Billu Barber in Trouble

Crores of rupees ride on a film and yet, the laws of the land seems to be such that anyone can pull the plugs on a release anytime -either legally or through hooliganism.

The latest to be bullied into compliance is none other than Shah Rukh Khan who was forced to remove the word 'Barber' from his latest Irrfan Khan flick, Billu Barber after the Hairdressers and Salon Association found it objectionable. Much like how a section in the country was upset at the use of the line, 'Samjhe mochi bhi khud ko sonar hai' in Aaja Nachle( 'mochi' is seen as a reference to cast), similarly, the association found 'haajam' a derogatory usage. If a film can come under such pressure in spite of having a Censor certification, it raises questions at the relevance of such a body itself, doesn't it?

Not so long ago, Ghajini's release was threatened when two court cases against it cropped up. The film's preview show tickets were selling like hot cakes when the Aamir Khan starrer was stalled, giving its makers and lead actor a mini-heart attack.

But the more serious problem remains that of films being affected due to various 'special interest groups'(read publicity seekers) who threaten to disrupt screenings on one pretext or the other. Last year, there was Jodhaa Akbar that could not find a release in Rajasthan, after objections from a few Rajput groups.

It's interesting to see how Danny Boyle reacts to the criticism against his film Slumdog Millionaire. He says, "Protest is a way of life in India. It's an extraordinary democracy. You just hope it won't become violent."

Boyle has been lucky, because his film at least has had a peaceful run in the country. Many films that become controversial invariably endure losses in some form or the other. And it's not even about 'objectionable content' all the time. Last year, a seemingly harmless comment from Jaya Bachchan was enough for the MNS chief to announce that all films starring the Bachchans would be banned. In 2006, Aamir Khan's Fanaa was banned in Gujarat after his statements on the Narmada Bachao Andolan.

Imagine the vulnerability under which the industry and its stars operate!

Which is exactly why one feels hesitant to blame top stars for not responding in time with sound bytes on national or other sensitive issues. One completely understands their position when they choose to refuse the proverbial 'long rope to hang themselves with'

Coming back to SRK's decision of going with just 'Billu', a lot of it is to do with the fact that the producer and distributors are really alone in their battle. State protection is limited. Similarly, not many multiplexes are willing to take the onus of protecting a film. So is there a solution? Well, only if there is united effort from the whole film chain and most importantly, political will. Film bodies and the State government could invest jointly in high-end securities to protect films that get into trouble in spite of the Censor Board passing them.

The bottom line is simple. Our films do not deserve the constant Friday jitters, unless it is the boxoffice

Billu Barber

Billu Barber Movie 2009

Thu, Jan 29, 2009

Hindi Movies Reviews,

Billu Barber Movie 2009 Waiting for yet another Shahrukh flick? There is good news - you would not have to wait much to see The King Khan, as his latest flick - ‘Billu Barber’ is expected to hit the theaters in the first quarter of 2009. A remake of the Malayalam film ‘Kadha Parayumbol’, this comic movie has been produced by SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani as its main characters. The news is abuzz that Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone will also be seen in the movie, in guest appearances. While the lyrics for ‘Billoo Barber’ have been written by Gulzar, Pritam is the music director for this humorous movie. It is for the first time that Shahrukh and Irrfan will be sharing screen space. With the likes of Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani in the movie, rest assured that you are going to have a fine taste of comedy. The film is a tale of two friends, a modern adaptation of the platonic relationship shared by Krishna and Sudama. Priyadarshan is expecting to strike diamond with this movie, as it would mark his 75th film as a director. In the movie, Irrfan Khan plays the title role of Billu Barber (present-day Sudama); Shahrukh will be seen as Sahil Khan (present-day Krishna). The movie revolves around the life of Billu Barber, his wife (Lara Dutta) and their two kids. Billu is a village barber experiencing a slow down in his business, primarily because he fails to adapt to the changing fashion trends. It is during this time that a film unit comes to his village, with superstar Sahil Khan as the hero. Billu tells everyone in the village that Sahil is his old friend. Instantly, the villagers take a keen liking to Billu.All the villagers want to meet the Sahil Khan and believe Billu to be the perfect person, who can help arrange a rendezvous with him. Now, Billu tries to meet the actor, but is unsuccessful in the attempt. This makes everyone suspicious about his claim. Not only the villagers, but even his family members believe that he was lying about his friendship with Sahil. What will Billu do now? Will he be able to meet his friend? Will Sahil recognize Billu? Will Billu’s family members and villagers believe him again? The answers are for the viewers to unveil as the movie hits the theaters in 2009.

Genre: Comedy

Director: Priyadarshan

Producer: Red Chillies Entertainment

Banner: Red Chillies Entertainment Music Director: Pritam Lyricist: Gulzar

Star Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani

Release Date: 2009