Image via WikipediaThe Big B -- Amitabh Bachchan as promised gave "unforgettable" show at sears arena stage on August 10 in Chicago to screams from a crowd of probably 9,000 plus fans with his actor troupe -- son Abishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh. Big B with his typical dance steps made the crowd stand on their feet. He sung and delivered the dialogs from his famous numbers from the 70s and 80s. Deewar's temple scene acting was the HIGHLIGHT of the whole show that just reproved himself as the living legend of Indian film industry. Crowd is all of a sudden made to cry with this amazing on stage show put by Big B. Agneepath was another notable one with his god gifted voice announced "yeh dekh aaj raat saath baje aapunka maut ke saath Appointment hai Appointmen".

Amitabh Bachchan Chicago concert Video :


Abhishek is equally liked by the crowd with his surprise emerging from the crowd and going into the crowd on a pulley driven carriage. Abhishek engaged the crowd than any other performers tonight -- with his "Aunty" and Sparkling "girl" comments. He went off the stage and shook hands with probably the first row $1000 ticket buyers. He is energetic and made crowd dance with him. He appeared many times when Aish was performing. Both on-stage looked like a perfect made for each other couple whose chemistry just baffled the 9K plus crowd.

The dimple pretty Priety looked tired and performed fewer songs compared to Aish. Aish was quick with her costume changes and lightened the stage with her "Chamkii" dresses and bare foot dances. Riteish Deshmukh did a good "Maharashtra" number and seemed tired probably of their tiring Atlantic city concert the day before. Vishal and Shekhar danced in their own world all over the stage entertaining the crowd.

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Labels: Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Amitabh Bachchan, Arts and Entertainment, bollywood, Cinema of India, live concert, Movies, Preity Zinta, Riteish Deshmukh

Image via WikipediaStory Link : Disney's new attraction aims to lure video gamers

This virtual exciting medium in my opinion is the next generation interactive entertainment that most changes the way theme park visitors uses rides at the park. With the advent of 3D game plays, there been such a paradigm shift in the way now video games are played. It is an interesting and immersing experience that I believe will attract new visitors to the park and keep the returning visitors occupied with new adventures.

Disney is taking the online gaming experience to the next level with this investment in technology. Disney Interactive Media Group (Disney Interactive Studios and the company's Internet Group will merge into one unit as per company reports in future) is popular with video gamers. Disney Interactive Studios has published games like Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Turok; meanwhile, the internet division was responsible for hundreds of online casual games and Pirates of the Caribbean Online.

From Disney's brand and business perspective it’s always more effective to promote discovery and interaction rather than pushing a one-dimensional, one-way message with its rides and from online games

The consumer base for video games is expanding, in part due to the efforts of companies like Nintendo with its next generation interactive gaming consoles like Wii. Toy Story Midway Mania is a unique product to market for Disney because it involves the emotional connection requirements of filmed entertainment, the play patterns of toys, plus the technical challenges of software.

The only question that needs probing is if it is built ahead of time when gaming market is just getting used to interactive customer base.

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Labels: Arts, Disney Interactive Studios, Hannah Montana, Movies, Studios, The Walt Disney Company, Video game, Walt Disney Pictures

Netflix site is temporarily unavailable on Monday - March'24 and this may lead to some delay for those customers who are waiting for DVDs on Tuesday - March'25.

Labels: Movies, Netflix

One of my friend sent me Hari Karthikeya Kondabolu's you tube video and this stand up clip was mainly about how he used for his shows the "Telugu" - South Indian regional language that was spoken by his parents in an Indian American accent. My first impressions were he is sure not one of those Indian accent stereotype comedians that come and go in a flash.

Raised in Queens, New York by Indian immigrant parents made his name and became famous as he interned with Sen. Hillary Clinton. This internship program is one of the most prestigious, effective and competitive leadership programs in the nation’s capital. Over 120 Indian-American college students from across the United States applies to these programs.

Kondabolu earlier interned in the office of the Queens District Attorney, where he worked in the Hate Crimes/Anti-Bias/Youth Gangs Bureau. This provided him with a first-hand view of how the criminal justice system works. The experience motivated him to seek a career path that will enable him to work to improve the lives of minorities.

He moved to Seattle from New York and made name as a stand up comedian and working at Hate Free Zone, an organization founded after September 11 to help immigrant communities. He moved to London and waiting to perform his queen jokes ( Diamonds of India with queen satires) and have to see how popular he will become in stand-up comedian in London besides his continuing education in London School Of Economics.

Here are the two Youtube videos :

Hari Kondabolu in Jimmy Kimmel Live

Hari Kondabolu telugu satires

Labels: Immigration, Movies

The day Toshiba announced that they are pulling the plug on their HD-DVD players, I was sad that I bought a desktop media computer with HD-DVD drive. After a day or two many of Toshiba's players are marketed as upconverting DVD players rather than HD-DVD. This is one use where I can use standard DVDs and with upconverting quality I can see near-HD experience of all my already existing DVD collection.

Is it right time to invest on Blu-Ray player now ? The following article is worth reading of how the TV is under going a change from static cable/satellite transmissions to Internet streamed entertainment pushed and watched from TV these days.

Labels: blu-ray, HD-DVD, Movies

Who is right ? I have no opinion of who is right but I feel what slipped from Rajasekhar's loose talk is responsible for this unnecessary drama. Firstly, the media is the one who threw the stone in the mud by asking and forcing Rajasekhar of his opinion. Secondly, Rajasekhar who was not at all conversant with telugu language should have avoided the question altogether. The answer he gave is just NOT politically correct "Chiranjeevi Party ki Raanu ..ayanaki emi experience undhi ? Nenu raanu " with gestures.

Rajasekhar should have just thought about consequences before making such statements. Also its high time for Chiru to train his fans to be more political friendly and not spoil his reputation with such nasty incidents. May be this is all again a political drama to keep Chiru in the news by some background political elements.

To sum up, this is unnecessary drama to bring Chiru into political limelight.

Video :

1) Rajasekhar and Jeevitha speaks to TV9 :

Labels: chiranjeevi, Controversy, Movies

After reading this news - "A foul mouthed customer 'Walter "Buck" Swords' left Waitress 'Melina Salazar' $50,000 and a 2000 Buick" , I felt probably this cranky Texan must have watched the movie "Waitress" released this year where the lead actress in the movie Jenna at the end opens up her card from Old Joe, and finds 1) Drawing of her 2) Note 'look for a fresh start' and 3) a check for a large sum of money. In the movie we finally realize that Old Joe has gone into a coma and has left the Diner to Jenna.

The real life story follows that 89-year-old Walter "Buck" Swords obviously appreciated it,leaving the waitress $50,000 and a 2000 Buick when he died.

Probably Walter got inspired by Waitress movie - who knows ? But We talk all the time how movies have bad influence either stars smoking style is imitated by teens or the horrific killings we hear on regular basis in media is some how linked to movies.

Here is the 10 plus actual real life incidents that took place because of BAD movie influence.

Also I feel it depends on the context like when you watch a romantic movie it may influence ones own romanticism. Similarly when you watch a suspense, thriller or horror movie the movie may influence a level of paranoia ,ones ability to sleep in the night? OR Dreams? OR Nightmares?

The key takeaway I believe from movies or shows or such news is character traits – such as courage, loyalty, justice, respect, hope, honesty and love – is character-based self improvisation. The heart of character-based improv techniques will guide us towards TV shows, movies, and books that reflect positive values.

Labels: Movies

Pushpak , no dialogs movie is one of my all time best movie. This scene is one which makes me catch my stomach every time I watch it.

It's a bit long and slow but surely worth the time.

Here is the conversation:

*Kamal* - GUYS, MY GOOD KIDNAPPER STORY
*Kamal* - SO my first kidnapping
*Kamal* - I was a good host
*Kamal* - the first day, finds the methods to feed the guest and clean his S$%^T
*----------* - how embarrassing
*Kamal* - SO I gotta pack the stuff up and take it to the outside so I can dispose of it or whatever
*Kamal* - I can't find anything to fit it in, so I stuffs it in a freaking GIFT BOX
*Kamal* - I didn't have a car so I had to take it to the bus stop
*----------* - oh S$%^T mannnn
*Kamal* - I carried the case
*Kamal* - Wanted to dispose and all eyes on the case silently asking "this is pretty neat looking, what's in it?"
*Kamal* - "just some things" and leaves the box at bus stop
*Kamal* - the greedy guy RUNS OFF WITH THE CASE
*----------* - ROFLMAO ROFLROFLROFL!!!
*----------* - OMG ROOOOOOOOOFL
*----------* - AHAHAHAHAHAHA HOW would you pawn that sort of thing???

Moral of the scene : Greed is a fat demon with a small mouth and whatever you feed it is never enough. (Janwillem van de Wetering)

Watch the pushpak video :

Labels: Movies, telugu movies

Blockbuster sent me a surprise holidays gift -- my subscription rate INCREASE from $9.99 to $11.99 -

To continue to bring you the unmatched convenience of both online and in-store DVD rentals, your monthly subscription fee will change slightly from $9.99 to $11.99. This adjustment† will go into effect on your next billing cycle on or after December 27, 2007. The benefits of your subscription plan will remain the same...and it's a value of $21.99!

So the question is what now ? Continue with Blockbuster -- I like online BB's return the DVD and get an exchange movie in from BB Brick & Mortar store.

If you plan to continue with Blockbuster then check out bbgreatgifts where Blockbuster gives some valuable free gifts for playing a game.

Here is what I got for first time from Blockbuster great gift giveaway online game:

1) 25 complementary 4x6 prints from Snapfish
2) Free Microwave popcorn single redeemable at BB stores

Click me for Blockbuster great gift giveaway online game.

Other Alternatives:

I searched if there are any good coupon codes for Netflix -- didn't find any.

Redbox's is a revolutionary business model allows customers to rent DVDs for $1 per day, with no late fees. Redbox has DVD rental kiosks, mostly in supermarkets between checkout lines and exit.These kiosks are available at select McDonald’s® restaurants, leading grocery stores (Jewel Osco) and other retailers nationwide growing from 93,000 rentals in 2003 to more than 21 million in 2006.

These kiosks from Redbox will have a long way to go if Redbox wants to become a serious contender against Blockbuster and Netflix.

Free Redbox DVD codes :

Redbox codes generally give you a free dvd rental for one day. Some codes do even more - even giving up to 5 free dvd rentals at one time.

Click me for free DVD codes

Labels: Blockbuster, Deals, Movies, Netflix

James Bond Ultimate Collector's 21 bond movies Set for 110$ James Bond Ultimate Collector's Set for 110$ This Ultimate Collector's Set includes all 21 James Bond films, from Dr. No to Casino Royale and another 21 discs full of bonus features. This is the ultimate collection for any 007 fan.

List Price: $289.98

Today's Discount: - $115.00

Gold Box Price: $109.99 (62% off)

Free Shipping and no taxes

Labels: Amazon, Deals, Movies

*We're back!! & Friendship Never Ends* says - Ginger, Sporty, Posh, Scary and Baby Spice.They reformed on June 28, 2007, and a greatest hits album (Friendship Never Ends), as well as a tour, The Return of the Spice Girls Tour, to support the new album.

The new Spice Girls video (Friendship Never Ends) is premiered on British TV.

Spice Girls - (Friendship Never Ends) MUSIC VIDEO off You tube


Spice Girls haven’t had a hit in God knows how many years but their fans are still really excited to see them on tour again. Spice Girls began their history in 1993, when an ad appeared in London newspaper The Stage, calling on 18-23 year old females that can sing and dance to make up an all-girl pop group.

Tickets

The 'Spice Girls' are such a hot commodity right now that A-listers like Tom Cruise are even having a hard time scoring tickets to the group's upcoming tour. "The Spice Girls will also play in Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Cape Town and Hong Kong, and previously had to add an extra 16 London shows after tickets for the one initial concert on December 15 sold out in 38 seconds.In the US, Spice Girls tickets are selling for as much as $2,000 (£1,000) on eBay.

The Spice Girls made three studio albums and split up in 2001 to focus on their solo careers.The Spice Girls boasted album sales of 55 million during their brief career, and hits including "Wannabe" and "Say You'll Be There" topped charts across the globe.

Labels: Movies, Music, spice girls, videos

Film Cast: Shahrukh Khan as Kabir Khan,Vidya Malvade as Vidya Sharma,Sagarika Ghatge as Preeti Sabarwal,Chitrashi Rawat as Komal Chautala,Shilpa Shukla as Bindia Naik,Tanya Abrol as Balbir Kaur,Anaitha Nair as Aliya Bose,Shubhi Mehta as Gunjan Lakhani,Nisha Nair as Soimoi Kerketa,Sandia Furtado as Nethra Reddy,,Arya Menon as Gul Iqbal,Masochon V. Zimik as Molly Zimik,Kimi Laldawla as Mary Ralte,
Presenter : Yash Chopra , Banner : Yash Raj Films, Tagline - Sometimes winning is everything,Producer :Aditya Chopra , Director: Shimit Amin
Likes:

what makes a great film? And why is latest Yash Raj films - Chak De India so highly regarded?

First are the obvious reasons: Excellent performances, direction, screenplay, etc. Second, great movies are the type that can be watched over and over again and never get old. Third, great movies are often remembered because they make a statement. They are not just entertaining in the usual sense, but they make some important statement that makes them stand out in one’s memory.

A great film like Chak De India made a clear contribution to the development of the game that every Indian dreams that one day their memorable hockey past glory has future. And the movie will have lasting importance until we get that glory back.

Chak De India is bracingly innovative. Every moment of it seems to be pushing the boundaries of what Bollywood was doing.The story itself is inward rather than outward meaning going against Bollywood rhetoric of hero fighting against Indian villains who are friends with bad elements of Pakistan or some other neighboring country.Director points to the narrative structure that employs a state to state differences and the perspectives of many characters on one national game, the Hockey; the use of talent where the camera achieves sharp focus up close and in the background when the game is on; and director's thrilling real game like shots where all actors (players) performed scenes in a much cleaner way that Bollywood ever witnessed and is atypical in Indian cinema.

Now this is the Sharukh Khan I know and love. Darr, DDLJ... and now chalk up another totally different calculatingly no super-hero like masterful performance.First off the main performance by Sharukh as Kabir Khan is amazing. This is the performance that I had little doubts that if he is capable of, complicated, passionate and serious, none of this romantic lines that he uttered in all his previous movies. Here we have a marvelous performance that Sharuk spins as we watch Kabir's helplessness to show his love for the game and to erase betrayal stain mark which is not an easy task for any actor. Kabir is a true full heart hockey lover,we see how he trys out hockey by playing with objects on coffee tables and who was trying to sow a seed in all players that they are playing for a nation not for states.

Also I felt director dragging the cricket controversies into the game is done rightly showing the egos of popularity at play between these two games.

If you are still not convinced that this is a five star movie - here is another one
How often we see movie watchers (specially desis) disciplinedly sitting to the last title on the screen ? Never , This is what I witnessed for the first time that people are reluctant to get up from their seats until they saw last title of the movie Chak De India on big screen.If you happen to watch movies in US one very well knows that there are no intermissions.People usually with large sodas visit rest rooms once or twice during three hours of movie.But Chak De India out of 300+ crowd in the second week there are very few people you see walking towards exit during the movie time.


Dislikes: I thought director mistreated Jharkhand state quite a few times to highlight its backwardness which I feel is against reality.

I recommend this movie highly and when released in DVD's do add it to your must buy DVD list.

Labels: Chak De India, Movies, sharukh

Cast: Chiranjeevi, Karishma Kothak Srikanth, Sadha, Sayaji Shinde, Raja, PawanKalyan (SA)

Music: Devi Sri Prasad

Producer: Ravishankar and Gemini Kiran

Direction: Prabhu Deva

Likes : I made a strong note to myself before watching the movie that 1) This movie should not be compared with Lage Raho Munnabhai and 2) Also not to expect young Chiru performances as he used to do in Gang Leader or Gharana Mogudu.These two thoughts I believe by themselves dilute the whole movie experience."Shankardada Zindabad" , the sequel in the Shankardada series is perhaps the most eagerly awaited Chiru movie of the year .This one was supposed to be a sequel like Lage Raho Munnabhai it has a story of its own and its refreshingly original and no connection with the first movie except the Chiru and Srikanth and their gang.First half was like a cool breeze with light comedy and Chiru steps.The title song does have some mega star steps with surprise appearance of few known actors in the song.Devi did a good job with couple of songs by matching the beat required for Chiru. As always Chiru excels in the role of Shankardada and he is well companioned by Srikanth. I felt director Prabhu Deva did justice to Srikanth in the movie by making him appear in most scenes of the movie,The first of the sequel (MBBS) had Chiru for entire length of the movie on the screen.

Dislikes : Second half is a drag and a bit boring with poor editing. Music is also some what weakest link of this film. Though couple of songs by themselves did not blend well with the story and songs are not that catchy that you want to throw CD in your car to listen multiple times during your commute. I believe that is inherent problem with Devi's music that you always feel that you have heard this tune before which makes the song uninteresting.The actress 'Karishma Kotak' did not suit to Chiru as well as to the story.Being a radio jockey , Kotak looked dull and I felt the chemistry between Ciru and Kotak bombed and traditionally knowing only few actress blend well with Chiru style and steps, directors repeatedly do this mistake.Trisha and Aaarthi Agarwal cannot match where as Sonali Bendre or Radha (yeah our old Chiru Radha) combination is what makes Chiru movies golden and platinum jubilees.The actress is biggest disappointment to the movie.

The emotional scenes of Chiru during press conference of chemical imbalance is not directed and edited properly.The whole movie I felt fell apart during these scenes.I expected Chiru to do 'Apathbandawadu' style emotional performance.Knowing the director 'Prabhu Deva' probably every one expected there will be some unique chiru steps but hardly we noticed any in this movie.Also looked like Chiru did put on some weight in this movie.

On the whole "Shankardada Zindabad" is okay movie to watch. If you are a die hard fan of Chiru like me then you will enjoy every chiru moment of the movie.

Labels: chiranjeevi, movie review, Movies, Shankardada zindabad

Film Cast : Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu, Zohra Seghal. Swini Khara, Paresh Rawal
Music: Illayaraja
Direction: R.Balakrishnan

Story Theme: She is 34 and he is 64 and story revolves around age factor and how their marriage is accepted by girl's father.

Likes : This story made lots of sense compared to recent Jiah Khan against Amitab of movie Nishabd.Tabu looks older than 34 and Amitabh looked younger than 64 which made chemistry between these two actors seamlessly natural in this flick.I like the introductions of Tabu and Amitab.Tabu's portrait of a Hyderbadi origin was introduced with Hyderabadi subtlety and yes it is true no other place in world can copy the taste of Hyderabadi zalfrani pulav. Amitab's introduction as angry old man suits his past angry young man stature. Dialogues are way natural in either comedy or emotional scenes.The little girl has lots of future and her character shows the caring nature of 64 old Amitabh.The scenes where which character (little girl or Tabu) takes precedence (Hospital scene where Amitab thrashes developed world not finding cure for blood cancer , Last emotional scene to touch the hands at the pillar site for little girl) in Amitab's life is directed marvelously by Balki. For all those movie criers there are tons of emotional drama that one and only one Amitabh can do. Though short in character Paresh Rawal did has best by portraying himself as Gandhiyawadhi.Songs are goos in the background and not to mention that as music is from Illayaraja



Dislikes : I felt bit of drag in the movie of Amitab convincing Paresh ravel to marry Tabu. What made Paresh rawal accept Amitab as Son-In-Law is not directed effectively.Comedy track is offbeat some times.

Overall a good movie to watch.

Movie trailer:

Labels: amitab, cheeni kum, movie review, Movies

No doubt many of us asked our self this question. Maybe you were sitting in a movie theater watching the movie when all of a sudden an actor whose talent you had admired or whose style had seemed so imprinted in your brain pops up in a average movie like Sivaji. A movie so not above your expectations, in fact, that it not only tarnishes them but makes you feel guilty for once believing in the director. After all, you had invested all your hopes on this person (Shankar), and now they're out there destroying every ones expectations.

Unless if you're a die-hard Rajni fan (like me), "Sivaji" is perfectly a mixed average movie experience.

Watching "Sivaji" you get the feeling that entire film was written, produced, shot and edited with out matching to Rajni's type and his style.

Let's look at the facts here - we've got one big and bunch of semi-big actors (big enough names for people to recognize, like Suman and Raghuvaran) in a relatively high-budget, high-scale flick created and produced by trendy much acclaimed and modern thinker the Director Shankar. You can tell they possibly expect us to take this movie seriously by releasing in the middle/end of a summer season with mega-budget, blockbuster music from A.R.Rahman and superstar.

The key to pulling off a message oriented movie like Sivaji is as simple as the reformer vs. anti-social,corrupted system, etc. is to keep the message clarity with realistic sample incidents (one black money case to build from) and dialogues. Well, "Sivaji" does dabble in that area both for campy humor and confusing theme, but also to seriously push the story along specially the first half.The lame comedy and first half shreya love sequence is some what offbeat to the movie and did not glue into the movie message.

Shankar did that perfectly of 'love sequence with the message' when Arjun and Manisha Koyirala acted in that one day chief minister movie.


There isn't much to say about the plot other than the obvious - it's about how black money can be put to good cause.

Second half is some what engages us in the movie.With many corrupted politicians and Suman in a kingmaker role stealing the show, but Sivaji’s portrayal of the conversion of rich to poor and from rags to riches being handled with subtlety.Super star as always gave his best in these sequences.

Overall I felt that movie would have been tailored to suit Super star status and style.

Note : Your movie experience might be different all here I'm trying to give my perspective on Shankar directing Rajni. Your experience may be very well different from mine.

Labels: movie review, Movies, sivaji

Movie Name : Nishabd
My Rating : ☼☼☼
Genre: Drama
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Film Cast: Vijay (Amitabh Bachhan),Jia (Jiah Khan),Amrutha (Revathi), Sridhar (Nasser), Ritu (Shradha Arya) and Rishi (Aaftab Shivdasani)
Story : Vijay (age - 60) falls in love with his daughter's friend Jia (age - 18).The movie revolves around how social norms when broken creates complex family situations with wife , daughter and his friend.
Picture to left (courtesy Wiki).
Likes : The movie locations (reported in IMDB as Munnar,Kerla) are very good and camera man's picturisation showed the eye of photographer justifying the role of Amitabh in the movie as the fashion photographer.I like the way Ritu (Amitabh's daughter) clarifies Jia (Ritu's friend), the common misconception that photographers in India are seen as wedding or events photographers - projecting his dad as pro photographer does for fashion and hobby.The screenplay is good where the movie is built on how Vijay falls for his photography subject(Jia) when Jia wets herself with water.Young at heart but aging character instincts was nicely acted by Amitabh specially the one laughing scene at dining when Jia tickles him and grieving scene when news was revealed to the family.Jia's role as careless free going teenager whose troubled past made her looks rightly suited for the role.Isn't she looks like Manisha Koyirala in some angles ? I felt so at many instances probably my 1942-a love story, Manisha photo print in my brain.
Dislikes : It is not Ramu's type of movie.All his previous action/drama hit subject movies worked with mere words and more expressions.I felt the message of Jia's infatuation and Amitabh's love was not conveyed properly or not directed as effectively and these stories are against to social norms and difficult to absorb.More dialogues with minimal expressions might have given some relief.Revathi's role is minimized and should have given some weight at least some feelings of her role as Vijay's wife.
Movie trailer :

Labels: amitab, movie review, Movies, Nishabd