Nayak - The Real Hero release postponed

It is learnt that the Anil Kapoor starrer Nayak will release on September7, 2001, in the shraadh period which is considered inauspicious by the film producers. Most producers shy away from releasing their films during this time.

The reason for the delay according to Bombay distributor Ramesh Sippy is the delay in postproduction.

But word has it that the overseas rights are still unsold. And the producers are bargaining with overseas distributors. Anil Kapoor is not hot property anymore and Rani has not had a hit in the recent past.

If Anil Kapoor's Lajja which is scheduled to release on August 31, clashes with Nayak-The Real Hero, it will only hamper the prospects of both the films.

No two releases that have taken place on the same day for an actor have been well received. History bears witness to the fact -- be it Amitabh Bachchan's Toofan and Jaadugar; Sunjay Dutt's Jung and Baaghi or Preity Zinta's Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke or Dil Chahta Hai.

As trade expert put it, "It only eats into the business of the other film."

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Dil Chahta Hai has taken a major beating in the northern circuit. Very soon, the exhibitors will have to pull it out from theatres. A senior distributor says, "these kind of films are beyond the understanding of the folk in the interiors. It is only meant for the overseas and the elite audience. I agree it has been appreciated by the critics, but the masses have not responded well."

Bharati Dubey

Feroz plays baddie in son Fardeen's flick

Feroz Khan will soon be seen with son Fardeen Khan in a film that will go on the floors next month. Feroz will be playing the baddie in the film.

The original project was to star Ajay Devgan, Fardeen and Aishwarya Rai in the lead roles.

The film, now however, will star Fardeen and Femina Miss India-Universe 2001 Celina Jaitley.

Hariharan to star in bilingual film

At 39, Jayadevi can proudly claim to be an actress, a producer and a successful director. Having directed four films in Tamil and one in Telugu, she's directing her sixth venture called Power Of Women.

She has roped in singer Hariharan, of Colonial Cousins, to play the central role. Khushboo and Kausalya play the female leads.

Power Of Women is a bilingual in Tamil and Hindi. And Jayadevi hopes to have it complete for a showing at the Toronto Film Festival.

Timeless beauty -- Twinkle

Twinkle Khanna has just been signed on by Swiss watch manufacturers Mavoda as their brand ambassdor.

After Shah Rukh Khan (Omega), Fardeen Khan (Provogue), Madhuri Dixit (Emami), here's another pretty face has jumped the brand endorsement bandwagon.

Kareena in the line of fire

Kareena Kapoor is in the line of fire. Cola giants Coke and Pepsi are fighting to sign her on to endorse their products.

Coke maintains that its early moves to sign up Kareena floundered because of her steep asking price. Another factor is Coke's current celebrity endorser -- Aishwarya Rai, who isn't exactly sizzling at the BO.

Compiled by Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh