Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta, who has made "Shootout at Wadala", "Musafir" and "Kaante", says that the craze to join the Rs.100 crore club is such that people are going to any length to enter that segment.

A film that earns Rs.100 crore at the box office enters the club.

"Lure of the Rs.100 crore club makes most filmmakers do strange things," Gupta posted on his Twitter page.

Recently, "Chennai Express", full on entertainer, has become the fastest film to make Rs.100 crore. It accomplished the feat in the first weekend itself.

"So 'Chennai Express' marches on. With the quickest century and three others as well we can call Rohit Shetty the (Sachin) Tendulkar of films," he wrote and added: "Shah Rukh Khan has almost hijacked all newspapers, magazines and TV. SRK and 'Chennai Express' everywhere. Maan gaye yaar."

Sajid Nadiadwala’s ‘Kick’ marks his debut as a director and also brings back the super hit jodi of Sajid Nadiadwala and Salman Khan. The action movie has already locked its release date for next year’s Eid on 27th July and has become the most anticipated movie of 2014.

Eid has proven very lucky for Salman Khan, as the actor has delivered four back-to-back blockbusters on this auspicious day. 2013 has been the only year since 2009, that Eid has not seen a Salman release. The shooting for the film has begun in Glasgow.

Excited about directing his long time friend, Sajid Nadiadwala says, “I am ecstatic to be directing Salman Khan, with whom I have shared a very good rapport over the years. Releasing the movie on Eid would be like cherry on the icing, as Salman has already proved his mettle with Eid releases and we hope to recreate the magic with Kick.”

A new song from upcoming film ‘Besharam’, titled ‘Love ki ghanti’, is to be unveiled online today.

The song, penned by Rajeev Barnal and composed by Lalit Pandit, has been sung by Ranbir Kapoor along with Sujeet Shetty and Amitosh Nagpal. The song, which is choreographed by Pappu Mallu, has been shot in Film City and replicates the busy streets of Delhi. Sources attached to the film claim that director Abhinav Kashyap also got personally involved in suggesting some dance moves for the number.

Apart from Ranbir, ‘Besharam’ also stars Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh and Pallavi Sharda. The film is set to release on October 2nd.

Pakistani actress Veena Mallik, who has teamed up with her ex-flame Ashmit Patel in "Supermodel", shot some steamy scenes for the movie with him despite the fact that the duo are not on talking terms.

"When I narrated the lip-lock scene to Veena, she refused to do it. I had to convince her a lot for that scene. There are around three to four lip-lock scenes between Veena and Ashmit in the film," the film's director Navin Batra told IANS.

"Both the actors were not on talking terms when they shot for the intimate scene, but they shot for the scene. But after a point they were not comfortable, so I had to cut a few scenes," he added.

The director purposely cast the controversial couple.

He said: "Veena suited the role and they are the most controversial and best selling couple. Yes, it was difficult to convince both of them, but despite not being on talking terms, they accepted the role and took it professionally."

While Veena plays a supermodel in the film, Ashmit will be seen as a photographer in the film slated for Sep 27 release.

Whether she is a health freak or has a weakness for accessories, give your sister what she desires this Raksha Bandhan. Bags, jewellery and healthy snack hamper can be considered too.

Here are a few interesting gifts that a brother can choose for his sister:

- Colorbar makeup brushes are bright coloured and can be used for all purposes - eyes, cheeks and lips. The price ranges between Rs.400 and Rs.700 and they are available in pink and orange colours.

- Bags by designer Nupur Batra of Ananaya can be another option. Starting from Rs.1,500, the collection offers potli, sling, wooden bangle and peacock multicolour handbags.

- 9rasa, an online shopping store, is offering traditional vibrant gifts like Rajasthani silver bracelet, sari from Benaras, embroidered fabric from Lucknow, delicately worked earring from Kolkata and much more. Starts from a few hundreds of rupees and goes up to thousands.

- If your sister is complaining of dull skin or fine lines and is just in her 30s, let her try Restylane procedure. The Restylane fillers are injectible fillers. Restylane Skin boosters are injected into the layers of the dermis through microinjections and works in a natural way by replenishing the lost Hyaluronic acid of the skin. It would cost somewhere between Rs.18,000 to Rs.25,000.

- Comic Con India is offering Super Kudi, Wonder Bai mugs, badges, t-shirts and cushions. They are humorous and quirky. The price starts from Rs.50.

- Tribal jewellery by The Vedic collection has launched a new range for Raksha Bandhan. The pieces are made of metal and are inspired from the interior areas of Rajasthan. The price ranges between Rs.1,500 and Rs.2,500.

- If you are gifting her jewellery, don’t forget to give it along with a box. Mynesthome.com has launched a jewellery box in floral colour that is hand crafted. Made of high quality wood with velvet inside, it costs between Rs.999 and Rs.1,999.

- Godrej Nature’s Basket has come up with ‘good health and snacking gift hamper’. Each of these includes imported chocolates such as Lindt truffles, Guylian, Hershys, Duo and more. In addition to chocolates, the hamper also includes protein biscuits, oatmeal, and organic tea.

- Direct-selling company Tupperware has introduced a new range of Disney Snack Cups and Snack Plates. Sweets, candies and more can be served on the cups and plates. A set of four cups is for Rs.475 and the set of four plates is for Rs.650.

Television actress Roshni Chopra, who has hosted many shows like "India's Got Talent", will now be seen hosting a sports-based show.

"Yes, I am anchoring a sports-related show, but I can't divulge the details right now. It's an exciting show and I am enjoying myself," she said in a statement.

The actress is reportedly interviewing celebrities for the same and has just got the chance to interview legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Meanwhile, Roshni is also busy with "Comedy Nights with Kapil". She has already shot several episodes for the show and will be seen in different roles on it.

"I have worked with Kapil before and really admire his talent. I have always felt at home in the comedy space because I think it's important to be able to laugh at yourself," she said.

Taapsee Pannu attended the Indian Badminton League (IBL) 2013 on Thursday, and was seen cheering for her Hyderabad team at its maiden match held in Delhi. Saina Nehwal representing Hyderabad Hotshots played against PV Sindhu representing Awadhe Warriors.

The third schedule of Siddharth Anand’s Bang Bang was supposed to go on the floors from July 10, but the actor’s hospitalization brought the plans to a halt.

“I am doubly charged and looking forward to resuming my amazing journey with the team of Bang Bang from mid November. We promise to give our best to making the film one of the finest ever,” says Hrithik, who teams up with Katrina Kaif in the action-entertainer.

On the other hand, Siddharth explains why they have chosen November to start the film. He says, “Hrithik is raring to go and his enthusiasm is infectious. But his home production Krrish 3’s release (on November 4) is around the same time and he will be fully involved with its promotions. So we decided to start the third schedule of Bang Bang in mid-November.”

The film was earlier slotted for a May release, but will now come out on October 2, 2014. “Given Hrithik’s revised schedule, we are now resuming our shoot in mid-November and have decided to lock the four-day Dusshera weekend of 2014. So we will come all guns blazing on October 2, and the date will coincide with the country’s festive season,” says Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios, producers of the film.

Hrithik underwent a successful brain surgery at Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital on July 7. A few days later, he was discharged and has since been busy with the promotions and post production work on the superhero flick, Krrish 3.

Having released in approx 1600 screens across India, Balaji Motion Pictures’ Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara took a flying start on the day of its bank holiday previews (Thursday).

Despite a delayed release in Rajasthan (on account of protests), the collections netted a record-breaking Rs. 14.2 Cr for previews.

Theatres showed strong occupancy levels (80%-90%) with Housefull status in several centres.

On Friday, the film has opened up in approx. 2500 screens (including single screens), with sustained word-of-mouth and great response in the morning and afternoon shows. Going by these trends and with no other new release on the weekend, OUATIM Dobaara is poised to continue its winning streak.

Ruing that women filmmakers are often asked by producers to play it safe, Tamil filmmaker J.S. Nandhini avers that they should have the freedom to make their kind of cinema.

"Women are always expected to make soft, light-hearted films. Even when a woman filmmaker approaches a producer with a film in the thriller or horror genre, she is most likely asked to change it. I had a script to make a complicated thriller as my debut film, but I obliged people by making a cute and sweet film," Nandhini told IANS.

Her directorial debut was Tamil romantic-comedy "Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru", but her second film is a murder mystery.

"I'm busy with my second film, which is a murder-mystery. I'm glad that my producer believed in my script and didn't ask me to make any changes it. We need more producers who can appreciate a story irrespective of who makes it," she said.

"I'm glad Bollywood has already accepted women filmmakers with arms wide open. I wish Tamil film industry follows suit soon," she added.

Nandhini's second film is titled "Kolai Nokku Paarvai", featuring Karthik Kumar and Rupa Manjari in the lead roles.

The film is being produced by Ravindar Chandrasekhar of Libra Productions.

Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and actress Dia Mirza will host the first edition of the South Africa India Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA), which will also have dancing diva Madhuri Dixit and the multi-faceted Priyanka Chopra scorch the stage with their performances.

The event, expected to draw an enthused crowd of 7,000 fans and celebrities, will be held Sep 6 in Durban.

Together, Karan and Dia will bring to the stage their brand of charisma, wit, humour and glamour adding to the glitz quotient of the extravaganza, read a statement issued Friday.

Joining Madhuri and Priyanka as the star performers for the event will be Ranveer Singh and Siddharth Malhotra, apart from TV stars Manish Paul, Mona Singh, Apurva Agnihotri and Shilpa Agnihotri.

Over 150 prominent film and TV personalities will grace SAIFTA 2013, where they will rub shoulders, interact with and familiarise themselves with 30 top film and TV personalities of South Africa.

Celebrity Locker, a Mumbai-based events company has joined hands with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism of Durban for the event, which will recognise and award talent across TV shows, films, actors and directors in the entertainment industries of both countries.

Chandan Roy Sanyal-starrer "Prague" will hit the cinemas Sep 6.

The film was initially scheduled for Aug 2 release, but when the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised an objection to the song "Bottal khol", it resulted into delay in the release.

But the song, composed by Tony Kakkar and sung by Neha Kakkar and Tony, has been cleared by the censor board.

Made under the Glamour Struck Productions Pvt. Ltd in association with Maxwell Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the film is directed by Ashish R. Shukla and also stars Elena Kazan, Arfi Lamba, Mayank Kumar and Sonia Bindra.

To ensure immediate release of Vijay-starrer Tamil action-drama "Thalaivaa" -- already released worldwide -- in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the film's unit wants to go on hunger strike once they get permission from police.

Two days before its scheduled release on Aug 9, "Thalaivaa" was stalled from being released in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after a political outfit issued threats to theatre owners.

"We have sought police permission to hold fast in the city against the stalling of the film's release. Vijay sir will lead the fast and all other members of the film will join us in this movement. As soon as we receive police permission, we will start with our fast," the film's producer C.P. Jain said in a statement.

On Thursday, Jain and director A.L. Vijay sought intervention of the state's Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha to facilitate the release of the film at the earliest.

"Thalaivaa", reportedly made on a budget of over Rs.70 crore, has garnered good response since its release in other states and overseas.

It is the story of a common man who is forced to take the law into his hands to protect a small section of Tamilians living in Mumbai and, according to those who have seen the film, there is nothing controversial in it.

The film also features Amala Paul, Ragini Nandwani, Sathyaraj and Abhimanyu Singh in important roles.

Gangster drama "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!” has got an impressive opening, but the violence is keeping families away from watching the film, says trade analysts. ”Chennai Express”, meanwhile, continues to entertain families.

Balaji Motion Pictures’ "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!” released in approximately 1,600 screens across the country Thursday and collected Rs.14.2 crore from paid previews.

The film opened up in approximately 2,500 screens (including single screens) Friday, with sustained word-of-mouth and great response in the morning and afternoon shows, said a statement.

“Thursday paid preview saw 100 percent occupancy. Friday also so far it’s 80 percent. Expecting to do better during evening. Mostly youth are watching and less families as there is lot of violence in the film,” Anant Verma, director and business head of DT Cinemas, told IANS.

“‘Chennai Express’ is watched by families and we are expecting 80 percent occupancy this weekend,” he added.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh said that the figures of Milan Luthria-directed film starring Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, are "very good" considering the limited release on Aug 15.

In the meantime, Shah Rukh Khan-starrer “Chennai Express” running superfast at the box office with Rs.156.70 crore collection within a week itself.

Bollywood item girl Sambhavna Seth who has been a part of many reality shows like "Bigg Boss", "Dil Jeetegi Desi Girl", "Welcome - Baazi Mehmaan-Nawazi Ki", says that people like to take her in reality shows as they feel she is loud and aggressive.

The actress also added that due to this image, it often gets tough for her to get acting assignments.

"'Bigg Boss' had this image of me which was all out and full of anger. So due to that image of mine, to get work in films or acting, it gets tough. You are fixed in a certain image. Even for reality shows, they take me because they feel I am loud and hyper," she told IANS.

Sambhavna was shown to be this way in "Bigg Boss" but said that there are many more sides to her, which no one has shown on screen.

"They don't think that I can have another side too. I think I am very different in real life. People think that she is negative or the audience have accpeted her like that. But people's memory is shot and they believe what they are shown," she said.

But having said that, the actress still feels proud to be a part of a show like "Bigg Boss" and said that she owes everything to that show.

"I started off with a big reality show which was 'Bigg Boss'. That experience I did not get anywhere else. It was a life time experience. For me, I still feel very proud...whatever I am is because of it. I have done shows after that, it has been a good journey," she said.

After being a part of so many reality shows, the actress does admit that they often become stressful as there are many emotions which emerge.

"Reality shows are stressful, they have emotions which come out in anger or when I cry. For me, Bigg Boss was also very stressful. But it has given me everything...money, fame, house, car. I feel very nice," she said.

Telugu actor Sivaji, known for his long association with comedy films, doesn't go in search of films in different genres, but when one is offered to him he truly acknowledges it as a blessing.

"I thoroughly enjoy doing comedy films because it's what audiences want to see me in as much as possible. However, every time I have been offered a film in different genre, I have mostly embraced it as a blessing because I also need change at the end of the day," Sivaji told IANS.

"I don't complain doing only comedy films, but I have always wished I'm more than an actor who could make audiences laugh. Given an opportunity, I would love to explore different genres," he added.

Sivaji is excited about his upcoming Telugu thriller "Seesa".

"It's after a long time I'm doing a film in this genre. I'm very excited because it's not just a change of genre but a highly demanding role. I don't want to boast about the film, but I believe audiences will definitely be taken aback," he said.

Directed by Md. Ishaq, "Seesa" also features Chesvaa and Namratha Kaur in the lead roles. It is produced by Jagadeesh Penumuru.

Slated to released in August, the film has music by K. Bhaskar.

As an actress, Sonakshi Sinha has to travel and shoot at odd hours, but she says amidst all this, she has to observe a deadline set by her parents because for them she is still a "little girl" and must be home by 1.30 a.m.

"My deadline is always 1.30 a.m. I am still treated like a little girl in my house and I am thankful about that," Sonakshi, the 26-year-old daughter of actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha and actress Poonam Sinha, told IANS.

"I have always had a sheltered and protective life, but they (my family members) have given enough space for myself and have guided me all the time," she added.

She is a star thanks to big hits like "Dabangg" and "Rowdy Rathore", but Sonakshi still gets shouted at by her mother if she doesn't wake up on time.

"There is still no change in their behaviour today. If I wake up late or my bedroom is messed up, my mother shouts at me. It's really amazing they don't treat me like a star," said Sonakshi, who features in Milan Luthria's "Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara!".

At home she might be treated as a child, but in the show business she is called the "Rs.100 crore queen".

"It's a trend today everyone is talking about Rs.100 crore. Tomorrow it will be Rs.200 crore, Rs.300 crore. It's a sign of good business, but Rs.100 crore doesn't come into my pocket. It is going to the producer's pocket. If films are doing so well, lots of factors are to be taken into account," she said.

"I think there is a connect with the masses. People enjoy watching me. I am happy for that. There is a lot of hard work put into it and it's not just about luck. I do films from audience's perspective. So far, touch wood, I have been part of good films," she added.

Sonakshi also believes that a lot of people get carried away by success, but this can't be said of her.

"A lot of people can get carried away in their life with the success, but I am still the same way," she said.

The designer-turned-actress has a fondness for commercial cinema and doesn't deny her love for singing and dancing on the big screen.

"My first love will always be commercial cinema because those are the kinds of films that I would love to watch as an audience. I am not apologetic about the fact that I love singing and dancing. It's a part of me," she said.

Apart form potboilers, Sonakshi also did period film "Lootera".

"When a film like 'Lootera' came, it's like once in your lifetime you get such a role. It showcases a lot more aspect of acting; so I took it as a challenge. If a film like that comes along and challenges me as a person, I will take it up," she said.

Irrespective of her love for cinema, Sonakshi says post-marriage she would like to give all her time to her husband.

"I want to enjoy my life and relax. I want to chill. I don't know I am not thinking of marriage now, but the profession I am in; it's too hectic. So I want to give all my time to my husband after marriage and I want all his time," she said.

Director Shoojit Sircar is confident that the audiences will accept his forthcoming film "Madras Cafe" as there is an intellectual section which wants to watch such films.

Set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war, the film features John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri. It is set to release Aug 23 in Hindi and Tamil.

"We can't challenge the intelligence of our audiences. They want to see such films. They also want to see the 100 crore films, we want our film also to do that kind of business, but there is a section which we can't ignore who want to see good films," Sircar said here in an interview.

The director gives the example of his super hit film "Vicky Donor", based on a taboo subject like sperm donation. He feels that if the audience can accept such films, then they are definitely ready for a political thriller like "Madras Cafe".

"I never thought 'Vicky Donor' will become such a cult. It is a very serious film for me. You laughed but I didn't try to make anyone laugh. I dealt with a subject I thought no one would want to watch. We talk about infertility or sperm donor in our bedrooms," said Sircar.

"Then things like falling in love with a divorcee, Punjabis abusing Bengalis and vice versa, I thought people will get angry with me for making such a film. But the audience accepted such a taboo topic.

"No one could have also thought that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law will drink alcohol together, but they were and people enjoyed and many old ladies called me up and were happy. It was a sensitive subject and if the audience can accept that, then they are ready to see this film also."

Southern composer Yuvan Shankar Raja will receive the audio of upcoming Tamil action-comedy "Biriyani", which also happens to be his 100th album, as his 34th birthday gift here Aug 31.

Yuvan posted on his Twitter page: "We are planning to release (the audio) on Aug 31. (I) thought it would be a good treat for my fans on my birthday."

The audio launch of "Biriyani" was earlier scheduled to be released Aug 15, but it was later called off.

On Aug 31, an event along with the audio launch of the film is expected to be organized to honour Yuvan's contribution to Tamil cinema through music.

However, Yuvan is equally disappointed due to the leak of songs from "Biriyani".

"Upset about this, but good to see where the world's heading, whatever's meant to be will be. But piracy is wrong," posted Yuvan on Twitter.

"Biriyani", which is directed by Venkat Prabhu, features Karthi Sivakumar and Hansika Motwani in lead roles. It is slated for a September release.

Prior to its release, actor-producer John Abraham is ready to screen his forthcoming film "Madras Cafe", which deals with the Sri Lankan conflict in the 1980s, to those who have objections. But he says he won't accept any protests against it.

"There have been a lot of enquiries from ruling parties and the opposition parties and the interest has increased and they want to see the film. We are ready to show it to them, but only when they watch it as viewers," the 40-year-old said here Friday in an interview.

"We may have a preview a day before the release like it normally happens. We don't have any issues showing the film to them. But if someone protests and puts a gun to our head and says we will decide on its release after seeing it, we won't accept that. I will not accept it, no one messes with us like that," he added.

"Naam Thamizhar" (We Tamils), a Tamil activist group, sought a ban on the movie for reportedly portraying Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members as terrorists.

Director Shoojit Sircar seconds John. He says the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cleared the film and he hopes no one exploits it for their political gains.

"We have shown the film to the censor board, the biggest democratic body and they have cleared us. I think we should trust them and if someone wants to see the film, we will definitely show it to them," Sircar said.

"But I don't want anyone to exploit it for their political gains. Watch the film and then talk to us on a public platform, we are ready to talk," he added.

"Madras Cafe" also stars Nargis Fakhri in the role of a war journalist, while John plays an undercover army officer.

The film hits theatres Aug 23.