Luck by Chance

I think Farhan Akthar has forgotten that he's actually a director, after making his debut in Rock On he's followed it up with another worthy number in the form of Luck by Chance which was directed by his sister Zoya.

Vikram (Farhan Akthar) is a struggling actor from Dehli trying to find fame in the Mumbai film industry. As he searches for that ever elusive big break he meets a fellow a fellow aspiring actor, Sona. Sona (Konkona Sen Sharma) goes from one bit part to another hoping shady casting director Chaudhury will throw a big part heroine part. The two start seeing each other and eventually fall in love.

Romy Rolly (Rishi Kapoor) is a big name producer, he's snagged the top name in the industry Zaffar Khan (Hrithik Roshan) to star in his latest movie, the launch the daughter of former Bollywood starlet Nina Walia (Dimple Kapadia), Niki Walia (Isha Sharvani). But when Zaffar Khan gets a better offer, he makes his excuses and leaves the project. Romy finds himself in a bind and when his efforts to find a replacement fail he pitches the idea of casting a newcomer opposite Niki Walia. Nina Walia reluctantly agrees and as fate would have it, Vikram is picked for the role.

As shooting starts, Vikrams charm and charisma woo his co star Niki and the two begin to date and as productionof the film continues Vikram imerses himself more and more in to the glamourous world of Bollywood, forgetting his friends and his love Sona in the process. Does Vikram realise his mistakes before time runs out? Will he chose the down to earth Sona or the mollycoddled star daughter Niki?

LBC is a brilliant insight into Bollywood and gives you a glimpse of how things work in tinsle town. Farhan plays the role of an aspiring actor who is seduced by the fame to perfection and Konkona is just as good. The turns by Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia are also very commendable. A very interesting and different film with a realsitc feel to it. The one negative point might be that the film is a little slow in parts and the lack of action and masala may have caused it to struggle at the box office. A very enjoyable look at hindi cinema, highly recommended.

3 out of 5

Tasveer flops

My predictions are getting better! Both Tasveer and Ao Dekhen Zara both flopped taking my predictions to 2 out of 4 for the year so far!

Flops
Tasveer 8x10
Billu
Ao Dekhen Zara
Dehli 6

Hits
None

Dhoondte Reh Jaoge

Two Johnny Lever films in a month - that's what I call a good month! Gone are the days when Mr Lever popped up in practically every film, so it is a treat to see the comic genius in action. Dhoondte Reh Jaoge came and went without even a whimper - which is a shame because it's actually quite good!

Raj (Paresh Rawal) is a down on his luck producer desperately trying to avoid his creditors and sign India's biggest star Aryan (Sonu Sood) failing miserably on both fronts. Anand is an accountant trying to hold down a job and marry his sweetheart, aspiring actress Neha (Soha Ali Khan). A series of events bring Raj and Anand together and the two hatch a plan where they borrow lots of money to make a big budget film. But rather than spend all the money, they plan to make a film with a small fraction of the funds and pocket the rest. When the film flops the investors wouldn't want any money back because of the losses and the pair could escape with the riches. They make a film lifting the plotlines from several films including Lgaan, Gadar, DDLJ and Sholay. Unfortunately for them the film becomes a success and it's not long before Raj and Anand are on the run from all the film financers looking for their share of the profits.

Johnny Lever was fantastic playing the character Parvez Asharaf, a pro Pakistani scriptwriter. Johnny has you laughing out loud as he mimmicks the former premier. Paresh Rawal is first rate as ever, his comic timing is spot on, just think this guy spent the first 10 years of his career playing villains! Kunal Khemu puts in another solid performance after his rather under rated Superstar.

DRJ was a low budget flick that came with little or no hype yet it entertained the entire 2.5 hours unlike bigger budget comedies like Golmaal Returns. Obviously there are lots of plot holes and the story is completely crazy but it's one of those films where the madness makes the film even more enjoyable. DRJ will be sure to make you laugh and I would definitely recommend it if you're after a silly entertainer with a great comic cast.

2.5 out of 5