Swinging start for 'Spider Man' at the box office

The Amazing Spider-Man snared an easy win at the box office this weekend, though the web-slinger slowed after his blistering start, when the film earned $35 million Tuesday.

 The reboot of the Sam Raimi franchise made $65 million this weekend, according to studio estimates from box-office trackers Hollywood.com.

The $200 million film has made $140 million since its release Tuesday, a solid debut for the new franchise.

Analysts expecting a larger weekend speculated that the poor critical reception of Spider-Man 3, which opened to $151 million in 2007 but was savaged by reviewers and fans, muted response to this film.

"Audiences who let Spider-Man 3 open to $151 million in three days are looking at The Amazing Spider-Man and shrugging their shoulders at it," says Tim Briody of Boxofficeprophets.com.

Even in the era of huge numbers, it's hard to scoff at $65 million, Briody says. "But you still come away with the feeling that there was money left on the table here. Not to mention that its long-term prospects aren't looking so hot."

Still, Spidey has two weeks to plunder the box office until The Dark Knight Rises arrives July 20 to expected huge numbers.

Steve Elzer, senior vice president of media relations for distributor Sony Pictures, calls Spider-Man's opening "a truly spectacular start, especially in the world of relaunched franchises." He says the film has made $341 million worldwide, which includes domestic grosses.

Elzer also notes that Chris Nolan's 2005 Batman Begins, a reboot of that franchise, made $79.5 million in its first six days. That film would go on to make $205 million, followed by 2008's The Dark Knight, which became the fourth highest-grossing film on record with $533 million.

Though no release date has been set for a sequel, screenwriters have been working on a new Amazing Spider-Man installment for months, says producer Matt Tolmach.

"We love this story," he says. "There are many to be told. We'd like to be making a Spider-Man movie every two years."

Ted, the raunchy comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, fell to second place with $32.6 million, followed by the Pixar fairy tale Brave with $20.2 million.

The only other major newcomer, Oliver Stone's violent drama Savages, made a healthy $16.2 million, beating most projections and taking fourth place. The male-stripper story Magic Mike rounded out the top 5 with $16.2 million.

Final figures are due Monday.

NRIs would love to see 'Cocktail': Saif Ali Khan

London: Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who is gearing up for the release of his latest movie 'Cocktail', says the film has 'everything overseas and Indian audience would love to see.' "The film could connect to rural areas as well," Saif told PTI.

'Cocktail' is a romantic comedy directed by Homi Adajania of 'Being Cyrus' fame and will release world-wide on July 13.

This will be the third time that Saif and Deepika Padukone will be seen together in a film, after 'Love Aaj Kal' and 'Aarakshan'.


The film follows the three main characters, played by Saif, Deepika and newcomer Diana Panty.
When 24-year-old Veronica (Deepika) and Meera, 23, start living together during the summer in London, they have very different agendas. Meera is awkward, introvert and recovering from a hoax marriage to Kunal Ahuja who has duped her off her life-savings by using the pretense of setting up a base for them in London.

She is spending her time under Veronica's roof until she can get some footing and find a job in this foreign land.

Veronica, on the other hand, is a wild-child, impulsive, constantly looking for distractions to escape facing issues of a troubled upbringing. Being poles apart brings the two close, forging a loyal and solid friendship.

Soon Gautam, 32, (Saif) enters their lives, moves in with them and has a whirlwind relationship with Veronica much to Meera's protective disapproval. Meera does not like Gautam because his don't-give-a-damn attitude reminds her of her selfish husband who had conned her into coming to London in the first place.

Both Gautam and Veronica believe in living for the moment and they honestly consider this a fling rather than a serious relationship. But as three people living together they all have a blast... Though their intentions for each other don't change, their friendship starts to grow strong. It becomes a beautifully balanced friendship between three people.

According to Saif, the film is a contemporary story about the interplay between friendship and romantic love and how in the truest sense one really can't exist without the other.

The film was shot in London and Capetown. Asked about his marriage to Kareena Kapoor, Saif said it would be held by this year end.

Photo Gallery: Shriya Saran Hot Bare Back and Sexy Cleavage Show in Saree Sexy in IIFA Award 2012

Photo Gallery: Shriya Saran Hot Bare Back and Sexy Cleavage Show in IIFA  Award 2012

Photo Gallery: SRK, Katrina get cosy for YRF's next

Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif, who are working together for the first time, recently shot for a romantic sequence at Covent Garden in London for Yash Chopra's yet untitled directorial venture.

Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and Taani (Anushka Sharma) from Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi are back in Yash Chopra's yet-untitled film.

SRK, the King of romance, is back with another romcom. He was spotted shooting with Katrina Kaif in London.

Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif were spotted shooting for Yash Chopra's comeback film in London.

The much-awaited fim is set for a Diwali 2012 release. After RA.One, it will be SRK's second Diwali release in continuity.

Katrina Kaif’s in baby mode now!

Katrina Kaif has a new man in her life, one who has her completely besotted. The actor, who has just wrapped up the first schedule of filmmaker Yash Chopra’s directorial comeback opposite Shah Rukh Khan in London, is thrilled to become aunt to her first nephew. Her older sister Soniya gave birth to a baby boy a couple of week ago.

A close associate of the actor reveals that she didn’t waste a second on the set after the shoot, but rushed home to spend more time with her newborn nephew and whole family.

“Though the rest of the unit has returned to Mumbai, Katrina stayed back in London to spend a full week with her family and nephew, before she flies to India,” says the associate.

The Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) star has five sisters and one brother. Despite being in the same city, her co-stars Shah Rukh and Anushka Sharma haven’t seen the tiny tot yet. The source says, “Shah Rukh’s family had accompanied him to the shoot, so he was spending most of his time with them.”

The quality family time must come as a welcome respite for Katrina. “We were travelling across the globe non-stop. She was shooting for Ek Tha Tiger in Bangkok and Yash Chopra’s film in London simultaneously,” says the associate. Katrina will be back in town next week to promote Ek Tha Tiger, before she resumes shooting for the next schedule of Chopra’s film in Ladakh. The actor was unavailable for comment.

Priyanka replaces Kareena in Bhansali's next

A few days ago, Kareena Kapoor called Sanjay Leela Bhansali, “the truest successor to Raj Kapoor’s legacy.” Of course, Bebo was excited to work with Bhansali in his upcoming biggie, tentatively titled Ram Leela.

But now, in a major twist, the Heroine actor has been ousted from the film, and replaced with Priyanka Chopra. "We are not aware of the exact reasons why, but Priyanka has been roped in by Mr Bhansali. Although no one is ready to divulge details yet, Priyanka was confirmed for the role a couple of days back,” says an insider close to the project.

The film, which also stars Band Baaja Baraat (2010) actor Ranveer Singh, was initially supposed to go on the floors in July but now it’s believed to have been pushed back.

It seems that Kareena’s wedding to long-time beau Saif Ali Khan — reported to be on October 16 — could be the reason for the switch.

Since Bhansali plans to shoot his film at a stretch, he wanted bulk dates from Kareena. But she needed to take a break to prepare for the high-profile wedding. As a result, she was unable to commit to dates in advance.

“Whatever the case, Priyanka has been chosen because Bhansali wanted a completely fresh pairing. Priyanka is also excited because it’s one of Bhansali’s most prestigious projects. It’s an author-backed role,” says the insider, adding that the movie’s new leading lady will start preparing for the part in August, once she returns to India from a vacation in Europe. “It will be quite a challenge for her since Bhansali wants his actors to prepare extensively before shooting begins,” the source adds.

“It’s a full-on masala movie and is in the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999 ) space. I am going to have a blast. Plus, with 11 songs and great locales, I feel the chemistry between Ranveer and Kareena is going to rock,” Bhansali had told HT Café a few days back. At that time, the filmmaker had revealed that he planned to take the film on the floors in July.

Priyanka remained unavailable for a comment while her spokesperson declined to make an official statement on the latest developments.

winners of the 59th Idea Filmfare Awards (South) 2012

The annual Filmfare Awards (South) were held on Saturday (July 7) at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.

Deeksha Seth at 59th Idea Filmfare Awards South 2012 Press Meet

 Here’s the complete list of the award winners of the 59th Idea Filmfare Awards (South)

Tamil

Best Film	Aadukalam
Best Director	Vetrimaran (Aadukalam)
Best Actor Male	Dhanush (Aadukalam)
Best Actor Female	Anjali (Engayum Eppodum)
Best Supporting Actor Male	Ajmal (Ko)
Best Supporting Actor Female	Ananya (Engayum Eppodum)
Best Music Director	G V Prakash (Aadukalam)
Best Playback Singer Male	Aalap Raju (Ennamo Edho, Ko)
Best Playback Singer Female	Chimayee (Sara Sara Vaagai Sooda Va)
Best Lyrics	Vairamuthu (Sara Sara Vaagai Sooda Va)

Malayalam

Best Film	Traffic
Best Director	Blessy (Pranayam)
Best Actor Male	Salim Kumar (Adaminte Makan Abu)
Best Actor Female	Kavya Madhavan (Gaddama)
Best Supporting Actor Male	Thilakan (Indian Rupee)
Best Supporting Actor Female	Lena (Traffic)
Best Music Director	M Jayachandran (Pranayam)
Best Playback Singer Male	Vijay Yesudas - Eepuzhayum Sandhyakalum-(Indian Rupee)
Best Playback Singer Female	Shreya Ghoshal - Paattil Ee Pattil (Pranayam)
Best Lyrics	Onv Kurup – Paattil Ee Pattil (Pranayam)

Kannada

Best Film	Olave Mandara
Best Director	Jayatheertha (Olave Mandara)
Best Actor Male	Puneeth Rajkumar (Hudugaru)
Best Actor Female	Ramya (Sanju Weds Geetha)
Best Supporting Actor Male	Ravishankar (Kempe Gowda)
Best Supporting Actor Female	Shruthi (Puttakkana Highway)
Best Music Director	Jassie Gift (Sanju Weds Geetha)
Best Playback Singer Male	Chethan – Yaarigelona Namma Problem- (Lifu Ishtena)
Best Playback Singer Female	Shreya Ghoshal – Gaganave – (Sanju Weds Geetha)
Best Lyrics	Kaviraj – Sanju Mathu Geetha – (Sanju Weds Geetha)

Telugu

Best Film	Dookudu
Best Director	Sreenu Vaitla (Dookudu)
Best Actor Male	Mahesh Babu (Dookudu)
Best Actor Female	Nayantara (Sri Rama Rajyam)
Best Supporting Actor Male	M S Narayana (Dookudu)
Best Supporting Actor Female	Annie (Rajanna)
Best Music Director	S S Thaman (Dookudu)
Best Playback Singer Male	Rahul Nambiyar - Guruvaram March Okati – (Dookudu)
Best Playback Singer Female	Shreya Ghoshal – Jagadhannadha – (Sri Rama Rajyam)
Best Lyrics	Jonnavithula – Jagadhannadha – (Sri Rama Rajyam)

Special Honours

Special Honours
Lifetime Achievement Awards	S P Muthuraman (Director) Seema Sasi (Actor)
Critics Award	Vikram (Deiiva Thirumagal)
Best Debut	Aadhi ( Prema Kavaali) Shruti Haasan (7aum Arivu, Anaga Anaga O Dheerudu)
Best Choreograpghy	Prem Rakshit - Naath Naath Badrinath – (Badrinath)
Best Cinematograpghy	Velraj (Aadukalam)

Dancing is cathartic says Isha Sharvani

Actor Isha Sharvani who is currently seen on TV as a participant in a dance-based reality show, is known for her dancing prowess.

The actor who has been dancing since childhood, says dance is everything for her. “Be it acting or dancing, I have always been an entertainer. I love art. I am a trained Indian contemporary dancer and I just love dancing. This is my passion. For me, dance is everything, nothing else is more important. It gives me immense satisfaction and I feel rejuvenated after a good dance session. Also, it is one of the best forms of workout. It de-stresses me completely. Dance is cathartic and has a calming effect on me,” says the pretty actor.

Isha who is being judged by actor Madhuri Dixit Nene on the show says it was a dream come true for her to be performing in front of stalwarts. “Madhuri was moved to tears when she saw my performance and for me that was the greatest moment. It feels great when people who know the art appreciate you,” she says. Be it any dance form, the actor is most happy when she is shaking a leg and living in Kerela with her mother who runs a dance gurukul.

“Six months in a year, I spend with my mom where we together teach kids contemporary dance forms. That place is so peaceful and serene. You are absolutely cut off from all forms of communication. It is the best place to relax and meditate,” she adds.

Veena Malik’s flying kisses send her fans into frenzy

Controversy Queen Veena Malik send fans in Bangalore into a frenzy.

The Bangalore City Police had to resort to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowds that thronged to see Veena Malik during the shooting of Dirty Picture in Bangalore recently.

The shooting for the film was taking place in the busy Majestic area which houses the railway station, outstation bus stand and the intercity bus stand. A scene was shot featuring Akshay and Veena Malik at the entrance to the bus stand. Though the team came to the shooting spot without any publicity, the crowds gathered quickly when word got around about the presence of Veena Malik, queen of controversy. Soon there was a traffic jam in the Majestic area and the police found it difficult to control the crowd.

To add to the melee, Veena sent flying kisses to her fans which made them go berserk and the crowd surged to get closer to the actress. Eventually, the Police had to resort to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd that had gathered at the shooting spot. They managed to bring about some order and the shooting proceeded smoothly after that.

Salman vs Shah Rukh: Warring Khan camps demonstrate friendly vibes

A spat between actors Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan at actor Katrina Kaif’s birthday party a few years ago clearly polarised the industry into two Khan factions. If Salman had actor Aamir Khan on his side, then actor Hrithik Roshan clearly seemed to prefer to be with SRK. But those close to the warring Khans insist that the lines between the two camps are now becoming hazy.

Says an insider, “While Salman has the support of actors who have been his pals for years, SRK has had the support of his director friends. But of late, Salman is becoming quite popular amongst SRK camp members.The reasons could be anything. The fact that his reputation as a loyal friend precedes him, or it could be the fact that he’s reigning at the box-office in a big way. But as things stand now, Khan camps may soon be a thing of the past.”

Industry experts feel that industry equations are ruled by the BO figures. “It’s becoming very commercial, and everyone wants to make money. The competition has hotted up with the inclusion of ` 100-crore-plus club. And who would want to get on the wrong side of its members? Actors are therefore playing safe by not being part of any certain camp,” adds a trade pundit.

Another school of thought stresses that the industry is not just about the Khans. “Actors like Hrithik, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor have their own standing. They are in the race too, and would want to strengthen their positions in the industry as well,” they say.

Seconding that the lines between the Khan camps are blurring, a source close to one of the Khans says, “Times change, situations change, people change. What’s wrong with that? Besides, there’s a popular saying in the world of films —there’s no room for permanent friends or enemies.”

So, if Salman’s protegee Katrina is acting opposite SRK in Yash Chopra’s next, then SRK’s find actor Deepika Padukone has evinced interest in doing a film with Salman. Does that mean the day is not far when Shah Rukh and Salman too bury their differences and move on?

Kate Middleton Set To Attend A Wimbledon Final Of A lifetime

It has been reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to attend the first Wimbledon men's final featuring a British player  in 74 years. Andy Murray goes head to head on centre court tomorrow at 2:00 pm GMT playing the number three seed Roger Federer. Murray is only ranked one place behind the champion and the two have met several times in the past. Andy should prove a tough challenger to the 16 time grand slam winner who, this year is one game off from beating Pete Sampras's Wimbledon record. Federer is arguably the finest player we have seen in a generation . He is not however a shoe-in for the title this year, due to his age and Murray's determination.

Preparing for what could be the defining moment of his career, Murray believes the final on Sunday is difficult but not impossible. Because he is meeting an elder statesman on centre court the pressure is off and he will do the best he can. Murray is the first British man to reach the final since Bunny Austin in 1938. The British number one must now go one step further against Roger Federer in Sunday's final and become the first Brit to win the Wimbledon men's title since Fred Perry in 1936.

After falling in the quarter-finals in the last two years, Federer said it was good to be back on the stage he is graced on the final Sunday for much of the past decade. "All I hoped for was a good match from me, to be quite honest, to give myself a chance to be in the finals and have a shot at the trophy again really." Murray enjoys an 8-7 lead over Federer in their previous meetings but the Swiss beat him in straight sets in the 2008 U.S. Open and 2010 Australian Open finals and the Briton is under no illusions about the  size of the task facing him as he tries to win a maiden major title. Hopefully that was then but this is now!!!

But lets face it all eyes are on History of Art graduate Kate Middleton to see if she wears a new outfit or shrewdly recycles another. The Duchess of Cambridge is known for her fugal assemblages of old and new clothes. He outfit at this years quarter finals of Wimbledon was brilliantly  appropriate as she wore a knitted ensemble by her favourite label Alexander McQueen in a retro 1930's nautical or actually tennis style. We will now have to wait and see if the Royal couple outshines the occasion.

Osama was addicted to Sunny Leone videos: Ram Gopal Varma

Media reports leaked by the Americans have clearly mentioned that world's most wanted terrorist - Osama Bin Laden - was actually addicted to porn. Reports have also mentioned that a lot of porn VCDs were found at Osama's secret home in Abbottabad, where he was killed by the US troops.

But now, our very own Ram Gopal Varma has given a new dimension to Osama's porn fetish. RGV took everyone by surprise when he tweeted: "Osama had a stack of Sunny Leone videos in his Abbotabad compound. My source tells that he was watching her video when he was shot dead!"

It's really intriguing as to who is this 'source' who's giving Ramu such 'classified' information. But, one thing is for sure, this tweet of Ramu would do wonders for Sunny Leone's popularity! After all, the lady is adored by classes as well as the masses, world's biggest terrorist included!

Vinita Chaturvedi, TNN | Jul 8, 2012, 12.00AM IST