Bollywood desperate for a hit in 2009

It's not just the big banners that are failing at a regular rate this year. If CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, BILLU and DELHI 6 have turned out to be hugely disappointing, then even smaller films haven't been able to capitalize much on the open market. Something which has been reflected with the release of KISSE PYAAR KAROON and SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER.

None of the two films had much of a competition at the box office since not just did they have an open week ahead for themselves, there
wasn't much competition from DELHI 6 either that has seen a constant decline over the last few days. Still, both the films that belong to comic and drama genre respectively fell on their face at the box office with near to negligible collections.

While KISSE PYAAR KAROON was dated and had released sans much fanfare (even the stars didn't have much to talk about during the film's promotion), SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER, primarily a festival film till now, saw a sudden release at the theaters.

Result? There was just no excitement amongst the audience to watch any of the two films. Infact, the audience which didn't really have much problems with Arshad Warsi's last slapstick comedy GOLMAAL RETURNS was just in no mood to venture into theaters for KISSE PYAAR KAROON which also starred Ashish Vidharthi and Yash Tonk along with Udita Goswami. The dated feel was on-your-face and post the fall of numerous biggies in the last few weeks, a walk into the theaters was too much to expect from audience.

On the other hand SIDDHARTH - THE PRISONER came virtually unannounced with zero buzz, hype and promotion. It made a silent entry and will died a silent death. The name Rajat Kapoor hasn't been good enough to attract the audience and the result is crystal clear with the film neither finding good reviews coming its way nor any audience

Then came 13B, Aloo Chat, Gulaal and Barah Aana. Except 13B, none has left an impact.

We are waiting for Akshay Kumar's 8X10 Tasveer, Bobby Deol's Ek - The Power Of One and Preity Zinta's Videsh...Heaven on Earth in the month. As from 3rd April, producers guild has decided not to release any film and the strike may last long.

Gals go crazy on Abhi in Delhi!!!

It was the grand primere of much awaited comeback film of director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6 that released on February 20.

The red carpet was set, the barricades grounded, and the security tight. But nothing could prevent Delhi girls to hoot at the highest tempo to shake hands, express their love and catch a glimpse of their guarded star Abhishek Bachchan. Written and directed by Mehra, the UTV produced film also stars Sonam Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Prem Chopra, Waheeda Rehman and Atul Kulkarni - who were also present at the
occasion.

Also present at the event were a bevy of Bollywood stars including, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Kunal Kapoor and movie's producer Ronnie Screwala. Women from all age groups - married, college going and teenage girls - filled the environment with an energy to meet Abhishek at PVR Priya in New Delhi on Thursday night.





"Abhishek I love you", "Abhishek marry me", "Abhishek, you are the best" were among the many slogans the fair-sex aficionados couldn't stop shouting when the whole star cast of Delhi-6 arrived at the event.

"I have been here since the last three hours and I am not leaving the place until I shake hands with Abhishek," said Richa Yadav, a Class 12 student from DPS, Mathura Road, who finally managed to capture pictures of her star from the least distance across the barricade.

Hooted a gang of eight girls from Delhi University: "Abhishek, you have to pick one from us. We won't let you go."

Abhi himself was overwhelmed with the response."It's mind blowing. It's amazing. I love Delhi and the response and zeal of the people here is fantastic. I hope it remains the same in theatres as well," said Abhishek, who looked really hap in a jet-black three-piece suit.