Mahabharat Movie Review: Stars Voice Makes Film Watchable

The story of Mahabharata is well known and has been oft told. The difference with the current film is that it features top Bollywood star voices, in particular Amitabh Bachchan (Bheeshma), Ajay Devgn (Arjun), Vidya Balan (Draupadi), Shatrughan Sinha (Krishna), Manoj Bajpayee (Yudhishtir), Anil Kapoor ( Karna) and Anupam Kher (Shakuni Mama).

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

It's quite an achievement to enlist such a host of actors to lend their talent to an animated film.

This is the biggest achievement of director Amaan Khan's Mahabharata, which is clearly aimed at a young audience that might appreciate an introduction to the epic.

This biggest letdown, however, is the animation itself. Considering the strides Hollywood and even Indian animation films have made (such as Delhi Safari), the art, rendering and technical finesse of Mahabharata falls way short.

While the faces of the characters are designed to match those of their star voices, the movements are staccato and facial expressions limited. The effects in the final battle of Kurukshetra - as arrows fly through the sky - are reminiscent of the popular TV show about the battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. That was fine in the 80s but surely our technicians can do better in the 2010s.

This all-too simplistic retelling of a legendary tale is saved from collapsing only thanks to the voicing talents mentioned above.

Watch: Mahabharat Official Trailer

Salman Khan's Birthday Bash: Aamir, Anil, Eli, Sonakshi And Many Tinsel Town Stars in Attendance — Photos

Salman Khan who has turned 48 today, threw a lavish pre-birthday bash at his farmhouse in Panvel, Mumbai last night. 

 TV actress Aarti Chabria also made it to the birthday bash. She also wished Salman a very happy birthday. She wrote: "Heres wishing my fav, @BeingSalmanKhan a very very Happy Birthday! Loadsa love,good health,happiness n success!" (Twitter)

 'Ramaiya Vastavaiya' actor Girish Kumar, who along with his father and producer Kumar Taurani were also at the party. The new Bollywood entrant tweeted a pic from the party and wrote: "Met my idol @BeingSalmanKhan on his birthday. Wish you a very Happy birthday. Yippee (jumping with joy)"

And who’ who of Bollywood rushed in there to celebrate the superstar’s birthday which included Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Kunal Kohli, Esha Deol, Arjun Kapoor, Girish Kumar, Preetham, Sonu Sood, Suneil Shetty, Randeep Hooda. 

'Jai Ho' co star Sana Khan tweeted a pic from the party and wrote: "Happy bday to our very own Salman khan,it was super fun celebrating his bday yest.. Danced like crazyyyy..yoo!!" (Twitter)

Former Bigg Boss 7 contestant Kushal Tandon was also at the biggest and most happening party of the year. Salman Khan's 'Dabangg' actress Sonakshi Sinha was also there. Seen here with Kushal.

Singer Sunidhi Chauhan, who has just debuted her new haircut, also met with Salman Khan. Salman Khan was chilled out in a blue T shirt.

 Aashish Chaudhary alongwith Sooraj Pancholi at the bash.

 Anil Kapoor and Prasoon Joshi came together at the bash.

 Actor Arjun Kapoor spotted with a mystery girl at the bash.

 Eli Avaram, one of the favourite contestants of Salman Khan, was also spotted at the bash alongwith her mom and dad.

Take a look at all of them. 

 Girish Kumar with father Kumar S Taurani arrives at bash.

 Mini Mathur alongiwth director-husband Kabir Khan at the bash.

 Mughda Godse arrives at the bash.

 Music director Pritam Chakraborty all smiling while he arrives.

Sonu Sood arrives with his wife at the bash.

Actress Rashmi Nigam, who was seen in 'Heroine', was also seen at the party. She tweeted: "Happy Birthday @BeingSalmanKhan U know how to throw a Birthday party!!" (Twitter)

Anil Kapoor To Start 24 Season 2 Preparation From January 2014

Anil Kapoor is on cloud nine as he has had an eventful 2013. The year began with a super hit Race 2 that entered the 100 crore club, followed by Shootout at Wadala to his Hollywood debut with Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol and last but not the least the American version of 24 on Colors.

“This year I learnt some more self discipline. I learnt to eat well, exercise properly and think only positively. I also learnt to be patient. That has helped me in finding my bearings even better in life. Work-wise, besides 24, Race 2 and Shootout at Wadala were successful. Race 2, I feel could have been a much bigger hit. I hope the team works more hard on Race 3. Also I would like to thank the film industry and to my fans for having me around for thirty years. Time has just flown by. Today, I feel I am just starting out,” said an ecstatic Anil Kapoor

The coming year 2014 also looked jam-packed. 2014 would be taken up with Anees Bazmee’s Welcome Back and No Entry Mein Entry followed by Zoya Akhtar’s film. Also, he is also looking at making frequent trips to Los Angeles to pursue his career.

Now if this was not enough, Anil Kapoor is also optimistic to start the second season of 24 and he is looking forward to setting the second season in Dubai.

The Indian remake of the American TV show consists of a day in the life of the special agent as he strives to solve a criminal conspiracy, with each episode chronicling an hour of drama filmed in real time.

“Yes, we will bring 24 to Dubai very soon. Dubai is very cinema friendly. There is a lot of security, great locations, cars and roads, that is why so many people come to film here,” stated Anil Kapoor who is very optimistic to bring back the series soon.

The original US version of 24 starred Kiefer Sutherland as Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) agent Jack Bauer. Anil Kapoor acquired the rights from US Fox network to remake the Indian version in 2011 and it made its debut on Colors on October 04, 2013.

“You never know with life. No matter how much you plan, something unexpected comes up,” said Anil Kapoor who is looking forward for a brighter 2014.

John Abraham shoots Rs.3 crore song for 'Welcome Back'

John Abraham's entry in Anees Bazmee's "Welcome Back" will not be an ordinary one. The director has spent Rs.3 crore on a song that will introduce the actor in the comedy.

It has been shot in a popular suburban studio here.

"Anees bhai wanted to do something special with the song. He and Anu Malik have worked extremely hard on it and wanted it to be shot in an elaborate manner," producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala said in a statement.

"Right from the beginning, we had planned to shoot John’s introductory song on a grand scale. We had 700 junior artists and dancers and the song was shot for over seven days," he added.

A sequel to the 2007 hit "Welcome", "Welcome Back" also stars Shruti Haasan, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and Paresh Rawal and is slated for a 2014 release.

Sonam Kapoor Auditions For Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 - Story!

Sonam Kapoor may just be getting her inner savvy on with Captain Jack Sparrow in the next Pirates Of The Caribbean film if all goes well. 

The makers of the franchise are reportedly looking for an Indian face and approached a celebrity management company who, in turn, reached out to Anil Kapoor. Reports suggest that the actor asked his daughter to audition for the role.

According to a report by The Times Of India, the audition was held in Mumbai and a source told the daily that Sonam had a video conference with representatives from Walt Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer.

It's early days yet but the eyepatch and cutlass not to mention the presence of a certain Mr Depp may do for Sonam what The Pink Panther 2 failed to do for Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. 

The audition was held last week in a studio in Andheri. A source close to the development said, "Sonam breezed through the auditions. The outcome is awaited." Sources confirmed to TOI that Sonam even had a long video conference with representatives from the makers, Walt Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer. The casting agents of the film in question were also present during her acid test.

The fifth installment of the series is slated to go on floors in 2015. While it is too early to speculate on Sonam's possible role in the film, it would be interesting to see of she gets to romance one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

The fifth installment of Pirates Of The Caribbean is slated to go on floors in 2015.

Anil Kapoor, Abhay Deol Approached The Lead Roles In 'Shutter' Remake?

Chennai: Southern director Alphonse Putharen is set to remake Malayalam thriller "Shutter" in Hindi with a probable cast of Anil Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Abhay Deol and Tusshar Kapoor. He says he is awaiting confirmation from the actors.

"I have already approached Anilji, Anushka, Abhay and Tusshar for the four lead roles in the film. I still have not heard from them. I should FINALISE the cast in about a month's time," Alphonse told IANS.

Alphonse, who is basking in the success of Tamil-Malayalam His last directorial venture "Neram", says he will retain the same technical team for the Hindi project.

Directed by Joy Mathew, critically acclaimed "Shutter" is a satirical take on the plight of Indian workers in the Gulf.

The untitled Hindi remake is currently in its pre-production phase.

I love girls, I Surround Self With Only Women; Says Sonam Kapoor!

The Style Diva feels men sometimes bring negativity into women’s life!

Bollywood’s charming, young and fashionable actor Sonam Kapoor loves being surrounded by her ilk and feels men sometimes “bring negativity” into women’s lives. The 27-year-old, who has played feminine roles in films like Aisha and I Hate Luv Storys enjoys the company of women. “I love girls, I surround myself with only women. I think men bring negativity into your life sometimes. Only women work with me,” said Sonam in an interview.

She may not have been wise in choosing her roles, but the actor has proved that she never goes wrong in making style statements. She admits it’s a challenge to innovate winning looks every time she steps out. “It is a challenge and that is why you have great products to help you and I have great people to help me look good. When you see me normally, I don’t look so good,” she said.

Terming herself a bit “self-obsessed”, Sonam admitted that it is her sister, Rhea Kapoor, who gives styling tips to her dad, actor Anil Kapoor. “My sister is really good at that. I am really self-obsessed; so I only concentrate on myself,” the 27-year-old confessed.

While tackling a tough work schedule, Sonam stays fit by following a strict food regime. “I eat right, I have a nutritionist who takes care of me. I have people who are constantly firing me to drink enough water. It’s about eating right, drinking enough water and being happy in general…surrounding yourself with positive, happy people,” she said.

As far as acting is concerned, she will next be seen in Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Mikha Bhaag, the Khoobsurat remake and Yash Raj Films’ untitled project. She says her endeavour is to be different on screen every time. “Raanjhanaa is a very real character. She is a serious person. I don’t think one character has also been similar to my last character. The characters that I have in Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Khoobsurat and YRF’s untitled film, all are very different. They are about girls with incredibly different characters and journeys,” said Sonam.

Raanjhanaa will see her teaming up with southern star Dhanush and she said: “I love Aishwarya and Dhanush. They are the most amazing couple. I can call Dhanush a really good friend now. He is so respectful and modest and an incredible actor.”

Is Sonam ready to step into the South Indian film industry?

“I would love to do a Southern film. I saw how tough it was for Dhanush, so I am scared about it,” she said.

Sonam Kapoor Denies All Rumours Being Approached For a Hollywood Project!

The Raanjhanaa actor says she is not doing Hollywood project Curry in Love with Nick Nolte

Refuting rumours that she has signed a Hollywood project titled Curry in Love with Tamil filmmaker P Vasu, Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor said Tuesday that she hasn’t been approached for any English film as of now. “The news about me part of an English film is just a rumour. Nobody has approached me for a Hollywood project,” Sonam told reporters in Chennai.

It was reported Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Tamil actor Vijay and Hollywood actor Nick Nolte have been roped in to feature in Curry in Love, which was to be helmed by P Vasu, known for Tamil films such as Chandramukhi and Kuselan.

But the actress would love to act in any language film. “Language has never been a barrier for me. I would love to do films in other languages, but I don’t want to end up playing similar roles. If I get a challenging role to play, then I would be more than willing to work in any language,” she said while promoting her upcoming Hindi romance Raanjhanaa with Tamil actor Dhanush.

Raanjhanaa, directed by Anand L Rai, is dubbed in Tamil as Ambikapathy. While the Hindi version is scheduled to release on June 21, the Tamil version will release a week later.

Sonam Kapoor: I Am Not Allowed Late Nights At Home! Exclusive Interview Of Style Diva.

Sonam Kapoor is the daughter of Always Looking-Young-Handsome Anil Kapoor. She started her career with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya'. She is the spokesperson for French beauty brand L'Oreal. With a career span of approximately 9 films, She still prefers to keep her personal life away from Media. She is considered as a Style Goddess for most of the actresses in Bollywood. The one and only Sonam Kapoor goes candid with Faisal Saif

Let the Style Goddess speak about what she likes about her Stardom?

I like everything about stardom. I don't mind being in the public eye. If anyone tells you that they want to be a film actor but they don't want to be a star, that means they are lying. I love acting and love the fact the people like both my work and me. I am not pretentious enough to say that I cannot stand the attention.

And your feeling on playing so many characters?

I love being in front of the camera and I love creating new things. Can you imagine a girl from Juhu playing a girl from Chandni Chowk or a girl from Banaras or a girl from Defence Colony. It is amazing to be able to play different people.

It is also said that a Director has to convince your Dad (Anil Kapoor) first before narrating you the script?

Not really. My dad is not going to play my role in any film. They come to me. I take a call. I do have strong views in this aspect. But after a certain point, my dad does get in. I don’t want to concentrate on the details that follow.

But you do discuss your films with your dad?

Of course. What is the point of having him as my dad? I think that every child looks up to his parents.

So this means your dad is a very strict father?

He is definitely protective about me. He doesn’t want me to do anything wrong. I am not allowed late nights. But then, even I am a very responsible girl.

And you believe your job is a challenging one..

People are not as bad as people think they are in the industry. We work very hard with odd hours. It is not only emotional, but has physical and mental work as well

You are considered as a Style Icon for many of the Bollywood Actresses..

It stems from my mother’s side. My mom has been into fashion designing. I love her style. Even my masi is very aesthetically inclined. I wear branded clothes, But i also wear many vintage clothes too. If required, I will wear a simple sari. I pick up tees and jeans from streets as well.

You have also said that you are inspired by veterans such as Rekha and Waheeda Rehman?

I did meet Rekha and she was like 'it is amazing that you are doing the remake'. There are three or four heroines who I am obsessed with. They are Waheeda Rehman, Nutan, Rekha, Jaya Bachchan and Sridevi. I copy them all the time.

You are working on Rekha's Khoobsurat Remake, Do you believe in the current Remaking-Old-Films criteria?

I think every generation re-looks at a story. I don't think there is anything wrong with remakes.

If given an opportunity, Which "Remake" you would like to work in?

I would love to remake Guide of Waheeda Ji, Saraswatichandra of Nutan, I am the part of Khubsoorat and I would love to do Umrao Jaan. The make up and thumris were just amazing. I have completely copied Waheeda Ji's performance in Guide in my film Raanjhanaa.

But you say your character in Raanjhanaa is inspired by 'Guddi'?

I needed a reference point for my character. A naughty spunky school girl. I had already seen 'Guddi', but I saw it again before shooting for the film. I was inspired by Jaya Bachchanji in 'Guddi' for the film.

Which one is your favorite from The-Anil-Kapoor-Film's Collections?

Woh Saat Din, Tezaab, Beta, Ram Lakhan and Slumdog Millionaire.