Review: Ra.One: Holly-Bolly Masala

Shah Rukh Khan’s Diwali release this year was touted as a movie that would bring Bollywood one step closer to bridging the gap with Hollywood. Yes Ra One does shine brilliantly in the technical area but a patch line story marred the overall attempt.

The Background

So there is this kid Prateik (Armaan Verma) who loves “Kick Ass villains” and his dad- the ultimate exemplar of a goofy south Indian geek (which is also a myth by the way, kids people like that don't exist!) Shekhar Subramaniam played by Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh wants to be acknowledged as “dude” by his son but Prateik firmly believes his dad to be a lame guy (I don't blame him for most parts).


So Shekhar in order to please his son creates a game with an unbeatable villain Ra One who incidentally comes to life and now only the game’s hero G One can save the day.

The story – 2/5

So father and son relationship, huh? Some movie goers might say not again but sorry guys this is the season of Daddy’s day out or rather in.


Dads are in this filmy season but what lacks in this Diwali offering is credibility of the characters that portray the relation. It’s fine for a dad to want to become his son’s hero but that looks good only if the bonding is the issue of the film and if the dad is a plausible character.

Ra One however doesn’t follow the rules and throws only a dash of that Dad-son combo in the entire mix and match bag of stories, and a few minutes into the movie the Dad is dead, the son and the wife are running for their lives while we are racing to figure out what is the next story.

Ra One takes sloppy romance, kick ass action and even a bit of sex comedy in one big bucket and jumbles them all to create something that once was known as a script (after Bollywood started making the recent masala movies I don't know if script exists any more).

Ra One and G one don't have the usual comic base of stories and hence while introducing two new super-people the writers should have made their roles stronger and definitive but what we get are rather vapid fuzzy outlines.

Why does anybody want to do anything in the film? I couldn’t figure that out clearly after 2 hours and 35 minutes, so tell me if anyone can.

And there is this one silly question too- Why the hell is a guy brought in a coffin and then cremated and why does all this happen in a minuscule short amount of time?

The direction and technique – 3.5/5

I didn’t give it for direction (sorry Anubhav Sinha) but I gave it for the technological brilliance that Ra One has shown.

Yes it wanted to take Bollywood closer to Hollywood and it did so; even to the extent that they not only produced superior sequences but also in terms of a rather bland storytelling (Hello Green Lantern disaster anyone?), Ra One gets the job done.

Barring the silly train jutting out and station crumbling to pieces sequence, Ra One has the right amount of goodies in terms of special effects to dazzle even the greatest cynics of Bolly techies.

The fights and the lights remind you of a number of Hollywood science fiction flicks but they are still well executed and a treat for the eyes.

So what if Superman can stop a bullet with his eyeball, G One can do it with his nose hole!

As for the direction, the sequences are sometimes dragged too long and while other useless ones are introduced without a hint of mercy for the rational brains of the audiences.

The acting – 2.5/5

Does G One remind you of someone? Well if you have watched My Name Is Khan, then I am afraid you are right. There is very little difference between machine Shah Rukh and autistic Shah Rukh and both perform their missions without hint of emotions, well at least G One is honest and agrees (some consolation).

Kareena has the usual spirited demeanour as the wife of Shekhar but that is all there is for her. She looks pretty and mouths “gaalis” for the future of Indian women but as such has no more to offer.

Arjun Rampal looks menacing as Ra One but sadly he doesn’t appear for a greater half of the film as this villain can change appearances Terminator 2 style.

Still I guess not talking much and only doing muscle show wasn’t much of a challenge for him.

The music – 3.5/5

The music is the one thing that stands out for Ra One in very inimitable ways. For one Akon sings Hindi and does a fair job, although he doesn’t really fit as Shah Rukh’s voice.

Still the music rocks and as we all know “Chammak Challo” and the others are already hits.

The background music draws heavily from 80s maestro RD Burman but manages to create a unique fit in the screen play without stemming the overall flow of the scenes.

So should you pay for this game?

Ya you should if you are dying to see mind-blowing special effects and if you are a diehard fan of the science fiction genre.

But if you are looking for a “Dark Knight” style credible plot to go with all the gizmo gimmicks, then dishing out the notes wouldn’t be a nice experience for you. 

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Get rocking with RK, Nargis Fakhri and director Imtaiz Ali on November 3

You can get up close and personal with 'Rockstar' Ranbir Kapoor in Dubai next week! The Bollywood hottie is headed to Chi@The Lodge on November 3 with his heroine Nargis Fakhri, director Imtiaz Ali and singer Mohit Chauhan.

There's already a big buzz in T'town about the movie which traces the intense journey of an aspiring singer Janardhan, played by Ranbir, into the rockstar Jordan. A R Rahman's music for the film, particularly 'Saadda Haq', has become very popular; the leads have also been travelling across India to promote the movie, visiting various colleges to connect with young audiences. 

'Rockstar' is a 'different-by-Bollywood-standards' subject alright, and Ranbir has talked about how he feels that the movie's title might go against it. "The title 'Rockstar' can sometimes go against us because when people hear Rockstar, they feel the film will have this guy who will wear a leather jacket, will break the guitar, will create a mess on the stage. Actually the film is about a character, a Jat boy, and whatever happens in his life, he tells the world about it through his songs," he'd said in an earlier interview. 

He also revealed that he went out of his way to learn to play the guitar for the movie. "I had no idea how to play the guitar and neither can I sing. But since the character was that of a musician, I felt it was important to learn how to play the guitar because when I would perform on the stage before a large audiences, they would feel truth behind it," he'd said.

Well, we're going to be there to watch Ranbir's performance at Chi, and so can you! Masala.com is giving away special invites to the 'Rockstar' promotion in Dubai, so you can have your chance to meet Ranbir and the team.

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I am excited and charged up about TV show: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan, the latest Bollywood star set to make his television debut, confesses he does not know much about the TV industry but that could also work to his advantage as he likes to do things his way.

The actor-filmmaker promises that his show, like his films, will be "different" and connect with the masses.

Aamir is to host and produce a show that will bring real stories of people on the small screen.

"I am sure I will face difficulties when it comes to television...It is a field I know very little about. Fortunately, the people I am interacting with are very bright minded. So I am getting to learn every day. I am trying to absorb as much as I can," Aamir told IANS in an interview. The actor's production company Aamir Khan  Productions will co-produce the show with Star India.

"There are some advantages for me and some disadvantages. Disadvantage is that I don't know much about TV industry, I lack in terms of knowledge. And the advantage is that because I don't know much, I tend to do things my way, which sometimes surprise these people and they say 'aisa to hota nai hai yahaan', then I cross question them, 'ki kyu nahi hota?'."

The production of the yet-untitled show will start early next year and Aamir says he made an early announcement to put speculation at rest and it should not be seen as his new marketing strategy.

"A lot of rumours were coming up for some time now; so we thought we should put these speculation to rest. We made the announcement without a fixed date so we could at least give a brief insight to people as to what the show is going to be like. But calling it also a marketing strategy would be wrong," he said.

If movies are about box office collections, television shows are about TRPs, but Aamir refuses to be dictated by any such thing.

"I would want more and more people to watch my show just like my films, but that doesn't mean I will add something extra to increase the TRP. I would rather focus on the subject and grab eyeballs. I can't think of adding 'masala' or anything in the format for TRPs. I am sure our TRPs will be good," he said.

He added: "I don't understand these terminologies. I don't know what USP means. I am not a very good marketing person. I just know my prime responsibility is to make way into people's heart."

Aamir is not the first big Bollywood star to bow on small screen. From Amitabh Bachchan  and Shah Rukh Khan  to Preity Zinta  and Madhuri Dixit , all have made their presence felt on TV in the last one decade.

Known as Mr. perfectionist in Bollywood Aamir says, "I do not think my entry on television is late. I feel everything has a right time. My venture into television is not calculative. There is nervousness, but I am excited and charged up about the show.

"I was sure that if I would do something on television then it has to be different...it has to be something that will connect with the audience."

What next after television?

"I would want to write a book some day. I would want to pen down my personal journey, my experiences. I would want to write an autobiography some day in future," said the actor, who is a voracious reader.

The 46-year-old brought the change in promotional activities of movies with his Oscar nominated home production "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time " in 2000 and rest is history.

"I am not a marketing guru, I think it is nothing but common sense. I make things that I am excited about; so naturally I would want more and more people to see it," Aamir told IANS.

"I want to reach out to the maximum number of people to let them know, to make them aware (about my films), but ultimately it is their personal choice whether they want to see my film or my TV show now. But I always try to reach and connect with the masses," he added.

In his over two-decades-long career Aamir has seen both highs and lows. After facing flak for "Mann" and "Mela", Aamir reinvented himself as a thinking actor-filmmaker and has given the industry cinematic pieces like "Tare Zameen Par", "Peepli Live", "Dhobi Ghat" and "Delhi Belly", which are high on creativity.

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Shiba – the showbiz darling in Bangladesh

People call her Shiba. She is one of the promising models in today's Bangladesh. She stepped into the showbiz through a drama which was directed by Murad Pervez wherefrom her journey to the showbiz world began few years back. Shiba has so far has worked as model of Nakshatra Jewellery, Gems Gallery, Diamond World, Anjali Jewellery, Key Kraft, Kazi Craft, Abortona, Summer Collection etc. Now a few directors are discussing with her for casting in their movies. If things go smoothly, Shiba will soon step into Bangladeshi film industry. She recently accorded an interview to Weekly Blitz. Here is the excerpt:

Q: After being a successful model of a number of products and services in Bangladesh, are you seeing hope of working in films?

A: Yes of course! Celluloid is the final destination of every actor. I already have worked in a short film named 'Eve Teasing', which got appreciation from the viewers. Now, some directors and cine production companies are discussing with me for casting in their films. Hopefully, very soon, I will enrol my name as a film actor in this country.

Q: Being a model, did you get any recognition for your work?

A: Yes, I got the award from Bangladesh Cultural Reporters Association [BABISAS] as best ramp model in 2010. I also received awards such as Glamour Award, Fashion Model Award etc.

Q: If you are given opportunity to choose one from modeling and acting, what you will do?

A: Modeling is my platform. That is part of my life and I surely love it. But, I am also interested to be an actor. I think, both are equally important and may not conflict with each other.

Q: Recently you have started working as a choreographer. Tell us something about that.

A: One thing is I want to give the best of best in my work. Be it as a model or an actor or choreographer. I am very focused and attentive to my work. This is the first thing I maintain, while working in any of the fields in the entertainment industry.

Q: Who is the best source of inspiration to your work in the showbiz world?

A: My parent, especially my mom [Shefali Begum], who gives me inspirations and guidance in each of my steps in the entertainment industry. I feel so fortunate to have such supportive parents.

Q: Will you tell us about your educational life?

A: I am studying electrical engineering at Ahahsanullah University of Science and Technology. At the same time, I am also doing my CAT course from CUC [Chartered University College]. In a year, I will complete my electrical engineering and hope to have my masters and then plan to go abroad for PhD.

Q: Does modeling and acting hamper your education?

A: Not at all! I give first priority to my studies, and all others are next.

Q: Some of the Indian actors like Vidya Balan [Bidya Balan] or Paoli Dam have worked in movies like Bad Story or Chhatrak [Fungus], where both had to be nude for the sake of the role. If you ever get chance in working in movies outside Bangladesh, will you agree to become nude for the sake of role?

A: If I work in a film, I will always dedicate myself in giving the best of my performance. So, if the script of the movie will require anything, I will definitely be ready to fulfil that requirement. Both the actors you mentioned are extremely talented and they already have proved their brilliance in a number of movies. So, I see nothing wrong, when they have to give the shots as required by the script and the story.

Q: Tell us something about the Shiba in her personal life.

A: In personal life, I am very simple, straight-forward and not hot-tempered at all. My friends love me because they consider me to be always very cool and polite. I hate to be angry.

Q: What is the definition of sexuality in your own vocabulary?

A: Sexuality is a great part of human life. It is a way to be attracted by the opposite sex, which makes a person happy and sometimes it is one of the best ways of exposing and even fulfilling our sexual needs that is normal for every human being. I do not cover myself with sexual taboos.

Q: Who are your favorite actors and actresses in Bollywood and Hollywood as well as Dhallywood?

A: In Bollywood my favorite actors are Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. In Hollywood I like Jacky Chan and Sofia Vergara. In Dhallywood I like Subarna Mustafa and ATM Samsuzzaman.

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Shahrukh Khan promises to quit smoking post ‘RA.One’

Smoking may have been banned in showbiz but most actors pursue the habit without a thought. Be it Ajay Devgn, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan or Shahrukh Khan they have all promised to quit the habit sometime or the other, but only Shahrukh Khan has stepped forward to make the promise with a date. While that came as a shock to many, SRK explains his decision. The actor says that he will quit smoking after the release of his ambitious project, RA.One. Incidentally, the film has a scene where the actor talks about the ill-effects of smoking. It is a conversation between dad and son. In real life too his children are against their father smoking and have often pleaded SRK against it. Taking it seriously the actor promises at a promotional event that he will quit smoking. Although we don’t believe him entirely, but for his sake we hope he quits!

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Dia Mirza: Back for some love

n the last 10 years, Dia Mirza has had more misses than hits. The actress says she's not 'over-ambitious' but hoping for success with Love Breakups Zindagi

She's beautiful, energetic and can even cough up a few emotions at the cameras trained on her. So why has former beauty queen Dia Mirza failed to gain a respectable place in Bollywood after more than a decade in showbiz?

The mystery deepens when you know that some leading ladies with questionable talent (think a certain Brit-Indian actress) have done way better. But the 30-year-old actress is not willing to dwell on the negatives and is now taking matters into her own hands — the Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein actress turned producer with romantic comedy Love Breakups Zindagi (LBZ), currently showing in the UAE.

"This film is going to be a wonderful conclusion to all the hard work I have put in over the years," said Mirza over the phone from Mumbai. Her body of work reveals she has done more cameos than played the character-driven leading lady.

"Success in Bollywood is all about being a part of a hit film. It's as simple as that. Yes, there were times when I asked myself why haven't I got my due? Earlier, I used to think that due comes in the form of roles. But then I thought due is when you get respect."

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Cultures meet in winning Bollywood dance group

The Bollywood dance group at Glenfield College is making all the right moves.

Its 15 members represent more than nine different nationalities.

They were overall winners at the Desi International Showbiz – Bollywood high school competition and also won best costume, best music, best male dancer and most popular on Facebook.

They have won the competition three years in a row and have now been named overall winners for the first time.

Dance teacher Brigitte Knight used to run a school in Christchurch and students were often used in Bollywood scenes.

Bollywood dance combines traditional Indian and modern styles.

The college has 820 students with more than 30 different ethnicities.

Dante Williams, 17, who is Maori and Tongan, joined the Bollywood group three years ago because it seemed like a fun type of dance.

"I love dance anyway and it is something different. There is a lot of symbolism involved," Dante says.

The dance group has also won North Shore performing arts competition Paradox.

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Dharmendra wanted to keep Esha away from showbiz

Veteran actor Dharmendra admits he was never in favour of his daughter Esha Deol becoming an actress, but says that now he is proud of her.

"I was not in favour of Esha joining the films as I was concerned whether she would be able to keep up with the pressures of the industry, but I am glad she could handle all that," Dharmendra told IANS.

The father and daughter teamed up for just released "Tell Me O Khuda", which has been directed by Hema Malini.

I was offered 'Two States', but nothing official yet: Ranbir

Ranbir Kapoor  says he has been offered the movie based on Chetan Bhagat's bestseller "Two States", but the papers have not been signed yet.

"I have been offered 'Two States' but officially no papers have been signed. We will work it out, but things need to be put down on paper," said Ranbir, who is gearing up for the release of his much talked about movie "Rockstar".

"Chetan is a very talented author that India has and it would be a new challenge for me to delve into a character that has already been popular among the masses in the form of book," he added.

Television is tough: Hema Malini

Veteran actress Hema Malini , who launched her TV show "Maati Ki Banno" last year, says television today has become tough and time consuming.

"After 'Dil Ashna Hai' I did TV serial 'Woman of India'. I made around 30-35 episodes and also acted in it. But now it is too much time consuming and very very tough to make a TV serial," Hema told IANS.

"You work on it so hard just like any other film and you see it only once. That's why I feel very sad for all the actors because they are performing day in and day out so beautifully," she added.

"Maati Ki Banno" went off air as it failed to attract audiences.

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Kareena unveiled at Tussauds

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Thursday unveiled her wax statue at the Madame Tussauds museum in Blackpool, Britain.

“It is an honour and a privilege for me to have my own wax figure at Madame Tussauds Blackpool and even more so to launch a global Bollywood exhibition. This is a moment of pride for the Indian cinema,” Kareena said in a statement.

It took four months to create the wax statue, which cost 150,000 pounds.

“The figure looks incredible and is so life-like. I had to do a double take when I saw myself – they have really done a superb job at capturing my essence,” she added.

The unveiling of Kareena’s wax figure also flagged off a global exhibition, where the statues of Bollywood stars will be taken to six major cities around the world to be exhibited, before they are brought back to Blackpool in January next year.

Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai too have their wax figures in Tussauds’.

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Dharmendra wanted to keep Esha away from showbiz

Veteran actor Dharmendra admits he was never in favour of his daughter Esha Deol becoming an actress, but says that now he is proud of her.

“I was not in favour of Esha joining the films as I was concerned whether she would be able to keep up with the pressures of the industry, but I am glad she could handle all that,” Dharmendra told IANS.

The father and daughter teamed up for just released “Tell Me O Khuda”, which has been directed by Hema Malini.

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