New Movie Releases: No Smoking and Jab We Met

I've not been feeling too great since the last couple of days – stomach upset, cold feet, slight fever and really excruciating headache. But here I am, sitting on my lousy office chair crunching numbers in tons of Excel sheets and what’s even more annoying is the fact that I am doing someone else’s job. My dear friends have been bearing the brunt of my touchiness but kya kare, I can’t afford to bunk work. If I sit at home claiming to be sick then my bhratashiri with most certainty would be the happiest man to see that I not move a step out of the house this entire weekend.

So yeah, like you, I too live for the weekend, and this Friday is definitely very crucial for all Bollywood fans with the releasing of two very hyped-up Hindi Films; ex-couple Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor starrer Jab We Met and writer-director Anurag Kashyap’s first uncontroversial release No Smoking, starring the expression-less John Abraham.

The No. 1 movie in my list from these two films is No Smoking, and it’s not because my love for Mr. Abraham has taken a jump ten notches higher, it’s just that a close friend has won 5 tickets for Jab We Met screening at a suburban multiplex on Sunday. And so why not take the luft of some free ka maal pani.

Anyway here’s a look at the two films (what’s good and what’s not) pitted against each other in this week’s Box-Office battle.

Shahid + Kareena breakup - Frankly speaking, I always liked this pairing despite their “together” films bombing at the box office. Many so called trade gurus are speculating that this film won't do well since the leading actors are no-longer real life couple but I highly doubt so.

Laughter is the winning formula - From the promos, the films appears to be a laugh riot and looking at the recent trend, comedy films, no matter how daft, tend to fare well compared to other film genres.

Decent Soundtrack - I totally dig the “Mauja Hi Mauja” number, even though it’s sung by that jungle beast Mika. Even “Yeh Ishq Hai” is quite hummable.

Capable Director - I thought Imtiaz Ali’s first release Socha Na Tha was a decent effort, so hopefully Jab We Met would only be better.

On the Gossip front – A little fit-phat birdy informed me that though it was Kareena who dumped Shahid but it was something that her beau forced her to do. Apparently Misterji is not all goody two-shoes as he appears to be; he would constantly boss his lady love around, has some major ego hassles and interfered a lot in her personal & professional decisions. Kareena on the other hand did her best to calm him down and promote his not-so-happening career graph. But finally after three years of emotional abuse, madam decided to walk out and luckily for her, straight into heart-throb Saif Ali Khan’s arms.

Vishal Bhardwaj – He is one of my favorite film-makers and just his association with the film is a good enough reason for me to watch it.

Anurag Kashyap – The name says it all. Finally a film of his is getting released; on time, without any controversy and without any Censor Board fiascos. Seriously the guy deserves a break.

The hatke factor – Both, the director and the leading actor have been drumming their claim all across the media that No Smoking is wacky and bizarre. Apna Johnny boy toh went further ahead by stating that it would inspire a whole new genre of films. But you know and this I say from experience, “Never count your andaas before they are hatched”.

Phook De – Fantastic music backed by equally addictive sound of Rekha Bhardwaj. And yes, Bipasha is looking hot but sorry to say John is way too creepy for my taste.

The film’s Promotional Publicity – Though the film has been heavily promoted online, especially on a particular film based blog, I feel these guys have neglected the offline mediums. Unless that was an intentional decision.

And last but certainly the most important,

Dissing Johnny boy – And whot! You think I will give up this priceless opportunity? No way hoze. On a serious note though, I really wish well for Anurag but as they say, “Some habits die hard”.