Nokia Music Store is now in India to appease music lovers

Now, you can hear your favorite songs on your Nokia phones. The music store service of Nokia is now in India with a collection of more than 3 million songs including international tracks, hit Bollywood songs and regional soundtracks. The music service was launched at Nokia Music Connects, one of the largest music forums, jointly owned by Music Matters, and Indiantelevision.com. Nokia joined with Indian Music Industry, a consortium of more than 150 music companies to offer consumers a wide range of songs in various languages. The company also inked deals with GIRI and Phoneytunes for South Indian and North Indian music. IT News Online.com reports:

To begin with, the consumers can experience Nokia Music store (music.nokia.co.in) via inbox vouchers included in all XpressMusic handsets and select Nseries devices and ESeries devices such as the N97, N86 , E71, E63 amongst others.

To deliver updated content, Nokia has tied up with international music labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music, EMI and Warner and major independent Indian record labels including Tseries, Yashraj Music, Saregama, BIG Music, Venus and many more.

Elizabeth Schimel, VP, Music, Nokia was very much excited with the launch of their 21^st Music Store in India. She said that the music store covers 20 genres and almost 90% of the Indian local music. She believe that the Music Store will revolutionise the music industry.

Arjun Rampal launched his own restaurant in Delhi

Party goers of Delhi now have a new place to crash in. Yes, actor Arjun Rampal, on August 28, 2009, launched his new plush lounge called LAP in Delhi. Many famous Bollywood celebrities including Hrithik Roshan and wife Suzanne Khan, Shahrukh Khan attended the launching ceremony. So, what is cool about the LAP? Well, it is a safe place for women to hang around. Here’s what Arjun Rampal said at a press conference on August 29, 2009:

'Today, if you look around at other clubs, people just come from anywhere and everywhere. They have opened their doors for everyone. The problem with that is that female partying gangs feel uncomfortable and not at all safe. But with this constraint, I want every women who comes here to feel safe,'

'A lot of thought process has gone behind the point whether we should make it exclusive club or not. But then we decided that it would be one of those few places where like-minded people meet. Also, it would be an aspirational factor for those who can't afford to be its members right now,'

Arjun Rampal, in collaboration with famous restaurateur, A.D. Singh, owns the lounge. The 17,000 sq feet lounge is located in Samrat Hotel. It’s designed has been inspired from the Victorian era.

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Salman Khan did a good thing by canceling his US tour

After Shahrukh Khan’s detention incident earlier this month, Salman Khan decided to cancel his America tour for promoting his movie, “Wanted.” Earlier this month, Shah Rukh Khan was detained at the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey for two hours. Shahrukh Khan was also there for promoting his latest movie, My Name Is Khan. Later, Shahrukh Khan sent message to a lawmaker who eventually contacted the Indian high commission in USA and he was released with their intervention.

After this incident, Salman Khan also cancelled his USA tour. Along with Salman Khan, Producer Boney Kapoor and his wife, former Bollywood star, Sridevi, and actor-turned-director, Prabhu Deva were supposed to go to the U.S.

Well, it is a good thing that Salman Khan scrapped his tour to the U.S. I sympathize with Shahrukh Khan. It is really bad that a movie icon like him was harassed for his Muslim name but he handled the situation very well. Had Salman Khan was in that situation, it would have gotten far worse because Salman Khan has a bad temper. So, it is an intelligent move on Salman’s part that he cancelled his tour.

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Business of Bollywood movies: Not the same anymore

The year 2009 has come and it is coming to an end. It has been another eventful year for the Bollywood cinema. So many things happened in the industry, some are good and some are bad. But the biggest change took place in the business of movie making. Things are not the same any more in Bollywood. The recession caused some major changes in the movie industry.

The fall of Bollywood:

After seeing an unprecedented growth Bollywood took a major blow in 2008. Because of the credit crunch, production houses cut their budgets and went for major overhaul. Banks and corporations, who previously invested in movies, scrapped many projects due to tight budget.

Normally, it takes around 40-50 crore to produce a high profile movie and Rs.5-15 crore for a medium budget movie. Reliance Big Entertainment, Mukta Arts, Studio 18 are some of the top production houses who produced majority of the high-profile movies in the last couple of years. They lost 50-80% of their capital in the last one year. The situation became further worse when high budget movies like Drona and Yuvraaj failed at the box office last year.

Introduction of a new payment system:

Interestingly, the economic recession had one good effect on the movie industry. It made movie production “cheaper by around 30%.” Previously, the actors were paid high amount of fixed fees but now the amount have been reduced significantly and they are given a share of the movie’s revenue. Top Bollywood actors like Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan got into such revenue sharing arrangements with their producers. The Hindu Business Line reports:

“In the past few years, everything was over-priced. Production, acquisition of talent, and salary costs had illogically shot through the roof with no commensurate returns at the end,” said Mr Yash Chopra, Chairman, Yashraj Films.

Agrees Mr Mahesh Bhatt, Creative head of Vishesh Films: “Talents costs have to go down considerably. Stars who were being paid above Rs 20 crore for a movie are now willing to take a 50 per cent cut in their fixed fee.

Here is another interesting comment from Mahesh Bhatt:

Producer-director Mr Mahesh Bhatt said corporations that entered the motion picture business had little knowledge of the industry.

“They approved astronomical payments to artistes for which they got no commensurate returns. There has to be some sanity in budgeting for films. Due to the slowdown, the industry will be cut in size, the honeymoon phase between corporate houses and artistes will be over, and there will unavoidable correction,”

Producer-Multiplex owner stand-off:

Another major event was the two-months strike called over by Bollywood producers in the middle of the year over revenue sharing with multiplex owners. The producers were demanding a 50:50 revenue sharing while the multiplex owners were asking for a performance based model. The strike started from early April and continued till June 5, 2009. Last year, around twenty movies were released at this time half of which were big budget movies. This year, the movie industry was badly affected by the recession. More over, the IPL cricket league, which started in the mid-April, caused a serious shortfall. All these coupled with the strike caused serious financial losses to one of the largest and most profitable movie industry in the world.

Over the past few years, large number of multiplex cinemas grew up in all the major cities Indian cities. They currently account for two-third of the movie ticket sales. Many producers even make movies only to release in multiplexes. Release of many top budget movies were stalled due to the strike. blog.taragana.com reports:

According to the final settlement, 50, 42, 35 and 30 percent for the first, second, third and fourth week respectively for all movies will be shared between the two parties.

According to Mukesh Bhatt, Chairman, United Producers and Distributors Forum (UPDF), the strike cost the Indian film industry over Rs.3 billion. The auxiliary industries like hoardings and advertising also incurred an estimate lost of Rs.1billion. The combined fixed cost losses including rent, salary, electricity bills, for multiplexes in the April-June quarter is around Rs.140 crores.

Releasing movies in 2010:

Because of the credit crunch released dates of many movies have been pushed to 2010. Movie makers are hoping that things would become better by that time.

Demise of commercial Bollywood movies:

It is true that the number of Bollywood films released per year increased significantly over the year but there had been no major change when it came to quality. Film making has become more like a gimmick especially, commercial movies. First, you take the story from a Hollywood movie, then throw in some of your own Indian masala like exclusive locations and songs, sexy heroin, one nice item song, some nicely shot fighting sequence and a little bit sex here and there and you got your next big hit. Now, spend few hundred thousand rupees on marketing and promotion and create a hype. On the opening weekend lots of people will come. The opening week is very much important because people are very much enthusiastic but after seeing the movie they do not want to see it again. Within two three weeks, they start to lose interest and a new movie fills in the gap. This has been going on for quite some times. Forget those movies that would create long queues in front of the theatres day after day. People now want masala movies for fun. Moreover, movie makers now make movies targeting a specific audience. Many producers make movies only to release in multiplexes. Lack of good story caused many big budget movies doing poorly at the box office recently.

Rise of movies with good stories:

The rise of multiplexes in recent times has also created a new type of audience that are looking for movies that has a good story. These movies do not have top Bollywood actors or actresses, they do not showcase expensive sets but what they have is good story and great acting. Movies like A Wednesday, Dasvidaniya, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Bheja Fry, Johnny Gaddaar, Dasvidaniya. If I have to name my most favorite Hindi movie of 2008 then the two movies that comes to my mind

are: Jaane Tu.. Ya Jaane Na, the movie that introduced Imraan Khan, Aamir Khan’s nephew and Rock On!!, the movie that introduced Farhan Akhtar as an actor. I enjoyed watching these two movies very much. The great thing about these movies is that they have great stories to tell and the actors really gives great performance.

Change is very much necessary:

After Hrithik Roshan, the Hindi movie goers did not see the rise of any new hero. This is really tragic. We still have cope with Shah Rukh Khan’s over acting and Salman Khan’s muscles. This is really tragic. The Bollywood movie makers should look out for talented young actors who can truly replace Shahrukh, Salman, Aamir and Akshay. After Hrithik Roshan, there were no other actors to give out block buster hits.

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Manchester United and Arsenal Match Live Updates: 29 August

Manchester United (2) -------- Arsenal (1)

match finished and final score is manchester United won by 2-1

Arsene Wenger now sent out of his place. It is a joke

90+5 miuntes: Arsenal scored but offside. Bad luck bad luck really bad luck

92 minutes: Berbetov missed a very easy chance

90 minutes: 5 miunutes of added time

88 minutes: Good attack from Arsenal and now Man Utd got a corner

85 minutes: Berbetov comes in place of Ryan Giggs

84 minutes: Good attack from Man utd

81 minutes: Ramsey came in place of Arshevin

79 minutes: Change of player. Eduardo has come in place of Denilson

76 minutes: Good pressure from Arsenal. Now, all 11 players of Man Utd in their half

73 minutes: Man Utd on attack

70 minutes: Change of player for the Gunners. Bendter came

67 minutes: van Persie again came close

63 minutes: What bad luck for Arsenal. Own goal from Diabi and Manchester United is now leading by 2-1

62 minutes: what a bad luck for Arsenal. van persie hit the bar.

61 miuntes: Brown of Man Untied shown yellow card.

58 minutes: Manchester United has scored through pentaly of Rooney and now score is 1-1

57 minutes: Manchester UNited has got a penalty Almunia shown yellow card

54 minutes; Corner for Man United. Arsenal defense is in top form today. Gallas and Clichy are playing their best.

51 minutes: has Wenger given some magic words in the half time. Arsenalis playing very well now. AGina came very close to seocnd goal

48 minutes: Arsenal came veyr close of getting the second goal. Bad luck for van Persie.

46 minutes: Second half just started. Be with us for live updates

Just come soon or read other entries from this blog

45 minutes: Half time and Arsenal is now leading 1-0

44 minutes: Freeekick, corner and freekick for Man Utd. Man United is now putting all the pressure

40 minutes: The best goal for the seaon from Arshevin. He scored from at least 30 yards distance and Arsenal scored the first goal

38 minutes: Gallas is in top form today. He is playing very well

35 minutes: Evra of Man Utd shown yellow card

33 minutes: Man Utd got a freekick just outid the penalty area. Rooney shot was just wide.

30 minutes: 30 miutes gone and no goal.

26 miutes: Arsenal is now playing some better

23 minutes: Song of Arsenal shown yellow card for an unecessary fowl

21 miuntes: Still no goal

18 minutes: Good attack for Manchester United but Rooney was not in his best

15 miuntes: Lovely attack and counter attack from the both clubs in just 30 seconds

12 miutes: Freekick for the Gunners

9 minutes: At last a very god attack from UTd. Fletcher missed an easy chance.

6 minutes: Freekick for Arsenal but was taken by United goalkeeper in second attemp

3 miute: Good attack from Arsenal but nothing happened

0 minute: THe match just started. Arsenal has the first attack

Now, the match will start

Just minutes before start

Match will start after 10 minutes.

Just 15 miutes left before kickoff.

The match will start 5:15 pm BST (British Summer Time). We will try to provide live updates of the match. Be with us.

Maruti Suzuki Upbeat about Future Car Sales in India

Maruti Suzuki is the top player in Indian car market. The main reason it is the leader in the country is the matter that it understands Indian consumers very well. That is why, it always focused on making inexpensive models that became very popular. Recently, TATA came in the market with Nano but could not move Maruti Suzuki from the top spot. Now, many people in India are worried about the possible negative impact of lack of rain in this rainy season. Most people in India are depended on agriculture directly or indirectly.

Shortage in rain fall means there is real fear of shortage in production of agricultural commodities. It is bad news for Indian economy. However, Maruti officials are confident that the drought will not have serious impact in Indian economy and there should not be any big problem about auto sales in the country.

REUTERS reported:

Maruti, 54.2 percent owned by Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp (7269.T), earns about 15 percent of its revenues from the rural market, a segment it plans to expand in, but a deficient monsoon this year could hit rural income and spending.

"So far, we have not seen any impact because this crop comes in November," said Mayank Pareek, executive officer of marketing and sales

"My guess is the effect will be there, but will be very marginal effect. If at all it is there, the first hint we will get in November," he said, adding Maruti was not reconsidering its plans to expand in rural areas.

I agree and disagree with this official. I think that drought may have bad impact on the Indian economy this year and farmers would suffer. However, the farmers are not the target group of Maruti. It is the wealthy people who buy cars in India and I don’t think they would suffer so much.

Manchester United vs Arsenal live Telecast in ESPN TV Channel: 29 August 2009

For live score of the match, visit this link:

Manchester United and Arsenal Match Live Updates

This is perhaps the first acid test for Arsene Wenger and his young team. Until now, they have a flying start to the season. However, you must remember that tomorrow, they will have to face Manchester United in Old Trafford. It is a battle of two top performers this season. It is a battle between two of the best and long time serving coaches in English Premier League. What I feel is that the best thing for Wenger is that he has a team that was bought with much smaller budget than Manchester Untied. Yet, Wenger’s boys are now walking toe to toe with Alex Ferguson’s team. This is simply outstanding. Whether you like Wenger or not, you should give him a lot of credit.

This is a must watch match in television tomorrow for football fans around the world. Obviously, they would watch this match live in different TV channels in different parts of the world. In South Asia, it is ESPN India that will broadcast the Manchester United vs Arsenal match live for the viewers.

Saturday 29th August 2009

21:40 Live Barclays Premier League 2009/10

Match: Manchester United vs. Arsenal

This is written in website of ESPN Star.

The time is Indian Time. If you live in Bangladesh then you should add 1 and half hour to the mentioned time.

World Class ICT Institute in Bangladesh Going to Be Set Up Soon

Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) is the leading trade body in the Information Technology Sector of Bangladesh. Yesterday, it took all of us to a great surprise with the singing agreement ceremony of setting up a ICT Institute in Bangladesh. The project will be implemented under Public-Private partnership. Ministry of Science & ICT (Public) And Bangladesh Computer Samity (Private) are two parties that will jointly implement it.

I think that it is a very good initiative for the ICT sector of Bangladesh. I just wish for one thing- in the new institute, all the focus will be given on getting meritorious and talented students and the fee will be kept within the ability o middle class families. In Bangladesh, still, the best students come from middle or lower middle class backgrounds.

I received a press release from Birendra Nath Adhikary Chief Operating Officers Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS). I am giving it here:

A world class ICT Institute will be set up inside the High-tech Park or its adjacent area, Kaliakoir, Gazipur in the outskirt of Dhaka under the joint collaboration between public and private sectors. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology and Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) was singed today at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in order to implement the project. The occasion was organized in conjunction of Doa Mahfil & Itfer in the holy month of Ramadan.

Honorable State Minister for Science & ICT Architect Yeafesh Osman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Hon'ble State Minister for Water Resources Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Ministry of Land Affairs Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Haque & the Secretary of the Ministry of Science & ICT Mr. A. K. M Abdul Awal Mazumder was present as the Special Guests. Presided over by the BCS President Mr. Mustafa, the function was attended by high officials of the government, autonomous & private sectors, past & present EC members of BCS, members of BCS general body and representatives of various press & mass communication media.

In his speech the Chief Guest of the occasion hon'ble State Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman told the MOU was the first of its kind between the Ministry of Science & ICT and premier association of the Industry Bangladesh Computer Samity upon the PPP model was announced by the government, which is an excellent example of fulfilling the commitment of the government. He told despite the main focus had been given to create world standard skilled workforce under the MOU, however, various activities for the development of ICT could be also conducted under its terms & conditions. The Minister expressed strong belief that the activities related to the program of 'Digital Bangladesh' will be expedited upon implementing the program. He also mentioned that more likewise initiatives would be adopted in near future. The Minister praised the professionalism of Bangladesh Computer Samity. He convincingly told that any legal obstacle to establish ICT Institute in joint collaboration of public and private sectors could be eliminated with the support & assistance of all concerned. He expressed thankfulness to BCS and the Officials of the Ministry of Science & ICT for organizing such a great occasion of signing the MOU.

Special Guest hon'ble State Minister for Water Resources Mr. Mahbubur Rahman invited the entrepreneurs & initiators to adopt ICT related projects as like as Gazipur to his own area of Kuakata in Patuakhali. Upon such initiatives, opportunities would be created to bring the southern most part of the country under 'Digital Bangladesh' program, he told optimistically.

In his speech Special Guest hon'ble Member of the Parliament Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Haque told the day of signing the MOU is a day of joyous and ever remembrance for the people of Gazipur. He told we fought for the independence of the country upon responding the invitational struggle of the Father of the nation Bangabanhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Now, we are stand by the process of establishing world class ICT University in Gazipur, which will expedite the implementation of 'Digital Bangladesh' under the leadership of hon'ble Prime Minister Jananetree Sheikh Hasina, he told. He told, if be necessary, not only 5 acres of land, 10 acres of land will be arranged for establishing ICT University in Gazipur. Mr. Haque expressed gratitude to the initiators of the project on behalf of the people of Gazipur.

The Special Guest of the occasion Mr. A. K. M Abdul Awal Mazumder told the Ministry responded positively & moved as faster as Bangladesh Computer Samity proposed for signing the MOU. He informed that the Ministry had also a mindset to set up a world class ICT Institute at Kaliakoir, which had became easier while Bangladesh Computer Samity came forward. He said that the project would be a unique example of public-private initiative. He expressed gratitude to all related parties for initiating such a noble project.

In his speech, the Chair of the occasion, the renowned ICT personality of the country Mr. Mustafa Jabbar told the day of singing the MOU would be ever remembrance and written in the golden alphabets in the ICT history of the country. He told Bangladesh Computer Samity had been relentlessly working for the development of ICT from the time of its inception. BCS conducted many of those activities in collaboration with the relevant Ministries and government departments, he mentioned. However, he told the noble and huge activities which had been started through signing the MOU would be unprecedented for the ICT sector of the country. Thus, there were similarities found between words and activities of the government, he told. BCS President expressed his optimism that the government would come forward for initiating likewise programs such that the vibrating program of 'Digital Bangladesh' would be implemented in the near future. He expressed gratefulness to the hon'ble Prime Minister on behalf of Bangladesh Computer Samity and ICT Industry of the country. Mr. Mustafa Jabbar told BCS was determined to implement the project at any cost to fulfill the commitment of the government and for the interest of the country. The expressed gratitude to the hon'ble State Minister for Science & ICT Architect Yeafesh Osman, the Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Mr. A. K. M Abdul Awal Mazumder and other Officials of the Ministry for their kind endeavor to organize the MOU signing ceremony in order to establish ICT Institute at the High-tech Park.

The occasion was also addressed by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Science & ICT Mr. M. M. Neazuddin, while BCS Vice President Mr. A. T. Shafique Uddin Ahmed provided vote of thanks to all present at the occasion. In ahead of all speeches, BCS Secretary General Mr. Mohammad Zahirul Islam placed a multimedia presentation on BCS activities and proposed ICT Institute. The function was conducted by the President of BCS Computer City Mr. Mazibur Rahman Sawpon.

Upon completion of the speeches, the MOU was signed between the Ministry of Science & ICT and Bangladesh Computer Samity in presence of the hon'ble State Minister Mr. Yeafesh Osman, hon'ble Member of the Parliament Mr. A. K. M. Mozammel Haque and other dignitaries. Joint Secretary Mr. M. M. Neazuddin signed on behalf of the Ministry and BCS President Mr. Mustafa Jabbar signed on behalf Bangladesh Computer Samity on the MOU, while Dr. Md. Ferdous Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry and Mr. Md. Shahid-Ul-Munir, BCS Treasurer signed there as witnesses.

It would be worthwhile to point out here that the Ministry of Science & ICT would allocate 5 acres of land at premise of High-tech Park in Kaliakoir or to its adjacent area, where Bangladesh Computer Samity will establish a world class ICT Institute in collaboration with the Ministry.

Upon the MOU was signed, prayer was offered for the well-being of the country, nation & people and for the development of the ICT Industry. At the end, all present in the occasion took part in the Ifter and dinner.

Shilpa Shetty will get married sometime in 2010

The news of Shilpa Shetty’s marriage with London based businessman Raj Kundra created another media frenzy but it is not true. The actress became very upset with the news. She told the reporters not to publish such baseless news. On her blog, www.shilpashettylive.com/blog/, she wrote:

“I’ve said before, I will make an official announcement the day my parents decide on my marriage date and I promise the press will have at least a month to celebrate the announcement. So to set the record straight, no I’m not getting married this year. Yes, I am looking at next year, but date not decided,”

The news of Shilpa Shetty’s marriage came out after her father, Surendra Shetty submitted details to the court to obtain his passport on the pretext of Shilpa Shetty’s wedding. This detail eventually leaked out and caused all the hullabaloos. Surendra Shetty’s passport was confiscated as he and his wife Sunanda Shetty was charged of extortion. To obtain his passport Surendra Shetty provided details to Surat court. Shilpa also became very upset with the leakage of this detail. She also wrote:

“My poor dad is already having a tough time every time he has to travel abroad and has to apply for his passport, and as alway it’s harrowing enough for him to go back and forth every time for his passport... “My dad’s 67 and ageing, please let the poor man live in peace and dignity, it’s annoying. I request the press to report responsibly and not make any baseless assumptions”.

As an actress Shilpa Shetty did not see much success in Bollywood. Her luck changed after she attended the reality show, “Big Boss” in the U.K. Shilpa Shetty has been dating with London based businessman Raj Kundra and the couple is going to get married.

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Quick Gun Murugun: Bollywood Movie review

Title: Quick Gun Murugun

Director: Shashanka Ghosh

Cast:

Rajendra Prasad...... Quick Gun Murugun

Vinay Pathak...... Mr. Chitragupt

Ranvir Shorey...... Sansani Reporter

Sandhya Mridul...... Masala News Reporter

Rambha...... Mango Dolly

Ashwin Mushran...... Dr Django

Synopsis: Quick Gun Murugun is a superhero. Clad in a stylish cowboy outfit, wearing his guns, he fights for common men. The story starts in a peaceful vegetarian South Indian village where Quick Gun Murugun was a cowboy and looked after the cows. One day, the village was attacked by a group of non-veg robbers and Murugun dies while fighting them. Twenty five years later, in 2007, Murugun is reborn as a superhero, Quick Gun Murugun. He is honest, sincere and a devoted lover but torned between his first love, Locket girl and Mango Dolly, a blonde bar dancer who secretly loves Murugun. Now, there is the Rice Plate Reddy, owner of Mc Dosa Corporation. He wants to make the perfect non-veg dhosa and kidnaps all the women in town who knows how to prepare dhosas. Quick Gun Murugun, with the help of Mango Dolly, foils Rice Plate Reddy’s plan.

If you are tired of seeing Hindi movies that are third grade copies of Hollywood movies, then you should go and see this movie. It is nothing extra-ordinary but it is innovative and original. The character of Murugun was originally developed for Channel [V] in the mid 1990s by Rajesh Devraj and Shashanka Ghosh. The script of the movie was written by Rajesh Devraj and Shashanka Ghosh directed it and they deserve some praise for their work. Indiaserver.com says:

Quick Gun Murugan offers the audience something which will completely be a novel experience. The movie revolves around the fight between hero and villain. The duo is in fight for a ‘dosa’ recipe… The movie takes the audience into a really crazy and funky world where the hero, Quick Gun Murugan, essayed by veteran Telugu actor, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, is depicted as a ‘super hero’.

Quick Gun Murugun is a spoof that takes its dialogue and style from the 70s Hindi cinema. The dialogues of the hero is similar to those of the action heroes of the 70s such as Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra or Shatrughan Sinha. The park bench romance, running around the flower garden and camera showing the back of hero and then heroin who feels shy and runs away after kissing the hero is very much 70s Bollywood. And the fighting as you know, the hero comes out victoriously without a scratch in his body. No matter how many bullets have been fired or how many grenades have been thrown, the hero with a single pistol takes over the entire army of the villain. Quick Gun Murugun is like taking a walk in the memory lanes Hindi cinema.

SpiceZee says:

‘Quick Gun Murugan’ is nothing more than a trail of parody, which takes potshots at conventional styles and affections in the history of Indian cinema. However, pulling a 90-minute spoof is not an easy task and this proves to be the bane of ‘Quick Gun Murugan’ as with an insubstantial plot, jokes become unbearable and so does the movie!

Taran Adarsh says:

QUICK GUN MURUGAN depicts the war between good and evil and what makes it a novel experience is that the characters are straight out of 1970s. Director Shashanka Ghosh's choice of the subject as also the execution deserves credit.

Another great thing about Quick Gun Murugun is its cast. From the hero to the supporting character, all the actors did very well. Famous Telugu actor, Dr. Rajendra Prasad played the role of Quick Gun Murugun and he has done a great job. Buzz 18 says:

To give it to the actors, they have really lived up to their exaggerated characters. Dr Rajendraprasad is brilliant as Quick Gun Murugan. He doesn't laugh. He can't look at semi clad women. He winces when he sees Mango Dolly dance. Good! Raju Sundaram's portrayal of Rowdy MBA is also worth a mention. The two women Anu Menon (aka Lola Kutty of Channel V) as Locket Lover and Rambha as Mango Dolly live up to their characters as well.

Nasser, who is also another famous South Indian actor, played the role of Rice Plate Reddy, the arch villain of Murugun in this movie. He also did a brilliant job with his character. Vinay Pathak played the role of Chitragupta looking like a Gujarati manl. Other actors like Ranvir Shorey, Sandhya Mridul did justice to their character. One interesting thing is that each of the characters have their own music which is played as they enter or exit the scene. Magnamags.com says:

Vinay Pathak and Ranvir Shorey who have salvaged several bollywood flicks at the box office, do not have bigger roles. However, they have performed their parts competently in the flick. Similarly, Sandhya Mridul ( sansani reporter), Ashwin Mushran, Gaurav Kapur, Kishori Balla and Raju Sundaram have done good jobs in their respective characters.

Now, let’s talk about the negative aspects. First of all, the songs of Quick Gun Murugun are not so enjoyable and unnecessary. The music album of QGM has twelve songs including the remixes. They are not enjoyable and has no value except increasing the movies time length.

Daily Latest News.com says:

The background music merely adds to the effects. Each personality has their exclusive melodious track which plays when they come in or way out a moive scene. The similar goes for related situations. Movie songs though are not anything value of mentioning. And we could have no problem without them.

The second problem is that the movie fails to deliver what it promises. You found the trailer interesting and funny but the movie may not be so funny. It has a poor story and poor cinematography. SpiceZee says:

‘Quick Gun Murugan’ might be whacky and original, yet, it fails to capture the very essence of a full-bodied burlesque that could be a rib-tickling affair. Apart from the weird antics of Murugan, one finds our cowboy torn between his Locket Lover (Anu Menon of Lola Kutty fame) and Mango Dolly and an overdose of hackneyed dialogues and equally pedestrian scenes… Ultimately, ‘Quick Gun Murugan’ is in a dire need of comic effect. The movie could have been a delightful watch only if it had a crisp script and characters came with an author backed role.

NDTV Movies says:

The plot, which is totally inconsequential, pits Murugan against his arch-enemy Rice Plate Reddy, played by Nasser....What’s funny for the first half starts to feel like work in the second. Beyond a point, the joke seems strained…The energy flags and the film becomes uneven. I also didn’t enjoy the excessive cartoon violence. We have close-ups of bullet holes in bodies and a plot twist about bombs in tiffin boxes. That struck me as too macabre to be amusing.

Finally, the movie uses too much Tamil elements which might not go well with the non-Tamil viewers.

In the end, Quick Gun Murugun is worth your money because of the movie makers tried to show something new and uncommon. When most of the movie makers take up stories from English movies, Quick Gun Murugun tries something praiseworthy.

Manchester United vs Arsenal Preview, Live Score: EPL 2009-10

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Manchester United and Arsenal Match Live Updates

A high-flying Arsenal takes on defending champion Manchester United in the first ‘Big Four’ clash of the season on 29 August 2009 (Saturday) at Old Trafford. With Arsenal not having a healthy head-to-head recent record against United, and the Ferguson boys playing before the home crowd, you might think that Manchester United would go into the game as favorite against Gunners, regardless of their recent defeat at Burnley. However, it would be perhaps the biggest mistake of United if they take Arsene Wenger boys lightly, considering their champion’s status and previous glories.

Match: Manchester United vs Arsenal; English Premier League 2009-10

Date: 29 August 2009

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England

Kick off: 5:15 pm BST (British Summer Time)

Live on TV: Sky Sports 1 TV Channels

I think, Arsenal is much ahead of Manchester United on psychological ground. After the departure of Adebayor and Kolo Toure in the Summer, and Manchester City signing a series of star players, there were many who wrote off Arsenal before the start of the season and a big portion of Arsenal fans were worried about Arsenal’s performance this season. In fact, there were many who believed that Arsenal may not be able to clinch a Champions league place next season.

However, the reality has been totally different so far from all those presumptions as Arsenal got off to an excellent start to the season with a 6-1 thumping victory over traditionally strong Everton, followed by a 4-1 victory at home over Portsmouth. Wenger boys then outshined Scottish giants Celtic on both legs of Champions League play-off and reached the group stage on a 7-2 aggregate victory. Overall, Gunners netted 15 goals against only 3 goals conceded in their first four fixtures so far this season. So, there is no way to deny that Arsenal’s current form has some indication which is apparently a big threat for other contenders of the league title. Naturally, Arsenal has nothing to worry about their form at this moment and the squad looks pretty much united and confident to prove all the critics wrong.

Manchester United, as usual, has had a bleak start as the Red Devils tasted their first defeat in the league only in their second game of the season. Even that defeat came against a newly promoted Burnley. However, Manchester Untied may not have lots of reasons to be worried about their current form after their emphatic 5-0 victory over Wigan Athletic. Most importantly, all three major strikers of United found net in the match with Rooney scoring twice, and Owen, Berbatov and Nani scoring once each.

Another advantage Manchester United has over Arsenal is that they did not play any game since last Saturday, while Arsenal had to face Celtic in the return leg of the Champions League play-off. Naturally, the Red Devils are expected to be physically fit against their traditional rivals. In fact, Arsenal boss Wenger has also expressed his concerned over this fact while expressing his joy over the mid-week victory against Celtic.

Press Association reported:

He added: "We are now in the top, top league in Europe, with all the big names. Our team against Celtic was an average age of 23.9 years.

"That means, if we can get out of the group stage, then in six months we can be even stronger.

"That is what we want to focus on, to continue to improve our team play, the speed of our game and show that we have made big improvements come Saturday at 5.15pm.

He added: "For us it is most important to recover physically because Manchester United did not play during the week."

Arsenal goes into the game on the back of four big-margin victories, while Manchester United comes off a mixed performance. Naturally, Arsenal’s confidence level is now pretty much high compared to Manchester United. Manchester United will be under huge pressure, even though they will be playing at home. Manchester United now has got to prove that the high-profile departures of Ronaldo and Tevez in the Summer have not affected their game at all. Last time Arsenal faced United was the return leg semi final encounter of Champions league last season when Manchester United comfortably outperformed the Gunners 3-1 at home with Ronaldo scoring twice. So, the question is if Manchester United with Ronaldo will appear as dominating against Arsenal as it was last time.

Injury News

Captain Cesc Fabregas is the biggest worry for Arsenal as the midfielder is uncertain for the trip to Manchester as he is yet to recover his hamstring problem fully. However, the player is confident that he would be able to make it to the Manchester-bound squad. However, manager Arsene Wenger said that the possibility of his inclusion in the squad is 50:50 at this moment, and the player would have to undergo a late fitness test, but he is happy with the progress of Fabregas.

The Independent reported:

Wenger said yesterday: "He had a training session today that was quite positive. He will have a definite test [today] where we will decide if we include him in the squad or not. I would say it is a real 50:50. [On Wednesday] I would say it was 60:40 against but he looked positive."

Arsenal has little worry about the fitness level of midfield duo: Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby- who are currently little injured. Ramsey picked up a little knock during the mid-week victory over Celtic. However, both of them are expected to be fit for the Manchester United clash.

Manchester United has been suffering from injury problems since the start of the season. Specially, United has not got its full-strength defense line up available yet in the season. Star defender Rio Ferdinand has been out of action with a thigh injury that he picked up during the Community Shield game. Veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der is also sidelined at this moment. Rafael da Silva is another injury casualty at the Old Trafford camp. However, it is true that Manchester United have some excellent replacements too.

Betonline reported:

… Rio Ferdinand has been missing from the United back four with a thigh injury, and the versatile John O’Shea has filled in, as well as Jonny Evans. Edwin van der Sar is also hurt, but Ben Foster is proving he can be counted upon….when he is healthy. Still, there are too many injuries at the back for United.

The good news for the Red Devils fans is that Garry Neville and Nemanja Vidic have come back in action after getting over their respective injuries. So, United defense regained some of its strength back.

Team Formation and Squad

Arsenal is expected to stick to 4-3-3 formation which they have been featuring so far this season. This formation has worked well for Gunners as forwards and midfielder can easily interchange in this formation, and thus, deceiving the opponent defense effectively. In the back four, Arsenal will have their influential pair: William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen- in the middle of the park. Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna will occupy the two full back positions as usual.

In the midfield, Arsenal will definitely feature Fabregas (if he is fit to play). If Diaby is fit, then he will be in the starting line up, and in that case, Denilson will be in the substitutes’ bench. Song will also be employed in the midfield. I am sure Wenger would face some problems in deciding his attacking line up, specially the lone striker in the up front. Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner will occupy in the two wings with either Eduardo or Robin van Persie deployed up front. Eduardo, who might face a UEFA suspension for his dive during 3-1 win over Celtic, was impressive against Celtic, and Wenger would be in a dilemma to decide whom to deploy as the lone striker. However, I think, Robin van Persie will most probably be in the starting line up with Eduardo waiting in the bench.

Arsenal Probable Squad:

Almunia (GK), Clichy, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Diaby, Fabregas, Song, Bendtner, Arshavin and Robin van Persie.

Manchester United has got some rhythm back with Vidic and Neville back in action. Their defense line up would feature Evra and Evans, besides Neville and Vidic. Ferguson has lots of options in the midfield, and thus, making it difficult for him to chose whom over whom. I think, summer signing Antonio Valencia and Scotland international Darren Fletcher will definitely be in the starting line up. Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick will also be in the United midfield.

Wayne Rooney will lead their attack, but the question is who will the other striker in the starting line up against Arsenal: Michael Owen or Dimitar Berbatov. Most probably, Berbatov will be there with Owen in the substitutes’ bench. Manchester United will play in 4-4-2 formation.

Manchester United Probable Squad:

Ben Foster, Neville, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney and Berbatov.

Online Live Score and Updates

If you want to get the live score and updates of the match, then visit the following websites:

Live Score

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With Arsenal in dominating form and Manchester United looking to prove their strength without Ronaldo and Tevez, the upcoming match on Saturday afternoon seems to be a highly-competitive affair. I do not want to pick up any side as favorite because it is a kind of match which is full of uncertainty. Both side would feel some pressure going into the game. The team, who will be dominant both physically and mentally, would come out as winner (well, it could be a draw too). Overall, I think, the match all the elements to lure the football fans from around the world.