Half the year has gone by with no significant films that will set the ball rolling for Bollywood. Hope the next half of 2009 will be better as many biggies are lined up towards the end of the year. With too many clashing on a few dates, films might even be pushed to early next year.
Nonetheless, here is a brief overview of a few of them based on the release dates as of now:
Agyaat: This Ram Gopal Varma horror flick might outdo last year’s Phoonk by a mile, so it appears. Starring Priyanka Kothari (remember Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag?) and several newcomers, this film might work. Why? Because ‘sometimes terror has no form’. (Aug 7)
Wanted: This Salman Khan starrer should do well because of his crazy fan following even if the film doesn’t live up to its expectations. That’s because it’s been a long time since the last Salman film was out. Produced by Boney Kapoor and directed by dancing sensation Prabhu Deva, the film also stars Mahesh Manjrekar, Ayesha Takia, Sajid and Vinod Khanna. (Sept 18)
Jail: This Madhur Bhandarkar film, one among the series of industry-specific films he has been making since Chandni Bar, might work beautifully knowing his adept handling of the script. Starring Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse, it should provide some insight into the workings of prisons in our country and abroad. A must-watch. (Sept 25)
What’s Your Raashee: This Ashutosh Gowariker film is a romantic comedy starring Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra, a departure from what Gowariker has done before. Wonder why he picked the two lead actors because their onscreen chemistry in Love Story 2050 was far from palpable. And if this happens to be a love story, god help Gowariker. Will he flop like Baazi (where Aamir Khan played an action hero) or a blockbuster like Lagaan? (Sept 25)
Rann: This social saga starring Amitabh Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh and Paresh Rawal should raise a few eyebrows. But going by the insipid performance of its director Ram Gopal Varma barring a fluke like Phoonk, I wonder if Big B will be disappointed yet again with the business of this film. Even if this film does well, it won’t be spectacular for sure. (Sept 25)
Do Knot Disturb: This Govinda-Riteish-Sohail Khan starrer by David Dhawan should fetch enough laughs to keep you glued to your seat. Adding to the oomph quotient in this comedy are Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. If you didn’t know fun lies behind closed doors, here’s a film to watch and find out. (Oct 2)
Aladin: This special effects driven film starring Big B, Riteish Deshmukh and Sanjay Dutt is long awaited but much delayed. Hope it makes it this time by the end of the year. Not sure, if it’s an exact frame by frame film or an inspired ditty, but if done cleverly, this film could well be a sleeper hit. (Oct 16)
Blue: This Sanjay-Akshay-Katrina-Lara film might do well because of its outdoor adventure theme and young look and feel. But what will go majorly in its favour is the presence of ladyluck herself – Katrina Kaif. Not to mention, music by AR Rahman. (Oct 16)
Main Aur Mrs Khanna: With a starcast comprising Salman Khan, Govinda, Kareena Kapoor, Sohail Khan and Preity Zinta, the film is sure to light up your life, sirji. I am betting big on the success of this film – my gut instinct. (Oct 16)
All The Best: This Rohit Shetty directed film (remember Golmaal Returns?) could be a sleeper hit. It stars Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen Khan, Mallika Sherawat, Bipasha Basu, Mugdha Godse and Asrani. A sensual laugh riot for sure. Watch out! (Oct 16)
London Dreams: This Vipul Shah directed film (remember he made Namaste London) should work wonders for its actors Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin. With Vipul’s London affliction serving him well on his previous outing, I am not sure if he will go too wrong in this one either. A safe bet. (Oct 30)
Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani: Director Rajkumar Santoshi makes his 2009 outing with this romantic caper starring Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Upen Patel and Darshan Jariwala. Knowing Santoshi’s knack at storytelling, I am betting big on this one. (Nov 6)
Yahoo: This Ken Ghosh film starring Shahid Kapoor and Genelia D’Souza might turn out to be another hit like Ghosh’s previous hit Ishq Vishq. A musical to boot, this film should do well at the ticket window if the pairing sizzles like no other. (Nov 6)
De Dana Dan: This Priyadarshan comedy has the hot pairing of Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, so can the film ever go wrong? No. So far, it hasn’t. Giving them company are Suneil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia. With Priyadarshan’s mastery over the screenplay, this film should definitely be paisa-vasool. (Nov 27)
Kites: Ending the year hopefully with a bang could well be this Hrithik Roshan starrer that has Mexican actress Barbara Mori in her hot avatar. A romantic thriller, it also stars Kangna Ranaut and Kabir Bedi. Not to mention, direction by Anurag Basu who gave us the memorable Black Friday. (Dec)
Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year: Directed by Chak De director Shimit Amin, this film is something to watch out for. It stars the irrepressible Ranbir Kapoor. Giving him amicable company is debutant Shazahn Padamsee, Gauhar Khan and Sharon Prabhakar. (Dec)
Hook Ya Crook: This is the second David Dhawan film of the year after Do Knot Disturb. A sports-based romantic comedy, this film stars John Abraham, Genelia D’Souza, Shreyas Talpade, Kay Kay Menon, Uday Chopra and MS Dhoni in a special role. This should be fun, knowing David so well. (Dec 11)
3 Idiots: Shot in Ladakh, Shimla and Bangalore, this solo Aamir Khan film of the year should definitely do well because of his presence and the unconventional story. What’s more, it’s directed by Rajkumar Hirani who gave us the memorable Lage Raho Munnabhai. The film also stars Kareena Kapoor, Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Boman Irani. (Dec 25)
