News

New Delhi, July 28: Debutant director Saahil Prem has taken the social networking route to hunt for an apt title for his dance-based film, tentatively called "Someday".

The movie is being made under Paanch Rupaiya Barah Aana Productions banner.

The makers believe the youth will be able to suggest good titles for their film, which will also mark Saahil's acting debut.

"The film was made for the youth so we thought.

Arjun Mathur belongs to a rare breed of actors who prefer quality over quantity. His brief resume boasts of films like Barah Aana, My Name Is Khan, I Am and My Friend Pinto. With Onir's I Am winning the National Award, we decided to get the views of Arjun, who dared to be different and essayed a pivotal role in the film. A quite overwhelmed Arjun reminisces, "Well, I feel great today. I remember my first meeting with Onir in Aram Nagar. As you know I did a very bold role i...

‘Someday’, the first International dance movie of India which releases this summer brings a whole new set of fresh music, dance and attitude for the audiences. Not only that, there have introduced new international dance forms in the movie including B-Boying, Popping, Locking, Shadow Dance, Finger Tutting and Wacking. The brain behind the whole concept is Saahil Prem who is the actor, director and writer of the movie. The movie is under the banner of Paanch Rupaiya Barah Aana Productions.

Saahil Prem has previously worked as an Assistant Director in Namastey London. As an actor and writer &l ...

In his still nascent career, the good looking and talented Arjun Mathur has some very prestigious films to boast of. The list includes Shah Rukh Khan’s Karan Johar directed My Name Is Khan, Naseeruddin Shah’s Barah Aana, Onir’s I Am and not to forget the upcoming My Friend Pinto, for the Utv Motion Pictures and Slb Films' banner. Talking about the October release Arjun says, “As the title of the film suggests, it’s about friendship. Pinto is the name of my friend (played by Read More...

In his still nascent career, the good looking and talented Arjun Mathur has some very prestigious films to boast of. The list includes Shah Rukh Khan's Karan Johar directed My Name Is Khan, Naseeruddin Shah's Barah Aana, Onir's I Am and not to forget the upcoming My Friend Pinto, for the Utv Motion Pictures and Slb Films' banner. Talking about the October release Arjun says, "As the title of the film suggests, it's about friendship. Pinto is the name of my friend (played by...

Onir has found a supporting hand in Mira Nair. The filmmaker was completely sold on I Am Omar, a short film belonging to I Am feature - a collection of four stories that Onir is building. Mira loved the concept and after watching I Am Omar, she complimented Onir for his efforts. She also offered any help that the young filmmaker would require in international circuits and especially singled out Rahul Bose for his superb act. "Mira saw the film in the Miaac film festival at New York and loved the film. All of us were there - Sanjay (Suri), Rahul (Bose) and I - and she made it a point to let us know that she found the film quite a moving experience. In fact she particularly praised Rahul for the realism that he brought to his character", says Onir whose Sorry Bhai was also screened in the same festival.

Latest News

Barah Aana at Chicago Fest

Raja Menon's recently released film "Barah Anna", is all set to travel to Chicago Film Festival. This will be the only Indian film in the 45th edition of the festival. Screened under the title of "Shortchanged", the movie stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz and Arjun Mathur. The festival that begun... Read More

13 Indian Films at Pusan

14th Pusan Film Festival, October 8-16 is has a wide representation of Indian cinema. 13 Indian films including two shorts are being screened at the festival this year. Umesh Kulkarni's Marathi film "Vihir" is in the New Currents section of the festival, while Rituparno Ghosh's "Abohomaan (Eternal... Read More

After Boyle, Schrader eyes India

If Danny Boyle can do it, why cannot Paul Schrader? The screenwriter of classics such as Raging Bull and Taxi Driver has written a film set in Mumbai. Called Xtrme City, the...

Raja Menon’s ‘Barah Aana’ starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, and Arjun Mathur, after having received rave reviews in the New York Times, The Herald Tribune, and other international journals as well as being critically acclaimed domestically, has now been selected by the 45th Chicago International Film Festival. Interestingly film personalities including Aamir Khan, John Abraham, Imran Khan, Zoya Akhtar, and many others have also endorsed the film.

The ‘45th Chicago International Film Festival’, is one of North America’s most prestigious, and oldest film.

It is very rare that you meet a director who is as passionate and dedicated to their craft. Raja Menon is one of those exceptional filmmakers. Menon has gone from ad filmmaking to now the director of two films: Bas Yun Hi in 2003 and then more recently Barah Aana. The film released and has received many accolades, which include the likes of Aamir Khan, John Abraham, Imran Khan and Zoya Akhtar all of whom conclusively proclaim, "This is a must-watch!" The film filled with a unique storyline, set in the slums of Dharavi and packed with power-house performances from Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz and Arjun Mathur. When I found myself in conversation with Raja Menon, I couldn't help but be in complete awe. Not only was he incredibly enlightening but somehow read my mind before I could ask the next question! If I had much to ask, he had even more to share!

I remember looking up Arjun Mathur when I saw him play the part of the struggling stage actor in Zoya Akhtar's Luck By Chance. Impressed by the ease with which he played the part of Abhimanyu, I was not surprised to hear that the young actor was a part of Raja Menon's critically acclaimed, Barah Aana. As the young Aman who comes to Mumbai in hopes to fulfill his dreams of making it big, he has managed to create much buzz in the industry and heighten expectations for himself. Talented, he is but there is much more to Arjun Mathur than meets the naked eye. Honest, fun and extremely friendly, this is one actor to watch out for. And as for his performance in Barah Aana? Top-notch. Mathur has managed to keep his own in a film which housed the likes of Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz in prominent roles.

Tannishtha Chatterjee is truly an international actress and has made her presence known not only in Hindi cinema but also in German, Bengali, Indo-French and English films. She was critically acclaimed for her performance as Masha in the German/Bengali film Schatten der Zeit (Shadows of Time) starring opposite Irrfan Khan. In 2007 she was nominated at the British Independent Film Awards for her work in Brick Lane. The actress has worked with a multitude of directors including Florian Gallenberger, Subrata Sen, Sarah Gavron, Dev Benegal and Raja Menon. In fact she was seen in Raja Menon's first film Bas Yun Hi and in his most recent film the critically praised Barah Aana. Though in a relatively small role she makes quite an impact and is brilliant as Rani in the film. She recently talked with BollySpice about her work in the different film industries as well as all about Barah Aana.

Barah Aana has gone on to gain immense critical acclaim but you may not know that the producer behind the film is actually Italian. Her name is Giulia Achilli. The producer came to India looking for herself and instead landed up becoming a part of the film. Being a part of films is nothing new to the talented producer who has worked previously in many films back home in Italy and while she may only have been in India for a short while now, you can pick up hints of India that stand out in her otherwise Italian accent. All it took was a quick meeting with Raja Menon, the director of the film and the duo instantly knew that they were on their way to making the critically acclaimed film. BollySpice catches the new producer as she is on location shooting for a new documentary in beautiful Kashmir; check...

Barah Aana is a film that not many may have heard of but some pretty big filmi people are raving about it including: Aamir Khan, Zoya Akhtar, Imran Khan and John Abraham. The feature film has an international production team including: an Italian (Giulia Achilli), an American (Raj Yerasi) and an Indian (Raja Menon). The film is to be re-released on September 9th and we have your first look at the story of the film!

Barah Aana is a comedy of real life, set in today's Mumbai. The story revolves around three unlikely friends: a driver (Naseeruddin Shah), a watchman (Vijay Raaz), and a waiter (Arjun Mathur). The driver is an older man, stoic but dependable. The watchman, in his 30s, is a pushover at work but otherwise mischievous. The waiter is a young, swaggering chap, brimming with ambition. Living together, their different attitudes make for interesting banter.

At some point,...

Now it can be told. The talented director of Aamir, Rajkumar Gupta's next film entitled No One Killed Jessica is actually based on the sensational Jessica Lal case. The model was gunned down in a restaurant on April 29, 1999. The director whose edgy hard-hitting drama Aamir swept the nation in 2008 intends to give the same gritty treatment to the Jessica Lal case which rocked the nation. Reluctant to shed light on the project, Gupta says, "I did approach Kareena Kapoor initially to play one of the two protagonists. But nothing more can be said about the casting right now. All I can say at this moment is that the film and its script which I've just completed is inspired by a headline that I saw in The Times Of India in 2006 which said, 'No One Killed Jessica'(when all the accused in the sensational case were acquitted). It immediately set me thinking.

Now it can be told. The talented director of Aamir, Rajkumar Gupta's next film entitled No One Killed Jessica is actually based on the sensational Jessica Lal case. The model was gunned down in a restaurant on April 29, 1999. The director whose edgy hard-hitting drama Aamir swept the nation in 2008 intends to give the same gritty treatment to the Jessica Lal case which rocked the nation. Reluctant to shed light on the project, Gupta says, "I did approach Kareena Kapoor initially to play one of the two protagonists. But nothing more can be said about the casting right now. All I can say at this moment is that the film and its script which I've just completed is inspired by a headline that I saw in The Times Of India in 2006 which said, 'No One Killed Jessica'(when all the accused in the sensational case were acquitted). It immediately set me thinking.

Arjun Mathur who made a mark with his recent releases Luck By Chance and Barah Aana is working with Shah Rukh Khan in My Name is Khan. But this is not the first time the newcomer has got in the same frame with the superstar. In fact Arjun’s managed a hat-trick working with the King Khan so early in his career.

Arjun states, “I have worked with Shah Rukh Khan before as well as I have done a TV commercial with him and there was also that important scene during the pre-climax of Luck By Chance. I think Srk is just amazing. He oozes energy and ease. He is so polite and a lovely human being to be with..

Arjun Mathur who made a mark with his recent releases Luck By Chance and Barah Aana is working with Shah Rukh Khan in Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan. But this is not the first time the newcomer is sharing the same frame with the superstar. In fact Arjun has managed a hat-trick working with the King Khan so early in his career. Arjun states, .I have worked with Shah Rukh Khan before as well as I have done a TV commercial with...

Italian actress Violante Placido made her debut in the recently released Bollywood film titled ‘Barah Aana’. The pretty actress essays an interesting role of a foreign drug dealer in Raja Menon’s ‘Barah Aana’ wherein she stars opposite Arjun Mathur (of ‘Luck-By Chance’ fame).

Guess what we heard??

When the unit was shooting in Colaba, a man came up to Violante and actually tried to sell her ‘Charas’. The actress thought he was part of the unit and played along, until he expected her to pay.

Everyone had quite a laugh at the incident and the.

After his outstanding performance in ‘A Wednesday’, Naseeruddin Shah has come up with another ace in Raja Menon’s movie titled ‘Barah Aana’.

Naseeruddin Shah essays the role of a driver in the film and sports a very ordinary look. Just like a common man! The immensely talented actor does know how to give it all to his performances.

Insiders tell us that while finalizing his look in the film designers were looking for old, weathered shoes for Naseeruddin Shah to wear as part of his driver outfit but well, knowing the actors enthusiasm he actually dug up some old shoes that.

Italian actress Violante Placido made her debut in the recently released Bollywood film titled Barah Aana. The pretty actress essays an interesting role of a foreign drug dealer in Raja Menon's Barah Aana wherein she stars opposite Arjun Mathur (of Luck-by Chance fame). Guess what we heard?!? When the unit was shooting in Colaba, a man came up to Violante and actually tried to sell her .Charas'......

The coming Friday will again witness as many as three releases, including Preity Zinta's (dubbed) Videsh. The list also includes the Nana Patekar and Bobby Deol starrer Ek . The Power Of One and Jehangir Surti's Bipasha-Neil venture AA Dekhen Zara. One feels that the front runner is going to be AA Dekhen Zara, followed by Ek-The Power Of One. Preity's award-winning Videsh may see a limited appeal amongst select multiplex audience. Last Friday saw the release of five films - Naseeruddin Shah's Barah Aana and Firaaq...

After his outstanding performance in A Wednesday, Naseeruddin Shah has come up with another ace in Raja Menon's movie titled Barah Aana. Naseeruddin Shah essays the role of a driver in the film and sports a very ordinary look. Just like a common man! The immensely talented actor does know how to give it all to his performances. Insiders tell us that while finalizing his look in the film designers were looking for old,...

Naseeruddin Shah was not seen on the screen for a while, until ‘A Wednesday’ happened.

Actually the actor is very choosy and only picks up the best of roles.

In Neeraj Pandey’s ‘A Wednesday’ he was at his best and he was one of the reasons why the film did so well.

The one scene that he shared with Anupam Kher was much appreciated.

Two of his movies- Nandita Das’s ‘Firaaq’ where he’s part of an ensemble cast and Raja Menon’s ‘Barah Aana’ which has him in the lead alongside Vijay Raaz were released last Friday and were much looked forward.

Raja Menon has picked up a very interesting premise to set up his film Barah Aana, with Mishra-ji (Naseeruddin Shah) playing the "dead" man. In a way, Mishra-ji's character is symbolic of a whole cross section of people in our urban societies - the so-called "service-industry" people who work at homes as maids, as drivers, as security guards, and so on, whose existence is taken for granted, and who are treated very rarely as decent human beings by the middle or higher class people who employ them and literally lord over them. Quite naturally, Mishra-ji does not have a voice, literally and metaphorically, though he speaks up when he feels that enough is enough.

Raja Menon made his first feature film Bas Yun Hi in 2003. That was a thriller-comedy and a failure at box office. Now, after five years, he is back to the screen with another thriller-comedy, Barah Aana. Based in Dharavi, Mumbai's famous slum, this film pivots around Shuklaji's (played by Naseeruddin Shah) strange life as an officially dead man. What happens when your brothers claim your death and get a death-certificate issued from authorized signatories? What could happen when you turn up in your village one fine morning after that, and the brothers refuse to recognize you now that they are the owner of your properties?...

Movie Review: Barah Aana; Star Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, Arjun Mathur, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Violante Placido; Director: Raja Menon; Rating: *** - Is a fun ride.

Barah Aana is a comic thriller that narrates the tale of three unlikely friends comprising of a stubborn but dependable driver Shuklaji (Naseeruddin Shah), a mischievous watchman Yadav (Vijay Raaz), and an ambitious waiter Aman (Arjun Mathur). Driven by an unfortunate situation, Yadav stumbles upon a crime. On realizing that it is quiet a low risk way to make some extra money he lures his two pals.

Raja Menon's Barah Aana is all set to release this Friday and apart from actor par excellence Naseeruddin Shah as its lead actor, what does the director have to usher in the audience, which is keeping away from the theatres in this worst ever phase for Bollywood? Well, Barah Aana's trump card lies in its script, which is by none other than the highly talented director of Aamir, Rajkumar Gupta....

Naseeruddin Shah and Vijay Raaz will be seen together on the silver screen once again in Raja Menon’s ‘Barah Aana’.

The two actors have previously shared screen space in Mira Nair’s award winning ‘Monsoon wedding’ which went on to win accolades at Venice film festival and was nominated for Golden Globe awards.

Insiders say that Vijay’s performance in ‘Barah Aana’ is his finest acting performance till date and well, what more can be said about the ever so talented Naseeruddin Shah who will be playing a ‘common man’.

Amazing as it may sound but the fact of the matter is that in spite of the poor box-office run of the new films in 2009, there are four new movies listed for release this Friday (with a probable fifth one in Lottery!). In fact, critically acclaimed actor Naseeruddin Shah will be competing with himself via two releases - Raja Menon's Barah Aana and Nandita Das's Firaaq. Not only that, Nandita Das, the lead actress of director Raja Menon.s first film, Bas Yun Hi (2003), is incidentally the director of Firaaq! The remaining two releases are Vinay Pathak's Straight and Robby Grewal's Aftab Shivdasani starrer Aloo Chaat....

Not many will be aware that Barah Aana is Raja Menon's second directorial venture. His debut film, Bas Yun Hi (2003), starring Nandita Das and Purab Kohli, sank without a trace. Taking moral responsibility for the failure of Bas Yun Hi, Raja took his time in directing his next and decided to take the plunge once again only after he had signed the actors that he desired and needed to make the film....

On International Woman's day what better example to give than the team of Raja Menon's Barah Aana...confused?Let us tell you, we hear that most of the crew of the upcoming film Barah Aana including one of the Producers, the Director of Photography, Editor, Production Designer are all Women!! This is a perfect example of women embracing all fields and are proving themselves as equally talented....

Naseeruddin Shah will have two releases on the same day, March 20: Firaaq and Barah Aana. Incidentally, both are helmed by first-time directors -- Nandita Das and Raja Menon, respectively. In fact, Naseer's last few films [A Wednesday and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na] were helmed by first-time directors as well. Quite a coincidence, isn't it? "That's not new," the veteran corrects me, "I've acted with new directors from the beginning of my career. Right from Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani to the new names today. Actually, I am more comfortable with newcomers. Unke peth mein aag hain, they are ready to take risks and if you notice, their first films are always their best." But first-timers could be intimidated by his personality, his body of work? "May be," he retorts. So who breaks the ice? "It happens gradually. Of course, you don't get into backslapping terms, but a comfort level develops once you start working," he says.

Naseeruddin Shah will have two releases on the same day, March 20: Firaaq and Barah Aana. Incidentally, both are helmed by first-time directors -- Nandita Das and Raja Menon, respectively. In fact, Naseer's last few films [A Wednesday and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na] were helmed by first-time directors as well. Quite a coincidence, isn't it? "That's not new," the veteran corrects me, "I've acted with new directors from the beginning of my career. Right from Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani to the new names today. Actually, I am more comfortable with newcomers. Unke peth mein aag hain, they are ready to take risks and if you notice, their first films are always their best." But first-timers could be intimidated by his personality, his body of work? "May be," he retorts. So who breaks the ice? "It happens gradually. Of course, you don't get into backslapping terms, but a comfort level develops once you start working," he says.

Barah Aana is a comedy of real life, set in today’s Mumbai. The story revolves around three unlikely friends: a driver (Naseeruddin Shah), a watchman (Vijay Raaz), and a waiter (Arjun Mathur). The driver is an older man, stoic but dependable. The watchman, in his 30s, is a pushover at work but otherwise mischievous. The waiter is a young, swaggering chap, brimming with ambition. Living together, their different attitudes make for interesting banter.

At some point, misfortune befalls the watchman and, due to a series of chance events, he stumbles into a crime. Striking upon a seemingly low-risk.

Naseeruddin Shah tells Jyothi Venkatesh that he would rather direct plays than films after his disastrous experience of directing Yun Hota To Kya Hota.

After winning accolades for his performance in A Wednesday, Naseeruddin Shah is now all set to get an encore for his sterling performance in Raja Menon’s maiden venture as a director-Barah Aana. “The reason I decided to take up the role that Raja Menon offered me in his debut film Barah Aana is that it had no dialogue for me . I had to make sure that my veins in the neck bulge in most part of the.