Back to the Movies – Mumbai 24 – Mid Day (Mumbai)

And here’s what everyone else said that I couldn’t fit into the column (there’s a word limit you know!) of course now that the strike is finally over there’s going to be a resurgence of celebrity spotting at the cinema keep your eyes open (I’ll keep my Twitter-cam handy.)

Yudhistir Urs: “I hope the kiss and make up because this lovers quarrel is causing a lot of people much heartache. Now that there is little to do I am trying to astrally project myself into a theatre in a galaxy far away to catch the latest Hollywood action!”

Riyaaz Amlani: “Watching grass growing outside the theatres! Right now I am going nuts watching DVDs of old TV series Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and Mash.”

Shehnaz Treasurywala: “Shooting for my own film round the clock but I love my DVDs which I watch on my laptop in my van, miss going to the theatre to watch films though no DVD can beat that.”

Cyrus Sahukar: “I miss movies. I am currently getting back to writing my self help book called ‘how to start worrying and start freaking out’ its going to be a bestseller my roommate in the cell loves it.”

Bandana Tewari: “I’m handling the strike by happily watching reruns of The West Wing.”

Ash Chandler: “Hasn’t really affected me, planning to catch Angles and Demons and Star Trek in Goa!”

Fahad Samar: “Watched 99 and Angels and Demons in the theatres and have had a rollicking time watching the entire Almodovar collection on the home projection screen – the man is such a twisted genius!”

Pritish Nandy: “I’m watching movies in London was here for a week, already seen 6 movies and I have still two evenings to go!”

DJ Aqeel: “I have been in America watching Terminator, Star Trek and Angels and Demons!”

Anubhav Pal: “I’m watching movies on DVD about strikes.”

Anu Dewan: “I am addicted to Apple TV so I love watching movies and the latest TV shows at home.”

Chetan Hansraj: “Bu watching DVDs I prefer watching movies at home, its more fun.”

Shamita Singha: “I don’t really watch Hindi movies so it hasn’t affected me on that front but yeah no decent English films in the multiplexes of late so I’m quite bummed about that! So watching DVDs at home of the latest Desperate Housewives or then some old classic English films. Just watched Before Sunrise and am about to order After Sunset it’s sequel!”

Rahul DaCunha: “Tons of DVDs, TV shows like CSI etc and all the new Hollywood films like Milk and The Wrestler are all available.

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Mumbai 24

Malini Agarwal

malini@radioone.in

For the two month long Multiplex-Producer strike the movie-going glitterati had also turned their attention to other celluloid distractions till today. Here’s how they were handling it and what they were watching until the strike was called of yesterday!

Yudhistir Urs: “I hope the kiss and make up because this lovers quarrel is causing a lot of people much heartache. Now that there is little to do I am trying to astrally project myself into a theatre in a galaxy far away to catch the latest Hollywood action!”

Reshma Bombaywala: “Just watched the afternoon show of Angels & Demons at Eros yesterday. Got my nostalgic, I miss the big grand movie experience.”

Pia Trivedi: “Well actually I quite hate it. Was talking about it with my friends… ah well I’ve just been renting DVDs and catching up on movies. No other choice till the strike.”

Bruna Abdallah: “It’s horrible. I had to go to Globus to watch Angels and Demons. Getting DVDs or downloading from the Internet is the way to go.”

Arshiya Eaapen: “The only film I watched in the multiplex is 99 other than that rented tons of DVDs. Its sad because I miss the fun of eating popcorn and watching a film in the cinema hall.”

Riyaaz Amlani: “Watching grass growing outside the theatres! Right now I am going nuts watching DVDs of old TV series Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and Mash.”

Shehnaz Treasurywala: “Shooting for my own film round the clock but I love my DVDs which I watch on my laptop in my van, miss going to the theatre to watch films though no DVD can beat that.”

Cyrus Sahukar: “I miss movies. I am currently getting back to writing my self help book called ‘how to start worrying and start freaking out’ its going to be a bestseller my roommate in the cell loves it.”

Sapna Bhavnani: “Miss making out in the theatres more than anything else heehee.. making up by going out and drinking more. Damn it!”

Bandana Tewari: “I’m handling the strike by happily watching reruns of The West Wing.”

Ash Chandler: “Hasn’t really affected me, planning to catch Angles and Demons and Star Trek in Goa!”

Farid Currim: “The movie strike hasn’t bothered me at all. With so much sports coverage on TV, cricket, the French Open and now more cricket! Plus there are some good foreign films late night on TV. So no worries!”

Ashwin Mushran: “Definitely not any of my new movies since they are not releasing because of the strike! Otherwise not too bothered quite happy watching the French Open, Family Guy and Fringe, Also watching a lot more National Geographic, Discovery Channel and feeling a lot more intelligent because of the strike!”

Fahad Samar: “Watched 99 and Angels and Demons in the theatres and have had a rollicking time watching the entire Almodovar collection on the home projection screen – the man is such a twisted genius!”

Divya Palat: “I’m handling it horribly! So delighting to be going on a Star Trek today… been downloading tons of great TV shows from the US, So finished 24, a great new show called Mentalist and my new favourite, Lie to Me. That combined with a few movie downloads we’ve been getting by but only just! Missing the popcorn!

Pritish Nandy: “I’m watching movies in London was here for a week, already seen 6 movies and I have still two evenings to go!”

DJ Aqeel: “I have been in America watching Terminator, Star Trek and Angels and Demons!”

Dino Morea: “Ahh yes, well considering we are missing all the big new releases, wolverine, Star Trek etc I am watching some of the old classics, when I’m free that is.”

Anubhav Pal: “I’m watching movies on DVD about strikes.”

Anu Dewan: “I am addicted to Apple TV so I love watching movies and the latest TV shows at home.”

Chetan Hansraj: “Bu watching DVDs I prefer watching movies at home, its more fun.”

Shamita Singha: “I don’t really watch Hindi movies so it hasn’t affected me on that front but yeah no decent English films in the multiplexes of late so I’m quite bummed about that! So watching DVDs at home of the latest Desperate Housewives or then some old classic English films. Just watched Before Sunrise and am about to order After Sunset it’s sequel!”

Rahul DaCunha: “Tons of DVDs, TV shows like CSI etc and all the new Hollywood films like Milk and The Wrestler are all available.

Dipannita Sharma: “Actually It’s terrible, you know its like something important has been taken away, having to make do with DVDs.”

Shibani Kashup: “Ya the movie strike has created a vaccum in everyone’s evening life especially for movie buffs like us. But on the other hand watching a lot of movies on DVD at home with friends especially movies we have missed out on. But hey there are places like Blue Frog and Daddy’s Windsong Wednesdat’s where we spend some lovely evenings listening to great live music!”

Weird bizarre

Bollywood Strike Out!

Good news Bollywood buffs, we finally have something to sing and dance about! The standoff between multiplexes and Bollywood production houses came to an end earlier today as the two parties reached a consensus over the rationalization of profit sharing for forthcoming films following a marathon meeting between the exhibitors and producers. The President of Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) Mukesh Bhatt has confirmed the news.

According to sources, the issue was resolved after a 12-hour long meeting between the two parties at Yashraj Studios. Producers and distributors were demanding a fair share of 50% at box office revenues but multiplex owners disagreed. Up till now the ratio was 40:60 in favour of owners. Producers have held back film releases since April 4th because of differences over profit-sharing between film producers and multiplex owners. (Remember even Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan got into the act asking for Fair Rights for Friday Nights?) The deadlock has resulted in losses worth over rs200 crore (thats 2 billion rupees) for producers, distributors as well as multiplexes. The producers all this while were demanding equal share in the ticket sales.

Now multiplex owners have agreed to the producers’ demand of profit sharing for the first week a movie runs in the theatres, which means starting today film buffs can get back to their movie popcorn diet!

The terms that have been amicably agreed upon by all national multiplex chains are: 50:50 (producers:multiplexes) and 42:58, 35:65 and 30:70 for the first four weeks respectively for all films.Producers and distributors will retain the right to chose and release the film as per its content. Entertainment tax will not be charged where it is not applicable.

There is also a rider. “In case a film grosses Rs. 175 million or above at the top six multiplex chains in the first week, the terms would then be 52:48 in favour of (producers:multiplexes), 45:55, 38:62 and 30:70 respectively for the first four weeks,” says Reliance Entertainment chairman Amit Khanna, who had been spearheading the truce march on behalf of the multiplexes. With regards to distribution, another hot area of dispute, multiplexes have agreed that the release plan in theatres would be decided by the producers.

Now film producers will have to streamline supply and avoid the clutter of film releases which had halted since 4 April. Hitting the cinema halls today are Star Trek, Maruti Mera Dost also Jackie Chan’s film Shinjuku Incident.  Big budgeted films like Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kambhakth Ishq”, Yash Chopra’s “New York”, Vashu Bhagnani’s “Kal Kisne Dekha Hai,” Subhash Ghai’s “Paying Guest” were among the films whose release was delayed. Now that the strike has been called off, the first film that will release in all multiplexes will be Vashu Bhagnani’s (aptly titled*) “Kal Kisne Dekha.”

*Who knows what tomorrow brings?

Becoming Twitterazzi

So as you may have noticed I’ve recently discovered the wonderful world of Twitter which I confess eluded me for way longer than necessary. So now that I’ve figured it out I can bring you the juice, fresh (and with pictures) from my night outs in Mumbai thanks to my fabulous trusted 5 mega-pixel phone camera [entirely intentional Nokia plug] who knows, maybe they’ll feel like giving me an upgrade? It’s almost my birthday you know.)

Now all YOU have to do is do (as Uncle Cracker once said) is “follow me” on Twitter! You can find me here as missmalini of course; I promise you an endless supply of gossip, celebrity spotting, gig updates (for followers IN Mumbai) and wherever possible, eye-candy for boys & girls alike. Deal?

(And for those not on twitter not to worry I’ll make sure those pictures come up on missmalini the blog “old school” style as well!) so here’s what I twittered recently…

So remember the one time my camera wasn’t working and I missed taking a picture of Imran Khan? *sob* I did manage to get this one on my camera! Something Relevant ripping it up at Daddy’s Wind Song…

Comic trio Vir Das (who was very funny on Women’s Day), Kabir Singh and Saurabh Panth dropped into the studio last week, they’re going to be kicking off a brand new (and very funny) “relationship advice” show on 94.3 Radio One Saturdays at 4pm starting next week called “Guy Bhains” (watch out ladies!) These guys crack me up 🙂
*Bhains in Hindi means bull.

Last night I was hosting this gig for Hard Rock Cafe (again)  and caught up with Sidd Coutto from the band Tough on Tobacco (remember I told you about him after the Channel [v] Launch Pad after party?) Well catch him on June 3rd at Il Terazzo for another smashing Daddy’s Wind Song Wednesday!

Oh and then I had this random I ❤ Mumbai moment when I caught the first monsoon drizzle last week. *sigh* I really do ❤ Mumbai!

Cannes desi’s rule?

So I just go the ultimate debrief of Cannes highlights thanks to a “little angel” who knows how we like our gossip back here in Mumbai; fresh and juicy!

Paris Hilton and boyfriend Doug Reinhardt at VIP Club

I’m told Paris Hilton hosted a swanky soiree at the VIP Club in Cannes courtesy ftv in a signature shimmery short dress (oh and please check out this article at celebitchy.com about Paris’ reaction to not getting a freebie at the LA club with a classic, “What the f–k, I’m Paris Hilton!” Hilarious.)

The party meanwhile was a heady sensory overdose of electronica, shiny clothes and beautiful people, missmalini’s secret correspodent also ran into the kung fu cutie Michelle Yo who was apparenty super sweet and what my source describes as, “a beautiful person inside out.”

Hilary Swank (photo courtesy Getty Images)

Then of course there was Hilary Swank who strolled the red carpet looking gorgeous, fully charged and wearing (apart from a stunning metallic grey Armani Prive gown) a very big smile. I’m told that after she did her obligatory turn on the red carpet she immediately went down to meet her fans.

I love that the official coverage is never as juicy as insider scoop, for instance who else could tell you that Penelope Cruise landed in Cannes with an upset stomache? Poor thing. I think it makes the rich and famous so much more human somehow, and yes on some level its comforting that they suffer the odd tummy ache just like is now and again!

My source also attended designer Christophe Guillarme‘s store launch (remember he dressed Nisha Harale Bedi for the red carpet?) which carries a line of  faux jewelry (with funky things like elephant toe rings and such) and even perfumes pitched as “red carpet accessories” under the banner of “collection de dijour.”

I’m also quite happy to hear that a fair amount of Bollywood posters are up in Cannes too like Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor’s new flick Kambakth Isqh, Aishwarya Rai’s obviously all over the place and loads of little write ups about Hrithik Roshan and papa Rakesh Roshan appear in the daily dish. My gossip girl even recited a sweet incident when she happened to be walking down the street wearing an Indian outfit and three local girls stopped her to gush, ” We love India, we love Aishwariya Rai and we love what you’re wearing!”

Even at the posh Nikki Club on the beach which hosts the daily after-parties with hot girls in bikinis and rich boys spraying champagne all over them you can apparently hear the occassional shukriya or namaste as part of the uber-cool new lingo. How bizzare, but cool!

Jai Ho then.

Yes we Cannes!

Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan (photo courtesy Reuters Pictures)

How cute are they?! (photo courtesy Reuters Pictures)

Here are a few snatches of Bollywood at Cannes 2009. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai actually rushed back to Mumbai after attending the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival to get home in time to hear the election results. “It’s a crucial election for us. And we wanted to be here when the results came in,” said Abhishek (even skipping a big Bollywood party held by the Committee Of Indian Industries hosted by flamboyant industrialist Vijay Mallya on Saturday night at Cannes. I get the feeling Mr. Mallya is probably more bummed about this than the Bachchans!) As expected the rest of Bollywood’s who’s who that attended Cannes stayed back.

Rakesh Roshan, Barbara Mori and Hrithik Roshan (photo courtesy bollywood.celebden.com)

Did you hear this one? (It seems everyone’s rubbing Aish the wrong way on (and off the red carpet.) Apparently the Mexican actress Barbara Mori, Hrithik Roshan’s co-star in “Kites” was fairly monosyllabic on their run-in at the hotel, The Martinez.  When Ash heard that Hrithik and Barbara are in the same hotel, she went to say hello to Hrithik and expressed a desire to meet Barbara too. When Ash finally met Barbara, Miss More just said a casual “hello” and excused herself saying she had to go for an event. Mr. Sensitive Hrithik jumped in to explain that perhaps Barbara (being foreign) may not have realized who she was. (What a wonderful thing to say to Miss World no?) Who’s willing to bet that the next time they meet Aish will suggest Barbara go fly a kite?

Martin Scorsese (photo courtesy monstersandcritics.com)

Monica Bellucci and Sophie Marcea

Rachel Weisz

Brad Pitt (photo courtesy exposay.com)

Hilary Swank (photo courtesy Reuters Pictures)

Another total cutie "Slumdog Millionaire" actor Ayush Manesh Khedekar (photo courtesy Reuters Pictures)

And just to put things into perspective here the other people at the various red carpet events were Hilary (looking) Swank(y), Monica Bellucci,  Sophie Marcea, Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet, Rachel Weisz, Bill Clinton (he still gets invited to all the sick: definition here parties eh?) Mariah Carey, Brad Pitt (drool-drool- swoon-swoon) and directors Quentin Tarantino and Ang Lee. (*ahem* can we have a little enthusiasm please Bollywood?)

Aishwarya Rai (photo courtesy indiatarget.com)

Now that’s more like it!
Honestly though, if she reacted like that around Hollywood royalty she’d be laughed right out of France; but  somewhere behind that ice-maiden exterior I just bet there’s a little girl screaming, “pinch me, Brad Pitt is here!”
(And perhaps maybe also a tiny little cheeky “in-you-face Sonam Kapoor!“)