Gloriously in Love

These B-Town girls have gone from skinny to comparatively or positively curvy and we think it is all thanks to the amorous magic of their doting beaus. Take a look

Kangana Ranaut: She was skinny, almost anorexic when she entered the Bollywood scene in 2006.But now she can be called curvy. In the first picture, even the nautical stripes don't add volume to her waif like frame but in the second picture, she fills out her striped dress much better and she is glowing with the affection that Adhyayan showers on her.

Kareena Kapoor: Kareena started getting into shape in fitness freak ex-beau Shahid's company. Her weight loss for Tashan was dramatic and she went from curvy to anorexic. Then, jab she fell in love with Saif, he was extremely concerned about her weight and lavished romantic dinners on her, urging her to put on weight and eat well. The result is for all to see. Kareena is getting her curves back. Her chest is almost flat, her waist is narrow and her frame is waif like in the first picture, but she appears heavier on the top with a broader waist in the second picture.

Sushmita Sen: Her men would change with the changing seasons but her weight remained constant and she maintained a slim, perfectly proportionate figure. Then when, current beau Mudassar Aziz entered her life, she piled on the pounds and how. It's all the glow of love. It seems she is so happy and content that she doesn't count calories anymore. What's more, she has quit smoking because of Mudassar which has caused her to gain weight. In the first picture, you can see how skinny her arms are and how slim her face is, but in the second picture, she is wearing dark colours and full sleeves to camouflage her bulging arms. Even her face is looking bigger and her smile is the widest and brightest in prospective husband Mudassar's company.

Mohit Suri: After RTMC you won't walk in dark areas

Mohit Suri's much talked about horror film Raaz – The Mystery Continues hits theatres this weekend. Starring Kangana Ranaut, Emraan Hashmi and Adhyayan Suman, the film promises to give shivers down your spine.

We ask Mohit Suri to pick his five spookiest parts of the film:

5. The locations of this film are really very scary. We have shot in barren places like Mukesh Mills, Simla and ruins of Bhangarh and when you will see these places in the context of the film you will not want to go there alone ever again!

4. The strongest part of this film is the background score which is silent in its own way but will frighten everyone.

3. The paintings which are shown in the film which show the story of Nandita (Kangana Ranuat)

2. Kangana performance in the film will hold everyone's attention. She is really very scary. And similarly Emraan Hashmi's grey character is something to look out for

1 .There is a one scene where Kangana meets with an accident on the road and Emraan witnesses it.

The director on a parting note leaves us with one caution: This film will surely disturb your mind and whoever will watch the film will not walk alone in dark areas ever again!

Raaz - The Mystery Continues - Movie Review

By Taran Adarsh

The team behind RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES have often clarified that it's not a sequel to RAAZ, one of the most interesting cinematic experiences, besides being the biggest Hit of that year. Yet, you cannot but draw parallels with the first film of the franchise.

Horror as a genre hasn't been tapped to the optimum in India. We've witnessed spooky fares in the past and some of them have succeeded in making you break into a cold sweat [BHOOT stands tall in this list]. Last year's PHOONK and 1920 were scary movies as well.

There's tremendous curiosity to watch RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, but does it scare the living daylights out of you? Fortunately, yes!

The story [Mohit Suri] is absorbing and Mohit treats the subject like a veteran, as if he knows the genre very well. There're moments that make your heart beat faster, you watch the events with eyes and jaws wide open. Sure, there're blemishes as well, but they don't overpower the plusses or make you change your opinion about the film. While the beginning and the middle of the film is engrossing, it's the end that could've been better thought of.

Wanna get scared? Wanna get goose pimples? Buy the ticket for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES pronto. It lives up to the hype and expectations completely.

A brooding artist Prithvi [Emraan Hashmi] experiences mysterious and distressing visions about Nandita [Kangna Ranaut], a woman he has never met, while he paints on canvas. Intrigued by these visions, Prithvi tracks her down and warns her that these are not merely paintings of her, but accidents that are waiting to happen.

At first, Nandita refuses to believe him and dismisses him as an eccentric stalker. However, the striking resemblance between Prithvi's paintings and the near-death incidents in her life is hard to ignore.

Now, one of Prithvi's paintings has revealed her as dead. The only way she can change her fate is to unravel this mystery with his help, at the risk of alienating herself from her boyfriend, Yash [Adhyayan Suman]. But he refuses to believe in Prithvi's premonitions. Will Nandita risk her love and her life to unravel this mystery?

Most of us have heard, witnessed or perhaps had a first-hand experience of supernatural. The present-day generation may, perhaps, term it as wild imagination or hallucination, while the believers may have their point of view. Mohit and screenplay writer Shagufta Rafique's characters in RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES are believers and non-believers, both.

Mohit smartly builds up the atmosphere. Sample these: Emraan and Kangna's first encounter at a mall and minutes later, inside an elevator; the New Year bash when Kangna is 'attacked' by spirits; Kangna's experience in her bathtub and also when she looks at the mirror; Kangna almost jumping off a cliff; the highpoint sequence, when angry bulls attack Emraan and Kangna. Incredible sequences all! Mohit has handled the most difficult portions with panache.

However, the entire flashback part, towards the pre-climax, is not as convincing. The ending too could've been better in terms of writing, although Mohit has filmed it exceptionally well.

Mohit's choice of the subject as also the actors is right. This is, without doubt, his finest effort to date. Shagufta's screenplay is watertight at most times. Like always, the Bhatts come up with a lilting musical score and at least two songs -- 'Soniyo' [Raju Singh] and 'Maahi' [Sharib-Toshi] -- are first-rate compositions. Ravi Walia's cinematography is up to the mark. The effects are impressive.

On the acting front, both Emraan and Kangna vie for top honours. Emraan is excellent. He conveys a lot through facial expressions and that's the sign of a proficient actor. He's just getting better and better with every film. Kangna is top notch. After FASHION, this one's another power-packed performance from the actress. Adhyayan Suman is super-confident and registers a strong impact, especially towards the climax. He shows promise. Jackie Shroff is quite okay in a brief role.

On the whole, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is rich in the horror quotient and that is one of its major USPs, besides the highly competent performances by its principal cast and a lilting musical score. At the box-office, this one will continue the winning streak of Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt's Vishesh Films. The 4-day weekend [Monday, January 26 in a holiday] will only cement its status further. Go for it!

Adhyayan Suman: RAAZ - TMC could well be your last horror film

Adhyayan Suman would be making his debut with RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES (he insists that HAAL-E-DIL was a faux pas and hardly a debut) and is obviously mighty excited about its prospects. He also reinstates the belief once again that this is one of the scariest films to have been churned out of Bollywood.

''I have been scared of watching horror films ever since I remember. In fact I used to shut my eyes whenever anything related to horror came on TV. I was watching RING one day and said to myself that 'Boss, this is it. No more horror movies''', says Adhyayan.

When I tell him that RING made me too completely swear off Hollywood horror flicks, he says, ''Then rest assured that RAAZ - TMC would be the last Bollywood horror film of your life. It is going to shock you at so many junctures.''

Ask him if working in the film impacted his psyche as well and he nods in agreement, ''It does become spooky actually. After I came back home after the shoot, all the 'daravana' scenes used to keep playing around in my mind. I used to feel ki kahin peeche se haath na aa jaaye, mera mirror mein face na change ho jaaye! (Someone's hand doesn't come up from behind me; my face doesn't change in the mirror)''

''On the sets it is still okay because the entire unit is there with so many activities happening around you. But once you are alone, you get damn scared. I was glad once the shooting got over'', smiles Adhyayan.

'Raaz' is piping hot

Now this is a real coincidence. While Hollywood studio Warner Bros. awaits, with bated breath, the feedback to CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA on January 16, another Hollywood giant, Sony Pictures, is keeping its fingers crossed for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, which opens worldwide the following week, on January 23.

The Bhatts are known for qualitative films and RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is no exception. In fact, those who've watched the rushes feel that the film has the potential to score big time. There hasn't been an eerie movie for a while now and although RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is dissimilar to RAAZ, the brand should generate tremendous curiosity amongst viewers, translating into serpentine queues at the ticket counters.

Meanwhile, a section of the media has reported that the Bhatts are planning to dub RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES in South languages [Tamil and Telugu], releasing it simultaneously with the Hindi version. However, there's no truth to it. "We aren't dubbing in South languages," Mukesh Bhatt states.

Adhyayan-Kangna chemistry visible in 'Soniyo'

This is what love can do to you. If you act in a film together, especially if you are shown as a romantic couple, the frames start looking more believable, the sequences lively and performances natural. Of course, there is an entire perception factor involved as well and since we have been made aware that Adhyayan Suman and Kangna Ranaut are a couple in real life as well, one tends to look at their mushy antics with a biased approach.

Of course, it has it's repercussions as well. Since one tends to get over critical about the entire affair (pun unintended), a minor slip here or there in the performance could lead to complete breakdown of a scene, something that happened when Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Rai could hardly heat up the proceedings in Kyun? Ho Gaya Naa.

However, Adhyayan and Kangna do not let an audience down when they come together in 'Soniyo', the first ever song in which the two are seen together. For the film Raaz - The Mystery Continues, the two are shown as a couple and their chemistry is pretty much visible in each of the frames. What one observes in this one minute clipping is pure love and affection that they demonstrate for each other. Nothing over the top, no gesture screaming of 'Oh, how much we love each other', no body-play at work that may possibly take away the focus. Instead, what one sees is sheer love in the eyes of the two youngsters who seem to have accepted each other as soul mates.

Though there are glimpses of a pensive looking Emraan Hashmi getting into his painting act and in turn getting horrified about what next is in store in Kangna's life, for a change you want to go back to Adhyayan-Kangna love story instead of concentrating on Emraan's brooding expressions. We will wait for your next music video, Emraan!

As per Mukesh Bhatt, the song reminds him of the evergreen 'Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye' which was composed for his Jurm years back. Of course, one can't blame him since 'Soniyo' does come with lyrics that go as 'Tu Dede Mera Saath Thaam Le Haath Chahe Jo Bhi Ho Baat, Tu Bas De De Mera Saath'.

Well, though Adhyayan lip syncs to these words in 'Soniyo', this could well be the call of Kangna who is herself looking for gaining peace for herself in the current times.

And of course, any song or person that could make Kangna smile is worth recognition. After all, looking at the set of movies that she has done in the past, it is not everyday that the pretty young girl moves out of her intense persona and enjoys the goodies offered by life. 'Soniyo' and Adhyayan truly make her do so though!

RAAZ-TMC all set to unfold the mystery

Global music label, SONY BMG is presenting for the first time a Bollywood thriller, RAAZ–THE MYSTERY CONTINUES (RTMC) which is produced by Vishesh Films and directed by Mohit Suri. RTMC is slated to be released on 23rd January 2009 in India. The film stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Adhyayan Suman among others.

RTMC revolves around a successful model, Nandita (played by Kangana Ranaut), who is in love with the creative director of a television program (Adhyayan Suman). Nandita's life takes a dramatic turn when she meets an artist, Prithvi (Emraan Hashmi). He tells Nandita that all her paintings made by him are getting disfigured which spells impending danger for her. Initially, she does not believe him but then she starts facing horrifying situations herself. After this, hell breaks loose and an unstoppable storm begins. Thus unfold some of the most thrilling horror sequences of Bollywood with RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES. The film is indeed ready to send audiences in frenzy.

The film deals with the issue of the ''evil within,'' highlighting prevalent superstitions and myths in Indian society. Right from the first look of its trailer, film buffs have been awaiting the release, making RTMC one of the most talked–about flicks of the season. The story of RTMC is written by Shagufta Rafique.

Mr. Mukesh Bhatt, Chairman & MD, Vishesh Films, is also very excited about RTMC – ''This film is really important for us in every respect – it is the most expensive horror film in Bollywood and its music and story have become the talk of the town. When you will see this film, you will realize that how much efforts we all have put in. I firmly believe that all the sequences of this film are such that they will keep the audience glued to their seats and terrified thereafter.''

Managing Director of SONY BMG, Mr. Shridhar Subramaniam has said ''Every small detail of this film has been taken care of to make it look realistic. It has immense mass–appeal with brilliant special effects, characterization, story and music. RTMC will be a landmark film to look out for."

There is blood on Kangna's back!

They may make movies which do not belong to the erotic genre but skin never fails to make an appearance into their films. Something like that is visible in their First Look poster of RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES as well where Kangna's bare back makes a cracking appearance.

Though Bhatts and Mohit Suri, director of RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, have pulled all stops in ensuring that the message of horror, scares and chills is passed on to the audience, Kangna's bare back has managed to give an altogether different dimension to the film.

Says Mukesh Bhatt about the design that Vishesh Films has in mind for promoting RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES 'We want to convey the right mood of the film without resorting to being gory or too violent. RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, as conveyed by the title, is centered on mystery and this is what remains to be it's true essence.'

What makes the look of the film further deadly is the fact that in spite of ample skin show here, there is no apparent element of erotica. Instead the poster has an international appeal to it with the film's title written on Kangna's back with blood. Also, if one looks closely, Kangna's long fingers are clasped like claws while her teeth are clinched, hence sending the message loud and clear that the film is a fear fest in the offering.

Adds Bhatt, ' RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES deals with issues of the 'evil within' the human psyche and how it manifests itself. It is based on the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film attempts to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena. It is about anticipation of fear and the fright residing within ones' self.'

Well, with a tagline that goes as 'This Winter... Fear Comes Home', one can well believe that to be the case. A supernatural thriller which also stars Emraan Hashmi and Adhyayan Suman, the film is directed by Mohit Suri. This is Mohit's fifth film with the Bhatt Brothers. Incidentally, Kangna Ranaut plays a fashion model in RAAZ – THE MYSTERY CONTINUES after FASHION.

Bhatts strike again with the special look of Raaz - The Mystery Continues

Trust Bhatts to continue to be their innovative best when it comes to promoting their films. They may keep the budget on a low/medium end for principal shooting or star remunerations but when it comes to bringing the film to the audience, they have seldom back tracked on any front. Whether it is publicity campaign, song promos on satellite/web/radio medium, poster design or sheer quotable quotes centered on the film's theme, Vishesh Films has made sure that heads always turn when a movie coming from their stable is introduced to the audience.

If the poster design of their recent films like Jannat or Awarapan caught instant attention, one can't forget the romantic 'kiss under a shirt' frame of Aashiqui or 'Sanjay Dutt hanging on a cross' still from Sadak more than a decade and a half back. The trend of shock value continues, typically Bhatt ishtyle, as Raaz - The Mystery Continues' look is revealed. And this time around, Bhatts are on rampage as even before the beginning of the song promos, they are unleashing one poster after another, hence managing to build an intrigue that goes by the name of Raaz - The Mystery Continues.

So if the first ever look of the movie sported an all-new logo in a venomous neon green colour that was designed to distinguish it as an out-and-out horror film, another look showed a backless Kangna Ranaut with Raaz - The Mystery Continues written with blood on her back. Well, if the warning of 'This Winter...Fear Comes Homes' wasn't scary enough, what with Kangna's fingers turning into claws waiting to attack anything that comes her way, comes another poster which introduces Emraan Hashmi for the first time to the audience.

With Kangna's pretty, yet glum looking face (which adds on to the mystery), superimposed into the upper half of the body, Emraan is shown to be standing still in the ruins of what looks like Mukesh Mills reconstructed! What also strikes is the halo behind Emraan's head which seems to give an indication of the full moon night, hence hinting the arrival of the troubled souls.

Says a source attached to Vishesh Films, "With an international appeal to boost, the look of the poster has been kept neon green (yet again) to go with the mood, theme and spirit (pun intended) of the film. Also, with a new hairstyle, a French beard and eyes staring right from the poster, Emraan is made to look all intense with the sole aim of going any distance to solve the 'mystery' which continues from the days of Raaz!"

Director Mohit Suri has been known to explore various themes for each of his films. Zeher, Kalyug, Woh Lamhe and Awarapan are good examples to demonstrate the varied routes that the young film maker has attempted in each of his outings. Well, the way his initial campaign is anything to go by, Raaz - The Mystery Continues should be no different!