Raavan
Ace director Mani Ratnam’s next film is loosely inspired by the epic Ramayan . The Abhishek Bachchan - Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also has Govinda playing Hanuman. The film is currently being shot in the dense jungles of Kochi and will release late 2009. This is a Mani Ratnam film with a difference.
Raaz- The Mystery Continues
Though the film’s title makes it seem like a sequel to the 2002 Raaz, Mukesh and Mahesh Bhatt insist that it is a new film. The film, set to release on January 23, will see Adhyayan Suman and Kangana Ranaut playing the lead with Emraan Hashmi. After playing a supermodel in Fashion, Kangana will again be seen scorching the ramp while Adhyayan plays her boyfriend. The film is touted to be a supernatural thriller based on superstitious beliefs. A highlight is the spooky scene before intermission that promises to have the viewer’s hair standing on end.
Sikandar
Piyush Jha’s Sikandar is the story of how two children get caught in the crossfire between militants, soldiers, politicians and the head of a Kashmiri town and lose their innocence. Ayesha Kapoor of Black fame plays the protagonist.
Shortkut
Produced by Anil Kapoor, the Neeraj Vora-directed film that stars Akshaye Khanna and Amrita Rao in the lead is all set to release on January 30. A remake of a hit South Indian film, Shortkut is a comedy that has Arshad Warsi and Akshaye Khanna coming together with Amrita Rao, who will surprise audiences in a glamorous, dare-bare role. Vora, who has given the laughter riot Phir Hera Pheri, is sure to score once again.
Slumdog Millionaire
The Danny Boyle film, set in India and New York, marks the debut of Mumbai girl Freida Pinto and stars Anil Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Dev Patel in lead roles. Scheduled to release on 23 January, it has alreday received appreciation from various film festivals all over the world apart from audiences. Will it strike a chord with the Indian masses?
Teen Patti
Leena Yadav’s Teen Patti has Amitabh Bachchan play a teacher to R.Madhavan and other newcomers. For his role, Amitabh had to master the art of playing cards. Arshad Warsi essays an important role. The film is a complete contrast to Yadav’s not-so-successful debut Shabd, and considering that the Big B has given it the nod this one should be worth the wait.
The Man
After her stint as a host with Bigg Boss Shilpa Shetty will be back on the big screen opposite Sunny Deol in his home production that he co-directs with Neeraj Pathak. The film, which went on the floors last year, is tentatively slotted for a 2009 release. Just like the real-life Big Brother shot her to international fame, Shilpa here plays a girl who attains instant stardom, while Sunny Deol plays her bodyguard. And Sunny Deol returns to direction a decade after Dillagi.
Tum Milo Toh Sahi
Directed by Kabir Sadanand, this film brings Dimple Kapadia and Nana Patekar together after Prahaar and Krantiveer in the ‘90s. It is a slice-of-life drama about two elderly couples who rediscover love late in life.
Victory
Ajit Pal’s Victory will see Harman Baweja opposite Amrita Rao. It is the tale of a young cricketer from Jaisalmer who goes on to become one of the biggest names in the cricket world. The film has special appearances by many international cricketers like Brett Lee, Micheal Clarke, Murlitharan and many more. The film will release on January 30. Considering that his debut film Love Story 2050 did not do well at the box-office, Victory is an important film for Harman. It will also be interesting to see how international cricketers perform on the screen.
Veer
Penned by Salman Khan, Veer is a period drama produced by Vijay Galani. It stars Katrina look-alike, Zarine Khan and Miss UK Lisa Lazarus. Zarine was spotted by Salman Khan on the sets of Yuvvraaj where she was playing Katrina’s body-double while Lisa has been signed on by Vijay Galani. With writing in his genes, will Salman follow in the footsteps of his father?
Wake Up Sid
Ayaan Mukerji’s directorial venture titled Wake Up Sid stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor and is set to release in mid-2009. About a young guy falling in love with an average-looking older woman, it has Naseeruddin Shah play Ranbir’s father’s role in the film. It is interesting to note that the director is producer Karan Johar’s close buddy Kajol’s cousin.
Wanted - Dead Or Alive
Boney Kapoor's film sees Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia co-star. The film is a remake of a Tamil blockbuster Pokhiri and is being directed by the South choreographer Prabhu Deva who is making his debut as a director. It remains to be seen whether the dancing sensation choreographs magic from behind the camera as well!
What’s Your Rashee?
After the period film Jodhaa Akbar, Ashutosh Gowariker is shooting his next film, a romantic comedy with Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja. Priyanka Chopra plays 12 different characters based on the 12 zodiac signs and the film revolves around a young Gujarati man who must find his dream girl within 10 days. Gowariker takes a break from his serious socials for a lighthearted flick.
Yeh Honsla
Nagesh Kukunoor’s Yeh Honsla with Sameera Reddy in the lead role is complete and ready for release in March. The film set completely in Rajasthan will see Sameera playing a unglamorous role of a Dalit woman who fights for her rights. Once again after Dor Nagesh Kukunoor has based his story in the sand dunes of Rajasthan. Will he be able to repeat the magic?
Imtiaz Ali’s next
Saif Ali Khan's home production directed by Imtiaz Ali is another awaited film. The director who made the super-duper hit Jab We Met is working on an entirely different genre. The film will have Saif playing three different characters, one of which is a sardar. Shot In Delhi and some parts of London, San Fransisco and Canada, the film traces the story of a couple played by Saif and Deepika and the impact of modern-day life on relationships. Expectations from Imtiaz Ali are now running high.
