Oct 312017
 

Horror has always been a tricky genre to play with – more like a hit or miss – for the directors. You either make a great film that attains cult status or you make something so bad that it makes people burst out laughing instead of screaming in fear. After all, there’s a reason why Stephen King’s ‘It’ and ‘The Exorcist’; and ‘1920’and ‘Phoonk’ exist in the same universe. But, no matter how much we shriek and tremble after watching Hollywood classics, Japan is the badass daddy of all when it comes to playing with horror and supernatural thrillers. 

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Showgate

J-Horror has been making people pee their pants in fear since 1960s when classics like ‘Onibaba’ and ‘Kwaidan’ were released and is worshipped globally by every avid fan of supernatural thrillers. They bow down in front of the awesome imagination and rich story-telling of Japanese directors. Well, for a land that has given us Akiro Kurosawa and Takashi Miike; you can’t expect anything but the best. 

So, without further ado, we present to you the ultimate J-horror list that we bet you wouldn’t be able to watch alone. So, go ahead and dare your friends to finish the entire list. 

1. Ringu – 1998

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Basara Pictures

Hideo Nakata does a fantastic job in scaring the life out of people with his 1998 psychological horror ‘Ringu’. The film revolves around a reporter who sets out to investigate the mystery behind a certain videotape that is cursed – whoever watches the tape dies within 7 days. 

The 2002 hit film ‘The Ring’ starring Naomi Watts was an American remake of this classic.

2. Ju-On: The Grudge – 2002

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Pioneer LDC

The brutal murder of a woman and her child casts an evil curse on a house and anyone who sets foot inside gets killed by the vengeful spirits. Directed by Takashi Shimizu, this movie is the third installment in the ‘Ju-on’ series. 

3. Noroi: The Curse – 2005

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Xanadeux

Created in a documentary and ‘found footage’ format, this movie revolves around a paranormal expert who disappeared while filming the most disturbing documentary of his career on an ancient demon. This movie f**ks with your mind as you try to figure out who the real demon is.    

4. Audition – 1999

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Basara Pictures

Takashi Miike waves his magic wand around ‘Audition’ and turns it into a classic film that you just can’t afford to miss. A widower decided to start dating again and stages an audition to meet potential partners. He eventually starts dating a woman only to realize that she might be a psychopath with a dark and brutal past. 

5. Onibaba – 1964

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Kindai Eiga Kyokai

If you haven’t seen ‘Onibaba’, then you are really missing out on the best movie ever made in the world. Directed by Kaneto Shindo, this is a historical drama horror in the backdrop of a civil war, where two women kill soldiers and steal their possessions. One of the women comes across a demon mask and dons it to frighten the other woman.  

6. Marebito – 2004

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Adness K.K.

‘Marebito’ is another classic which many people wouldn’t even dare to watch in the first place. The mere synopsis sends chills down our spine, so one can only imagine how gruesome and intense the movie is going to be. A cameraman, obsessed with fear brings a woman home, only to realize that she survives on blood. How he looks after her, while dodging certain bizarre characters, weaves the rest of the plot.

7. Over Your Dead Body – 2014

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Celluloid Dreams

‘Over your dead body’ also known as ‘Kuime’ is a 2014 J-horror movie that takes on through the life of characters both on and off stage. As the line between reality and fantasy gets blurred, the characters find themselves trapped in a deadly love game that soon turns into an evil grudge.  

8. Kwaidan – 1964

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Toho Company

Another classic film directed by Masaki Kobayashi, ‘Kwaidan’ is a compilation of four Japanese folk tales, each with their own tinge of supernatural elements that will surely leave you trembling in fear. We recommend this as a must-watch movie. 

9. Ichi The Killer – 2001

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Omega Project

When Takashi Miike helms a film, there is no room for any doubts about the movie being an average one and ‘Ichi The Killer’ furthers the same. Also known as ‘Koroshiya Ichi’, this movie is a Japanese crime-horror that revolves around a sadomasochistic hoodlum who comes across a psychotic killer after his boss goes missing. 

10. Dark Water – 2002 

Top 10 Japanese Horror Movies© Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co.

The movie talks about a mother who is going through an ugly divorce and fighting for her young daughter’s custody. However, after the mother and daughter move into a new apartment, they realize they aren’t the only residents. They start seeing disturbing visions and start getting haunted by the ghost of a young girl who tries everything to draw them towards the supernatural. 

Most of you must be getting all jazzed up for ‘trick or treat’ aka Halloween. But, for the rest it’s yet another legit reason to binge-watch horror movies, along with the uninvited guests who will join us between 3 and 4 a.m. (ghosts should get an opportunity to watch their on-screen avatars too). 

Oct 312017
 

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a part of remakes like “Devdas” and “Don”, said he loved introducing “Ittefaq” to a new generation as the Rajesh Khanna-starrer was his mother’s favourite movie.

Shah Rukh has produced the remake of 1969 thriller with Karan Johar and BR Films. Sonakshi Sinha, Sidharth Malhotra and Akshaye Khanna feature in the new version that has been directed by Abhay Chopra.

Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan

“When I was growing up, it was my mother’s favourite film. Rajesh Khanna and Nanda ji both were good. I found the story interesting. It is exciting for these two boys (Abhay and Kapil Chopra) to remake a classic,” Shah Rukh said at a promotional event of the movie last night.

Calling the original film one of his favourite thrillers in Hindi cinema, Shah Rukh said, “I have done ‘Devdas’, which would never be better than the classic (and) ‘Don’, which would never be better than Bachchan sahab’s (version).

“Somewhere down the line, (it is) just to reintroduce great cinema that perhaps passes the youngsters by. So
‘Ittefaq’ is another move in that line. Hopefully, youngsters will like it,” he added.

Shah Rukh, who worked with Yash Chopra on many films including the director’s last one, “Jab Tak Hai Jaan”, said the filmmaker had narrated to him the story that inspired the original “Ittefaq”.

“Before Yash ji passed away, he told how he made ‘Ittefaq’. He said he was making some film and there was a
break and they decided to see a play. Then overnight they decided to make this movie for BR Films. It is based on a play and I found it interesting,” he said.

The film is set to release this Friday.

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Oct 312017
 

 

Bigg Boss 11 contestant Vikas Gupta recently had a spat with fellow contestant Shilpa Shinde. The fight turned ugly and Vikas Gupta threatened to reveal details about Shilpa Shinde’s engagement with her former co-star, Romit Raj. Romit Raj and Vikas Gupta were in a longterm relationship and were engaged to be married.

Shilpa and Romit met on the sets of the show ‘Maayka’ and were all set to get married in 2009 in Goa. However, the relationship soured and the two parted ways on an ugly note. Not just this, but their wedding was called off at the last minute. Vikas knew about this and he wanted to use it against Shilpa and run her down.

Shilpa spoke to India Today about her relationship falling apart. “My wedding preparations were done, my wedding outfit was ready, I had even bought my jewellery and the cards were also printed. It is very sad that I had to call off my marriage one month prior to the actual date. But I feel it is a wise decision and I am very happy that at least now I won’t have to make adjustments for each and every single thing. I will now be able to take my own decisions.”

After he apparently ousted Shilpa Shinde from a TV show, Vikas Gupta has been trying to mend relationships. 

Vikas Gupta had worked with Shilpa in the show ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai.’ Vikas was the programming head of the channel in which the show was aired at the time of Shilpa’s departure from it. He has admitted that he and Shilpa had a complicated past.

Also read – ‘Bigg Boss 11’: Here’s how much Shilpa Shinde, Hina Khan, other contestants are getting paid

On first entering the ‘Bigg Boss 11’ house Vikas referred to working with Shilpa as a ‘khatarnak’. He even added that if he knew she was coming, he would have refused to be on the reality show.

Also read – Bigg Boss 11 Day 12: Vikas Gupta and Shilpa Shinde turn friends

Shilpa Shinde has stated that Vikas’ active involvement led to her ouster from ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain.’

Also read – Bigg Boss 11 Day 5: Vikas Gupta and Shilpa Shinde get into a huge fight

Shilpa and Vikas went on to get in several arguments on ‘Bigg Boss 11.’ But, things took a surprise turn in a recent episode when both took the first step towards starting a new friendship, when Shilpa advised Vikas to keep a cool mind to survive in the house after he was admonished by Hina over his captaincy decisions.

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Oct 312017
 

Post Jyoti’s eviction, Vikas finds himself without a support system in the Bigg Boss house. With the week’s luxury budget task in the pipeline, Vikas needs all the backing from the contestants so that if he is victorious, Bigg Boss will uplift the captaincy ban that was put on him.

Bigg Boss 11 Day 30: Akash Dadlani gets a new haircut from Shilpa-HinaShilpa Shinde and Hina Khan

Just before the task kick-starts, Shilpa and Hina bring out their inner stylist as they take on giving Puneesh and Akash a brand new haircut respectively. It is said that making money is art and good business is the best art, a thought that is truly reflected in this week’s task. The lawn area is converted to a cushion factory where Shilpa and Vikas will compete against each other as businessmen trying to make maximum profit. With a limited supply of money, raw materials and labor, each one has to make 75 Cushions in a stipulated time period.

Iss hafte ke luxury budget task ke kaaran #BB11 gharwalon ke beech phir aayi daraar! Watch all the fun tonight at 10:30pm! #BBSneakPeekpic.twitter.com/J0AO9Zat2N

— COLORS (@ColorsTV) October 31, 2017

Bigg Boss 11 Day 30: Akash Dadlani gets a new haircut from Shilpa-HinaThe Bigg Boss task

Vikas and Shilpa come up with strategies to convince the contestants to work under them and hire them as their employees. The real fun begins when TV’s Favorite Queens, Shilpa and Hina, plan a strategy to win against Vikas. While Hina steals needles so that the team can stitch the cushions together, Shilpa discretely steals all the money from Vikas’ locker.

Will Vikas’ team stand by his side or will they move to the other side?

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Oct 312017
 

Sometimes, your past can come back to haunt at a time when you least expect it to go wrong. Veteran actor Kevin Spacey realized this in the most brutal ways possible when his ‘House of Cards’ came crashing down to the ground, after Netflix decided to pull the plug on the show, leading to an unexpected and abrupt end. Yes, our beloved show has been scrapped by Netflix, post the shocking revelation by actor Anthony Rapp, who alleged that Spacey made sexual advances towards him when he was 14-years-old. 

Netflix Cancels Kevin Spacey's 'House Of Cards' Over Controversy© netflix

Netflix announced that they will scrap the show after the sixth season (a 13-episode series), which is currently in production and will premiere in 2018. 

According to a statement issued by Netflix and the studio behind the show, Media Rights Capital, they were “deeply troubled by the news concerning Kevin Spacey.” In fact, the statement further mentioned that, “Executives from both our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time.” 

This decision came after Spacey apologized publicly for the event that took place nearly 30 years ago, and also came out as gay on Twitter.

pic.twitter.com/X6ybi5atr5

— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) October 30, 2017

Interestingly, Kevin mentioned how he has had relationships with both men and women in the past and slipped in that he now chooses to live his life as a gay man. While talking about the shocking accusation, he said that he does not remember the encounter and that he is apologetic for his “deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour.”  

The ‘Rent’ actor broke his silence in an interview with BuzzFeed and alleged that Spacey tried to get with him sexually at a party in Spacey’s apartment in 1986. He further mentioned that after everyone left, Spacey picked him up and put him on the bed, climbing on top of him. Post the accusation, Kevin has been facing a lot of backlash and Netflix hit the last nail on the coffin by scraping the award-winning show altogether. (Brutal!)

Netflix Cancels Kevin Spacey's 'House Of Cards' Over Controversy© netflix

However, this isn’t the only thing that triggered Netflix’s decision. Talks to end the show with this season had been doing rounds for months. In fact, if reports are to believe then Kevin’s upcoming Netflix film ‘Gore’ might face similar fate and get scrapped as well. The International Television Academy has already decided to revoke the Emmy Award that he was supposed to be honoured with on November 20.

Having said that, in a different turn of events Netflix is planning for a ‘House of Cards’ spinoff. According to Variety, both Netflix and Media Rights Capital are in the early stages of development on ideas for a “potential spinoff”. In fact, all the spinoffs will take place in the same universe as ‘House of Cards’ and for those who haven’t started following the series, the show revolves around Frank Underwood who climbs up the ladder of supremacy while seeking revenge on the people who betrayed him.

Oct 312017
 

It’s hard for Tinsel Town’s artists to evade inevitable link ups after their onset in Bollywood. Varun Dhawan, given his relationship with childhood sweetheart Natasha Dalal, was able to wriggle his way out of such speculations. But, it seems, all is not well in lovers’ paradise, as rumours suggest the duo is headed for splitsville. Dhawan’s solo entry at Anil Kapoor’s Diwali bash last week, coupled with Dalal’s vacation with friends in Bangkok, without the actor, has led to fresh speculations of trouble in the relationship.

A source suggests that while the fashion designer is keen to tie the knot with Dhawan, the latter wishes to focus on his career for the moment. “They have decided to take a breather,” the source said, adding that Dalal was also irked with Dhawan due to his brewing friendship with Taapsee Pannu during the filming of Judwaa 2. “Yet, Natasha was spotted at the special trial of the film, held by Varun. They, however, made solo entries and exits.” While there have been umpteen speculations surrounding their relationship over the years, the duo has put up a brave front, repeatedly issuing statements negating rumours.

READ MORE: ‘Student Of The Year’ Jodi Varun Dhawan And Alia Bhatt Pair Up Again!

“Varun’s family is fond of Natasha. They are keen to see them wed. She has been a regular at his family’s dinner parties, even flying to London with his family to celebrate his birthday.” Dhawan remained unavailable for comment. But, a source close to him refuted the suggestions, pointing to Dalal’s travel plans behind her absence from social gatherings with Dhawan. “Natasha has been busy travelling. The two are still together,” the source said.

SEE PHOTOS: Meet Banita Sandhu, Varun Dhawan’s ‘October’ Girl

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Oct 312017
 

Sidharth Malhotra is said to have cited date issues as the reason he could not commit to Race 3. Bobby Deol was instead roped in for the Salman Khan-starrer. Buzz is Sid did not want to be cast opposite Daisy Shah in the thriller. He is keen to be paired with the leading ladies of B-Town and the Jai Ho (2014) actor does not fit in his scheme of things. Hope Sallu is aware of the real grouse.

Sidharth Malhotra and Diasy Shah
Sidharth Malhotra and Diasy Shah

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Oct 312017
 

Katrina Kaif’s washboard abs and sexy grooves from ‘Kaala Chashma’ is unmatchable and the thought of recreating it will send down shivers in one’s body. The song from ‘Baar Baar Dekho’ had got the entire nation dancing to it and a party would be left incomplete without playing this song. This addictive song has got Pakistani actress Mahira Khan hooked over it. One of the actress’ fan club posted a video of Mahira, where, she’s seen talking to her fans on social media and the ‘Kaala Chashma’ song plays in the background. Unable to control her urge of dancing, Mahira puts on her black eyewear and starts moving on to Katrina’s high-spectrum track.

Mahira Khan is in awe of Katrina Kaif's hit song 'Kaala Chashma'
Mahira Khan

Watch video:

A month ago, pictures of Mahira Khan smoking with Ranbir Kapoor outside a London restaurant surfaced online and they went heavily viral. She was slut-shamed for smoking publicly and wearing a white short backless dress. Both Ranbir and Mahira gave their respective statements about this matter. On one side, where Mahira termed her meeting with Ranbir as “personal”, Ranbir came in defence of Mahira stating it “unfair” for the way she was being “judged” on social media. There were also rumours of the two allegedly dating each other post they appeared together on the red carpet of a Dubai-based award show. There was a video, where Mahira and Ranbir were seen fighting like any other couple, which went viral too, and only added fuel to their dating rumours.

Also read: Mahira Khan finally breaks silence on viral photos with Ranbir Kapoor: It is my personal life

However, the tune on which Mahira is seen grooving on, is picturised on Katrina Kaif, who is Ranbir Kapoor’s ex-beau. The former couple ended their relationship after making a public appearance together at the Kapoor’s Christmas bash.

Also read: Ranbir Kapoor on viral photos with Mahira Khan: Very unfair the way she is being judged

Coming back to Mahira, the Pakistani actress made her way to Bollywood through Shah Rukh Khan’s film ‘Raees’, which released in January 2017.

Also read: Here’s the real story behind Ranbir Kapoor and Mahira Khan’s viral photos

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Oct 312017
 

For its first time in his career, Arjun Kapoor is all set to don the cap of a tough Delhi cop in his tenth film, ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’. The ‘Mubarakan’ actor took to his Twitter handle to share the first look of his film. He wrote, “10th film 1 truth…Change is the only constant. Can’t wait to begin filming this one #SandeepAurPinkyFaraar.” Arjun looks fearless as a Delhi cop, with every detail taken of a cop into consideration.

Arjun Kapoor's tough cop look from 'Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar' is intriguing
Arjun Kapoor’s tough cop look from ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar‘. Pic/Arjun Kapoor’s Twitter account

10th film 1 truth…Change is the only constant !!! Can’t wait to begin filming this one #sandeepaurpinkyfaraar@yrf@SAPFTheFilmpic.twitter.com/SjZJw9f8Nu

— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) October 31, 2017

Giving some insight into the film, Arjun told PTI, “The film has a realistic texture so I had to spend time connecting with the world the film is set in. Dibakar (Arjun’s cop character) is clear about what he wants. I’ve given the same number of days for preparation as much I’ve given for the shoot. He wanted that from the beginning.”

The film features Parineeti Chopra alongside Arjun. What makes this pairing unique, is that they made their together with ‘Ishaqzaade’ and their sizzling chemistry, the film, was loved and appreciated from all corners. ‘Namastey Canada’ will be the pair’s third outing.

A Yash Raj Film, ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’ revolves around a man and woman hailing from different cultural backgrounds and their bitter-sweet relationship. The film is slated to release on August 3, 2018.

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Oct 312017
 

In order to make certain that the nuances of the characters in Padmavati, specifically Alauddin Khilji and Raja Rawal Ratan Singh, are reflected in their attire, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has hired the services of a brand which is co-owned by artist Vipul Amar and psychologist Harsheen Arora.

Shahid Kapoor in 'Padmavati'
Shahid Kapoor in ‘Padmavati’

Arora has been looking into the detailing of the costumes created for the final war sequence between Khilji and Ratan Singh. “Ratan Singh was noble and honourable, Khilji believed in invasion and power. So, their attires need to reflect it,” says Arora. She adds that colours play a pivotal role in depicting different personalities.

Ranveer Singh in 'Padmavati'
Ranveer Singh in ‘Padmavati’

“The colours used for Shahid’s armour are red and gold. Red depicts honour and an eagerness to serve one’s land. Gold represents courage, generosity and passion. His chest plate is made of sculpted vintage leather and is infused with metal. In the lower half of the armour, we have used geometric patterns in leather. Rajputs preferred geometric designs over floral.” As for Khilji, Arora says the depiction of lions in his armour are “to enhance the darkness of the character”.

Harsheen Arora and Vipul Amar
Harsheen Arora and Vipul Amar

“Khilji is unfazed. Imagine the kind of power he possesses if he can tame two lions and place them on his shoulders,” she says, alluding to a sequence in the film. Designer Vipul Amar says the team consulted an engineer to ascertain that there was mobility in the armours. “It was imperative that the actors be able to perform stunts while wearing them.”

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