Arjun Rampal's birthday bash

Akshaye Khanna re-shot promos of his next film, Mere Baap Pehle Aap

After Aamir Khan, almost every other actor is actively participating in promoting and marketing their films. The usually reticent and shy Akshaye Khanna has started taking an active interest in his future films.

Says a source, “Akshaye has never shown so much interest in a film as he’s done for Shemaroo’s Mere Baap Pehle Aap directed by Priya-darshan. He saw the film’s rushes and was very excited about it.

Now he makes it a point to come to every marketing meeting and briefs everyone as to what he feels should be the correct strategy. In fact, when Akshaye saw the first promo of MBPA, which was to go on air he felt something was lacking. Akshaye took a day off and re-shot the promo again at Mehboob with Priyan’s approval.”

Mansi Maroo from Shemaroo, says, “Akshaye saw the rushes and wanted to promote and talk about it. Akshaye has been very involved at every stage of promotion.”

According to Mansi, Akshaye was very clear about the first look of Mere Baap Pehle Aap. Mansi says, “Akshaye feels the first look of every film is most important.

After we shot the first promo and Akshaye saw it he wanted to shoot a special promo. He wanted to separate our promos from the other films to get noticed and he was right. He had the dialogue writer Manisha write a script, had it approved from Priyadarshan (who also attended the shoot) and shot the promo.”

Mansi reveals, “In the promo, the part where Akshaye is selling his father as the perfect groom to prospective wives like in a matrimonial ad is entirely his own concept.

Mere Baap Pehle Aap is about a unique father-son relationship where the son (Akshaye Khanna) disciplines the father (Paresh Rawal) and tells him whom to hang out with. Om Puri and Paresh Rawal get caught in embarrassing shenanigans and Akshaye has to bail them out.”

RACE completes 50 days

2008's biggest hit so far, RACE would be completing 50 days at theatres tomorrow.

Whether it is Saif Ali Khan (a consistent run though recently released TASHAN has been a minor blot), Akshaye Khanna (Mr. Dependable as always), Anil Kapoor (second big success in a row after WELCOME), Bipasha Basu (back in the big league), Katrina Kaif (the lady hasn't put a foot wrong ever since she got out of the BOOM fiasco) or Sameera Reddy (two back to back successes with ONE TWO THREE hitting the bull's eye as well), RACE has been a 'thrilling' saga for each of them.

For Abbas Mustan too, the project has managed to resurrect their standing in the industry when it seemed to be going downhill after universal panning of NAQAAB, 36 CHINA TOWN and TARZAN - THE WONDER CAR.

Biggest money spinner ever for Abbas Mustan, the film has been going strong for last 7 weeks and has already earned more than 63 crores just from the Indian box office. Even in overseas market, the film is a universal success.

50 crores in two weeks for RACE

Now this is what you call instant money.

What seemed to be milestone is the kind of money which movies today are capable of making in two weeks flat. 50 crores, the overall total for a film till a few months back, is what a big film is making in two weeks flat these days. OM SHANTI OM, DHOOM 2 and WELCOME have done this in the past. Now RACE too has followed suit as it has achieved the feat in a fortnight's time.

After cashing in 35 crores+ in the first week, the film has done well even in the second week with more than 15 crores coming in. This has made a RACE a 51 crores earner even as it continues to rake in moolah for third week succession.

A superb score like this has made RACE the first suspense thriller ever to enjoy such a great time at the box office. While the above mentioned three biggies have been popcorn entertainers/family films, RACE is mainly an adult drama/thriller. Taking this factor into account, it is indeed quite some feat for this Abbas-Mustan directed flick, which has 'raced' ahead of its contemporaries!

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

RACE - Next only to OM SHANTI OM

After OM SHANTI OM, RACE has turned out to be the biggest money spinner ever in its opening week. In the process, it is has broken records of WELCOME and DHOOM:2.

Though this Abbas Mustan film also benefited from the fact that it saw the biggest release ever (900+ cinemas), what matters in the end is that the gamble paid off as patrons filled up the auditoriums in spite of the film arriving at so many screens.

With 35.6 crores coming from week one, the film has surpassed the first week collections of WELCOME (35.3 crores) and DHOOM:2 (34.9 crores). However, OM SHANTI OM still stands tall at 40 crores plus, though with the way big films are being pitched in the market today, it should be a matter of weeks before this record is quashed too. TASHAN looks the closest contender with its release less than a month away.

Coming back to RACE, the film has done fantastic business all over with each of the territories spelling big money for the distributors. With the film super strong in week two as well, the film is all set to be SUPER HIT at the box office. Now one waits to see till what distance the race continues in weeks to come!

Joginder Tuteja

'Race' storms international markets

RACE has fetched a thunderous start in the international markets. In its 4-day weekend in U.K., the film has surpassed Saif Ali Khan's previous big openers like TA RA RUM PUM [£ 231,835], EKLAVYA [£ 163,783] and SALAAM | NAMASTE [£ 208,365]. KAL HO NAA HO had collected £ 436,790 in its opening 3-day weekend. RACE is also Akshaye Khanna's biggest opener to date, having crossed SALAAM-E-ISHQ [£ 293,809] by a comfortable margin. For Anil Kapoor too, it is his biggest opener ever, having crossed WELCOME [£ 369,321] and SALAAM-E-ISHQ [£ 293,809], both multi-starrers. In the U.S. too, RACE is off to a staggering start, nearing the $ 1 million mark in its first 3 days. It has had a fantastic first weekend in Australia as well… Meanwhile, JODHAA AKBAR has crossed £ 1 million mark in U.K.

U.K. BOX-OFFICE
Note: 4-day weekend: March 21 - 24, 2008.

* RACE has debuted at No. 10 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected £ 457,303 [approx. Rs. 3.66 crores] on 46 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 9,941. Includes Thursday previews. Tuesday collections: £ 42,966. Total so far: £ 498,924


* JODHAA AKBAR [last weekend: No. 26, this weekend: No. 31]: In its sixth weekend, the film has collected £ 13,036 on 7 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 1,862. Total: £ 1,001,460 [approx. Rs. 8 crores].


* BLACK & WHITE [last weekend: No. 38, this weekend: No. 70]: In its third weekend, the film has collected £ 1,466 on 10 screens, with the per screen average working out to £ 147. Total: £ 50,706 [approx. Rs. 40.51 lacs].

THIS WEEKEND IN U.K.
[Based on screen averages]

RANK: 1 | FILM: Race | Average: £ 9,941
RANK: 2 | FILM: Jodha Akbar | Average: £ 1,862
RANK: 3 | FILM: Black & White | Average: £ 147


U.S.A. BOX-OFFICE
Note: 3-day weekend: March 21 - 23, 2008.

* RACE has debuted at No. 18 position. In its opening weekend, the film has collected $ 802,254 [approx. Rs. 3.22 crores] on 96 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 8,357.


* JODHAA AKBAR [last weekend: No. 44, this weekend: No. 51]: In its sixth weekend, the film has collected $ 42,606 on 20 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 2,130. Total: $ 3,397,218 [approx. Rs. 13.63 crores].

AUSTRALIA BOX-OFFICE
4-day weekend: March 20 - 23, 2008.

* In its opening weekend [No. 15], RACE has collected $ 167,970 [approx. Rs. 67.47 lacs] on 14 screens, with the per screen average working out to $ 11,998.

Taran Adarsh

Rs. 22.06 cr. - First weekend nett business of 'Race'

RACE has stormed the domestic box-office and the first weekend results are out. The all-India first 3-day nett business is Rs. 22.06 crores, which places it in the big league. The break-up is as follows:-

Mumbai + circuit 9.50 cr.; Delhi + NCR 3.05 cr.; U.P. 1.50 cr.; East Punjab 1.45 cr.; Mysore 1.20 cr.; Nizam & Andhra 1.12 cr.; Tamil Nadu + Kerala 40 lacs; C.P. 75 lacs; C.I. 50 lacs; Rajasthan 90 lacs; West Bengal 1.15 cr.; Bihar 40 lacs; Assam 7 lacs; Orissa 7 lacs. Fantastic!

Taran Adarsh

'Race' opens in Pakistan

Abbas-Mustan’s much-appreciated multi-starrer RACE has also opened in Pakistan. A simultaneous release means that the film should fetch impressive numbers in its opening week. Earlier, UTV’s DHAN DHANA DHAN GOAL had simultaneously opened in cinema halls of the neighboring country. Also, TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, which has been released in the international markets by UTV, will open in Pakistan “in two weeks from now,” Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV confirmed with me.

Taran Adarsh

B.O. update: 'Race' takes fantastic start

The much-awaited RACE has opened to a fantastic response [90% +] across the nation. The film has had an extensive release in India [1300 screens, of which 450 are digitals], with some multiplexes playing as many as 24 shows a day [Cinemax Versova in Mumbai].

Saturday is a holiday [Holi] and Sunday being a holiday, the first weekend is expected to be huge. The reports are extremely positive and one expects the business on weekdays to be strong as well. With such strong business on hand, the film is expected to emerge a major success story in days to come.

Meanwhile, UTV organized the paid previews in India on Thursday night and the response was fabulous everywhere. Paid previews were also held in U.K. and the collections were £ 34,283 on 33 screens.

In the meantime, the first hit of 2008, JODHAA AKBAR, is nearing the £ 1 million mark in U.K. The total has reached £ 988,424 till Thursday night.

Taran Adarsh

Premiere of Race

RACE's 'Sexy Lady' to generate more heat!

With just about a week left for RACE to hit the screens with a predictable thumping start, the makers are naturally upbeat about the Abbas-Mustan multi starrer. Pritam's catchy audio scores are already occupying the top slots amongst the audience as well as the charts. The Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Sameera Reddy and Katrina Kaif starrer is so hot that it is ticking like a time bomb that is about to explode!

The much talked about freshly recorded track, 'Sexy Lady', which has replaced 'Mujh Pe Toh Jaadu', was recently picturised on Saif Ali Khan and Katrina Kaif in Goa. The song, choreographed by Bosco-Caesar, has shaped up so well that producer Ramesh Taurani is really excited and says, ' Once we air the promo of this song, the film will generate even more heat!'

While on the replaced track, 'Mujh Pe Toh Jaadu', it will stay in the CD and, who knows, it might just be picturised for promotional purposes.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

'Race'... to get autographed RACE CD's!

One of the much awaited movie of 2008 with Flashy gadgets and gizmos, enthralling car chases, sweltering hot babes, daredevil stunts...and hotshot rollicking soundtracks, RACE, is already topping the charts with its electrifying music and songs. Apparently RACE seems to be year's musical blitzkrieg. Because of its tantalizing & groovy soundtracks RACE has become talk of the town. From Discotheques to car, all music systems are going crazy with the 'racy' songs. Even you can enjoy the vivacious energized vocals by winning the CD's and that too autographed CD's by the RACE cast - Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy, Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna

So hurry up to participate in the RACE contest and win the autographed CD's of RACE by the star cast!

Bollywood Trade News Network

Salsa boy Akshaye

Akshaye Khanna, who is shooting with Urvashi Sharma in an untitled film directed by Abbas-Mustan, took salsa classes for a chartbusting track with huge salsa over tunes. He has left everyone amazed with his dancing skills and Latino looks. Next year starts with 'Salaam-E-Ishaq', 'Gandhi My Father' and two films of Abbas-Mustan!

Akshaye Khanna, being so romantic

Tara Sharma out, Urvashi Sharma in! After his split with Tara Sharma, actor Akshaye Khanna, being so romantic in nature, apparently had been starving for finding a new love in his life, and if the rumourmonger to be believed, Akshaye has found it finally in model-turned-actress Urvashi Sharma's pretty eyes.
As per industry grapevine, Akshaye, Urvashi are now a couple and have been spotted together in several places in the tinsel town, of late.
As per latest the director duo Abbaas-Mustan has signed up Akshaye and Urvashi together for a film. It's Urvashi's debut film. And the pretty gal is now in Dubai with Akshaye shooting the film. Sure they are spending lots of private moments together there.

Lets do in hollywood style

Hollywood often does it and now, it’s happening in Bollywood too. Hollywood studios have released several keenly-anticipated films on a Wednesday, so that the film has a 5-day bountiful weekend. Nikhil Advani has decided to follow suit with SALAAM-E-ISHQ, which hits the marquee in January next year.

Initially slated for a 26th January, 2007 release, Nikhil has decided to re-schedule its release by bringing it two days earlier -- on 24th January. Yes, SALAAM-E-ISHQ will release in India on Wednesday, simultaneously with its Dubai release. The other international markets -- U.S., U.K. and South East Asia -- will see a Friday release.

“Why not capitalize on a 5-day weekend?” Nikhil smiles, “In any case, 26th January is a national holiday [Republic Day] and if we bring the film on Wednesday, you can be assured of a whopping first weekend business.” Meanwhile, the music of SALAAM-E-ISHQ will hit music stores on 2nd December.

In the past, GARAM MASALA, KYON KI… and SHAADI NO. 1 had also hit the screens on a Wednesday, but that was primarily to cash in on the Diwali festivities.

Akshaye is all set to bounce back in 2007

Though his films AAP KI KHATIR, 36 CHINA TOWN and SHAADI SE PEHLE didn't quite create a stir at the box office, Akshaye Khanna is eagerly awaiting 2007.

He is presently shooting in Dubai with his favourite director duo Abbas-Mastan, where he's paired opposite Tips Discovery Urvashi Sharma in an UNTITLED project with Bobby Deol. The Akshaye-Bobby combo is back again in this action thriller with hotshots Abbas-Mastan after the success of HUMRAAZ.

The buzz is that 2007 will be Akshaye Khanna's year considering the wide range of interesting projects in his kitty. The New Year for Akshaye will begin with the release of the much-awaited SALAAM-E-ISHQ, which has already been certified as a hit in trade circles. It will be followed by GANDHI- MY FATHER, which is sure to earn him critical acclaim like BORDER and DIL CHAHTA HAI. Up next is an untitled venture by Anil Kapoor's production followed by another Abbas-Mastan film.

Says the normally reclusive star "I'm definitely looking forward to 2007. It's an Interesting line up of films."

So Akshaye is all set to bounce back in 2007

It was a celebration time for the Khanna

The pedigree of the Khanna is in no doubt ...It was a celebration time for the Khanna's household two days earlier as the ever charismatic Vinod Khanna celebrated his 60th birthday, both Akshaye and Rahul Khanna threw a surprise party and had a rocking time together in the Khanna household. For Akshaye Khanna, it’s proving to be a double celebration as he has the most promising film slated to be released in 2007. Starting with sure fire hit Nikhil Advani's SALAAM-E-ISHQ, followed by a critically appreciative performance in Anil Kapoor's GANDHI MY FATHER. It will be followed by Abbas Mastan's HUMRAAZ team together again with Bobby Doel and another Abbas Mastan film with Anil Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. Definetely a double celebration time for Akshaye....

Remake of Dil chahta hai

Just as Farhan Akhtar prepares for the release of his remake of Don, there are plans on to remake Akhtar's debut Dil Chahta Hai. The film will be directed by Rohit Jugraj (James) and produced by Roopesh Gohil.

Rohit informs, "My remake of Dil Chahta Hai will be a female version. The film will have three women in place of three guys. We have already finalised two leading ladies."

When contacted, Gohil says, "When Rohit approached me with the project I immediately agreed to do it. Even the casting is in the process of completion. We intend to take the film on the floors from February next year. The film is contemporary and I am sure that the female version will be as interesting as the original male version."

Akshaye Khanna as blue-eyed boy

Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna seems to be the blue-eyed boy of director duo Abbas-Mastan, who vouch that he is one of the most talented actors.

Whether Akshaye's film is a hit or flop the duo continues to cast him.

After "Humraaz", Akshaye featured in their recently released "36 China Town". The film did satisfactory business at the box office and the actor earned rave reviews for his performance.

He is now working in their next flick with Anil Kapoor and Saif Ail Khan to be produced by Tips.

With most of the directors repeating Akhsaye, he certainly has carved a niche for himself in filmdom.

His talent has always been appreciated by critics.