zidd hoti toh baahon mein hoti.” Wait, let me take that crown of misogyny from Kapil Sharma’s head and adorn it on your head Mr. Irrfan Khan. Because let’s face it, all that matters is that you love Anuradha, that you let her go, that you would FORCE her in your arms, if YOU were obsessed with her. And that makes you the hero of the film. Wow. That kind of regression was the only thing missing in Jazbaa; hurrah, it was fulfilled in the last scene.
Anuradha Verma is the best lawyer in all of Milky Way! And that’s not even an exaggeration dude. She gets a murderer, a rapist out on bail because she convinces the judge that there was another person present at the crime. No, the judge is not a school going kid.

She is forcefully hired by some voice on the phone who wants her to fight and win a case of a rapist or else he would kill her daughter. The rapist’s victim is Garima’s (Shabana Azmi’s) daughter. Wow, mamma against mamma, perfect recipe for full melodrama. And we are not let down. Painfully long lectures roll out at every given opportunity --- lectures on maa ki mamta, aaj ki naari, dard ki seema and my favourite main majboor thi.
Gosh, if I won a dirham for every cheesy dialogue, I would be a millionaire by the end of the film.

And then there is Irrfan Khan and his set of dialogues. There is never a straight reaction from him. Sample this-

Tum yaha rehte kaise ho?
Main yaha nahi rehta, yahan intezaar rehta hain! Errr…ok!!
Main nahi so sakti, mujhe kaam karna hain?
Neend ek mashooka hain…something something…aur raat humsafar hain…blah blah blah! Sorry, I asked that question.
On sharafat!
Jinke phone mein password nahi hota woh shareef hote hain! BURP!

But it’s not actors’ fault; it’s the writers who just wanted to flaunt their vocabularies, their imageries, their analogies. So what if it has got nothing to do with the film and its story, at least it’s poetic, oops, I mean painfully poetic.

Hence the emotions never reach us. I never felt Anuradha’s pain when her daughter was kidnapped. I never felt Garima’s pain when she was fighting to get her dead daughter justice. There was no pain, only words and overacting: mujhe meri beti ki cheekhe sunai de rahi hain…oh really, so sad…where is my popcorn!

Irrfan-easy-breezy-I-am-so-real-Khan plays the mumbling version of Rowdy Rathore’s Don’tAngryMe Akshay Kumar. You see Irrfan Khan doesn’t scream like Akshay. He is a real actor bhai, he only mumbles. His pointless dialoguebaazi evoked irritation in me that’s reserved strictly for karele ki sabzi.

Aishwarya-15-expressions-for-one-emotion-Rai exhausts every muscle in her body to ACT, like making up for no work in the past five years, like let me do all the acting in this film, not sure when the next project comes along. She plays a lawyer. Give us some tension-filled court scenes, some reason, some logic, some investigation. Alas, we have gyan.

The film gives such gyan on life, love and universe that it seems less like a whodunnit murder mystery and more like a satsang. There is a spiritual spin to everything. A character in the movie says, I like holding my coffee mug close, because I want to hold my life close and feel it with my naked fingers. I laughed out so loud that my cheeks still hurt.

Yep, you can hold the coffee mug close, hold your life close too. I am not sure if you should come anywhere close to Jazbaa.

WHAT THE RATINGS MEAN:
5 stars: Loved it. (This could make to top ten movies you must watch before you die!)
4 stars: Liked it. Recommend it. (This will help you sound intellectual and give you stuff to add at water cooler conversations.)
3 stars: Didn’t hurt. Watch it once.
2 stars: It put me to sleep. Watch it if you are an insomniac or a newly wedded couple. Winks!
1 star: Do I even need to explain this?

Jazbaa Movie Review Starring Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan

Warning: Spoilers ahead.

Allow me to be as dramatic as the courtroom scenes in Jazbaa: it isn’t an open and shut case when it comes to declaring the former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan the sole draw to her first film in five years.

With Jazbaa, directed by Sanjay Gupta, there’s a good chance that the supporting cast (Shabana Azmi and Irrfan Khan) have walked away with all the glory, instead of the stunning lead.

As always, Rai Bachchan looks ravishing and ravaged in equal parts, but her colleagues Khan and Azmi lend an unexpected gravitas to this thought-provoking, but a little too stylised whodunit.

On paper, it may seem like the ball is always in Rai Bachchan’s court since the film was about her character — high-profile lawyer Anuradha Verma — and her battle to free an accused rapist. Her daughter has been taken hostage and the kidnappers want her to defend the hardened criminal. From the beginning, it’s been indoctrinated that Verma’s courtroom arguments are as lethal as her stilettos. The first few scenes are a homage to her beauty (she looks marvellous) along a virtuous mother (she’s a supermum to Shanaya, no arguments there), while the next few scenes are all about her shrieking and shuddering in her attempt to appease her daughter’s kidnappers. Like any Gupta film — known for glorifying cops and criminals, as in Shootout At Wadala — Jazbaa, too, gets weighed down by cheesy lines and unintended plasticity. For instance, Khan who plays a cheeky, rakish cop, utters lines such as “treat sleep like a lover. If you don’t take time for it, it abandons you”. He downs a potent beverage for better effect. The result? It’s grating and even a superb talent like Khan cannot redeem it.

Or, when Rai Bachchan angrily declares to the smirking, unrepentant rapist “that a mother in anguish is fighting his case, and not a lawyer” — there’s a hollow ring to it all.

And when an intense scene of an anguished mother running towards her daughter’s captors is shown in slow-motion, you know that slick has won over soul. It makes you wonder if the director chose swagger over matter.

However, all’s not lost in this one.

Jazbaa’s taut pace and streamlined approach towards the second half glosses over these glaring inadequacies. The climax is sharp and unexpected. And all actors, including veteran actor Atul Kulkarni, who plays Anuradha’s opponent in court, pack a punch there.

The whodunit also addresses the issue of violence against women, in an entertaining manner. The film looks at how rape cases are shoddily handled by Indian courts and dwells briefly on how a manipulative criminal can walk away scot-free if aided by a smart lawyer. The thrilling bits are saved for the last in this succinct thriller, making you wonder why the bits about retribution, justice, crime and punishment were not explored in depth.

Unwanted attention is paid, instead, on capturing the beauty of Mumbai — a bustling metropolis filled with skyscrapers and slums in sepia tones — and on Rai Bachchan’s bloodshot eyes (read: anguish). The wicked climax of Jazbaa makes it a satisfying watch, but not a watertight thriller.

Film: Jazbaa

Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi and Jackie Shroff

Director: Sanjay Gupta

Salman speaks on crushes and soulmates

Salman speaks on crushes and soulmates

After glimpsing a riot of colours in the trailer of ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’, we see them gracing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Bride, looking gorgeous together in a bridal shoot. After Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone made our eyes pop with their sizzling cover shoot, ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ couple, Sonam Kapoor and Salman Khan have done the same, but this time in ethnic wear. After glimpsing a riot of colours in the trailer of their upcoming film, we see the lead pair of ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ gracing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Bride, looking gorgeous together in a bridal shoot.

Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor recently appeared together on the cover of the magazine. Salman spoke on the concept of love and finding a soulmate in an interview with the same magazine. When asked about his crushes, Salman said that it had happened such a long time ago that he didn't even remember. He further added that he has liked many people and that for him, the word like is hundred times more powerful than love. He reasoned that love is old and just another word for need. When asked about soulmates, he said that sometimes one meets a person and immediately knows that they wouldn't connect and then there are times when one meets someone and feels like they have known the person for the longest time. He clarified that the lucky ones connect with each other while the rest of them are still waiting for a soulmate.

Rumoured Contestants of 'Bigg Boss 9', 2015 - Hosted by Salman Khan

Yuvika Choudhary in 'Bigg Boss 9'?: The sexy Yuvika Choudhary, who is currently seen in Life OK's 'Dafa 420', is approached for Colors' upcoming reality show 'Bigg Boss Nau'. Yes, the gorgeous damsel is in talks with the makers for the above show. According to sources, the actress is very keen on being part of the show, though the monetary deal is yet to be finalized. When we buzzed Yuvika, she replied via text, "No comments."

Surveen Chawla-Rishabh Sinha approached for Bigg Boss 9?

With the launch date of 'Bigg Boss' season 9 inching closer names of various celebs being approached for Bigg Boss is doing the rounds. The lastest one to join the list is sultry actress Surveen Chawla of 'Hate Story 2' fame.

According to media reports, Surveen, who was recently seen in Colors' 'Comedy Nights Bachao' has been approached be a part of the show. The actress is currently in talks with the makers and might soon sign the dotted line. Apart from Surveen, 'Qubool Hai' and MTV 'Splitsvilla 7' fame Rishabh Sinha has also been approached for the show.

Aman, Digangana and Rochelle in 'Bigg Boss': After Ankit Gera and Roopal Tyagi, the latest to have given their consent to getting locked up inside the 'Bigg Boss' house are Aman Verma, Digangana Suryavanshi and Rochelle Maria Rao, Miss India International 2012. Rumours regarding Aman being part of the 'Bigg Boss' surfaced every season, however, this time, he is actually set to take part in it. He was in the news recently for being thrown out of his show 'Shapath' for his starry tantrums. 'Digangana', last seen playing the title role in 'Ek Veer Ki Ardaas... Veera', has been talked about for her catfights with co-actor Farnaaz Shetty. Rochelle, who participated in 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi', will also be seen as one of the participants.

Kishwar Merchant in Bigg Boss 9?: The latest buzz is that popular small screen actress Kishwar Merchantt of 'Hip Hip Hurray' and 'Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan' fame is all set to be a part of 'Bigg Boss Double Trouble'. As per the media reports, Kishwar will join Ankit Gera, Roopal Tyagi, Mahhi Vij, Mohit Malhotra, Mayur Verma and Sunil Grover for the upcoming season of the reality show. Unfortunately neither the channel’s spokesperson nor Kishwar confirmed the development. Also with this being a 'double trouble’ series, who knows if beau Suyyash also walk hands in hand with Kishwar.

Salma Agha and daughter Sasha in Bigg Boss 9?

Veteran actress and singer Salma Agha of 'Nikaah' fame might soon be seen on the controversial reality show 'Bigg Boss'. According to few reports in the media, the Pakistani-British actress and her daughter Sasha Agha, who featured in 'Aurangzeb' opposite Arjun Kapoor are approached for 'Bigg Boss Nau'. As this year, Bigg Boss' theme revolves around Double Trouble, the mother-daughter duo have been approached and if everything works out they will soon be locked inside the house.

For the uninitiated, Sasha was recently in news as she got married to musician Sachin Gupta against her mother's will. There were also reports of her marriage with Sachin hitting the rocks.

Mika Singh wants to enter 'Bigg Boss Nau' house: Mika Singh, who has given hit numbers like 'Aaj ki party' and 'Mauja hi mauja' among others, has expressed his desire to enter the forthcoming season of reality TV show "Bigg Boss" as a contestant. "If they offer me a good amount of money, then I am ready to enter the 'Bigg Boss' house. And with my arrival, the channel's TRP would increase and it will become the world's number 1 channel," Mika said during the announcement of music concert "Suron Ke Rang Colors Ke Sang - Salaam Shri Gulshan Kumar" here on 21st September. 'Bigg Boss 9', to be hosted by superstar Salman Khan, is set to go on air in October.

Armaan Jain: Ranbir Kapoor's cousin Armaan Jain is rumoured to be in the 'Bigg Boss 9' house! Armaan made his Bollywood debut in 2014 with 'Lekar Hum Deewana Dil' and this year he will be making his debut in the 'Bigg Boss' house. We don't mind watching this cutie!

Nakshatra Bagwe: He is an award-winning director and India's first gay ambassador! Nakshatra will be seen in the 'Bigg Boss 9' house to promote the LGBTQ community. Nakshatra will be making his Indian feature film debut in 'My Son is Gay' and is also due for his international film debut as the lead actor of 'Hearts'.

Najeem Khan: Will we be seeing Salman Khan inside the 'Bigg Boss' house as a contestant? Well, not exactly but yes, Salman Khan's doppelganger Najeem Khan will be seen as a contestant in the house. Let's see how much advantage he takes out of this!

Arshi Khan: Model Arshi Khan is yet another rumoured contestant of 'Bigg Boss 9'. Arshi was in news for popularising herself on the micro-blogging site by commenting on sleeping with Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi. She was also in news for filing a complaint against Radhe Maa for running a sex racket. Well, yes, Bigg Boss had to be the next step.

Adult star Mia Khalifa to enter Bigg Boss 9?

As the upcoming season of 'Bigg Boss' inches closer names of various celebs being approached for the show is doing the rounds. If media reports are to believed then the 'Bigg Boss' house might once again see an adult movie star. After former adult movie star Sunny Leone, the 'Bigg Boss' house might see Mia Khalifa.

Mia, who is a Lebanese-American adult model and actor has been approached by the makers and they are waiting for her response.

Exes Roopal and Ankit together in 'Bigg Boss':
Following our report on actor Ankit Gera probably being the first of the few participants confirmed for the upcoming season of Bigg Boss, we hear Roopal Tyagi will also be a part of it. The actress was Ankit’s co-actor in the TV show Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke. The two were romantically involved during the course of the show. However, the relationship ended on a bitter note. The theme of the arguably most controversial reality show this season is Double Trouble. We wonder if that refers to getting two former lovers to stay together under the same roof and wreak havoc? Guess, only time will tell. Roopal remained unavailable for comment.

MSG agrees for Bigg Boss 9, with conditions:
Godman-turned-actor Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is all set to again create a buzz on the big screen with a sequel to the 2015 film "MSG - the Messenger", confirms that he has been approached by the makers of reality show 'Bigg Boss 9', but has put forth certain conditions to enter the show. The Dera Saccha Sauda chief was present at a music launch of his film 'MSG 2 - The Messenger', at an event here on Wednesday. The film is releasing on September 18. Asked whether he had been approached to appear in 'Bigg Boss 9', he said: “Yes, I've been approached to appear on the show. But I asked them if they allow me to exit the house for 2-3 hours every day to meet my followers then I can think for it. Still nothing is finalised.” 'Bigg Boss 9', to be hosted by superstar Salman Khan, is an Indian version of internationally acclaimed reality format "Celebrity Big Brother". The show involves celebrity contestants locked inside a purpose-built house for three months under constant camera surveillance.

Shiney Ahuja and Sunil Grover in Bigg Boss 9?

Several names of celebrities being approached for the upcoming season of 'Bigg Boss' is doing the rounds. The latest to join the list are 'Welcome Back' actor Shiney Ahuja and Sunil Grover aka Gutthi.

Sources inform that both Shiney and Sunil Grover has signed the dotted lines and have given their nod to be locked inside the house.

Mandana Karimi might get locked into the house: Iranian model Mandana Karimi might be one of the contestants of 'Bigg Boss 9' season. Mandana is a native of Tehran and has been living in India for some time to work as a model. She featured with Arjun Kapoor in Philips commercial. As most foreign models do, Mandana also signed for Hindi speaking classes to add more skills to her CV. Unlike other wannabe actresses, Mandana’s agenda will not be to get noticed by film makers to land a Bollywood film, because she already has two in her kitty – Kunal Kemmu starrer ‘Bhaag Johnny’ and ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum 3’ with Tusshar Kapoor. But, appearing in 'Bigg Boss 9' will definitely help Madana gain popularity which is an essential requirement in Bollywood.

Mohit Malhotra offered 'Bigg Boss 9'

While the news of self-proclaimed godwoman Radhe Maa and ex-Housing.com co-founder, Rahul Yadav is doing the rounds we now hear that TV actor Mohit Malhotra has also being approached for the show.
Sources inform that the handsome and dashing actor, who was last seen in Jamai Raja has been offered the show. He is keen on accepting the offer.

When contacted, Mohit said, "Yes, I have been offered the show and I am still thinking over it. Nothing is finalised yet."

Uday Chopra 'not going' to 'Bigg Boss': 
Actor-producer Uday Chopra has denied that he will be joining 'Bigg Boss' as a contestant in the reality show's new season. "Just to clarify. I'm not going on Bigg Boss. It's a great show but I'm not the right person for this. Hell, no PS4, I'll die," Uday tweeted on Thursday. The son of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, Uday has been seen in the "Dhoom" franchise of his home banner Yash Raj Films, and is currently looking after the Hollywood wing of the production house, YRF Entertainment.

Gaurav Gera: 
"I will rather watch Bigg Boss than entering" - Back with more news on 'Bigg Boss 9'. We recently reported that comedian 'Gaurav Gera' was approached for 'Bigg Boss 9'. But he rejected the offer. When contacted, he says "I am a big fan of the show and if I will be in the house then I won't be able to watch and enjoy it."

Mahi Vij approached for Bigg Boss 9?

Beautiful actress Mahi Vij, who became a household name with her TV show 'Laagi Tujhse Lagan' on Colors has been away from the small screen. However, the actress might soon break her long hiatus with controversial reality show 'Bigg Boss'.

Sources inform that Mahi has been approached to take part in the reality show and the actress is thinking about the offer.

When contacted, Mahi said, "I can't comment on it."

Shweta Prasad:
The talented actress who was seen in award winning films like 'Makdee' and 'Iqbal'. The actress shocked everyone when she was caught in an alleged prostitution racket. However, later according to a report in DNA.com, a local court had acquitted Shweta Basu Prasad of prostitution charges.

Rahul Yadav:
Well the man in question is none other than the ex-Housing.com co-founder. Rahul first came into the limelight for his controversial remarks on Vishal Sikka (CEO of Infosys) and his brashness and arrogance. An IIT Bombay dropout, Rahul was fired from his job citing his behaviour towards investors, ecosystem and the media. He is apparently super excited about his participation and has posted about it on Facebook.

Rashami Desai: 
The actress, who is popularly known as Tapasya of small screen has been in news of late for her relationship. Rashami, who married her co-star from Uttaran Nandish Sandhu was recently seen talking about her troubled relationship with husband Nandish on another reality show. Now, that everything is fine between the couple and they have decided to give their marriage a second chance, she seems to be perfect for the Bigg Boss house.

VJ Bani: 
She is another contestant to watch out for in the Bigg Boss house. After surviving in a show like Roadies and winning the title, a show like Bigg Boss definately looks like a cake walk for her. The VJ is also in the talks with the makers for the controversial reality show.

Sana Saeed: 
It seems reality shows are the next destination for Sana Saeed. After 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' and 'Nach Baliye', the actress is now rumoured to be a part of 'Bigg Boss' season 9. Sana, who became popular for her role as Shah Rukh Khan's daughter in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' also tried her luck in Bollywood and played side kick roles in KJo's 'Student Of The Year'. However, the actress now expecting to get super stardom from TV which Bollywood couldn't give her.

Asha Negi: 
One of the current heartthrobs of the silver screen Asha Negi who started off her career with 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain' is now one of the most loved actresses. She became a household name with 'Pavitra Rishta' and since then there has been no looking back for her. From hosting to reality shows, Asha has done it all and we are sure in 'Bigg Boss' house she will definitely put up a tough fight.

Radhe Maa takes a legal action against 'Bigg Boss 9': 
Radhe Maa, Shiney Ahuja, Prachi Desai, Sunil Grover and Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh are all oppressed with the channel. Salman Khan created quite a buzz when he announced that he will be hosting the ninth season of 'Bigg Boss 9'. People went crazy after watching the first promo of 'Bigg Boss 9'. Everyone wants to know that who all will be gracing in this season of 'Bigg Boss 9'. Rumors were out that Godwoman Radhe Maa will be locked in the house, but Radhe Maa's supporters have answered back. One of her supporters has slapped the channel with a legal notice. “We are suing them for maligning Radhe Maa’s name. She was never offered the show, has not signed and will not be a part of the show. She is not interested in TV," said Sanjeev Gupta, supporter of Radhe Maa and MD of a marketing company. He further blamed that Colors is using her name for TRP's. Shiney Ahuja, who just made a comeback with 'Welcome Back', reported that he was not interested in any kind of reality show. He told a tabloid, “I have been reading reports about doing the show since 2011. It has been three years and they don’t stop. This year too, my lawyer rang me to inform that once again my name was being associated with 'Bigg Boss 9'. I have a paper trail that show stories leading back to the publicists and makers of the show.” he threatens to show the makers of 'Bigg Boss 9'. Actress Prachi Desai too was on the list of rumored contestants of 'Bigg Boss 9' but even she she expressed her grouse with the channel for falsely linking her name with the show. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, comedian Sunil Grover and actor Dino Morea too seem oppressed with the channel. Well, the show has not even started and so many controversies already! But this shouldn’t come as a surprise because this show is infamous for ruffling a few (or many!) feathers with every season.

Pictures: Sidharth Malhotra and Katrina Kaif at ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ wrap up party

Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra who were busy shooting for ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ in Glasgow have completed the shoot schedule for the same. Sidharth posted an image on twitter of the wrap up party on sets saying, “#Glasgow na #BaarBaardekho wrap on schedule…super memories n now party! #KatrinaKaif”. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/check-out-sidharth-malhotra-katrina-kaif-at-baar-baar-dekho-wrap-up-party/#sthash.W6L5cywF.dpuf

#Glasgow na #BaarBaardekho wrap on schedule...super memories n now party! #KatrinaKaif pic.twitter.com/ZTPLeduDgx

— Sidharth Malhotra (@S1dharthM) October 8, 2015

‘Baar Baar Dekho’ is said to be a love story co-produced by Excel Entertainment and Dharma Production and will be distributed by Eros International. The film is slated to release in 2016. - See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/check-out-sidharth-malhotra-katrina-kaif-at-baar-baar-dekho-wrap-up-party/#sthash.W6L5cywF.dpuf

Shah Rukh Khan Visited Ram Charan Teja and Mahesh Babu on The sets of Their Telugu Films Recently: View Pictures

AN ELATED RAM CHARAN TEJA, SON OF TELUGU SUPERSTAR CHIRANJEEVI, POSTED PICTURES OF HIMSELF WITH SRK ON THE SETS OF HIS UPCOMING FILM BRUCE LEE THE FIGHTER. 'GIRLS ON SETS WENT CRAZY,' AFTER A SURPRISE VISIT FROM KING KHAN ON THE LAST DAY OF THE SHOOT.

He's shot round the clock for a film, played badminton with current World #1 and paid a visit to two of South cinema's most popular stars. And all this in a span of a few weeks. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has indeed made the most of his time in Hyderabad where he has been busy filming Dilwale. (Also Read: Love All: How Shah Rukh Khan Beat Saina Nehwal at Her Own Game)

Last night, an elated Ram Charan Teja, son of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, posted pictures of himself with SRK on the sets of his upcoming film Bruce Lee The Fighter. 'Girls on sets went crazy,' after a surprise visit from SRK on the last day of the shoot.

Pictures of Shah Rukh Khan with Ram Charan Teja.

Ram Charan Teja plays a stuntman acting as a body double for actors in the Srinu Vaitla-directed Bruce Lee - The Fighter. The film, which also stars Rakul Preet Singh, Kriti Kharbanda and Brahmanandam, is scheduled for release on October 16.


A FORTNIGHT AGO, KING KHAN VISITED TELUGU SUPERSTAR MAHESH BABU ON THE SETS OF HIS UPCOMING FILM
A fortnight ago, King Khan visited Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu on the sets of his upcoming family drama Brahmotsavam.

'HUMBLED' BY SRK'S GESTURE, MAHESH BABU SHARED IMAGES FROM THE MEETING ON SOCIAL MEDIA. HE IS MARRIED TO BOLLYWOOD ACTRESS NAMRATA SHIRODKAR, WHO CAN BE SEEN SHARING A LAUGH WITH SRK IN THE PICTURES. THEIR 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER SITARA WAS THERE TOO, PERCHED ON HER MOTHER'S LAP

Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently filming for Dilwale in Hyderabad, paid a visit to Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu on Saturday, on the sets of his upcoming family drama Brahmotsavam. And "The entire cast and crew were thrilled," said the Srimanthudu star. 'Humbled' by SRK's gesture, he shared images from the meeting on social media.

Pictures of SRK With Mahesh Babu and Namratha Shirodkar on The sets of his new Telugu Film

Following a 'Thank you' note to SRK, the 40-year-old star revealed a few more moments from his encounter with the King Khan

SRK, who was in casuals, sported a comic strip printed bandana along with his blue sunglasses, which have featured in most of his Dilwale snapshots.

I have married Ankita thrice already: Sushant Singh Rajput

'Ankita wants to get married at a palace in Jodhpur' - Sushant Singh Rajput

Actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande are all set to tie the knot in December next year. However, Sushant insists that for him, it will just be a feeling of deja vu, on the D-Day. “I have gotten married to her three times on our TV show, so it will just be an encore of the same thing,” he says.

Ask him why they took so long to get married, when they have been seeing each other for six years, and he says, “My dad told me when I was very young, that I should not get married before 30. His only advice to me was to live my life,” says the 29-year-old, but clarifies, “My decision to get married next year has got nothing to do with my age. It just happened naturally. I am honestly not sure. I mean for the past few months, I have been very confidently saying that our marriage will happen in 2016, but Ankita may suddenly say no to getting married next year. You never know.”

In fact, Ankita, he says, wasn’t happy that Sushant made the announcement on his own. “She (Ankita) called me one morning and for the first time she asked me why I was announcing our marriage plans without even asking her.”

We hear that Ankita wants to have an elaborate big-fat wedding. Ask him what he wants, and he insists he is happy to do whatever she wants. “When I say big, fat wedding, I mean I will be investing 10 days of my life to the occasion. I don’t mean it in the scale of the wedding or the number of people involved,” he says, adding, “My side of family is very chilled out. They will be fine even if I decide to have a court marriage. She wants to get married in a palace in Jodhpur, and I am fine with that.”

Real-life troubles bring out the best in my work: Salman Khan

Salman Khan was facing charges for his hit-and-run case while shooting Prem Ratan Dhan Payo but the superstar says he works much better at times of adversity.

The upcoming family-drama will mark the return of Salman’s most loved character Prem and will see him reunite with filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya after a gap of 16 years. “I am always going through that difficult time so whenever I am going through a difficult time my work on that film is much better. So, please remember that.”

He added, “We work hard during that time. I’m still going through it (difficult time) and I will keep going through it.” Salman, 49, first played the role of Prem in Barjatya’s debut film Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989, followed by Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and 1999 blockbuster Hum Saath-Saath Hain, which marked their last COLLABORATION.

The Dabangg actor says when Barjatya directs him as the beloved character, it is often his best. “When Sooraj Barjatya directs me as Prem that is by far the best Prem character that I’ve played. I missed playing Prem so much that I played the role of Prem in Anees Bazmee’s Ready. We tried making it a Sooraj Barjatya film with Anees Bazmee kind of comedy,” he said.

Read: Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam had the best poster, feels Salman

Barjatya has named the hero’s character Prem in all of his seven films, including Ek Vivaah... Aisa Bhi which he wrote, and Salman says he tries to imbibe the qualities of his lovable, soft-spoken, popular on-screen character. “When you come out of theatre seeing Sooraj Barjatya’s film you want to be like that character. After working for 150-200 days I try to get as much of that character into my personality as possible,” he said.

On being asked if Barjatya gets the best out of him, Salman said, “As a person and it translate on screen.”

There is a buzz that the Bajrangi Bhaijaan star will be seen playing a double role in the film but the actor did not divulge any details. “You need to see the film. We can’t say there are two characters, three characters.”
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo releases on November 12. The film also stars Sonam Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Swara Bhaskar and Armaan Kohli.

Singh Is Bling First Day Box Office Report/Review/Record

Singh Is Bling grossed 18.25 crore Business nett on day one. It is the second highest first day collection of the year though if it was not a holiday the collections would be lower than ABCD 2 and Welcome Back. In the all time list the film is 15th highest ever with similar numbers to films like Krrish 3 and Jai Ho. It is the highest ever for an Akshay Kumar starrer.

The film has collected well though ideally a 29 crore nett plus number was needed so that the second day we could have stayed around 14-15 crore nett which would have been good. It can still happen but if its the normal drop after such a holiday then it will be hard.

The film was very good in Delhi / UP, East Punjab and Rajasthan, good in CP Berar, CI, Bihar and Gujarat / Saurashtra but elsewhere business was just decent and on a holiday that is not good enough. The film is going to find it hard to work in dome areas due to the very Punjabi content but a strong hold in Delhi and Punjab is important because if these don't hold then others don't have much of a chance.

Talvar Box office Report/ Review

Talvar has surprised on day one with business of around 2.50 crore nett. The film had competition from Singh Is Bling and the holdover Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon but still come out with good business. The film also had paid previews on Thursday and the business of the film till date is as follows.

Thursday - 50,00,000 (paid previews)
Friday - 2,50,00,000 apprx

TOTAL - 3,00,00,000

The film had limited face value and a limited release of 625 screens with just 2-3 screenings in most of these screens. The film has good chances of doing well on word of mouth. It will be hard to grow a lot on Saturday as it was a holiday on Friday but a repeat of Friday will do and if any growth it will be bonus. Monday will be the acid test for the film but opening has given it a chance.

Salman Khan’s ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ trailer creates a record!

It can’t get better than this! Salman Khan returns as Prem with Rajshri Productions’ ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ and creates history as the trailer of the magnum opus garnered over 5 million views in 24 hours!

If we combine the views on Rajshri Productions' YouTube page, and the film's Facebook page, the total number of views crosses the 5 million mark!

According to official Twitter handle of the film, the trailer has the highest and fastest views!

The trailer on the film’s official page has over 2.5 million views while the one on Rajshri’s YouTube has over 4.3 million views. And the numbers are just growing.

Singh is Bling Moview review Starring Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson

There are two questions that need answers, after you've watched Singh is Bliing — what the hell does Akshay Kumar eat for breakfast to fuel the insane energy he brings onscreen and where was Lara Dutta hiding her comedic talent all these years?

Singh is Bliing's opening credits roll against a remixed version of Sneha Khanwalkar's fantastically peppy "Tung Tung". We see a delirious Kumar cracking out bhangra moves with such gusto that you might just feel your muscles ache on his behalf. There's only one word to describe Kumar's performance as Raftaar Singh: octane.

Whether he's being the stereotypical empty-headed sardar or busting out dance moves or fighting bad guys, his energy is phenomenal. Kumar is proof that ageing is a wondrous thing. He didn't have even a fraction of this onscreen charm when he was in the prime of his youth. It's not just that Kumar looks infinitely better — the death of the Nineties' mullet has been a boon in many heroes' lives — but as a grizzled older man, he's also commanding the screen with far more confidence and grace than he did before.

Kumar plays Raftaar Singh, a good-for-nothing Punjabi lad whose chief qualification is that he's momma's boy. Raftar's father has a friend in Goa who runs a casino. When Raftaar takes Rs 50,000 from his father's cupboard without permission, his dad tells Raftaar that he's got to grow up. How? By marrying an overweight village belle or going to work in Goa. Does this make logical sense? Of course not. But if you've come to see Singh is Bliing with expectations of realism, you're more of an idiot than Raftaar, who lives up to the stereotype of sardars being loyal, bhangra-powered, lovable fools.
In Goa, Raftaar meets a woman who is more than his match. Sara (Amy Jackson) is an arms dealer's daughter who catches the eye of deranged gangster Mark (Kay Kay Menon). What better way to deal with an insane Indo-Romanian stalker than to chill out in Goa, at her dad's friend's bungalow? Raftaar is appointed as Sara's chaperone in Goa. She doesn't speak Hindi. He doesn't speak English. Enter Lara Dutta as the translator, Emily (whom Raftaar and his friends call "imli". Naturally).

Adding heft to the theory that ageing can work wonders is Dutta. On the 'wrong' side of her thirties, Dutta is a revelation in Singh is Bliing. She looks great, even when she's wearing blindingly bad outfits, and milks comedy from practically every moment she has onscreen. Over-the-top moments that should make us cringe and groan become cute and giggle-worthy, simply because of Dutta's fine performance.
When Kumar and Dutta come together in the "Dil Kare Chu Che" — a rare example of a song that is actually connected to the plot instead of being generic — it's so funny that this reviewer started wondering whether director Prabhudheva has found ways of lacing popcorn.

Prabhudeva's last film was the putrid pimple of human endeavour titled Action Jackson. Aside from its ridiculous script, deafening soundtrack and terrible acting performances, Action Jackson was also jaw-droppingly misogynist. One woman's role was to roam around three-quarters naked, for no reason other than to titillate the audience. Another woman existed in the film only to get beaten up. The third was an idiot.
From the director who made that film, you do not expect a follow-up in which the women characters really are heroines. Singh is Bliing may be Kumar's film through and through, but he is ably supported by Rati Agnihotri as his stay-at-home mum, Dutta as the goofy translator and Jackson as the nut-busting Sara. Women blow each other up, stick up for one another and even behave like normal human beings from time to time. In a Prabhudheva film, this is downright shocking.

It's almost as though Singh is Bliing is Prabhudheva's attempt to redeem himself after all the criticism that was (rightly) chucked at him for Action Jackson. Singh is Bliing pokes fun at the male ego again and again. Women take charge smoothly and don't need men to save the day until the very end, when the alpha rises. (Let's not forget this is commercial cinema, after all.) Still, for the bulk of Singh is Bliing, the men are the losers, but they think they're macho and that's the source of many of the film's gags.

Jackson's Sara is a ninja warrior who can pummel a legion of men — including an Indian Khal Drogo lookalike named Boxer, who wears a locket with a boxer dog's face. In case he forgets his name, perhaps? — without smudging her makeup. Raftaar, on the other hand, spends most of the film getting beaten up. Dutta runs circles around the men and has a wonderful sleepwalking interlude. Ladies, let us a raise a glass of tender coconut water to the actresses, Prabhudheva and Grazing Goat Pictures, who are credited with having scripted Singh is Bliing.

It isn't particularly comforting to see the writing credit go to a company. Creative ideas are rarely churned out on an assembly line and it's a shame that the humans responsible for the onscreen fun of Singh is Bliing have to be reduced to Grazing Goat. That said, there isn't much by way of a plot or storytelling in this film. It's essentially a set of well-written comic sketches, featuring recurring characters. There's nothing evolved or sophisticated about this film, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a watch. Singh is Bliing is — and it might be just what the doctor ordered to lift your spirits after watching Talvar.

Talvar Movie Review Starring Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma

Talvar movie review: The film is as real as a constructed-for-the-camera document can be, with its portrayal of the professional rivalries between the investigating teams, and insatiable media persons.

In ‘Talvar’, the 14-year-old girl killed in her bed in the dead of night, is called Shruti Tandon. But we know that it is the thinly-disguised story of Arushi Talwar, whose murder still remains the foulest of them all: her parents Rajesh and Nupur, both doctors with a flourishing practice, were convicted and sent to jail.

The double murder of Arushi and the Talwars’ live-in male servant Hemraj shook us all. Because it involved people like us : respectably middle-class, solidly professional, living with other middle-class professionals. Children from that sort of background go to good schools and graduate from good colleges, not found with their throat slit, opening up a Pandora’s box of swirling salacious rumours about sexual proclivities (theirs’ as well as their parents’). Widespread outrage and shock rippled outward, and it still laps around us, because, really, how can any parent kill their child?

That is what Shruti’s father (Neeraj Kabi) cries out, in ‘Talvar’. And that anguished cry and the mother’s (Konkona Sen Sharma) too-stunned-for-tears face leave us deeply conflicted, deeply uncomfortable. ‘Talvar’ is a difficult film to watch because we know all along that we are not in some fictitious la-la land; we are in Noida, where the killings took place, and the events that unfold have a distinct ring of reality. The film– part police procedural, part crime drama– is as real as a constructed-for-the-camera DOCUMENT can be, with its portrayal of the professional rivalries between the investigating teams, and insatiable media persons.

And that’s mainly to do with the just-right note caught by Vishal Bharadwaj’s writing, which starts a little shakily, and then finds it groove—mostly matter-of-fact in the face of apparent depravity and keeping away from needless prurience and stays there right though the end : though there is no attempt made to hide the film’s sympathies, which lie with the parents, ‘Talvar’ takes in the contrarians as well. The high point is a round-table gathering of the investigators, one bunch who is convinced that it was Khempal (the servant) who did it; another, which come in later, determined to run down the former, is convinced of the parents’ guilt.

‘Talvar’ maintains the gritty tightrope with a virtuoso act by Irrfan Khan as CDI (standing in for CBI) officer Ashwin Kumar, who comes into the ‘case’ with some amount of reluctance and healthy skepticism. His second-in-command is Sohum Shah, again very believable in the way he switches to the side which has more profit.

A fine supporting cast, especially the fresh-faced Sumit Gulati as the Tandons’ employee, who makes all kinds of allegations which are swallowed WHOLESALE by the Noida police in the person of the paan-chewing cop’ (Gajraj Rao, playing it with gusto) helps us believe. This includes Belwadi’s twinkle-eyed officer on the verge of retirement, who hands over the case to a man (Atul Kumar, very good) who takes it in a diametrically opposite direction into, many believe, a horrible, deliberate miscarriage of justice.

It’s when ‘Talvar’ swings over into exaggeration-for-populism territory that you start fidgeting. Was it the fear of being too grim that it shows us a wholly unbelievable scene involving the physical bullying of a local cop? Though both Neeraj and Konkona channel the unbearable pain of losing a child in such unspeakable conditions well enough, they are drawn sketchily. I wanted more: who were they as people and parents, what did they think, how did they do? And although Tabu is usually always a treat, her addition to the cast, as Irrfan’s estranged wife, seems superfluous to the proceedings.

There was no indication that Meghna Gulzar, who’s made a couple of terrible films before this, would come up with something that sears, that make us question our precepts about fealty and loyalty, about crime and punishment. Despite its flaws, ‘Talvar’, which rhymes so closely with ‘Talwar’, is a brave film that devastates.

Cast: Irrfan Khan, Neeraj Kabi, Konkona Sensharma, Sohum Shah, Gajraj Rao, Atul Kumar, Sumit Gulati, Prakash Belwadi, Tabu
Director: Meghna Gulzar

Source:IndianExpress.com

"Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" Official Trailer Starring Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo also known as "PRDP" is an Indian family film written and directed by Sooraj Barjatya. Salman Khan will be seen in a double role. As 'Prem' he is a Prince while 'Vijay' is a fighter. Khan was last seen in a double role in Judwaa. Salman and Barjatya have previously worked on Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The the film is scheduled for release on 12 November 2015 coinciding with the Diwali weekend in Hindi,Telgu and Tamil Languages. Its first teaser poster was released on 29 September 2015

Watch the official trailer of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, the most awaited film of 2015 below.

Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya come together after a span of 16 years to mesmerize you

Harbhajan Singh and Geeta Basra's Wedding Reception Invite Pictures and Details

GEETA HAS OPTED FOR GHAGHRAS FOR ALL THE IMPORTANT OCCASIONS, INCLUDING THE SANGEET (OCTOBER 27), MEHENDI (OCTOBER 28), WEDDING (OCTOBER 29) AND RECEPTION (NOVEMBER 1). HER CEREMONIAL DRESSES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY ARCHANA KOCHHAR AND BABITA MALKANI WHILE HER WEDDING DRESS WILL BE A STUNNING HEAVY GHAGHRA IN RED AND GOLD."

Countdown to Wedding of year of my friends @Geeta_Basra & @harbhajan_singh Royalty & Class! #GeetawedsBhajji #bridal pic.twitter.com/bN53csIuOv

— AD Singh Int (@ADSINGHDESIGNS) October 1, 2015

A Hindustan Times report states that the wedding will be solemnised on October 29 at HOTEL Club Cabana on Phagwara Road, located about 20 km away from the spinner's hometown Jalandhar.

The wedding festivities will be spread over five days including the sangeet, mehendi and reception which will take place in Delhi on November 1. The bride will wear a designer ghagra for her big day. Harbhajan is opting for a sherwani by designer Raghavendra Rathore.

A Times of India report quotes a source as saying, "Being a stickler for tradition, Harbhajan will wear an elegant sherwani designed by couturier Raghavendra Rathore.

Geeta has opted for ghaghras for all the important occasions, including the sangeet (October 27), mehendi (October 28), wedding (October 29) and reception (November 1). Her ceremonial dresses have been designed by Archana Kochhar and Babita Malkani while her wedding dress will be a stunning heavy ghaghra in red and gold."

Geeta Basra, who has featured in films such as Mr Joe B. Carvalho, Mr Joe B. Carvalho, Bhaiyyaji Superhit and The Train, was last seen in Second Hand Husband which released in July this year.

Puli Movie Review

SPOILERS ALERT

It could be argued by some that a fantasy epic is by definition infantile and it should, therefore, be treated purely as a fun outing.

But even if one were accept that line of thinking and allow the film some leeway, Puli, directed by Chimbu Deven, is unconscionably puerile.

The paucity of depth and genuine originality robs it of any possibility of being regarded as a success.

Puli has numerous quirky creatures, including a talking bird, a wise tortoise, a shiny green frog with an uncanny sense of direction and an entire clan of invisible midgets straight from the isle of Lilliput.

At one point, the dwarves capture the hero and tie up him up a la Gulliver only to realise that he is harmless.

No sooner is he set free than he breaks into song and dance with his erstwhile captors.

The size of the midgets in relation to the protagonist fluctuates all through the number but nobody seems to care. This is a fantasy after all!

Much of the action in the second half of Puli - this is the only passage of the film that is somewhat watchable - takes place on the CGI-generated grounds of a garish palace.

The structure is complete with ornate thrones, watch towers, sprawling arenas for duels, and dark, dank garrets to hold prisoners.

Comparisons with Baahubali are inevitable, but the Rajamouli film, for all its own share of flaws, was infinitely better mounted, told a more engaging story, and had much beefier actors.

In Puli, too, the hero is a foundling who floats down a river into a village. The boy is promptly adopted by the chieftain.

In another scene, having acquired superhuman strength thanks to a magic potion yielded by rare plants and herbs, he lifts a boulder and carries it in his arms.

But neither the pivotal character nor the film is a patch on Baahubali.

The visual effects in Puli fluctuate from the very impressive to the outright tacky. Some of the backdrops look like static scenes in shoddily printed calendars.

The story progresses largely in fits and starts, with too many songs slowing the pace of the film.

In the first half, the hero uses all his spare time to woo his childhood love (Shruti Haasan). Not that it takes much effort for her to melt.

In the second, he sings and dances with a buxom princess (Hansika Motwani) while the girl he really loves awaits the fate of a sacrificial lamb.

Vijay, who plays the invincible protagonist in Puli, is far too boyish for the job of a comic-strip superhero.

He lacks the look and the physique to be convincing when he takes on an army of sword-wielding marauders.

That apart, Vijay isn't much of an actor. Neither his face nor his eyes express emotions. Watching him is a bit like being before a mannequin in a shop window.

In the make-believe world that Chimbu Deven conjures up, Sridevi (making a highly anticipated comeback to Tamil cinema) is an evil queen with magical powers.

She belongs to a breed of people of people that have blue eyes and Dracula-like fangs that bare themselves when they are enraged.

They are endowed with great strength and can walk through fire without going up in flames.

This queen, Yaman Rani, unleashes a reign of terror on the hapless villages that she rules with the help of her brutal general (Sudeep).

The hero, who lives in one of these terrorized villages swings into action when his newly-married wife (Shruti Haasan) is abducted by the evil race.

The overly bright colour palette prevents the film from capturing visual nuances and letting them imbue the tale.

If Puli is really meant for younger audiences - or at least for audiences that are young at heart - it should have gone easier on the violence and the skin show. There is an excess of both.

Early in the film, a man has his arm chopped off. A little later, a girl's throat is slit. And all through the rest of the film, bodies are impaled with impunity.

The Hindi dialogue and the dubbing are stilted. It is disorienting in a film set in an indeterminate and distant past to hear a character compare poetry to the way Gujarati, Marathi and Tamil women wear their saris. Neither than the analogy nor the historiography work.

But that is only one of the many things that are not quite in order in this ambitious but hugely flawed film. Puli lacks the imagination or the heft to carry the weight of its flight of fancy.

The only weight visible in the film is around the midriffs of the swaying heroines. The rest is all dreary fluff.

Puli gets two stars for ambition and scale, but none for execution.