'Farah is very cordial to me'
Post the release and failure of 'Joker', directed by Shirish Kunder, there have been a lot of rumours that suggest animosity between the film's lead actors — Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar — and Shirish's wife Farah Khan.
This was fuelled by the fact that Akshay was conspicuously absent from the film's promotions. And Farah's recent comments that actors should stand by the film come what may has only added to the speculation.
But Sonakshi Sinha vehemently denies these claims, saying, "I was part of the promotions. It is wrong to point fingers and say that I have not promoted the film. I know things are being written about me as well. I don't think the result of the box office changes the equation between two people. Farah is very cordial and nice to me — there is no animosity with her," Sonakshi insists.
"I have known Farah from before I interacted with Shirish, when I signed the film. The working experience with Shirish was good. Farah is like an elder sister to me — it was wonderful to work with her when she was choreographing. She is jovial, full of life," she adds.
Directed and co-produced by Shirish, 'Joker', a fantasy film, released on August 31 and received a poor opening. Prior to that, Sonakshi had two back-to-back successes — Dabangg and 'Rowdy Rathore'. However, the failure of 'Joker' has not changed her way of approaching work. "I think success and failure are part of every profession, everyone goes through it. 'Joker' was a risk that everyone took. It did not do well, the audience did not accept it — it is okay. It happens," Sonakshi reasons, adding, "There have been two films of mine before 'Joker' that have been accepted by the audience. So it is okay, you move on."
Even though the film bombed at the box office, the actress does not regret doing it. "I don't regret it at all. I feel more than the success at the box office, it is the experience that matters to me a lot. I had a great time shooting for it. I was working for the first time with a such cast and crew. I had a nice experience," she says.
Currently, Sonakshi is gearing up for her upcoming release 'Son of Sardaar', alongside Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt and Juhi Chawla. "When he (director Ashwini Dhir) gave the script to me, I was only laughing. I found it so entertaining, so wonderfully written that I automatically wanted to do the film and play the character," Sonakshi smiles. The film is a remake of Telugu movie Maryada Ramanna and is set to hit the screens on November 13.
"I saw the film when we started shooting for it because I wanted to see how different it is from what I was narrated. I was surprised as everything was changed — right from the look of the film, to the Punjabi setting, the situation and dialogues," Sonakshi explains.
Finalising the lead actors
Film-maker Milan Luthria's next film — a mix of romance, action and emotion — may feature Sanjay Dutt in the second lead along with Saif Ali Khan. Produced by Bhushan Kumar and directed by Luthria, the untitled film has finalised Saif so far and it will go on the floors in July 2013. "Yes, there are two leading men in this film. We have not finalised the second lead, though. The film is in the writing stage and we will finalise the second lead soon," says Bhushan Kumar.
When asked him about the reports of Sanjay joining the cast, he replied, "It is not finalised yet. So, I can't comment on it right now. When Milan was writing the film, he came up with some ideas and we are working on it accordingly."
Earlier, Saif was supposed to play a double role in the film. As far as other cast members are concerned, Kumar says that they "are in the process of finalising the leading lady. The film is going on floors in July 2013, so we have enough time with us." In the past, Luthria has worked with both Saif and Sanjay in Kachche Dhaage and Deewaar respectively.
Partial to New Orleans
Apparently, Nicolas Cage has a much bigger say in the locations for shooting his movies than the average actor. Recently, the actor wasn't impressed by the decision to shoot his upcoming release 'Stolen' in New York City. So, Nicolas managed to convince the film's director — Simon West — to shoot the movie in his real-life residence in New Orleans, instead of the city that never sleeps.
According to the actor, New Orleans provided the perfect backdrop for the movie 'Stolen' as a city always-on-the-go and always in need of taxis. Simon West had his heart set on New York but no doubt, the star of the film, Nicolas Cage was able to convince him that New Orleans was apt for the film.
Commenting on this incident, Nicolas Cage says, "I have stayed in places like California and Rhode Island but somehow, New Orleans will always be special for me. I would love to shoot more movies here."
A family reunion of sorts
In the second movie of the popular 'Madagascar' series, the animals leave in the island of Madagascar in a ramshackle aircraft, designed by a group of penguins. Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Gloria the hippo and Melman the giraffe are all on board.
Along with them is King Julien, the leader of the lemurs. But although they have huge plans of travelling the world, the poorly-designed aircraft crash-lands in the African wilds. They go on to find Alex's long-lost parents and a stranded group of American tourists. Watch 'Madagascar 2' on WBat 9 pm on November 8.
On a mission to take revenge
Tune in to 'Conan: The Barbarian' on Star Movies at 9 pm on November 8. The movie revolves around Thulsa Doom (played by James Earl Jones), who is the evil king of the Snake Cult. He and his warriors kill the parents of young Conan and convert the boy into the slave.
Conan (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) grows up to become a mighty warrior and fighter. When he is set free, he sets out to avenge his parents. He is joined by archer Subotai (Gerry Lopez) and the beautiful thief Valeria (Sandahl Bergman), who falls in love with him.
They set out to rescue Princess Yasmina, the daughter of King Osric (played by Max von Sydow), from the Snake Cult and take revenge on Thulsa Doom.
TV SHOW TIMINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE