Sci-fi dad ahead of his time, says son
Extra-special effects
ARJUN Kapoor, who is working with his dad, Boney Kapoor, for the first time on Tevar, holds him in high regard for his vision and creativity.
The young actor believes his father’s decision to make the sci-fi film Mr India in 1987 proved that he was ahead of his time.
Lauding his father’s endeavour, Arjun said: “Mr India is the epitome of special effects and emotions, sci-fi and family film coming together. It had clean visual effects.
“It’s an inspirational piece of work. As a creative person, I would have wished I were involved in it. I am very proud that my father was the person who made it,” the 27-yearold said.
Directed by Shekhar Kapur, produced by Boney and featuring his uncle, Anil Kapoor, and Sridevi, Mr India was a runaway success.
Regarding Tevar , Arjun called it a typical masala movie and said he was enjoying working with his dad.
“As far as working with dad is concerned, it has been strangely normal,” he said. “It’s not been overbearing. I have done five films before going with Tevar and they are confident about my work. They have not been bogging me down.
“It’s a typical masala entertainer. He is known for larger-than-life, entertaining cinema. I am happy he doesn’t have to feel I am his weakness.”
Arjun's latest release is the Abhishek Verman-directed 2 States, which has had a good opening in theatres. Arjun, who first locked lips with Parineeti Chopra in his 2012 debut, Ishaqzaade, is seen kissing Alia Bhatt in 2 States. He took it in his stride and dismissed the hullabaloo surrounding it, saying: “Kiss is not the deciding factor — it's not a big deal any more.”
Arjun, who once dated Salman Khan’s sister, Arpita, said he had yet to experience love in real life. “I have never been in love; I have not got to the extent of being in love. It’s not by choice. It’s purely a lack of choice.
“I was concerned about making my journey. I have sacrificed my personal life. Today, it’s been two years in the industry and I have no time for myself. I have not got to see a film. If I don’t have time to see a film, can you imagine how can I give time to a girl? I am ready for it, but my life doesn’t allow me at this point,” he said.
Media puts lot of faith in love
There has been lots of speculation about the reported sudden decision by actor Jai to convert to Islam. Initial reports attributed it to his close association with Yuvanshankar Raja, who recently converted to Islam, but the latest in the grapevine is that Jai has converted with a view to winning over Nazriya Nazim.
The two met on the set of Raja Rani, although they did not share any scenes. Friendship blossomed between them and Jai has reportedly fallen in love with Nazim, who is engaged to be married in August to the son of director Faasil. With Jai keeping silent about his decision, the Indian media are happily lapping up any rumour.
Yezhil picks himself up
Director Yezhil’s comeback film, Dhesingu
Raja, had only a lukewarm response at the box office. Undeterred, he will soon launch a film with rapidly rising star Vikram Prabhu in the lead role opposite another rapidly ascending actress, Shri Dhivya. Prabhu’s next release will be the thriller
Arima Nambi, which marks the debut of Drums’ Sivamani as a music composer. In June, his film for UTV Motion Pictures,
Sigaram Thodu, will be released.
Comeback for comedian
Comedian Vivek will make a comeback in an important role in Goutham Vasudev Menon’s film starring Ajithkumar and Anushka. The movie also reunites composer Harris Jayaraj with Menon after they parted ways shortly after the launch of Vinaithaandi Varuvaayaa. Eros International, which is distributing Rajinikanth’s Kochadaiyaan , has snapped the worldwide distribution rights.
Drum roll please . . .
Great excitement has been generated by the announcement that director Vishnu Vardhan, the director of Ajithkumar’s
Aarrambam, has launched his latest film. Titled Yatchagan , it will have Arya and Kreshna in the lead roles. Yuvanshankar Raja will score the music.