Why Hollywood is finally telling a different kind of age-gap romance story

Lucy Brown, University of Westminster

The ageist and sexist trope of the cougar, milf, or Mrs Robinson – a desperate older woman pursuing a relationship with a younger, less interested man – is being challenged by a spate of Hollywood movies pairing older women with younger men.

For generations, the idealised relationship on screen has been for an older man and a younger woman. This casting practice dates back to Hollywood’s silent era and mirrors global cultural norms. The real average age gap in the west, meanwhile, is much narrower than the silver screen would have you believe, standing at 2.2 years in the US.

Mirroring what we see in the cinema, however, research on heterosexual relationship preferences in Europe, published in December, indicated that men prefer relationships with younger women. And that preferred gap increases as men age. In contrast, women prefer a smaller age gap as they age. And in their 60s, they tend to prefer a slightly younger partner.

The history of Hollywood age gaps

Many Hollywood classics feature significant age gaps. Debbie Reynolds starred opposite a 40-year-old Gene Kelly when she was just 19 in Singin’ in the Rain (1952). Kim Novak was paired with 50-year-old James Stewart in Vertigo (1958) when she was just 25. And Maria Schneider was only 19 when she was coupled with Marlon Brando, then 49, for Last Tango in Paris (1972).

Reynolds and Schneider have both spoken about the abusive on-set power dynamics that ensued. Reynolds felt assaulted when Kelly “shoved his tongue” down her throat, and Schneider accused both Brando and director Bernardo Bertolucci of sexual assault.

More recent, and now notorious pairings, which demonstrate the ubiquity of double digit age differences include 30-year-old Catherine Zeta-Jones and 69-year-old Sean Connery in Entrapment (1990). A 27-year-old Eva Mendes paired with 47-year-old Denzel Washington in Training Day (2001). And 22-year-old Gemma Arterton as the romantic interest of 40-year-old Daniel Craig in Quantum of Solace (2008).

Actor Laura Dern has reflected that the 20-year age gap between her and Sam Neill in Jurassic Park (1993), which was considered the norm in the 1990s, now feels “completely inappropriate”.

Flipping the script

Audiences are tiring of Hollywood’s habit of pairing younger stars with men old enough to be their fathers and are calling for change.

The casting of Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh in Oppenheimer (2023) received a backlash for the 20-year age gap between the two actors. This came particularly as the film featured lingering nudity of Pugh, and the age gap was ten years greater than the real life age gap between the characters they play.

When Hollywood has depicted an inversion of this age gap dynamic in the past, it’s generally been done to demonise the older woman. One of the most renowned examples is The Graduate (1967). The film starred Dustin Hoffman as a 21 year old at the mercy of a middle-aged seducer Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Mrs Robinson is at the periphery of the story and portrayed as a sad, fading beauty in competition with her daughter who eventually “wins” the man.

This depiction of a bitter older woman is being challenged by a surge of recent films that centre characters over 40. Babygirl (2025) stars 57-year-old Nicole Kidman as a CEO in a relationship with an intern 30 years her junior, defying gendered stereotypes and sexual power dynamics.

Similarly, Anne Hathaway, 41 in The Idea of You, falls for a 24-year-old pop star. Unlike the daughter in Mrs Robinson, who is perceived as the competition, her character’s daughter has her back and acknowledges the double standards women face when the age gap is this way around.

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Even so, 2024 was referred to dismissively by some as “the year of the cougar” following the release of two Netflix romcoms, A Family Affair (again with Nicole Kidman, this time paired with 36-year-old Zac Efron) and Lonely Planet (with 57-year-old Laura Dern and 34-year-old Liam Hemsworth).

Despite this online mockery, the trend looks set to continue. The upcoming Bridget Jones sequel, Mad About the Boy, will show Bridget (played by Renée Zellweger who is now in her 50s) dating a 29-year-old Leo Woodall. Meanwhile I Want Your Sex, set to release in late 2025, will star Olivia Wilde, 40, opposite Cooper Hoffman, 21.

Women still only make up 23% of writers and directors in Hollywood. Interestingly, the recent films featuring older women and younger men couples have more women in key creative roles behind the scenes.

Lonely Planet and Babygirl were written and directed by women (Susannah Grant and Halina Reijn). A Family Affair and May December were written by women (Carrie Solomon and Samy Burch). And I Want Your Sex and Mad About the Boy have a mix of genders on their writing teams.

The need for more women to be involved in the creative decision-making to amplify women’s voices is crucial. Research shows that women make up only 35% of speaking parts and roles for women start to nose-dive post 30.

No wonder then that Reese Witherspoon, Amy Adams and Kerry Washington are just a few of the Hollywood actresses who have established production companies to tell stories that reflect the wide range of women’s experiences, sexual desires and vulnerabilities – and celebrate the complexity and diversity of their relationships.

Lucy Brown, Professor of Film and Television, Head of Screen, Assistant Head of School, Westminster School of Media and Communications, University of Westminster, University of Westminster

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read More........ → March 20, 2025

Penelope Cruz loves acting challenges

Penelope Cruz says she loves taking on different acting challenges and wants to continue working in Spanish films. Topping her wishlist are films in which she can experiment with her accents.

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz said at the Toronto International Film Festival that she will never stop making films in Spain and in Spanish, but that she also would like to play a character with a British accent and take on the role of a stereotypical California "valley girl". Cruz presented her latest film "Venuto al mondo" (Twice Born), an Italian-Spanish co-production directed by Sergio Castellitto and also starring Emile Hirsch, Adnan Haskovic and Saadet Aksoy, Thursday at the TIFF. "I love being part of projects like this, although I'll always want to keep working in my country and in Spanish. I'll never stop for many reasons. It's also quite refreshing to go back and work in my own language," Cruz said. "Because in this (film), as much as I loved it, it was a big challenge to shoot 70 percent of the film in English and the rest in Italian. But the English had to have an Italian accent. I love those challenges, but I can't say it was easy," she added. Penelope Cruz, whose upcoming projects include British director Ridley Scott's The Counselor and Spanish filmmaker's Pedro Almodovar's "Los amantes pasajeros" (I'm So Excited), said she has a passion for accents. "I love accents. Now that I'm more comfortable in English, I'd like to play (a role with) a British accent. I have a character. She's really fun, but I can't talk about her. But it's a character with a British accent," she said. "And I'd also like to play a 'valley girl'. One day," the actress said laughing. In an interview published last Saturday by Italian daily La Stampa, Cruz said that she plans to produce at least two films a year in her homeland to create jobs amid sky-high unemployment. "I want to bring jobs to my people ... I'll use my privileged position. It's what interests me the most right now. I know it's a grain of sand in the desert, but it's a responsibility I think I have," Cruz said. "I'll produce a couple of films a year. A way to give work to hundreds of people. It's a set idea I have." Cruz, winner of a best-supporting actress Oscar for her role as an unstable artist in Woody Allen's 2008 comedy-drama "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", said she has worked hard but also has had a lot of opportunities in life. The talents of "an entire generation of highly trained young people" in Spain are being wasted, Cruz said, adding that though they have lots to offer there is nothing for them to do but "bang their heads against the wall or go out in the street and protest." Spain's economy has been battered in recent years by the collapse of a massive real-estate bubble in the context of the 2008-09 global recession. The country's unemployment rate stands at nearly 25 percent and at more than 50 percent among young people. Despite the high joblessness, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's government has opted for a series of austerity measures in recent months to bring a high budget deficit into line with European Union mandates. Those measures have been harshly criticized by unions and sparked large-scale street protests. Cruz told the Italian daily that her role of a single mother who brings her teenage son to Sarajevo in "Venuto al Mondo" and the character she played in Almodovar's "Volver" (To Return) have been the two most challenging of her career thus far. Source: ApunKaChoice.com

Read More........ → December 20, 2012

Katrina Kaif: Living the dream

In what once seemed a distant dream, Katrina Kaif gets emotional about getting to be a Yash Chopra heroine Since the time Katrina Kaif attended the premiere of Shah Rukh Khan-Preity Zinta-Rani Mukerji starrer Veer Zaara in 2004, her greatest aspiration was to work in a Yash Chopra film. However, it seemed like a far-fetched dream then as she was seen as an ‘outsider’ compounded by a language problem in Hindi. But having overcome the hurdles since, and making her place among the top three actresses in Bollywood, Katrina has fulfilled her biggest dream — of being a Yash Chopra heroine in his swan song Jab Tak Hain Jaan (JTHJ). Dressed casually in a loosely-fitted tee and a pair of denims, Katrina looks at home in Yash Raj studios in Mumbai. And in a tête-à-tête with Screen, shares her experience of working in JTHJ — her first with Yash Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan. Excerpts: Jab Tak Hai Jaan is your first film with Yash Chopra. What are your thoughts now that Yashji was not around when the film released? For me, there are so many poignant memories and things attached to Jab Tak... Even if you

Read More........ → December 20, 2012

Avril Lavigne planning rock 'n' roll wedding

Singer-actress Avril Lavigne is putting a rock 'n' roll spin on her upcoming nuptials with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. Kroger, who had a traditional ceremony in mind, said Lavigne has taken control of the wedding plans and wants an unforgettable celebration for her second trip down the aisle, reported Daily Star. "We (grooms) get such an incredibly small chunk in terms of what we can actually participate in... I get control over nothing. I just show up. But I'm glad, because she has...traversed these territories before. These are unchartered (sic) waters for me. So it's nice to have her to guide me through this. "She's got great ideas. I would have gone a little too traditional, I think, and she's giving it a real rock 'n' roll edge. The groomsmen won't be wearing piano neckties (but) let's just say she's taking the bull by the horns and steering the ship towards what is going to be the most unique wedding that the planet has probably ever seen," he said. Kroeger, who announced his engagement to Lavigne in August this year, insists he never envisioned himself settling down. "There was a time in my life that I thought I would never get married. But this definitely took me by storm. Honestly, it was more my idea than hers to get married. I'm just lucky she said yes," he added. Lavigne, 28, was previously married to Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley, and also dated reality TV star Brody Jenner before they split earlier this year. Source: Screen-India, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → November 30, 2012

Salman Khan and his beautiful women!

He's hot, he's sexy and women across the globe swoon over him. Yeh, we are talking about Bollywood star Salman Khan. Many call him a bad boy, a 'woman beater', yet he's the hunk and the best for all the females. Salman Khan has entertained us with his various avatars for decades now. Call him a lover boy, a comedian or an action hero, Sallu bhai blooms in each of his roles. Today, he's one of the most successful actors of the industry. But, we feel that the credit for his success should also go to those actresses, who have worked with Salman in various films. Salman romanced several actresses onscreen. We are here to treat you with the pictures of few of his onscreen women. Whom do you think looks the best with Sallu onscreen? Source: Salman Khan

Read More........ → November 06, 2012

You don’t go to Switzerland without Yash Chopra: SRK

Actor Shah Rukh Khan admits to an “emotional and mental” void in his life after father figure, late filmmaker Yash Chopra, passed away last week. So much so that the 46-year-old has cancelled the shoot of the last song of Chopra’s film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ), in his favourite outdoor location, Switzerland. “We don’t feel emotionally and mentally ready to go to Switzerland and shoot without Yash ji. You don’t go to Switzerland without Yash Chopra,” says the actor, who will now be a part of a grand farewell in ode to his guru with a lavish premiere of the film on November 12. What happens now to the swan song in Switzerland that was due to be filmed for JTHJ? We could not shoot for it as Yash ji was unwell. After he passed away, Karan (Johar) said, ‘Should I shoot it?’ But Adi (Aditya Chopra) said, ‘No we are not going to shoot it.’ If the song is not being shot by Mr Yash Chopra in Switzerland, then even I don’t want to shoot it. None of us wants to. The song will now be played in the background. We’ll use some scenes from what Yash ji’s already shot. What is the thought behind doing a gala premiere of the film? Shah Rukh kisses father-figure Yash Chopra on his last birthdayYash Chopra always released his films on Diwali (JTHJ releases on November 13), because his ideology was that it’s a festival of life and happiness. Hope it’s not seen in a wrong sense, but the fact that he’d been making films for the last 50 years, and just 10 days after he made his last film, he passes away — I think in a strange sense is the happiest a filmmaker can be. We as people who’ve experienced him should celebrate what a wonderful and happy life he had. We shall carry forward the reason he made films for, and that was to celebrate life. We are going to have this huge premiere, Insha Allah, on the 12th (of
November). To me it has become a little more than a film. That sensuous song Saans: MORE ON JAB TAK HAI JAAN: JTHJ: SRK-Katrina get groovy for Yash Chopra's swan song The foot tapping number is in contrast with the gloom that has set in after movie mogul Yash Chopra's demise. Jab Tak Hai Jaan's latest song Ishq Shava released on the same day the King of Romance passed away. And it trended heavily on Twitter all night. Unlike the romantic number Saans, which showed a scintillating chemistry between SRK and Katrina, Ishq Shava seems to be a peppy number. WATCH SONG. JTHJ: Yash Chopra to direct last-ever scene: Yash Chopra prepares to say goodbye to direction with Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ), his assistant directors (who have worked with him for years) are busy designing a spectacular souvenir for the king of romance. They want this to be their special gift to their mentor. LAST-EVER, Jab Tak Hai Jaan: Yash Chopra to miss his last take? For the shoot of the last remaining song in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, director Yash Chopra had a grand vision: a sari-clad Katrina Kaif romancing Shah Rukh Khan in the lush meadows of the Swiss Alps. But unfortunately, his illness, caused by a bout of dengue, stymied the plan for the song, which would have reflected his trademark directorial style. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, Is SRK's Challa from Jab Tak Hai Jaan inspired? AR Rahman's Challa song might be creating waves on the internet, but it has emerged that the song is not exactly err.. original. It is in fact inspired by Eagle-Eye Cherry's number Save Tonight from his album Desireless. The opening notes of Challa, where SRK is strumming the guitar, is uncanningly similar to Save Tonight's music. Challa is sung by Rabbi Sheirgill. Check Out The Videosis the best way of giving a tribute or the best way to mourn for Yash Chopra’s passing away and to celebrate the fact that he was a part of our lives. ‘I was never a part of this game’ A newspaper in Pakistan has reported that Jab Tak Hai Jaan (JTHJ) will be banned there and the promos have been pulled off air. Are you aware? I never read the posts that come in newspapers anymore. I don’t know about this. You’ll have to ask the distributors. Your Diwali release clashes with Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar. Does that worry you? I find this talk of competition within films and actors to be redundant. It’s actually the sensibility of outsiders who don’t know this business or who don’t feel the film. I feel the film. My film is not mathematics. I don’t believe in numbers. I know people think I’m a rich capitalist, a well-to do star. Ya, I’m a rockstar. But all that follows the belief that I’ll only do a film which my heart tells me to. I don’t need to know which other film is coming when my film is coming. With all humility and honesty, when my film comes, then only my film comes. I’m not being derogatory to anyone. But my film comes from the heart. If it’s just about the business, then I hope everyone else’s film does more business than mine. Trade experts are predicting collections of over Rs. 200 crore for JTHJ. What are your expectations? I’ll tell you two things. I am not a trade pundit. I am not an astrologer. I am an actor and that’s what makes me unpredictable. I hate numbers. It is so being tunnel visioned to be confined by numbers. I don’t even understand why people celebrate birthdays. You’re just getting older. It’s really stupid to be confined by numbers. Have you passed on the same outlook towards business of cinema to your kids? I’ll never be able to teach my son or daughter to be successful in the business of cinema. But they will know how to tell a story from the heart. My son has gone to study abroad. He looks a little educated now. I’ve been an outsider here. I was never a part of this game. Have you began working on the sequel to RA.One? Films like that take a little while. I am making three films already (Chennai Express, Happy New Year and A for Apple, B for Billi, C for Cutta). I need to take out some time, which I don’t see happening. It’s huge pre-production work to look into the VFX. It takes about a year. So not right now. Is it true that you have postoponed Chennai Express to avoid a clash with Salman Khan’s Brindavanam during Eid next year? Again, utter crap and nonsense of newspapers, with all gentleness and kindness. You are a very loyal ambassador when it comes to brands you endorse such as Tag Heuer that have become a part of your life through your trademark red glasses and watch. What keeps it going? I have been fortunate to have had employers who have had an association with me with the mindset of continuing it for a lifetime. Tag Heuer and Hyundai are among those. It has been close to 10 years with Tag now and they have never forced me to promote it in my films. It’s by default that I keep showing off pieces like this Tag Heuer Carrera India Racing Edition Chronograph that I am in Delhi to launch. When I need money, I work, otherwise I attend Tag functions (laughs).About the song: The song, we hear, was supposed to be as intensely romantic as Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai from Yash Chopra's Daag, the first film that Sr Chopra directed for his home banner Yash Raj Films in 1973. The song was to be shot in the snowfall capturing the same desperate romance between Shah Rukh and Katrina Kaif that Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore projected in Daag. For the shoot of the last remaining song in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, director Yash Chopra had a grand vision: a sari-clad Katrina Kaif romancing Shah Rukh Khan in the lush meadows of the Swiss Alps. But unfortunately, his illness and then his sudden death stymied the plan for the song, which would have reflected his trademark directorial style. It is now also believed that the film's stars Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma will work together to ensure that the film proves to be a fitting tribute to the Bollywood stalwart. Watch theSPOTTED: SRK-Anushka shoot in Ladakh Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma are currently shooting for the last stretch of Yash Chopra's untitled romantic film in Ladakh. PIC INSIDE Kashmir makes SRK relax, unwind after years: Shooting for Yash Chopra's yet untitled movie in this picturesque south Kashmir hill station seems to have helped Shah Rukh Khan unwind himself from an otherwise boring routine of lights and camera. "Slept for 10 hours after a long time. God I feel rested... even my beard seems fresh," Shah Rukh posted on his widely followed Twitter account Friday. INTERVIEW INSIDE, SRK revives Pahalgam's romance with B-town: A favourite haunt of the Bollywood since 70's, Kashmir's picturesque hill station Pahalgam on Monday saw actor Shahrukh Khan shooting his first ever movie in the valley and bringing back the destination, with a very few movies shot since turbulent years of 1990s, on the film industry's map. READ MORE SPOTTED! Anushka Sharma shoots in Kashmir: Actor Anushka Sharma joined Shah Rukh Khan in Aru, Kashmir for the shooting of their untitled Yash Chopra film on Wednesday. The actor was seen walking through a lush green hill station in a ganji and cargos, as soldiers and fans looked on from a distance. Security has been beefed up to keep the crowds away. MORE INSIDE Jab Tak Hai Jaan will be my last film: Yash Chopra: Chopra's disclosure, made at an event marking his 80th birthday with actor Shah Rukh Khan by his side, took the Indian film industry by surprise. "I think I've had enough, Shah Rukh," Chopra replied when Khan asked him about his next project. READ MORE Poster of Jab Tak Hai Jaan a rip off? The poster of Yash Chopra’s upcoming film, Jab Tak Hain Jaan (JTHJ), has an uncanny resemblance to the poster of the 2011 French war adventure film, Forces Speciales. Fans have been writing about the similarity on online forums. JTHJ features Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, and will release around Diwali. COMPARE, JAB TAK HAI JAAN: Trailer releases, trends on Twitter, Soon after Yash Chopra revealed the name of his latest romantic flick, we get to see the trailer of Jab Tak Hai Jaan also! Trending heavily on Twitter, the trailer shows Shah Rukh Khan romancing in his signature style with both Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. TRAILER INSIDE, Shah Rukh Khan turns poet, translates Jab Tak Hai Jaan poem, When Shakespeare asked that what's in a name, he probably didn't forecast the announcement of the title of the Shah Rukh Khan starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan. TRANSLATION INSIDE, SRK-Katrina’s film titled Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum: Buzz is that director Yash Chopra’s comeback film has finally got a title. The film, that stars actors Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma, will reportedly be titled Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum. MORE INSIDE. SRK-Katrina chemistry should be good: Salman Khan: Salman Khan feels that the chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif in Yash Chopra's next will be good. VIDEO INSIDE (With additional inputs), Source: Hindustan Times, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → October 30, 2012

Vivek Oberoi to do dark intense love story with Balaji

Actor Vivek Oberoi will be seen in filmmaker Ekta Kapoor's upcoming film, a dark intense love story. "I have signed it actually (with Balaji Telefilms). I don't think they have made an official announcement about it. All I can say is the film is a dark, intense and interesting love story. I can't talk much about it as it is too early," Vivek said. Vivek's recent release 'Kismat Luv Paisa Dilli' with Mallika Sherawat did not do well at the box office. However, the 36-year-old actor has a host of films in pipeline including 'Krrish 3' with Hrithik Roshan, 'Zilla Ghaziabad' alongside Sanjay Dutt, 'Sher' again with Dutt and 'Grand Masti', a sequel to the 2004 film 'Masti'. "I have nine films or so in hand. 'Jayanta Bhai Ki Love Story' is about a goon falling in love, 'Sher' is set in the 60s and is based in Gujarat. It is about gold smuggling. 'Zilla Ghaziabad' is out-an-out action film. In 'Krrish 3' I am playing a super villain," Vivek said. "I am doing one film with Balaji and another with Tips company. I feel I am doing good work. I am very much happy," he said. Vivek feels this is the happiest phase of his life professionally as well as personally. "I surely feel it is the happiest phase of my life. I have never been so mentally sorted and happy. I have my wife to thank for that. The day I got married I felt there is so much more to life," Vivek said. "Now that I am going to become a father, the excitement is at its highest. I want to take her out for a romantic holiday while she is expecting," he said. Vivek had earlier turned co-producer for 'Dekh Indian Circus' that had Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Tannishtha Chatterjee in the lead roles. The film won award at the 16th Busan Film Festival and 12th annual New York Indian Film Festival. On if he will produce more films now, Vivek says, "I think I will produce as many films as I can. Films that I like to make, small and different kind of." When asked if he will act in the films that he will back, the actor says, "May be I will, may be I won't, that is the beauty of life. There are no rules, no decisions. Source: Screen India, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → October 27, 2012

Esha Gupta compromising Family life

The Newbie in Bollywood Esha Gupta is seeing a good phrase of her career. After banging on lead roles in Bhatt camp's movies with Jannat 2 & now forthcoming Raaz 3, Esha looks like on seven sky. The actress has also bang on Ace filmmaker Prakash Jha's next ' Chakravhyu'. But success is not coming on easiest way, one has to compromise with their personal life when the professional life touches sky high. Esha is also facing the same situation, the actress will have to miss her cousin's wedding. She will not be able to attend the wedding function as she will be busy promoting her up-comings Raaz 3 & Chakravyuh. “The wedding is going to be a grand affair starting from 24th August to 17th September. There will also be some royal pre-wedding functions that will be held in Delhi, Jodhpur and Ludhiana. I and my family are all very excited about it. But I am feeling sad at the same time because I won’t be able to attend any of the functions. As RAAZ 3 and CHAKRAVYUH are nearing its release dates, we will be very busy with its promotions, media meets, city tours and other things. I really don’t want to miss it as it will be the first wedding in our family, but I have no option" Said Esha Gupta. Source: Page3

Read More........ → October 21, 2012

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon loves Psy's Gangnam Style

UN  Secretary  General  Ban Ki  -  moon  is   amazed  but  likes   the  South  Korean  rapper Psy's global hit Gangnam Style. "I'm very proud that his performance has been loved and enjoyed by more than 400 million people. It is amazing," Ban Ki-moon said. He says music is a force for world peace. "There are no languages required in the musical world. That is the power of music that is the power of the heart. Through this promotion of arts we can better understand the culture and civilizations of other people. In this era of instability and intolerance we need to promote better understanding through the power of music," he added. Ban Ki-moon who has been the face of Korea for years has been recently displaced as the best-known Korean after the emergence of chubby rapper's catchy video But the 68-year-old is delighted by the astonishing success of the song and he himself has seen it several times. The Gangnam style video has been viewed more than 400 million times. (with inputs from ANI),  Source: News Track India, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → October 19, 2012

'Makkhi': An innovative love triangle, revenge story with a buzz

Film: "Makkhi"; Starring: Sudeep, Samanth Ruth Prabhu, Nani; Directed by: S.S. Rajamouli; Rating: ***, This is a love triangle with a twist. It's a story of a man, woman and... a fly! By now we've all heard of Rajamouli's "Eega" cracking box office records in Tamil. The Hindi version comes to us with a tremendous pre-release expectations. Shall we just say we were "Eega" to see this film? "Makkhi" doesn't disappoint. Not by a long shot. It's a fiercely original and engaging piece of cinema replete with special effects that endow human qualities on a fly, making it a cool tool of vendetta. Yup, the fly creates quite a buzz! Specially around the film's antagonist Sudeep's ears, as it tortures the hell out of the villain who had bumped off the leading lady's angelic suitor, little realizing that he, the suitor, would be reborn as a fly. On paper, "Makkhi" must have sounded like a corny adventure saga about a fly's vendetta spree against a man who would go to any lengths to win over a girl who rebuffs his every gesture. Sudeep's effectual destruction by the fly has to be seen to be believed. To bring variations into the fly's various means of torturing his adversary to death requires Herculean plotting and planning. Director Rajmouli excels in giving a human life to the fly. In spite of the inherent repetitiveness of the concept (in how many ways can a fly..er, fly?), the narrative's pace never slackens. The special effects are incredibly adept. Full marks to Kannada actor Sudeep for creating an exacerbrated tension in a fight that is unequal from Round 1. Interestingly as the fly-hero's vendetta intensifies, Sudeep's character begins to appear comically vulnerable. By the time he gets unequivocally murderous we share Sudeep's sentiments completely. Aur nahin buzz aur nahin! In theory, it's a very shaky plot on which to build a whole film but Rajamouli's sure-handed direction puts a zing into the buzz. There is no dearth of innovative moments in the script. The sharp clenched narrative doesn't let go of a single occasion to allow the fight to finish between the fly and his killer. Honestly, who would expect a film entitled "Makkhi" to fly like a bird? Rajamouli's ingenious idea and skilfull storytelling take us completely by surprise. Gutsy sly and original, this is the entertainer of the season. Not only is Sudeep in top form, even Samantha Ruth as his object of adoration is sweetly effective. Another unmistakable plus is M.M. Kreem's music. The songs come on at opportune spaces in the storytelling. The background music nails the funny-sad-daring plot. A word about the Hindi dubbing. It's so well-synchronized with the original Tamil dubbing that nothing is lost in translation. Besides, a fly really doesn't speak. And it is the hero of this cocky clever and compelling film. This may not be the classic waiting to be re-discovered. But "Makkhi" holds our attention right to the end. It is a conventional love story turned into a ferociously innovative saga by one masterstoke. By the end of it we no longer wonder, why a fly? We're too busy cheering the fly which knows its mind better than Peter Proud ever did. Source: News Track India

Read More........ → October 15, 2012

John Mayer Dumped Katy Perry Via Email?

Apparently John Mayer didn't think it was suitable to call off his whirlwind romance to Katy Perry in person - so he sent an email to her instead. According to US Weekly, it was Mayer who got tired of Perry's "hard partying" and "decided to pull the plug. As shocking as that is, US Weekly's source also claims "he dumped her over email. She was furious and really hurt. She was into him, but he wasn't feeling it." The pair was first spotted in early August, but the romance would make it out of the month. Still, it broke KAty's heart, according to reports. "John did a real number on Katy. She held off from his advances for the longest time, but he laid on the charm thick and promised her he was a changed man," a source tells RadarOnline.com. "She eventually gave in, fell head over heels for him and then - yep - once he had made his conquest, he dumped her.© 2012 Starpulse.com, Photo Credits: Photo Credits: WENN.com; Hector Vallenilla, PacificCoastNews.com, Source: Starpulse

Read More........ → October 12, 2012

Shah Rukh Khan to pay homage to Yash Chopra on his birthday

Yash Chopra, the creator of larger-than-life Bollywood romances, is considered the ultimate king of romance. And as he turns 80 on September 27, who better than the actor who brought those romances to life — Shah Rukh Khan — to pay an homage to the master filmmaker? It’s been learnt that SRK will be celebrating Chopra’s birthday in a special manner — with a personal conversation with the filmmaker about his journey in Bollywood. “Some of SRK’s biggest hits have been with Yashji and his banner. So, we will witness SRK talk to him about his life, films and his entire journey. It’s an homage to Yash Chopra. It was the Yash Raj Films team who came up with the idea, and Shah Rukh was very excited about it,” says an insider. SRK has also expressed his happiness at working with Chopra again in his latest, Jab Tak Hai Jaan.Many feel this might be his last directorial venture. “SRK is the only one from the present generation of actors who has worked so extensively with Yashji. The event is being planned on a big level. Yashji generally doesn’t face the camera,” reveals the insider. Although the venue is yet to be decided, SRK is likely to talk to Chopra on topics such as the grandeur of his movies, his films’ stylish heroines, his penchant for poetic love stories and also about his initial (non-romantic) films such as Waqt (1965), Daag (1973) and Deewar (1975). “Not many tend to remember that before making romantic films, Chopra also directed some intense ones,” adds the insider. Meanwhile, all information about Jab Tak Hai Jaan has been closely guarded. “They have just returned from Switzerland, where Yashji finished shooting the last song for the film. The schedule only required SRK and Katrina (Kaif). Now, the film is in post-production,” says the insider. While Chopra and SRK couldn’t be reached for comments, the spokesperson of their upcoming film confirms, “Yes, we are planning a special event with SRK on Yashji’s birthday. The details can’t be revealed right now.” The romantic hero is born Back in 1993, SRK broke away from the image of the conventional Hindi film hero with a negative role in Chopra’s Darr. According to the Encyclopedia of Hindi Cinema, “He defied the imageof the conventional hero in both these films (the other being Baazigar) and created his own version of the revisionist hero.” Two years later, the same banner, Yash Raj Films, turned SRK’s image on its head with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. And with that, the king of romance was born. Subsequently, SRK worked with Chopra on many romantic films like Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Mohabbatein (2000), Veer Zaara (2004) and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008). Source: Hindustan Times

Read More........ → September 29, 2012

Brad Pitt’s wedding gift to Angelina Jolie: a shooting range

All’s well as long as he doesn’t stray in the line of fire. Brad Pitt’s wedding gift to wifey-to-be Angelina Jolie is as extraordinary as the couple themselves. But hey! did we hear that Jolie gets turned on by shooting?

Actor Brad Pitt has splashed 250,000 pounds on a shooting range as a wedding present for Angelina Jolie. The couple are set to tie the knot at their French estate Miraval later this year and Pitt installed the range and an armoury on site as a gift for his bride-to-be.  "Brad had a lot to live up with his wedding gift considering Angelina exchanged vials of blood with her ex-husband Billy-Bob Thornton," a source told thesun.co.uk. "But Angelina clearly finds shooting an aphrodisiac. When she and Brad were around weapons on the set of 2005 'Mr & Mrs Smith' they ended up together. "And by letting Angelina de-stress at the range, he's less likely to get earache indoors. There's a lot to be said for that when you have six kids," added the source. It's no surprise Brad Pitt is pulling out all the stops as it was recently claimed that Angelina Jolie has invited her ex-husbands Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton to the wedding. "Angelina has remained close to both Jonny and Billy so they'd certainly be invited," said the source. (Photo: Brangelina from 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith') Source: ApunKaChoice

Read More........ → September 25, 2012

Britney Spears to have a small, private wedding

Contrary to reports that Britney Spears is getting cold feet over her impending wedding with fiance Jason Trawick, the couple's marriage plans are still on. The 30-year-old singer, having been wed twice before, is planning to say 'I do' in a private ceremony with Trawick, reported People magazine. "There's no truth to any second thoughts about their wedding. They're fine and both look forward to working again when The X Factor gets started. They've had a great summer," said a source. Speculation about trouble between Spears and Trawick surfaced recently when she was photographed outside court without her engagement ring. But, according to the source, "she was not wearing her ring last week at court because she took it off during an Elizabeth Arden [photo] shoot and Jason was holding it for her. He simply forgot to give it back until later." The insider said the wedding but won't happen until after Spears finishes her busy commitments for The X Factor. "Even though Britney has been married before, she looks at her wedding to Jason as her real wedding. It'll be small and intimate with family and friends, and will be about she and Jason. They're already such a loving family," the source said. Source: Indian Express, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → September 05, 2012

Miley Cyrus`s engagement ring worth $250k

Miley Cyrus’s engagement ring from boyfriend Liam Hemsworth is estimated at 250,000 dollars.The former Disney star announced on Wednesday that Hemsworth had proposed on May 31 after a three-year romance.The singer was later photographed out and about in Beverly Hills, California wearing a diamond-and-gold ring on the third finger of her left hand, and an expert has valued the jewellery at a quarter of a million dollars.“Assuming it’s reasonably high quality, I would estimate it at $250,000,” the Daily Express quoted Kenneth Lejman, a senior appraiser at the Gemological Appraisal Laboratory as telling the New York Daily News.Jeweller Neil Lane designed the 3.5-carat piece for the Australian actor.“He wanted something really romantic and beautiful... It’s all handmade with a 19th century cushion-cut diamond,” he said. Source: Screen India, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → August 25, 2012

Angelina Jolie Discovers Brad Pitt’s Hidden Love Letters

Angelina Jolie has discovered Brad Pitt’s secret love letters to another woman and she is both humiliated and horrified. Will this prompt the Oscar-winning beauty to cancel her upcoming wedding? Angelina is already very insecure about other women getting close to Brad and this new shock to her fragile ego could really tip her over. We have reported previously that although Angelina successfully stole Brad from Jennifer Aniston, she still forbids Brad to have any contact with his ex-wife. The current issue of Star has the cover story ‘Brad Humiliates Angelina – his love letters to another woman exposed as the wedding approaches.’ Of course we don’t yet know who this other woman is or how these letters were exposed. Do these letters even exist? Does the other woman? Of course it is tempting to speculate but until we see the print edition we can’t be certain. Source: Showbiz World

Read More........ → August 14, 2012

Not domesticated after marriage: Rachel Weisz

Actress Rachel Weisz, who is married to James Bond star Daniel Craig, says she is happy that she hasn't become fully domesticated after the wedding. The couple, who tied the knot in a private New York ceremony in June 2011, started dating in 2010, reported Femalefirst. "I love being married to Daniel. It's a wonderful feeling of stability and it's very grounding. It hasn't made me more domestic or anything, just being married doesn't suddenly make you able to cook, but I am very happy right now. Extremely happy, in fact," she said. The 42-year-old was previously in a long-term relationship with director Darren Aronofsky with whom she has a six-year-old son, Henry.  Source: ScreenIndia

Read More........ → August 09, 2012

Katrina Kaif loves Shahrukh Khan’s humour

Katrina Kaif and Shahrukh Khan are said to be bonding thick as thieves while shooting for Yash Chopra’s film in London. Shahrukh Khan, whose wit and sense of humour never goes into hibernation, has been wisecracking on everything trivial to important on the sets of the yet untitled romantic film being shot in London. And Katrina Kaif, who was shootingEk Tha Tiger with Salman Khanbefore joining the shoot of Yash Chopra’s film, is said to be enjoying Shahrukh’s wit, every bit. Moreover, Katrina Kaif is highly impressed by Shahrukh’s chivalry and decorum while shooting with her. According to a source, Shahrukh treats Katrina like a lady and is highly courteous to her. But that doesn’t mean he’s formal to her. In fact, SRK and Kat are on casual terms and are often spotted sharing a laugh. In a latest image that has appeared on the web, Shahrukh Khan and Katrina Kaif are seen enjoying food on the sets of the film in London. Though Katrina and Shahrukh have been on friendly terms for a long while now, the chemistry between them was for all to see when Shahrukh Khan planted a kiss on Katrina’s cheek while performing at an award function. Recently, Shahrukh hinted about a romantic scene in the Yash Chopra film, apparently with Katrina Kaif. “On a lighter note realized u can't wear warmers if u want to do romantic scenes...they come in the way of ur coolness...or is it just me???” Shahrukh Khan tweeted a few days back. The London schedule of the Yash Chopra movie is for about 35 days, which means ample time for SRK and Katrina to spend together. Source: ApunKaChoice.com, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → August 09, 2012

Pitt's $390,000 wedding gift for Jolie

Los Angeles, Aug 8 (IANS) Actor Brad Pitt has reportedly bought a $390,000 watch as a wedding gift for fiancee Angelina Jolie. The couple got engaged in April and are planning a late September wedding. Pitt has managed to buy a luxurious Patek Philippe Minute Repeater despite the that fact that there is usually a two-year wait for the piece. Each piece is checked by a member of the Stern family who own Patek Philippe at the firm's headquarter in Geneva. "Brad decided to buy one of the amazing watches after meeting the Stern family at a watch fair in Basel," thesun.co.uk quoted a source as saying. "He wanted to buy Ange a unique gift that very few people own which is like a piece of art - and the highly sophisticated watch is just that," the source added. The time piece takes two months to make and has a pearl dial and is gold. "He (Pitt) went to Geneva to pick it up and it's believed he'll present it to Ange as a pre-wedding gift," the source said. Source: News Track India

Read More........ → August 09, 2012

Paris Hilton romancing mystery man?

Socialite Paris Hilton has reportedly found a new love after she was spotted frolicking with a mystery man on a beach in Europe. Earlier this year, the 31-year-old hotel heiress dismissed rumours of dating DJ Afrojack, but she now appears to have moved on after she was photographed embracing another guy over the weekend, reported TMZ online. Hilton was seen splashing in the sea with the unnamed suitor, believed to be a European businessman she has known for several years. The pair was seen cuddling and kissing on the beach. Source: Screen India, Image: flickr.com

Read More........ → August 09, 2012