Emraan Hashmi shares his plans for 'Raaz 3' and fatherhood

His "Raaz 2" has got an encouraging opening and actor Emraan Hashmi (pictured left) is all set to work in the third installment of the spooky thriller. He also feels secure enough to start a family now.

"We're trying for a baby and we should be parents by next year. One is never prepared for fatherhood. And if I wait to be fully prepared, it will never happen. But I'm getting into the mindset now," Emraan, who is married to Parveen Shahani, told IANS.

Talking about "Raaz 3", he said: "Yes we're on," said Emraan. "The third part will also be directed by Mohit Suri and I'll play the lead. The rest of the details are yet to be decided. The cast of the second 'Raaz' film was totally new. And I think I'm going to be the only actor common to 'Raaz 2' and '3'."

Emraan feels vindicated by the audiences' response to "Raaz 2", which also starred Kangana Ranaut and newcomer Adhyayan Suman.

"My wife kept telling me I should try the genre. I had never done horror before. It's believed in the trade that horror films open well and then soon fizzle out. But then it was also believed that a film looking at the seamier side of cricket ('Jannat') would never do well.

"I like to walk the lonely path. That's why you don't see me at parties and functions. Maybe that's why I play the part of the loner and watch another guy take away the girl I love," Emran said, drawing attention to his loser-lover's role in "Awarapan" and now "Raaz 2".

Emraan, who has been lying low during the publicity of "Raaz 2" thanks to all the focus on real-life pair Kangana-Adhyayan, says he didn't feel left out.

"Kangana and Adhyayan were a real-life couple. I can't concoct an affair just to be noticed. I was confident my work would speak for itself. Sure enough I believe people clap when I come on screen the first time. I do have fan base, though it might be small," he said.

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!

"I don't yell from the top of my voice about being the lead" - Emraan Hashmi

For Emraan Hashmi, playing an integral character in a film is the most important thing to do regardless of the screen space he gets. So whether it is a small but critical role in Kalyug or an obsessive lover with villainous shades in Murder or one of the three key characters in Raaz - The Mystery Continues, he approaches them with all the honesty and integrity.

Ask him if he is the main lead in the film or Adhyayan Suman and he goes on to reply, "I don't really get into topics like these because gone are the days when there was the concept of a hero or a main lead. I pick up a film when I am very convinced about a role because it's the depth in the character that matters most. If I like it, I go ahead and do it. I don't get into matters where I have to worry about whether the person other than me in the film has a meatier role."

Stating examples about how he has maintained this strategy from the very beginning of his career that saw him playing second lead to Aftab Shivdasani in Footpath, he goes on to add, "If I had thought on those lines, would I have done Murder considering it was supposed to be Mallika's film? When I do a film, I move ahead and let the audience decide whose film it was. I don't yell from the top of my voice that 'This is MY film'. The same holds good for Raaz - The Mystery Continues as well."

Some actors choose to do that though. They want the world to know that they have the most important part to play in a film. "Other actors may have different work priorities, I have my own. I work for the betterment of the character; the way the director wants me to play it. At the end of the day, a film is much bigger than the actor. And by the way, whenever I have a special appearance in the film, I haven't hidden it. There is no point being dishonest to your audience. In case of Kalyug, I had told people that I had a special appearance and it was basically a Kunal (Khemu) film", remembers Emraan Hashmi.

Which means he has a full fledged role in Raaz - The Mystery Continues even though all the romance seems to be reserved for Kangna and Adhyayan Suman? "Absolutely. I have a full blown character to enact in Raaz -TMC. As for who romances whom in the film, then well, watch the film", he winks before signing off.

'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.

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."

Emraan loses 10 kgs to get the lean look for Raaz - The Mystery Continues

There is no denying the fact that Emraan Hashmi is the Bhatt camp's blue eyed boy. The actor, who is on a high post the stupendous success of Jannat, is now awaiting the release of his next film Raaz- The Mystery Continues. Produced under the banner of Vishesh Films and directed by young Mohit Suri, Raaz- The Mystery Continues has Emraan playing the role of an artist.

Known for getting into the skin of the character completely, Emraan lost 10 kgs for Raaz- TMC and is looking very lean. What's more? Epitomizing the creative spirit, he's also spiked his hair, grown an arty beard, kohled his eyebrows, and loaded up on junk jewellery.

It was director Mohit Suri who wanted Emraan to shed some of that extra flab and get completely into the character. Emraan crash dieted and completely cut off bread, pastries, cheese and any kind of junk food from his diet. He switched to sugar free desserts, from aata to nachni rotis and even minimized his salt intake. The results are there for all to see- he was 76 kgs and is now much leaner at 66 kgs.

Speaking about this effort Emraan says "It's not so difficult, if you're serious about it. And the results are the biggest motivator encouraging me to stick to the schedule. Along with the change in diet, I walk every day for an hour and drink lots of water. Also, I've begun having dinner 3 hours before I sleep, and whenever I have a day off, I go for a run before breakfast, because you supposedly burn more of fat that way. I saw the biggest difference in a week after cutting off bread from my diet."

The big question however is, Will he continue with this diet plan? "Sure" he says, "I've got used to this discipline and am enjoying this new leaner feel."

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!

Exclusive promo of 'Raaz - The Mystery Continues'

RAAZ -THE MYSTERY CONTINUES on 23rd January

It's going to be a spine-chilling winter!!!

While the mystery is continuing in production and on celluloid, there is one major clue that has been solved. Yes, the date for the theatrical release of the next blockbuster thriller from Bollywood, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is now no more a secret. This spine chilling movie from Vishesh Films is going to hit worldwide screens on 23rd January 2009. This is the most anticipated release of 2009, with absolutely no other film to match up to its theme and style. It's definitely going to be a chilly winter that will keep you shuddering!!

RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is being directed by Mohit Suri and stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman.

''It is definitely thrilling to be ready to present Vishesh Films' next film to the world,'' says Mukesh Bhatt, ''RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has been much talked about and long awaited by everyone, so here it is! Get ready to be spooked!'' Though only very few people are aware of the exact story of RAAZ- THE MYSTERY CONTINUES it is believed to be a supernatural thriller dealing with the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film will tend to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena.

The blockbuster music of Vishesh Films' JANNAT - which is still ruling the charts - was released on Sony BMG. RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES takes this association a step forward with Sony BMG. Contrary to popular belief, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is not a sequel to the musical blockbuster RAAZ - which is one of the biggest musical blockbusters of all time and the only blockbuster musical thriller of this decade!! It is an industry claim that Vishesh Films is amongst the very few that can create and carry off a film in the thriller genre, on par with stylized film making. So RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has many people awaiting a watch!

According to insiders, the entire shoot for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is complete. Post-production, which involves exceptional special effects is now in the process. Another scoop from insiders is that the music of RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is a notch above JANNAT!! Though most are skeptical on how this is possible, the select few who have heard the music simply vouch for the fact that Raju Singh and other composers have done a fantastic job!!

Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director Sony BMG says, ''We have had a very successful association with the Bhatts for JANNAT. The music of this film has ruled the charts and continues to be a hot favourite. I'm very certain that RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is also set to be a tremendous sensation and a great experience. We're all looking forward to this release.''

Looks like Sony BMG and Vishesh Films are ready to create more records across charts!!

Emraan opts out of Warner Bros project

The success of the Bhatts' Jannat released right in the middle of stiff competition from the IPL matches has shocked one and all, including the film's leading man Emraan Khan who has wasted no time in hiking his price from an estimate1.5 crore rupees to 5 crores. "And why not?" Emraan argues happily. "Equations change every Friday. The sun has started shining for me. I seem to have had a solo hit at a time when only Akshay Kumar and the Khans seem to be getting the audiences in," he.

"Ya, my price has gone up. I won't say drastically. Right now I can quote a higher price with some justification." There's celebration in Emraan's house. "I've cut about fifteen cakes in the last one week. And I've just bought a new BMW. I was so confident about Jannat that I had it delivered to my home on the day of its release."

Emraan has even backed out of a film that Warner Brothers was to produce in association with Tandav Films (of Khosla Ka Ghosla). Here Emraan gets evasive. "I wouldn't like to comment on which project I backed out. But yes, we were in serious negotiation. I only had to sign the contract. But as is the rule in the entertainment industry, they were waiting to see how Jannat would perform. But now the ball is in my court. Since I'm in a negotiable position now, why should I sign the film at a price I was supposed to? They were playing the wait-and-watch game. Now that they've watched it's my turn."

Emraan says his price also goes up for his mentors the Bhatts. "I haven't spoken to them about my price now that Jannat has done so well. But they've always been very fair as far as the price goes. We share a professional relationship first, we're relatives later. Eventually, the film stands on its own, no matter who makes it. I only sign Bhatt Saab's films when I'm convinced about them. It isn't as if I've said yes to all his offers. I was picky earlier. I'm being more picky now."

Emraan says he was always getting offers outside the Bhatt camp. "But yes after Jannat the offers from outside are better. This is probably the best time as an actor for me." His next release is Raaz 2. "Like Jannat and the earlier films that I've done with Bhatt Saab, it tries something different. No one wants to touch the horror genre. It hasn't been explored sufficiently except in the first part of Raaz which came five years ago. I've again done the unexpected in Raaz 2. I feel the different will always work. I guess the same applies to me as an actor. I always go for the unconventional roles."

Strangely, Emraan has always been working with new leading ladies. "I don't see that as a burden. I think the audience wants to see me with new heroines and yes, I did kiss my heroine in Jannat too, though this time it was more furtive than torrid. If the director feels the kiss has to be shown, I won't object to a kiss in future too."

Emraan's wife loved Jannat. "She's zapped by its success. Suddenly to have your spouse blossom into a star…it completes our circle of happiness. The prolonged period of failure has been good for me. It made me realize I wasn't invincible. If people don't earn money out of you in the entertainment industry they don't want you. As simple as that."

Says Emraan, "We were warned not to release Jannat with the IPL. Biggies like Tashan and Paachvi Paas on TV had failed. I was very confident about Jannat. We got a phenomenal opening. The collections have only been going up. Eventually, a film stands on its own, and the promos helped. The past one year was really tough on me. If Jannat didn't work I'd been really frustrating. I was bitter and angry. So Jannat was a do or die project for me. If it failed I had told myself nothing else will work."

Emraan ecstatic as Jannat matches Race opening

The team of Jannat can't believe it.

Their film has taken an opening which, as per prominent distributors and trade insiders, is at par with that of this year's biggest success Race. In the process, it has supposedly also matched the records set by Welcome, the biggest hit ever of Akshay Kumar.

"Yeah man, I can't believe the kind of numbers which are being thrown in front me", exclaims Emraan who has been promoting his film non-stop across the sub-continent', "People from Bhatt saab's office and other distributors have been sending congratulating notes about the huge opening that Jannat has taken. After Awarapan, on which I was really banking a lot, this success is pretty timely and has acted as a shot in the arm."

Kunal Deshmukh, the first time director reaffirms, "I was there in Kolkata yesterday for the film's premiere and the response there had to be seen to be believed. Especially so, since yesterday there was an IPL match in the city and still people were thronging the theater in a big way."

"Can you believe it that it took us almost an hour to even get away from the theater once the show ended", says a visibly thrilled Emraan, "There were a couple of thousand of people inside the theatre and on the road and it was quite some challenge to get the car out of that place. Of course, I didn't mind this at all. I was charged to see the way crowds were reacting."

Talking about his Pakistan premiere experience, Emraan added, "The moment I reached the venue I was shocked to see as many as 500 odd reporters/journalists out there. For a theater with a capacity of 1500 people, there were 2500 watching the film. They were seated all over on aisles and floors. It was surreal to say the least."

Tell Kunal that though reviews have ranged from average to very good, no one has thrashed Jannat and he laughs, "Thanks goodness for that. It is quite important to see how your first film is received. Yup, critics have been overall fair though you can't stop them from nitpicking. A couple of them feel that Jannat should have spoken more about match fixing. Arrey yaar, it is entirely the team's prerogative on what story it wants to tell. One should comment on what the film 'is' rather than what it 'should' be!"

On his performance being unanimously acclaimed, Emraan says, "That's quite reassuring actually. Now I want box office success to be coupled with good reviews as well. After an opening like this, I am looking forward to how audience continues to react on the weekdays. We have taken up a big challenge of fighting it out with the IPL and we better carry on the momentum now."

B.O. update: 'Jannat' fetches excellent start

The lull has finally ended! Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt's JANNAT, directed by debutante Kunal Deshmukh, has fetched an excellent start. At places, the occupancy was 100%, at places 70%-80%. Inox, PVR and Velocity, Indore had a 100% start in the first show, Fame Surat was 100%, Inox Baroda was 100%, Prasad Hyderabad was 100%, Satyam Delhi was 100%.

According to Aditya Choksey, one of the leading distributors of C.I., "JANNAT has fetched the biggest start after RAAZ, for the Bhatts." The Rajasthan distributor was ecstatic as well, so was the Punjab distributor. Mumbai and Delhi also recorded very good opening. The Bhatts seem to have a winner on hand!

Taran Adarsh

Guess who plays ghost in Mohit Suri’s Raaz?

Emraan Hashmi has been on an experimenting mode. After being celebrated for his serial kisser status, he experimented with his image as action hero. He did Awarapan which changed his image completely. Now Mohit Suri again takes the responsibility to present him in a new avatar.

Emraan is all set to play a new role that he hasn’t played before. He plays a ghost in Mohit Suri’s forthcoming film Raaz – The Mystery Continues . Being confident about him, Mohit feels Emraan is apt for the role. He believes in Emraan’s talent, thus he challenges to showcase Emraan in a very different character.

While Emran Hashmi, who is playing the ghost in the film, says “I don't
believe in ghosts, but, if the word ghost exists, there might be ghosts too....” Emraan feels that this role will be a surprise for his fans as they have always seen him as a romantic hero. “It is a different character as I am playing a ghost for the first time. For my audiences it will be a new flavor, till today they have seen me in a chocolate boy's role.”

Mohit Suri is confident about Emraan and his film. “This film is definitely going to score more marks than Raaz because we have used various special effects for the first time in horror scenes.” It can be recalled that Malini Sharma played the role of a ghost in Vikram Bhatt’s Raaz . Apart from Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut, it also stars Shekhar Suman's son Adhyayan Suman.

Reshma Kelkar

"It isn't only Vishesh Films for me" - Emraan Hashmi

Murder, Kalyug, Zeher, Awarapan, Gangster, Jannat, Raaz 2 - Each of these films has two common factors to them - Bhatt brothers and Emraan Hashmi. Over the period of time, not just have these films (with an exception of Jannat and Raaz 2 which are yet to be released) turned out to be box office or critical successes, they have also helped both Vishesh Films and Emraan Hashmi show a constant progression.

All this makes one wonder if young Emraan Hashmi has pretty much settled down to the fact that it's this association which would form a major part of his career? Or has he ever thought of exploring new avenues?

"It's all speculation that I am interested in doing films only for Bhatt saab. It isn't only Vishesh Films for me. Yes, I share a great comfort level with them; there are no two thoughts about this. But just like the way they too are making movies with other actors (Dhokha, Showbiz), even I am working with other filmmakers", says Emraan Hashmi.

Well, one does miss the fizz when either of the two do not work with each other. Both Dhokha and Showbiz bombed at the box office while Hashmi too hasn't quite been lucky with his non-Bhatt films like The Train or Good Boy Bad Boy which released last year.

"I don't intend to blame the director of Good Boy Bad Boy, there were so many factors which went against the film. However, it was a case of the final product turning out to be different from what was written on paper. However, I still have no regrets about doing the film as I was mighty excited about the plot. Anyways, I am learning from the mistakes. It always helps when a project of your fails since you start looking at reality. It makes you realize where you have gone wrong and brings you back to reality", introspects Hashmi.

Adds Hashmi, "When you are on a high, you enjoy all the accolades coming your way. You seem to be doing everything right and get into a little relaxed mode. However, with highs like these, it is only good to have lows. Professionally, it was a low in 2007 since I was most hurt about Awarapan not working in the way I was expecting it to. "

"Anyways, thankfully there was some good critical appreciation coming my way, so no damage done. I now have my Jannat to look forward to. Hopefully it will get me critical as well as mass acclaim", winks Emraan.

Joginder Tuteja

Emraan's birthday gift

Emraan Hashmi thrilled to receive an electric mosquito-zapping racquet on his birthday

People have been known to get stranger things. Emraan Hashmi’s gift was more commonplace. Yesterday, the actor joined the ranks of director Farah Khan when he was gifted an electric mosquito- zapping racquet on his birthday by one of his friends.

Says Emraan excitedly, “Yes, I did get a mosquito-zapping racquet from one of my friends, Varsha, and am very excited about it.

Though I don’t have mosquitoes in my Bandra apartment, they are great fun to have, apart from being addictive. Every time a mosquito gets hit by the racquet it makes a crackling noise. I love that noise! I am planning to carry it to my shoots and to discotheques and restaurants as it will create quite a noise there.”

It’s a most unusual birthday gift to have. Laughs Emraan, “I had told Varsha that this was what I wanted for my birthday. It was on my birthday list and the best gift that I have had so far!”

It surpasses wife Parveen’s gift too a dinner paid by her at the Grand Hyatt on Sunday night. “Yes, even that,” says Emraan who took his buddies out yesterday night for dinner.

The birthday boy spent half the day shooting important scenes for Jannat at Madh Island. “I was so tired by the time I came home ended up cutting five chocolates cakes including two cakes on the set. I couldn’t eat any of them as I am not fond of cakes. Also cakes screw up a day’s worth of cardio.”

But apart from his mosquito racquet, Emraan has gifted himself video game CDs. “I’m a game fanatic and have Playstations and xBoxes. My favorite game is Burnout. I am not a gift person I don’t like getting or giving gifts. But yes, apart from video games and consoles, I am an accessories person.

I love to collect watches. My two favourites are a Breitling and a Panerai. I like chunky watches and so does my dad. He has gifted me lots of watches. I also collect leather wristbands bought from the road.”
His next release Jannat is round the corner. What’s his wish for 2008? “Lots of hit films!”

Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Wish Emraan Hashmi, a very Happy Birthday!

Mythology says that the place where you have a mole attracts its corresponding actions in abundance. For example, if you have a mole on your palm, you’re bound to attract money in abundance, mole on your tongue attracts sweet flow of words so on and so forth. Here is one man who we feel is blessed with not one, but multitudes of moles on his lips.

Emraan Hashmi, Bollywood’s very Brand Ambassador of ‘kiss’ whom no Miss (and even Mrs.) would ever want to miss. As today is the day when the man with the most envied destiny was born, join us in wishing the ‘one of his kind’ superstar, Emraan Hashmi, a very Happy Birthday by posting your messages below. Do we really need to mentions that besides your messages you can include your love and hugs and Yesss! Your kisses also, (as if u didn’t know)! All these days he was making your day now, its your turn to make the ‘Killer’s’ day by boarding ‘The Train’ that takes you to Emraan’s ‘Jannat’.

Awarapan - Movie Review

Choosing an interesting story is difficult. But doing justice to the story is nothing short of an achievement. AWARAPAN, directed by Mohit Suri, gets it right on both the levels -- on paper first, on celluloid later.

For Hindi moviegoers, the story may remind you of Rakesh Roshan's KOYLA [SRK, Madhuri, Amrish Puri], but in actuality, AWARAPAN borrows from director Kim Ji-woon's Korean film A BITTERSWEET LIFE [2005; Korean title: DALKOMHAN INSAENG; starring Lee Byung-Hun, Kim Young-Cheol, Shin Mina]. Nothing wrong with being inspired, since every director has his way of interpreting a story. Also, Mohit adapts the content to suit Indian sensibilities.

AWARAPAN is as raw as a gash inflicted by a rod. A number of Hindi films have plunged into the underbelly of the underworld/mafia in the past, so how different is AWARAPAN from films of its ilk? AWARAPAN packs in all this and something extra in those 2 hours -- a love story and spirituality.

More than anything else, AWARAPAN marks the coming of age of one of the most under-rated actors on this side of the Atlantic -- Emraan Hashmi. Shunning and discarding his by-now-famous casanova image, Emraan enacts a role that every actor craves for in his heart since the opportunities are limited in the masala set-up. And the youngster interprets it with aplomb.

To sum up, AWARAPAN has style and substance, both. The film packs a solid punch in those 12 reels.

AWARAPAN is the story of man called Shivam [Emraan Hashmi], who searches for joy but finds pain and loneliness. It is the journey of a heartbroken lover who, in order to escape from the ghosts of his tragic past, dedicates himself to serve his gangster boss Malik [Ashutosh Rana], who runs a chain of hotels in Hong Kong.

One day, Malik asks Shivam to do an unusual job for him. He asks him to keep an eye on his young mistress Reema [Mrinalini Sharma] while he is away on a brief business trip. Reema is a young Pakistani girl who is a victim of human trafficking. Malik had 'bought' her in the flesh market in Bangkok.

The brief is clear: If Reema is found cheating behind Malik's back, Shivam has to eliminate her. From the moment Shivam sets his eyes on Reema, his frozen past begins to raise its head. He is reminded of his lost love [Shriya Saran] and how he had failed to save it from a catastrophe.

And then one night Shivam is shocked to discover that the innocent looking Reema has a secret boyfriend [Rehaan Khan], whom she has tucked away and is planning to run away with. Does Shivam remain loyal to Malik and execute his orders or does he take on his wrath by daring to go against him?

Frankly, you need to have a strong stomach to absorb a film like AWARAPAN. The film is dark, serious and violent. The romance, therefore, is minimal, but whenever injected in the plotline acts as a coolant.

Director Mohit Suri continues to grow as a storyteller. Note the sequence when Shriya's father catches Shriya and Emraan red-handed and the confrontation that ensues, leaving Emraan's life devastated. Note another sequence: Emraan walking up to Ashutosh Rana and after a verbal duel, fires at him from point-blank range. There're more sequences that only illustrate the fact that Mohit is amongst the finest storytellers today.

But, on the flip side, the excessive violence can be off-putting for a section of viewers. Emraan being buried alive or the constant gunshots and gore can compel you to take your eyes off the screen. This film is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Pritam's musical score is refreshing. The tunes are fresh and so are the voices. Cinematography [Raaj Chakravarti] is good, although a few sequences could've been better lit in some scenes. The background score [Raju Singh] is excellent. Dialogues are a highpoint. The dialogue between Ashutosh Rana and Mrinalini, drawing parallels with a sick puppy, is superb.

As mentioned at the outset, Emraan delivers a magnificent performance. When the year draws to a close and the 'Best Actor' nominations are being formalized, including this performance would only be appreciating and acknowledging qualitative work.

Ashutosh Rana is splendid and all you want to ask the actor is, aap kahan thhe itne mahine? Shriya Saran has a small role, but she sparkles every time she appears on screen. Mrinalini is a talent to watch out for. She's outstanding!

Purab Kohli is superb as the eccentric nephew of Ashutosh Rana. Ashish Vidyarthi is wasted. Salil Acharya is a welcome addition to the list of talented actors. Shaad [introduced in WOH LAMHE] is very good. Rehaan Khan [introduced in JAANA] is hardly there. Atul Parchure is nice.

On the whole, AWARAPAN is a well-made product that should appeal to its target audience -- the youth, especially those who appreciate genuinely hatke themes. At the box-office, the film will be affected due to multiple releases in a week. Releasing the film in an open week, without oppositions, would've only helped. However, AWARAPAN should grow with a strong word of mouth.

Mahesh Bhatt is planning a sequel to 'Murder'

Will Mallika star in Mahesh Bhatt's next? The question started doing rounds as Mallika Sherawat recently found at a party thrown by producer-director Mahesh Bhatt, who had set to not sign up Mallika for any of his next after 'Murder' and even stopped talking with the sex bomb.
Reportedly after 'Murder' became hit, Mallika demanded high compensation for Bhatt's next, which didn't go down well with Mahesh, and so fallen out.
But now looking at Mallika's surprise appearance at the party and posing cozy with Mahesh, it's evident that they have been patched up.
Mahesh hosted the party to celebrate the success of his films - 'Murder', 'Zeher', 'Gangster' and 'Woh Lamhe'.
There were Kangana Ranaut (heroine of 'Gangster' and 'Woh Lamhe') and Shamita Shetty (heroine of 'Zeher'), who sure graced the party with their sizzling beauty but Mallika outshined them all.
Mallika also posed together with her 'Murder' co-star Emraan Hashmi, who's a regular hero of Bhatt camp. Now the buzz is doing rounds, Mahesh Bhatt is planning a sequel to the popular sex-thriller 'Murder', which will see again the same Mallika and Emraan indulging in extra-marital sex, though no official confirmation has come yet but according to industry grapevines announcement on 'Murder' II is about to hit the headlines.