Kangna Ranaut finds herself scary

After Fashion, Kangna Ranaut is basking in the glory of Raaz 2. We met her at the success party of the film and instead of singing praises of her character, the actress revealed how she got scared of herself in the film!

I don’t want to play a ghost for the next five years atleast. I’ll get scared of myself if I do! Some scenes are so horrifying that I got cramps in my stomach while watching those,” she stated. So don’t treat Kangs for a horror flick for a few years, else she’ll just ‘run-out’!

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.

Kangana Ranaut going Aamir's way

Raaz- The Mystery Continues has been declared the first smash hit of 2009. The film is said to gross 35 crores before the weekend arrives and naturally this has the main protagonist of the film, Kangana Ranaut, smiling from ear to ear. In fact when we spoke to Kangana, she said she was pretty confident about the success of her film.

Below is an excerpt from the interview:

How was your overall experience of working in Raaz?
It was good in all aspects and the kind of character I have executed in Raaz, it needed a lot hard work. And I went through it and did my part as an actor. And I also discovered that when working in horror film a lot depends on the character and the treatment of the film. I think Mohit has done a really good job. In fact every one in the film has been impressive be it Emraan or anyone.

What about Adhyayan?
He is a good actor. There is no doubt and he absorbs things before enacting it. That's what I saw on the sets of Raaz. He has worked very hard for his part and at the same time he was a great support for his co-stars.

Tell us something about him that no one knows…
(laughs) He is a complete foodie and he eats all the raashan kept in my home!

He sings too!
Yes he sings well but he is self obsesses! I was the first one to hear him singing.

You are one of the very few people who work on one film at a time. Are you learning from Aamir?
Aamir is my all time favourite actor! He is a true actor…And somewhere even I think that rather than doing ten films in a year I should do one film and that's all. But of course risk is there in doing just one film and so I am really careful about the kind of movie I choose to do.

Raaz - The Mystery Continues - Movie Review

By Taran Adarsh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CC2C is last big movie till summer

CC2C is one of the biggest releases of the year. Starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in a double role and having been shot extensively in India and China on a big budget, it is being premiered around the globe and promises to be a fun, masaledaar roller coaster ride; a quintessential Bollywood masala blockbuster.

But unfortunately for Bollywood the next big release after CC2C is the other Akki starrer on May 29.

January end will see films like Luck By Chance, Raaz – The Mystery Continues and Slumdog Crorepati releasing. And while no one doubts the story line or success chances of the film, the fact still remains that none of them star big A –list actors.

Slumdog is a brilliant film, no doubt, but it is not a Bollywood film. Luck By Chance stars Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma in the lead. They both are brilliant actors but don't fall in the superstar bracket. Raaz – The Mystery COntinues has Kangana, Adhyayan and Emraan but they aren't A-listers yet. The film, like most Emraan Hashmi films will probably be a hit because it has been made on a small budget and the music is chartbusting. And ending the months is Ajit Pal’s Victory. Harman Baweja and Amrita Rao are not stars. The film might draw in people because of its cricket theme but not for the stars.

The films of February veer on the arty, indie, experimental and small budget side. There is Devdas' modern version, Dev D starring Abhay Deol who is a critically acclaimed actor but hasn't sparkled at the BO yet. Billu Barber has Lara Dutta and Irrfan in the lead. SRK is there only to add star.

Delhi 6 is very intriguing and appealing but AB Jr. hasn’t yet made it into the superstar bracket. Next is Nandita Das' Firaaq which has been applauded at festivals but it isn't a commercial film and boasts of super actors like Paresh Rawal and Naseeruddin Shah and not Bollywood’s masala superstars. Ketan Mehta's biopic on Raja Ravi Verma, Rang Rasiya starring Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen, has also got standing ovations at festivals but its release keeps getting postponed. Not everyone knows Randeep and Nandana and the film is likely to click with only a niche audience.

March maybe a very hot month but it doesn't have any hot releases. There is Anil Kapoor's Shortkut: The Con Is On which has been in the making for a very long time. Amrita Rao isn't a hottie who sets the BO on fire even if she sports a bikini and Sanjay Dutt hasn't had a hit since Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007. It is a thriller. This genre seldom draws in the crowds (A Wednesday is a brilliant exception) and recent thrillers like Kidnap and Maharathi have been disappointments.

Deepak Tijori's Fox stars Arjun Rampal and Sunny Deol. Deepak has made awful films like Khamosh, Fareb and Oops in the past so it isn't wise to bank on this film.

April fares even worse than March in terms of sizzling hot releases. Dharma Productions' romantic comedy Wake Up Sid starring Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor is the only flick that merits a mention. Revolving around a young guy falling for an older woman, it may be a fantastic film but it is a small film that might just become a surprise hit.

Finally, the big Bollywood blockbuster will arrive on May 29 in the form of Kambakht Ishq. It has superstar Akshay Kumar playing a romantic and an action hero, queen bee Kareena Kapoor plays a model in the film and it has been shot on a lavish budget (courtesy producer Sajid Nadiadwala) across USA, Italy and France with certain segments shot in Mumbai.

Hollywood heavy weight Sylvester Stallone has a cameo in the flick along with bombshells Carmen Electra and Denise Richards. Hip hop sensations Beyonce and Sean Kingston will feature on the soundtrack of the film. With an international cast and locations, premieres across the globe are bound to happen. So, it promises to be your quintessential, leave-your-brains-at-home-and-have-a-Bollywood-blast kind of blockbuster.

And so it looks like Bollywood fans will have to wait for the Khiladi Kumar to return to big screen once again to entertain us!

"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.

Looking forward to 2009 in Bollywood

The New Year has dawned with a promise of more entertaining and thought-provoking cinema from Bollywood. Will new milestones be reached in 2009? Here’s a look.

If 2008 ended on a promising note, 2009 begins with a bang, with some big banner movies set to hog the marquee. The Bhatt camp’s Raaz - The Mystery Continues and the Sippys’ Chandni Chowk To China with Akshay Kumar at the helm would be the two scene stealers of January, which will also witness the release of Zoya Akhtar’s dark comedy on Bollywood, Luck By Chance , due for January 30 release along with Harman Baweja ’s second film Victory . Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire , a Golden Globe nominee and an Oscar hopeful, might get released in January after its successful run at overseas box office.

The month of February would see the release of movies like Priyadarshan’s Billu Barber and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra ’s Dilli 6.

This year will see directors like Anurag Basu and Imtiaz Ali returning after a break of one year. While the Rakesh Roshan produced Kites can hit the theatres any time around mid year as the movie is still in the making and its major chunk is still to be shot, Imtiaz Ali will comeback with yet another love story, untitled yet, starring Deepika Padukone and Saif Ali Khan .

Rajkumar Hirani will not give any Munnabhai jhappi, but will return with a thought-provoking film that takes a dig at our education system in 3 Idiots which is based on bestseller novel ‘Five Point Someone’ and has Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead roles. Most likely, ‘3 Idiots’ would close 2009.

Lavishly budgeted movies in this period of recession may appear absurd but they would be one too many in 2009. London Dreams by Vipul Shah, Kambakkth Ishq by Sajid Nadiadwala , and the Salman Khan -written historical drama ‘Veer’ are some of the celluloid mammoths that would roar in 2009. ‘Kambakkth Ishq’ is particularly special as it has some Hollywood biggies in cameos for the first time in an Indian masala movie.

On the contrary, industry giants like Yashraj and Dharma Productions have few movies lined up this year. There is no news as to when Karan Johar’s much anticipated My Name Is Khan with Kajol and Shahrukh Khan is going to release. Possibly, by this year end. Yashraj will begin this year with New York directed by Kabir Khan and starring John Abraham , Neil Nitin Mukesh and Katrina Kaif . Katrina would also be seen in a love story Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani with Ranbir Kapoor .

Himesh Reshammiya will be back with a movie named A Love Issshtory , again paired opposite two beautiful ladies. You can also watch some off-beat parallel cinema like Dev. D , Aur Devdas , Tera Kya Hoga Johnny , Wake Up Sid , Delhi Belly , Lamha , Teen Patti , Johnny Mastana which has Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, Nagesh Kukunoor’s Eight By Ten or the Bipasha Basu starrer Pankh or Mallika Sherawat ’s nagin act in Hisss .

Some serious directors would dabble in comedy for the first time. Ashutosh Gowarikar is trying some rib-tickling humour in What's Your Raashi with Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja. And Vishal Bharadwaj will return with Kaminay which stars Shahid Kapur and Priyanka in the lead.

And not to forget, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is returning back to what he does best and directing a movie with Hrithik and Aishwarya Rai . Ash would also be seen in Mani Ratnam’s next with hubby Abhishek Bachchan .

From the look of it, 2009 holds out a promising spread.

Adhyayan-Kangna chemistry visible in 'Soniyo'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RAAZ-TMC all set to unfold the mystery

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

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

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

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

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

RAAZ 2 Yet another chartbuster

Music is the most vital element for a successful Bollywood film and nobody gets it more right than the Bhatt camp. They are all set to release RAAZ–THE MYSTERY CONTINUES, their next flick on Jan 23, 2009. The industry is already abuzz in eager anticipation of the music album, which is to be in stores on 10th December 2008. And, as all previous films by Mahesh and Mukesh Bhatt, this one too boasts of a spectacular soundtrack that's going to feature a lot of chartbusters.

Touted as the most expensive horror flick of the industry; RAAZ–THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is surely going to be musical treat for the music buffs all over the country. With some really impressive compositions by a young and talented crop of musicians, RTMC is yet another musical marvel by Vishesh Films. It keeps up with the current trends, styles and like of music lovers – be it the soft numbers or the groovy ones. The first single to be out across radio, television and web is 'Maahi' which has been composed by debutant duo Sharib–Toshi. The composition is really exemplary of great talent. The credit of course goes to Vishesh Films, who have always had the best ear in the industry that keenly sources some awesomely talented people for their music.

RTMC shows more than equal promise to win music fans all across, just like RAAZ of 2002 did.

Mukesh Bhatt says, ''We at Vishesh Films make sincere efforts to give our audience a well–made film packed with soulful lyrics and music as it is a major factor in bringing the movie close to the people. If the music is well received then more than half of the battle is won. I think that the compositions in RTMC will play pivotal role in its success and emerge as a winner.''

The music selection for RTMC was also tough task as Mukesh Bhatt went through more than 300 tunes before choosing 5 of them! With exceptional casting and filmmaking, the film's music has raised the bar and would become a benchmark for the Indian music industry.

The recent films from Vishesh films; be it ZEHER, KALYUG, WOH LAMHE OR AWARAPAN JANNAT – all demonstrate the musical excellence of the Bhatt camp. So, RAAZ THE MYSTERY CONTINUES should be no different. It will surpass the expectations of the audience and reach to the absolute top.

To add further success, Vishesh Films have partnered with SONY BMG, one of the biggest music labels in the world to add a zing to its music. Hence, it can be said that Bhatt camp will definitely live–up to their trademark foot tapping musical scores with RTMC and in the party season itself. RTMC's music would be the one to make the people swing and groove on the dance floor.

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'

"I don't feel glamorous anymore" - Kangna Ranaut

Very recently, Kangna shocked the industry when she made the bold declaration that 'she never felt like being a part of a hardcore Bollywood commercial film because she had no respect for such cinema'! Joginder Tuteja catches up with Kangna on the eve of the release of Fashion for a candid conversation. As the clock has started ticking for the arrival of the film at theaters across the globe, a pertinent question which one can't help but ask is - 'Who amongst the three actresses in Fashion would walk away with the honors. Over to Kangna:

Priyanka has been hailed as the central protagonist in the film. Where do you and Mugdha fit in?
(Smiles) Should I really be commenting on it at this moment when the film is ready to be seen by on and all? You should watch the film and you'll get to know.

But with most of the promos centered on Priyanka, didn't you feel left out?
I didn't. Because the central character of the film is Priyanka. Even the publicity stills and promos are giving the right impression of the film. People should not get the wrong notion about the movie that the promos were focused on one person and the story is about someone else.

Madhur's realistic cinema has always raised eyebrows. Do you want to elaborate on Fashion is it again comes with similar traits?
Raised eyebrows? I don't know in which way? But he has always been appreciated for the films that he has made. He has also won National Awards. I am sure that this film has a possibility of winning him one more award and I think its going to be a very high impact film rather than a controversial one.

You have been a model yourself. That must have helped your performance in Fashion, right?
(Scowls) Puhleeze, let me clarify this once again...and on the records. I was never a model! It is a misconception that some people have been carrying with themselves.

After being in the industry for around 3 years, do you feel wiser when it comes to making career decisions?
Today when I have to make a decision, I do feel much more confident and much stronger. I was just discussing with my friend the other day about how people change and how we grow up from inside. I was 18 yrs when I started, I am 21 today, tomorrow when I become 45 years and when I look back I won't be the same Kangna. At 18- I was different, at 21- I was different and at 45 also I will change. I do feel much wiser while talking decisions today. I feel stable today.

Once upon a time, Kangna was a simple girl from Manali with big dreams. Has the world of glamour allowed that simplicity to remain?
I think I was much more glamorous before I entered films. I was very funny as a person and I used to think of myself as a huge superstar compared to what I think of myself today. Like when I was in school I used to compare myself to American actors and Miss World and Miss Universe. But today after being in this world I don't feel glamorous anymore.

Seriously?
Yup, seriously. In fact I have become boring. I don't want to think about acting all the time. I have completely changed as a person, I am not exciting anymore and my life is not exciting anymore. I think, before I came into this glamorous world I was much more fun and funny and exciting as a person.

What happens from here?
Roshan should be releasing any time. Then there is Raaz 2 that is confirmed for January 2009. Kites is another film and I am also doing an international project!

Raaz 2 promo with Fashion - Scary and intriguing

Glamour meets thrill as the first theatrical promo of Raaz-The Mystery Continues will be showcased with upcoming movie Fashion on 29th October.

This writer had an exclusive dekko at the film's 90 seconds promo and the impact it has managed to create is truly stunning. Get ready to jump from your seat and engage in some shocking moments as the promo catches your attention in the first 10 seconds itself. Kangna Ranaut hanging on a wall with a haunting background score in play is good enough to set the mood in for this horror flick which is next in the series of Raaz.

While there are a couple of shots featuring Adhyayan that give a romantic angle to the tale, the promo remains true to the film's subject of mystery and intrigue as Emraan Hashmi's character finds himself engaged in an all around suspicious environment. What takes the cake though is a shot where Kangna suddenly jumps and sits up on her bed while giving out a loud cry. Scary, really scary!

What really stands out in the promo is that never once do the frames turn gory or ugly. Instead, the promo showcases the film to be a thrilling encounter with some spine chilling moments intact without resorting to 'let's scare you with ugly faces' look! Also, the promo focuses on Kangna's character, who plays the central protagonist with Emraan Hashmi following next as the star attraction.

Says Mukesh Bhatt about the importance of the promo, "We wanted it 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."

A supernatural thriller, 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.

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.

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!!