Billu Barber - Movie Review

Priyadarshan is synonymous with ha-ha-thons, but the talented storyteller has been equally proficient while handling intense dramas like SAZA-E-KALA PANI, GARDISH and VIRASAT. Like VIRASAT and MALAMAAL WEEKLY, BILLU, the accomplished director's new outing, is also set in a hamlet.

Although the story has been attempted in Malayalam [KADHA PARAYUMBOL] and Tamil [KUSELAN] earlier, the story actually takes its inspiration from the legendary friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. In this case, the story talks of the friendship between a superstar and an ordinary mortal who runs a salon.

BILLU is a simple story about simple people, told in the most simplistic manner. There's a generous dose of glamour as well, given the fact that the protagonist's friend happens to be a superstar, but what actually works for the film is the simpleton's story. He wages a daily battle to make ends meet.

Although the film is engaging, Priyadarshan reserves the best for the finale this time, when the superstar reminisces about his childhood friend and the deep bond that they shared. The end is remarkable and is sure to strike a chord with all sections of moviegoers.

Final word? BILLU is amongst Priyadarshan's finest works. And also Irrfan and SRK's. This tale of friendship is sure to steal your heart!

BILLU tells the story of a simple ordinary man, Bilas Rao Pardesi [Irrfan Khan], living in a small town with his wife Bindiya [Lara Dutta] and two kids. His life undergoes a drastic change as superstar Sahir Khan [Shah Rukh Khan] visits the village for a film shoot. Everything changes. Things go from good to bad to worse to good again.

Ten minutes into the film and you get absorbed into Billu's small world. The salon is in bad shape, the family is facing tough times, the neighbours and acquaintances are fair-weather friends... Billu's life gets grim with each passing day.

The story takes an interesting turn when Billu's life collides with the superstar's. And the assorted characters -- right from an aspiring poet/lyricist [Rajpal Yadav], to a stingy money lender [Om Puri], to the principal of the school [Rasika Joshi] -- everyone wants favours from Billu. These characters only make BILLU more interesting.

SRK's track is equally fascinating and only spices up the proceedings. In fact, Priyadarshan has amalgamated the three songs [featuring SRK with Deepika, Priyanka and Kareena] in the narrative smartly. Not once do you feel that you're watching two stories concurrently.

The best part of the enterprise is its climax. The superstar recalls his humble beginning and how his friend stood by him in times of crisis. The writing is brilliant and SRK only takes the scene to greater heights with his terrific portrayal.

Priyadarshan is adept at handling relationships and with BILLU, he proves he can handle emotions with as much flourish as comedy. To tell a simple, uncomplicated story, without the usual frills, is an arduous task indeed and Priyadarshan tackles the material with remarkable ease. The humour here is subtle, not loud, and a constant smile remains on your face all through.

Mushtaq Shiekh and Priyadarshan's screenplay is foolproof. In fact, the writing never loses focus and the highs and the lows in Billu's life are sensitively penned by the duo. Manisha Korde's dialogues are simple, gelling with the mood of the film.

Pritam's music is energetic. The songs, promoted aggressively prior to the release, only get an impetus thanks to the presence of the three actresses. 'Mar Jaani' and 'Love Mera Hit Hit' are, of course, the pick of the lot. V. Manikandan's cinematography is top notch. The locales [Pollachi] are breath-taking.

In the recent years, Irrfan has emerged as a force to reckon with, his performances have appealed to all strata of moviegoers and his work in BILLU will only cement his status as a remarkable actor. Shah Rukh Khan needs to be admired for two reasons. The show belongs to Irrfan, although SRK could've forced himself in every scene. Also, he has chosen to opt for a film that's not one of those run-of-the-mill types. In terms of performance, SRK shows his true potential towards the finale.

Lara Dutta springs a pleasant surprise. She goes through her part with complete understanding. Om Puri is excellent. Rasika Joshi is too good. Rajpal Yadav is really funny in the penultimate scene, when he recites a film song of an SRK film. Asrani and Manoj Joshi are passable.

On the whole, BILLU is a sweet-n-simple film that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded. The final 20 minutes are the highpoint of the enterprise and that elevates the status of the film to great heights. The film has the potential to grow with a strong word of mouth. Recommended... Take your family for this one

B.O. update: 'Billu' starts slow, but actual test on Sat./Sun.

The much-awaited BILLU opened to a tepid response of 25% to 35% at various screens across the nation. However, the silver lining is that the film is enjoying positive reports and the next two days [Saturday and Sunday] will be crucial. Most exhibitors aren't surprised with the slow start, since it was evident from the promotion that the story revolves around Irrfan and that it wasn't the conventional SRK film, like OM SHANTI OM.

The other two releases, THE STONEMAN MURDERS and JUGAAD, have also opened with dull collections.

Billu premiere for barbers and hairstylists

In a move to appease the Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan is planning to invite various barbers and hairstylists for the premiere of "Billu", which was earlier titled "Billu Barber".

"As far as I know, Shah Rukh is planning a premiere for the various barbers and hairdressers' associations, so they'd see and know that the film doesn't ridicule them in any way. In fact, the film is a homage to the hair-cutting technique. I can't understand how there can be a protest about the film or its title without anyone seeing the film," Priyadarshan told IANS.

According to Priyadarshan, Shah Rukh is not inviting friends from the industry for the screening.

The film was earlier titled "Billu Barber", but when Hairdressers' Associations of Mumbai objected to the use of the word "barber" in the title, Shah Rukh, who is producing the film and making a guest appearance, decided to change it.

"I'm in Chennai. Shah Rukh Khan tells me all the posters hoarding with credits will blacken out the word 'barber'. If it was hurting anyone's sentiments, I'm okay by it," Priyadarshan said.

He wonders how the word 'barber' could be okay in other languages and not in Hindi.

"Does it mean half the Indian population is not put off by the title and the other half is upset about it? I don't understand the controversy. And I've left it entirely to Shah Rukh to deal with it."

The director has no plans of being in Mumbai for the release of "Billu". "I've done my best. And Irrfan Khan in the title role is the best homage that can be paid to any profession."

Priyan does wonder, and so do we, if we as a collective nation protest too much.

Irrfan Khan plays the title role and is paired with Lara Dutta in the film, which is releasing on Friday (Feb 13). Shah Rukh will make a guest appearance along with Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone.

Miss India Worldwide 2009 contestants watch 'Billu'

Priyadarshan's comedy "Billu", which features a large number of top-notch Bollywood actresses, saw bevy of Indian origin beauties from 25 countries at its premiere in Durban, South Africa.

The 25 young women have assembled here to vie for the Miss India Worldwide 2009 title at the Suncoast Entertainment resort on Saturday (Feb 14) night. And they were excited to take a break from rehearsals on Tuesday (Feb 10) evening to join local celebrities at the premiere of "Billu", hosted by young South African Indian cinema magnate Abie Moosa.

While Lara Dutta is cast opposite Irrfan, who plays the title role, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone feature with Shah Rukh Khan in three different item numbers in the comedy.

"It will be delightful to have a complement of such lovely Indian ladies from across the globe to complement the Indian beauties on the screen," Moosa told IANS.

In keeping with the traditions of the Miss India Worldwide Pageant, started by Dharmatma Saran of the US nearly two decades ago, the contestants have been engaged in a series of visits to local communities and welfare projects for several days now.

On Monday, they were shown the massive Hare Krishna Temple in the huge Indian township of Chatsworth, which has become a popular tourist attraction.

Many of them expressed surprise that there were so many Indians in South Africa, and even that they had been here for nearly 150 years. "It is also wonderful to see the huge cultural diversity in South Africa," said Miss India Australia, Kanchan Verma, a health professional.

Miss India Oman, geneticist Shruti Dilip, said she had watched an impressive Indian dance by "a pint-sized" Indian dancer when they visited historic Gandhian sites in Pietermaritzburg, where the young lawyer Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi started his path to becoming the Mahatma after being kicked off a train by a white conductor.

Miss India Singapore, Asmaa Pandit, a business development consultant, and Miss India India Deepthi Varughese said that Durban with its large Indian population felt "just like being in India".

This is the second consecutive year that South Africa is hosting the Miss India Worldwide Pageant after Shagun Sarabhai of India was crowned the winner in Lenasia, the huge Indian township south of Johannesburg, at a gala event last year. Sarabhai will hand over the crown to her successor on Valentine's Day as another former winner from India, Fareisa Joemmanbaks of Suriname, looks on.

Saran said that he definitely had a soft spot for South Africa: "I have been coming here since 1991, when South Africa was just beginning to regain its international stature ahead of the first democratic elections, and the local franchisee for the Miss India Worldwide Pageant, Farook Khan, started it off here."

Saran said from just 12 countries participating in the initial event, this has now more than doubled, and the high standard of entries was most gratifying as young women in the Diaspora gained the international recognition denied to so many of their forebears.

Billu is a brand new movie

The buzz is that Shah Rukh Khan's "Billu Barber", now renamed "Billu", is inspired by Malayalam hit "Katha Parayumbol" (2007), which was later made in Tamil as "Kuselan" (2008). But the film's writer denies any similarity between the movies.

"'Billu' is a completely different film," said Mushtaq Sheikh, co-writer of "Billu" along with director Priyadarshan.

"When you will see 'Billu', you will know what I mean. The screenplay of 'Billu' does not follow the route followed by the predecessors," said Sheikh, who was also the co-writer of Shah Rukh's blockbuster "Om Shanti Om".

While Mammootty played a superstar in "Katha Parayumbol", its Tamil version starred Rajnikant in the same role.

So has the screenplay of "Billu" been tweaked to make it more suitable for an all-India audience?

"One did not have to tweak it, one had to change it completely. I repeat - this film is a re-birth of 'Billu' (the character in the film). It's a brand new film with no connection with any other film," Sheikh told IANS.

Unlike "Katha Parayumbol", "Kuselan" had bombed in spite of Rajnikant's presence.

"How does that affect our film?" asks Sheikh. "There wasn't any doubt or fear in us when we were working on 'Billu'. 'Kuselan' working or not working was never going to hamper the flow of 'Billu'."

Sheikh added that he and Priyadarshan had sat down to give the film a new "touch and feel".

"This movie was made before and here we wanted to make a brand new film keeping the ingrained soul intact. Also, making a Hindi film is a totally different ball game than the ones that are made in the south. The people, the emotions, the landscape, the conflict - everything changes when we make Hindi movies. We knew it was never going to be easy," he makes a candid confession.

He is particularly ecstatic about the fact that with 'Billu', he could work with his real-life friend Shah Rukh yet again.

"For me Shah Rukh is like a beacon of light that guides me and inspires me. He is like family. He brings in a certain strength to my presence," he said fondly.

Featuring Lara Dutta in the lead with special appearances by Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone, "Billu" also stars Priyadarshan regulars like Asrani, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav, Manoj Joshi and Rasika Joshi. With music by Pritam, "Billu" is all set to arrive on Feb 13.

Title of SRK's Billu Barber changed

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will undergo a shoulder surgery soon, but it is not slated for Valentine's Day.

"It is certainly not happening on Feb 14 because Shah Rukh will be in London on that day. The surgery would take place on a later date though that too is not yet fixed," says a source close to the actor.

Though Shah Rukh was advised to undergo the surgery some time ago, it has been postponed a few times already.

His shoulder was injured a long time ago but the condition aggravated on the sets of "Dulha Mil Gaya" in December.

He was suggested rest then, but he couldn't afford to do so since the Viveck Vaswani production had been delayed for about a year and Shah Rukh didn't want any more pain for his producer, sources said.

His condition was kept under control with physiotherapy sessions easing his pain for the time being. Later, he left for Los Angeles because of his prior commitment for Karan Johar's "My Name is Khan".

Adds the source: "For Shah Rukh, the last few months have been quite busy professionally. There was 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi' promotion as well as the shoot of 'Dulha Mil Gaya'. Then he couldn't have backed out of 'My Name is Khan', which had anyways been pushed ahead by a few months."

"Moreover, he had to return to India for the publicity of 'Billu Barber', now titled just 'Billu'. Though doctors had suggested a surgery on an ASAP note, he didn't want 'Billu Barber' to suffer. So, even with a sling on, he went through the entire promotional campaign. It was painful but he is passionate about his films and kept smiling."

Since he didn't want to get under the knife before the release of 'Billu' on Feb 13, speculation was that the surgery would be immediately after the release, that is, on Valentine's Day.

However, Shah Rukh told a press conference: "The surgery is not happening on Valentine's Day. I would be in London then and the surgery would now be on a later date."

Apparently, he continues to be in some pain since he tore his tendons. He is able to move around with great difficulty but is trying to keep a brave face, especially since he is going all out for the promotion of "Billu".

The actor has earlier been operated upon for his back and his knees.

Meanwhile, the superstar has agreed to the request of some members of the profession who felt that the use of the word 'barber' was offensive to their community. Hence the film title has been changed.

"What's the harm in doing so when the community, on which the film is based, itself wants this change?" says Shah Rukh.

"I want it to be a happy situation for all and if a minor change to the title has to be made, then I don't see anything wrong in that."

Hairdressers have a problem with Billu Barber

The Salons and Beauty Parlours Association, which has 27000 members in Mumbai itself, has protested against the title of the film “Billu Barber”. They apparently want the title of the film to be changed to “Billu Hairdresser” as they feel the word 'barber' is derogatory.

Shah Rukh Khan meanwhile has tied up with over 400 beauty parlours across Mumbai and has sent them vinyl posters of the film and CDs as part of the promotional campaign.

However, the president of the association has said the word barber is a very insulting term as nowadays hairdressing is an art. He feels an art must be respected be it in any sector. He also said there are many women hairdressers, and imagine them being called barbers.

A special screening of the film has been promised for them and if there's anything objectionable in the film, the association can get it changed. But if it is not changed, the association has threatened to take to the streets to protest against the film.

SRK was shocked at the remarks and said the film is about love, friendship and relationships. He also said it is a very sweet and touching film and does not disrespect anyone.

Produced by SRK's wife Gauri, “Billu Barber” stars Shah Rukh, Irrfan Khan and Lara Dutta and is releasing on February 13, 2009.

‘I haven’t ever forgotten my marriage anniversary’

You are back on television once again but this time as producer.
Yeah...I started my acting career with serials like Circus and Fauji. I got to learn a lot of things. I got into films because of having worked in serials.

After Circus, you are once again working with Aziz Mirza on the television front.
Yes. Nothing would have been possible without Aziz Mirza’s expertise, advice, and guidance. I would have been nowhere without him.

What made you venture into TV when low TRPs have become the order of the day?
You need support and friends who think alike. We have been discussing this since last two-three years. There is risk for sure but NDTV Imagine was confident that we were competitive enough. I want the young people in my film production house Red Chillies to diversify into different arena.

What kind of programmes will your production house churn out?
There is nothing specific that we are planning for television. I have been a film producer for the last eight to nine years and have an acting experience of 20 years. I can bring a difference to television in terms of presentation of content. I will try to bring cinematic value to television.

Why did you choose title Ghar Ki Baat Hai for this sitcom?
It’s a good title. It has lyricism in it. We had another title called Devdas Ki Maut which was not so happening. The serial is about a family, their neighbours and different situations that they face in life thus its Ghar Ki Baat. If you ask me why comedy, personally I like comedy more than anything else.

Do you think this serial has your Ghar Ki Baat?
Well television industry doesn’t have that much money to have a set like my home. Jokes apart, it will have everybody’s ghar ki baat with lots of spice. Its first episode has Sumit Raghavan forgetting his anniversary. Interestingly, I haven’t forgotten my marriage anniversary yet. Even otherwise there are stories like these happening in my home too.

Will you be making a special appearance in the serial?
Yeah I will be making special appearance as and when required. We will try to rope in more special stars if required.

Exclusive: Billoo Barber Trailer

Priyanka teams up with Shah Rukh for item song

With age comes maturity and that holds true in the case of husky–voiced beauty Rani Mukherji.

The pretty lady proved that she is mature enough who has her head on her shoulders when recently she was replaced by Priyanka Chopra in SRK's home production BILLOO BARBER. Instead of crying foul and shouting from the rooftop she handled the matter very coolly. Lately when she was asked about the same, quite unperturbedly she said that she has not spoken to her dear friend SRK over it and neither she needs clarification on the same nor does she holds grudges towards anyone.

Apparently SRK's much–touted BILLOO BARBER, being directed by Priyadarshan, will have 3 special item numbers, featuring three sizzling hot Bollywood babes opposite King Khan in each song and for that matter Bollywood's current hot sirens Deepika Padukone & Kareena Kapoor were already signed. While work on the first two items songs with Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor is near completion, SRK was facing a dilemma and was not able to make up his mind over whether to choose Priyanka or Rani for the third item song. Finally SRK opted for Priyanka over Rani.

Though the reasons for the same are not yet confirmed but few reports are holding that after Rani appeared in Salman's 10 Ka Dum show SRK opted for Priyanka instead. As the entire industry is aware that the 2 Khans are no more friends.

Well whatever the reason may be but we truly appreciate Rani's maturity over this topic.

Sallu wants SRK’s company off 'Yuvvraj'

Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment has a separate team called Red Chillies VFX that handles special effects and post-production work for many films.

Initially, VFX would work solely for Shah Rukh starrers like Chak De!, Om Shanti Om and Paheli but lately, they have started outsourcing their talent to other production houses as well.

Some of the films VFX is working on are Tasveer, Aashayein, Dostana and Drona. In that list is also Subhash Ghai's Yuvvraj starring Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Katrina Kaif.

Sources reveal that Ghai's film needs CGI and special effect sequences in the second half which VFX is handling. However, that may change soon. A source working on the project reveals that Salman isn't pleased about Shah Rukh's company was handling the work of his film.

"The deal was negotiated before his fall out with Shah Rukh. However, now that equations have changed between them, he wants Ghai to outsource the SFX work elsewhere."

That seems unlikely because a large part of the work has been completed. Adds an insider, "Sallu is adamant that the remaining portions be sourced to some other company. But it isn't easy to start all over."

When contacted Ghai says, "Mukta Arts and Red Chillies are professional companies committed from day one to do the FX for Yuvvraj and they are doing a fine job. Actually the Red Chillies technicians with Salman did the last-day shoot. I can assure you that Salman has never interfered in any of the departments throughout the making of Yuvvraj."

Gauri not going to host a show!

Shah Rukh Khan and his production company are not just busy with movies and IPL; they also have television to think about.

And without wasting much time they have registered seven TV serial titles with Producers Association for Television Shows. “Yes we have registered seven titles and that is the first step,” says moviemaker Samar Khan, who is also the Head of Red Chillies’ Television department.

It was rumoured that Gauri Khan will be hosting one of the shows, called The First Wives Club. But looks like Gauri has vetoed the idea. “We have just registered the titles. The concept still needs to be worked upon and fine-tuned. At this stage, how can we even think about a host for the show?” asks Samar.

Meanwhile, there were rumours that Twinkle Khanna is going to host a makeover show. “Huh? Well, I have no idea about it!” says Twinkle. Though the name of the show is registered as Makeover With Twinkle Khanna, looks like the host and the production company are not ready to speak about it.

Twinkle, Twinkle – on small screen!

After Akshay Kumar crossed over to TV, his wife Twinkle too is gearing to do a reality show... produced by SRK!

With most 70mm actors turning to the small screen in search of greener pastures, Twinkle Khanna makes her comeback of sorts on the small screen with a reality show. Shah Rukh Khan’s company Red Chillies Entertainment will produce this TV show.

According to reliable sources, the show will go on air with hubby Akshay Kumar’s Fear Factor on the same channel — Colours.

An industry source reveals, “After creating a formidable film production house, Shah Rukh now wants his company to foray into television production.

He is in talks with a channel for three to four different reality shows. And one of these will be hosted by Akshay Kumar’s wife, and will be called Makeover with Twinkle Khanna.”

Another show, which is in the pipeline, is called The First Wives Club. Red Chillies is being tight-lipped about these projects. There is speculation that SRK’s wife Gauri Khan might host the talk show along the lines of another American show The View.

Samar Khan, who is heading the Red Chillies Television department says, “We, at Red Chillies, are planning to get into television production. But right now, it is too early to comment on the nature of shows we will make, we are merely getting the team in place.

” When asked if Twinkle or Gauri were going to be a part of the future shows they are planning to make, Samar simply said, “You need to check with Shah Rukh. I think he’s the best man to answer that.”

Red Chillies have registered the following titles with the Producers Association for television shows:
Main Na Kehti Thi
Thoda Sugar Thoda Spice
Jub Hum Milenge
Kooka’s Wonder Land
Asha Dhoonde Asha (Reality Show)
Makeover With Twinkle Khanna (Reality Show)
First Wives Club (Reality Show)

OM SHANTI OM celebrates Silver Jubilee

In the times when a decent four week run of a film is good enough to take it to a success, OM SHANTI OM has completed 25 weeks at theaters.

On the Friday gone by, i.e. 2nd May, this Farah Khan directed film celebrated a 25 week run. Released across the globe on 9th November 2007, OM SHANTI OM went on to break records all over and turned out to be the biggest first week opener at the box office of all times with a 40 crores+ in collections. Till date the film has collected in excess of 85 crores just from India, hence turning out to be the biggest money spinner of all times.

Commenting on the film's continued success over the months, Farah Khan says, "In the times when it is rare to see a film going through a 50 day or a 100 day run, it gives me so much pleasure to see the film getting such a heartfelt response. It is running on a matinee show at Naaz in Mumbai and I am getting feelers that the theater is confident of the film completing Golden Jubilee there.

"My motto has been to make an entertaining film and going by audience response, I can say that I succeeded in doing that", concludes Farah.

Joginder Tuteja

SRK grabs Akshay’s role

Priyan initially approached Akki for Billoo Barber; SRK heard the story and wanted to produce and act

The Akshay Kumar-Shah Rukh Khan rivalry appears to have just got hotter. SRK claims that Billoo Barber, his next home production, directed by Priyadarshan, was initially offered to Akshay but the Khiladi refused it. Everyone knows that Akshay is one of Priyan’s favourite actors so he was the first choice. But when Akki declined, SRK grabbed it.

Shah Rukh admits, “Billoo Barber was offered to Akshay Kumar but he turned it down. Priyan was doing another film with me. Then he spoke to me about Billoo Barber and asked me if I would do the 10-day role in the film. I asked him to narrate the story. I told him that I would not only act in it but even produce it.”

The actor says he simply loved the script. “It’s a story based on Krishna and his friend Sudama. It’s a very sweet story. The thought is nice. But it’s not fair to call it a Shah Rukh Khan film. It is about Irrfan Khan, his wife and two kids. Billoo Barber is a remake of a Malayalam film (Kadha Parayaumbol) and has been rewritten by the same writer. The Hindi rights are with us while the Tamil rights are with Rajnikanth. In Malayalam it was made with Mammooty.”

About the film’s cast and credits, SRK says, “The film has Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani Sir besides myself. Kareena has done a guest appearance. Deepika will also do a guest appearance and there might be another heroine. Music is by Pritam and lyrics by Gulzar.”

When asked about Ameesha Patel and Tabu turning down the film, Shah Rukh points out, “I have been reading about all the actresses refusing the project but I would never lie to an actor to get them to do the role. I told Priyan Sir to tell them that it is not the greatest role in the world; but it is not a role that will go unnoticed. I told this to Urmila, Manisha, Juhi… Amisha didn’t do the role because we thought she looks too young to play a mother with Irrfan. It wasn’t like she left it or we threw her out. Tabu refused because she didn’t like the role. Vidya (Balan) said no because she did not want to play a mother to two grown-up children. But the kids are 10 and 12 year olds they are not my age!”

Continues Shah Rukh, “When I sat down with Lara, I told her that you do certain roles because of the film and she agreed. Juhi and Rani have often told me ‘I don’t have a great role in the film, I am just doing the film because it’s a very sweet film.’ I believe in that… if the product is really good, everybody shines. I could be great in a film, but if it is not good, then it doesn’t work. I really wanted to make Billoo Barber and Insha Allah we will release it by September.”

However a source close to Akshay denies that he was offered Billoo Barber. “Priyan might have thought of approaching Akshay but he definitely did not offer it to him.”

Upala KBR

SRK's new film titled 'Billoo Barber'

SRK will soon start shooting for Priyadarshan's film Billoo Barber. A Red Chillies Entertainment venture, the film also stars Irrfan Khan in the title role.

Billoo Barber is an adaptation of the story of friendship between Krishna and Sudama.

Our well-placed source from Red Chillies Entertainment says, “Billoo Barber is a story based on the relationship between Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama. Priyadarshan is adapting this story of friendship between two friends - one rich and the other a poor villager - in a completely new avatar. Here SRK represents Krishna, he plays an actor. On the other hand Irrfan Khan represents Sudama and plays a village barber. The two are friends from school who grow up and drift until they meet again.”


SRK will be seen romancing three different ladies including Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone. He has already begun shooting with Kareena but is in talks with Deepika and Priyanka.

For the second female lead opposite Irrfan, Priyadarshan is scouting for a powerhouse performer, someone like Smita Patil. According to our source Ameesha Patel and Tabu are being considered for the second lead. Adds the source, “Shah Rukh will take the final decision about the cast.”

The lyrics are written by Gulzar and the screenplay is by Mushtaq Sheikh and Manisha Korde.

Billoo Barbar is Priyadarshan's 75th film and is rather reluctant to let us in with more on the film He says, “It's too early to give out details about Billoo Barber. Red Chillies will make an official announcement at the right time.”

Ashwini Deshmukh, Mumbai Mirror

How the Dhoom Tana SFX was created

‘Dhoom Tana’ in Om Shanti Om presented Deepika Padukone with the actors of the yesteryears. We got Red Chillies’ VFX team to explain the process.

Stage 1
The team had to locate the original footage of the films they had short listed. The three song sequences appeared in Amrapali (1966, Sunil Dutt and Vyjayantimala), Saccha Jhutha (1970, Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz) and Jay-Vijay (1977, Jeetendra and Jayashree T). Not always in the best condition, the original footage had to be scanned, carefully restored and cleaned up to the best possible quality on the computers.

Stage 2
Keeping in mind, the set of the films, the camera angles and the lighting, Deepika Padukone was shot in present dressed in similar costumes as the yesteryear actresses to further enhance that ‘70’s look. She pretended to dance with the actors by romancing an imaginary hero.

Stage 3
The original actresses, i.e. Vyjanthimala, Mumtaz and Jayashree T. were removed from the sequences. All this of course, was done with the help of the Red Chillies’ VFX (visual effects) team. Sequences where the camera was moving and the actors were in contact were specially chosen, so as to provide opportunity for Deepika to dance along with them as opposed to posing. Things to note were the eye contact between the actors, physical touch, lighting continuity, perspective matching, skin tones matching, color matching, etc.

Stage 4
Deepika’s footage was pasted in place of the actual actresses’ footage. The technical term for this is ‘compositing’. Thus, it seems that she has been locked in the same frame as legends, Sunil Dutt, Rajesh Khanna and Jeetendra. The song truly was a treat to watch. And now some of our wonder and amazement has been satisfied. Keitan Yadav, COO of Red Chillies VFX asserted that the idea was to give a feel of the era and is glad that they seemed to have succeeded.

He adds that “there are about 200 additional shots in the film where VFX is used like the snow-flakes in the globe, SRK and Deepika turning real and dancing in the globe, the Mother India fire sequence, Shantipriya’s death sequence and the climax sequence.”

Image Courtesy: 'The Making of Om Shanti Om' published by Om Books International

Screen India

OSO continues its blockbuster overseas run

Farah Khan's OM SHANTI OM continues its record-breaking overseas run, even during the second weekend. After resetting the first weekend Bollywood record in the US, the film moves on to an astonishing $2,892,773 in just ten days and is now certain to dethrone the top grosser KABHI ALVIDA NAA KEHNA's (2006) $3,275,444. Interesting to note that both the movies have one thing in common, Shah Rukh Khan.

Moving on to UK, OM SHANTI OM is now the top UK grosser of 2007, with $1,997,013. It has moved past the previous record holder, NAMASTEY LONDON's $1,730,000 (approx).

The movie that released with OM SHANTI OM, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ranbir, Sonam, Salman (special appearance) and Rani starrer SAAWARIYA is now way behind, mainly due to a heavy fall in collections. SAAWARIYA has so far grossed $805,054 in the US and $554,271 in the UK.

Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network

Emma thompson and Laxmi Mittal will walk the red carpet in London for 'Om Shanti Om' premiere

Leisceter Square in London will be glittering with glitterati on Thursday night at the premiere of ‘Om Shanti Om’. After all it doesn’t happen often that you get to see Hollywood actresses like Emma Thompson and steel tycoon Laxmi Mittal at the premiere of a Bollywood movie. Well, it appears that they just couldn’t ignore a personal invitation from SRK.

“There will be some very special people at the premiere on Friday, including Emma Thompson and Laxmi Mittal. They are dear friends and I am so glad that I will get a chance to catch up with them,” Shah Rukh said just minutes before leaving for London.

“Basically, the idea of having a premiere in London is to attract the global audience, not just the Indian diaspora. Also our distributors, Eros International are based out of London. And you know what, I really want to get away from it all and just enjoy the film,” Shah Rukh added.

SRK has fond memories of Leicester Square. After all, he had held the premiere of his home production ‘Asoka’ also at the same theatre (Empire theatre) in 2002, again at the time of Diwali.

“‘Chak De’ also premiered in London. In a sense, having a premiere here in London has always been special to me.” In spite of the fact that arch rival ‘Saawariya’ having its premiere in Mumbai last night, the OSO team is unperturbed, and will go all out to celebrate the event.

The red carpet event before the screening is also going to be a grand photo opportunity with the entire star cast of the film, including Deepika Padukone, her parents Prakash and Ujjwala, Arjun Rampal, and of course Shah Rukh Khan walking the red carpet along the ‘special’ guests.

DNAindia.com

Om Shanti Om - House Full even before Advance Bookings

Farah Khan's Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade starrer OM SHANTI OM seems all set to be a 'BLOCK'buster. One of this year's two Diwali releases OM SHANTI OM is releasing coming Friday the 9th of November.

The movie is just two days away from the opening of advance bookings across the cinemas of India but the hype of the movie can be predicted with 18000 tickets, which is equivalent to about 40 shows HOUSE FULL has been confirmed by corporate block bookings at Satyam Cineplexes, New Delhi, informed a reliable source.

Way to go!

Bollywood Trade News Network