“Avatar” set to overtake “Titanic” in worldwide box office

Maybe it’s the dazzling 3D visuals. Maybe it’s the love story it tells. Maybe it’s the green message it seeks to expound. But whatever the reason, James Cameron’s mega-budget sci-fi yarn “Avatar” will soon pass his previous film “Titanic” as the global box office superstar of all time.

In only 39 days in theatrical release, “Avatar” has grossed $1.838 billion worldwide as of Sunday. “Titanic” earned $1.843 billion, but that figure could be surpassed as early as today (Monday). It should be noted that it took “Titanic” months to reach its historic box office summit and it remained No. 1 for 15 weeks.

Paul Dergarabedian, a box office analyst for Hollywood.com, said taking nothing away from “Avatar,” one should remember that ticket prices averaged about $4 when “Titanic” came out in the late 1990s. Today’s average ticket costs $7.46, according to the Motion Picture Assn. of America.

“Avatar” also has the advantage of higher ticket prices for its 3D showings, which so far have accounted for 75 per cent of the tickets sold.

“I figure if the average price of a movie ticket today is $7.46, that the cost for 3D is $3 higher,” said Dergarabedian.

“Titanic” sold 120 million tickets domestically during its lifespan, he noted, while domestically, “Avatar” has sold about 60 million.

Despite all the qualifications, Degarabedian still believes “Avatar’s” box office numbers are a stunning achievement.

He pointed out that “Gone With the Wind”, adjusted for inflation, has earned $1.4 billion. “That’s huge, but ‘Gone With the Wind” has been re-issued a gazillion times in theaters over the years. In terms of the number of sheer eyeballs that have seen that film, that’s the king.”

To date, “Avatar” has grossed $551.7 million domestically. It should surpass “Titanic” ($600.8 million) by the middle of next week, Dergarabedian reasons.

Why has the world flocked to see “Avatar?”

“I think number one it’s the visuals,” Dergarabedian said. “I think it’s tantamount to when audiences first saw films like ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘Fantasia,’ ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and ‘Star Wars’ for the pure visual impact. That works well with a global audience and transcends cultural and language barriers. It also has a green message, a love story, and a good vs. evil story line, but it’s framed in a visually stunning world and that’s really powerful.

“For today’s audiences to be blown away by anything is unprecedented because they’ve seen it all.”

Also, he said, don’t dismiss the fact that it’s a James Cameron film. “I think people know–if they don’t know his name, they know it’s from the same guy who directed “Titanic.”

How high will “Avatar” go? It’s too early to say if it will cross the $2 billion level, but you never know.

“I used to think you’d have to be insane to think a movie could make $2 billion worldwide,” he said. “But today it’s almost at $1.84 billion so you never know.”
Sony Pictures post-apocalyptic thriller “Legion,” from its genre label Screen Gems, opened to $18 million.

“Avatar” grossed an additional $107 million overseas, combined with $36 million in North America, bringing its worldwide total to $1.841 billion. It’s $2 million away from passing the $1.843-billion worldwide gross record set by “Titanic” in 1998.

The twelve estimated top producing motion pictures for the weekend, per data collected as of Sunday, January 24, 2010 include:

Rank- Title Distributor Gross – Cume

1. Avatar Fox $36,000,000 – $552,797,418

2. Legion Sony $18,200,000 – $18,200,000

3. The Book Of Eli Warner Bros. $17,000,000 – $62,003,223

4. Tooth Fairy Fox $14,500,000 – $14,500,000

5. The Lovely Bones Paramount $8,800,000 – $31,624,141

6. Sherlock Holmes Warner Bros. $7,115,000 – $191,563,783

Extraordinary
7. Measures CBS Films $7,000,000 -$7,000,000

Alvin And The
Chipmunks: The
8. Squeakquel Fox $6,500,000 – $204,236,844

9. It’s Complicated Universal $6,189,690 – $98,649,750

10. The Spy Next Door Lionsgate $4,750,000 – $18,710,115

11. The Blind Side Warner Bros. $4,515,000 – $234,027,266

12. Up In The Air Paramount $4,333,000 – $69,676,526

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When Vidya Balan refused to dub for Ishqiya

The spoken language in debutant Abhishek Chaubey's Ishqiya turned out to more problematic than just a censorial issue. The film's leading lady Vidya Balan too was having major linguistic issues. Last month, when Vidya got down to dub her dialogues, she was shocked by the content. Says a source, "While shooting the scenes Vidya knew the dialogues were crudely colloquial in content. But she didn't realize their impact until she saw herself speaking on screen. When Vidya saw herself mouthing words that she had never heard before this film, she was horrified. She begged off from the dubbing saying she had a bad throat and rushed off."

Continues the source, "Vidya actually walked out not once but twice. After hearing the lurid content and the way she said those words on screen, Vidya simply sighed and said she couldn't say those lines again. The panicky dubbing-in-charge cajoled her back. But again Vidya left."

Director Abhishek had to step in to convince Vidya to just forget her own aesthetic sensibilities and speak the language of her saucy character.

But then if it is Vishal Bhardwaj's production it's got to be abusive. Kaminey legitimized the term kaminey. In Ishqiya we've the suave and sober Vidya Balan using the word 'ch***iya' without flinching.

Says Vidya, "It wasn't easy for me. I couldn't say the word out loud. During rehearsals I'd just mumble it under my breath or not say it at all. My co-star Arshad Warsi said I'd have to say it out loud in the rehearsals, or it wouldn't come out right in the final take. But I insisted on just skipping the word in the rehearsals. But when I said it out aloud in front of the camera it sounded like I had been saying it all my life. Fortunately Ishqiya had sync sound, so I thought I wouldn't have to say those expletives again."

Alas, woman proposes but the techno-God disposes. Many portions of the live sound in Ishqiya were found to be not up the mark and had to be dubbed. Finally, Vidya did dub. But not without cringe benefits.

Any fear of how the expletive would be received by women audiences? "Not at all. I came to know that the 'ch' word is actually a term of endearment in certain parts of North India. I'm holding my breath for the film to release to see audiences' reaction."

Divorce - the Hollywood way: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie the latest stars to split in glare of media spotlight

FOR years they've been seen as the ultimate celebrity couple - sexy, beautiful, rich, cool and controversial.

So the rumoured end of the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie "Brangelina" relationship is the biggest break-up in Hollywood for years.

The actors, who have three adopted children and three biological kids, have been together for six years after meeting on the set of crime thriller Mr And Mrs Smith.

The split is said to be down to drifting apart and, if it happens, could prove to be one of the most amicable Tinseltown break-ups ever. But not all star-studded splits are as friendly. Here are some of the nicest and nastiest break-ups:

TOM CRUISE AND NICOLE KIDMAN

Married for 10 years with two adopted children, Tom and Nicole divorced in 2001 and there were bitter exchanges. Kidman made jokes about being able to wear high heels again so as not to dwarf him. He described the marriage as a "passionless hell".

BRAD PITT AND JENNIFER ANISTON

Until Ms Jolie came along, Brad Pitt was married to Friends star Aniston. They wed in 2000 but divorced bitterly in 2005 after he left her for Angelina. The couple's marriage had been on the rocks, with claims of fights due to his refusal to stop smoking and her reluctance to have children. While he sailed off to Jolie, Aniston took it badly. She has been linked with several co-stars including Vince Vaughn and Gerard Butler.

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND BEN AFFLECK

For two years they were the hottest celeb couple and the first to have a conjoined name - Beniffer. But the engaged lovers called it off in 2004. They blamed media pressure, which spilled over from the gossip columns to affect his movie career badly. After the split, he said: "It was probably bad for my career. There is a bleedover from the tabloids across your movie work and I ended up in the position where I was in a relationship and the media inflated stuff to sell magazines. I paid the price."

LINDSAY LOHAN AND SAMANTHA RONSON

Lohan's transformation from Disney Channel cutie to Hollywood wild child was complete when she announced her lesbian affair with Samantha Ronson. But their fiery twoyear relationship ended in acrimony with taunting and slagging each other in the media. There was talk of restraining orders and all kinds of comments, with Lohan describing the affair as being like her movie Mean Girls.

Sir Paul McCARTNEY AND HEATHER MILLS

One of the most public, nasty and expensive celebrity divorces saw the ex-Beatle ditch his wife of six years in a 2008 divorce. The judge branded her evidence as inaccurate and Mills waged a huge publicity war to defend her position against accusations of gold-digging.

After the hearing - and a massive payout to his ex-wife - Sir Paul said: "There will be no more nagging, no more chaos, no more Heather... bliss. I have peace at last."

CHARLIE SHEEN AND DENISE RICHARDS

The party guy was snared by the young star in 2002 after they dated for two years. In 2006, she filed for divorce while pregnant with their second daughter, saying she could take no more. She accused him of gambling, drug-taking and womanising. He retorted by calling her a "sad, jobless pig".

LIZ HURLEY AND HUGH GRANT

One of the most amicable splits was between British stars Liz Hurley and Hugh Grant. Their 13-year relationship survived his prostitute liaison but they broke up in 2000. They have remained good pals, Liz marrying Indian heir Arun Nayer and Hugh enjoying a long relationship with Jemima Khan.

SIENNA MILLER AND JUDE LAW

After proposing in 2004, Jude was only engaged to Sienna for a few months before sleeping with the nanny. The relationship survived his affair but ended in 2006. They have recently been rumoured to be dating again.

MADONNA AND GUY RITCHIE

After a wedding at Skibo Castle the duo divorced last year, with Madonna throwing a party to celebrate the end of her marriage to someone she said was "emotionally retarded".

His friends leaked stories that her obsession with fitness had ruined the marriage.

Jolie named Beauty Icon of the Decade

London, Dec 29 (ANI): Angelina Jolie has pipped love rival Jennifer Aniston to become Beauty Icon of the Decade. The poll was conducted by Superdrug, reports The Daily Star. Steve Jebson from Superdrug said:

“Angelina is not a conventional beauty but her strong character shines through.”

Aniston, 40, is the ex-wife of 34-year-old Jolie’s partner Brad Pitt, 46. (ANI)

Jolie voted most beautiful star of past decade

New York, Jan 6 (IANS) Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has been hailed as the most beautiful star of the past decade, according to a British poll.
The “Tomb Raider” actress was voted the most attractive female celebrity of the ‘noughties’, followed closely by former “Friends” star Jennifer Aniston, who was previously married to Jolie’s current partner, Brad Pitt, reports hollywood.com.

The survey, carried out by British beauty retailer Superdrug, placed Australian singer Kylie Minogue in third place, while Welsh Oscar-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones was at number four.

“Angelina Jolie is not a conventional beauty but her strong character shines through her fabulous features to give her a unique standing in the beauty world. It’s worth noting that while everyone talks about Angelina’s pout we find that its her long thick lustrous hair that really makes women envious, as well as a figure made for red carpet posturing,” said Superdrug’s commercial director Steve Jebson.

Scarlett Johansson, Keira Knightley, Beyonce Knowles, Liv Tyler and Halle Berry also featured in the top 10.

 new from net

Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan are friends !!!

‘We’re good friends’, this is the mantra being sung by one and all in Bollywood - whether it’s a Priyanka-Shahid or even an Abhishek and Shah Rukh Khan. Enmity seems to have reached the tipping point in the world of glit-n-glam, and while the Khans seem to be kissing and making up, Akshay Kumar isn’t too keen on chopping roles either. And the place for the big patch-ups these days seem to be film premieres!

It can be remembered that Shah Rukh Khan made it to the Drona premiere and the Khan-Bachchan war was called off. More recently, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan hugged and kissed at the ‘3 Idiots’ premiere. “It seems to be the perfect place, because for starters there is enough and more media to catch momentous occasions. Second, it’s easiest because there is no time for conversation, so you hug and let bygones be bygones. Third, you tend to find people from your circle too. You’ll have friends who know you well, and you can always hang out with them, while the actor-host is busy doing his job - playing host to the hilt,” says a prominent film personality, who has smoothened some relationships at such public events himself. 

Of late we’ve heard of many actors kissing and making up... Vivek Oberoi included. After his efforts of seeking forgiveness from Salman have gone to waste, the actor now has managed to get into the good books of Karan Johar and SRK alike. And this has helped him bridge the ‘awkward’ ties he shared with Abhishek, considering Abhi is now married to Ash, Vievk’s ex! It was at the birthday party of Hrithik Roshan than SRK made Vivek and Abhishek patch up! 

Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya, too, seem to have buried the hatchet. The two weren’t on talking terms after Ash was replaced by Rani Mukerji in SRK’s home production ‘Chalte Chalte’. Aishwarya, now, seems to have befriended producer Rohan Sippy all over again. She was miffed when Rohan went ahead and signed Priyanka Chopra for Bluffmaster, after having discussed it with her... 

Ash and Kareena Kapoor sorted out the awkwardness between the Bachchans and Kapoors. It was at Karan Johar’s party that the Bachchan bahu and the Kapoor beti got talking. The relation? Well, Karisma was to be married to Abhishek, but their engagement broke, and Ash became the Bachchan bride! So not all was well between the two khandaans. 

Another surprise was the presence of Kareena Kapoor at Hrithik Roshan’s bash. After rumours of their romantic liaison during ‘Yaadein’, ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham’ and ‘Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon’, the two stopped acting together! Maybe it’s beau Saif who has made all the difference... 

And only now we hear that the biggest dushmani is going to turn tables – that of Salman and Shah Rukh Khan. If talks are to be believed, Shah Rukh is being invited for Sallu’s ‘Veer’ premiere, and in all probability SRK is going to land up there, making this premiere another historic moment! Let’s wait and watch! 

================news form indiatime

Dulha Mil Gaya 2010 XviD Direct Download Mediafire

Settled in Trinidad and Tobago, Tej Dhanraj aka Donsai (Fardeen) is a rich playboy who lives to party hard and have fun with the most attractive gals minus in commitment. His only good female friend is the hot shot super model Shimmer (Sushmita Sen). Donsai hopes of leading a fun life ahead as well comes crashing down when his late father’s will is declared by his lawyer Mr. Vakil (Vivek Vaswani). A clause in the will makes it compulsory for Donsai to get married to his father’s friend’s daughter living in a Punjab village if he wants to inherit the huge riches of his father running into 5 Billion Dollars. A reluctant Donsai only agrees for the same when Vakil suggests him a loophole. So he marries the Punjab small town girl Samarpreet Singh (Ishita Sharma) in quick court marriage and comes back to Trinidad minus her. He stops any communication with her but dutifully keeps sending a fat cheque every month end to her family. Longing for him, the sweet and simple Samarpreet then decides to go to Trinidad herself. But on landing at his doorstep she is in for a cultural shock and is stunned to see Donsai having fun with other females. She is even insulted and thrown away from the house by his bodyguards even before they both meet. Following her accident she lands up in Shimmer’s house. The snooty, high society girl Shimmer at first detests her but after hearing her story she decides to help her. How Shimmer manages to help Samarpreet woo Donsai back by completely transforming her as a hottie Samara and how in the same course also learns a lesson or two about true love of her long time lover PRG (Shah Rukh Khan) forms the rest of the plot.

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Anurag Basu wishes Hrithik success on b'day!

Mumbai, Jan 10 (IANS) Anurag Basu, who has directed Hrithik Roshan's forthcoming film "Kites", wished him success on his 36th birthday Sunday.
"I hope this year both his films 'Guzaarish' and 'Kites' leave an endurable mark on the mind of the audience," Basu said.
Hrithik has completed 10 years in the film industry. His first film "Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai" which released in 2000 was a superhit.

Imran Khan earns the title of Bhangra Boy of the Year

Imran Khan’s career has been something of a slow burn, but it seems 2009 has been the year this singer has reached boiling point. Khan first broke onto the music scene with his single, Ni Nachle, back in 2007. The track along with its popular video became his first big hit and one of the songs of the summer.

Despite this first flush of success, Khan then fell off the radar for a couple of years. Rumours that he was about to release a debut album began circulating in early 2009 and by June, a track list was released followed by the album Amplifier. The record scooped the top spot in the charts and went on to become one of the hottest releases of the year.

The hard working star hasn’t stopped since having embarked on a world tour since releasing Amplifier. He’s played to packed crowds all around the globe proving his talent by giving some stunning acoustic performances. Bewafa is the second single release from the album and is proving a big hit with the music fans having received rave reviews.

What does 2010 have in store for the bhangra man of the moment? Imran Khan is due to continue his tour and is also said to be working on a follow-up album. Aside from music, Khan is rumoured to have plans to launch a clothing line. So the next 12 months are looking particularly busy for this bhangra boy.

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty’s wedding celebrations go on and on

There seems to be no end to Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty’s wedding celebrations. Despite tying the knot almost two months ago and having enjoyed a whole weekend’s worth of celebrations, Shilpa and her new husband Raj Kundra were treated to another reception, this time in London’s House of Commons.

British MP Keith Vaz whom Shilpa describes as “a very dear friend” hosted the party for the newlyweds at the House of Commons this week. 150 guests were scheduled to attend, many of whom were MPs. Equality Minister Harriet Harman was also reported to have been invited. Shilpa and Keith Vaz are close acquaintances as she is the patron of the MP’s diabetes charity, Silver Star.

The actress had just returned from a luxury Mediterranean cruise which she had enjoyed along with Raj, and both of their families. Married life certainly seems to be suiting Shilpa as she announced, “I don’t know why I didn’t get married sooner.” The loved-up star went on to talk about her new husband saying, “Marriage is wonderful when the man whom you marry is good, and mine is wonderful! Touch wood, I’m loving every minute of the marriage.”

The pair are due to return to Mumbai at the end of the week, which Shilpa is looking forward to as she is said to be is missing the city and can’t wait to get back.

Aamir Khan's '3 Idiots' becomes Bollywood smash

Indian actress Kareena Kapoor (left) poses with actor Aamir Khan at the premiere of the Bollywood film '3 Idiots'

MUMBAI — Aamir Khan's latest film, "3 Idiots," has become the highest grossing Bollywood movie of all time, with strong showings at home and abroad raising hopes for further cross-over hits for Indian films.

The leading actor-producer-director wrote on his blog that box office takings for the coming-of-age comedy had already surpassed those for his 2008 hit "Ghajini," which was the previous record holder.

"In less than 10 days 3i has overtaken the ENTIRE business of GHAJINI!!!! India, Overseas, everywhere!!! And is still going strong," Khan wrote Monday, describing himself as "fully overwhelmed and totally humbled."

India's Business Standard newspaper said Tuesday that "3 Idiots" had taken 2.4 billion rupees (51 million dollars) from the domestic and international market since opening on December 25. "Ghajini" took 2.25 billion rupees.

Meanwhile www.hollywood.com and Deadline Hollywood, which both track box office takings in the United States, said "3 Idiots" has so far made 4.8 million dollars after opening in nearly 120 US theatres.

No Bollywood film has crossed the four-million-dollar threshold before.

The film's success has given Bollywood a boost, after a disappointing 2009 marked by a damaging producers' boycott of multiplex cinemas in a row over box office takings, swine flu fears and a string of big budget flops.

The Business Standard said "3 Idiots" has so far made more money than Bollywood's entire ticket receipts in November, which included the hit "Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani" (An Amazing Story Of Strange Love).

Indian box office takings are lower than in Hollywood because of lower ticket prices.

Film critics and industry analysts attributed the success of "3 Idiots" not just to Khan's star quality, but also high production values, a sustained marketing campaign and the story's wide appeal.

A public row about how much the film was based on Chetan Bhagat's best-seller "Five Point Someone," and a lack of other big-name releases, may also have helped.

"It's a very well-made film with a message and with a big star. It brings back memories of people's experience of the education system in India," Taran Adarsh, from bollywoodhungama.com, said of the film's overseas success.

"If you still have family here I think you identify with it all the more," he told AFP.

Mayank Shekhar, national cultural editor at The Hindustan Times newspaper, said the same expatriate Indian "IT crowd" who bought "Five Point Someone" appear to have flocked to US cinemas, boosting audiences.

"What's equally important is that it's not a preachy film. It's by itself a complete comedy, which is what most mainstream audiences go for," he said.

A well-constructed combination of a leading star, well-placed song-and-dance routines and a message gave it "all the elements of a Bollywood blockbuster," he added.

US film studios have been eyeing India's popular Hindi-language film industry for several years, hoping to tap in to an expanding 2.3-billion-dollar market.

Hopes are high that Shahrukh Khan's upcoming film "My Name Is Khan" will match or even eclipse the success of "3 Idiots."

Fox Searchlight, which promoted the Oscar-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire," and other Fox units are handling distribution.

Adarsh said the overseas market is becoming increasingly important for Bollywood.

"The domestic market has traditionally been measured in rupees. Today it's dollars, pounds, dirham, euros and various other currencies," he said.

"It's not just the Indian diaspora. It's people in Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East. The success of '3 Idiots' is just the tip of the iceberg."

....................from internet

Angelina Jolie Dropped As Face Of St. John Angelina Jolie

ANGELINA JOLIE AND BRAD PITT AT MOCA NEW 30th ANNIVERSARY

Angelina Jolie will be having a little less face time in magazines and billboards, now that the actress has been dropped as the face of fashion label St. John.

According to St. John’s chief executive officer Glenn McMahon, the actress’ own celebrity was too much for the label.

“[Jolie] overshadowed the brand,” McMahon told Women’s Wear Daily. “We wanted to make a clean break from actresses and steer away from blondes and cleanse the palette.”

St. John has selected redhead model Karen Elson to be the face of the fashion house.

“We needed to show a modern point of view of St. John,” McMahon added. “We have evolved.”

She might not be working for St. John anymore, but Angelina will stay busy in 2010 with the release of her next movie, “Salt,” which hits theaters in July.

Tobey Maguire Talks ‘Spider-Man’ Production Delay

Tobey Maguire doesn’t think “Spider-Man 4” has become a tangled mess.

The 34-year-old star of the web-slinging superhero franchise said preproduction snags aren’t dampening his mood about the fourth installment. The next “Spider-Man” film had been scheduled to swing into theaters May 6, 2011, but that seems unlikely now that “Thor,” another big-screen Marvel superhero adaptation, has hammered out the same release date.

“Like anything, it’s a process,” Maguire said Thursday. “We’re just in the midst of the process. We have a lot of great stuff in terms of story and script. We’re just trying to dial it in and get it ready as quickly as possible. Of course, these movies are a very big undertaking and take a lot more time than a drama or something more straightforward.”

Marvel Studios spokesman Paul Pflug declined to comment on reports that production had stalled amid script revisions.

Maguire, who has played Peter Parker in all three films, said the plan is to still release the movie in 2011, but wasn’t more specific about the date. Whatever happens, he’s enthusiastic about Spidey’s future.

“Not only do I have specific ideas, but the ideas are evolving on the page,” he said. “It’s all happening right now. It’s all sort of coming together. It’s very exciting to me. I think the evolution of the character is really exciting, to be rooted in the history of what we’ve done already and to have a continuity, yet have a progression or evolution.”

After glowing reaction to the first two chapters, critical response to 2007’s “Spider-Man 3” was so-so. Director Sam Raimi was undecided about returning to the franchise after the third movie, but said at the Cannes International Film Festival last year that he didn’t like “thinking about a world where somebody else was making the Peter Parker story.”

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Rep: Miley Cyrus To End ‘Hannah Montana’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

Miley Cyrus is saying goodbye to her Disney Channel show, “Hannah Montana,” a rep for the starlet confirmed to Access Hollywood.

In news first reported by The New York Post, a rep for Miley confirmed to Access that the show would start shooting it’s fourth and final season on January 18. The rep said the network does not know how many episodes it will shoot or when it would wrap it’s season, but noted there are enough new episodes to air through 2011.

“You never know in this business . . . but right now we’re scheduled to wrap [forever] after shooting this new batch of episodes,” Disney Channel Worldwide’s Adam Bonnett, senior VP of Programming, told the

The plot of the final season will reportedly mirror Miley’s own life, as her character must decided if she is going to leave her secret double life as a pop star in for the life of an everyday teen.

Miley will have a few guest stars in the fourth season of “Hannah Montana.”

According to the paper, Ray Liotta will guest in the fourth-season opener, and “Two and a Half Men” star Angus Young is slated for a future episode.

But could the end of “Hannah Montana” be a sign that the teen starlet is poised to transition into more mature big screen roles?

In October, Miley told Billy Bush for Access Hollywood and “The Billy Bush Show” that she has nothing but gratitude for her time on the Disney series, but that she would like move on to different projects

“I could never say anything bad about it because [that’s] what gave me my start and it has been so amazing. It’s given me the opportunity to grow as an artist,” she said at the time. “It was really a great learning experience. But I definitely am ready to go on and do other things.”

The actress will next bee seen in the coming of age drama, “The Last Song,” adapted from the Nicholas Sparks novel in April and also in a cameo as herself in “Sex and The City 2,” which hits theaters on May 28.

Shahid on the controversial smooch with Genelia!

By Taran Adarsh Bollywood Hungama News Network

Shahid Kapoor is controversy's favourite child. The latest is, the actor forced his CHANCE PE DANCE director Ken Ghosh to delete the passionate smooch from the film. Reportedly, Shahid felt that it wouldn't be good for his image when he saw the final cut of the film.

"I've stopped reacting to gossip," Shahid tells me. So what's the truth? "The truth is, there's no smooch in the film. It was never conceptualised, hence it was not filmed. It just doesn't exist. As simple as that," Shahid clarifies.

Meanwhile, Shahid has decided against signing any film for the time being. "I am channelizing all my energies on my father's [Pankaj Kapoor] directorial debut. We plan to begin shooting in March. That's the only film I have on hand right now," he says.

Reportedly, the film is inspired from the Tom Cruise starrer TOP GUN. "Well, the only similarity is that I play a naval officer in the film. In the past, Rajesh Khanna and Shah Rukh Khan too had played naval officers, but that doesn't mean they were inspired by TOP GUN. Dad's making a love story, which makes it entirely different from that film," Shahid states.

Movie Review: Raat Gayi, Baat Gayi?

After almost five years, accomplished actor Saurabh Shukla returns to the director's chair with RAAT GAYI, BAAT GAYI?, a film that's making the right buzz. Making an adult comedy that talks of one night stand is tough. But giving the serious issue a humorous take is tougher.

RAAT GAYI, BAAT GAYI? is about relationships and also looks at the philanderers, who, despite being committed, don't mind having a PYT in a closet, for no strings attached fun.

You may draw parallels with THE HANGOVER because the protagonist can't recall anything that happened the previous night. But it must also be said that the film throws a few surprises, which makes it completely different from any film, past or present.

But there's one factor that throws a spanner. There's not much meat in the story. Also, it unravels at an excruciatingly slow pace. In fact, the wheels start moving only towards the penultimate 20 odd minutes, when the answers start coming.

In a nutshell, RAAT GAYI, BAAT GAYI? offers a few laughs, not laughter unlimited!

Rahul [Rajat Kapoor] wakes up with a bad hangover after a party the night before. There, he had met a sexy young woman Sophia [Neha Dhupia]. They got drunk and there were sparks flying. But Rahul doesn't remember what happened after that. Did they go all the way?

His wife Mitali [Irawati Harshe Mayadev] is in a particularly bad mood and Rahul suspects that she might know about his little escapade last night. Rahul starts chasing his night, trying to retrieve it, trying to find out what really happened.

His friends Saxena [Dalip Tahil] and Amit [Vinay Pathak] are going through their own marital crisis of sorts. Driven to his wits end, he realizes that he must meet Sophia again to get the answers.

Almost three decades ago, Basu Chatterjee made an adult comedy called SHAUKEEN, which told the story of three men who eye a pretty girl, who's completely oblivious of their intentions. In this film too, director Saurabh Shukla looks at three men with a roving eye.

Sadly, the screenplay [writers: Saurabh Shukla and Rajat Kapoor] falls woefully short in terms of generating interest. In fact, till three-fourths of the movie, there's not much movement in the story, except for a few humour-laden sequences. It also moves lethargically and is unnecessarily slack.

Ankur Tewari's music is strictly functional. Fuwad Khan's cinematography captures the varied moods well.

The film scores in the performance department. Every member of the cast - Neha Dhupia, Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Dalip Tahil, Irawati Harshe Mayadev, Anu Menon, Navniit Nisshan and Aamir Bashir - deliver fine performances. Especially Rajat and Vinay. Ranvir Shorey, Makrand Deshpande and Sudhir Mishra appear in cameos.

On the whole, RAAT GAYI, BAAT GAYI? doesn't work.

Bollywood.com Rating: 1.5

Spider-Man 4 delay could have Hollywood ripple effect

Spider-Man 4, potentially the biggest movie of next year, is caught in a web of script problems and probably won't make its scheduled release in May 2011, Hollywood blogger Nikki Finke reports.

The delay could have a ripple effect on all other summer 2011 releases, forcing other studios to change their movie opening dates.

Finke's Deadline Hollywood Daily blog broke the news Monday that the latest instalment of Sam Raimi's lucrative Spider-Man franchise has already gone through three screenwriters and nobody is satisfied with the results. Raimi reportedly "hated" the most recent draft he saw.

The production, once again starring Tobey Maguire as the web-slinging comic book hero and Kirsten Dunst as his love Mary Jane, was supposed to go before the cameras as early as next month, aiming toward the May 6, 2011, release date officially announced by Sony Pictures (although Finke said release dates of either May 5 or May 11 were planned).

The production is currently on hiatus with no start date for filming announced.

The first and third Spider-Man films opened in early May; Spider-Man 2 opened in June. More than just a good omen, Sony considers an early summer opening essential for maximum profits, and with good reason: Worldwide franchise earnings to date total nearly $2.5 billion (U.S.), putting Spider-Man among the most successful series in movie history.

The script problems are serious enough that no date in May 2011 is now likely possible, Finke said, and Sony might instead move the picture to a July 2011 opening. This would have ramifications for the entire summer release schedule for all Hollywood studios, which plan their releases around "tent-pole" openings like Spider-Man 4.

Finke also said that while John Malkovich is still on board to play the villain Vulture in Spider-Man 4, another role planned for Anne Hathaway is in jeopardy because "she'd cost too much."

Deadline Hollywood Daily is often first to break industry news, with Finke crowing "toldja!" every time one of her scoops pans out, as they often do.

No one from Sony could be reach for comment Tuesday, but Finke quoted a statement reportedly made by Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal: "I'm going to do everything I can to make May (for Spider-Man 4). But I'm not going to start a movie where the script isn't right yet. Not unless I want my career to be over."

'Spider-Man 4' Stalled

Spider-Man has been left hanging -- the fourth film in the hit franchise has been stalled over a reported script issue.

An unnamed Sony source has confirmed that production on Spider-Man 4, which was set to start next month, has been pushed back.

Movie executives are refusing to alter the May 2011 release date -- but experts insist that will change.

A source tells Variety, "I think making May is a real question. We will not start until we have it right. The feeling is we are not going to rush it to make the date."

Ironically, production on the Spider-Man musical was also stalled late last year over alleged production and staging issues

'3 Idiots' about friendship, fun and college days (Preview)

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) Aamir Khan is returning to the big screen exactly after a year with "3 Idiots" and the film has created the right buzz thanks to the innovative ways he has been promoting it. Revolving around three friends and their college days, the movie releases Friday.

Loosely based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller "Five Point Someone", the film has been produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, who has invested around Rs.35 crore in it.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, it also stars Sharman Joshi, R. Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani. It is being distributed by Reliance Big Pictures and is releasing with nearly 1,000 prints worldwide.

To market the film, Aamir has been travelling across the country in different get-ups. His travels have so far taken him to Varanasi, Madhya Pradesh's Chanderi district, former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly's home in Kolkata, Jaipur and Punjab's Faridkot district.

The story revolves around three engineering students -- Rancho (Aamir), Farhan Qureshi (Madhavan) and Raju Rastogi (Sharman) -- and their journey. The film covers every aspect of their lives including Rancho's romance with Pia (Kareena) and his conflicts with their teacher Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman).

"3 Idiots" is about how Rancho influences his two friends and teaches them to live life on their own terms. But one day he just vanishes. Then begins Farhan and Raju's search for Rancho and finally learning the secret behind his disappearance.

The music of the film is already topping the charts with songs like "Aal izz well", "Zoobi doobi", "Jaane nahin denge tujhe" and "Give me some sunshine" becoming chartbusters.

This is the third year in succession when Aamir's movie will release in December after "Taare Zameen Par" and "Ghajini".

No big budget Bollywood movie is preceding "3 Idiots" from the previous week and it has created just the right amount of curiosity among audiences...will this Chopra-Hirani-Aamir collaboration strike gold at the box office and close 2009 on a happy note?

I'm not playing Buddha in my next: Amitabh Bachchan

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan has clarified that he is not playing the role of Gautam Buddha in Puri Jagannathan's film "Budda".
"Media is thinking that the next film of mine with Puri is on Gautam Buddha simply because the title approved for that film is 'Budda', which means an old man and not Buddhist saint Gautam Buddha," Big B wrote on his blog bigb.biggadda.com.
"Either the electronic media misunderstood the title because of the spelling or they mixed the other news of Vivek Sharma, director of 'Bhoothnath', wishing to make a film titled 'Buddham Sharanam Gachchami' with me," Amitabh added.

Shah Rukh Khan - the birthday boy on 2nd November

King Khan, Bollywood of Badshaah and Superstar SRK turns 44 today on 2nd November and will be celebrating his birthday with his friends and family in Delhi.

Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, celebrates his 44th birthday. He will be celebrating his birthday with his friends and family in Delhi.

Thanking everyone who wished him, he said, “And thanks for all the good wishes. It was a joy to see so many kids and adults wishing me in advance for my birthday.”

Best friend Karan and wife Gauri will host a surprise birthday party for the birthday boy. Needless to mention, that the who’s who of Bollywoodwill be present there.

Someone said,“He usually ends up cutting at least two dozen cakes because he finds it hard to turn away any of his well-wishers.”

Here's wishing SRK a very happy birthday!

Shah Rukh gets nostalgic at Auto Expo!

New Delhi, Jan 6 (IANS) It was an emotional moment for Shah Rukh Khan when he entered Pragati Maidan here Wednesday as it reminded him of his late father and the time he spent with his family here.

"My childhood was spent here in Pragati Maidan. My father used to have a shop here and when I entered Pragati Maidan (today) after so many years, which is about 30 years now since my father expired, I was very nostalgic and I missed my family... It's very, very emotional," said Shah Rukh.

Dressed in a jet-black buttoned overcoat, the 44-year-old was here to unveil Hyundai's environment friendly car I10 Electric at the ongoing Auto Expo in Delhi. He is the brand ambassador of the company.

'3 Idiots' - the biggest blockbuster

"3 Idiots" has been well received by both critics and the movie-going audience. Box-office gurus have declared it as the biggest hit of the year and the movie continues to be appreciated all over.

Trade analysts said that with collections of US$22 million in four days and still counting, the movie is set to emerge as the biggest blockbuster Indian cinema has seen till date.

The film has set new records in the international market as well, grossing US$2.14 million in the opening weekend in the US and the UK.

Mayank Shekhar, a film critic, said: "These days all movies claim to have done record opening business. But '3 Idiots' is beyond all movies. It is not just a students' film. It is for everyone, and the audience is loving it!"

Multiplex owners, anticipating the movie's success, have hiked their ticket prices by about 25 per cent across the country. But that has not exhausted any crowd.

"Our promos, our marketing and everything else gelled well, which has resulted in a good opening. But the bottom line is that when the movie is good then everything works out," said Aamir Khan, a Bollywood actor.

"3 Idiots" is being billed as the blockbuster of the year - a film that entertains and yet makes one think about issues of the education system.

"The first thrill in 3 Idiots was to work with Aamir" - Madhavan

By Joginder Tuteja Bollywood Hungama News Network

Madhavan is one of the 3 Idiots in the namesake film which is up for release. Meanwhile, he is also happy being in the company of the bigger idiot - Aamir Khan. For someone who is regularly doing multi starrers as well as solo affairs when it comes to Hindi flicks, he isn't doing quite bad for himself in the big bad city of Mumbai.

Even though all around perception is that Aamir would hog all the limelight in this much awaited film, Madhavan is chilled out about that. He believes that if this perception helps bring in the audiences into the theaters, it would only be beneficial for all.

"The entire point is that audiences should come into theaters to watch the film. After that it is up to all of us to make sure that they stay with us throughout. As audiences, you are just seeing the final results while us actors have been a part of this journey for more than a year", smiles Madhavan who was last seen in 13 B that saw quite some critical acclaim coming it's way and also did reasonably well at the box office.

He is one of the rare actors from down South who has been consistently making a mark in Bollywood every year. In 2006, it was Rang De Basanti, 2007 had Guru and 2008 saw Mumbai Meri Jaan. In the current year, after 13 B he would now be wrapping it up with 3 Idiots. Quite a happy situation, isn't it?

"Yes, it is a happy situation when I look at the years gone by and quite thrilling if I talk about 3 Idiots in isolation. The fact is, when you get to do a movie like 3 Idiots, the thrill hits you in stages", he exclaims.

And what really were these stages?

R Madhavan "The first thrill was due to the fact that I was working with Aamir (Khan) again after Rang De Basanti. Not many actors get this opportunity. Second thrill was when after giving a screen test, it became a reality that I was indeed working on the film. The third thrill was when I actually started going through the reading process in order to prepare for my role. This is the kind of moment when you end up saying - 'Oh my God, this is really happening'", he describes.

This is not all as he goes ahead and mentions the ultimate thrill of having worked in 3 Idiots. "You know what's the ultimate thrill that you get as an actor? That's when you reach the location; give your shot, the director says cut and then comes to you running to give you a hug. These are the kind of things that are just incomparable. In fact they are priceless. I remember Vidhu (Vinod Chopra) also coming up and saying that 'Madhavan, you have done a fantastic job'. Really, what more does one want", questions Madhavan.

Looking at the promos of 3 Idiots, one can't really pin point on one genre in particular. So in this Raj Kumar Hirani affair, are we looking at a light hearted outing, a drama, a feel good family film or something else?

"Ask me", laughs Madhavan, "After seeing the film, even I am trying to figure out that what sort of film is it actually. For the first time in my career, I am stumped with this query. Like in case of 13 B, I knew that it was a thriller and not a horror flick but when it comes to 3 Idiots, I have no idea and I don't quite know how to classify the film."

He further goes on to reflect, "In fact limiting it to one category would be untrue. The film encompasses all the 'navrasa' and though it may seem a little exaggerated, the fact is that whether it is comedy, drama, thrills or tragedy, it has just about everything."

Talking about movies other than 3 Idiots, it clearly appears that life has come back full circle for him. After Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein, he is are now being seen in his first ever Bollywood love story with the shooting of Anand Rai directed Tanu Weds Manu going on in full swing.

"Yes, you can say that", he agrees, "Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein was released way back in 2002 and ever since then I have wanted to do a love story. Now that it has materialized with Tanu Weds Manu, I am more than glad. Kangna is amazingly committed. She has been a wonderful co-star and genuinely excited about the film. She is a true professional."

I don't understand this percentage controversy, says perturbed Hirani (Interview)

By Dibyojyoti Baksi

Mumbai, Jan 3 (IANS) Director Rajkumar Hirani is flabbergasted by author Chetan Bhagat's allegation that "3 Idiots" was majorly copied from his bestseller "Five Point Someone" without giving him due credit. Terming it a "clear case of defamation", Hirani says they may take legal action against Bhagat for flouting their contract.

"It's a clear case of defamation because contractually what he (Bhagat) was bound, he was given. Now why is he slandering us? We are consulting our lawyers. But that's a call Mr. Vinod Chopra has to take. He is the producer of the film," Hirani told IANS.

"I am sure it's defamation because lots of people I know are wondering (due to Bhagat's allegation) in lots of Tweeter and Facebook sites we have been abused saying, 'we won't watch Hirani's film or Abhijat's film'. This kind of muck is flying all over the place. I think Vinod Chopra is looking into it, I guess he will follow the legal path," he added.

Hirani clarified that once Bhagat had given the rights to make a film on his book, there shouldn't be any "percentage issue".

Hirani maintained that the basic plot of the film is completely different from the book.

"In the book, there is no bet between the two friends, the journey to find their friend is not there, the child delivery scene, the 'Balatkar' scene, the two weddings where they crashed these key scenes are not in the book. There are certain similarities, which I am not denying, but we had bought the rights for that.

"We can use 100 percent of it. What does he (Bhagat) mean by 70 percent? Are we supposed to pay more money for using 70 percent? Are we supposed to give different credit for 70 percent? I do not understand this percentage controversy," said Hirani.

Baghat has reportedly posted a blog saying he should have got a prominent place in the rolling credits. He also said that he was not shown the final script.

Reacting to his allegations, Hirani said: "We have officially bought the rights for the film. We drew a contract with him and it clearly mentions about the position of his credit. With open eyes he had seen the contract, consulted his lawyer and signed the agreement.

"In the contract, we have said that the title would be given in the rolling credits. We haven't changed the font size. We haven't increased the speed of the title. It's exactly there where it was agreed to be," said Hirani.

The director, who has a hattrick of hits - Aamir Khan starrer "3 Idiots", "Munnabhai M.B.B.S." and "Lage Raho Munna Bhai", says after signing the contract with Bhagat, they were not obliged to show the script to the author.

"I was not obligated to narrate the script to him. I have bought the script from him and I am supposed to use it the way I want to use it. I had changed the script drastically, so out of good gesture I wanted him to know it has changed so much and if he feels he doesn't want to be associated with the film, he can tell me.

"He heard the script for four hours and readily agreed to stay associated, saying 'I want to stay associated with the film, it's a fine script' which he has said in your (IANS) interview too. He signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Now he writes in his blog 'I wanted to see the final script and it was not shown to me'. It is a blatant lie, he is telling," Hirani added.

Asked if Bhagat could have a vested interest in kicking up the controversy, he said: "I guess there is a motivation to create the controversy so that people read the book and see the film."

Hirani says that they never relied on controversies to publicise their creative work.

"Our film is doing exceedingly well. It's beyond my dignity to create a controversy for a film. We have never sold our soul for our cinema. I'm not stooping to that level to sell my cinema or make extra money.

"When you talk of that percentage thing, it creates a curiosity to read that book and judge the film."

Would he again adapt Bhagat's book?

"This came as a shock to me that suddenly he is trying to hog the limelight; suddenly he is trying to take away the credit from the screenwriters who slogged for three years to modify the script. He doesn't understand the difference between book writing and writing for a film. If he continues doing these things, I would rather not associate with him."

Currently Hirani is working on two scripts with Abhijat Joshi. One among them is "Munna Bhai Chale America", while the other one is a completely different plot. He will start shooting either of them by the end of 2010.

My Name is Khan is an love story

My Name is Khan will hit the screens on February 12, 2010. This movie brings together Shahrukh Khan and Kajol after several years. We are all waiting for the magic again.

"My Name is Khan, at its core, is an epic love story between two people who have a unique way of seeing the world, but what sets it apart is the landscape on which the story unfolds," said film's director Karan Johar in one of his statements.

"I keep setting out to do something different with my films, but the one constant that remains is my desire to continue to explore the many ways in which two people can fall in love and stay in love regardless of any or every challenge against them," added Karan.

Themes

In an August 2009 interview, Shah Rukh Khan stated that My Name Is Khan is "not about terrorism, or 9/11. It’s about a relationship between two people, between an individual and the State, and between an individual and the country. In short, there the three important components: love story, Islam and a mild form of autism."

In an earlier July 2009 interview, Khan also noted that the film focuses on themes concerning "the relationship between the Western world and Islam and how that has changed over the past few years." He describes the film as about "the journey of one family and how it changes because of 9/11" and suggests "we touch upon that in a very unbiased and educated way." In another early interview, he also stated that, "it’s not about a disabled man’s fight against disability. It’s a disabled man’s fight against the disability that exists in the world — terrorism, hatred, fighting. My Name is Khan is also about Islam and the way the world looks at Islam but we are not taking any sides. We are only trying to say that there are only good people and bad people. There are no good Hindus, bad Hindus, good Christians, bad Christians. Either you are a good person or a bad person. Religion is not the criterion, humanity is."

In late 2008, journalist Madhureeta Mukherjee (referring to the post - 2008 Mumbai attacks atmosphere in India) suggested in an interview with Karan Johar that, "My Name Is Khan starts at a time when Hindus and Muslims in India have united like never before." In response, Johar stated: "I think it’s an exceptionally relevant time, as the unity of our nation is of paramount importance, and I am very happy to witness such a movement in front of my eyes. We are all coming together to fight for a common cause – called humanity. Everyone knows that terrorism has no religion and it will never have a religion. As a filmmaker, I believe that I have a social responsibility and I promise to fulfill that.

Shah Rukh Khan on Twitter

SRK has made his debut on social networking site Twitter recently and as expected, he had more than 11,000 followers on the very first day.

King Khan tweeted, “Being extremely shy, I never thought I would be here (on Twitter). But my friend Karan Johar insisted that I should learn to share my life.”

“Thanks everyone, this is really sweet…didn’t expect such a warm welcome. Love to you all.”

The superstar shared his routine with his followers by regularly tweeting “kids and life calling.. watching tim burton’s 9 with them, last holiday…so up late…catch up later. sleep or be awake well.love to all.”

He also tweeted about his on-screen abscence in the year 2009, “Injury has kept me away from making more films, will work my back off to be around more, the shoulder feels strong and so do I.”