Sid Jain talks about animated Andaz Apna Apna and other line up of IRock this yea

At the on-going FICCI-FRAMES 2011 convention in Mumbai, Sidhartha M Jain of iRock announced quite a few interesting films which his company would be making in the days to come. iRock is the name behind films such as the forthcoming flick Ragini MMS and Shaadi Of The Dead.

Speaking at FICCI-FRAMES 2011, Sidhartha said, "We are ready with Ragini MMS which is India's first found footage reality horror film. The film is made in association with Balaji's ALT Entertainment. Post that we have India's first zombie comedy film Shaadi Of The Dead starring Abhay Deol and we are in the process of finalizing a few other actors. It's a never before seen concept of zombies gate-crashing a big fat Punjabi wedding. We also have a film called Bloody Veer in the pipeline and also have plans to make India's first space adventure film."

However the last project which Sid announced took everyone by surprise. He said, "We would also be making an animation sequel to a very popular film - Andaz Apna Apna. We are pretty focused that we are creating content for the youth in the age group of 13-35 years."

iRock, which received initial funding form Manmohan Shetty, also has Mr.Shekar Kapur on board as a Mentor. In fact, Shekhar is closely involved with iRock's forthcoming project Shaadi Of The Dead.

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James Cameron visits Priyan's Malayalam film set in Abu Dhabi

The Titanic-Avatar's director James Cameron is planning a film based in India. In Abu Dhabi earlier this week, for a media summit, Cameron suddenly landed up on location to watch Priyadarshan shoot a Malayalam film with Mohanlal.

Cameron spent a good two hours with Priyan and his leading man. "He didn't know anyone from the Indian film industry except Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He didn't know me or my work. But had an insatiable curiosity about what I was doing and where I came from. He is going to watch my Kanchivaram," says Priyadarshan proudly.

When James Cameron suddenly dropped in on location at Abu Dhabi to meet Priyadarshan, the Avatar director only knew he was going to meet a prolific South Indian filmmaker. When Cameron heard Priyadarshan's output he was shocked.

Cameron, who has directed barely 32 films in 33 years of his career, thought he had heard wrongly. And considering Priyan's thick accent, it'd be easy for a Canadian to misunderstand.

Speaking from Abu Dhabi, Priyan laughs, "When I told him that I had made 81 films he just couldn't believe it, and asked me to repeat the number. Cameron makes one film every 3-4 years. For him to understand how we filmmakers operate in India is impossible."

Cameron was under the impression that Priyadarshan only directed South Indian films. On hearing of Priyan's track-record in Hindi, Cameron desired to watch his Bollywood films. But Priyan shied away from exposing his Bollywood side to Cameron.

Recounts Priyan, "When he got to know I make Hindi films too, he wanted to see some of my work in Bollywood. But I am not showing him my Hindi films. I want him to watch my Kanchivaram. Most, including me, consider it my best work. It is also my most Indian work. I want him to get a feel of the real India through Kanchivaram."

Priyan will send Cameron a DVD copy of Kanchivaram. "We exchanged email IDs and phone numbers and I intend to keep in touch with him, and not only because I admire his work so much but also because he was such a humble down-to-earth man. He kept telling me to shoot as it was approaching dusk and the light would fade."

Priyan wanted to attend Cameron's lecture on the 3D technique in Abu Dhabi. "But I couldn't get the time. I'm going to connect with Cameron now and we'll exchange ideas. A joint venture? Why not?"

In fact, Priyan and Cameron have already discussed a collaborative endeavour. We are not supposed to know about it. But it's apparently a film that Cameron will produce and Priyadarshan will direct.

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Kareena Kapoor to be brand ambassador of Lavie range of handbags

The charm and the magic of Bebo is not just restricted to Bollywood but has reached the shores of ad world too!

Well, after having lent her name and face to a million products, Kareena Kapoor will now be seen as the brand ambassador of Lavie range of handbags, inform Bollywood Hungama's reliable sources. The source also added that Kareena will be shooting for a TVC and also press ads that revolve around the theme 'Me, Myself & I'.

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Zarine Khan signed for Housefull 2

The cast of Sajid Nadiadwala's Housefull 2 directed by Sajid Khan seems to get bigger by the day and the latest addition to the cast is Zarine Khan.

Zarine, who debuted opposite Salman Khan in Veer, joins Asin and Jacqueline as the female leads of the film. Meanwhile the 3 male leads are of course Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and John Abraham. However it's not yet revealed whom Zarine is paired opposite as the story is full of twists and turns.

With such a mammoth cast, the makers sure have a House Full of stars.

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Celina Jaitly injures her hand

The gorgeous Celina Jaitly had a freak injury when she sprained her hand while doing some household work. Though it's not a major scare, the actress has been advised to take it easy for a few days.

Celina has a major film Thank You releasing next month (April 8) so she would be hoping she recovers soon so that she could take active part in the promotions of the film.

We wish Celina a speedy recovery.

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Yash Raj Films launches youth films studio called Y-Films

A while ago we had informed you that Yash Raj Films is planning to launch a new division targeting the youth. The wait has now ended as Yash Raj Films has launched its youth films studio called Y-Films. The new division is a dynamic, vibrant start-up at the intersection of films, creativity and youth culture that hopes to challenge the norm and detonate boundaries. It promises to give the youth a creative outlet and voice that will entertain and unite on films and beyond.

The youth is the largest movie going audience - both in India as well as overseas. However, currently there has been no focused attempt to create films for them, unlike the West where the teen film is a genre of its own. And given the fact that over 70% of India is below the age of 35 - it's too big an audience to ignore.

Y-Films is headed by Ashish Patil, formerly head of youth music channel MTV in India. Patil adds, "Y-Films promises to deliver kick ass films of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. And be a platform for new talent - both on screen and behind the scenes - who will challenge, break and set new rules of story telling. Get ready to spread the Y-rus!"

The films will be laser-focused on the universe of the young covering all genres - thrillers, comedies, chick-flicks, capers - with some really fresh music. It's an aggressive slate with the first film - Luv Ka The End, an 'anti-rom-com' - gearing up for release on 6th May, 2011 starring Shraddha Kapoor and a fresh new cast. The promos for this are expected to break at the launch event end-March.

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Veteran actor Naveen Nischol passes away

Naveen Nischol was one of the very few actors who were successful in films as well as television. The talented actor passed away this morning due to heart attack.

After having made his debut with the Hindi film Sawan Bhadon in the year 1970, Naveen went on to do films like Buddha Mil Gaya, Victoria No. 203, Dhund… to name a few and of course the most recent being Khosla Ka Ghosla and Break Ke Baad. He also became a big name on television in the 90s due to the popular TV serial 'Dekh Bhai Dekh'.

Rockunlimited prays for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

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