KJO Unplugged!

He is known for playing his cards, or shall we say, brewing his coffee well ...always-be it as a producer, director, host or cameo actor. And of course he has his own set of humour that adds a flavour to every thing he does. Karan Johar gets candid with our correspondent.

Is it true that you have become a 'dietician' to Kajol and Kareena?
Oh my God! I expected you to start with DOSTANA and you shot the other way...(laughs). It's all right. See, I have not become a 'dietician' to Kajol and Kareena in a true sense, but I have given them some suggestions to abide by if they are interested in working in my next films. I have asked Kajol to lose some flab for MY NAME IS KHAN. And I told Kareena not to lose weight for an unnamed Dharma Productions film to be directed by a friend Rensil D'Silva.

I understand Kajol's weight loss, but Kareena's size zero is quite 'in' now...
That's a myth and may be a momentary craze. But the truth is Indian audience always prefers a healthy (not fat) heroine...this size zero concept is not for Hindi film heroines, at least that's what I feel.

You will be directing again after quite some time. Tell us more about MY NAME IS KHAN?
MY NAME IS KHAN is a film based on the psyche of a Muslim man whose name comes up in the suspect list of terrorists post 9/11. Yes, as usual, this film has Shah Rukh as the hero and Kajol as the heroine. And I will be directing a film after quite some time. The trio will be back to sizzle the screen after KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM. So you may as well call it my comeback as a director.

We heard it took you long to persuade Kajol to sign the film. True?
Kajol is always like that...she knows she can never say 'No' to me...still she tries in vain. But the point is, I am very happy that she has finally agreed to do the film because only she can play her character in the film.

Why is Shah Rukh an indispensable part of almost every Dharma Productions film? Is it because he sells?
Shah Rukh is definitely one of the biggest stars in Bollywood and his screen presence does make a difference. But the reason why he is in almost all our films is something different. My father (Yash Johar) was very fond of Shah Rukh, in fact he considered him to be family, which of course, SRK is. And when I decided to make films, he said: 'Beta, if possible, try to involve Shah Rukh in all Dharma Productions projects.' Besides, Shah Rukh has been a friend, philosopher and guide...it's an old association and old habits die hard.

Exclusive: SRK and KJo on the sets of My Name Is Khan

Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Karan Johar have given us some of the biggest blockbusters of Hindi cinema such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Hence, when the trio is coming back with a film after a hiatus of nearly 8 years, then expectations are bound to be gargantuan.

Shooting for Dharma Productions' My Name Is Khan starring SRK and Kajol in lead roles is currently underway in and around Los Angeles. The buzz is that SRK plays a person suffering from Asperser's Syndrome (an autism related disorder) who gets into trouble with cops abroad especially because of his surname 'Khan'. Kajol plays SRK's better-half in the film. Even though the film has a serious undertone, with best buddies SRK, KJo and Kajol coming together, the atmosphere on the sets is one of fun and frolic.

SRK's witty one-liners combined with KJo's wacky sense of humor is sure to keep the unit members entertained. As for the film, all eyes are curious to see if these three best buddies can translate their real life Dostana onto reel-life one more time.

Karan Johar confirms DOSTANA collections

"DOSTANA has collected 28 crores at the end of first week from India alone", comes an official statement from Karan Johar even as different figures continue to float around ever since the first week came to a close.

Though there have been speculations around 25–26 crores being the final billing for DOSTANA in India, Karan's statement should set all speculations to rest considering it comes from the head honcho himself.

"Dharma Productions as well as Yash Raj Films, which has distributed the film, are extremely happy with the way DOSTANA has worked at the box office", adds Karan Johar who now is the man behind Bollywood's first hardcore commercial film with two men playing gay characters, even though by faking it.

With YUVVRAAJ not opening to a good response and no other biggie in the sight till the arrival of RAB NE BANA DI JODI, is he fathoming chances of DOSTANA turning out to be a big money spinner?

"I have been informed that the film has done well in the second weekend as well though I am waiting for the official numbers to come in. I am not surprised though since audience is watching it the second time around as well", says Karan hours before boarding flight for New York.

With YUVVRAAJ all set to be a loser at the box office and relatively smaller movies arriving in weeks to come (there are as many as 10 of them though in the fortnight leading to RAB NE BANA DI JODI), DOSTANA is destined to earn mega bucks at the box office. Though 40 crores is now very much within the reach, it would be interesting to see if Abhishek and John manage to get a 50 crores film to their name.

Celebration time for Abhishek, John & Priyanka

Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra’s friendship has proved fruitful at the box office, not just in India but overseas as well.

In UK the opening weekend collections are 330 thousand pounds. The Friday and Saturday figures in USA at $442 thousand have beaten Race ($397 thousand). In UAE the movie has registered $597 till Saturday. That happens to be the biggest opening for any Indian movie in UAE this year. In fact it has even exceeded the first week collections of Singh Is Kinng. The press abroad too has only good things to say about the movie.

"Despite recession, Dostana has performed well globally" - Karan Johar

Karan Johar is indeed a happy man. His Dostana has worked and how. Defeating the stereotype, going completely unconventional, boasting of hot bods and eventually making a statement, though in its own subtle manner and humorous undertones, Dostana is now being branded as the first ever hardcore commercial film that has explored relationship between two people of the same sex.

Joginder Tuteja gets into an exclusive conversation with Karan as the film completes its successful first week run and is all headed for quite some bountiful in days to come. Here Karan talks about the success of the film, it's prospects in days to come with Yuuvraaj being a biggie to compete (he dislikes the very essence of competition here though) while also defending the mixed response that the two halves of the film and Bobby's presence has got from audience as well as media.

The trend of a Dharma Production doing particularly well in cities has continued with Dostana too, right?
I have great faith in my audience and even while making Dostana, we knew that the film is mainly looking at big cities business. We understand the kind of demographics we were catering at. This is why in the overseas too it has been such a big success. I am particularly gladdened by the fact that despite recession, the film has performed globally. All those talks of economic meltdown affecting film business as well have been evaporated with the collections of Dostana which has taken one of the best opening weeks in last so many months.

But did you actually see such success coming?
The responses I received on Day One made sure that Dostana was headed in the right direction. Of course every movie comes with feedback which represents two sides of the same coin. Even in case of Dostana, there was positive as well as negative feedback. Some loved it but some hated it too. That's ok, its show business and this is why we are here for. What is overwhelming is that those who loved the movie far surpassed the ones who didn't. The collections for the films only convey the same!

So how much does the success of Dostana eventually mean to you?
It absolutely means a lot to me because first and foremost it is a validation of all the hard work from the team. Also, the brand image that Dharma Productions stands for has been taken care of after Dostana. I had to maintain a quality of production house and I am glad that the film has only added on to it.

Beyond the obvious drool factor, did you actually believe that John would be able to deliver as an actor as well?
My film is about a gay couple. The two men had to be macho and yet come with a great sense of humor. John just fitted the bill since beneath a great body, he also has a good comic timing. I had seen him in Garam Masala and knew that he would fit in well. Priyadarshan did tap his comic side slightly but I wanted him to go full on. I knew from my heart that John could be very funny. I just told Tarun that 'hey, let's go and get on John. He can pull on comedy.' The next thing we knew, he was on board!

Bobby's presence in the film has met with a mixed response though.
I respect your point of view but then as a filmmaker you can't always cater to everyone's sensibilities. If you ask me, it was a tough role for Bobby to play and he pulled it off rather amazingly well. He was so sincere and his dedication showed. He brings in a certain dignity to the proceedings.

Second half v/s first half debate has been on as well. It has been unanimously acknowledged that first half is a riot though things are just not the same in the second half.
There have been point of views and there will be point of views. I respect them all. At the end of the day, the whole package is meant to entertain you and in this context, Dostana has succeeded, isn't it? Look at it this way. The film is about life, love and friendship and while between the two halves of the film, each of these elements had to make their presence felt. This is why I stand by every frame of the film. After all, creativity follows its own process, right?

Though you sound confident about the film's prospects in weeks to come as well, this weekend would be crucial considering Yuvvraaj is coming. How much of it is a competition by the way?
I am hoping that both the films do really well. I know for sure that Yuvvraaj too is touted to be heavy on multiplexes. I really hope and pray for Subhashji that it works as well as Dostana continues to keep entertaining the audience. I don't even want to be competitive when it comes to these two films.

B.O. update: 'Yuvvraaj' 40% - 60% start, 'Dostana' 1st wk nett 28 cr.

Subhash Ghai's ambitious fare YUVVRAAJ started well in the morning shows. The shows in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and NCR were almost packed, but the noon shows showed a decline as the film performed in the 40% - 60% range. The film picked up during the evening shows, but it remains to be seen where it tilts on Saturday and Sunday. YUVVRAAJ is crucial for both, Ghai and Salman Khan, who've been facing rough weather professionally.

Meanwhile, last week's DOSTANA was rock-steady on Friday, the first day of its second weekend. The trade is hopeful that the business will be strong on Saturday and Sunday as well. The first week nett [India] is approx. Rs. 28 crores [as per Dharma Productions]. Fantastic!

Multiplex junta's new dost

Let's face facts! A handful of actors [SRK, Aamir, Akshay, Hrithik] have the power to lure audiences in hordes. Their solo starrers have the magnetism to draw audiences to theatres. The remaining actors work in packages only, unless there's a fluke success.

At the cost of puncturing the ego of many a star, the fact remains that their solo starrers would [a] Find it tough to get the right distributor and the right price, [b] Find it tough to fetch lucrative terms from exhibitors, [c] Find it tough to fetch a staggering start at the box-office. But, as a package, with Karan Johar in the driver's seat in this case [DOSTANA], it has ensured [a] An attractive price from its principal distributors [Rs. 50 cr. +], [b] The best terms from exhibitors, [c] A favourable start at the ticket counters.

If the Friday figures of DOSTANA were good, the film actually showed its strength on Saturday and Sunday. This trend was witnessed not just in India, but also in the West. The U.K. and U.S. day-wise figures indicate a big jump on Saturday and Sunday. In India, the first weekend is roughly in the range of Rs. 18 - Rs. 20 cr. nett [as per industry experts and also Dharma Productions], definitely NOT Rs. 15 cr. nett, as some ill-informed sources would like us to believe.

So what does the Rs. 18 - Rs. 20 cr. nett mean? Translated into simple terms, it means DOSTANA is off to a great start, despite the Abhishek - Priyanka starrer DRONA still fresh in our minds. John's solo act in NO SMOKING hasn't been forgotten either.

Armed with a superb start, DOSTANA was expected to have a meltdown effect from Monday onwards, but the weekdays have been in the 45% to 60% range at most plexes, which is great. The youth has taken to the film in a big way, that's the writing on the wall.

Of course, DOSTANA is a non-performer at most single screens, except those patronised by elite. So what? That's not new! Hasn't that been the trend for all Karan Johar movies? Weren't KAL HO NAA HO and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA non-performers at single screens? Why, even KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI, considered a classic by many, besides being a Blockbuster, didn't work in Bihar.

That's what I like about Karan Johar. He's got the fundas right, he knows his target audience well. In any case, in today's times, 70% of our revenues are generated from plexes in India and Overseas. In India, DOSTANA is the flavour of the season. In Overseas, it's one of the biggest draws of the year [as pointed out by this writer in the review of DOSTANA last week].

If the film holds well in its second weekend - I'm sure, the numbers will be strong - DOSTANA would safely recover the high price that's attached to it.

The target audience of DASVIDANIYA was the same as DOSTANA - multiplex junta - and I strongly feel that DASVIDANIYA got sidelined for this reason. With the youth/multplex crowd tilting towards DOSTANA, DASVIDANIYA, expectedly, had a lukewarm start at the box-office [10%; at places, 5% to 7%]. But the film gathered steam on Saturday and Sunday as the word of mouth has been extremely positive for this Vinay Pathak starrer. Favourable reviews in the media have also helped. Of course, the numbers haven't shown a big jump, but there has been an escalation for sure.

DASVIDANIYA enjoys good reports and I hope the plexes continue to play the film in its second weekend, so that it gets a chance to grow. Films like DASVIDANIYA need to be nurtured, it's a worthy case!

DESHDROHI, the much-in-news film, found ample patronage at the single screens of U.P. and Bihar.

Karan Johar holds special screening of Dostana

Karan Johar had a special screening of his latest production “Dostana” for a gay community website from Mumbai. The film was very well received by the members of that club.

The movie is running at an average occupancy of 75-80 per cent. Some multiplex chains feel Dostana's collection at the box office will be better than those of the recently released “Golmaal Returns”, which did a business of Rs.720 million (Rs 72 crores) gross at the box office in one week.

“Dostana” released worldwide on November 14 with 1,000 prints.

B.O. update: 'Dostana' takes a head-start at plexes

Karan Johar's eagerly awaited DOSTANA opened to a heartening response at multiplexes across the country. The youth brigade turned up in full force for a Hindi film, after a gap. A similar trend was noticed during JAANE TU... YA JAANE NA, BACHNA AE HASEENO and ROCK ON!!. While the opening was 80% + at plexes, with night shows running to packed capacity, the response at single screens was dull at several places. The business was in the 40% - 60% range, at places even lower. However, at some single screens patronised by classes, it was at par with the multiplex business. That has been the trend with Karan's previous films like KAL HO NAA HO and KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA as well. The revenue should be strong from multiplexes mainly.

DASVIDANIYA, starring Vinay Pathak, which also happens to be the actor's first film as a producer, had a dull start, but the reports are encouraging… DESHDROHI had a strong start in the Hindi belt.

Press conference of Dostana

"The chemistry between Abhishek, John and Priyanka is fantastic" - Karan Johar

Karan Johar seems unperturbed by the scarcity of clothes and the profusion of gay jokes in Dostana. Defends Karan, "It's fun and new. We've made sure not to offend any group or community. I'd never make a film that would offend anybody. Dostana has a great look and it's a clean happy watch. The chemistry among Abhishek, John and Priyanka is fantastic. As for the gay jokes, I think it's time for everyone to wake up to social reality. I had gay jokes in Kal Ho Naa Ho. And no one was offended."

There are rumours of a further delay in starting My Name Is Khan because of Aditya Chopra's film Karan Johar retorts. "Far from it. Adi's film releases on December 12 and I start immediately after. Yes, I did delay a bit for him initially. But it was a very minor delay for a month. If he asked me, I'd delay my film a year for him. Not only that, Yash Raj Films distributes our films. So where's the question of competition between us?"

In fact Adi and Karan are supposed to be making Hindi versions of the same film, Arlington Road. Karan gets irritable, "Look, the film that Rensil D'Silva is directing for me and the one that Kabir Khan is doing for Adi both have terrorism at the background. So there would be similarities. Rensil's film and Kabir's film have terrorism as their base but different themes. Both Rensil and Kabir have worked hard on their scripts."

As for Karan's next directorial venture, he clears some misconceptions. "My Name Is Khan has nothing to do with terrorism. It has Shah Rukh and Kajol in the lead. More than anything else, it is an emotional drama. It's more about the absence of humanism than politics. I'm not fighting for any cause. But at the end of the day, cinema is a reflection of the times. In the 1970s and 80s, political upheaval was huge. In the new millennium, international terrorism is as huge a problem as global warming. But since global warming doesn't make dramatic viewing, the terrorist is definitely the antagonist of our times. I've seen A Wednesday which I absolutely loved. I'd love to meet and congratulate the director. In fact I wrote a whole blog about the film."

Any mention of the film being about the Islamic Identity now puts Karan on the defensive. "At its heart, My Name Is Khan is a love story. At its soul it makes a social statement and at its core it's a tale of the triumph of the human spirit. My writer Shibani Bathija and I come from the same emotional head-space. Anyway it's too early to talk about the film."

Shibani has just delivered a dud called Kidnap."I haven't seen Kidnap. I was down with a viral fever when it was released", Karan is quick to state. "So I can't comment on the film. But I can say My Name Is Khan is Shibani's baby all the way. She has given two years of her life to researching on Shah Rukh's character. I'd be just executing her vision. As for her work in other films, every creative person falters. You need to move on. Even I've made mistakes. But that doesn't stop me from taking risks. I think I took a big risk with Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. I don't think any other director has made a Rs 50 crore film on infidelity."

Karan now recently returned from location-hunting in London and Los Angeles. Call him a seasoned traveler and he retorts, "I'm a traveler for all seasons. We're shooting My Name Is Khan in San Francisco and LA. With KANK and now My Name Is Khan, I want the bubble to burst about my bubblegum cinema."

"Dostana is Tarun's baby all the way" - Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra admits that she hasn't rested for more than a year now. 2008 especially has been crazy with five releases already to her name and sixth round the corner in the form of Dostana. However, she doesn't mind all the excitement coming her way as she hardly has got time to mourn over the failure of her movies or revel in the success of Fashion. Joginder Tuteja catches up with Priyanka Chopra hours before her Dostana gets ready to hit the screens.

Love Story 2050, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku, Drona, Fashion and now Dostana - Whew!
[Laughs] Ya, these are indeed exciting times. I could use so many adjectives to describe what I feel but well, in the end it's all so scary. There are so many expectations that one attaches to a project. It is like sitting in Board examinations month after month.

Dostana still sounds like a safe film after all. Promos give an impression that it is an out and out fun film.
There are a little bit of emotions attached to the film as well. At the end of the day it is mainstream cinema and it has to be interesting. Dostana is not a random candy floss entertainer. Since the film has been made for commercial audience, it has to tell an engaging story. Here things turn really different. That's because when I interact with the characters played by Abhi and John, it gives a different dimension to a man-woman relationship. It's really fun because I am there with these two guys who are supposed to be in a romcom relationship of their own!

A film with two men in a romcom affair? And you were still game for it?
I was sold the moment Tarun (Mansukhani) narrated the film to me. I didn't have any apprehensions because Tarun was so clear in admitting this very basic fact to the world on screen. He wanted to bring things out of closed doors and make the world know that this too is a part of society around us.

But wasn't there any apprehension about non-acceptance of the film? What if it doesn't turn out to be a hit? Also, Tarun is a first time director.
You can't pick a film thinking whether it would be a hit or not. How can you even do some calculations? Yes, you do assess the commercial viability of the subject but beyond that you have to leave it to the conviction of the director. And let me tell you that I wasn't even thinking about Tarun being a debutant director here. I have worked with quite a few since I made my debut and while some of them have made fantastic films, some haven't. But that can't deter me from saying no to someone just because he/she hasn't been entrusted with this responsibility before. Come on, someone gave me a first chance too!

Karan's association with the project would have reassuring enough though?
Having Karan around is great but Dostana is Tarun's baby all the way. It is written and directed by him and knows the subject inside out while Karan hardly came on the film's sets. Moreover, I myself come with so many questions while working on a film and sometimes it can become really testing times for the directors. Still, Tarun braved all of it and answered all my questions. That shows his understanding, commitment and conviction.

You earlier mentioned that Dostana has some emotional moments as well. The KJo effect?
I won't say that the film has trademark Karan Johar stamp of emotional moments in Dostana. But then yes, there are moments where you get a lump in your throat. There is some softness in heart that comes on and just like there are some ups and downs in every feel good entertainer, the same is the case with Dostana too.

Softer songs like 'Kuch Kum' and 'Khabar Nahi' do promise that, isn't it?
Yeah. In the narrative they really do well. I know that songs like 'Desi Girl', 'Maa Da Laadla' and 'Shut Up and Bounce' are a rage today but I know for sure that once the films release, others too would pick up well amongst the audience.

Coming to your much talked about look; there are talks about the hard work you put in shaping your body for Dostana.
[Smiles] It's great that after Fashion, my look is being noticed in Dostana as well. However, I know for myself that hard work was there in Drona or Love Story 2050 or for that matter even Don. It's just that currently we are talking only about Dostana or Fashion.

But your weight loss is quite apparent in Dostana?
It's my luck that I was working on both Fashion and Dostana together. For the early part of Fashion, I had to put some weight to depict the chubby look of a Chandigarh girl. Then for the Mumbai shoot of Fashion which showed my journey to the top as a supermodel, I had to loose weight. The look I acquired for Fashion also helped Dostana because I was training hard and was fast acquiring a well toned physique.

Last but not the least, one can't help but ask this question. How does Bobby Deol's character bring the twist in the plot of Dostana. And please don't say - 'Watch the film'!
[Giggles] Watch the film!

Jaya, SRK, Saif, Kareena, Deepika, Rani, Imran watch 'Dostana'

Exactly two screenings of Karan Johar's keenly anticipated DOSTANA have been held so far. The first screening, held on Tuesday night at Yash Raj, was attended by the cast and crew of the film, besides the Chopras, who are close family friends of the Johars, besides being the global distributors of DOSTANA.

The second screening, held last night [Wednesday] at Yash Raj, was a truly hi-profile affair, what with Karan's closest friends being invited for the screening. Jaya Bachchan, SRK and wife Gauri with their kids, Saif and Kareena, Karisma Kapoor, Rani and her parents, Deepika Padukone, Susanne Roshan, Arjun Rampal with wife Mehr, Imran Khan and girlfriend Avantika, Kunal Kapoor, Kunal Kohli, Ritesh Sidhwani, Anil Thadani, Sajid Khan, Siddharth Raj Anand, Jugal Hansraj, Kangna Ranaut, Amrita Rao, Sanjay Kapoor and wife Maheep, Sonam Kapoor, Neelam, Chunkey Pandey and wife Bhavana, Koel Purie, Mushtaq Sheikh, Manish Malhotra, music composers Vishal and Shekhar, writer Shibani Bhatija were amongst those present at this exclusive screening.

The auditorium was resonating with laughter and claps all through the screening.

Priyanka Chopra walked to meet the guests after the screening got over. Karan and director Tarun Mansukhani were wonderful hosts, attending to every guest personally.

Dostana - Movie Review

Recall the 'Kantaben' episode in Karan Johar's KAL HO NAA HO. The episode is alive even today, in skits, on stage, amongst friends. That was a mere trailer. Picture abhi baaki hain. DOSTANA takes 'Kantaben' episode to another level altogether.

DOSTANA is no BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. It's not a serious take on homosexuality either. On the contrary, it's a madcap comedy where two straight men pretend to be gays. Although DOSTANA is a mainstream commercial film, it dares to push the envelope in its own way. It brings homosexuality out of the closet, gives it respect and dignity and doesn't treat gays as 'abnormal'.

Love triangle in Hindi movies often centre around two guys falling in love with the same girl, or two girls choosing to love the same guy. But DOSTANA is a first. It's the first Hindi film that, at the core, is a rectangle [three men loving the same woman], but two of them, guys in this case, pretend to be a couple.

Sure, DOSTANA has ample shock-value since what has been witnessed in its promos is barely a fraction of what you'd get to watch in the movie. But more than shock-value, the film offers loads of fun-n-laughter and dollops of entertainment in those 14 reels.

A word of appreciation! It requires courage to fund a project like DOSTANA. Karan Johar, the producer, deserves to be lauded for treading the untrodden path. It requires courage and conviction to swim against the tide in your directorial debut. Tarun Mansukhani, the debutante, deserves a few brownie points extra for not thinking straight. It requires courage for two A-list actors to go all out and risk their professional [and personal] lives. Abhishek and John deserve an ovation for not only agreeing to play these characters, but also infusing life in them, without making a mockery of the gay community.

To cut a long story short, DOSTANA is not to be missed. Dharma Productions, the late Yash Johar and Karan Johar's film production outfit, has produced several significant films in the past. Add DOSTANA to the list!

Miami is the setting for DOSTANA. When Sameer [Abhishek Bachchan] and Kunal [John Abraham] are turned down for an apartment because the landlady [Sushmita Mukherjee] doesn't want two strapping young men to corrupt her young sexy niece Neha [Priyanka Chopra], they hatch a plan: they pretend to be gay to secure the apartment.

Over a period of time, Sameer, Kunal and Neha become buddies. When Neha's boss Abhimanyu [Bobby Deol] enters the fray as the third contender for her affections, it gets even hotter…

DOSTANA shocks you all the while and that is its biggest USP. Don't expect stereotypical situations or characters all through this film. Watch Abhishek cook up a romantic story between John and him in Venice. Watch Boman Irani's interaction with Abhishek and John. Watch Kirron Kher's dramatic entry at this point. Howlarious scenes all, they're sure to bring the house down.

If the first hour is laced with crackling chemistry between the guys and terrific humour, things get serious towards the second half since there's one more person vying for Priyanka's attention -- Bobby Deol. There's humour in this hour too, but the focus is mainly on who'd get Priyanka in the end.

The length is a slight deterrent in the second half and the editor could've easily cut the unwanted flab to make the narration in shape. But the film works as a package! Also, the film has a shocking end and people are bound to raise eyebrows. It would have its share of advocates and adversaries. A debatable culmination, for sure!

Director Tarun Mansukhani is here to stay. He deserves kudos for choosing an offbeat story, then making a foolproof screenplay and most importantly, executing it with flourish. DOSTANA merges form and content beautifully, since the film is, technically speaking, sound. Ayananka Bose's cinematography is top notch. The locales of Miami are a feast for your eyes. Costumes and styling are very upmarket.

Vishal-Shekhar's music goes well with the mood of the film. It's young, peppy and energetic. 'Desi Girl' and 'Maa Da Laadla Bigad Gaya' are foot-tapping compositions. The latter is bound to be a rage!

Both Abhishek and John are fantabulous! Abhishek pulls out all the stops and delivers one of the finest performances of his career. His comic timing is superb! John will make guys and girls drool over his amazing physique. But, most importantly, people will sit up and notice how fine an actor John is. Both Abhishek and John compliment each other so well. In fact, had the chemistry and camaraderie been missing, the story would've failed to look convincing. Two thumbs up for these two guys!

Priyanka looks stunning and delivers a first-rate performance. First FASHION, now DOSTANA, Priyanka is back with a bang. Bobby Deol lends the required class to his role. No other actor would've looked so real while underplaying this character.

Boman Irani is sure to bring the house down, the auditorium is sure to resonate with laughter in his sequences. Kirron Kher is superb as the Punjabi mom. Watch her throw a fit when she learns that her son [Abhishek] is gay and much later, when she accepts John as family. She's remarkable! Sushmita Mukherjee, as Priyanka's aunt, is fantastic. She's so, so funny. Shilpa Shetty sizzles in the opening track.

On the whole, DOSTANA is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter. In terms of business, the film holds tremendous appeal for the youth. The 16 to 25 age-group would go into raptures and bonkers over this film. Its business at multiplexes mainly will be amazing. In Overseas too, the film should emerge amongst the biggest draws of 2008. DOSTANA rocks... have a blast!

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi's theatrical promo to hit theatres on November 14

The much awaited theatrical promo of Aditya Chopra's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi will be unveiled in theatres worldwide this Friday (November 14). This promo of Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi is being released with Dostana which is also being distributed by Yash Raj Films. So if you have seen ' Haule Haule', the first musical promo of the film, and want to know what the film is all about, then get ready to check out the film's theatrical promo.

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi stars Shah Rukh Khan and debutante Anushka Sharma, and is written and directed by Aditya Chopra. The music of the film is by Salim-Sulaiman and the lyrics are by Jaideep Sahni.

RAB NE BANA DI JODI with DOSTANA

The children's day release, Karan Johar's Tarun Mansukhani directed DOSTANA is tipped to take a breathtaking start at the ticket window. And for that the makers of the Abhishek, Priyanka, John Abraham and Bobby Deol (special appearance) starrer have to thank some superb promos, popular music and intelligent tie–ups.

Well, apart from the hot hunks, the DHOOM duo Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham and the sizzling Priyanka Chopra, there is another very interesting and exciting reason to check out DOSTANA! The smoking hot film is carrying in its prints the detailed theatrical promo of one of the most awaited movies of the year, the Aditya Chopra directed Shah Rukh Khan starrer, RAB NE BANA DI JODI. Initially the promo was planned with Yash Raj's very own ROADSIDE ROMEO, but the decision was postponed and naturally, Aditya and Shah Rukh's good friend, Karan Johar's DOSTANA is now the chosen one!

With the music of RAB NE BANA DI JODI already creating a buzz, the film is all set to release to a great response on December 12th.

John, Abhishek shoot an additional song for Dostana

It's customary for two stars to be pitched against one another in real life whenever they are paired on screen. The last time we heard murmurs of discontent was when Bipasha and Deepika apparently couldn't stand one another while shooting Bachna Ae Haseeno.

But John and Abhishek get along like a house on fire. To their regret, they had to shoot a music video for Dostana separately.

Producer Karan Johar who just landed in Mumbai after two weeks of location hunting in Los Angeles says the song 'Maa Da Ladla' was shot during his absence. "I left it entirely to my director Tarun Mansukhani and to the choreographer Feroz (who's been Farah Khan's assistant for ten years). So you'll have to ask Tarun what happened."

Tarun Mansukhani has his own explanation for why Abhishek and John shot the song separately. "I deliberately didn't shoot the song with John and Abhishek together. I wanted at least this one song 'Maa Da Ladla' to look different from the rest of the film where they're constantly together, fooling around, chumming it up. They shot individually, so the masti of the rest of the movie was missing on the sets." Tarun trails off sadly, and then perks up. "The last shooting before this was for 'Desi Girl' where all of us were together. It was so much fun."

The 'Maa Da Ladla' song was shot on 15, 16 and 17 October at Filmistan studios and onlookers watched Abhishek and John arrive on separate days. "This is a music video which we'll use for promotion and probably for the end titles," explains Tarun.

Says Abhishek, "It was wonderful to shoot with John Abraham again after Dhoom. It was fun on the sets because we were all friends."

Adds John, "Abhishek is not co-star or colleague. He's a friend. I dote on him. I love him to death. We never compete. We complement each other in Dostana. We share a great chemistry. Abhishek and I are a couple in the film."

YRF felicitates KJo to celebrate 10 years of association with Dharma Productions

Thursday (October 23) saw the doors of the Courthouse Hotel graced by Bollywood's most successful film director Karan Johar, as he joined members of the public and media to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Box Office smash Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and the release of his hotly anticipated film Dostana, hosted by Yash Raj Films.

The intimate and exclusive gathering allowed the invited audience to pose challenging questions to get to the heart of Karan's thoughts and ambitions. The fascinating and often revealing interview session hosted by actor and radio presenter, Ameet Chana, took guests through Karan's 10 year journey from the new boy of Bollywood to the hottest property on the other side of the camera.

It was the first time that members of the public had been given access to Karan and his frank, open and amusing answers to their questions. Visitors were given a unique insight into the man that has given global audiences such memorable films as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and of course Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna amongst others.

Event host Ameet Chana said, "It's been an honour and a pleasure to host this celebration and to be one of the first to quiz Karan about the new film, Dostana. He is such a prestigious figure in the Bollywood film industry and it's great to finally get him in the hot seat!"

Talking about Dostana, Karan said, "Dostana was great to produce as it is a light hearted look at friendship, love and relationships of all types. Filming in a great location such as Miami inevitably leads to fun and frolics for crew and cast alike. As you know, I like my films to break barriers and create lots of discussion and debate and I hope Dostana will continue the trend."

Avtar Panesar, Vice President of International Operations for Yash Raj films said, "Our relationship with Dharma Productions has been growing and developing, just as Karan's portfolio has. We are delighted to be part of the team that brings his films to global audiences. It seems fitting that we not only celebrate the huge impact that KKHH had on audiences across the world, but also mark the next decade of Karan's journey with the launch of Dostana, which I know will successfully follow in the footsteps of all Karan Johar films. This is our way of thanking Karan Johar for his 10 years of 'Dostana' so far and hopefully we'll be back here in 10 years time to do it all over again."

The hottest gay couple of bollywood

Ok, who’s the hottest couple in Bollywood? Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, right?

Wrong! After Karan Johar’s Dostana next month, it’s going to be Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham. The two hunks, according to the buzz from the film’s sets on Miami’s sunny beaches, share such a terrific chemistry... that audiences are going to wonder.

Check out this rumble-tumble they’re indulging in and decide, is there a vibe between them? For sure! John, of course, is the international gay’s fantasy. And Abhishek is fast getting there with his switchover from dark-and-brooding to naughty-and-mischievous. Apparently, John and Abhishek had no hesitation about putting their leading hero and straight images on hold for the time being and playing gay with conviction on screen. Union Health Minister Ambumani Ramadoss, who was all for changing the law that makes homosexuality a crime in India, will be delighted.

Karan, who’s always pushed the romantic genre and taken it to higher levels in cinema, admits that he’s experimented with the gay theme. “But not in an offensive way,” said the director, “this is not Brokeback Mountain, you understand, but it’s also not the same triangle with a train, plane or automobile climax and somebody rushing to stop someone from going away.

Our audiences are more ready than filmmakers for new formats and path-breaking films. Ten years ago, who would have thought A Wednesday would pack in multiplexes or a Taare Zameen Par would do multi-crore business?

They would be parallel cinema. Today they are mainstream.” Agreed. Times are a-changing and kuch kuch hota hai in Bollywood!

'Shut Up and Bounce'

After Desi Girl, it's now time for Shilpa Shetty to Shut Up and Bounce. That's the song in Tarun Mansukhani's Dostana that will air soon.

Producer Karan Johar says, "Shilpa has done a sizzling job but the credit also goes to Tarun and Vaibhavi Merchant (choreographer). Composed by Vishal-Shekhar, the track is an introductory song picturised on the film's stars John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in Miami.

Tarun and Vaibhavi wanted a hot actress to be with them. We all brainstormed and felt that Shilpa undoubtedly has the best body in the business."

Tarun adds, "Vishal-Shekhar and I were bouncing all kinds of tunes when they both got fed up with me and said, 'Shut up and give me a song that won't bounce' and that became the catchword."

About choosing Shilpa, Tarun says, "She is the quintessential bikini babe. She was comfortable about wearing everything and is very dedicated. We were to shoot the song in seven days but completed it in four and a half."

A source close to Shilpa says, "The actress had stopped doing item numbers as people had stopped taking her seriously. She was concentrating more on performance-oriented roles. When Karan asked her to do the song, Shilpa wanted to hear it out.

The moment she heard it, she loved it and agreed instantly. Shilpa also loved the perfect amalgamation of her favourite people working with her which included apart from Karan and Vaibhavi, Manish Malhotra (designer), Mickey Contractor (make-up) and Latika (hairstylist).

Adds the source, "When she landed in Miami, her baggage went missing. But she went shopping with Manish and bought stuff from designers Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana to wear."