Paa trailers (updated)
thanks to Gabbar for the latest one..
GUM SUM
longer Mudi Mudi trailer
thanks to Kassam..
thanks to Jay, Gabbar, Kassam..
thanks to Gabbar for the latest one..
GUM SUM
longer Mudi Mudi trailer
thanks to Kassam..
thanks to Jay, Gabbar, Kassam..
November 3, 2009 at 3:15 PM
It somehow freezes at the moment where he starts thumping his chest.. I can hear the audio but the frame stays fixed.. I’ve tried it a number of times.. did anyone else have this problem?
November 3, 2009 at 5:39 PM
yes same problem…another promo at filmicafe had same issue
November 3, 2009 at 3:21 PM
same problem here Satyam!
November 3, 2009 at 3:25 PM
There is a longer promo. The one mentioned had a scene with Auro on his father’s back.
November 3, 2009 at 3:28 PM
same problem…
Paa is the only other movie on my must watch list besides 3 Idiots. Absolutely loved Cheeni Kum which in my opinon is one of the best Bachchan movies of ALL TIME.
November 3, 2009 at 3:29 PM
It seems a leaked promo….and yes the video does jam towards the end. We get to see very little of AB…because just as we do…freeze…LOL! Can anyone see AB in the little of Auro that we’ve seen?
November 3, 2009 at 3:31 PM
true.. it freezes at a crucial point! Not sure if that 49 sec length is complete anyway.. I suspect it’s longer..
November 3, 2009 at 3:32 PM
Raja’s BGM is so good here…and the shots attest to strong work by Sriram.
November 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM
the score is indeed addictive.. agreed on the rest as well..
I think there is a bit of an ET element here.. the ‘alien’ one’s heart goes out to..
November 3, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Yeah BGM is strong, low budget, EXCELLENT promo’s and publicity campaign (Well done Ash) and a brilliant cast…this is a HIT!
November 3, 2009 at 9:16 PM
I love the trailer.. I’ve seen it multiple times already.. it’s arresting..
November 3, 2009 at 9:27 PM
Bachchan’s body language is a treat to watch even in these short glimpses. This is something that was hardly ever commented upon when Black came out but in that film too his energy and just the way he negotiates his physicality from scene to scene was remarkable to behold.
As GF has already remarked the camerawork here looks like one of the high-points as well.
And indeed as others have commented there is something moving about it all, especially the final shot with Bachchan on Abhishek’s back.
From a commercial standpoint what’s good here (and I’m glad they did this!) is the fact that they introduced Bachchan in that look upfront and they’ve also made his character the ‘point’ of the ad. This is good because you can’t be apologetic about this stuff and certainly the audience now knows what to expect.
I would again highlight the strangeness of the title.. Bachchan’s the odd kid the film’s about. But it’s called ‘Paa’!
November 3, 2009 at 9:30 PM
I liked the shot Bachchan and abhishek. If the script is good, this movie touches all.
November 3, 2009 at 9:34 PM
I also like the shot of Bachchan dancing in the rain with Vidya, who btw, looks beautiful.
I’ve watched the trailer a few times too and like it more and more.
November 3, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Thank goodness they haven’t made him dwarf and didn’t use body double. It surely deserves best quality and not YouTube one.
November 3, 2009 at 10:15 PM
actually progeria patients are supposed to be dwarfs. because most of them die before they are 20.
November 3, 2009 at 10:27 PM
November 3, 2009 at 9:54 PM
oh man this is one film um lookin’ forward to really.Um not a fan of the bacchans but this film carries some air about it that’s really impressive and new.Seems like bigB has given a terrific performance after Black and is winning the best actor award next year who knows!and the violin piece is mesmerising…awesome!…the trailer’s quite good too…
by the way I think there are too many films coming one after another where the protagonist is suffering from a complex or a genetic disease haha!it’s weird how film-makers are suddenly jumping to this notion all together!First Paa(progeria) then comes MNIK(autism) then GuzaarishPP complex or sth) oh boy…
November 3, 2009 at 10:25 PM
it’s the Hollywood complex!
November 3, 2009 at 9:58 PM
WINNER! I was VERY skeptical about this movie initially….
November 3, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Initially, this film was a 0/10 for me absent the fact that abhi was in it (I was worried that amitabh would not be used properly). But the poster, first look trailer, and Ilaiyaraja have really interested me. Now, I think that Balki will be successful in keeping this film “light” (essential to the effectiveness of Cheeni Kum with the contemporary multiplex audience). I feel that Black-style “heaviness” would have been the wrong way to go with this film…
November 3, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Agree..well summarized Q…echoes my sentiments too!
November 3, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Most probably this film will have a sad ending.
November 3, 2009 at 10:26 PM
I think that’s a given.
November 3, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I also was a bit worried about how Paa would shape up as a movie. But this is a cream of the crop teaser advert. The music is a highlight. Background music can add depth and emotion to the scenes of a movie. It did to this advert. Music comes off as melodious and classy. The music sort of reminds me of the background score of a Hollywood movie: Kramer vs. Kramer or Terms of Endearment or something of that sort. With what we can see of the advert.
The DOP did a terrific job with the shooting of the movie. Paa seems to be a charming, endearing, heartfelt, and whimsical little movie. I’m vastly keen to see how the movie at the theaters to see how the movie has shaped up. Encouraging advert. I hope the other adverts are just as well done. Count me in with those who are hoping that Paa has a lightness and humour as well.
November 3, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Perhaps, the movie could indeed end on a poignant and sad note. It would make sense with such a disorder as progeria. But the movie could also end on an positive note or perhaps an unfinished note where we don’t see the future or resolution of Auro’s illness.
November 4, 2009 at 9:39 AM
the site makes clear that he will only live upto 13..
November 3, 2009 at 10:46 PM
its an awesome trailer
satyam you have got the famed pila line on day560
November 3, 2009 at 10:51 PM
thanks.. I put that up on the 560 post here..
November 3, 2009 at 11:18 PM
I’m still very unsure about the extent to which Balki can actually do something that’s not milking the sap from a scenario like this, Hollywood style. And as much as I like Bachchan’s body language as a child here, it remains to be seen how much of a performance one can give under several pounds of latex and plastic….
I’m optimistic about this film given the snippets that are coming out but very cautiously so…
November 3, 2009 at 11:28 PM
When he’s under that sort of prosthetic stuff the performance will largely depend on the body language because as you point out he will have limited latitude to emote using his face. But there is also a bit of a paradox here. I had assumed earlier that there would be a later portion where the character would more resemble Bachchan as he is now. If this does not turn out to be the case and we always see the character as he is in this trailer then we in essence never have access to Amitabh Bachchan. It could be anyone under that stuff! Which is why I hope there is a recognizable Bachchan somewhere (the new still on the site would seem to suggest as much).
On the performances though this will be very much a contrast between two styles. Bachchan’s ‘unique’ act and Abhishek’s ‘normative’ one. Or the more ‘showy’ (this isn’t a criticism) versus the more restrained one. Black too for all its virtues fell in the former category.
Again the ET format where you have the alien and the ‘normal’ boy. One sympathizes with the alien, learns to love him but one also accesses him through the boy in the final instance.
November 4, 2009 at 7:10 AM
In terms of the general look – namely that of a lead actor buried under prosthetic material – and perhaps the subject matter of human deformity in coming-of-age tales, it’s not “ET” that this reminds me of as much as Peter Bogdanovich’s “Mask”…
November 4, 2009 at 7:47 AM
I’ve never seen this nor for that matter the Elephant Man.
November 3, 2009 at 11:41 PM
No teething troubles
By Subhash K Jha
Posted On Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 02:53:17 AM
We’ve discovered the secret to how Amitabh Bachchan flawlessly sang in a child’s voice for Paa recently. Director Balki reveals that Amitabh has been able to effortlessly replicate the voice of a 12-year-old for his dialogue and song in the film by using specially designed dentures…
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/30/2009110420091104025317218f83c8e80/No-teething-troubles.html
November 3, 2009 at 11:47 PM
yes I saw this the other day and put this up somewhere..
November 4, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Excellent Promo, As i predict in my QA section yesterday, Paa is definite winner. And Now bigB confirm in his blog about Budget of Paa … 14.75 Crore.
Check my yesterday prediction in QA section Here : http://bollybusiness.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/bheja-fry/
And check Amitabh confirmation about budget here : http://bigb.bigadda.com/?p=4006
just find these lines :
“I think we set out to make this film with certain definite plans. It would not be a penny over the 15 cr budget we had decided upon ; indeed it is nominally better than that – its 14.75 cr.”
November 4, 2009 at 12:59 AM
Balki is too playful, almost simplistic a director to do justice to a complex theme. In any case, the first thing that come to my mind is Benjamin Button. Concept is from there, no doubt.
November 4, 2009 at 1:46 AM
The concept is NOT from Benjamin Button. Benjamin Button is a fantasy @ reverse aging. Progeria is a actual genetic disease. ‘JACK’ may be but not ‘Benjamin Button’.
November 4, 2009 at 2:09 AM
For me there IS a clear link Gabbar.
November 4, 2009 at 2:15 AM
it is true that the film resembles Jack in a much more obvious sense.
November 4, 2009 at 2:42 AM
The film with ANY reference to Benjamin Button was ALWAYS Vipul Shah’s ACTION REPLAY (Which is apparently time travel).
Balki’s PAA has never had a Benjamin Button link….and as mentioned below is closer to William’s starrer JACK than anywhere near Benjamin Button…
November 4, 2009 at 1:03 AM
Cheeni Kum interested me from the word go. The music, the Tabu-Amitabh chemistry, the concept (considerable age difference between the lovers), everything seemed refreshing.
This one is ‘different’ in its look – again the idea is Benjamin Button clearly even if the story will be altered. But can’t say I’m looking forward to it particularly. something very odd about the film.
November 4, 2009 at 2:03 AM
something that I’ve never been clear about it the connection with Benjamin Button. Here’s why — Paa was first mentioned in April/May of ’07 as Balki’s new project with both Bachchans. Vidya Balan was also talked about relatively soon after this. Benjamin Button released at the very end of 2008. The filming began end of ’06. Could Balki have been aware of the shoot of the latter and known something about the story idea? Quite possibly. Balki claims though that he though about using both Bachchans for a father-son story and the roles reversed when he was still filming CK. He says he didn’t know about the progeria deal when he first had the idea but then learned about it through a friend of his who was a doctor and there was a personal reason why he stumbled onto this disorder. He could of course be making all of this up. At the same time he might also not have had Button on his mind. The latter in any case is a very different story from this one. It is a fantasy with a guy who ages in reverse as he ‘grows up’. Not that I don’t see the link otherwise.
November 4, 2009 at 2:08 AM
IN any case, the germ of the idea is either the film or the book. Can’t be anything else!
November 4, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Doubt anyone had read or even heard of the story before the film actually released. Even in the US it was hardly the best known Fitzgerald story. Again I’m not denying there might be a link but I also don’t find the opposite possibility to be quite as ‘fantastical’ as the Benjamin Button story!
November 4, 2009 at 4:43 AM
“But can’t say I’m looking forward to it particularly. something very odd about the film.”
This odd thing is actually solid key point which will force one to step in theater.
November 4, 2009 at 2:40 AM
Benjamin Button??? I remember having a chat sometimes towards the beginning of 2007 with AB and he was telling me about the stories of Johnny Mastana (shoebite then) and PAA…. so how does Benjamin Button fit in? I’ve been aware of the story for a very long time!!!
November 4, 2009 at 6:46 AM
If PAA works then the Amitabhs Rann ,Teen-paati and Jonny Mastana will have a massive boost.
Mind you Aladin should have released it in xmas time so if PAA would have worked then Aladin would have been different story at the B.O.
November 4, 2009 at 6:56 AM
After watching the complete trailor Amitabhs done a superb performance and hopefully rest of the cast performance are good
I would give as the performance i have seen in 1 minute 8/10
great ……
November 4, 2009 at 7:04 AM
It’s alright. I still think the music is trumps here.
The trailer doesn’t add much. The industrywallahs ‘oohs and aahs’ don’t count. How Balki will narrate the story is again the key, I’m afraid.
Reiterate that Amitabh will get all the compliments. I hope Abhishek doesn’t become a ‘scene-feeder’ to Auro all the time. A couple of scenes of him losing his handle are required to sustain his character against Auro.
One of the trickier films in a while, in terms of BO.
November 4, 2009 at 7:06 AM
“A couple of scenes of him losing his handle are required to sustain his character against Auro.”
I mean ala Babumoshai in Anand.
November 4, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Satyam .. check Dialog Promo of Paa …
http://bollybusiness.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/first-exclusive-teaser-paa/
November 4, 2009 at 8:03 AM
thanks, will put it up..
November 4, 2009 at 8:43 AM
A longer dialogue promo….so cute…
http://www.youtube.com/paathemovie#p/a/u/1/DJ3ePDQEk8k
November 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
IT IS CUTE
very hard to beleive that is mr AMITABH
as i say this will “WORK”….
November 4, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Join the PAA forum:
http://www.paathefilm.com/forum/
November 4, 2009 at 8:53 AM
I’m very excited by the promo . The only question being wether Balki can come up with a screenplay that matches the concept ? If he has , then it might be a movie that the whole of India could be proud off . Do agree that it is much more based on William’s Jackl than Button . Just hope it varies from Jack by screenplay .
November 4, 2009 at 8:58 AM
hope iTS not the
ROBBIE WILLIAMS ,
THE JACK
November 4, 2009 at 8:59 AM
I’m glad they’ve worked on Amitabh’s gait – just to be quite different from what’s been so obvious having seen him doing all action, walking and running all these years.
On a very trivial note, Abhishek has a lot of strength piggy-backing Amitabh (if that’s him!) seemingly so effortlessly! (I recall him running carrying a man in Bas Itna Sa Khawb hai)…
November 4, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Agrre with you Offside on Abhishek’s strength . In the making of Dostana , the personal trainer did say even if he didn’t look it . That Abhishek was far the stronger between him and John . Just think he’s just lazy in working out properly even thgough he says his roles dictate his look . Expecting him to be quite lean and muscular looking in the earlier parts of Ravaana . Not sure he keeps the discipline all the way throught the role though ?
November 4, 2009 at 9:18 AM
His ‘laziness’ is a huge myth. Not wanting to work out cannot be equated with such. It is true that he’s added or lost weight for roles but at the same time it is also clear that he just doesn’t believe in the six pack look.
November 4, 2009 at 9:28 AM
That’s true Satyam and I agree that he doesn’t believe in the six pack look but until recently he’s weight has been an issue since the start of his career . Because of his sweet tooth he looked distinctively chubby in some films with his weight fluctuating even in the same films .
November 4, 2009 at 9:33 AM
I don’t think it’s been an issue since he’s become successful. But what is true is that if weight is being added for a particular film a different film shouldn’t be shot at the same time.. this creates the inconsistency.. which is probably why he’s now begun the policy of shooting one film at a time even as he does multiple films every year. But again in an age where everyone beefs up in so many ways the guy who doesn’t stands out and at the same time the slightest shift in weight is noticed. This is understandable.
November 4, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Agreed . For me beefing up has never been the issue , as it does not make you a better fighter or mean your stonger than another . It just means your more dedicated about body-beautiful and sometimes when a more natural look is called for . It can take away from the performance even though most of the film going public do not tend to notice the difference of what a specific role calls for . With Abhishek and even he admits it . He needs to be pushed just to keep the weight off .
November 4, 2009 at 9:47 AM
agreed with the last bit.. and in general I do think that weight should be constant.. when it keeps shifting (for whatever reason) it becomes a problem.. if it’s for a film this should be made clear. With a Guru this was obvious. With SR Abhishek said right before the release that RGV had asked him to add weight for the character after he’d lost quite a bit post-Guru. But this should have been publicized. He certainly looks very lean in Paa and Raavan. He should maintain this weight.
November 4, 2009 at 9:49 AM
In an age where beauty is equated with certain sorts of bodies doing the opposite can be problematic. This too is where Abhishek is sensed as being subversive even when people do like him. Because he seems to be saying ‘I’m not signing on to this deal’.
November 4, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Amitabh’s body language is just amazing in that second trailer…
November 4, 2009 at 10:40 AM
What’s funny is if you replace Abhishek with Tabu in the first trailer and the word “beta” with “pathi,” you pretty much have Paresh Rawal reprising his CK role!
November 4, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Good take!
And the director’s Balki!
November 4, 2009 at 11:06 AM
LOL!
November 4, 2009 at 11:05 AM
The web site looks great.
November 4, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I dont like to put the cart before the horse but I completely endorse the optimistic views expressed above as the trailer is one of the best ones seen in recent times in terms of creating an expectation and whipping up curiosity.
Go Balki,Amitabh and Abhishek.
November 4, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Paa BGM sounds similar to this one
November 4, 2009 at 12:43 PM
sounds different but it is beautiful music… would really like to see this as well as Unnaru.
November 4, 2009 at 12:12 PM
At last I found it
starts at 9.46
November 4, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Wrong again
Satyam, please delete my above comment
November 4, 2009 at 12:45 PM
oh let these stay… these wonderful scores..
November 4, 2009 at 12:45 PM
oh let these stay… these are wonderful scores..
November 4, 2009 at 12:45 PM
oh let these stay… these wonderful scores..
November 4, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Who cares if he is reusing his own music? At least he is not ripping off someone else.
November 4, 2009 at 12:43 PM
I think it’s great he’s doing so..
November 4, 2009 at 1:21 PM
On a side note one never see PR promoting any of his movies.
November 4, 2009 at 2:27 PM
One of the things here is that Bachchan because of his height really comes across as a being from fable or fairy tale here and I think this works very well. A lovable giant of sorts..
November 5, 2009 at 5:06 AM
totally ! The promo, the music, Auro…it has a hint and touch of magic! This sorta magic should’ve also been evident in ALADIN imo (even in the promo’s) but was lacking….
Whatever the case maybe, the hype for PAA is immense, wherever you go it’s the most talked about movie! The
November 4, 2009 at 3:01 PM
y do i feel dat auro will die in d end????
November 4, 2009 at 4:24 PM
because he will! Progeria patients don’t last beyond their teens. The website has him from 1-13.
November 5, 2009 at 5:22 AM
the tragic ending is a given!
November 6, 2009 at 7:37 AM
Like this new song of course because I instantly recognize it as familiar and I am now trying to rack my brain for the IR source..
November 6, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Thanks to Kassam ,another magical trailor……
November 6, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Nice, soothing and southern feel to this one. Thanks Kasam
November 6, 2009 at 10:14 AM
November 6, 2009 at 10:26 AM
That new trailer is shot beautifully. Sriram is the real deal even after all these years. My only problem is the way it’s been cut. A bit too staccato.
November 6, 2009 at 10:33 AM
yes I was wondering why they did that myself.. the rhythm of the song and the video don’t otherwise need it.. but you’re quite right on Sreeram.
November 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Could U elaborate on staccato(detached)part?
November 6, 2009 at 11:12 AM
notice how the video tries to literally match the rhythm of the tune and you see a lot of quick shots in succession at these points (jumps if you will). The cutting here disorients (which is what it is intended to do) but the video otherwise has a certain lyric quality to it much as the song is also has that sense of ‘fleetingness’. The ‘jumps’ therefore cut (pun intended!) into this latter sense. Again don’t want to get carried away here. It’s still a fine video and song.
One of the nice things about Balki (based on CK and now these Paa previews) is that he is never trying to do too much. Hope he can avoid the last half hour problems of CK when the comedy became more traditional and ‘obvious’. Having said that I do expect the final portions in Paa to be somewhat sappy also. Which might be commercially justifiable but it’s always regrettable to see a film lose its tone in this sense. So with CK the last half hour or more didn’t seem to be part of the same universe as the earlier portions. Again this is speculation. Don’t know anything about Paa on this score but hope that error is not repeated. Partly even with gifted directors working today the lack of good scripts perhaps becomes a problem.
November 6, 2009 at 11:25 AM
I think it’s new style of editing. They have a frequent freeze frame and then the transition to the video. This YouTube video never gives justice and creates questions. Though I must applaude your keen observation.
November 6, 2009 at 11:31 AM
With the words ghadi ghadi a visual of watch and then with mudi mudi-street names and shots of different places of their meeting gives fluidity and harmony.
November 6, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I am hoping someone can identify the song here in terms of the source. It’s most annoying to have ‘recognition’ and yet not remember!
November 6, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Ninnukori varnam from agni natchathiram perhaps?
November 6, 2009 at 4:23 PM
no it’s a different one..
November 6, 2009 at 5:50 PM
i doubt this has a straight source like that. there is a phrase that seems to be resemble a bit of ninnakori(may be the same raaga) but thats about it.
i dont know why IR fans are excited abt these kind of releases, his originals in tamil is so much better and there is already a huge repository to explore. these just doesnt feel IR.
November 6, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Sachita, that’s true and as I said the other day his recent sound is a bit ‘clinical’ in some ways. Nonetheless some of his older tunes are being reintroduced this way but also these are way better than anyone in Bollywood is able to churn out on most days.
November 6, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I was wodering what’s deal for the people to whom AB is unknown? Would that new face, new actor with new voice be as effective as AB for them?
November 6, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Valid point. The whole gaga thing is because everybody ‘knows’ Amitabh. Auro by itself has to become popular, which is high order and thus difficult to achieve.
November 6, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I like the Mudi Mudi song — Vidya Balan looks good here, and they make a good couple…especially liked the visuals of the two in the field, and the clock in the shop window was good too.
November 6, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Re: what’s deal for the people to whom AB is unknown?
Are there any such people and if there are do they matter?
November 6, 2009 at 11:34 AM
It was a logical and valid question and requires logical answer and not idealistic.
November 7, 2009 at 12:17 AM
I just think that after 40 yearst in the industry and people didnt even realise that it’s AB, in look or body language, is testament to how brilliant an actor he is.
November 7, 2009 at 12:21 AM
I think if one were not told there’s no way one could pick up on who it was.
November 7, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Agree!
November 8, 2009 at 10:28 AM
The promo is much talked about I should say! Amitabh’s look has really caught everyone’s eye. The film should open well at the very least, although I’m not a huge Balki fan. He works in extremes – too sensational or too sentimental.
November 8, 2009 at 11:06 AM
what extremes were there in CK? I wouldn’t have called it too sentimental or too sensational!
November 8, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Business Standard..
Paa: The mother of film promotions
Aminah Shaikh / Mumbai November 9, 2009, 0:13 IST
From teaser ads to the Big B visiting schools – the producers are pulling out all stops on marketing.
PaaThe teaser ads last Thursday showed just a bald head inside a cardboard box with a caption saying ‘See you in December’. But that was enough to make Paa a part of everyday conversation.
Such teaser ads, normally associated with an FMCG product, are being used for the promotion of a film for the first time, that too more than a month before the actual release date. Paa, in which Amitabh Bachchan plays the role of a 13-year-old boy with an extremely rare genetic defect that causes accelerated ageing, has many other firsts to its credit.
For one, the Big B is planning to visit schools to educate children about the disease called progeria which makes a person look five times older than his actual age. Says ad veteran R Balki who has directed the film and is the brain behind the campaign: “The story is sensitive, so we have to avoid the usual razzmatazz associated with a Bollywood movie”.
But Balki, who had directed Bachchan in another movie called Chinee Kum, is thrilled with the response that the teaser ads have generated. “The noise level has beaten our expectations,” he says.
It’s also the first time that Aishwarya Rai (Bachhan’s daughter-in-law) will take on the role of overseeing the promotion of the film, which has been co-produced by ABCL Ltd (making it a home venture) and Reliance Entertainment.
In yet another novel experiment, instead of the usual credit titles, Jaya Bachchan will be introducing the cast and crew of the film. Though used in Hollywood, this is the first time that a Bollywood movie will do this.
The content of the film, a emotional story of a father and son, itself is unique – apart from Bachchan playing a 13-year old boy, his son, Abhisek, will the play the role of his father — a big enough reason promoted subtly to generate curiosity.
And all this has been achieved without much cost, says Balki. “Everything has been taken care of by the novelty element which has got people talking. More than making an expensive campaign, our idea was to design it in such a way that more than Bachchan, it’s his character that people talk about,” Balki says.
In any case, the most expensive element in the Rs 16 crore film (the low budget is understandable as it’s a home venture of the two main stars) was Bachchan’s make-up which cost 10 per cent of the total budget. No wonder it used to take four hours to put on the make-up and two hours to remove it.
Analysts say the clever campaigning has done exactly what Balki wanted – Brand Paa has become bigger than the superstar.
Hiren Pandit, Managing Partner of Group M, thinks it’s a brilliantly executed campaign. “The production houses know that the high point of Paa is Bachchan’s character and look in the film. So the campaign is a build-up to that selling point. This has been backed by great PR initiatives which are creating a huge curiosity,” Pandit says.
The other important contributor to the fim’s promotion is its highly interactive website – paathefilm.com. The question – Do you like Amitabh’s Paa look? — has got record response over the last four days.
It’s also for the first time that the Big B is promoting any of his films on his blog.
Film promotion, clearly, has never reached such heights before.
November 8, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Balki: PAA happened because of Amitabh Bachchan
Where many a filmmakers go for the casting according to their script, here’s a director who likes to work otherwise. Upcoming film PAA director R. Balki believes in writing the script keeping in mind the stars.
“Yes that’s true, I believe in writing films for stars. For me stars are bigger than characters. They have larger than life impact than characters. Even for PAA, it’s not that I wrote a script and then thought of casting Amitabh, rather I wrote it keeping him in mind. PAA happened because of Amitabh Bachchan. From day one I was sure of casting Big B and Abhishek in the film that too in the role reversal of sorts,” revealed Balki while promoting his film in an event recently held to unveil the first look of PAA.
Hope Balki, your special film starring biggies like Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal and Amitabh Bachchan in a very special role garners special response from the audiences when it releases on 4th December 2009.
November 9, 2009 at 11:24 PM
a Ghajini comparison here by Taran, isn’t this getting a bit carried away (?!):
‘Paa’, ‘Paa’, ‘Paa’ everywhere
By Taran Adarsh, November 10, 2009 – 08:27 IST
Amitabh Bachchan is an incredible actor. His body of work proves it. The actor continues to surprise you to this date. Yes, we’re talking about his new film PAA. It wouldn’t be erroneous to state that PAA is the first film, after GHAJINI, which has aroused such reactions from all quarters – the industrywalas as well as the paying public. The veteran actor’s look is being widely discussed [and praised] by one and all.
PAA has become a hot proposition overnight, soon after its very first promo was unveiled. The distributors are super-excited, the exhibitors are waiting to lay their hands on the film and the moviegoers are waiting with bated breath to watch the superstar transform into a kid.
Not many are aware that the production reins of PAA have been handled by Abhishek Bachchan himself. “It was a great learning experience,” he tells me. Abhishek seems to have learnt the ropes pretty fast, since the first thing he did, before the film went on floors, was to keep the economics of PAA in check.
“Making an economically viable project is most important in today’s times,” Abhishek says. The film hasn’t cost its makers a fancy amount, despite the presence of A-listers such as the Big B, Abhishek himself, Vidya Balan and Paresh Rawal. PAA is produced by AB Corp and Sunil Manchanda and directed by R. Balki.
November 9, 2009 at 11:35 PM
LOL
Yes, its a whole lot carried away. But it seems the Indian movie press bases every movie up against Ghajini because it set such a vast benchmark. I’d be happy to see PAA become a hit movie at the end of the day. That is more than enough. No need for Ghajini reference by Adarsh.
November 9, 2009 at 11:36 PM
I wonder though if a big one has really stolen up on us..
November 10, 2009 at 10:43 AM
I doubt it — I think the likes of Taran will be generous with praise for a performance, or BO buzz in advance of a film — I doubt he will be that generous for a nachchan film once it is released.
November 10, 2009 at 7:43 AM
I think it bodes well for Paa that there’s such curiosity in all sectors, especially the paying public – if it’s true that is.
Because if half of those that turned up for Ghajni, see Paa in the first few days, the battle is won!
So, more power to its publicity. We do not need to have sustainability for Paa. Make the killing!
November 10, 2009 at 7:57 AM
Given the budget of this film it could turn out to be a massive one in terms of profitability if it does just the business of a Dostana. But even in that scenario I wouldn’t hold my breath for some of the usual sources to give it that kind of credit.
November 10, 2009 at 8:13 AM
You see, most of the ‘super successes’ in Bollywood are as the press makes them out to be.
On this movie at least, the Bachchans have got the press on their side – they have courted them like true businessmen, the character is amiable, the cause is noble. So, if the grosses are even at acceptable levels, the press will take it to the superhit levels.
It’s just the way I feel for this particular film at this particular time.
November 10, 2009 at 8:17 AM
you might be right.. Taran for example has gone quite overboard with this in ways he hasn’t before for any Bachchan release..
November 9, 2009 at 11:49 PM
I hate being the party pooper with this film but I really feel it’s looking 50/50. I just don’t trust Balki enough as a director (although the above video where he speaks is heartening) to think this film’s success (in every sense) is assured….
But as a fan of both Bachchans here, I hope it’s something special.
November 9, 2009 at 11:54 PM
agreed that with such a subject one cannot only go by the previews.. and to some degree the trailers might be raising expectations too much given the risk involved with this story..
November 9, 2009 at 11:58 PM
It’s actually not the previews that have me worried (although this is a part of it) but the kind of fervor it has evoked and where that fervor is coming from. An endorsement from Taran Adarsh! Surely that warrants some concern!
November 10, 2009 at 12:01 AM
ABSOLUTELY! When the Ghajini comparison creeps in one smells a setup!
November 10, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Exactly. I’m gonna stay a bit guarded here. This is not to be mistaken with the other end of the extreme where people might be denouncing this before it even sees the light of day. I just think I’m going to adequately calibrate my expectations.
November 10, 2009 at 6:10 AM
someone posted this in Paa facebook.
Original track of IlayaRaja, reused in Paa
http://www.musicplug.in/multiple_song_flashplayer.php?songid=1874
November 10, 2009 at 7:40 AM
yes, the same theme here! Thanks..
November 10, 2009 at 7:45 AM
and this is from a Dhanush movie from ’05. Hadn’t heard this song before (haven’t seen the film either).
November 10, 2009 at 6:36 AM
GHAJINI reference is silly….this is a small fim ala BLACK and TZP!
November 10, 2009 at 11:43 AM
There is a new segment on the website that shows part of the makeup process though again they’ve been careful here to reveal segments after the basic look has been brought about. They’ve done everything here to not show Bachchan at all!
November 10, 2009 at 1:10 PM
London, UK November 10, 2009 Tue 7 : 32 AM/ London time
23 Days to PAA releasing December 4th 2009
Aaahhhh !! the relief !! Just finished all the responses to the previous day and would you believe it the pain has ‘dis appea red’ !! Golly !! Now Fm Xt have better reason to accuse me for not responding to them. Sometimes we axe our own feet do we not …
Will rush now for morning formalities and quick breakfast – the first media starts at 8.30 AM and then there is travel to Sky or BBC studios maybe, I don’t know what they have lined up, but its up and down to Hotel and out again …
Thank you all for your generosity in wishing me well for my shoulder and for the film PAA…
I never have sufficient words to encompass all that it means to me to be looked after so well by my dearest and kindest FmXt.
Love you ssooooooooo much and then a little more …
Amitabh Bachchan
November 10, 2009 at 1:22 PM
November 10, 2009 at 1:35 PM
Satyam i have just found out that PAA is copy of the block-buster
“curious case of Benjamin button”
is that true!!
November 10, 2009 at 1:39 PM
No it isn’t. It does bear some similarity to the Robin Williams starrer Jack. Benjamin Button is a ‘fantasy’ tale about a guy who is born very old and who keeps getting younger as he physically grows older (bigger). The media has connected Paa to the latter quite a bit but there is nothing common between the two films really. But see this:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116669/
Balki of course maintains the he got the progeria idea from a friend in the medical field.
November 10, 2009 at 1:45 PM
I have seen the trailor curious case of Benjamin button
i can see some similarity though
November 10, 2009 at 1:50 PM
i have seen the movie Curious Case of Benjamin Button (not just the trailer) and it is totally different from Paa. As Satyam said, BB is a fantasy movie based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and it is a love story about reverse aging.
Paa has more in common with Jack since it is about the same disease. But in Jack the main story was about Jack going to school and his interaction with the kids there. Paa is supposedly about a father and son relationship.
November 10, 2009 at 1:51 PM
yes Satyam you are right again,
“bravo bravo”,,,,,,,,,,
November 10, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Thanks Tyler for clarifing ,
i have seen “the jack”
if i have time to-morrow i will watch
curious case of Benjamin button…..
November 10, 2009 at 2:08 PM
just a laugh here,
check it out.
November 10, 2009 at 6:03 PM
“Paa” brings Big B to London
http://www.tongueonfire.com/?p=543
November 12, 2009 at 2:11 AM
The Tamil original of this gum sum song is just on the tip of my tongue. I think it’s an S Janaki number.
November 12, 2009 at 8:52 AM
And here goes:
November 12, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Yeah it’s Thumbi Vaa.
November 12, 2009 at 8:52 AM
and now I realize why this was bothering me so much.. I just heard it recently a number of times when Sandy put up this post:
http://satyamshot.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/an-old-malayalam-melody/
I’m surprised she hasn’t commented on this Paa song so far..
I’d referenced the Tamil song in the Sandy post but I’ll put it up here as well:
November 12, 2009 at 8:54 AM
And I am indebted to someone on Rediff for pointing this out which is what I was ultimately thinking of (this was the one I couldn’t quite recall when Sandy put up the Malayalam song, the other duet I put up is inferior to this):
November 12, 2009 at 8:56 AM
It’s pretty amazing that this is the 4th time IR is using this tune. Of course it’s possible that this time around Balki wanted the tune.
November 12, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Hey this tune was used before for a hindi movie… somewhere in late 90s i think…The film was directed by southie director i guess
November 15, 2009 at 9:38 AM
This is Quite AMAZING. He’s used Tumbi Va! The tune will find a definite resonance given how good it is. But why isn’t IR coming up with original tunes? Love his music.
November 15, 2009 at 9:40 AM
apparently Mudi is original.. but he did this for CK also partly because Balki I think likes the older stuff..
November 12, 2009 at 9:11 AM
I got it
Its from Aur Ek Prem Kahani (1997)
November 12, 2009 at 9:12 AM
So IR has used it for 5th time
November 12, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Must be some kind of record!
November 12, 2009 at 9:20 AM
This is informative
http://www.musicquencher.com/blog/tag/thumbi-vaa/
November 12, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Gumsum — new song from Amitabh’s Paa
http://ishare.rediff.com/video/Entertainment/Exclusive—Gumsum-from-Paa/865986
November 12, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Amitabh & Abhishek to make Children’s Day special!
November 12, 2009 7:41:07 PM IST
Bollywood Trade News Network
Son Playing Father to Father in Amitabh-Abhishek Bachchan’s PAA is all set to make this Children’s Day special! Every father- son, son- father relationship will explore new horizons, starting this November 14 till the release of PAA on 4th December 2009 as the endearing and innovative marketing strategy with ‘Paa and I’ kick starts.
AB Corp Ltd & Saraswati Creations present PAA in association with BIG Pictures and produced by MAD Entertainment Ltd. One of the most awaited films of recent times PAA has generated huge interest amongst film-goers due to the unusual rare and emotional subject of a son playing father a unique role reversal between Amitabh-Abhishek Bachchan, in the film and Amitabh Bacchan’s look in the film.
In phase I in order to make Children’s Day a day of celebration, ‘Paa and I’ relationship activities have been planned at various Malls in Mumbai on November 14 and 15, where fathers and children can get together to engage themselves in various fun filled activities and get lucky with PAA merchandise. Those that miss the fun this weekend can catch it on the subsequent weekends till the release of the film at various other malls in the city, on November 21 & 22 and on November 28 & 29.
As a part of its consumer engagement promotion strategy the ‘Paa and I’ campaign aims at going beyond standard hygiene practices of print, media, TV promos and outdoors to break the clutter and grab the audience’s attention by leveraging the concept that the average man will best connect with – the relationship of a father and a son.
This bright and cheerful family entertainer has been directed by R. Balakrishnan a.k.a. Balki of CHEENI KUM fame. Other than the venerable Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, PAA also stars Vidya Balan. The music scored by the maestro Illyaraja, the first Asian composer to score a symphony the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, is surely something to look forward to. The film has lyrics by Swanand Kirkire with cinematographer PC Sreeram.
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/09/nov/12-amitabh-n-abhishek-to-make-childrens-day-special-110915.asp
November 12, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Satyam,
I officially ban you from SS for removing Bachchan’s pics from the sidebar.
But, dont loose heart. The ban is only for two days.
November 12, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Rajen, to soften the blow I am at least doing a Rishi here!
November 13, 2009 at 1:24 AM
The extended Mudi Mudi song video is really really accomplished, although, as GF noted, I find the pace of the visuals (i.e. the way in which one succeeds another) a bit off. The coquettish vidya balan in the train is just Sexy.
November 13, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Some really cool videos of AB in PAA
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5380871097#/video/video.php?v=172660973338&ref=mf
November 13, 2009 at 3:30 PM
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=172663748338&ref=mf
November 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
November 14, 2009 at 7:21 AM
Here is a link to all the songs from Paa.
http://www.in.com/music/track-mere-paa-486409.html
November 14, 2009 at 1:44 PM
aawwww…aaawwwww…o my god..o my god.. mr. bachchan’s song..awesome..no..sorry..dats an understatement…wat a song..wat a voice..wat a man!!! SALUTE..
November 14, 2009 at 7:28 AM
never mind..it’s all there on paathefilm.
November 14, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Composer Ilaiyaaraja cancels music release of ‘Paa’
New Delhi News.Net
Saturday 14th November, 2009 (IANS)
The music event of upcoming movie ‘Paa’ that was scheduled for Children’s Day Saturday here was cancelled, thanks to workaholic composer Ilaiyaaraja who is not ready to break his ‘creative process to attend the function’.
Now, the sound tracks will hit the outlets Sunday without any formal release.
‘We had planned a formal music launch on Children’s Day in Mumbai. But Raja sir is busy doing the background score for ‘Paa’. In fact I’m with him right now. He says there’s no way he would break his creative process to attend the function. We all respect his wishes. We’ve cancelled the formal music release,’ director Balki says.
The music event was to be attended by Bollywood actresses Vidya Balan, Abhishek Bachchan, Balki and Ilaiyaaraja, who is currently in Chennai.
For Children’s Day, Balki will release a number of messages from Big B in the voice of Auro for kids all over the world. In ‘Paa’, Amitabh Bachchan plays the character of Auro, who has a rare genetic defect that causes accelerated ageing.
Balki said Amitabh won’t appear in person for any of the promotional activities of ‘Paa’.
‘We’ll only be hearing him talk about the film in the voice of Auro in all the campaigns. He won’t be seen in person anywhere,’ the director said.
November 14, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Director R Balki on his new film Paa, music maestro Ilayaraja and those ads
Hmm
So, is Paa inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s Jack?
Why only Jack? Aren’t people saying it’s similar to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button too? Let me tell you that Paa is neither. First, Jack is a bad movie and you don’t ever want to make a bad film. Secondly, if I really want to spend so much money on a bad movie, I’d rather buy its DVD. As for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , the only similarity is in the look of the characters and that too only in the shape of their heads.
But isn’t Jack also about progeria?
Yes, but so are ten other films. Paa is a father-son-mother story. It’s an emotional film about a child who discovers his father.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-The-make-up-was-the-difficult-part-/541399
Long interview but I posted his comment about Paa being a copy.
November 14, 2009 at 10:54 AM
[Compare Amitabh and Abhishek.
Both are very intense on camera and exhibit extreme sensitivity in understanding a character. Abhishek, especially, is a really spontaneous actor. He’s figured out what works best for him and pitches his performance in his way. His individuality and subtlety are endearing. Amitji, on the other hand, can go anywhere he wants. He can shout, he can cry, he can be silent and he can be soft.
He’s a chameleon.]
Elsewhere he’s praised abhishek’s understatement as an actor. It is partly the case that commercial cinema often requires over-pitched performances and Abhishek’s might seem less than this at points (no one had a problem with him in Dostana, many did in D6). So this is definitely a ‘box office’ problem. At the same time this is also why ‘directors’ seem to love him because they can certainly spot his craft. Bachchan was that rarity even in this sense. Even his over-pitched performances seemed fine (though far less so with today) or didn’t come off as over-pitched. And yet even with him his 80s performances in this sense have often made people forget the sparseness and fineness of a lot of his 70s work. What happened here was that the Desai Bachchan became the canonical one post-AAA. Desai more or less extinguished the ‘purer’ Salim-Javed character. This was fine for the world of his films or in general because most of the 80s films operate in that Desai-esque space. But where this isn’t true one feels a sense of loss. Much as Bachchan is on one level absolutely entrancing in films like Silsila and bemisaal he is on another level a bit too smooth in these films, a bit too quick as an actor where perhaps a greater degree of slowness might have helped the character and the films.
November 14, 2009 at 12:46 PM
They have to release on more trailor, needs to increase the tempo .
I’ve heard the song by Amitabh, didn’t get it may be it is more situational.
November 14, 2009 at 2:02 PM
yes it sounded strange.. I think the trailers have done their job.. the essential thing here was the look.. then they showed the young couple and the romance.. I wouldn’t actually do too much more. Maybe a song or so.. something should be left for the film!
November 14, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Komal om Paa:
http://www.thefilmstreetjournal.com/2009/11/%E2%80%98paa%E2%80%99-wah-wah/
November 14, 2009 at 2:16 PM
As per todays’ blog, they are planning premiere at three places. For this kind of film, I feel they should not show much in advance.
from blog:
Aamir comes over tomorrow at my initiative to discuss a few promotional points for our respective films. It is always a joy to meet him and his mind. We have always spent time together discussing various topics of common interest and yes films is one of them. Lets see how things go. I shall be happy to keep you informed.
November 14, 2009 at 5:45 PM
It shows the impact that Aamir had made on modern day Indian cinema that Amitabh wants to pick his brain on how to promote a film to make the right impact .
November 14, 2009 at 9:47 PM
One would always be wise to pick Aamir’s brain on anything! His relationship with the Bachchans is one of the better kept secrets of the industry. In this case though I think they’ve done everything right with the Paa campaign anyway.
November 14, 2009 at 9:53 PM
I am not denying Amir’s brain, but mostly Bachchan has initiated this as Amir had experience in making TZP to reach wider audience.
November 14, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Financial Express
Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd, (AB Corp Ltd), the home production of the actor established in 1996, is said to see a revival with its much-hyped upcoming film Paa. After suffering a string of losses as its projects bombed on the box office, the company may well reestablish itself in Bollywood now, say industry experts.
And the Bachchan parivar is leaving nothing to chance. So if bahu Aishwarya Rai is has taken charge of the marketing strategy of the film, Jaya Bachchan herself will be introducing the cast and crew of the film instead of the regular credit titles.
From head-in-the-box teaser ads, to Auro merchandise, Paa-and-I campaign strategies, to Big B visiting schools, the promotional strategy for the film made on the theme of father-son relationship has been novel so far.
And if the news of the role reversal—Abhishek plays Amitabh’s paa in the movie—was not enough, the initial teasers were mind blowing. The first teasers showed a bald head inside a cardboard box. That was enough to make people sit up and take notice. Then came the television promos, which revealed the main crux of the film. Since then, there’s been no stopping for the Paa and Auro (character played by Amitabh).
Made on a small budget of Rs 16 crore, the movie revolves around the father-son duo of Abhishek and Amitabh, with the latter playing the role of a 13-year-old boy with a rare genetic disease called ‘progeria’ that causes accelerated ageing. This film has already won a lot of praise and has created a strong buzz across the country with its unusual theme and look.
Says director R Balakrishnan, “The idea of Paa came at the time when Cheeni Kum was still under production. I wanted to cast the Bachchans together, and felt that they would give full justice to the subject. Later, I told them that their roles would be reversed in the film, where Amitabh would play the role of the son (Auro) who’s suffering from progeria, while Abhishek would be the supporting father. Since it’s a real story, they found the idea interesting and agreed.”
The look of Auro was first revealed by Big B in his blog, which increased curiosity among viewers. “We had to do a lot of research before the film could be made. We saw various videos, documentaries, consulted various doctors and did research on how the looks are affected due this…
November 15, 2009 at 9:14 AM
Here’s a lowdown on some of the other songs. I’ve already referenced Gumsum above but the brief tune on halke se comes from this well known number:
I went to a few Tamil forums and looks like Mudi mudi is probably a Raja original for the film.
November 15, 2009 at 9:34 AM
TOI:
I would prefer a son like Abhishek: Vidya
“I would prefer a son like Abhishek. I have seen him with his father on the sets… he was so nice to his father that I was touched,” Vidya told reporters here Saturday.
Director R. Balakrishnan’s “Paa” is an emotional story of a father-son relationship and Amitabh will be seen as Abhishek’s 13-year-old son Auro who is suffering from a rare disease progeria, that accelerates ageing. The film releases Dec 4.
“The film is all about Auro and all through the film there is a certain sensibility about Auro, but no sympathy is shown towards the 13-year-old progeric child in the film,” said Vidya.
When the director approached her for the role, she wasn’t sure about playing the mother of a progeric child. “Initially, I wondered how to do the role as I didn’t have that motherly instinct. But while working on the film I realised what motherhood is,” said Vidya.
She says playing Amitabh’s mother wasn’t difficult at all. “I was a bit concerned initially but it was smooth sail once we started working together.”
Asked if it wasn’t a risk to play a mother so early in her career, she said: “I didn’t see any risk, rather it was a lifetime opportunity to get to work in such a wonderful film.”
November 15, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Milliblog
Music review: Paa
Mudhi mudhi (and Udhi udhi) is one of the trendiest songs of the year; zingy, superbly sung by Shilpa Rao and exceptionally orchestrated! Gumm summ, after its various versions – one in Hindi itself (Aur ek prem kahani’s Sunday ko), still sounds as lilting as the original, Olangal’s Thumbi vaa. Hichki is muddled, at best, while the intentionally-kiddish Mere paa is barely saved, by the theme interlude. Balki imports Halke se bole’s tune again, after using it in a Kissan Jam commercial – the chorus versions is disappointing, though. But, Paa’s soundtrack is worth the price for Mudhi mudhi alone!
http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2009/11/14/music-review-paa-hindi-ilayaraja/
November 15, 2009 at 1:51 PM
thanks for posting this.. I am more or less in agreement with the review. I’d be a little kinder on Hichki and on gum sum I’d say it still sounds good but I’d take the some of the Southern versions over it. Partly because Raja just had a ‘fuller’ sound earlier. Over the last 10-15 years it’s been more ‘sparse’ as Qalandar would have it or ‘clinical’ as I would. I don’t think this soundtrack bucks the trend as I see it. In fairness Raja once seemed minimalist relative to the tradition he followed. But I think in the recent years he’s perhaps not completely made his peace with technological innovation in this sense. In any case Mudi mudi is a real ditty, I’m not arguing against it (agree on the vocals too), I also like the variations, this does seem to be the mainstay of the film given it’s three versions but I still find this ‘lack’ in it. On Bachchan’s Paa song I’d read that Aadesh Shrivastav was reworking a Raja tune for this. Not sure what tune that is though I couldn’t make out very much with the snippet on the site.
November 15, 2009 at 1:52 PM
I have noticed going through some of the Tamil blogs that even listeners obviously familiar with the maestro’s oeuvre have loved Mudi.
November 16, 2009 at 3:20 PM
November 16, 2009 at 5:29 PM
LOL!
[An insider said, “Aamir wished Amitabh all the best for Paa. Later, the status on Aamir’s blog said ‘Pucca Idiot will definitely see Paa’.”]
November 17, 2009 at 6:23 AM
What I really liked was Abhishek saying that as a child he had always viewed the world, looking down, perched on his father’s shoulder. So it was time for him to return the complement, by carrying his father piggy- back. Abhishek always has a little anecdote to relate about every incident in his life and relates them with the skill of a consummate raconteur. Add to that his unswerving devotion to his family. Makes him a total delight to listen to.
On a different track, I was so looking forward to see him paired opposite sexy, sassy Katrina in Dostana2 and Abbas Mastan’s next. But apparantly its going to be boring, banal Kareena instead.
Worse still. Aishwarya apparantly hinted that she is in talks with Rohan Sippy for his next. That could only mean the Abhishek flick. Abhishek, please have some consideration for your fans. Rohan, some other female lead, please.
Some dimwit commented on Mr B’s blog yesterday saying that Abhishek got the “advantage” of the Lux add, due to his association with Aishwarya. Advantage?!! In a beauty soap add??!! Where it was all about the female!!! That he could make it look interesting is testimony to his own skill. Aaah! Here’s wishing him all the best and loads and loads of love.
November 17, 2009 at 8:54 AM
November 17, 2009 at 9:08 AM
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/477303.aspx
“I have modelled my look after Sachin Pilot and Milind Deora. There were no special efforts taken for my look in the film because we wanted to keep the character as normal as possible,” he said.
November 17, 2009 at 12:45 PM
November 17, 2009 at 12:47 PM
LOL, some of this is fun!
November 17, 2009 at 12:58 PM
I am not able to see anything above. is it some browser problem or what? can you give me Link ?
November 17, 2009 at 1:04 PM
a problem at your end.. but here’s the LINK
November 17, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Abhishek Bachchan is a relaxed producer: R. Balki
November 17th, 2009
New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) Director R. Balakrishnan says that Abhishek Bachchan, who is acting in and also producing ‘Paa’, is a very relaxed producer and has no hang ups.
‘Paa’, in which Amitabh Bachchan plays Abhishek’s son Auro who is suffering from the premature ageing disease progeria, is being produced under the banner AB Corps Ltd.
‘Abhishek is a relaxed producer. I wish he produces more films. He is someone with whom you can do what you want. He gives that creative freedom to his director,’ Balakrishnan, fondly called Balki told IANS.
‘Paa’ is slated for a Dec 4 release.
November 19, 2009 at 10:08 PM
interesting bit of naturalism for this new video..
November 20, 2009 at 6:36 AM
paa becoming popular before the release.
November 20, 2009 at 9:31 AM
November 20, 2009 at 11:39 AM
PAA becoming popular before its release,
it just shows that paa might become a huge sucess
we will see on 4th december when it will be D-DAY.
I am very confident that the film will take a massive step towards its destiny………HIT….
November 20, 2009 at 11:52 AM
mitabhs paa….The London and Dubai premiere have been cancelled.
“But Mumbai premiere is on at the IMAX Wadala on Dec 3 and Aamir and Shah Rukh have assured me of their presence there, he added.
surely that cant be right..
http://blog.taragana.com/e/2009/11/18/london-dubai-premieres-of-paa-cancelled-61683/
November 20, 2009 at 11:57 AM
what can’t be right?
November 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Satyam ,what i mean is srk and amir khan on paa”s premier !
November 20, 2009 at 12:16 PM
yup it will interesting vijay to see big b srk aamir in same frame if possible…
mr bachan is going no hold bare for this one..
between was looking forward to get ur email vijay if possible..
November 20, 2009 at 12:19 PM
he claims on his blog that they will show up..
November 20, 2009 at 12:19 PM
yes rooney,
maruti@supanet.com
looking forward to hear from you……bhai and dost…
give me yours aswell……
November 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM
thanks yaar…here is mine-
masoomrooney@yahoo.co.uk
between we need to win tomorrow..
i hope we continue our form from chelsea game rather than the result..
November 20, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Thanks rooney, email id noted,as far as tomorrow is concerned we will beat Everton because we have already qualified in C.L.
keep in touch and by the way Satyam it is taking ages to get into paa trailor updated and probably it has overloaded ,only hope is that the film gets the same responce and becomes a BLOCK-BUSTER jusy like the paas update trailors….
November 20, 2009 at 12:49 PM
yup friend.. tc m too sleeping…
November 20, 2009 at 10:44 PM
That new remix clip is simply mesmerising…I’m in love with the picturisation! A very viral and savvy video at that…the promotional campaign for PAA has been exemplary, and this could turn out to be the years finest film!
November 20, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Agree !! This is Balki at its excellence !! Reminds me of idea ad !!Is this remix is showing on TV channels as promos ?
November 21, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Paa premiere plans
Paa’s premiere in Mumbai on December 3rd is set to start with Abhishek Bachchan entering the premiere carrying his Paa, Amitabh Bachchan on piggyback. This was Abhishek’s idea and he wants to go ahead with it, despite Amitabh trying to dissuade him as it may have a bad effect on Abhi’s back.
Paa’s premiere venue will be decorated like a child’s nursery. Paa is being depended upon to be a success as it is AB Corp’s first film in five years. Amitabh was supposed to, initially, be dressed up as Auro, his character in the film. But they decided against the idea, as the makeup artist would have to especially be flown in from the US and Amitabh as Auro would prove to be distracting for the guests.
Amitabh will receive the guests at the premiere along with the six child actors who play his friends in the film –Nimit, Pratik, Taruni, Varun, Gaurav and Dhruven. All friends of the Bachchans’ are invited to the premiere.
November 21, 2009 at 9:02 AM
November 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM
more of this interview please, satyam. am off television, so didn’t see it.
November 21, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I’m just putting up the snippets I could find.. if you scroll up you’ll see others from different interviews..
November 21, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Abhishek Bachchan Interview with Anupuma Chopra (NDTV)
November 21, 2009 at 10:11 AM
alright Mirabai, here’s the longer version from the same…
November 21, 2009 at 10:39 AM
yahoo, satyam, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! you’re an absolute gem. Btw, loved your response on Mr B’s blog today, the 1st one was truely funny(and you made Mr B himself laugh– didn’t I say you’re a gem) and your 2nd longer one, about Abhishek. regards, Mira.
November 21, 2009 at 10:40 AM
thanks much.. appreciated..
November 21, 2009 at 10:47 AM
well..for those interested ..i think the full interview is on ndtv 24-7 at 10:30 pm tonight!!
November 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM
thanks..
November 21, 2009 at 5:09 PM
mansi, read your message just in time and caught the full interview. thankx so much. and isn’t he just gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!!
November 26, 2009 at 9:52 AM
Bachchan’s ‘speech’ in Paa.. (thanks to pradip):
http://downloads.bollywoodhungama.com/audio/09/paa/paa1.wma
November 26, 2009 at 10:01 AM
‘Auro dance’ caught on candid camera; to be used in music video
By Subhash K. Jha, November 26, 2009 – 11:00 IST
About 40 unsuspecting passersby and strangers of all ages on the streets of Mumbai were captured last week trying to ape the Big B’s zany ‘Monkey dance’ steps on ad-maverick turned first-time filmmaker Balki’s new music video which hopes to promote the by-now popular dance step from Paa among kids and grownups alike.
Apparently, it was Paa producer Abhishek Bachchan’s idea to just go out on the road and capture people aping the Monkey step, expertly and clumsily but with genuine feeling. Reveals Balki, “The idea to record random people on candid camera doing Auro’s steps did come from Abhishek. And I liked the idea immensely. Much better than getting a rehearsed group of enthusiasts to do the steps. We went out with the camera and found a surprisingly large number of people who were trying to do the Monkey Steps. We have them on camera as part of a music-video which we’ll air on television soon. We’re hoping they wouldn’t mind being caught with their guards down.”
The genesis of the Big B’s Monkey Steps is interesting. Says Balki, “I wanted Auro to have his own peculiar dance steps, with King Kong’s beating of the chest, etc. Our choreographers Bosco-Ceasar came up with the perfect little jig for Auro.”
Interestingly, Shimit Amin’s Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year has its own little jig billed as the ‘Rocket Step’ for Ranbir Kapoor.
So this December, it’s the 67-year old Amitabh Bachchan’s Monkey Steps vying for dance – space with 27-year old Ranbir Kapoor’s Rocket Steps.
November 27, 2009 at 12:17 PM
http://diptakirti.blogspot.com/2009/10/kab-tak-bachchan.html
November 27, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Sharukh eager to watch Paa
http://www.apunkachoice.com/content/article/sid1137-shahrukh_khan_eager_to_see_paa/
November 27, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Babies out of wedlock, Vidya?
TNN 28 November 2009, 12:00am
Abhishek Bachchan has one of the sharpest sense of humour in the industry. And this was evident during an interview with him and Vidya Balan.
When asked if playing mommy aroused her maternal instincts, Vidya thought for long, while AB junior was grinning away.
He heard Vidya fumble with her reply, “I love kids… I dunno, I’m not married yet, how can I have kids,” and as soon as she was done, Abhi jumped in with, “A mere technicality my dear. Who says you need to be married to have kids?”
His response had everyone in splits, and of course, Vidya, who’d turned a wee bit red-faced by then, joined in too. Now, that’s the Bachchan brand of humour.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Babies-out-of-wedlock-Vidya/articleshow/5275551.cms
November 27, 2009 at 11:27 PM
LOL!!
November 27, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Not the Big B we have known
November 28, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Amitabh Bachchan, the master of cool
November 27, 2009 11:03 IST
The ‘hopeless businessman’ plans a comeback as a cool CEO who has learned his lesson the hard way.
http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/nov/27/amitabh-bachchan-the-master-of-cool.htm
November 28, 2009 at 4:20 PM
from Abhishe’s twitter:
Just finished checking the first print of PAA. What can I say….. Guess, I’m a very proud father!!!
November 28, 2009 at 4:36 PM
good to hear..
November 30, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Auro to visit over 700 screens worldwide with ‘Paa’ release Click here to add this article to My Clips
By Taran Adarsh, November 30, 2009 – 12:26 IST
Directed by R. Balakrishnan aka Balki, PAA, an AB Corp Ltd. presentation in association with Reliance BIG Pictures, is all set to cast an Auro spell worldwide. Come 4th December, Reliance BIG Pictures will release PAA in 700 screens worldwide, including print and digital. It will release in 20 countries worldwide, including India, U.K., U.S., Canada, U.A.E., Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and many others.
Idea Cellular had tied up with PAA for an activity based on ‘Talk to Auro’ concept, wherein callers can leave messages for Auro on an Idea number and in return receive calls from Auro on a pre-determined date. This will be promoted through a co-branded TV advertisement. Apart from this, ring back tones in Auro’s voice and other value added services too will be available on Idea network.
Bajaj Allianz has tied up for an integrated TV advertisement on Child Plans, which has been interspersed with the film’s promos and is currently on air on 24 prime television channels. BIG FM is on board as the film’s radio partner.
The film has followed a week on week 360 degree marketing and promotion campaign, which kick-started with an innovative teaser and progressed to a novel and eye-catching promotion in multiplexes with Auro’s on-screen photo slides, which read ‘Please stand up for the national anthem or else I will tell my Paa’, ‘Please switch off your mobile phone or else I will tell my Paa’ and ‘Don’t dirty the theatre or I’ll tell my Paa’ poster on trash cans.
On November 14, PAA’s TV promos carried a special message wishing all viewers Happy Children’s Day and a mall activation invited PAA with their children for day-long fun-filled activities.
November 30, 2009 at 9:48 AM
November 30, 2009 at 12:54 PM
´Paa´ Exclusive Preview In London Tomorrow ; International Embargo On Review Till Friday!
- Planet Bollywood Special Correspondant
There will be an exclusive preview screening of landmark film, ‘Paa’, taking place on Tuesday 1st December at 1.00pm for 1.15pm start, at Court Kempinski, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HL.
Starring the most iconic figure of Indian cinema – Amitabh Bachchan – in his most ambitious and thought-provoking film project to date and marking 40 years of his formidable work in the industry which has gained him global adulation and recognition, ‘Paa’ is presented under Amitabh Bachchan’s production banner, AB Corp, in conjunction with Reliance Big Pictures.
In a literal reversal of roles, the screen legend will be playing the son character to his real-life son, Abhishek Bachchan, whom he stars alongside in the film. ‘Paa’ presents a first in Indian cinema, dealing with an issue that has never before been dealt with on screen and which is sure to win the acclaim of audiences and critics the world over.
(Please note that the publication or broadcast of the film review has an international embargo till Friday 4th December 2009, 12.00am).
http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayArticle.php?id=n113009084237
November 30, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Why Paa may not work, why it could hit big at the box office
http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21900&z=4
November 30, 2009 at 3:18 PM
don’t agree with a great deal of the commentary here… because I would refract even the factors I agree with a bit differently.. nonetheless they are trying to look at both sides of the deal here..
November 30, 2009 at 3:26 PM
I am in general not happy with formulaic approaches to cinema (or anything else). Often we read into success and failure only this if we are already inclined to believe the same.
The ‘different’ is often precisely so because it brushes up against commercial parameters. TZP had no Aamir in the first half and no romance at all. There was Aamir’s prestige but this film couldn’t have survived without very good WOM. It is harder to get it right with such a film because there are no safety nets in terms of masala or item numbers or whatever. Which is why these films are risky. Paa falls into such a category. But for that risk there would not be this sort of buzz around the film! Incidentally I disagree that Kurbaan has genuine buzz around it. It was hyped to some degree but as I’ve always maintained buzz is something different.
November 30, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Ben Kingsley to attend premiere of Paa
Ben Kingsley Ben Kingsley who won accolades and award for Mohandas Gandhi in the film Gandhi will be attending the premiere of Amitabh Bachchan starrer Paa on December 3 in Mumbai. Ben Kingsley shares the screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in Leena Yadav’s Teen Patti. A source reveals, ”Both the actors bonded really well on the sets and Mr. Bachchan has personally invited Kingsley to attend his premiere to be held in the coming week in Mumbai.” The source continues, ”Ben is down in India for the IFFI festival in Goa. The Hollywood actor will be coming to Mumbai to attend the premiere. He is one of the special invitee on the guest list of Mr Bachchan.” ”Apart from the Hollywood actorBen Kingsley attending the premiere, one will also see Aamir Khan who too is been personally invited by Amitabh Bachchan. One will also witness the unusual entry of the junior and senior Bachchan. On the film’s premiere, Abhishek Bachchan who plays Big B’s father in the film plans to pull off a small stunt. He plans to carry Big B piggyback to the film’s premiere venue,” adds the source.
November 30, 2009 at 3:23 PM
The piggyback deal in terms of the premiere I must confess has been a too much for me to swallow. I hope this is a rumor.
they’ve truly bled the diegetic into the non-diegetic with this film.
November 30, 2009 at 3:34 PM
I too agree with piggyback deal. Someone has asked Abhishek in twitter, he told to wait and watch. Regarding the movie, I’ve read some comments about Auro’s voice not resembling real …
November 30, 2009 at 3:51 PM
the chemistry between abhishek and vidya is palpable in the mudi mudi trailer.
November 30, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Abhishek interview (part 1):
November 30, 2009 at 11:14 PM
endearing interview..
December 1, 2009 at 1:40 PM
The part from 5:18 up is interesting, good to hear…
December 1, 2009 at 8:55 AM
[It is learnt that since the time, Amitabh Bachchan had said that Vidya Balan reminded him of his favourite actress Waheeda Rehman, the actress just can’t stop blushing.
The senior Bachchan had said in a recent interview that Vidya “has the grace and beauty of Waheeda Rehman”. He had further added that Vidya’s Indianness reminded him of the star with whom he worked in his earlier films like Trishul, Kabhie Kabhie and Adalat.
A pal of Vidya’s reveals to us that Vidya is extremely delighted by the superstar’s compliments. “What more she could ask for. She is deeply humbled and at the same time dumbfounded.” The pal tells us.
Vidya has stated in this regard, “It was very kind of him (Amitabh Bachchan) to say something like that. Waheedaji was known for her beauty and grace and being compared to her is like receiving a great award. Amitji has been generous with his compliments. I’m speechless.”
She further adds, “I got the opportunity to work with him and Abhishek and it has been a great experience. I sincerely wish I get more roles like this in the future.”]
December 1, 2009 at 9:33 AM
Radio Mirchi Mumbai employees dressed in school uniforms for Amitabh Bachchan’s studio visit! http://twitpic.com/ron8b
Auro was here at Mirchi.we all dressed as school kids to welcome him
sriram,me,parikshit,pranita – http://twitpic.com/rokek
December 1, 2009 at 10:09 AM
[b]Red FM plays host to Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan
MUMBAI: Superstar Amitabh Bachchan visited Red FM studios to promote his eagerly awaited movie Paa. Vidya Balan who plays mother to Amitabh’s character, Auro, was also in studio to talk about the movie. Mr. Bachchan’s visit caused a minor upheaval near Red FM’s office as desperate fans tried to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor.[/b]
Amitabh Bachchan interacted with RJs Malishka, Mantra, Rohini and Tarun, and fielded questions from Happy Singh and Cookie. Mr. Bachchan and Vidya Balan also ate Khichdi, specially prepared by ISKCON’s Food Relief foundation, in a gesture of support to Red FM’s Bajaao for a Cause and ISKCON’s School= Lunch midday meal activity. Bytes from Amitabh’s and Vidya’s interaction with the RJs will be played out over the course of this week.
Tune into Red FM to hear what the Big B had to say about being a kid once again!
http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news-releases/red-fm-plays-host-amitabh-bachchan-and-vidya-balan
December 1, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Paa Movie Gallery.
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/moviegallery/11771.html
December 1, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Thanks.. all these images are already available in the Paa ‘images’ post.
December 1, 2009 at 2:09 PM
IBOS:
Vidya Balan: Best heroine opposite Abhishek Bachchan till now
Monday, November 30, 2009
If Paa goes onto do well at the box office, it won’t be just because of Amitabh Bachchan’s performance. A significant chunk of the credit will have to go to Vidya Balan and Abhishek Bachchan’s chemistry as being apparent from the promos of the film.
To his credit, the director Balki made Abhishek Bachchan get into cleanshaven, fit look for this film, last probably seen circa Bunty&Babli. But in terms of heroines, outside of Rani Mukherjee (heroine of Yuva, Bunty & Babli), no actress has really so far stood out as a physical and temperamental match for his brand of acting, personality and style. Not Aishwarya Rai, not Lara Dutta, not Sushmita Sen. Except Vidya Balan.
This was apparent in their last hit, Guru, as well. Though Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan weren’t paired directly there, they had a natural chemistry, which in this new film is looking aesthetically and visually appealing given they are now paired as romantic pair in this film.
The reason may be Vidya Balan is attractive enough onscreen and yet doesn’t appear too superficial. Moreover she projects a certain intelligence and sensibility that middle class Indian men seek and can relate to. And Bachchans, at the end of the day, are heroes of middle-class India. The actress may not be called a superstar yet but as heroine she is a better fit for Abhishek Bachchan’s persona and associative appeal to the public more than a lot of higher name actresses, and this will show in the box office returns.
December 1, 2009 at 2:15 PM
The central claim here that Vidya Balan is a good fit for Abhishek is valid and one I happen to agree with. But one doesn’t have to get carried away here. Abhishek/Rani were superb in Yuva and BnB. Abhishek/Priyanka were great in BM, Abhishek-Ash were very effective in Guru. Abhishek-Sonam had some chemistry in D6 and this was sadly one of the unexplored aspects of the film. One could perhaps add other combos. My favorite on the evidence so far is Abhishek-Rani. A pair that deserved to have more films but for Rani’s professional harakiri. Abhishek-Vidya look great in the Paa promos but why is it the best one around for Abhishek?! The clean shaven claim is also an odd one given he has no been clean-shaven in some of his most iconic films from BM to Sarkar. If anything the stubble has been his defining signature. When he isn’t clean shaven that’s the exception! Is it really plausible that someone enjoys a film with Abhishek but rejects it only because the stubble gets in the way?!
On the rest but of course Paa will have a lot with the ‘parents’. It is the father-son deal as well. So of course the ‘parents’ have to work!
Isn’t it just easier to believe that a good film works?! That the bar is higher for a film like Paa? So on and so forth. But ultimately it’s not as convoluted as this.
December 1, 2009 at 6:42 PM
This is a retarded piece. Not to mention that the sample size is one film — and one where the two weren’t [aired together! (the writer’s use of “not exactly” is hilarious)…
December 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Abhishek Bachchan on PAA
Paa has been one of the most talked about films in India since the past few weeks. It is a film that features father and son Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan where Amitabh is playing Abhishek’s father. The film is difficult for Amitabh, as he is playing a 13 year old kid but its as difficult for Abhishek to play Amitabh’s father even because it is his first film as a producer too. We spoke to Abhishek Bachchan on Paa…
Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkar, Sarkar Raj and now Paa. Everyone has high expectations from the father-son jodi. What’s so special about Paa?
Paa is a film about a 13-year-old kid suffering from progeria, played by Amitabh Bachchan. The central character is called Auro, a , and suffers from a rare condition which causes premature ageing among children. While I play his dad and Vidya Balan his mother. What is special is for all to see, don’t you want to see me playing father to my father?
So you are playing father to Amitabh Bachchan in PAA, how easy or difficult was it?
It was too difficult playing PAA to Amitabh Bachchan. I mean, look at him! He is a living legend…he plays the role of a 12-year-old with as much ease as he plays his age on-screen. I doubt if any other actor has ever portrayed such diversified roles as he has done and is still doing! Before the camera rolled, we were like buddies…at times; I was bossing over him jokingly. But once the camera rolled, he completely took over. He is the boss, from every angle, any day, anytime
This film seems to have a very challenging role for you as an actor?
Yes, it is different from how it has been in the past. I’ve chosen a challenging job. As my luck would have it, I’m curious to see how audiences react to these completely different characters. As long as they’re entertained, I’m happy. But this film is totally different, although peoples attention will be on Paa I mean Amitabh but I and Vidya are playing important characters which are totally different ones.
When the shooting was going on, was there a shot when you just stared at Amitabh Bachchan and was amazed just to see him act and give a power packed performance?
Lots of shots in the film are like that. In the promos there is a scene where he looks up and says ‘Paa’ I guess that particular shot is wonderful. No one would recognize him. I was so thrilled because it was the only shot and in just one shot Balki got convinced. Actually I have seen him evolve and improve every passing day of the shooting. He is reinventing himself on a daily basis. Every time he faces the camera, he gives a new and fresh dimension to his performance. So every shot was amazing.
How did Balki convince you?
Balki’s brief to me was very simple, I had to be best friends with my father’s character ‘Auro’ throughout the film, and since Paa and I are best of friends in real life too, I really enjoyed playing Paa’s Paa!.. Actually, it has not been tough at all. I would say it was the exact opposite; it was a lot of fun. I was happy with the concept and also eager to watch my father in such a role.
When you saw Amitabh Bachchan for the first time in the get up, did you recognize him?
Ohh, let me tell you that incident. On our very first day of the shoot we all were outside on the sets and then suddenly I went inside the make room to search for Paa, I asked everyone if they had seen him? Everyone in that room was staring at me so I juts left again, I roamed on the entire sets and again went to his make up van where Balki was also there and then I guessed that the man sitting in front of the mirror is actually Paa. He was looking so different that no one could have recognized him. And let me tell you one more thing, that the film’s name also came from there because until that time the title was not fixed but when Balki heard me calling Paa he said , it’s the perfect title.
Its your film not only because you and father are there but also because its an AB corp film, it’s for the first time you are playing a producer? How was it and how you deal with the post production work?
It’s not at all easy to be a producer. But I finished the film in the budget and moreover there iss lots of work after the film completes. Promotion, marketing, post production, lots more. We are just trying to set up AB Corp again and I hope by Paa we can do it.
How was it working with Vidya. She is not so experienced as an actor like you?
I have seen her in Munnabhai, one of my favorite films and after that I watched Parineeta and I realized that she is not only immensely beautiful but she is a great actress too. Both of our characters are different and its very tough to work with Amitabh Bachchan because every shot given by him is perfect. And sometimes Vidya used to get nervous but she is a great performer, the other side of Vidya’s acting will be shown in Paa.
What’s been your favorite role till date?
I think being a son, more than being an actor in particular, I think being my father’s son has been my favourite role. I enjoy the fact that I’m his son. I enjoy the responsibility he gives me. And most of all I enjoy being his bouncer. I enjoy the fact on Sunday, I don’t know if you know, but on Sundays hundreds of his fans come outside the house gates to meet him, which is a trend that started after his ’82 accident. They used to come to see him and check on his well-being. And he used to go out and wave at them and sign autographs and that has continued till date. And now, instead of everyday it’s only on Sundays, you literally have hundreds of people outside the gate waiting to see him. And he comes out religiously in the evening, waves out, shakes their hand, signs autographs. And since I was a child whenever I was at home, he used to always take me out with him. And I used to enjoy being the bouncer . You know, warding off the crowds and all. And I still do it, although now he takes me out because he’s the proud father and wants to say, this is my son. And this is what I call his Lion King moment. He holds me up and says, here’s the cub. But for me it’s always about, you know, I’m the proud son who enjoys the fact that my father is still showered with all the love and blessings and I enjoy it.
We are seeing you in many ads also, suddenly you’re in so many endorsements? Can you tell us why?
My criterion to endorse a brand is simple. Would I use the product and am I comfortable endorsing the product? It’s very important for the brand ambassador to have faith in the product. I believe in the products I endorse.
December 1, 2009 at 3:26 PM
First review of PAA is out:
http://www.tripleslashm.blogspot.com/
Suffice to say that it is definitely worth a watch. Everyone has done a great job, the cast, the technical crew, special mention of the art direction, the music may not be platinum-selling, rickshaw dhinchak chartbusters but syncs with the film brilliantly. But that is probably the way it was meant to be. If at all I have to nitpick, a couple of small blemishes. The Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi, has a bedside telephone with Sahara Star labelled on it. Vidya’s 2008 Honda Accord morphs into the 2004 Accord in between. Auro the twelve year old child’s finger has something that suspiciously looks like a voting mark. I may be wrong.
But all this is really trivial compared to emotional roller-coaster that the film is. Hugely enjoyable.
December 1, 2009 at 3:30 PM
there are some spoilers in the piece. I wouldn’t have guessed some of the plot twists..
December 1, 2009 at 3:37 PM
I feel from the review, it is a winner. I have few doubts about the film which were cleared .
December 1, 2009 at 3:39 PM
agreed.. there seems to be a lot to the plot..
December 1, 2009 at 3:32 PM
December 1, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Not familiar with this magazine, what is its focus?
December 1, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Auro character should get accepted by the audience. That is more crucial than Abhishek – Vidya. Movie’s success depend on Auro and dialogues., though I am not underestimating Abhishek’s role.
December 1, 2009 at 3:36 PM
I don’t see that as a problem after the fine promotion campaign. The biggest hurdle here was the look. It is only because this has been accepted that the film has such buzz. The speech shouldn’t be an impediment!
December 1, 2009 at 3:47 PM
The trailor was only few mins . My fear was how effective it is in full length movie.
December 1, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Now this story sounds really interesting. But I will have to wait to see it until the second weekend due to my schedule.
December 2, 2009 at 9:31 AM
If that is the actual story and Balki has kept the script tight , which was a fault for me in CK as it felt almost as if he lost concentration in the second half and rushed the movie . Then it has a fair chance of doing very well . Sounds a little a bit like Ek hi Bhool but with different twist , which was a little gem of a movie back in the 80′s . Really excited about it now .
December 2, 2009 at 9:40 AM
excellent point Aramak.. it is a quintessential story recycled here in this sense.. many films have operated around such a theme.
December 2, 2009 at 9:46 AM
Big B goes to school as a student after nearly 52 years
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, December 2, 2009 – 18:55 IST
It was a nostalgic moment for the ‘Superstar of the Millennium’ Amitabh Bachchan earlier this week as he spent almost half a day at Jamnabai Narsee school in Juhu, Mumbai. However, what was surprising was the fact that Bachchan didn’t go to the school as a celebrity, but as any other student dressed in the school uniform. The event was a unique and rare promotional activity for Bachchan’s forthcoming film Paa. Bollywood Hungama brings you some exclusive pics from this fun-filled event.
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/slideshow/2009/12/02/524/index.html
December 2, 2009 at 10:01 AM
December 2, 2009 at 11:37 AM
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/09/dec/02-jack-is-nowhere-close-to-paas-brilliance-120907.asp
December 2, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Seems writer has not seen PAA… odd article
December 2, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Clock will give film audiences time to reflect
chris.elliott@cambridge-news.co.uk
The Corpus Christi Clock
CAMBRIDGE’S famous Grasshopper clock is set to star in a Bollywood movie.
The £1 million Chronophage, on the exterior of Corpus Christi College library, will make an appearance in Paa, a film about a three-year-old Indian boy.
The boy, Aura, suffers from a rare genetic defect which causes accelerated ageing, and part of the plot brings him to Cambridge University.
He is played by 67-year old Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, and the leading characters spent several weeks filming in Cambridge.
The clock, created by inventor Dr John C Taylor, features in the story as a poignant reminder of the passing of time, and appears in a number of key scenes. It will also figure heavily in promotional trailers in cinemas.
The film is due for worldwide release on Friday and is being hotly anticipated around the world. It will be the first Bollywood production accessible on all mobile phones.
The gold-plated Chronophage, unveiled in Cambridge by Prof Stephen Hawking in September last year, has proved immensely popular with visitors to the city.
It is powered by a pendulum and a mechanism in the shape of a giant grasshopper, sculpted by Cambridgebased artist Matthew Lane Sanderson, and built by Huxley Bertram Engineering at Cottenham.
There are no hands or digital numerals, just a series of slits cut into the face, with blue LED lights which pause at the hour, minute, and second.
Dr Taylor is currently working on making another one.
He said: “I’m delighted that the clock has been used in this film to create a reference to relative time and the ageing process, as that is exactly what I created it for.
“The fearsome beast which drives the clock indicates that time is often our enemy, not our friend.
“I hope that people around the world who see it featuring in Paa will be curious about the clock and want to find out more.”
A trailer for the film is available at http://www.youtube.com/paathemovie.
Published: 02/12/2009
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_cambridge/displayarticle.asp?id=468159
December 2, 2009 at 5:00 PM
I was wondering why the grasshopper was so prominent in the previews!
December 2, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Here is a link to interview with Auro, Balki & Vidhya.
http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/106354/12_2009/making_of_paa1a/watch-the-making-of-big-bs-paa.html
December 2, 2009 at 5:58 PM
Just finished watching those very well put clips on ibnlive. Really nice
December 2, 2009 at 6:20 PM
http://boxofficeindia.com/npages.php?page=shownews&articleid=1311&nCat=news
December 2, 2009 at 6:28 PM
I think it is safe to say that publicity part has been handled well and while it may not translate into massive advance, a certain palpable curiosity has been aroused and the rest will depend on early reviews and word of mouth.
December 2, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Member of Parliament Sachin Pilot’s Paa connection
Abhishek Bachchan who plays Paa to his own father Amitabh Bachchan in Paa but he also plays the character of politician a Member of the Parliament in the film.
Sources inform that when Abhishek Bachchan took up the role he wanted to look perfect as a politician in the film. So he adapted the mannerism of his politician friend Sachin Pilot for the role in the movie. The steel rimmed spectacles, the long kurta pyjamas and the walk.”
“Abhishek and Sachin Pilot were friends when they studied together in the Boston University. Hence he knew how Sachin behaved and talked. He decided to use these mannerisms” adds our source.
“Abhishek even called his friend Sachin and told him that he would be adapting his mannerisms in the film. And Sachin laughed and promptly replied “now that you are going to adapt my mannerism it better be good. I will watch the film”
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/member-of-parliament-sachin-pilots-paa-connection_100283483.html#ixzz0Ya8xZ5Nz
December 2, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Abhishek Bachchan Speaks About ‘Paa’ Part
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/broadband/video/Interviews/M159oe75/1/Abhishek-Bachchan-Speaks-About-Paa-Part-2.html
December 2, 2009 at 11:49 PM
thanks, I was waiting for this..
December 3, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Lots of praise on twitter from Sujoy Ghosh on the film
http://twitter.com/sujoy_g
December 3, 2009 at 5:18 AM
We can’t take the twitter comments seriously.
From Amitabh’s blog,
Manoj ( sydney) says:
December 3, 2009 at 3:22 pm
dear amitji
just watch paa with the whole family and its unbelivable..amiji what can i say…i m no one to comment on the movie…its big then a life…your first scene in toliet…till the end in hospital….and i wolu like to congrats abhi n vidya for their act…all the best for today’s premire…
confirm national award…..
December 3, 2009 at 4:08 AM
Reel Paa Will Meet Real Paa :
http://bollybusiness.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/reel-paa-will-meet-real-paa/
December 3, 2009 at 5:43 AM
Releasing on December 4th is the Amitabh-Abhishek Bachchan 15 crore fare PAA. The paid screenings in Bombay Thursday for this film are sold out. For the weekend, the advance booking has opened well in parts of south and Bombay circuit. However it is not on par with Bunty aur Babli and Sarkar I. For the Indian public, it appears it is a wait and see situation on PAA.
While it is clear the box office draw of Bachchans came down over the last 2-3 years, it is also relevant to note here that when in full featured roles, the Amitabh-Abhishek Bachchan 1-2 combo has never resulted in a flop.
http://www.ibosnetwork.com/newsmanager/templates/template1.aspx?a=21903&z=4
December 3, 2009 at 6:00 AM
review
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/03-paa-movie-review-120910.asp
Paa kasam, this film will rock you.
Rating – 4/5
December 3, 2009 at 6:09 AM
Wow! ted, it seems U bring updates in real time! Thanks
December 3, 2009 at 6:15 AM
I second that!
December 3, 2009 at 6:19 AM
Unfortunately, Abhishek’s films that I follow much turned out flops and Dostana I’ve never cared became hit. This one I want to see as hit.
December 3, 2009 at 6:25 AM
This one is Auro’s film…
December 3, 2009 at 6:38 AM
He has a great sequence coming up, I believe his best ever. And I think Paa begins a great run for him. For a guy who’s often been criticized for his decisions his producer’s bet on Paa looks to come through.
December 3, 2009 at 6:13 AM
looks like a light good movie, liked by all.
December 3, 2009 at 6:36 AM
Twitter is PAA mad right now. A LOT of good buzz!!!!
December 3, 2009 at 6:44 AM
What am finding interesting in some of the public reviews i’ve read….AB Snr being awesome is a given is that Abhi is getting just as great feedback…can’t wait to watch this movie…..
December 3, 2009 at 7:59 AM
yeah the early reviews seem extremely positive. Given that the film is ‘about’ Auro in the sense that this sort of character obviously sucks up the oxygen in terms of attention it is indeed remarkable that Abhishek is not getting underrated at all so far. For that matter nor is Vidya Balan. It is very important in this sort of film to have strong actors all round and Balki did particularly well to cast Vidya. Of course he also cast Tabu earlier which shows that he is interested in serious actresses.
Abhishek has the sort of character and persona that I’m not surprised is getting well reviewed. Not that he isn’t doing the job well but I also know that the Indian media is more receptive to certain persona issues when it comes to performance. In other words one bleeds into the other. The physicality is part of the star of course but questions of performance should be separated from this to the extent this is possible. Again this doesn’t mean I don’t expect a fine performance here.
On Bachchan he’s clearly had his second Black moment this decade. These are the performances that even in this hyperbolic media age where reviews stop meaning anything after a while have received some very genuine acclaim. Abhishek of course got this with Yuva but particularly so for Guru. He now has Raavan next year. With Bachchan the obvious need not be re-stated, Abhishek though is himself charting a remarkable course.
On Paa I’ll say this, even in Hollywood we have not seen an actor Bachchan’s age take up this sort of role.
December 3, 2009 at 7:18 AM
‘Paa’ is a masterpiece!…
Performances
Kudos to Amitabh Bachchan, the superstar of the millennium, to portray the role of a 12-year-old with perfection and élan. Amitabh as Auro will sweep you off your floor with his histrionics and deserves a clap for every small nuance he brings to the character so effortlessly. Abhishek, as the young and ambitious politician and an overwhelmed father, is impressive. Vidya Balan, as the cotton saree clad doctor and a single mother, delivers a strong performance.
OyeG Verdict
A pat on director R Balki’s back for giving cinegoers a chance to experience innovative and original cinema that’s cute, compelling and incomparable. ‘Paa’ is a must watch for all age groups. Need we say more?
http://www.bigoye.com/reviews/Paa/324379
December 3, 2009 at 7:47 AM
off to see PAA later tonight!! super excited and dying to see it!!! -KJO
Wow! From ‘Mere paas Maa hai,” to “Mere paas Paa hai.” Such a long journey from ‘Deewar’ to now.Good luck, Amitabh, Abhishek,Auro -Shobhaa De
“PAA. by far one of the best films of the year. Proud to be an Amitabh Bachchan fan. If there is a god of acting then he is it. -Vishal of Vishal@Shekher
December 3, 2009 at 7:55 AM
Taran’s review – 4 stars
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14149/index.html
December 3, 2009 at 7:56 AM
TARAN REVIEW :
In the final tally, here’s a film that should win awards [for Auro] and also box-office rewards, given its low costs. A film that should strike a chord with every paa, maa… just about everyone with a heart!
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/14149/index.html
December 3, 2009 at 8:02 AM
This just proves the point I and Aby2000 have been making:
“That doesn’t mean that the remaining performances get dwarfed by Auro. Sure, PAA belongs to Auro, but not once does Abhishek Bachchan dither from his position or seems less inferior. This is the hallmark of a tremendous actor, which Abhishek is. “
December 3, 2009 at 8:07 AM
I agree with satyam. Abhishek gets more benefitted.
\Buzz 18 review – 3.5 stars
http://buzz18.in.com/reviews/movies/review-big-bs-paa/173012/0
December 3, 2009 at 8:13 AM
I think a couple of the reviewers have missed the significance of the political portions. That such a politician should have this kind of child and specially within the film’s narrative arc has great deal of significance.
December 3, 2009 at 8:19 AM
Aah! damn..want to stay away from plot and story…
December 3, 2009 at 8:09 AM
First of the mainstream reviews. Seems very promising. Thanks, Yakuza
December 3, 2009 at 8:09 AM
Even Taran can be truthful and believable once in a while!
December 3, 2009 at 8:33 AM
ABSOLUTE winner from the looks. Shahid (ex Shah from NG) is off to see PAA Now, he’ll be sending me his SMS/Review in the next half.
That aside, the buzz on twitter and the net is incredible. This will recover 15 crores in a few days
!!!!!!
December 3, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Abhishek said he’d paid everyone their market price, he’d made it a good deal for all the distributors. He and his father had obviously not taken anything and would only come in at the back end. Also that he expected the film to be profitable by Sat afternoon. I think though that despite the fact that both Bachchans did not charge for the film 15 crores is still a remarkable budget.
December 3, 2009 at 9:16 AM
From viewer:
Well what to write, I had tears in my eyes while watching the movie, what a story, good screenplay, tight script, excellent chemistry between Auro and Abhi.
Performance wise AB as Auro was mindblowing, an award winning performance (although I don’t believe in these awards). As an intelligent kid Auro steals the show. But I have to admit Abhi is just outstanding as a young politician what a role what a performance.
The chemistry between Auro and his granny also amazing, reminds you of the chemistry between AB and his mother in CK. Vidya was also good and shares a good chemistry with Auro.
The climax is AWESOME. I think Balki has realized it after what he did in CK. The climax is gripping.
This is a sureshot winner. No one can stop this to become a BLOCKBUSTER.
Gonna watch it again in the evening.
GO AURO GO AURO
December 3, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Again I see Abhishek getting some real attention in this sort of deal that is otherwise about Auro. As one of Abhishek’s greatest fans I hardly need to explain myself but to reiterate certain kinds of roles and/or personae get more attention. This isn’t odd. It is after all a visual medium. How one looks matters. And yet the gulf between this sort of performance and another where he might get underrated is often not that great. Now it is fair to suggest that stars have to be ‘effective’ in every kind of outing but that also means a certain lack of ‘sincerity’ at points and Abhishek hasn’t been willing to shed that integrity as actor.
December 3, 2009 at 9:31 AM
with this very grand premiere it’s going to be a very remarkable moment for the family and of course especially for Amitabh Bachchan. The reaction will completely overwhelm him. I think it’s going to exceed that for Black.
December 3, 2009 at 9:28 AM
i m so happy 4 abhishek more than ne-one else..coz i absolutely love him from d deepest of my heart..i m gonna catch d movie this sunday..now..d reviews r awesome..i just hope d movie collects a lot of money!!!!
December 3, 2009 at 9:31 AM
Paa (2009)
Movie Review
Brilliance In Simplicity
Rating (4/5)
By MovieTalkies.com, 3 December 2009.
Release Date : 4 December 2009
Paa is a film driven by a simple narrative, a sweet, heartfelt story of relationships and some of the best performances of the year. The film is not about a child with Progeria; yes the character of Auro played brilliantly by Amitabh Bachchan is afflicted with the rare genetic disease but the film is essentially a story about a young boy’s relationship with his single mother, and ultimately his relationship with his father who is unaware of his existence until then. The beauty of the film is that you see everything through the eyes of this innocent yet extremely intelligent and witty thirteen year old, opening up an innocent world to the audiences that most of us have forgotten.
For the most part, the film is not extremely dramatic or emotional and those who may have felt it would be a tear jerker will be in for a surprise. In fact, the dialogues are so witty, especially Auro’s lines, that you find yourself laughing throughout the film. Laughing at dialogues which are funny not because they are jokes, but because they show how a child reacts to normal situations in life, many of which we take for granted. Everything about the way Balki treats the story, Auro’s situation and how he approaches the relationship with his father is simplistic, yet with a fresh perspective hence the world he creates is believable and the characters feel real. Amol Apte’s character, enacted by Abhishek Bachchan with such fine ease, may in fact seem to be a bit too simple, but that can also be because the heart of the film is not about politics, although Balki is clearly trying to make a point about both educated youths in parliament as well as media’s thirst for a “story”, and the fact that Amol is a new age politician is more a part of building his character and understanding his motivations than it is an attempt to try an change how we view politicians. What’s even more endearing is that Balki avoids several cliché’s that one would have probably expected even though Auro is so different in appearance from his classmates, there is no ragging or bullying and he is liked by all; Auro is not constantly questioning why he is different or sulking at his disease, his mother, Vidya, is not bitter or distraught or melodramatic as a result of being a single mother and the manner in which she handles her ‘special’ son is just the way any mother would normally treat her child without getting constantly stuck on the fact that her child has a genetic disorder while the naani (or ‘bum’ as Auro calls her) is neither too saccharine sweet nor is she cold and manipulative like we witness in most Hindi films. The characters all behave like normal people, with normal reactions in difficult situations coping with life which is exactly what makes the film work. Balki’s treatment of each of the relationships in the film is honest and real and with believable characters and brilliant performances, it is difficult to pin down any alarming flaws.
The dialogues as mentioned earlier are a huge asset in a film which is also shot beautifully with songs at exactly the right places, treated freshly and a smooth edit. The use of the “Udi Udi” song to establish the Vidya Amol romance and their eventual conflict is apt for the situation and keeps the flashback swift yet impactful. The performances by all of the leading actors are flawless Amitabh Bachchan has reinvented himself to the extent that for most of the film you forget that Auro has been played by Bachchan such is the manner in which he effortless slips into the role of a young boy. His mannerisms, his voice, his emotions will all leave you in awe and you can actually see that he has had fun playing such a young boy, a fun which comes across in Auro’s character on screen. This is by far the best performance in his illustrious career. Abhishek Bachchan is in fine form as the young Amol Arte, a politician representative of today’s youth, someone wanting to change the way people view politics so that it is no longer considered a bad word. His chemistry with Mr. Bachchan is so pure and real that the reverse father son relationship seems absolutely natural on screen. Vidya Balan is perfectly in her element in a role which demands restraint, maturity and an actor who can emote naturally with subtlety and ease. Her expressions, especially her eyes, remind you why she is always a top contender for roles which require an actress with strong screen presence as well as acting prowess; both of which she clearly posses. Paresh Rawal is his dependable self in his brief role while the actress who places Vidya’s mother and Auro’s ‘bum’ is perfectly cast and delivers a spot on performance.
Paa is a film meant to be seen with your family; with elderly parents, with your kids, with your spouse. It’s a film you will enjoy and will remind you of life’s simplicities a film which will make you laugh while also pulling at your heart strings. Paa is an example of the finer films in Hindi cinema with some of the best performances of the year.
http://movietalkies.com/movies/editor-reviews.asp?MovieId=19645
December 3, 2009 at 9:33 AM
thanks for keeping the hits (reviews) rolling..
December 3, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Balki is a different kind of director. I liked Cheenikum first half a lot, witty but not like kjo/Akki’s kind of humour. I am happy Abhi is getting good reviews.
December 3, 2009 at 9:45 AM
I’m still hesitant to get too excited. These are just initial reviews.
I’ll wait for a bit more before I say “Goooooooooooo Bachchans! ”
I guess I don’t want to get burned.
December 3, 2009 at 9:52 AM
i second u..
December 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM
m really happy for movie.. amitji.. abhi.. vidya.. from the reviews..
watching it on saturday mostly..
between till then will stay away from this thread as i want to see it with blank mind..
December 3, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Keep the reviews coming ……
December 3, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Premiere is going on Headlinenews right now.
December 3, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Faridoon_S on Twitter:
Mr Bachchan is personally attending to guests at the Paa premiere
abhi-ash talking to d media at the premiere rite now…
aishwarya is wearing a gorgeous saree n abhishek is in a black suit wid black glasses. beautiful couple!
Jaya bachchan is lukin ravishing. Undoubtedly the woman behind Big B’s historic success.
Riteish deshmukh, hema malini,jacqueline fernandes, jugal hansraj, gulshan grover r there
http://twitter.com/Faridoon_S
December 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
More:
Ajay devgan, kajol, chunky pandey, anu malik, divya dutta, rohan sippy, rakeysh mehra hav come
Bobby and sunny deol hav come…but where’re d showstoppers…aamir n shahrukh?
Guys Shahrukh Khan has just come at the Paa premiere
Shahrukh wid family, nadhur bhandarkar, shamita shetty,ashutosh gowariker, david dhawan
Sanjay gupta, karan johar, sanjay suri, sonu sood…vidya came long back
Vikram fadnis, goldie behl, kunal kapoor, vishal bharadwaj, harman baweja, apoorva lakhiya
Ram gopal verma, aftab shivdasani, ramesh sippy, subhash ghai..things r heating up guys…one of the biggest events of d year!
Akshay kumar wid wife twinkle, arshad warsi, imran khan, sunil gawaskar, raj kumar santoshi, simi garewal,
December 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
where are you following this?
December 3, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Here’s the link: http://twitter.com/Faridoon_S
December 3, 2009 at 11:46 AM
ah the Bollywood hungama guy..
I think this premiere is the sort of event that the wedding might have been before plans were changed and things were downsized..
December 3, 2009 at 11:46 AM
literally everyone seems to be present..
December 3, 2009 at 10:37 AM
between did anyone saw virus knock today.. he can have a world record on his name tomo.. with another 300.. highest ever if i have my cricket knowledge coreect..
December 3, 2009 at 11:25 AM
satyam- i found this a interesting read on critics role and change in enviornemnt and paid reviews..
http://passionforcinema.com/praise-or-be-damned/
December 3, 2009 at 11:48 AM
good piece here even if it only tells one side of the story..
December 3, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Satyam the comments posted there are taking care of the other side !!! LOL
December 3, 2009 at 2:29 PM
I’m glad!
December 3, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Mks-
more comments have been added there mostly ripping KM.
also checkout the link for a Hindu story in there about Chavan.
It is a real eyeopener.
December 3, 2009 at 11:30 AM
http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/paa-movie-review/
December 3, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Summary of reviews so far on Allbollywood:
http://www.allbollywood.com/movies/bd/2009/1246/paa/#criticReviews
December 3, 2009 at 3:37 PM
This is a very well received film so far. Only Kaminey and Slumdog have a higher overall average so far.
December 3, 2009 at 4:00 PM
RDB did 74% at allbollywood. Guru did 72%. TZP 78%. CDI 71%. Kaminey 77%. Slumdog 81%. These are just some examples I selected. Paa is currently at 76% but a lot more reviews have to come in. It could go in either direction but should remain in the 70s range which is of course great. LRM incidentally was at 81% which is fantastic for that genre.
a factoid to point out.. MP did 67% which is exactly the same as JA and just a notch below Ghajini. Of course very commercial stuff gets underrated in the reviews. Ghajini’s 68% is really like 80% for a comparable film perceived to be serious. For example OSO did 65%. This was low for a SRK commercial film but too high given the rating Ghajini got. Meanwhile, and surprisingly, Omkara was also in the high 60s range.
December 3, 2009 at 11:39 AM
DNA’s review sounds most balanced.
Regardless, this is a doozie for the critics.
December 3, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Paa – Playful Affectionate Awesome!
03 December 2009 | 8:46pm
Paa, a modern-day film about inexplicable decisions we take in life…
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal, Arundhati Nag
Director: R. Balakrishnan
Music: Ilaiyaraja
Paa is a beautiful contemporary tale of human relationships, how easily they can be broken mended healed renewed refreshed cherished and adored. The movie quite simply in a span of 2 and a half hours shows the two faces of relationships. One- how simple they are to form and break. Two- how difficult it is to fulfill or maintain them.
We basically see the movie through the eyes of Auro (Amitabh Bachchan), a twelve year old kid, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Progeria. Auro is like typical twelve year old, with his own share of tantrums but a striking streak of understanding in him. He is raised by his single mum Vidhya (Vidya Balan) who is a gynecologist, and his grandmother (Arundhati Nag) who he naughtily calls ‘Bum’. Fate being such an unpredictable thing reunites Auro and his father MP Amol Atre(Abhishek Bachchan), through a school competition.
The movie will surprise you in a superb manner. Right from unexpected turns to witty one-liners like- ‘Google se bachke kahan jaoge?’ What’s fresh about this movie is the way the characters approach problems that seem insurmountable so coolly. The way Bum handles the news of her daughter getting pregnant out of wedlock and the way Amol handles the media over news of his lovechild is an example.
There are few places that you’d wish you did not have to see. Like the one where Amol and his father discuss shit while having tea and biscuits. And the other where Auro describes how the potty of the whole world goes inside your body if you eat fish. Yupp. Seafood lovers beware. You might end up wanting to puke!
The picturization of songs are beautiful and actually adds sense to the story. For example, Ittefaq se beautifully portrays the journey of Vidhya from being ‘so-in-love’ with Amol to the twin pack pregnancy kit.
Big B has done complete justice to the role of Auro. Although at times you can see through Auro and into Amitabh, for the major part, Auro keeps you so engaged that you forget that’s Amitabh Bachchan playing that role! As Auro, he takes you through highs and lows, laughter and choky throat.
Vidya Balan once again has proved that she is the queen of effortless acting. She looks very Indian and very beautiful in her cotton saris. Even in her western wear she is fine, except that her strut was a tad bit gawky as if she wasn’t confident about her high heels.
Abhishek Bachchan is squeaky clean and good-looking. He is compelling. But he still hasn’t reached the point where he can stir up your emotions.
Paresh Rawal is good as ex-politician Atre. When he makes a fool out of himself while talking for the first time ever to his grandson, his expression is worth looking at!
Arundhati Nag is perfect as Vidya’s onscreen mother. She has the same effortless style as Vidya that makes her endearing.
Ilaiyaraja’s music is soothing and at times teases and tickles you. R. Balki’s direction is first-class. Hats off to make-up artists Christien Tinsley and Dominie Till.
Paa is a film that will make you laugh and cry when you’re inside the theatre. But when you come out, you’ll be surprised you have a self contented smile on your face!
Ratings: ****
Reporter and Author: Susan Jose
http://www.india-forums.com/bollywood/article.asp?id=11885
December 3, 2009 at 11:50 AM
May be a little early, but I think depending on which side one is can either bring out the bubbly or stock up on Nexium.
December 3, 2009 at 11:52 AM
LOL!!!!!! You might have to explain the Nexium reference for those who will not find Pepcid to be the best treatment for this!
December 3, 2009 at 11:52 AM
indecine review says it can be better movie, not as good as TZP
December 3, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Everyone is showing excitement for the film it seems…with the exception of BOI of course
December 3, 2009 at 4:01 PM
BOI haven’t even put up anything on the film yet..
December 3, 2009 at 4:02 PM
I would not be surprised if an article on Radio goes up before Paa
December 3, 2009 at 4:04 PM
LOL!
On another note I am working on the Madhuri tapestry. Unfortunately images on particular songs are often hard to come by which is a pity.
December 3, 2009 at 4:07 PM
No rush…Aishwariya is a good distraction for now
December 26, 2009 at 10:42 AM
I don’t usually log in thru the homepage – more thru admin side so did not notice the Madhuri tapestry till now. Thanks for pulling this one together. Love the Devdas and Lajja stills. So gorgeous!
December 26, 2009 at 10:44 AM
glad you liked them.. have had these for many days.. unfortunately I couldn’t find as many of those ‘dhak dhak’ moments in terms of images as I would have liked..
December 3, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Abhishek from Twitter:
Just got back home, forget tired, just too overwhelmed with the response! Can’t say much now…. Good night!
http://twitter.com/juniorbachchan/
December 3, 2009 at 4:08 PM
ET review:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Media/Entertainment-/Entertainment/Paa-Movie-Review/articleshow/5297965.cms?curpg=1
December 3, 2009 at 4:11 PM
This seems precisely the kind of role Amitabh should be aiming for. Hope to catch it this weekend. Stayed away from Kurbaan and DDD after the reviews but this one seems like one not to be missed.
December 3, 2009 at 4:13 PM
and this is why I get upset about stuff like Aladin. He is still gettting stuff worthy of his talent. It doesn’t have to be exceptional like Paa or Black every time. Rann or Teen Patti are fine too. Even commercial outings in good entertainers. But Bhootnath or Aladin should be avoided.
December 3, 2009 at 5:24 PM
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091204/jsp/entertainment/story_11818292.jsp
December 3, 2009 at 5:42 PM
Shahids Review is up on SS…4/5
!~
December 3, 2009 at 6:04 PM
your blog has been added…
December 3, 2009 at 6:25 PM
Thanks Satyam
BTW PAA has been creating some ENORMOUS buzz on Twitter, Facebook, and other Social Networks, I haven’t slept in the last 12 hours as the feedback coming in from industry insiders and the paying public is extraordinary!
December 3, 2009 at 6:31 PM
BTW keep a tab of http://www.socialwizz.com
that’s me
Still in design stages…..Registered my own business as a consultant last week-yay! 
December 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
I haven’t been following any of that beyond what Tyler has posted here but I can certainly sense a wave..
December 3, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Thanks everyone for the reviews from critics, colleagues, and fans regarding Paa. I’m vastly happy to see the movie is being well received by the majority of them this far. Also stoked that Abhishek as well as Amitabh and Vidya are garnering good reviews & notices. As a huge fan all of this is gratifying. It’s indeed copesetic that Paa seems to be a most worthy, meaningful, and entertaining movie. I indeed hope Paa will be a success critically and financially.
December 3, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Another good review
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/73489/Top%20Stories/Paa+wrings+every+emotion+out+of+you.html
December 3, 2009 at 10:45 PM
again the praise for Abhishek has been a pleasant surprise..
December 3, 2009 at 11:14 PM
kassam .. yaar great thanks for all updates ..though i have not watch most of it ..but still thanks a lot..
December 4, 2009 at 7:09 AM
Rediff:
http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/dec/04/review-watch-paa-for-auro.htm
December 4, 2009 at 4:41 PM
i think they should have started showing the trailer w/ everyone dancing starting tomorrow, after people have had a chance to watch the movie.