Drona (2008)

Starting

Abhishek Bachchan - Aditya/ Drona - Superhero
Priyanka Chopra - Sonia
Kay Kay Menon - Riz Raizada
Jaya Bachchan - Queen Jayati
Akhilendra Mishra
Director: Goldie Behl
Producer: Shrishti Arya , Iqbal Kidwai , Sunil Lulla
Written by: Goldie Behl , Jaydeep Sarkar


Gentleladies and men. Please make way for our new local superhero – Indiana Drones. Mind you, he doesn’t embark on any trivial mission like the search for the Holy Grail. Drona fights to save nothing less than the entire srishti.

As you must have rightly guessed, director Goldie Behl lets his imagination run amok in Drona . He pieces together a visual spectacle full of mind-numbing special effects and a zillion poses of a sword-wielding Abhishek Bachchan trying hard to stand gracefully against the strong desert winds. And that’s pretty much what ‘Drona’ is all about. Visuals, and visuals, and some more visuals. Story and script may go to hell. Or still better, to the asuras.

‘Drona’


tells a tale of a clan of warriors who have been protecting the supreme secret of the elixir of life – the amrit that was churned out by the gods but has been sought by the asuras (demons) since forever. Drona is the title of the main person who guards the secret.

Now, cut to the present day Prague where Aditya lives a thankless existence until one day he – guided by a hovering rose petal – finds an ancient bracelet in his cupboard and puts it on. Coincidentally, a devious magician Riz Raizada ( Kay Kay Menon ) visits the city for his show and spots Aditya and recognizes him as a potential Drona, the only person who knows (or could know) the secret place where the amrit is hidden.

You see, Riz is the modern asura who wants to be immortal by gulping down the holy amrit. And Drona is the man who possesses its secret.

Before Aditya can figure out why the heck this queer-looking magician is so interested in him (pun unintended), enters Sonia ( Priyanka Chopra ) who kicks a few butts and protects Aditya from the magician’s men. Aditya is then told about his real identity – that he is the next Drona.

Mission Istaanbul (2008)

Cast
Zayed Khan - Vikas Sagar
Vivek Oberoi - Rizwan Khan
Shabbir Ahluwalia - Khalil nazir
Shreya Saran - Anjali
Sunil Shetty - Owais Hussain
Director: Apoorva Lakhia
Producer: Ekta Kapoor , Shobha Kapoor , Sunil Shetty
Written by: Suresh Nair

Story

Vikas Sagar (Zayed Khan) would go anywhere for a scoop, risk his life and limb to get an exclusive story that nobody else can. It's for this precise reason Vikas is a familiar face watched by six million viewer's weeknights on TV 24. Ambitious, popular and professional, Vikas is considered one of the most promising journalists in the business.
It's also the reason Owais Hussain (Suniel Shetty), a senior producer at the controversial Istanbulbased AL JOHARA, widely criticized as the mouthpiece of terrorists or as their network of choice, makes him an offer to head the channel's proposed Indian bureau for an outrageous salary and other perks. It's an offer he almost can't refuse because of the channel's controversial profile which ensures that it's seen by everyone globally, including the White House. It certainly would take Vikas's career to another level not only does he become the highest paid journalist in India but also puts him on an international platform. But there is one condition that the head hunters from AL JOHARA insist he must join ASAP and then fly to Istanbul for a three month orientation programme.
Their offer couldn't have come at a better time for Vikas, who's undergoing a painful divorce with wife Anjali (Shreya Saran), an equally feisty journalist whose desire to have a baby leads to their separation because her husband wants her to wait a little longer and seems to be in no mood to start a family. While Al Johara dangles the temptation of kickstarting their India operations, Vikas accepts the offer largely to mend his broken heart.
But little does Vikas know that his life is about to change when he takes the flight to Istanbul on a threemonth orientation program at the channel's headquarters. While Al Johara is one of the most viewed channels in the world, it's reputation has been largely built as the mouthpiece of a dreaded terrorist. Abu Nazir, who is on the most wanted lists of both the Interpol and FBI, is vociferous in his threat to wage war against several countries, including India. A threat he usually delivers via a videotape to Al Johara.
On the flight Vikas finds himself seated next to a stunningly beautiful copassenger who hates flying. Lisa Lobo (Shweta Bhardwaj) is headed for Istanbul to attend a medical convention or so she claims. In her obvious discomfort, she turns to an amused Vikas for moral support and distraction from the reality of being airborne. It's a budding friendship that's grounded the moment the flight lands and Lisa disappears at the airport.
Once in Istanbul, Vikas's initial impression of AL JOHARA is in sharp contrast to its notorious reputation. Especially when he meets the charismatic Ghazni (Niketan Dheer), who has business interests all over the world but whose obsession these days is AL JOHARA as an instrument to shape world events. There is only one word of caution to Vikas and that's never ever to venture onto the 13th floor known as the Catacomb.
As part of his orientation, Vikas gets handson experience in the AL JOHARA newsroom where he watches ghastly and exclusive news reports of terrorism. He learns more about Abu Nazir, who is described as "a oneman organization whose existence revolves around a single person." Vikas is told that it is extremely difficult to find out any details about his private life and his habits because such information would help the secret services who are looking for him. "Abu Nazir is cautious to the point of paranoia."
Reeling under the impact of the reality bytes at work, Vikas's only relief is his flirtatious encounters with Lisa and the lively company of soldier-turned journalist Owais Hussain who is looking forward to quitting his job and settling down with his Irish girlfriend.
But on an assignment to cover kidnapped journalists in one of Abu Nazir's terrorist camps in Afghanistan, Vikas is shocked when Abu Nazir's brother, Khalil (Shabbir Ahluwalia), brutally executes Owais Hussain just before a UN peacekeeping force mounts a rescue operation.

Sarkar Raj (2008)

Starring
Abhishek Bachchan .... Shankar Nagre
Aishwarya Rai .... Anita
Amitabh Bachchan .... Subhash Nagre
Director : Ram Gopal Varma

Story

Sarkar Raj is a Political story, which gives an insight into the "Power Politics", something like the keyword "Varchasva" meaning supreme power which the movie Seher threw some light on. It also debates between the modern and traditional outlooks in development methods being adopted in Politics
Aishwarya Rai (Anita Ranjan) is the CEO of shepherd power plant, a powerful international company, which comes to Maharashtra to setup an ambitious power plant, and if they have to setup such an ambitious project the obvious approval they require is from the "Nagres". Abhishek Bachchan (Shankar Nagre) is the next generation leader from the Nagre family, immediately understands the benefits of the power plant for rural Maharashtra. With a little difficulty he is able to convince Amitabh Bachchan (Sarkar), that how this power plant can take the farmers and the rural Maharashtra to new heights. Soon after that Shankar, along with Anita sets for a journey along the villages of Maharashtra to convince people and mobilize support.
But in politics nothing is the way what it seems to be, soon Shankar and Anita's dream project becomes an opportunity for the Politicians in the state. Taking undue advantage of this, the games get dirtier to bring down the regime of Sarkar and Shankar soon finds himself in the middle of this hurricane.

Om Shanti Om (2007)

Cast
Shahrukh Khan - Om Kapoor/ Om Makhija
Deepika Padukone - Shantipriya / Sandy
Shreyas Talpade - Pappu Master
Arjun Rampal - Mukesh Mehra
Kiron Kher - Bela Makhija
Director: Farah Khan
Producer: Gauri Khan
Story

This story is of Om and Shanti. His film started in 1977 and ended in 2007.Om was a junior artist in the 70s and Shanti was the superstar of the 70s.Om was her biggest fan and Shanti was his biggest inspiration.Om was madly in love and Shanti was waiting for love. Om wanted to be a superstar and Shanti wanted to be a girl next door.Om was ready to sacrifice all his dream for love and Shanti was ready to sacrifice everything she had for love. Om felt betrayed in life and Shanti felt betrayed in love.
.....And then started the saga of Om Shanti Om . For some lovestories one life time isn't enough....

Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007)

Starring
Rani Mukherjee .... Natasha
Konkona Sen Sharma .... Chutki
Abhishek Bachchan .... Rohan
Kunal Kapoor .... Vivaan
Jaya Bachchan .... Sabitri
Anupam Kher .... Shivshankar Sahay

Director : Pradeep Sarkar
Producer : Aditya Chopra


This story is about two sisters- Badki and Chutki.Badki and Chutki live a fun-filled life in Banaras, playing pranks, sneaking off to see a forbidden mujra, and soaking up all the excitement that goes on the ghats of the Ganga.

Badki is a fun-loving and happy-go-lucky girl, drunk on the masti of Banaras, but with eyes as crystal clear and innocent as the waters of the sacred Ganga. Her life is full of laughter and the love of her family. She is very protective to her younger sister and shields her younger sister Chutki from the problems dogging the family.

Chutki is a spunky spirited and crazy young girl, with eyes that sparkle with mischief. Playing pranks on her hapless victims, teasing her sister Badki, and harassing her parents are her favourite pastimes, but she also loves her family with a fierce passion.She is innocent and protected from the harsh circumstances of her family by Badki and their mother, she revels in their love.

Their father Shivshankar Sahay is a retired professor of Economics who has turned bitter and pessimistic after his pension was unfairly suspended by the college. Instead of fighting against the resulting poverty, he has accepted defeat, and hopes that the numerous lottery tickets he buys will land him a fortune that will bring back the glorious days of the past. He vents his frustration on his family, and particularly his elder daughter Badki, as he believes that things would have been different had she been born a son.Badki feels deeply hurt with her father's word.

Their mother Sabitri is the backbone and anchor of the Sahay family. She bears the brunt of every crisis the family encounters. She is dismayed as she sees her husband turn bitter with his failures and turn away from the family. She works hard, making both ends meet, protecting her daughters, facing up to menacing relatives. But her husband's illness is the last straw that breaks her spirit. Alone, bewildered, she leans hard on Badki, her only solace. In her crisis, she does not realize when Badki has reached her own breaking point.

Badki is aware that the family is in dire straits, but she and her mother protect Chutki at all costs. When problems crop up, she takes them in her stride, not letting them tarnish her smile.
So when the family falls upon bad days, and her studies are stopped, she just girds her loins and helps her mother to keep things going. When things get worse, Badki decides to go to Mumbai and seek a living for the family. Her fathert strongly opposes Badki's departure for the big city, predicting that she will fail to achieve anything.

Alone and unsupported in the midst of the urban jungle of Mumbai, Badki battles with dark forces, keeping her focus on her purpose to support her family and continue Chutki's education.Even when the going gets tougher, and she finds herself battling the hard and ruthless city of Mumbai, she does not buckle under, but faces it all with exemplary courage. And she does not hesitate in paying the highest price to support her family.She deliberately morphs into someone else, leading a secret life full of murky compromises.Savitri is the only one who bears the burden of the terrible knowledge of Badki's enormous sacrifices.

Rohan is a highly educated and world-renowned attorney, sought after throughout the world for his expertise. However, inside this suave and smart young man resides a mischievous, impish spirit. When he encounters Badki he is bowled over totally by Badki's innocence and guilelessness. He is intrigued by her homegrown wisdom and her deep faith too. This chance encounter leads to a bit of stolen time for both, when the child inside Badki makes her acquaintance with the imp inside Rohan. Both of them forget the rest of the world as they revel in each other's company. But the harsh realities of their lives intervene, and the magic is shattered. Rohan is determined to get to the crux of things, but will he be able to handle what he discovers?

When Chutki comes to Mumbai to work, things take a dramatic turn. Badki's life turns into a minefield, as she has to hide her secrets from Chutki. Chutki finds success at work, and love that delights her heart. Gifted with a sharp and intelligent mind, Chutki is unaware of the sacrifices Badki is making to keep her education going. When she moves to the big city, she finds a wide open sky to open her wings and soar.

Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (2007)

bhishek Bachchan - Rikki Thukral
Bobby Deol - Steve
Preity Zinta - Alvira Khan
Lara Dutta - Anaida
Robert Galas - Paul Pimply
Director: Shaad Ali
Written by: Habib Faisal


It may fall a wee bit short of the high expectations that were attached to it, but ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’ verily delivers what it promises – unadulterated entertainment.

The movie solely rests on the now-dependable shoulders of Abhishek Bachchan, who once again proves that he has got the mettle to live up to the credentials and reputation of his bloodline. The actor, once brooding and uptight, has now begun to loosen up. His comic timing is coming in place. His facial expressions are more real and his body language reflects the character. Abhishek is the driving force of ‘Jhoom Barabar Jhoom’. Preity Zinta complements him well, while Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta remain mainly on the sidelines until the film’s last half hour.

You’ve got to throw cynicism aside before watching a film like JBJ. It is easy to curl your lip and poke holes in somebody’s work. Not so easy is to be flexible, to step back and take an impartial look at how a director has tried to present a story in a different way.

Yes, JBJ is a movie different from others of its ilk. Although it is set in London and Paris, the movie has a very desi touch. Perhaps the reason for it is that Shaad Ali, the film’s director, has himself been a small-towner. The humour in the flick is crude and has a street flavour even though the visuals are very glossy.

Amitabh Bachchan, dressed in his rockstar outfit and carrying a guitar, opens the film with the song ‘Jhoom’.

The location is London train station. Two strangers are waiting for a delayed train. In a crowded café they share the same table.

Rikki Thukral (Abhishek Bachchan), a Punjabi guy living in London, breaks the ice and begins the conversation. Alvira Khan (Preity Zinta) gives him no lift. To ward Rikki off, she tells him she is engaged to someone who is coming from the train she is waiting for. In response, Rikki also flaunts his engagement ring and tells her he has come to receive his fiancée.

Thereafter, these two strangers, already engaged to someone else, begin to tell each other the story of their fiancée and fiancé.

Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007)

Cast
Abhishek Bachchan - Abhishek Mahatre
Amitabh Bachchan - Dhingra
Sanjay Dutt - Aftab Ahmed Khan
Neha Dhupia - Aftab Ahmed Khan's Wife
Vivek Oberoi - Maya Dolas
Director: Apoorva Lakhia
Producer: Sanjay Gupta , Sanjay Dutt
Written by: Apoorva Lakhia , Suresh Nair

Apoorva Lakhia has a fascination for making stylistic films. His latest flick ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ is a gritty recreation of the real-life shooting encounter between cops and gangsters in Mumbai in 1991. The film has a very raw and rugged look. At times it gets surreally dark and very violent. And after a while all the bloodshed and gore begin to get to you.

The film is not just about the shootout incident on the fateful summer day in Lokhandwala in 1991. It goes deep into the lives and minds of gangsters Maya Dolas, his sidekick Dilip Buwa and their three colleagues. It also focuses on the way cops function to nab the dreaded criminals, putting their own lives on the line.

One good thing about ‘Shootout’ is that it doesn’t take sides. It attempts to objectively present the facts of the incident, along with the events leading to it, from both the perspectives of cops and gangsters.

On the side of the cops, the central figure is ACP Aftab Ahmed Khan (Sanjay Dutt), the officer-in-charge of the entire operation to flush out the gangsters from a Lokhandwala flat. Supporting Khan in this mission are two brave cops: Kaviraj Patil (Sunil Shetty) and Javed Shaikh (Arbaaz Khan).