When the content is good, a film works despite bad reviews. "Chennai Express" is the best example of this. Defying critics, replete with witty dialogues, an entertaining story and Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone's never-seen-before-kind-of-avatars, the romantic comedy zoomed at superfast speed at the box office to earn Rs.100 crore in the first weekend itself - and is headed to rake in much more moolah.

Before the release, the 47-year-old superstar had described it as a family entertainer and true to this, all the family members can thoroughly enjoy it together, thanks to its clean content.

"Kya gadar film banai hai," said a 10-year-old during the course of the movie at the capital's Rivoli theatre.

Gaurav Verma, director, India Theatrical Distribution, Studios, Disney UTV, said
"Chennai Express" has shown an amazing sustenance post its record opening Friday.

"The film maintained it on the second and the third day, which shows how well it is being accepted and loved by the audiences. This is the only reason why it has successfully created a new benchmark at the box office and will continue to do so," Verma said in a statement.

The film was crucial to Shah Rukh as his last few releases like "Ra.One" and "Jab Tak Hai Jaan" failed to live up to the expectations of the viewers as well as the distributors.

However, Rohit Shetty seems to have bailed out Shah Rukh by giving him a makeover in "Chennai Express", which also marks coming of age of Deepika, who has hit the bull's eye with her performance as a Tamil speaking girl.

"Chennai Express" hit over 3,500 screens in the country and about 800 screens abroad, including seven unconventional markets - Peru, Morocco, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and Israel.

The action comedy, made at a budget of Rs.70 crore, earned Rs. 6.75 crore from Thursday previews in India and on opening day, Aug 9, Rs.33.12 crore. The movie, produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and UTV Motion Pictures, pulled in Rs.28.05 crore on Saturday and Rs. 32.50 crore on Sunday. The total amounted to Rs. 100.42 crore net in India.

As always, Shah Rukh Khan didn't leave any stone unturned to promote the film despite health issues.

From appearances on TV shows to launching a game prior to the movie's release, the makers of "Chennai Express" did everything to hammer it into everyone's mind. And this has paid rich dividends.

The film didn't get rave reviews from the critics, who panned it saying it is a "big, fat bore" and "a slog". But Shetty, who has directed hit films like "Singham" and the "Golmaal" series, was unperturbed as bad reviews are his lucky charm and it has turned out to be true in this case as well.

Karthik Kumar, a film blogger, told IANS: "It's an archetypal Rohit Shetty film with lots of fun. You can't expect his films to pique your intellect, can you? It's for the masses and I'm sure they are loving it."

Apart from criticism, there were other hurdles.

The Chitrapat Sena, the film wing of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, threatened to disrupt and stop its release as it reportedly attempted to remove ongoing popular Marathi movies from single-screen cinemas in the state.

But criticism and hurdles notwithstanding, "Chennai Express" is racing ahead at the box office and restrengthening Shah Rukh's position, which got a blow after the debacle of his last few films.

Now “Chennai Express” seems to be on the road to create history.

Sowmya Iyer, a fan of Shah Rukh, said: "I think it's superb movie, which for the first time the director has attempted to make a fusion movie of Tamil and Hindi. It is full of comedy, emotion which we love. Hats off to SRK and Rohit shetty."

A biopic on Swami Vivekananda will come out on Aug 23, said theatre actor Deep Bhattacharya who plays the title role in it and added that he is eagerly waiting for his debut movie.

Titled "The Light: Swami Vivekananda", the film, directed by Utpal Sinha, will reportedly cover the different phases of the Indian spiritual guru's life.

"There was a special screening of the film in Gujarat for Chief Minister Narendra Modi and he really liked the film. The best compliment I got was from him. I am eagerly waiting for the release. The film is slated for Aug 23 release. It is a biopic on Swami Vivekananda's life," Deep told IANS.

"I auditioned for the role and got an opportunity to be part of such a wonderful film. I come from a theatre background. I am a computer engineer by profession, but I have sacrificed everything to be an actor. I hope the film works well (for me)," he added.

After playing a poker face lead character in small screen's fast-paced action thriller "Arjun", Shaleen Malhotra wants to take up roles that would allow him to freely emote. He would like to get into romantic roles or take up the character of a don.

In "Arjun", the actor plays ACP Arjun Suryakant Raute.

"I would like to do something different. It will be a challenge again. I want to do a romantic or a businessman or even a don," Arjun told IANS.

"I think Arjun is different from the characters that we usually see or play. It has a graph... For any actor, it is a challenge to play a poker faced character. A poker face does not emote through eyes, this is virtually impossible for a person. And to do that was a challenge. But doing it for over a year has trained me," he said.

Shaleen had apprehensions before the show started.

"I was very apprehensive. This is not a normal character. I had never seen a character who is so adamant and rude. I was very apprehensive whether people would accept it or not. But I think people have supported me and liked my character," he said.

He wants his next show to be as big as "Arjun", which he feels is the biggest show in terms of concept and production.

"I think my next show should be at par with this. it should also have a good story line. The show should not drag, if it drags, it closes the concept. Anything, which is fast and real, is nice," he said.

A participant of fourt season of adventure reality show "Roadies", initially, Shaleen was dimissed for not having a contemporary face.

"I have always wanted to be a part of the industry. When I entered the industry, it was a challenge as people said that I didn't have the contemporary face. I didn't have the sweet guy image. I was a hard core raw man. That was a challenge. I am happy with what I am doing," he said.

Shaleen is looking to step into movies next.

"As of now, there is only 'Arjun'. People know how much I shoot, so they are not approaching me. I am hoping for offers from movies. I hope it comes through soon," he said.

Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, whose "Madras Cafe" is yet to come out Aug 23, has reportedly begun shooting for director David Dhawan's "Main Tera Hero".

The 33-year-old was spotted filming the first scene at Film City here with Varun Dhawan, who shot to fame with "Student Of The Year".

Nargis, who stepped into Bollywood with "Rockstar", will soon join the team of director-writer Rumi Jaffrey's "Shaukeen" remake for a month-long schedule.

Produced by Ekta Kapoor, "Main Tera Hero" also features Ileana D'Cruz and it is scheduled for an April 4, 2014 release.

This is the first time Varun will team up with his father, David, known for giving hits like "Partner".

Actors Ram Charan and Priyanka Chopra, who are working together in the "Zanjeer" remake, recently played a prank on the film's director Apoorva Lakhia by sending his wedding invitation to his friends.

The duo reportedly sent a text message from Lakhia's phone to everyone that his wedding is about to take place soon and they're invited.

The message read: "Hey. Hope you guys are doing fine. I have an announcement to make. I've finally decided to tie the knot. I know it's been long due. The official invite shall reach you soon. I want you all to be part of my big day, regards Apoorva."

And Lakhia ended up answering calls explaining the practical joke to everyone, including his puzzled parents, while Priyanka and Ram had a good laugh.

Actor Vivek Oberoi jokes that no father would allow his daughter to marry Aftab Shivdasani after watching him in "Grand Masti".

The adult comedy brings together Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek on the big screen again after the 2004 hit "Masti".

Going by the promos, the film is replete with double-meaning dialogues.

"As far as me and Riteish are concerned, we are already married, but I am worried about Aftab, who is still single. Which girl would agree to marry him after watching 'Grand Masti'? No father will give away his daughter to Aftab after the film releases," Vivek said in a statement.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Grand Masti" is slated to release Sep 13.

"Grand Masti" is an adult comedy, but Riteish Deshmukh, who plays one of the leads in it, says despite being bold, the film won't spoil the youth when it comes out on Sep 13.

"At the age of 18, we get the right to choose whom to vote for. So, I feel we are knowledgeable and that's why our constitution gives us the right (to vote at 18). The audience above 18 years will decide whether they have to watch the film or not," Riteish told reporters Monday at the music launch of "Grand Masti", a sequel to 2004 film "Masti".

"I think they are intelligent enough to decide this. I don't think the film will spoil them. But I can assure you that the film will entertain the audience," he added.

"Grand Masti" brings together the trio of Riteish, Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani, who played the lead roles in "Masti".

Vivek feels that irrespective of the content, people of all age groups must watch "Grand Masti", which is about friends.

"Whenever a film based on friendship comes, friends enjoy it watching together. As Riteish said, there is no age for friendship, at every phase of life we have friends and when the friends come together, there is no regard for each other ... So, I feel people of all age groups should watch the film," he said.

Directed by Indra Kumar and produced by Ashok Thakeria, "Grand Masti" also features Sonalee Kulkarni, Maryam Zakaria, Manjari Phadnis, Bruna Abdullah, Kainaat Arora and Karishma Tanna as the female stars.

Vivek Oberoi, who will be seen as as one of the leads in forthcoming adult comedy "Grand Masti", was initially nervous about the audience's response to the film's promos, but heaved a sigh of relief after getting overwhelming response.

"Since we have made the film ('Grand Masti'), so we were very nervous...whether the audience will like the film or not, whether they will like the promo or not...," Vivek told reporters here Monday at the film's music launch.

"But when saw the reactions for the promo (of 'Grand Masti') and how people downloaded it on Whatsapp and exchanged it among them...I was enjoying it. Even we were watching the promo sitting in office.

"We were getting calls from everywhere. People are watching it together in trains also. So that's just people's verdict and we are very, very fortunate with the way the promo is being received," he added.

A sequel to "Masti", "Grand Masti" will see Vivek teaming up with Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani. The trio were in the cast of 2004 release.

Directed by Indra Kumar, "Grand Masti" also features Sonalee Kulkarni, Maryam Zakaria, Manjari Phadnis, Bruna Abdullah, Kainaat Arora and Karishma Tanna.

It is slated for a Sep 13 release.

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, who is trained in directing films, intends to go behind the camera someday.

"At some point, I will direct. I have trained for that and studied for it," Imran, the grandson of late filmmaker Nasir Hussain, told IANS.

His next is Milan Luthria's underworld saga "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara" and right now he enjoys honing his acting skills.

"I am very excited with what I am getting to do as an actor. I am getting to work with some very interesting people, people who I like and respect. And I am getting to learn so much," he added.

Nephew of Aamir Khan, known as a perfectionist in the Hindi film industry, Imran said his experience as an actor will help him in direction.

"Just by being on the set and working with different directors, you learn a lot...For me, as someone who aspires for direction, I get to learn something from everyone," he said.

When asked about the kind of roles he would like to take up, the 30-year-old said that one cannot decide that.

"You can't function like that. That role, which I have (in my mind), how will a writer and director get to know about that? You have to take a role offered to you and see what you like," said Imran, who was seen in films like "Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na", "I Hate Luv Storys", "Delhi Belly" among others.

Hollywood actor Vin Diesel's sci-fi action film "Riddick" will release in India Sep 6 in four languages - English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

"Riddick" is the third film in "The Chronicles of Riddick" series, starring Diesel as the title character. It will be released by PVR Pictures in India.

"The 'Riddick' series has been a glorious franchise in the west, and we thought it was the right time to bring this cult to India," Deepak Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, PVR Pictures Ltd, said in a statement.

"We are set to release the film pan India in four different languages. Owing to the fact that Vin Diesel is a name synonymous with action, we believe that the audience will definitely anticipate the release of this film," added Sharma.

Written and directed by David Twohy, "Riddick" is a dark action-packed science fiction film, packed with breathtaking battle sequences.

The last film of the franchise released in 2004.

The latest movie hits worldwide screens on Sep 6 too. It revolves around Richard Riddick fighting for survival on a planet with alien predators before eventually going back to save his entire Furyan Race from destruction.

Painting is one of Sridevi's passion, but for filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, the actress, who turned 50 Tuesday, herself makes for the "greatest living painting ever".

"You might like to paint, but for me you are the greatest living painting ever, whch even a Vincent van Gogh n Leonardo da Vinci can;t paint without you posing," Varma posted on his Twitter page Tuesday.

Wishing her for her special day, he posted: "Happy birthday to the most beautifullest woman and the most fantaastikest actress in the whollest world."

The filmmaker directed the versatile actress in 1991 Telugu film "Kshana Kshanam".

To Shekhar Kapur, who had helmed "Mr. India", one of Sridevi's best films so far, RGV said: "She was always a star, but in 'Mr. India', you showcased Sridevi like in a way only an artiste can present art."

Her Bollywood debut "Grand Masti" has given actress Kainaat Arora a chance to play two avatars - one inspired by "Ugly Betty' look, and another, where she is seen as a "hot babe".

Talking about her role in "Grand Masti", she said: "My role is of a nerdy girl, and who has a similar look as that of Ugly Betty, who then turns into a hot babe and then
has an extra-marital affair."

In the movie, a sequel to the 2004 film "Masti", she is paired with Vivek Oberoi. She enjoyed working with him, and says he has become a "great friend".

Produced by Maruti Pictures and directed by Indra Kumar, "Grand Masti" is slated to release Sep 13.

An exciting opportunity awaits millions of Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty fans and followers - the Bollywood superstar and "Chennai Express" director respectively, will live chat on Facebook about their latest blockbuster release Wednesday.

They will be available on chat at 9 p.m.

SRK is excited about connecting with his fans globally.

"I look forward to connecting and chatting with all my fans on the Facebook Live Chat. I'm really excited about sharing my experiences while shooting 'Chennai Express' and would love to answer questions about the movie and other things people may wish to ask," Shah Rukh said in a statement.

Questions will be gathered using #tags apart from the ones that will be asked on the live stream.

"Chennai Express", released on Eid-ul-Fitr Aug 9, collected a whopping Rs.100.42 crore on its opening weekend itself.

Actress Madhura Naik is upbeat to join the cast of "Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabi... Meri Bhabhi", especially because she will get to essay the role of a lawyer.

Her character will be that of a divorce lawyer named Jaspreet.

“I’m quite excited about the role as I’ve never played a lawyer before. Also, my character Jaspreet is very positive and will evolve eventually with various shades ahead,” Madhura said in a statement.

The actress has earlier been a part of shows like "Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani" and ""Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon".

In "... Meri Bhabhi", which airs on Star Plus, Madhura will be seen in a suave and sophisticated avatar. Her character will help Shraddha (Kanchi Kaul) to file a divorce case against Bobby (Bharat Chawda).

Plait up your hair or let your tresses flow freely, but in style. Learn the tricks to make your hair look chic during upcoming festivals like Raksha Bandhan, and Dussehra and more.

Makeup artist Megha Puri explains how to play with your locks when everyone is in a festive mood:

- If you have straight hair, blow dry it to give a slight wavy look. This is easy and stylish.

- Take hair on one side for flicks. The other side can be pinned up in a messy way as a side plait.

- For a neat look, blow dry hair and give a bit of soft out curls.

- If you prefer strong curls, use tongs and blow-dry hair.

Following the overwhelming success of Mahesh Babu-starrer Telugu family-drama "Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu" (SVSC), which was released during Sankranthi this year, the makers of "1: Nenokkadine" are set to release the film during the same time next year.

"1: Nenokkadine" will hit the screens Jan 10 next year, confirmed the production house 14 Reels Entertainment on its Twitter page.

Directed by Sukumar, it also features debutante Kriti Shanon, Kelly Dorjee, Sayaji Shinde, Vikram Singh, Srinivasa Reddy, Nassar and Pradeep Rawat.

The film is currently being shot in London and other parts of Britain.

Mahesh's SVSC, which released on Jan 11 2013, went on to reportedly mint over Rs.50 crore at the box-office. It still remains one of the biggest hits of the year so far.

Despite the release of Ram Charan's Telugu action-thriller "Naayak" along with SVSC, the fate of the latter was not affected at the box-office.

However, during 2014 Sankranti, Mahesh is likely to lock horns with three other big-budget films such as Jr. NTR's "Rabhasa", Balakrishna-starrer "Ruler" and S.S Rajamouli's "Baahubali".

A unique version of patriotic song "Hum Hindustani", merely with sounds of whistles, has been created to capture the spirit of Independence Day.

The special version, a channel identity, performed by members of the Indian Whistlers' Association (IWA), is an initiative by Bollywood music channel 9XM.

With a fresh dubstep twist, "Hum Hindustani" is created in association with SaReGaMa.

"'Hum Hindustani' is one of the most popular patriotic songs and we wanted to capture the quintessential sense of independence in today's prevailing sentiment. Hence, we created this version with the Indian Whistlers' Association and Ricky Kej," Amar Tidke, senior vice president and head of content, 9X Media, said in a statement.

For IWA members, shooting the 'Hum Hindustani' channel identity was a great experience.

"We ended up doing fun things that we would have never done in our real lives. During the shoot, we sat on the railway tracks which none of us have done in the past... so it was a memorable experience in all," said IWA founder Rigveda Deshpandey.

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", Bollywood's ode to star athlete Milkha Singh, was made tax free by the Bihar government Tuesday.

The decision was taken by the cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an official said.

"The move is to provide an opportunity to people to watch this movie, which is about one of our greatest athletes," the official said.

Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" stars Farhan Akhtar, who plays Milkha Singh, and Sonam Kapoor.

Actress Nagma, who cut down her acting assignments due to her political career, says she will make a comeback soon.

Nagma, who is an All India Congress Committee (AICC) member, has been busy campaigning for the Congress Party.

"I had never left acting. An actor can never stop acting. For few years, I was busy concentrating on politics and I had left (acting) for some time. Now, I will start again," Nagma told reporters at a photoshoot organised by fashion designer Amy Billimoria.

The “Baaghi” actress, who has been a part of multi-lingual films, is getting good offers.

"There are few offers coming my way. Filmmaking is changing and I want to choose the right scripts. I will reveal the names of my films when the right time comes,” said the 38-year-old.

Actress Sonakshi Sinha is open to do biopics and says she would like to do a film on legendary actress Madhubala, who died at the age of 36 after reigning the silver screen with hits like "Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi" and "Mughal-e-Azam".

"I would like to do a biopic. I think, biopics are quite interesting. I would like to do a biopic on Madhubala. She was very beautiful, had an interesting career, interesting life, but sadly, she died very soon," Sonakshi told IANS.

Sonakshi, who started with "Dabangg" and featured in hits like "Rowdy Rathore" and "Lootera", is now busy promoting "Once upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara", describes her role in the underworld based film as powerful.

She said: "It's a very powerful role. It's a love triangle. I am glad, I did this film. It was an absolute pressure to be part of the film."

Directed by Milan Luthria, "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara" also features Akshay Kumar, and Imran Khan. It is coming out Aug 15.