Lucknow Central

Nikkhil Advani: I was asked to create a scandal to promote 'Lucknow Central'

Oct 162017

Bollywood filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who recently produced Farhan Akhtar starrer ‘Lucknow Central’, says the marketing team asked him to create a scandal involving Farhan to promote the film. The producer, who was present at a panel discussion along with two young producers at the 19th Jio MAMI With Star, said this when he was asked if marketing creates pressure during film promotion or if marketing overpowers creativity.

Nikkhil said: “I got a call from the marketing person saying Kangana’s scandal is going on, tell Farhan to do a scandal. This is an actual conversation! “Farhan has to have a scandal, otherwise our buzz won’t go up. I said ‘but what scandal?’ and they were like ‘do any scandal but we need it’.” He added: “I don’t understand it at all. How can I approach Farhan and say ‘hey let’s do a scandal, otherwise no one will watch our film’.”

The panel discussion was also attended by Vikramaditya Motwane and Prerna Arora

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Lucknow Central Review: This Prison Break Drama Starring Farhan Akhtar Is An Entertaining Watch

Celebrities

Sep 152017

Thumbs Up: Stellar performance, interesting story, and Kaavaan Kaavaan song

Thumbs Down: The first half can be a bit boring at times

To watch or not to watch: Book your tickets now!

Kishan Girhotra (Farhan Akhtar) has always dreamt of becoming a singer and forming his own band. Everything is shattered when, suddenly, he is accused of murder and is handed life imprisonment. In jail, he gets an opportunity to form a band with few fellow inmates Parminder Gill (Gippy Grewal), Victor Chattopadhyay (Deepak Dobriyal), Purushottam Madan Pandit (Rajesh Sharma) and Dikkat Ansari (Inaamulhaq) in Lucknow Central prison with the help of an NGO worker, Gayatri Kashyap (Diana Penty). Kishan’s master plan is to escape the prison on Independence Day. Now what’s left for viewers is to see is if he will achieve his dream of forming a band in the prison or jailbreak?

Lucknow Central (c) Viacom18

Still wondering to watch or not to watch? Here are 3 reasons of why you should watch this film:

1. Entertaining and Interesting

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Lucknow Central is one of the more entertaining films of the year. Giving us a glimpse into life (and politics) in the prison, the story engages us from the start. What makes the story even more interesting is the cat and mouse chase between the jailor (Ronit Bose Roy) and Krishan. It is their equation that totally makes this film worth a watch.

2. Stellar Performances

Farhan Akhtar is too good to be true.. As one would expect from him, he has donned his character so well that you just can’t take your eyes off him. He totally rocks the show and supporting him are four wonderful actors – Gippy Grewal, Deepak Dobriyal, Rajesh Sharma and Inaamulhaq. It is because of them that Farhan’s character gets more depth.

Ronit Roy, once again, leaves us stunned with his acting. He is one of those rare actors who can pull off any role effortlessly. He owns his role and the audience will love him for that. Diana Penty is a delight to watch as is Ravi Kishan (Lucknow Chief Minister).

Lucknow Central (c) Viacom18

3. Has its own identity

Despite having a plot familiar to the recently released film ‘Qaidi Band’, the script of ‘Lucknow Central’ stands out. It might remind you of ‘Shawshank Redemption’, but the film has its own identity and the story of each inmate stands out on its own merit. The film leaves you with the basic thought of how do people live behind bars? What would life out there be like? Is everyone a criminal there?

Lucknow Central (c) Viacom18

MensXP verdict:

Those that might not have seen ‘Qaidi Band’ will instantly end up liking the premise of the film. While the first half might seem a bit slow, the actors’ stellar performance and entertaining script will ensure you watch it till the end.

Here Are The Best Bollywood & Hollywood Entertainers Releasing In September 2017

Celebrities

Sep 112017

Do you like to keep abreast of Bollywood and Hollywood movies to be released? Well, there is no reason to not be, especially if you are a movie buff. There are some eagerly awaited Bollywood picks in September and then, there are few good choices from the Hollywood too for the big screen entertainment.

In short, there is a whole, fresh bouquet of movies waiting to entertain you this month. Find out if the most anticipated movie (s) of the year features in the September 2017 list. Even if you still need to wait for that ‘BIG’ one, there is more to try and watch out for, because movie buffs like you and me don’t need a better reason to hit the movie halls on the first weekend of their release. Because we love it as a part of our lives. So, without keeping you on further hold, dig in to see what lies ahead this month.

Lucknow Central

Farhan Akhtar is back from big hiatus at least from the last time he delivered a hit. A lot has transpired in his personal life since then, so now, we should expect some serious professional transformation from him. ‘Lucknow Central’ is yet another musical performance from him and this time, in place of his old buddies, he forms a music group inside the prison. Smells like something more than good music is on offer for sure.

Simran

The vivacious actress is back with ‘Simran’. This Kangana Ranaunt starrer can be another power-house performance from the Queen. Riding high on the hopes of the audience, will Kangana deliver another stellar performance this time too? It seems so, considering, she again has a personality-centred movie release on schedule in September. The plot is different from what seems in the promo. It is about the journey of a Gujarati housekeeping lady landing in the crime field in the US. Intriguing, isn’t it, for no solo honeymoon trip here.

Bhoomi

Sanjay Dutt is out, this time virtually on the big screen. We finally have a Sanjay Dutt release and the plot is a turbulent father-daughter life in an action-thriller drama presentation. Now, that is how we like Sanjay Dutt, in his big, wide, macho form. We know how he got back into shape when he was inside Jail; he lost some 20 kgs and now that he is back to entertain the viewers, we can’t help but observe much of his sculpted physique and of course, his honed acting skills after a gap.

Judwaa 2

Another Varun Dhawan and father directed movie. Last time we saw it was the 1990s in which, still the current heart throb, Salman Khan, was seen in a double role and entertaining the mass viewers. Varun Dhawan continues to dance to the same tunes in 2017, as most of the songs are remixed. Will he be able to deliver the same, with the two beauties, Jacqueline Fernandez and Taapsee Pannu in his toe? Well, let’s try and find out how glamour can get more glamourous now.

Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle

The new digital-style spy thriller is back and this time too, the secret agent is likely to impress with his statesman persona decoding a notorious criminal mastermind. If you have watched ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’, touted to be one of most entertaining spy action movies, getting as nearly as possible to the persistent James Bond franchise, then, you are in for some real dose of entertainment towards the end of the month. If you haven’t yet, then get hold of a DVD copy or internet download, so that you don’t miss the fun near you.

American Assassin

When it comes to Hollywood production of action and thriller, it is rarely you can afford to miss it. One of the September showcases is ‘American Assassin’ that tells the story of a CIA agent, who after acclaimed fame, is destined to bear the brunt of a tragic life and to be born again as a part of the nation’s most elite covert operations program. Let us see how this Mitch Rapp starrer takes us through the journey of one man leading two different lives.

Farhan Akhtar and Diana Penty promote 'Lucknow Central' at mid-day

Celebrities

Aug 102017

Farhan Akhtar and Diana Penty

Farhan Akhtar and Diana Penty visit the mid-day office to promote their upcoming release ‘Lucknow Central’.

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'Lucknow Central': The New Version Of ‘Kaavaan Kaavaan' Just Got A Lot Slicker & Groovier

Celebrities

Aug 042017

The tipsy ‘Kaavaan Kaavan’ has made a comeback and colour us shocked if it isn’t one of the grooviest tunes of the year. If you loved the original song in ‘Monsoon Wedding’ by Sukhwinder Singh, it goes without saying that you are bound to love this one as well.

The slick tune is sung by Divya Kumar and starts with Farhan Akhtar day dreaming about everyone chanting his name. The song plays as the background as Akhtar and Deepak Dobriyal discuss their plan to breakout of jail.

When we heard this song in Mira Nair’s film 16 years ago, little did we know that it would become an iconic generational tune. There was not a party or a wedding that was complete without playing this song. And now, Farhan Akhtar has given this beautiful number a new meaning altogether, making us all super nostalgic.

This song acts more like an inspiring tune for people who want to break the mould and breathe in free. Well, Frahan looks fab (as always) but it is Gippy Grewal who grabs your attention.

The famous singer is finally making his acting debut with this film and his desi swag adds real flavour to this wonderful song.

Just like Sukhwinder, Divya has infused his infectious energy into the song, making it every bit as addictive as the original version.

Check out the foot-tapping tune yourself and get ready to groove to its peppy beats:

The film is slated to be released on September 15.

Qaidi Band Starring Anya Singh andamp Aadar Jain Takes Jailhouse Rock To A Not So Good Level

Celebrities

Jul 182017

For the past couple of days, two people have been making headlines because of promotional posters released by Yash Raj Films. For those who couldn’t figure it out yet, we are talking about the newcomers Anya Singh and Aadar Jain, who are all set to floor us with their upcoming movie ‘Qaidi Band’. Aadar Jain is Ranbir Kapoor’s cousin andRaj Kapoor’s grandson. The movie’s much-awaited trailer was finally released today and in all honesty, the trailer gave away the whole gist of the film and did not intrigue us at all.

The trailer starts with a scene of jail inmates fighting and placing bets and doing all sorts of random things to make money. The plot then gradually shifts to the under-trials forming an orchestra band to perform on Independence Day. The under-trials soon put their hopes of freedom on music and start giving their best, but right when they are about to be released, something unexpected happens. While, at some places it looks like a combination of Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Rockstar’ and Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Rock On’, there is another movie that is based on similar lines. The movie is ‘Lucknow Central’ and talks about a jail inmate who forms his band inside the jail. It stars Farhan Akhtar, Diana Penty, Gippy Grewal, Ronit Roy and Deepak Dobriyal among others. Check out the trailer here.

The concept is interesting and different from what YRF usually delivers, but the trailer did not impress us at all. Further, the lead pair failed to stand out, although some of their dialogues were really amazing. It is written and directed by Habib Faisal and produced by Aditya Chopra. Whether this movie manages to leave an impact on the audience will be known on August 25, when it hits theatres.