Rakhi Sawant's panty show

Rakhi Sawant is the next girl in the row to reveal her panty. Knowingly or unknowingly, Rakhi Sawant exhibits her dotted panty during the promotional event of her upcoming film, ‘Loot’. Dressed in a blue over the knee outfit, item girl Rakhi Sawant least had the knowledge that she had suffered a wardrobe malfunction.

Her co-star Mahaakshay Chakraborty who was sitting next to her

was not at all bothered about her skin show and panty show. Controversy queen Rakhi who is known for her bold avatar has many times hit the headlines for her boldest move.

In the past, celebrities like Neetu Chandra, Shamita Shetty, Katrina Kaif, Sonali Bendre, Koena Mitra, Sherlyn Chopra,Yana Gupta are the few names that made news for their innerwear exhibition.

TELL ME O KKHUDA MOVIE REVIEW AND RATINGS

Tell Me O Kkhuda Movie Review And Ratings

Hema Malini returns to direction after a sabbatical, almost twenty years after she made DIL AASHNA HAI [1992], and so does her daughter Esha, whose last release hit the screens three years ago. But the veteran actress/film-maker takes an emotional trip yet again. In DIL AASHNA HAI, it was all about a girl wanting to know who her mother was. In TELL ME O KKHUDA, the gender is changed; the protagonist goes in search of her biological father. It’s her passionate quest for her roots, the search for her father that makes her travel to different destinations — Rajasthan, Turkey and Goa.

Well, this isn’t an innovative concept, frankly. Of course, DIL AASHNA HAI had a similar theme, but prior to that, Yash Chopra incorporated a similar sub-plot in KABHI KABHIE. But, if one were to be specific, TELL ME O KKHUDA inadvertently bears a striking resemblance to the Meryl Streep starrer MAMMA MIA!. Generally, in subjects such as these, the focus is on, you guessed it right, the drama and also the emotional quotient. It boils down to how one connects with the plot and how proficiently can the protagonist get into the shoes.

Hema Malini gets it right as far as the plot is concerned and there’s no denying that Esha pitches in a sincere, heartwarming performance, but TELL ME O KKHUDA suffers for that vital reason that’s the lifeline of every film — the screenplay isn’t convincing enough. The three stories, not connected with each other, hold your interest intermittently, in bits and spurts. But it’s the culmination to the tale that spoils the effort. Things go awry at this stage. What was the need for a formulaic and filmy end?

Tanya [Esha Deol] is brought up in the secure and content environment of a loving family [Farooque Shaikh, Deepti Naval], but decides to chart an unpredictable course with the intention of tracing her biological parents. The intense search for her roots, which Tanya takes up passionately and with headstrong determination, takes her around the globe. She meets the three men one by one — Abhay [Vinod Khanna], a royal by birth who is revered for integrity; Altaf [Rishi Kapoor], a sophisticated Indian settled in Turkey; Anthony [Dharmendra], a gangster. Tanya has to find the answers she’s looking for.

Of the three stories, the one featuring Rishi Kapoor manages to hold your interest. That’s because it comes across as real. The story featuring Vinod Khanna gets into an altogether different track and even the camel race that’s featured in this episode, which should’ve been a highpoint, fails to excite you. And the one featuring Dharmendra is the weakest of the lot. Frankly, the sequences that feature the real-life father and daughter, Dharmendra and Esha, are electrifying, but the episode featuring the father’s past [Hema Malini] is so so disappointing. The emotional connect is missing here. Like I pointed out earlier, even the finale is an absolute letdown.

Hema Malini has handled a few emotional moments well, but the screenplay is far from convincing, disjointed and least engaging, which takes the film down. There’s not much hope for music here, yet Pritam comes up with two decent tracks — ‘Mera Mann’ and ‘Esha’. The latter comes too late in the narrative, though. The cinematography is consistent. The portions in Turkey are luminously filmed.

Esha Deol delivers a mature performance. Dharmendra, Vinod Khanna and Rishi Kapoor are accomplished actors all and they stand out in their respective parts. Farooque Shaikh is equally good. Deepti Naval is effective. Arjan Bajwa doesn’t get scope, though Chandan Roy Sanyal is a complete livewire, a spontaneous actor. Sudhanshu Pandey is strictly okay, while Madhoo does well. The actress playing the part of Rishi Kapoor’s wife does a fine job. Johny Lever provides some genuine laughs. Hema Malini appears towards the end of the film. She doesn’t impress this time!

On the whole, TELL ME O KKHUDA has an erratic script, which works in bits and spurts. That, honestly, isn’t enough!

DAMADAMM MOVIE REVIEW

Damadamm Movie Review

Like him or not, but there’s something about Himesh Reshammiya. He may not feature on your favorite actor list, but you cannot ignore him. A braveheart in whatever he’s dabbled into — producing TV serials, composing music, singing songs or stepping in front of the camera — Reshammiya now forays into film production with DAMADAMM [his company HR Musik presents the film]. 

A rom-com that comes across as a slice of life film, DAMADAMM takes you back to the times when simple stories were the order of the day, when ordinary looking people were grappling with not too complex issues and problems, when the focus was on delicate relationships. The 70s cinema, which witnessed a number of charming films by doyens like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee, comes alive as you watch DAMADAMM. Of course, DAMADAMM is not as memorable as the films made in the bygone era, but first-time director Swapna Waghmare Joshi [a reputed name in tele circles] makes a sincere attempt to tell a tale that’s not commonplace. Beneath all the song and masala that’s integrated in the story, you will find characters you can relate to.

Notwithstanding its plusses, DAMADAMM doesn’t rise to those levels for two reasons. One, too many songs in the narrative. Two, the plot gets predictable after a point and loses the steam.

Sameer’s [Himesh Reshammiya] life is perfect, but for his over-possessive and constantly nagging girl-friend [Purbi Joshi]. To add to it, he gets drawn towards his boss’ sister [Sonal Sehgal]. All hell breaks loose when the girlfriend returns from her hometown. Sameer is in a fix.

Though not a comic fare, DAMADAMM has light moments aplenty that do bring a smile on your face. When you’re in a relationship, everyone likes to feel loved and wanted by their partner. But, quite often, the love and caring tends to suffocate you as the partner gets over-possessive. This kind of extreme behavior is exactly what Swapna Waghmare Joshi tries to highlight in the movie in a light-hearted fashion and that’s what sets DAMADAMM apart from films of its ilk.

Swapna has avoided going over the top and remains faithful to the subject. I’d like to make note of at least three sequences that are strikingly filmed. One, the tiff at the interval point, when Himesh calls off the relationship. Two, Purbi explaining to Himesh why she behaves that way. Three, Himesh landing up at Purbi’s office towards the final moments of the film.

But, like I pointed out earlier, DAMADAMM should’ve avoided the been-there-seen-that kind of situations that you get to watch in love triangles. Also, the makers could’ve done without a couple of songs. ‘Madhushala’, for instance, is a good track, but wasn’t required in the first place. Also ‘Mango’. Even ‘Umrao Jaan’, the best song of the enterprise, comes too late [end credits].

Himesh’s dedication to his craft is well-known by now and the composer/singer/actor goes that extra mile to get the role right. Sonal Sehgal looks alluring and acts well. But it is Purbi Joshi who steals the show with a power-packed performance. Her confident portrayal stands out. Rajesh Khattar is impressive as Himesh’s boss. The actor enacting the role of Himesh’s friend/colleague is first-rate.

On the whole, DAMADAMM isn’t bad, but it isn’t great either. Though it has a hit score to its credit and some endearing moments, it will have to rely on a strong word of mouth to withstand a mighty opponent [RA.ONE].

REVIEW OF RA.ONE MOVIE

Review Of Ra.One Movie

I’ve often heard people say, film-making is nothing short of a gamble. And as any gambler will tell you, you’ve got to gamble huge to triumph huge. Going by this logic, Shah Rukh Khan is The Supreme Gambler of the year.

What’s at stake, beside the big money invested in RA.ONE of course, is a dream, a vision, an aspiration to make a film which appeals to kids and kids at heart. In short, attempt a film that appeals to the universal audience. At the same time, it ought to raise the bar for Hindi films. Also at stake is SRK’s once-unchallenged supremacy as the reigning idol of Bollywood and that elusive thing called reputation. When you invest your repute in your dream project and stick your neck out, you expect nothing short of a mega-success.

Movies like KRRISH and ROBOT initiated the trend of superhero films in India, with fantasy making deep inroads into mainstream Hindi cinema. Now RA.ONE raises the bar, takes not a step or two, but a giant leap and adheres to international standards, in terms of execution. But the soul, I wish to add, is very desi. That’s precisely the reason why RA.ONE emerges trumps. RA.ONE is beauty with brains.

What characterizes a stunning superhero movie? I have narrowed it down to three precise constituents that I deem are absolutely necessary for an alluring superhero flick. The first is that the motion picture must encompass spectacular action and edge-of-the-seat thrills. Secondly, a magnificent superhero movie must also boast of luminous performances from the protagonists, which in turn should make these characters appear credible and relatable. Thirdly and most importantly, superhero films must have a narrative that keeps us yearning for more. All of these are indispensable factors in making a superhero movie that will be both acclaimed and adored by fans. Fortunately, RA.ONE emerges triumphant in all the three departments.

RA.ONE is the most ambitious, most expensive and the most technologically complex Hindi film ever made. It pushes the envelope further. It’s not merely a film, but an experience, an event. It’s a film that will rewrite the textbook of computer graphics in Hindi cinema. At the same time, it is very Indian at heart. The relationship between SRK and the kid is the highpoint of the enterprise. But, at the same time, there are ample clap-trap moments that will send the viewers in frenzy. The chase sequence, when Ra.One finally zeroes on Lucifer, and the subsequent ‘entry’ of the superhero is awe-inspiring. The train sequence in the second hour is exceptional and a cinematic feat. The presence of Rajnikanth in a crucial sequence will be greeted with deafening claps and whistles. And, of course, the climax of the film; it’s simply jaw-dropping.

Besides these factors, the ‘Chammak Chhallo’ number is already a rage and so are the sequences involving visual effects. In a nutshell, it’s an entertainer that works big time. You haven’t experienced something like this ever before, on the Hindi screen!

A father tries hard to fit into his son’s world. While Shekhar [Shah Rukh Khan] tries every trick in the book to woo his son, his son had given up on him. Just when the father-son duo hit a deadlock, Shekhar strikes gold when he designs one hell of a game. Finally, it all starts falling in place. But the happiness is short-lived. All hell breaks loose when the game that was meant to be played with, starts playing them.

We are spoilt by cinema’s ability to create on celluloid anything that can be imagined, therefore we have raconteurs making endeavors to bestow us with movies that you wouldn’t have ever envisioned even in your mind’s eye. You realize this as you watch RA.ONE, which is a visual spectacle from start to end.

Director Anubhav Sinha along with co-writers David Benullo, Kanika Dhillon and Mushtaq Shiekh may be inspired by international flicks as far as the concept is concerned, but they ensure that they serve the right masala to moviegoers in those 2.30 hours. What actually takes you by complete surprise is not just the money spent on visual effects or the stunning chase and action scenes, but the twists and turns in the screenplay that unravel at a feverish pace.

Besides, the moviegoers have certain expectations and notions about superhero flicks and they expect such characters to perform audacious aerobatics to save someone’s life or a nation. But this one’s different. Visually arresting and dramatically just what the doctor ordered, the film boasts of relatable characters, which makes this superhero movie for kids as well as grown-ups. In fact, I’d like to add, RA.ONE is not only skillfully directed, but also visually dynamic and entertains from commencement to conclusion.

The album of the film lives up to the grand expectations. Vishal-Shekhar deliver a striking score with ‘Chammak Chhallo’, ‘Dildaara’ and ‘Raftarein’ being the pick of the lot. The background score, also recorded by them, is equally electrifying. V. Manikandan and Nicola Pecorini’s cinematography is top notch. Same goes for the stunts and chases [Andy Gill and Spiro Razatos]. Dialogue [Kanika Dhillon and Niranjan Iyengar] are hardly ever commonplace. What I found most interesting is that, whether humorous or thoughtful, the channel of communication appears very credible. The Ra.One and G.One suits, designed by Robert Kurtzman, are super.

RA.ONE is a perfect vehicle that does justice to the talent of Shah Rukh Khan. He seems to have found a story and character that work in perfect sync and tandem with manic energy. SRK steers this physically challenging lead role with high-spirited self-belief. He’s endearing as the father and magnificent as the superhero with a heart. Kareena Kapoor is a delight to watch. She effortlessly glides into the character. Besides, she looks ethereal in the ‘Chammak Chhallo’ song and her wit is infectious. Arjun Rampal pulls his act with effortlessness and style. Also, Arjun’s well-designed look is admirable.

I’d like to make a special mention of Armaan Verma, the kid who has a pivotal part to portray. He stands shoulder to shoulder with SRK and Kareena all through the film and delivers a super-confident performance. The film has a number of actors in key roles [Shahana Goswami, Dalip Tahil, Satish Shah, Suresh Menon, Mushtaq Shiekh and Tom Wu] and each of them fit well in their respective parts. Sanjay Dutt and Priyanka Chopra add to the glam quotient, while Rajnikanth proves yet again that he’s a scene stealer.

But the man who warrants the actual round of applause is director Anubhav Sinha himself. For bringing out the best of SRK, Kareena and Arjun. For the amazing screenplay. For the speedy yet smooth stream of the narrative. And for the fantastic unfolding of the written material. He merits top admiration for every act of his.

On the whole, RA.ONE is a solid entertainer, no two opinions on that. It’s not merely a great looking film, but also has soul, which is so essential to strike a chord with the avid moviegoer. As for the business prospects, RA.ONE is sure to shatter all previous records and set new ones, in India as well as internationally. The film will be the new yardstick for measuring success. It has Blockbuster written all over it!

Upcoming The Frankincense Trail Blog Tour

 

Over November 1st-10th, The Frankincense Trail by Jody Kihara will be touring the blogosphere.  I adored this one, an Arabian Nights era book that just took me back in time!

 

Anyway, besides the blog tour, Jody (the author) will be holding a massive giveaway on her Facebook Page.  She will give away 5 Copies!! of The Frankincense Trail, the winners being able to choose between print or digital copies.  For more information, go to Jody's FB Page!

 

And if you want more information go to The Frankincense Trail Website, or to buy the book to read yourself, go to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

 

Now, this bit has got to be one of the coolest things ever...  At the end of the blog tour, there's going to be a massive Twitter-View, or a Twitter Interview.  To go check it out, follow either @ladystorm33 or @JodyKihara, or type in #TFT.  I, for one, can't wait to see how that one turns out!

 

Holding this tour is Lightning Book Promotions, who also have some other pretty good tours coming up.  So keep an eye out!  :D

 

TFT book trailer (I am including this in case you want to add it to your review, but you don't have too.)

 

 

 

Here's the lineup!  :D

 

Nov. 1st: Julie @ One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

        2nd Freda @ Freda's Voice

        3rd Jude @ In between Writing and Reading

        4th Jennifer @ Fictitious Musing

        5th Orchid @ The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia

        6th Stormi @ Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!

        7th Mary @ Sweeping Me

        8th Jennifer G @ Can't Put It Down

        9th Laura @ Library of Clean Reads

       10th Megan @ The Book Addicted Girl

Marlon Teixeira for Elle Man Mexico November 2011

It takes time to be a man

Photographer: Santiago Ruiseñor
Stylists: Pamela Ocampo and Itzhiar Hurtado
Model: Marlon Teixeira

      

Twitter ● Facebook ● Bloglovin'

'The A Train' | Raquel Zimmermann by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia November 2011

The A Train - Raquel Zimmermann by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia November 2011 // Styled by Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele

     

    

    

Twitter ● Facebook ● Bloglovin'

Weekly Round-Up (#6)

So, I've decided to create a little meme to show all reviews I've done this week, all memes posted, reviews coming up, etc.  I hope it's useful or makes everything easier to find.  :)

I'm quite impressed by what I got up to this week.  I think I did pretty good.  :D  Anyway, this is what I did...

Book Reviews:

Marshmallow Skye (The Chocolate Box Girls, Book Two) by Cathy Cassidy
Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Memes:

Teaser Tuesday #22: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Waiting on Wednesday #26

On My Wishlist #18

In My Mailbox #34

Extras:

A Spooky Giveaway

Upcoming Review:

Kill All Enemies by Melvin Burgess

 

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Publisher: Egmont

Format: Paperback

Published: 6^th June 2011

Number of Pages: 228

Book: Bought

Genre: Realistic-Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery, Contempory, YA

Recommended Age: 11+

Contains: Kissing, Mild Swearing

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Website: Cat Patrick

Here’s the thing about me: I can see the future in flashes, like memories.  But my past is a blank.

I remember what I’ll wear tomorrow, and an argument that won’t happen until this afternoon.  But I don’t know what I ate for dinner last night.  I get by with the help of notes, my mom and my best friend Jamie, and the system works…

Until now.  Everything’s falling apart.

Jamie’s going off the rails.

My mom is lying to me.

And I can’t see the boy I adore in my future.

But today, I love him.  And I never want to forget how much…

                                                                   Review:

London Lane gets up, foe to school, hangs out, just like a normal girl.  But what makes London different is that, every night at 4:33am, her memory resets itself.  She can’t remember her past, only her future.  She just about manages to get through each day.  Until it all starts to collapse around her.  Suddenly, the ones she trust the most are lying or falling to pieces.  In fact, even London isn’t telling herself the truth.  And the boy she loves… she doesn’t remember him.  Which means he isn’t in her future.  Or that, one day, he will do something to hurt her…  But right now, right at this moment?  London loves him more than she thought was possible.  And then a memory emerges that changes her world forever…

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this book up.  Definitely not the emotional rollercoaster, the epic love story, the intriguing mystery and the wonderfully strong characters.  It was just a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful story that had me in its grip from start to finish.  And once I’d finished, all I wanted to do was pick it back up and read it again.

London Lane was someone I just instantly liked.  She knew so much, had so much to deal with.  She could see all the worst things, and she had to cope with it all.  And, God, I felt so sorry for her.  Even better: She was funny.  In a wonderfully snarky way.  And she had this habit of looking at shoes and guessing who was wearing them, something I found way too cute.  London had a worryingly active imagination, and was very clever.  This helped, ‘cause she was also scheming, a real evil genius.  But, what really hit me about London was that, if she had to remember something –wanted to remember something – painful, she had to re-remember it over and over.  Every.single.morning. How could do that?  She was just so strong, choosing to remember some things.  I know I would have taken the cowards’ route and forgotten…

Luke was sweet.  He seemed like he kinda wanted to avoid attention and was a little awkward at first.  And he was interested in ears – something that made me go: “Um.  Ooookkk.”  But he was just so cute!  He adored his family, his little sisters, and he was really romantic, cute, gorgeous. And he really loved London, so much.  I loved him! 

Jamie Connor, London’s best friend.  She was sweet and super protective towards London.  But why, why, why didn’t she listen to London?! 

London’s Mom was great, helping London deal with everything.  She was the perfect mother – supportive and completely devoted to her daughter.

I just loved the whole future-seeing thing: it was intriguing.  I did drive myself half mad by wondering why London was as she was.  A strange psychological quirk?  Or just plain psychic…ness?  And the way London got to fall in love over and over and over again?  So new and incredible.  So beautiful.  It was just such a perfect love story.  Plus, I think the two of them were just too cute!

I loved every moment of Forgotten.  I was completely thrown by the twists in the plot, glued to the page with suspense.  I adored the light romantic side – the one that was way too sweet to be real.  And I loved how it was written: London’s POV, present tense, with London’s notes, used to remember.  The writing was just beautiful; raw and emotional, wonderfully lyrical, full of suspense and love.  It was just perfect.  And: sequel potential – I am so, so, so hoping for a sequel!  I’m not ready to let these characters go!

Star Rating:
4½ Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Entangled by Cat Clarke

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Megan

Happy Reading

In My Mailbox (#34)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what.  Awesome! 

I may have - ah-hem - neglected my IMM last week.  I was all tired, and just couldn't force myself to do one: still don't feel great and am currently hating all winter bugs.  But, I have had an awesome two weeks!  Last week I got a package with the gorgwous dragon book below - one I am seriously excited about.  And this Friday - another package!  It was a box, done up with gorgeous butterfly tape, and was from Sammee, I Want To Read That, so thank you, thank you, thank you!  Anyhoo, this is what I got...

For Review:



Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms (The Land of Dragor, Book One) by Julia Suzuki (Goodreads | Amazon)
Here Be Dragons
I am so excited about this one!  The author was described as "the next JK", so I'm double excited!  And, c'mon!  Who doesn't love dragons?  Plus, the hardback copy I recieved is just beautiful.  Thank you to Steve Brookes/Sociabull for sending it to me!
Ignite (Midnight Fire Series, Book One) by Kaitlyn Davis (Goodreads | Amazon)
A very spooky-looking read here!  Again, very excited!  Thanks Julia!
Bloomsbury Children's Books New Titles: January - June 2012
This is a little catalogue with all of Bloomsbury's upcoming childrens/YA books in.  From pages 18-37, I am fairly certain I want, well, everything! ;)


A Gift!:



Daughter of Smoke and Bones (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book One) by Laini Taylor (Goodreads | Amazon)
The Doors To The Elsewhere Are Closing
From the first time I saw this book, I wanted it!  So when Sammee (I Want To Read That) offered it to me, as she had 3 copies, I just jumped at the chance!  I am so so so excited about it!  Thank you Sammee!!!
In the Sea there Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda  (Goodreads | Amazon)
The True Story of Enaiatollah Akbari
This has been on one of my favourite websites (Red House) for ages, and I kept meaning to buy it.  Little did I know that Sammee would also send me a copy of this as well!  Again, thank you!!
This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads | Amazon)
The Apprenticeship Of Victor Frankenstein
Now, who doesn't love Frankenstein?  And The Dark Endeavor just sounds fantastic!  Thank you again Sammee!!




Bought:



Heist Society (Heist Society, Book One) by Ally Carter (Goodreads | Amazon)
I adored the first of Ally's other series: The Gallagher Girls, and so just couldn't resist buying this as it was on Buy-One-Get-One-For-£1!  Plus: super theif heroine?  Should be awesome!!
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater (Goodreads | Amazon)
Again, it was on Buy-One-Get-One-For-£1 and I couldn't resist.  Linger is one of my favourite books, and so I just had to buy this one!  Plus, how gorgeous is this cover?!
Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, Book One) by Kami Garcia (Goodreads | Amazon)
Is Falling In Love The Beginning....
Or The End?
I've wanted this one for ageees.  So I - obviously - had to buy it!  It looks amazing!


Well, that's me!  I did pretty good over the past two week!  I did get some NetGalley books too, but I can't be bothered to add them!  I am feeling lazy!  ;)

What was in your mailbox this week?