Aamir Khan suggested Anna Hazare’s team

In what looks like India’s second freedom struggle, Anna Hazare stands adamant on his stance against the ongoing anti-corruption movement.

As the 74-year-old crusader’s indefinite fast enters the 10th day, what came as a surprising revelation from a member of Anna’s team is that it was actor Aamir Khan, who had suggested them to strike residences of the Members of the Parliament.

Though the perfectionist star hasn’t made a public appearance at the Ramlila Maidan as yet, he has been in constant touch with team Anna and has also been giving them suggestions with regards to the movement.

Talking to a daily, a Team Anna member said, “It was Aamir`s suggestion that we should get individual MPs to take a stand. We have only made a call.

It is the people who are taking this forward by voluntarily raising the issue with their MPs across the country.”

Khan has been the first from the film industry to express his solidarity with Anna and his movement.

He had expressed his support to Anna in writing and had also sent a letter to Dr. Manmohan Singh, requesting him to consider Anna’s appeal.

Aamir is also of the opinion that the Prime Minister should come under the Lokpal Bill.

You seem to be following what you preached in your Box Office hit `Rang De Basanti`. Well done Aamir!

Aamir Khans 3 Idiots Can Be Viewed On Youtube

Aamir Khan starrer `3 Idiots` was the biggest hit of the year 2009 and is now accessible for free on your personal computer.

The movie can be viewed on YouTube, a video sharing website, for free over a period of one month and is an initiative by Reliance Home Video in association with Vinod Chopra Films.

"VCF(Vinod Chopra Films) was keen to make 3 Idiots available to the online audiences as early as 2009, it is only now that a legitimate platform with the size and scale of YouTube Box Office has come into being.

Online Video on Demand is the way to go and VCF is happy to take a step in this direction," said Sameer Rao, CEO of Vinod Chopra Films.

The movie directed by Rajkumar Hirani, also starred R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor and Boman Irani.

PTI

Delhi Belly Special Screening For Raj Thackeray

It is one of those unbelievable news but it’s true! Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s head Raj Thackeray, who had asked Bollywood heavyweight Aamir Khan to organise a special screening of the Imran Khan starrer and “adult” rated `Delhi Belly`, is gung ho about the film.

The two biggies along with other friends walked into Ketnav theatre together.

Talking to a tabloid, a source revealed, "Raj found that many of his friends wanted to watch the film too. Hence he requested for a special screening. Aamir was too happy to oblige!"

"The actor however did not sit for the entire screening and decided to let Raj enjoy with his family and friends. They were cheering and clapping throughout the film!" added the source.

Reportedly, the perfectionist star had earlier arranged special screenings of his `Dhobi Ghat` and `Peepli Live` for Raj.

-Spicezee

Aamir Khan Has Signed With Yash Raj Films For Salman Khan

Salman Khan wants to see buddy Aamir Khan’s contract that the actor has signed with Yash Raj Films. Wondering why? Well the ‘Dabangg’ star has recently agreed to work with Aditya Chopra for Kabir Khan`s film. The actor usually doesn’t work with people outside his friend circle or his family. And he is working with YRF after a long time and hence a bit skeptical.

Salman has always been comfortable working with family and close friends because then he doesn`t have to bother about things like remuneration and other details for his family and friends are there to look after him and his needs.

Speaking to a daily, a source said, "However when it came to drawing up a contract for Adi`s film, bhai was hesitant. He allegedly requested his manager to get him a copy of Aamir Khan`s ‘Dhoom-3’ contract with the Chopra’s. Aamir`s contract then became the template for bhai with some minor changes like the actual remuneration figure, release date etc."

We all know that the two khans are very close. And according to sources close to the two actors, They consult each other on several personal and professional issues.

One wonders if the skepticism for YRF came due to the fact that Aditya Chopra is close to another the Khan. Just a speculation, we aren’t suggesting anything. What say Salman?

-Spicezee

Aamir Khan Will Be Playing The Villain In Dhoom 3

Dhoom, India’s version of hi-octane thriller films, is one of the most successful series in Bollywood. The much talked about third part of Dhoom has finally got the booster shot it needed. It is now official: Aamir Khan will be playing the villain in Dhoom 3.

Confirming this, Aamir says, "It is indeed a pleasure to be working with Yashji and Adi once again. Dhoom is a great franchise, most entertaining and full of fun. Every time I hear the theme tune of Dhoom, it brings a swing to my step. Victor’s script really won me over and I look forward to working with him."

Says producer Yash Chopra, "It’s a great pleasure to have Aamir working with YRF once again. It’s even more special that he will be doing Dhoom 3. I am terribly excited with what an actor like Aamir will bring to the Dhoom franchise with his unique star power and level of performance. Adi and Victor have worked over a year to bring out what I can now confidently say is possibly one of the best scripts coming out of YRF. I am sure that Aamir and Adi together will create magic to give our audience one of the most exciting films ever seen."

Coming to the rest of the cast, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra will be seen in their previous avatars of Jai Dixit and Ali respectively. Produced by Aditya Chopra, Dhoom 3 will be directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya. Vijay is the writer of all three Dhoom films and has also directed Tashan. The film will begin shooting end of this year and is slated for a 2012 Christmas release.

Aamir Khan Invited To Be In The Jury In Berlin

Earn upto Rs. 9,000 pm checking Emails. Join now!

Superstar Aamir Khan Wednesday said that he was honoured to be part of the jury of the Berlin International Film Festival.

"I am looking forward to be in the jury. Berlin is a very prestigious film festival. It`s an honour to be invited to be in the jury. I am looking forward to watch all films there," Aamir told reporters here.

"World`s best films are showcased there. Berlin (gives a chance) to start the year with watching the best of world cinema. I am also looking forward to meet the other jury members," he added.

Aamir is recognized internationally for his films "Lagaan" and "Taare Zameen Par". His recent production "Peepli Live", directed by Anusha Rizvi, and "Dhobi Ghat" directed by his wife Kiran Rao also won him acclaim in the festival circuit.

Aamir Khan Birthday Celebrations With James Cameron

Five years ago, Andrew Wight, James Cameron’s long-time collaborator, brought him an idea based on an expedition he’d lead to explore a remote cave system beneath the Nullarbor Plain in Australia. During the trip, a freak storm caused the cave entrance to collapse; leaving 15 people trapped underground.

A rescue mission was mounted and everyone survived the harrowing ordeal. Cameron loved the idea and along with writer John Garvin, Wight crafted a classic coming-of-age story about a young man who is at odds with his father before the ultimate test of survival brings them together.

“Though Wight and Garvin had their genesis for Sanctum from Wight’s life experience, we didn’t want to recreate the almost ill-fated trip as a documentary. Rather than tell the exact story, it was far more exciting to use the essence of the experience and look at what happens to people when they are in a difficult environment and under extreme pressure,” points out Cameron, adding that Sanctum is a story of survival and self-discovery of a group of people who get trapped when on an expedition in the wilds of Papua New Guinea.

Wight and he had previously been on some great adventures together, during which they had dived deep into the ocean to discover never-before-seen parts of the ocean floor and marine life for Aliens Of the Deep. “We dove the Titanic (for Ghosts Of The Abyss) and the Bismarck,” reminisces the three-time Academy Award-winning executive producer of Titanic and Avatar.

Alister Grierson landed the enviable offer to direct the film because Cameron and Wight had really liked the young Australian’s debut feature debut, Kokoda (2006). It was the true story of a platoon of soldiers lost in the New Guinea jungles during a pivotal World War II battle in 1942. “We were looking for someone young, but not a novice. We wanted someone who had already made his first mistakes. Someone with a vision who knew how to accomplish it. Kokoda was a very strong first film, and Alister presented himself as a director with a real opinion,” says Cameron.

After they had decided he was the ideal candidate, Wight and Cameron spent some time with the director to gauge his intentions. It was a trial by submersion that sealed the deal for him. “Andrew took Alister cave diving and scared the crap out of him. He kept it together and came out with a real understanding for caving,” reminisces Cameron. “His biggest dare though was to learn how to work with 3D.”

‘Aamir Khan is on top of his game’ Cameron reminisces about his India visit.I was honoured to share the stage with Aamir Khan when I visited India last year,” asserts Cameron. “He is on top of his game and it was his birthday the following day. He chose to attend the session with me foregoing his birthday celebrations.”

‘An epic father-son story in 3D The reason why Sanctum will be memorable for the Avatar director Sanctum has a strong father-son relationship which appealed to Cameron. “The 3D element is the icing on the cake. Although I do think that when audiences see the film in 3D, it will open up a world that they haven’t experienced. But basically, Sanctum is a father- son story, a rite of passage about a young man learning lessons from his parent and the environment and on his way to he becoming a man,” reasons the acclaimed filmmaker, adding that five years from now he’d like people to remember the film as an epic father-son
relationship story that was brought to life in 3D.

Underground waterfall and scuba diving Challenges faced by the cast and crew while filming Papua New Guinea is home to some of the most amazing underground environments in the world. There are flowing rivers, gushing waterfalls, stalactite; vast caverns. Things you could never imagine unless you’ve been there. To replicate them on a small scale was an tough task but production designer Nicolas McCallum was ready for it.

“The biggest challenge for Nicolas was simply to get everything built and ready in the allocated time,” executive producer James Cameron admits. “He also had to be mindful of the 3D process and to give enough depth and height to the sets. Besides re-creating a series of underground caves, he also had to build an enormous “underground” waterfall to match the specifications set forth by Garvin and Andrew’s script.”For director of photography Jules O’Loughlin, the biggest hurdle was lighting the cave system. “It was an alien environment with no natural light whatsoever; all the light is brought in by the characters in the film,” points outs Cameron.

The cast went through a lot of physical preparation and endurance during the shoot. Richard Roxburgh, who plays a master diver, and had to learn to dive in a scuba diving boot camp. Most of the members of the cast that included Rhys Wakefield (who plays 17-year-old Josh), Ioan Gruffudd (as financier Carl Hurley), Alice Parkinson (as Carl’s girlfriend), Victoria and Dan Wyllie (as Crazy George) had to learn scuba diving, re breathing and rock climbing. A few even had to learn base jumping.”

Dhobi Ghat Movie Review Bollywood Movie

The metropolis of Mumbai is a city of dreams, a known fact to all- a million dreams thriving and a million about to be seen. But the complexities of this Indian city are far beyond description. Debutant filmmaker Kiran Rao has succeeded in portraying those untold yet evident stories that are an integral part of the city. ‘Dhobi Ghat’ is indeed an intelligently woven piece of art.

Aamir Khan plays Arun, an upmarket artist who has a chance encounter with Shai, played by debutant Monica Dogra. Shai is a NRI investment banker who meets up with Arun at one of his exhibitions and the two enter a strange relationship after their one-night stand. Prateik, portrays the character of Munna, who is a dhobi, and an aspiring actor. He befriends Shai and the duo end up becoming good friends.

Another debutant, Kirti Malhotra plays Yasmin, a loner who has suffered a failed marriage. The story revolves round the complicated lives of the four protagonists who earnestly keep looking for what they are badly in need of.

Amidst the ocean of humanity in a city that is known for its cosmopolitanism, the four actors portray characters that are nothing but real. Their individual stories have been etched with great care against the backdrop of the madly crowded city. Munna meets his ends by working as a washer man, who has a strange equation with Shai, despite diverse financial backgrounds. Shai is busy with her claustrophobic love life while Arun is lost in his own world of the canvas. And Yasmin tries to engage herself in all sorts of domestic activities only to supersede her agony over her broken marriage. The four protagonists in the film are souls wandering aimlessly in search of their needs.

The striking yet most traumatic story is that of Yasmin, who sends video letters addressed to her brother Imran telling him about her loneliness. Arun discovers those video tapes of Yasmin, who happens to be an ex-tenant of the house where he is put up. He falls in love with her sensuousness and finds in her his muse.

Kudos to Kiran Rao for handling such a sensitive subject with great conviction and passion. The characters in the film have been wisely used and each of them has justified their bit. The story is dumbfounding as it is about a man’s constant race towards his dreams. The actors are excellent, the story prim and proper and the cinematography is speechless.

In a nutshell ‘Dhobi Ghat’ is poetry.

Ratings: Four cheers for this one.

Dhobi Ghat Will Be Screened Without Any Interval

It is just 95-minute long, and therefore Aamir Khan’s forthcoming film "Dhobi Ghat" will be screened across the country without any interval.Aamir personally visited the owners and managers of the multiplex chains. They’ve apparently now given it to him in writing that there would be no interval in the screenings of the movie.

Not just the multiplex chains and single theatres in Mumbai, Aamir has personally secured a similar never-before no-interval clause from theatres across India.Directed by his wife Kiran Rao, the film is releasing Friday and stars Aamir in pivotal role along with Prateik Babbar.

Apparently the implementation of the no-intermission clause for "Dhobi Ghat" will be closely monitored across the country. Errant theatres sneaking in samosa space into "Dhobi Ghat" would be guilty of a breach of contract.Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV, the co-producers of "Dhobi Ghat", confirms Aamir’s firm stand on the mid-point issue.

"Aamir spoke to all the multiplexes and they agreed to no interval. ’Dhobi Ghat’ is only 95 minutes long and structured to be watched in one sitting without an interval, so yes, the multiplexes have seen the wisdom of his logic," said Kapoor.

Aamir’s close friend filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who has been championing the cause of the abolition of the ritual, sees this as a big breakthrough in the process of guarding the creative sanctity of our films.

"Intervals are an unnatural brake applied in the middle of a film to sell samosas. There is no first-half and second-half in a film. This is an artificial division created purely to generate revenues through food sales," said Mehra.

Farah Khan Reunion With Aamir Khan After 10 Years

Now that her `Tees Maar Khan` is over and done with, filmmaker Farah Khan is all set indulge in her first love, choreography. She`s been asked by Aamir Khan to choreograph a song for `Delhi Belly`.

Confirming her professional reunion with Aamir after 10 years, Farah says, "Yes, I`m doing a song for Aamir`s `Delhi Belly` because he has asked me to."So, does this mean Farah is returning to choreography in a big way?

Retorts Farah, "Not at all! I don`t actively do choreography any more. Only a song here or there for friends. Besides Aamir`s song I will be doing the `Housefull 2` numbers for my brother Sajid and, of course, my husband Shirish Kunder`s `Joker`. That`s it for now. No more choreography this year. I`m busy writing my next script."

"Delhi Belly" was completed by director Abhinay Deo last year.The project is as special to Aamir as his wife Kiran Rao`s "Dhobi Ghat" because it stars his nephew Imran Khan. The quirky film about a prodigal`s return to the capital has been described as a sex comedy.

The song choreographed by Farah Khan in "Delhi Belly" would be filmed on Imran Khan. Apparently Aamir wants the same feeling of youthful vibrancy in it that Farah had created for Aamir in the "Pehla nasha" number in "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar".

"Pehla nasha" was the first song that Farah choreographed. After "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar", she has choreographed only twice for Aamir, in "Sarfarosh" and "Dil Chahta Hai".

Aamir`s attention is now turning towards its post-production work, now that Kiran Rao`s directorial debut "Dhobi Ghat" is about to release.Deo has moved on to his next project, "Game", for producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

Imran Khan Married Long Time Girlfriend Avantika Malik

Bollywood’s chocolate boy Imran Khan finally bid adieu to bachelorhood and married long time girlfriend Avantika Malik here Monday. He said he is very happy. The couple is off to Thailand Tuesday for their honeymoon but not alone - 50 guests will be accompanying the newly-weds.

Imran, who had been dating Avantika for the past eight years, had a registered marriage at his superstar uncle Aamir Khan’s house in Pali Hill. After the wedding, Imran came to his house with his newlywed wife in a black Porsche decorated with white flags with ’Just Married’ written on them. The house was decorated with flowers and lights

Both wore beautiful traditional wedding costumes - Avantika was wearing a light grey lehenga choli with a red border and gold work and Imran was dressed in a black bandhgala. ’I’m not feeling married right now, it will take some time to sink in. I’m very happy’ said Imran.

Asked how he felt after breaking the hearts of his female fans, the 27-year-old said: ’I’ve been in a relationship for the past eight years so the point of breaking hearts doesn’t arise. Everyone always knew that I’m dating and was never single, so getting married is nothing new.’ Imran’s maternal uncle, Aamir was dressed in black sherwani with self-print and a maroon churidar and his wife Kiran Rao went traditional too, donning a purple-gold lehenga choli.

’We are very happy for both of them and all our blessing are with them. I hope they have a happy married life and have lots of kids,’ said a visibly elated Aamir. The actor will be hosting a grand reception once the couple returns from their honeymoon. The date has not been fixed, but it is scheduled for the end of this month. After the wedding, the couple hosted a quiet dinner for close family and friends at Taj Lands End Hotel.

Aamir Khan Has Become The Face Of Citizen

Aamir Khan has often been the face of social causes, be it the Narmada Bachao Andolan or the Atithi Devo Bhava campaign.

This time he is involving himself to fight the cause of malnutrition, Mid-Day reported.

The actor has become the face of Citizens’ Alliance To Fight Against Malnutrition and was recently in Delhi to discuss some core issues with some leading politicians.

The Alliance has been founded by a group of MPs-Sachin Pilot, Shahnawaz Hussain and Supriya Sule along with 20 or 25 more MPs from different political parties. Aamir was approached by them.

AamirAamir Khan told the tabloid, "Malnutrition is an alarming issue in the country. One in every two children in India suffers from malnutrition. For our nation to prosper, our kids have to be healthy.

Malnutrition causes physical and mental problems. Often by the time you are 20 or 21 years old, you are not sharp enough because you did not receive the right kind of nutrition as a child."

The alliance is planning to launch an awareness programme through television and print medium.

The actor said, "A lot of women are economically weak so even if they are made aware, there is little they can do. There is corruption in the delivery system and so they do not reach the people."

Aamir felt that they need to inform mothers about their right to free nutrients from the local anganwadi. "Right now, they don’t even know they have this right," said Aamir.

However, he ruled out joining politics.

"I agreed to join the group because it counts a couple of doctors and an NGO as its members. If it had been one political party, I would have refused. I have no interest in politics."

Shah Rukh Khan And Aamir Khan To Learn Marathi

They work in Mumbai but hardly any of the top Bollywood stars are fluent in Marathi.

Keeping this in mind, the University of Pune has sent invitations to Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and other Khans apart from Akshay Kumar to come and learn Marathi during a special course organized to celebrate the 60 years of the Marathi department in University of Pune.

Manohar Jadhav, the head of the Marathi Department, is quoted as saying that he’s already very impressed by the efforts of actor Aamir Khan to learn Marathi from colleagues in the film industry.

On a Marathi channel, Aamir had recently expressed his desire to learn Marathi. Will he take up this course? Wait a while to know the answer.

Aamir And Shah Rukh's Collision With International Projects

Bollywood giants Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are headed for a collision once again. Buzz has it that the two superstars will commence shooting for their International projects early next year and about the same time.

‘Perfectionist’ Aamir will be working with director Paul Sharder on ‘X-treme City’ based on the slums of the metropolitan Mumbai.

While King Khan will join hands with Academy Award winner of the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ fame Danny Boyle. The story will be an adaptation of the book ‘Maxim City’ by Suketu Mehta.

Both the films have a common subject- the city of Mumbai and the two International projects are slated to release the same year.

Considering the fact that both the stars don’t appreciate meeting head-to-head, it will be interesting to see who walks away with the cherry on the cake.

Aamir Khan Has Confirmed His Next Project

After nearly two years since he signed his last film, 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan has confirmed his next project as an actor.

The film, so far untitled and to be directed by Honeymoon Travels film-maker Reema Kagti, is a suspense thriller. Khan will co-produce the film with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment.

While rumours were rife that Aamir, who had been approached by directors Rajkumar Santoshi and John Mathew Matthan, would play the anti-hero in Dhoom 3, he chose the script penned by Kagti and Zoya Akhtar instead.

"I’ve said yes to Reema’s film. I’m really excited to start shooting in February," Khan said. "I thank my lucky stars that Aamir liked our script," said Kagti. "We approached him some months ago; we’re glad he’s agreed." Pre-production for the film starts in December.

Movie Review: Peepli Live

All of us must be cognizant of news channels and their amusing race for reporting of (frivolous) stories. You sure still remember the story of ’Prince’ falling into a pit and his ’rescue operation’ basking the headlines as ’breaking news’ for days. But all said and done, we have to admit that they do attract eyeballs. Anusha Rizvi, an erstwhile journalist herself has shown us a mirror through PEEPLI [LIVE]. And the reflection isn’t something to be proud of.

It’s a story of Peepli, a poor farmer Natha (Omkar Das Manikpuri) and his brother Budhia (Raghubir Yadav) from Mukhya Pradesh, indebted of a government loan and unable to repay it. The threat of his land getting auctioned looms large on them. Natha along with his brother Budhia (Raghubur Yadav) are informed of a government program that provides aid to the family of indebted farmers who have committed suicide. After an argument (hilarious) between the brothers, it’s finally decided that Natha will bear the brunt of ending his life.

Local elections are imminent and after the media comes to know of this development (impending suicide), it snowballs, involving scheming politicians, bureaucrats, local henchmen, all trying to have their share from the pie. Whether Natha will commit suicide or not becomes a matter of national interest.

Anusha Rizvi takes time to introduce the principal characters. But once that is done and you are acquainted with the dialect, you become part of the activities of the village. It almost feels that you are experiencing it ’live’.

The gloomy issue of farmers’ suicide has been brilliantly executed in a light-hearted satire. It’s entertaining and at the same time poignant. At no point does it become preachy or goes over-the-top in its narration.

Although the core issue is the farmer’s suicide, Anusha Rizvi touches many a pain areas through her excellent script and narrative. It takes a dig on the news hungry media, scheming politicians and the complex government schemes. It literally shows how politicians and media don’t want to address the issue but want to encash it for their own benefit.

It is laden with some thought-provoking dialogues by Anusha Rizvi. We are tempted to mention a few like ’Zinda rehte hue kuch kiya nahin, marne ke baad sarkar kya karegi’ or ’Na marne ka hand pump, to soch marne ka kya’, which move you.

There are copious scenes that completely crack you up. A TV journalist is interviewing Natha’s bachpan ka dost after he goes missing. Then there’s another journalist Kumar Deepak (Vishal O. Sharma) who examines Natha’s faeces to determine his state of mind. There’s also a poll conducted by a news channel to determine why Natha absconds. One of the reasons given is ’terrorists’. There are many other scenes which deserve a mention but we suggest you experience it yourself.

You will surely get goose bumps with the scene which shows the hand of a dead body. Also, note the scene in which journalist Nandita Mallik (Malaika Shenoy) confronts Rakesh (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) about him being in the wrong profession.

The climax is a high-point of the film which elucidates the rural-urban divide. The revealing fact of plentiful farmers leaving their profession in a country that ’lives in the villages’ is disconcerting.

Omkar Das Manikpuri is sure to get an award or two for his blank face performance. Raghubir Yadav is meticulous. Malaika Shenoy is awesome. Shalini Vatsa (Natha’s wife) is top class. Farrukh Jaffer (Natha’s mother) is hilarious. The constant bickering between the saas-bahu is funny at times. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is good. Vishal Sharma (Kumar Deepak) looks a quintessential journalist and is amazing. Naseeruddin Shah can be termed misfit in this lesser-known-artist setup.

PEEPLI [LIVE] is a brilliant satire which is riveting and heartfelt. Most importantly, it makes you think, and rethink. After LAGAAN this could be yet another journey for producer Aamir Khan all the way to the Kodak Theatre. Surely worth having a ’peep’.

Aamir Khan Playing The Villain In Dhoom 3

Indian mega star Aamir Khan and filmmaker Yash Chopra have decided to work together.While the market buzzed with news of Aamir playing the villain in Dhoom 3, sources close to the actor denied it categorically. However, it is now known that Aamir met with Aditya Chopra, who gave him an one-line narration of the role of the villain the film. And, an insider reveals, “Aamir has loved what he heard. In all probability, he will listen to the script on August 13 when he returns from Melbourne and Delhi.”

Aamir doesn’t wish to confirm or deny these developments as yet because he will start reading the script next week after his Peepli Live releases. However, it is said that the actor is keen to play the baddie because what he heard from Adi has truly excited him. A trade source says, “After 3 Idiots Aamir needs something very challenging and dynamic. And he knows that playing the villain in a established franchise like the Dhoom series will create a huge buzz.”

Dhoom 3 in all likelihood may not be directed by Sanjay Gadhvi. Chances are that the film may have a director of Aamir’s choice. As of now, the Chopras are very excited because their villains have been the most talked about characters in the Dhoom series. The first one had John Abraham, the second had Hrithk Roshan, and if they get Aamir for the third, it will be the crowning glory.

Aamir has earlier played a baddie in Raakh and Fanaa. But reports say that the villain of Dhoom 3 will be a very stylised character. And he is likely to make as much impact as Gabbar Singh of Sholay or Dr Mogambo from Mr India.

Peepli Live Satellite Rights For 100 Million

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's "Peepli Live", which will perhaps be the first non-commercial Hindi film to hit over 600 screens when it releases Friday, has already recovered its investment by selling its satellite rights for Rs. 100 million.

Made on a budget of approximately Rs.100 million (including marketing costs), journalist-turned director Anusha Rizvi's directorial debut is a satire on the farmers suicides and the subsequent political and media reaction.

It will hit 600 screens in India and 100 in overseas markets, except Britain.

"In Britain we have partnered with Artificial Eye (again first for a Hindi Film), a premium distribution chain that looks into art house main stream release and own the largest art house exhibition chain called Curzon theatres. We will release 'Peepli Live' in Britain on September 24," said a source close to Aamir Khan Productions.

The cast of the film is a mixed bag - many actors are tribals from Bhadwai village in Madhya Pradesh, while other cast members are from late playwright Habib Tanvir's theatre troupe Naya Theatre, including the main lead Omkar Das Manikpuri, who plays Natha in "Peepli Live".

The film also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Malaika Shenoy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shalini Vatsa, Farrukh Jaffer, Vishal O. Sharma, Aamir Bashir, Sitaram Panchal and Yugal Kishore.

This is the fourth film from Aamir Khan Productions Ltd. after "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India" (2001), "Taare Zameen Par"(2007) and "Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na"(2008).

If Aamir's earlier three commercial films were blocbusters, "Peepli Live" has earned a reputation for itself in the global film circuit. The movie recently won the Best First Feature Film award at the 31st Durban International Film Festival in South Africa.

"Peepli Live" also competed in the Sundance Film Festival, the first film from India to do so. The movie was picked up by specialty German distribution company, Rapid Eye Movies, for a special screening at the Berlin International Film Festival. It recently had its Melbourne premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival MIFF 2010.

The film has also put the spotlight on over 1,000 villages across India that are called Peepli.