Rann: This medium-budgeted drama marks Ram Gopal Varma?s return to controversy. This time, he audaciously tackles the integrity issues within the Indian electronic media.
Rakhthacharitra: Ram Gopal Varma treads on tried and tested ?Satya? and ?Company? territory as he crafts a hard-hitting flick about the slain Andhra political leader, Ravindra Paritala. To be made in two parts, ?Rakhthacharitra? features Viveik Oberoi, Shatrughan Sinha, Mohanlal and south superstar Surya, among others.
Ishqiya: Directed by newcomer Abhishek Chaubey, this low-budget rural comedy bears Vishal Bhardwaj?s characteristic stamp. Featuring the interesting trio of Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan, its somewhat attention-arresting promos have cine-goers intrigued.
My Name Is Khan: Unarguably, the most expensive outing of the new year also marks the return of the winning trio of Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Kajol. It is also Fox Star Studio?s maiden Bollywood handshake, and with 3 Idiots doing roaring business the world over, the pressure on Khan is even more.
Action Replay: Briefly seen together in Khakee, Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Bachchan will reunite in Vipul A Shah?s tent-pole drama. After an unfortunate 2009 for Kumar (Chandni Chowk To China, Tasveer, Kambakkth Ishq, Blue, De Dana Dan) and Shah (London Dreams), the success of Action Replay is crucial.
Kites: Slated for a mid-2010 release, this action saga priced at a king?s ransom will see Hrithik Roshan on the silver screen almost 18 months after Jodhaa Akbar. Expectations are huge given that it is a Rakesh Roshan production and directed by Anurag Basu, whose Life In A Metro had bagged critical acclaim.
Patiala House: After two consecutive duds, Nikhil Advani needs to prove his mettle as a director with this Akshay Kumar-starrer, whose other highlight is the formidable pairing of Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.
Stepmom: Karan Johar?s untitled remake of Stepmom shot in New Zealand and directed by the promising newbie Siddharth Malhotra features the powerhouse duo of Kajol and Kareena Kapoor, who were last seen together in Johar?s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. This one should draw the women in droves.
Ravana: Mani Ratnam?s magnum opus (after Guru) features Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead and is being made on an astronomical budget. It also stars south superstar Vikram and Govinda, whose role is inspired by Lord Hanuman.
Delhi Belly: A comedy from Aamir Khan Productions, directed by noted ad film maker Abhinay Deo, stars Imran Khan in the lead. Well-known comedian Vir Das has also been signed for the film to star in the lead role opposite Imran.
Guzarish: After the debacle of the film Saawariya, this is Sanjay Leela Bhansali?s turn to hit back with superstar Hrithik Roshan, for whom this magnum opus is just as important.
Tanuj Garg is based in London and heads International Marketing & Syndication at Studio 18. Readers may write to him ongarg.tan@gmail.com
