Yuvraaj - Movie Review

Every step you take, every move you make... we'll be watchin' you. Have altered the lines of a famous song. For, this one's applicable for Subhash Ghai, a proficient storyteller, one of the most successful stories from this side of the Atlantic. Irrespective of how his films are received at the ticket window, Ghai's movies are always under scrutiny. You watch every film with a magnifying glass.

YUVVRAAJ is no exception!

Ghai's forte has been drama. Recall the dramatic moments in KARZ, VIDHAATA, MERI JUNG, RAM LAKHAN, KARMA, SAUDAGAR. He re-visits the genre with YUVVRAAJ. Besides, YUVVRAAJ is his most opulent work thus far. It has a sweeping effect, the film makes a stunning visual statement.

Honestly, YUVVRAAJ isn't Ghai's best work, but post YAADEIN, KISNA and BLACK & WHITE, YUVVRAAJ salvages him, even redeems the storyteller.

The story [Ghai] mirrors a universal truth. Greed leads to disputes and in turn, ruins all relationships. A fact you've heard or witnessed time and again in real life. While the story is captivating, the screenplay doesn't really do justice to the thought. Also, Rahman's music acts as a soothing balm, but the problem is, it takes time to grow on the listener. And that could be a deterrent.

Yet, in all fairness, YUVVRAAJ is a notch above the commonplace. If you intend spending your hard-earned money on it or devoting 3 hours of your precious time on Ghai's new outing, chances are you won't regret it.

Deven Yuvvraaj [Salman Khan] is a chorus singer, in love with Anushka [Katrina Kaif]. Her father Dr. Banton [Boman Irani], however, is dead against this relationship. Things take a turn when Deven's father passes away and he returns to London to stake claim on his father's wealth.

He meets his two estranged brothers Gyanesh Yuvvraaj [Anil Kapoor] and Danny Yuvvraaj [Zayed Khan] after almost twelve years. But things aren't hunky-dory between them...

Ghai has an eye for visuals and every frame of YUVVRAAJ seems like a painting on celluloid. Unmistakably, that's the first thing you notice as YUVVRAAJ unfolds.

It takes time to absorb YUVVRAAJ. In fact, Ghai doesn't open all his cards at the very outset. It's only when the father [Javed Shaikh] passes away and Mithun Chakraborty, the Executor of the Will, enters the scene that the wheels start moving.

The film gathers momentum after the interval. If the first hour has a few by-now-famous Ghai scenes, the second hour sees Ghai in form, with a number of sequences staying in your memory. The penultimate 20-25 minutes are the best. Watch Anil go through the handycam with disbelief, watch Anil and Salman's act during the concert, watch Salman's emotional outburst towards the end... also the titles [brings back memories of OM SHANTI OM].

On the flip side, the screenplay is erratic. There're constant highs and lows in this journey, the film works in patches. In fact, the screenplay falls prey to predictability and mediocrity at places.

Ghai handles the dramatic scenes with flourish. Rahman's music is soothing, but you expect more because Ghai's movies are embellished with lilting music that you recall even after 2 or 3 decades. Kabir Lal captures the striking beauty of Europe well. The output is superb. The sets [Omung Kumar] are truly majestic.

YUVVRAAJ belongs to Anil Kapoor, who towers above the entire cast and delivers a natural, believable performance. Salman's looks are inconsistent. At times the boyish look is intact, at times he looks bloated. Ditto for his hairstyle. His performance, however, is better, mainly towards the finale. Zayed tries hard and convinces in a few scenes. Mithun Chakraborty is fantastic in a brief role.

Katrina looks angelic. Despite the focus being on the three men, she registers an impact. Boman Irani is credible, especially in the scene when he steps out of the Operation Theatre towards the end. Aushima Sawhney is confident. Anjan Srivastava and the pack of villains/vamps look straight out of RAM LAKHAN and TAAL.

On the whole, YUVVRAAJ is interesting in parts, with the penultimate 20/25 minutes taking the film to an all-time high. At the box-office, the package [a mammoth cast, Subhash Ghai, A.R. Rahman, the stunning locales of Europe] should ensure a hearty opening and with no major opposition in the forthcoming week, it should keep its investors smiling.

I am a little unprofessional

Confession time for Salman Khan as he returns as a Yuvraaj with Subhash Ghai and Katrina Kaif…

Many headlines later, Salman Khan and girlfriend Katrina Kaif are now back together…in a film. After doing "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya" and "Partner" together, the two lovebirds parted ways professionally for a while and pursued films with other stars. Even as Salman romanced an assortment of actresses, Kat gave hit after hit with Akshay Kumar and others. With "Yuvraaj", they're returning as a couple on-screen.

Understandably, both Katrina and Salman are pretty excited with the project. "This is the third time I have worked with Katrina. We earlier did "Partner" and "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya", both of which were comedies but we weren't paired with each other. She was opposite Govinda and Sohail Khan. But in "Yuvraaj", she's been paired with me," says Salman.

The two had good fun working on the project, not only because of the rapport they share with each other but also with director Subhash Ghai and co-star Anil Kapoor. The promos look good, the posters are attention-grabbing and "Yuvraaj"'s music too is scintillating. In fact, lately, most of the films Salman has done have had hit music, whether they themselves were hits or not. What's Salman's newfound connection with music all about? "I don't know. I can't sing, nor can I dance too well. Guess I'm just lucky my films have good music," says the original muscleman of Bollywood.

His choice of music in his own time is retro, jazz, 60s ,70s and 80s rock and roll music and even soft rock. No time for Bollywood music, we guess.

More than working with Katrina, it's coming together again with Subhash Ghai that's made "Yuvraaj" special for Salman. Some years ago, the two had a spat that ended with the actor landing a slap on the producer-director's face. A lot of acrimony followed but the two have since kissed and made up. "I was a little nervous because this is the first time I am working with Subhash. I am a good worker but I am a little unprofessional," is Salman's surprise confession.

Now that they've called a truce, he's willing to do whatever Subhash tells him to. Including promoting reality shows. "Wherever Subhash tells me to go, I will." Though he will, Salman is not in favour of overdoing the promotion bit. "Audiences can tell in the first promo only whether the film is good or bad. I don't understand promoting a film so much. I feel it's overexposing the film," he says.

After "Yuvraaj", Salman has Veer coming up. The actor, who is also a painter, has turned a writer with this. Following in the footsteps of his scriptwriter daddy Salim, he's penned the story for "Veer". "Writing is in my genes. "Veer" revolves around a father and a son. It's about a son who is ready to give up his life to keep his father's words. But that's not too relevant in today's times so the story had to be set in the 18th century," he elaborates.

Parallels are being drawn between "Gladiator" and "Veer", but Salman denies it has anything to do with the Hollywood film. "It's an original script."

What is not always original is the role Salman plays regularly. Okay, so he's seen as a Bollywood brat. But why does he take up bratty roles on-screen too? "Because I can do only a few roles. I can do action, I can do romance, I can do comedy, I can do drama, I can do intense roles, I can play a guy who gets beaten up, I can beat people up. So, I am very limited with these concerns," is his simple reply.

One role that's suited him best is that of a He-Man. Lately, however, a number of actors, including Shah Rukh Khan and even chocolate boy Aamir Khan, are building up six-packs. Aamir is the latest entrant to the beefed-up bod club. What does the original six-pack king feel about that? "I liked Aamir's body. I liked his posters. He has worked out a lot and that's showing."

No jealousy here. But that's Salman for you. A simple man caught in a bad image.

Yuvvraaj - First Look

Sallu not seen on Yuvvraaj posters

It seems Katrina has over shadowed Sallu in the first publicity posters of Subhash Ghai’s movie “Yuvvraaj”.

Interestingly, only Katrina features in all the posters and hoardings placed all over Mumbai as part of the film’s promotion campaign.

This again goes to prove how big a name Katrina has become in Bollywood. Is it because of her star power that the male lead of the movie, Salman Khan, is not seen in the posters at all?

However, Subhash Ghai denies this possibility and says the current publicity material is in sync with the music release of the movie, which took place a few days back.

Since Kat is playing the leading musician in the movie, they decided on this particular marketing strategy.

Even Katrina says that the photo on the poster was everybody's favourite picture in the movie, even Sallu's. In fact, he loved Kat so much in the photo that he wanted to paint her!

Saif, Arjun and Yuvraj on the cover of GQ

The much awaited news has just hit the stands (read 'news stands'). We are indeed talking about GQ, the world's leading men's magazine and their super-mega Indian launch, which has got none other than the Nawab Pataudi Jr. (Saif Ali Khan) himself for starters. Even though he looks his usual element on the cover along with a hot PYT chic, we would have definitely preferred him with his trademark glares.

Nevertheless, this issue has Saif speaking (read 'confessing') that "Married men who are inaccessible are definitely hotter for women... In most of my relationships, I've been unfaithful, and I don't want to do that anymore... I've done things backwards. I've been married; I've lived with someone, now I'm dating someone." Honest confessions there by Saif!

If that was not enough, the readers can feast their eyes on the super hot and super sexy Yuvraj Singh (who is a pro in both bowling maiden over as well as even the maidens over!) and Arjun Rampal, to say the least!

And if that was not enough, the magazine also has Karan Johar as the contributing editor. Looking at the launch issue, we can surely say that 'GQ...has arrived'!

Salman Khan's Eid celebration in Paris

After working round the clock and completing the shooting of Subhash Ghai's magnum–opus, YUVVRAAJ, Salman Khan is now busy with Vipul Shah's LONDON DREAMS, which will see him share screen space with super actor, Ajay Devgan. Salman is in the French capital Paris, where the shooting of LONDON DREAMS is taking place.

With the holy month of Ramzan almost over and the anticipatory Eid celebrations in full swing, Salman's Mumbai friends and relatives will definitely miss his grand Eid party which he is known to throw every year. But, Salman has decided to host a small get–together (on Eid) in his Paris hotel room and the whole unit of the film has been invited.

The cast and crew of LONDON DREAMS will be lucky enough to get a taste of traditional Muslim delicacies, which will include Salman Khan's favourite, 'Biryani'. The magnanimous Khan has decided to get in contact with Indian chefs in Paris and make his Eid in the capital of love a memorable event!

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."

When Salman danced in pain!

Now this is what we call dedication. Salman Khan, the rock star (that’s what the unit calls him), while shooting for Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj recently, pulled a hamstring.

But, despite the pain and his choreographer, Chini Prakash, insisting that he will change the dance steps to suit him, Sallu performed the original steps, while in great in pain.
And ever since, both Chinni and Ghai have been singing Sallu’s praises. Who wouldn’t?

Katrina set to win the 2008 RACE!!

Katrina Kaif is all set to end 2008 on a winning note.

Though only first quarter of 2008 has gone by and Katrina has seen only release [RACE], the going only looks better for her with two more films of her, which are confirmed for 2008 release, appearing to be sure shot hits. While first to come would be SINGH IS KING, YUVRAAJ would be the grand finale, which Katrina would be a part of in the coming months.

Anees Bazmee-Akshay Kumar factor is certainly going to work in a big way for SINGH IS KING which is expected to take a roaring initial on it's arrival in the month of August. Moreover YUVRAAJ, which has bigwigs like Subhash Ghai, Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and A.R. Rahman involved, has all going in it's favor, what with Ghai promising to return to his larger than life spectacular dramas.

With Katrina already registering 5 successful films in a row (NAMASTEY LONDON, PARTNER, APNE, WELCOME, RACE), it is going to be number 6 and 7 for her soon!

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Salman’s the real Yuvraaj

It is believed that Subhash Ghai was shooting for Yuvraaj on a 10 day schedule in Panvel. While Salman who is also known for his hospitality invited everyone for a lavish dinner party on the last day of the shoot.

A close friend of Salman says “Yuvraaj is 75% complete but Salman doesn’t need any reason to celebrate. He keeps such celebrations with his friends at his farmhouse. Last week he invited Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Subhash Ghai and others at his farm house where Katrina played a perfect host. This puts this rumor to the rest that Salman and Katrina are no more a couple.”

Speaking about the bash Subhash Ghai said “It was great fun at Panvel shooting with these actors, who were full of excitement. Salman was also a perfect host by inviting us to his Panvel farmhouse.”

It seems Salman who plays title role in Yuvraaj , has same qualities in real life too!

Reshma Kelkar, India times Movies

Khan v/s Khan v/s Khan this October

It's going to be one smash hit festive season this October as films starring the three mega Khans hit the screens. These are Aamir Khan's remake of GHAJINI, Saif Ali Khan's animation flick ROADSIDE ROMEO and Salman Khan's YUVRAAJ.

Each of the three films is special since they tell a story belonging to different genres. While GHAJINI is hardcore 'masala' entertainer with loads of action, drama, romance and emotions, ROADSIDE ROMEO is a comic entertainer with Yash Raj Films' first foray into the world of animation. Kareena Kapoor and Javed Jaffrey are Saif's partners as they dub for the animated characters.

On the other hand YUVRAAJ is a mega film for Subhash Ghai as he aims at making a big comeback with this dramatic musical. With names like Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and A.R. Rahman involved, YUVRAAJ has a lot in stakes for everyone involved.

All three projects being prestigious and much anticipated in their own right, GHAJINI, ROADSIDE ROMEO and YUVRAAJ have already made the month of October look extremely hot. While GHAJINI arrives on 2nd October, the remaining two flicks clash on Diwali i.e. 24th October.

Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network

Deepika-Yuvi split!

Deepika Padukone’s long list of admirers will now have one name less. She is no longer with cricketer Yuvraj Singh. The OSO actress split with Yuvi a few weeks back and is now dating Ranbir Kapoor.

The reason for the split is Yuvraj’s possessive attitude. A close friend spills the beans. “Deepika was very serious about Yuvraj. In fact, the two were madly in love.

However, after the success of OSO, Deepika got busy and could not give Yuvi as much time. She got busy meeting producers and signing films. This pissed Yuvi who felt he wasn’t getting enough attention from her.”

They were also having other problems. Yuvi was giving her instructions on what to wear and with whom to party. “He was upset with the rumours of her growing proximity to Ranbir.

Before she left for her Australian schedule with Ranbir for the Yash Raj film, they had a huge showdown. She told him to back off and let her breathe, while he warned her not to get too close to Ranbir.”

Sources reveal that Deepika would avoid Yuvi’s calls while in Australia and that’s when he realised their relationship was over. “After getting back, she met him and called it off. Since then, Deepika has been thick with Ranbir and they are happy together.”

Ranbir and Deepika were seen holding hands at Farah and Aqueel’s party after the Filmfare Award night. “They want to keep it private.

They’ve dated in the past, but are extremely serious about each other now. In fact, they were also heard exchanging sweet nothings backstage on the awards night.”

Author: Tushar Joshi | Source: Mid-Day

Anil's a perfectionist!

The other day we caught up with Anil Kapoor on the sets of Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj.

And throughout the shooting, Anil kept a straight face and was very serious. "He is immersed in his character. And no one can distract him till we complete the shoot today. I have known him for so many years now, but he hasn’t changed a bit. He still gets nervous and takes his work seriously. I have yet to see someone so involved in his work," smiles Ghai. Well, well, that’s what makes this Kapoor a perfectionist.