The Movie Production BIBLE The Pre-production (Casting 8)

As we go on with our series, The Production Bible, we would like to draw your attention to the Assistant Director (AD). Though the films producer, director and cast are the biggest USPs of a film, one cannot overlook the importance of the AD without whom the Director will be unable to function. The AD has the overall responsibility of the floor and it is his duty to see that everything on the film floor is all set for the director before shooting commences. This includes lighting, cameras, wardrobe of the cast, etc. There are ADs of different orders, the first AD is the main AD who executes his responsibilities through other Ads down the line. Lot of our big directors today were ADs in their careers early on. Sanjay Leela Bhansali who has made amazing films like Khamoshi, Black and Devdas was AD to Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Yash Chopra known for his fine direction picked up the nuances of direction while working as an AD under I.S. Johar and B.R. Chopra. Even the new age director, Karan Johar worked as an AD under Aditya Chopra while Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge was being filmed. Believe it or not, Ranbir Kapoor also worked under Bhansali as an AD for three years before he debuted as an actor. Log onto www.etc.in for more updates and stories on Bollywood! You can also get interesting updates from ETC on Facebook and @ETCBollywood

Watch this space for information on how films are made! To know more interesting facts about Film production, you can also tune into ETC on your TV Sets now! Dont have ETC? Call your DTH Operators to get it asap!

A Pan-Indian Star

Described as one of the few actors in India who is able to achieve Pan Indian appeal, R. Madhavan has appeared in films from eight different languages, including Bollywood. Madhavan began his acting career with many television guest appearances, including a role in ZEE TVs popular soap Banegi Apni Baat. His first lead role in the Bollywood Film Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001), earned him mixed reviews for his performance. Though his next Bollywood venture Dil Vil Pyar Vyar (2002) was another disaster at Box Office, he was gaining popularity in South Indian Film Industry. His first major hit in Bollywood was Rang De Basanti (2006) where he played the vital cameo. The movie grossed Rs. 71 Cr at box Office. He rose to super stardom in Bollywood with his performance in 3 Idiots which earned him nomination for Filmfare award for Best Supporting Actor and IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actor. Interestingly, Madhavan took a sabbatical from films in the 2010 for an eight month break to go for a European Motorcycle Ride, play golf, lose weight etc. Wanna get more info on your favourite stars; ask for ETC from your DTH/Cable operator! Log onto www.etc.in for all the updates and stories on Bollywood! You can also get interesting updates from ETC on Facebook and @ETCBollywood

The Perfect Remake

Even with some flaws in the screenplay, Ghajini (2008) is a worth watching film for the four As Aamir, Asin, A.R Murgadoss and A.R Rahman, especially for the Perfectionist Aamir Khan, who trained himself at the gym for the character and developed perfect six packs. Ghajinis Box Office gross totals were Rs. 155 Cr in India, and over Rs. 34 Cr overseas. It is currently the fourth highest grossing Bollywood film of all time according to worldwide gross collections. The movie, inspired from the Tamil version of the film Ghajini (2005) which received mixed reviews from the critics. Zee News described Aamirs performance as his best till date. However, Hindustan Times gave it 2 stars and said Youd like to give Ghajini a long-term memory loss. Kya, kyon, kahan? Murugadoss.? Aamir? Asin? Who? Got to jog my memory maybe after 15 minutes. Inspite of the criticism, the movie went on to receive many awards for the categories such as Most Promising Newcomer, Hottest New Film, Best Villian, Hottest New Filmmaker etc. at Stardust, Filmfare, IIFA and Star Screen Awards. Wanna know more such facts about your favourite stories? Ask for ETC from your DTH/Cable operator! Log onto www.etc.in for all the updates and stories on Bollywood! You can also get interesting updates from ETC on Facebook and @ETCBollywood