2008’s Bollywood Hopefuls

Year 2007 wasn’t all that great for Bollywood and its countless fans - major releases but dud results, very few creative surprises, shocking box-office outcomes and not to forget, the over publicized, India’s nomination for the prestigious Oscar awards.

On the bright side though us loyal Hindi film fans can always hope for a better tomorrow and thankfully, year 2008 promises a lot of filmy fodder in terms of quantity and quality.

And so, keeping with TEIO’s Bollywood trend – I present to you a list of Top 10 Hindi Films to be released in 2008, basically the ones I am very much looking forward to, you know first day first show kinds.

Halla Bol

Since this film is already out, I am not officially placing it in the Top 10 list. Haven’t watched it myself as yet (blame it on my best friend, dog falling sick and now moi down with flu as well) but if one goes by the reviews published – it’s definitely worth a watch.

Though I am not a Devgan fan, I admire Raj Kumar Santoshi’s vision as a story writer and a director. His previous ventures such as Ghayal, Damini and even Lajja to a certain extent were simply brilliant. Hopefully this one too will make an impression.

And now kicking off with the list (in random order) –

1. Tashan

· This Yash Raj Production comes in ultra-cool packaging in the form of its very attractive star cast; Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

· Saif-Kareena pairing, after all this is where it all started.

· Directorial debut of the guy who wrote the Dhoom series.

2. Sarkar Raj

· Think what you may but in my opinion Ram Gopal Verma completely rocks as a film-maker. Sarkar Part 1 was fantastic, so nothing less can be expected from the next instalment.

· The Bachchan Trio – First film featuring all the three Bachchans together.

· Aishwarya Rai as the baddie. If rumors are to be believed Mrs. Bachchan will be presented in a full-on negative role and though I believe only Sanjay Leela Bhansali can make this woman act, RVG could very well prove me wrong.

3. Main Yuvraj

· Subhash Ghai’s much awaited release after the disastrous stunt named Kisna.

· Anil Kapoor and my super stud Sallu (Salman Khan) coming together again after 2005’s super hit No Entry.

· A. R. Rahman’s music.

4. Ugly Aur Pagli

· Unorthodox lead pair – Ranvir Shourie and Malika Sherawat.

· Ranvir’s very first solo-hero act and I get feeling, this film will make him a household name.

· On the not-so-good note, looks to be a lot like Pyar Ke Side Effects.

5. Dilli 6

· Rumored to be based on Delhi’s in famous monkey-man incident.

· Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra’s next release after the blockbuster hit Rang De Basanti.

· Brings together an odd jodi in the form of Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor.

6. Singh is Kinng

· I believe Akshay Kumar (and Saif Ali Khan) is the only Bollywood hero who is looking sexier with every passing film. Going by the Promos, Akshay seems all set for another Box-Office dream run.

· Hit pairing of Akshay and Katrina Kaif.

· Set in Gold Coast, Australia. This alone is a good enough reason for me to watch Singh Is King.

7. Bhootnath

· Now don’t be mislead, this film is not a copy of “I see dead people” uff Sixth Sense. But yes it does star Big B as Bhootnath who finds a friend in a little kid.

· Also stars Shah Rukh Khan. Finally India’s two superstars come together again, after the much hyped cold-war.

· Hats off to Vivek Sharma for picking a subject dreaded by most of Bollywood film-makers.

8. Wanted Dead And Alive

· Stars Salman Khan, so no guessing here as to why I will watch this film on the very first day of its release. Though I am not too sure with Ayesha Takia as the leading lady.

· Directed by India’s answer to Michael Jackson, Prabhudeva (only when it comes to dancing re, you people I tell ya!).

· A remake of South super hit Pokhiri.

9. Drona

· Bollywood’s next superhero project starring Abhishek Bachchan. Would be interesting to watch Abby Baby giving competition to Krrish baba, especially after Hrithik completely overshadowed him in Dhoom 2.

· Abhishek no doubt has the potential of being one of the best Bollywood actors, keeping Yuva, Bluff Master and Guru in mind. So let’s see how well he fairs at the box-office with this one.

· And this bit takes the cake – Priyanka Chopra is playing the role of Abhishek’s bodyguard.

And last but certainly not the least.

10. Karzzz

· Agreed I disliked his first release and I truly believe he stinks as an actor but as they say “You can hate him or love but you really can’t ignore him” – Himesh Reshammiya strikes back with lo…behold, remake of yesteryears super hit, Karz.

· This project is being handled by none other but comedy guru Satish Kaushik.

· Again, if rumors are to be believed then Sushmita Sen is all set to play the Simi Garewal’s wicked role.

· Comparison wise, I think it will be matched against Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om and not the original film itself. And if one goes by his Himeshness’s golden touch, OSO’s box-office record could very well be broken. (I am just hoping the last three letters i.e. “zzz” wouldn’t have much effect on the audience.)

Besides the Top 10 films other films which too deserve a mention are: Maan Gaye Mughal E Azam, Ghajini, Black & White, Eight by Ten, Alladin, God Tussi Great Ho and Sudipto Chattopadhyay’s film Pankh based on Gender crisis starring Bipasha Basu.

And now going back to the regular funda; let me know what you think of the list and do mention the films you are eagerly awaiting.

• Bollywood, Culture, India, Me, Mumbai, New Age Thinking, Random Thoughts
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