Super sugary chat with Abhi-Aish....

Haters please do not come after me, that is the title of the piece that goes on to mention diabetes etc.:

Raavan - My Review

In a religious country like India, where people have ended up fighting over Rama and Allah, it needs some courage to take up one of the two greatest epics written and show our worshipped Lord Rama having a grey side to him. It takes even more courage to start telling the story from the villain Raavan’s point of view and justify his actions. Mani Ratnam is his latest film does exactly that when he gives the mythological story a realistic setting in today’s world and twists the story a bit to make people sympathize for the villain of the epic.

Abhishek Bachchan plays an outlaw called Beera(Raavan) in the film. Though he goes against the law, the villagers believe in him, his actions, and his ideology which makes him a character like Don Vito Corleone or the Sarkar. The only difference is he is wilder than those. The wildness, ofcourse is to draw parallelism to Raavan’s character in Ramayana. He kidnaps Raagini(Sita) played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to kill her for reasons told later in the film. But instead of killing her, he starts falling for her beauty, her bravery. This is where we see the film getting similar to RGV’s Jungle where the lead bandit started falling for Urmilla Matondkar and starts taking wrong decisions.

Mani Ratnam goes back to what he is most known for and does the best, depicting violence and terrorism on screen. Though Raavan isn’t exactly a film about terrorism, its style is very similar to those. He might not have come back to his real best, but it seems like he is on his right way now after Guru where I thought he completely lost his way and like other directors got pulled and attracted by commercial brand of cinema. With Raavan, he seems to be coming back to his own.

The most pleasing thing in this film is the visuals, the cinematography. Santosh Sivan is really a master of camerawork. He has never disappointed me with his camera work. While Terrorist is his best piece of work for me, Raavan isn’t very far behind. Though shooting infront of the waterfalls, and naturally beautiful scenes makes it easier for him to make the picture look beautiful, he is equally good in indoor scenes and close-up shots. He and Manikandan make the film a visual treat and worth watching just for the visuals alone.

Read more from HERE

Do Western reviwers treat BW patronizingly?

In Bollywood’s ‘Raavan,’ Abhishek Bachchan a ‘Ham’
By Tripti Lahiri

Mani Ratnam’s “Raavan,” whose story and characters are inspired by the epic ‘Ramayan,’ opens worldwide today. It centers around the triangle between policeman Dev (Vikram), outlaw Beera Munda (Abhishek Bachchan) and Dev’s wife Ragini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), whom Beera kidnaps.

Early reviews are in and most praise the film for being beautifully shot but are mixed on the acting, particularly Mr. Bachchan’s. American reviewers seem to like the film much more than Indian ones do. A separate Tamil version “”Raavanan” also opened today in which Vikram plays the role of the outlaw opposite Ms. Rai Bachchan. India Real Time presents a round-up:

U.S. entertainment trade publication Hollywood Reporter’s Ray Bennet describes “Raavan” as a “pan-Indian saga with epic sweep, intense emotion and gorgeous images.”

Cinematographers Manikandan and Santosh Sivan, production designer Samir Chanda and editor A. Sreekar Prasad come in for high praise. THR says they “serve Ratnam superbly with images, settings and vitality that take one’s breath away.”

Both Bachchans do well in their roles, THR says. Mr. Bachchan’s kidnaps the character played by his wife.

“Bachchan has fun with a character who is fierce, passionate and dangerous but also comic in his self-doubt over whether to kill his captive or make love to her,” says Mr. Bennet, describing Ms. Rai Bachchan in this movie as “a force of nature.”

Courtesy of Reliance Big Pictures
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan plays Ragini, a policeman’s wife, in “Raavan” and in “Raavanan.”

In this mini-review, the Guardian’s Cath Clarke, however, finds this a film of “innate sexism” and says Mr. Bachchan hams it up excessively in an “absurdly extravagant melodrama.”

On the web site India.com Mihir Fadnavis says the film is a crushing disappointment and gives it only two thumbs up out of a possible (if anatomically impossible) five thumbs.

“Mani Ratnam’s epic retelling of an ancient tale is amalgamated and cut to create a stylized but characterless piece with some spectacular imagery,” writes Mr. Fadnavis. “The film is too celebratory of Bollywood’s good guy-versus-bad guy, buddy-buddy ethos to rise above the limitations of the genre, and too obsessed with its own seriousness to be a truly ’serious’ film.”

In another mini-review, the Los Angeles Times says “Raavan” belongs to Mr. Bachchan’s “exquisite real-life wife Aishwarya Rai” but laments that “it takes a couple of hours to learn whether Beauty can tame Beast.”

On Indian portal Rediff.com, Raja Sen is unhappy with the way the film draws on the epic, saying Mr. Ratnam is excessively literal in his interpretation at times, and gives the film just two out of five stars.

Mr. Ratnam “takes a big chunk of larger-than-life Indian mythology, sloppily swaps antagonist with protagonist, and ends up giving an earnest Bachchan far too much scenery to chew in far too much spotlight,” says Mr. Sen.

Read more HERE

Raavan Box Office reports (please add information to this thread)

B.O. update: 'Raavan' has below the mark opening, reports disappointing
- By Taran Adarsh, June 18, 2010 - 19:36 IST
Raavan The much-anticipated RAAVAN did not fetch the desired start on Friday. While certain big city plexes opened to a 50% to 60% to 70% response, the response at smaller centre plexes and also single screens was much lower, in 20% to 25% to 30% range. Even in Mumbai, which contributes heavily from multiplexes, the occupancy was extremely erratic. In the recent past, films like HOUSE FULL, BADMAASH COMPANY, KITES and RAAJNEETI had opened to a terrific start and the industry was expecting a similar start for RAAVAN. But the reports of RAAVAN -- the audience feedback specifically -- is extremely mixed, tilting towards negative.

RAAVAN has had an extensive release in the Hindi version and therefore, the Friday numbers might be better due to this reason, but the fact remains that the opening day business is below expectations. Now let's see how Saturday and Sunday fares!

LINK

Raavan release news and your predictions

'Raavan' in 2200 Screens Worldwide Click here to add this article to My Clips

By Taran Adarsh, June 16, 2010 - 16:51 IST

Reliance BIG Pictures and Madras Talkies' forthcoming film RAAVAN will release in approximately 2200 screens worldwide on Friday, June 18, making it the first Indian film to release simultaneously in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu versions.

The Hindi version of the film RAAVAN is slated to release in 1250 screens in India and 325 screens overseas in over 35 countries, including India, U.S., Canada, U.K., U.A.E., Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, Netherlands, France, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc.

The Tamil version RAVANAN will release in 225 screens in India, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka and also in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nasik, Surat, Baroda, Kolkata cities with English subtitles. It will release in 150 screens overseas in Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, U.S., U.K., Middle East Asia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa etc.

The Telugu dubbed version VILLAIN will release in 215 screens in Andhra Pradesh and in additional 25 screens in U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

LINK

Post your predictions on this thread!

Mine - Opening week 45 crores - end at 75 crores

Abhishek Bachchan speaks about Raavan

Who's who in Mani Ratnam's Raavan

By now everyone knows that Mani Ratnam's film Raavan is loosely based on Valmiki's epic Ramayana.

We all also know that Abhishek Bachchan's character is loosely based on Ravana, but what about the others?

Does the film script follow the original? Read on as this could also be a good chance for you to brush up your knowledge of the classic.

Abhishek Bachchan -- Ravana

Valmiki's version: In popular perception Ravana maybe the villain in the epic -- after all, he does kidnap Ram's wife, has an epic battle with him in which Ram kills him -- but Ravana was also a great king of Lanka, a famous Shiv bhakt, a veena virtuoso, and was famed for his physical prowess -- he once tried to lift Mount Kailash with Lord Shiv seated on it. Ravana's wife, the beautiful Mandodari, was one of the virtuous women of the time. Valmiki's epic shows that all virtue comes to naught when you let your senses run amok -- as Ravana did on seeing Sita.

Mani's version: Abhishek Bachchan plays Beera Munda, loosely based on Ravana. Beera is a tribal leader who cares for the villagers, is the voice of the underdog, snatches power from the rich and gives it to the poor. He rules a small village in Madhya Pradesh called Lal Maati where the police has no powers, only Beera does. So when his life is disrupted by a brave police officer, Beera carries off his wife Ragini into the jungle.

Vikram Kenni - Rama

Valmiki's version:Venerated as the maryada purshottam, Rama today is a pan-south east Asian phenomenon. In Valmiki's epic, Rama was the dutiful elder son of King Dashrath who sacrifices his crown to keep his father's promise to his stepmother. Embodiment of all virtues, Ram marries Sita but is forced to spend the next 14 years in the jungle -- from where Sita is abducted by Ravana, which sets off a tragic chain of events.

Mani's version: Vikram Kenni plays the character of Dev Pratap Sharma, loosely based on Rama. Dev, a police officer, falls in love with Ragini and marries her. Soon after Dev gets transferred to Lal Maati village which is under Beera's control. Beera and his accomplices face a few setbacks thanks to Dev, and Beera abducts Dev's wife to teach him lesson.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan - Sita

Valmiki's version:Rama's wifeSita is kidnapped by Ravana from the forest before being rescued by her husband Rama following a bloody battle. After rescuing Sita, Rama asks her to prove her chastity by doing theagni pariksha, from which she emerges unscathed, and Rama accepts her.

Mani's version: Aishwarya Rai's character is called Ragini in the film and she is a dance teacher. Ragini gets abducted as her police officer husband makes local don Beera Munda's life miserable. She is taken into a forest and kept in captivity. As Mani sees it, when Dev doubts his wife's character, Ragini will sympathise with the other man.

Govinda - Hanuman

Valmiki's version: For devotion there's none like Hanuman, wrote the poet, and till date the bachelor-god remains a huge favourite among followers. He was the one who flew to Lanka to spot Sita in captivity, he was the one who carried the entire mountain while looking for the miraculous Sanjeevani herb to revive Ram and Lakshman in battle.

Mani's version: Govinda is called Sanjeevani Kumar in the film and his character is based on Hanuman. Sanjeevani is a forest guard who knows the region very well. He is a drunkard and therefore gets suspended all the time. Sanjeevani has great admiration for Dev but he also understands Beera and respects him, even though he does not agree with his unlawful ways.

Nikhil Dwivedi - Lakshman

Valmiki's version: The brothers were inseparable, and Lakshman accompanies Ram into the jungle. Hot-blooded, it is Lakshman who disfigures Ravana's sister Surpanakha when she takes a fancy to the handsome Rama, setting in motion Sita's abduction, the war, everything.

Mani's version: Nikhil Dwivedi's character is loosely based on Lakshmana. Younger brother to Dev Pratap, he too plays a cop, Laxmana Pratap.

Priyamani - Surpanakha

Valmiki's version:Surpanakhawas Ravana's sister who takes a fancy to Rama, whom she sights in the forest. She tries to entice him but Rama, celebrated for his commitment to Sita, rebuffs her. When she persists in her advances Lakshman steps in and chops off her nose, following which she goes crying to her brother Ravana.

Mani's version: Priyamani plays Beera Munda's sister Serena, a negative character in the film who is the cause of the entire drama.

Ajay Gehi - Vibhishana

Valmiki's version:Vibhishana is the younger brother of Ravana who, stricken by his conscience that his sibling has abducted a married woman, walks out just before war breaks out, when his calls for restoring Sita to her husband and avoid bloodshed are not heard. After the war Rama crowns Vibhishana as the king of Lanka.

Mani's version: Ajay Gehi plays Hari, Beera Munda's brother.

Ravi Kissen - Kumbhakaran

Valmiki's version: The mightyKumbhakaranis the younger brother of Ravana who, even though he doesn't agree with his brother's action in kidnapping Sita, goes to war on his behalf. Before he is felled, Kumbhakaran decimates Rama's army.

Mani's version: Ravi Kissen's character is called Siddharth, and is a trusted aide to Beera Munda.

LINK

Raavan promos - Updated!

Two new dialog promos from Raavan.









New Action Promo

Compare the two :D

Ranjha Ranjha with Abhishek 

Kaattu Sirukki with Vikram

Similarties b/w Raavan and Rashomon

Surely there are similarities between the two films. And I think Ratnam definitely had Rashomon in his mind while making this. Both films are set in a jungle area. Lots of rain in both the films.
Also Rashomon was a film about different interpretations arising from the same incident depending upon WHO tells it and HOW!
Raavan is Ratnam's take on Ramayana and it looks like he too is challenging the perception of the audience and giving the story his own interpretation.

‘Raavanan’, a re-incarnation - Vikram

LINK

In his first interview on the eagerly-awaited Mani Ratnam flick, Vikram speaks about the contrasting roles he plays in the two versions of the film

Raavanan is almost ready and for Vikram it's another dream come true. “You know, I used to think one film each with Mani Ratnam and Shankar and I wouldn't mind retiring in that blaze of glory,” smiles Vikram. Always a picture of effervescence, mention Ratnam and his Raavanan (Raavan in Hindi), and Vikram's energy level revs up further! He plays solid roles in both the Hindi and Tamil versions of the film — Raavanan is being dubbed in Telugu too. “Audiences in Andhra are bound to be floored by the subject,” Vikram's words ooze confidence.

Interestingly, he isn't replicating the Tamil role in Hindi. “Here I'm Veera and in Hindi, Dev,” he smiles and on a serious note adds, “I hear that it's the first time in the world that an actor simultaneously plays two diametrically different roles in two languages of the same film.”

First straight Hindi film

Raavan isn't just Vikram's first project with Ratnam. It is also his first straight Hindi film. That he is being launched by the same reputed maker whom he yearned to work with sometime ago is a bonus! “You said it. Though Aparajith (Anniyan dubbed in Hindi) didn't do too well, it's been telecast over 17 times so far. Yet Raavan is my first Hindi film,” he explains.

Ratnam popped the question to Vikram just when they were about to begin shooting for Raavanan. “I think you can pull it off. Why not give it a shot?” he suggested. “Are you sure,” was Vikram's pithy response. Being in the habit of working on his physique and make-up to suit every part he portrays Vikram was initially apprehensive because both roles were to be shot almost simultaneously. But locations were very remote and sets may not last for more than a month, he was told.

So what did he do? “I've played little tricks with my body language and expressions and they should work,” he smiles cryptically. “I'm like a bull in one version — tough, rugged and a man who lives for the moment. In the other, my character is poetic, philosophical, fun loving… just about everything.”

After the Hindi audio launch in Mumbai, the attention he got from the girls in particular was surprising. “I mean, after all these years…” he laughs gaily.

Has he tried out a new look for Hindi? “Surely not the clean shaven look. I don't intend to look like other heroes. I've plumped for a close hair-cut and moustache. In Hindi my presence has been kept under wraps as of now. I'm the proverbial dark horse,” he chortles.

Not many know that Vikram had earlier screen-tested for Mani Ratnam's Bombay. “But the wait has been worth it. Over the years, I've evolved as an actor. I feel in Raavan Mani has transcended his earlier achievements. The films should hit the bull's eye.”

Working with Ratnam has been an engaging experience for Vikram. “He's open to your inputs. Raavanan And his energy is unbelievable. After a day's work, we would rehearse the scenes to be shot the next morning, costumes et al, before we dispersed. He would mull over them all night and be ready with the changes he wants.” ”

Vikram can't stop talking about the films' locations. “We've shot entirely in India and you can't but say ‘Wow! We didn't know such beautiful places exist here.' We've gone to the unexplored plateaus of the Malshej Ghats, beyond Pune, and to the mist-covered Orccha near Jhansi where we saw clouds just sitting down on the roads through which we walked. Sameer Chanda's sets have blended so well with the milieu that you can't differentiate between the natural landscapes and those created.”

They've also shot in the remote areas of Kolkata and the rarely-visited terrains on the other side of Chalakudi. “Manikandan and Santhosh Sivan have captured them so beautifully on camera,” comments Vikram.
Big ride to scenic spots

The unit was put up in an ashram of sorts on the hills, from where everyday they travelled for about an hour by car, then geared up for a 30-minute jeep ride after which they trekked another 15 minutes to reach the scenic spots!

“AB (Abhishek Bachchan) and I have given our interpretations of the roles. But Raavan is more an AB film,” says Vikram. And about working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, he simply says, “It was nice.”

Now that his aspirations have been realised, what more could he want? “I've recorded a song for G.V. Prakash for Madrasapattinam along with MSV. And I'm waiting for a chance to sing for A.R. Rahman. I love his Raavanan compositions, especially ‘Veera' and ‘Usirae Pogudhae.' Also I want to turn director one day… so there's a lot more left to be done,” he guffaws.

In-Flight Movies Abhishek and Aishwarya should not watch

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are currently not acting. This comes as no surprise to anyone, because that’s not something they really ever do. To be more specific, they’re not acting because they’re out on vacation, celebrating their wedding anniversary. Wherever they’re flying to, here’s a bunch of movies we hope they aren’t showing on the in-flight entertainment system;


Sholay
Because it stars Amitabh Bachchan, which will remind Abhishek that really, there’s only one real actor in the Bachchan family, and history shows that suicidal men are dangerous on airplanes.





Prince
Because it stars Aishwarya’s ex-flame, Viviek Oberoi and that might make her uncomfortable. Well that, plus it’s a really shitty film.







Pink Panther 2
Because Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan is in it. And nobody should have to watch an Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan movie. Not even Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan.








Kuch Naa Kaho
Because both Abhishek and Aishwarya are in it. If they watch it, they’ll notice the utter lack of chemistry between them, and they’ll re-evaluate their entire marriage as a result.








Dostana
Abhishek and John make a better pair than Abhishek and Priyanka Chopra. So wait, Abhishek and a dude make a better pair than Abhishek and a former Miss World? Oh. Wait.


If you think this is a funny (in a mean kind of way) piece, you can find more HERE

'Abhishek is a very daring actor' - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam's forthcoming bi-lingual film, titled Raavan in Hindi and Raavanan in Tamil, will release in June. It's also being dubbed in Telugu, as Villain.

The Hindi version stars husband-wife combo Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, along with Tamil legend Vikram. Meanwhile, the Tamil and Telugu versions have been done without Abhishek.

His wife Aishwarya, however, stars in all three versions. Raavan represents her third time working with director Mani Ratnan, suggesting the filmmaker and actress share a special chemistry.

Aishwarya spoke with Patcy N, and told her why the difficult stunts, extreme shooting conditions and bi-lingual nature of Raavan/Raavanan made it the toughest film of her career. Excerpts:

Would you say your role in Raavan is your most difficult so far?

This role has certainly been the most challenging role of my life.

In the past, the situations that I have been thrown in have been amazing. I have had opportunities to work in different kinds of movies, whether it is a costume drama, historical or niche films. So I have had the opportunity to work in many different movies, and I am very thankful for that.

But my role in Raavan will particularly stand out in when I look back at all of my work. Firstly, it is made in with a very challenging backdrop. The physical situation and circumstances I was put through as an actor were tough and challenging.

My character Ragini is today's woman. She is abducted. I was put into circumstances which aren't normal. I was tied, bound and blindfolded, and I had to go through all that every day, which was not easy. And to add to it we had storm fans, mud, leeches and snakes. And for continuity I had to be drenched all the time, and with the long hair wig it is physically very trying. I would get cold and fever, but still I had to shoot.

Add to all this I had to deal with two different languages Hindi and Tamil.

How was it working with Mani?

Mani is a genius. He is an incredible director to work with, but he also makes you do quite a few scenes in one day. So, if you did one scene in Hindi and then you do the same scene in Tamil, and if you improvised anything while doing it in Tamil, even technically, then you go back and re-shoot the Hindi one again.

I would like to confess that doing Raavan brushed up my Tamil-speaking skills

Abhishek said that all of Mani Ratnam's film has a rain song...

Yes. All his films have a rain song, but in this film I am wet throughout.

And just when I had a small break and was drying out, I was put into water or a stream again! Plus sometimes it would start raining, but Mani will not stop shooting for rain. He incorporates the rain into the shot, and it becomes part of the film.

Read more from HERE

Raavan Posters...UPDATED

Thanks to Minnie -



Thanks to ApexHeights -

Your favorite ITEM songs!

First off - what exactly does Item song mean? People think it means a song that is otherwise not integrated into the story, it is just an isolated item. BUT that is NOT the case. Item is a bastardization of the term Atom - the girl dancing was supposed to be an Atom Bomb - hence ITEM song. The songs evolved from cabaret numbers where the dancing lady was usually a vamp or side character, and turned into full fledged interludes usually not relevant to the film. I LOVE ITEM SONGS! So it is hard to pick my top 10 favorites but I will try. Here goes:



1. Madhuri - Choli ke Peeche kya hai! There is a reason why Rahman chose this one to pay tribute to in Ringa Ringa from Slumdog Millionaire. The decadent lyrics and voice matched by an outstanding performance from the Dhak Dhak girl.



2. How can one forget Helen? One of my favorite Helen numbers is Baithe Hain Kya uske paas! Helen in a red rooster dress on the bar, Anju Mahendru on the floor - outstanding!



3. Bachchan parivar ka tarana - Kajrare - yes, it is fantastic! The trio have a wonderful chemistry, and Aish looks stunning!



4. Beedi - the composition is fantastic and Bipasha stuns with her sultry dance moves, ably assisted by the guys cutting loose!



5. Next up is Helen again - O Haseena Zulfon Waali - ICONIC song and dance, not to be missed, the fact that it has Shammi Kapoor is an added bonus!



6. Heck I might as well get my Helen numbers out of the way - MONICAAAAAA O my darling! Remixed by the Kronos Quartet, loved by one and all, RD Buramn and Asha magic, and Helen on screen!



7. Crazy Bhojpuri and Hinglish - Dil Dance Maare from Tashan (Akshjay, Saif and Kareena in blond wigs). An Item song out of nowhere, and set nowhere, my absolute favorite!



8. Ishq Kameena - Aishwarya as the dream girl, SRK as the drifter, magical number!



9. Dhoom Machaale - people dislike Esha Deol, for me she reflects some of her mother's charm, and ROCKS here with Uday Chopra!



10. Mera Naam Hai Shabnam - pyar se log mujhe shabbo kehte hain!! Bindu gyrates to this number from Kati Patang.



POST YOUR FAVORITES! Try to save the mujra type numbers for a post coming up soon!

Ash on SRK (from Hello magazine Interview with Shobha De)

Scan from Hello Magazine (Sorry for the poor qulity )
Please click on the image to zoom in 

Abhishek Bachchan is Veera in RAAVAN, resembles Kobad Ghandy!!

Abhishek Bachchan, the handsome hunk of bollywood who plays lead in Mani Ratnam’s upcoming ambitious flick ‘Raavan’ opposite Aishwarya Rai, will be seen playing the character of a Naxalite leader Veera, which resembles closely with arrested Maoist leader Kobad Ghandy.



Abhishek Bachchan’s character Veera is the leader of landless poor people residing in a remote village of eastern Madhya Pradesh. In the film, Abhishek Bachchan stands against the powerful landowners lobby which has been the traditional enemy of the Maoist groups in India spread over the areas of MP, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Orissa.



Mani Ratnam cleverly mixes this contemporary storyline with the mythological story of Ramayana and bases his flick ‘Raavan’ on this script. Sources close to production house reveal that only difference between Kobad Ghandy and Abhishek Bachchan’s character Veera is that while former is well educated and articulate; Veera would be uneducated representing the oppressed majority of the rural population. Vikram, the Tamil superstar, plays the character Ram in Hindi version.



Abhishek Bachchan and Mani Ratnam have a great working chemistry developed over the years while working in films like ‘Guru’ (with Aishwarya Rai), ‘Yuva’ (with Rani Mukerji). This comfort level between the actor and director has made the working in ‘Raavan’ a pleasure for both and resulted in a very good final product.

The movie also stars Govinda, Ravi Kishen, Priyamani and Ranjeetha in pivotal roles. The movie is almost complete and undergoing post production. It is due for release this year itself.

LINK

Multiple climaxes for Ravan

Mani Ratnam’s Ravan has been in news for various reasons since the day of launch. The latest buzz doing rounds regarding Ravan is that Mani Rathnam had shot four climaxes for Raavan and hold your imaginations, It seems that in one of the climaxes Raavan wins the heart of Seetha. Seetha overcomes Raavan’s tantrums and reaches Rama in another; whereas other two climaxes show Rama dying in one and Ravana dying in another.

The director had kept everyone guessing as even unit members are not aware of what’s running in his mind. Already there have been enough controversies around movies showing epics and religious practices in different light. Hope Ravan doesn’t run into controversies.

Raavan, said to be the modern adaptation of the epic Ramayana, revolves around Raavana, the ruler of Lanka, who kidnapped Sita. The story culminates with Sita supporting Raavana instead of Rama, who suspects her chastity after having spent so much time in Raavana’s custody. Vikram plays the villain. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are the lead pair in Hindi, while Vikram will play the lead opposite Aishwarya in Tamil.

LINK

Ash, Big B threaten to skip Filmfare awards

A furious Bachchan family has threatened to skip the prestigious Filmfare awards Saturday evening unless the Mumbai Mirror publishes a formal apology for spreading "false" news about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's health.
The Mumbai Mirror and Filmfare both belong to the Times Group. Aishwarya Rai, who was supposed to perform at the event, has decided to pull out.

The Bachchans have also sent a legal notice to the editor of Mumbai Mirror, seeking a retraction and apology.

"We have informed Filmfare that neither will Aishwarya be performing at the event, for which all preparations had been made and neither shall any of us be attending," Amitabh Bachchan posted on his blog, bigb.bigadda.com.

The family is angry that the paper has not published a formal apology for the article stating that Aishwarya is suffering from stomach tuberculosis and cannot conceive, a news branded as "completely false" by father-in-law Amitabh.

"Suffice to say for the moment that despite a few personal apologies from management and owners, no public apology has taken place. You cannot abuse me in public and then come and say sorry to me in private."

"So, even though we have great relations with the family in ownership and despite the fact that we have continuously responded to their needs whenever desired, unstintingly - the lawyers notice has been delivered to the editor of Mumbai Mirror, seeking on a legal plane retraction and apology," he added.

The Bachchans are not alone in their stand. Director R Balakrishnan, who helmed the Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan-starrer Paa, has also decided to stay away from the event to show his support to the Big B.

"Balki, the director of the film, even when Paa has been nominated in five categories for the evening, (is not attending). No coercion, just a voluntary decision of solidarity. Thank you Balki," said Amitabh.

The Filmfare awards will be held in Mumbai Saturday evening.

LINK