RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES on 23rd Jan

While the mystery is continuing in production and on celluloid, there is one major clue that has been solved. Yes, the date for the theatrical release of the next blockbuster thriller from Bollywood, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is now no more a secret. This spine chilling movie from Vishesh Films is going to hit worldwide screens on 23rd January 2009. This is the most anticipated release of 2009, with absolutely no other film to match up to its theme and style. It's definitely going to be a chilly winter that will keep you shuddering!!

RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is being directed by Mohit Suri and stars Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Adhyayan Suman.

''It is definitely thrilling to be ready to present Vishesh Films' next film to the world,'' says Mukesh Bhatt, ''RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has been much talked about and long awaited by everyone, so here it is! Get ready to be spooked!'' Though only very few people are aware of the exact story of RAAZ- THE MYSTERY CONTINUES it is believed to be a supernatural thriller dealing with the myths and superstitions that are still widely existent in the contemporary Indian society. The film will tend to challenge one's beliefs about paranormal phenomena.

The blockbuster music of Vishesh Films' JANNAT - which is still ruling the charts - was released on Sony BMG. RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES takes this association a step forward with Sony BMG. Contrary to popular belief, RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is not a sequel to the musical blockbuster RAAZ - which is one of the biggest musical blockbusters of all time and the only blockbuster musical thriller of this decade!! It is an industry claim that Vishesh Films is amongst the very few that can create and carry off a film in the thriller genre, on par with stylized film making. So RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES has many people awaiting a watch!

According to insiders, the entire shoot for RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is complete. Post-production, which involves exceptional special effects is now in the process. Another scoop from insiders is that the music of RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is a notch above JANNAT!! Though most are skeptical on how this is possible, the select few who have heard the music simply vouch for the fact that Raju Singh and other composers have done a fantastic job!!

Shridhar Subramaniam, Managing Director Sony BMG says, ''We have had a very successful association with the Bhatts for JANNAT. The music of this film has ruled the charts and continues to be a hot favourite. I'm very certain that RAAZ - THE MYSTERY CONTINUES is also set to be a tremendous sensation and a great experience. We're all looking forward to this release.''

Looks like Sony BMG and Vishesh Films are ready to create more records across charts!!

Sagarika Ghatke replaces Esha Deol in Raftaar

Sagarika Ghatke played the gutsy character of Preeti Sabarwal, in Chak De India alongside Shahrukh Khan and probably managed to draw maximum attention mong the whole bunch of girls. She had emerged as the highest goal-scorer in the film.

Now Sagarika has managed to strike a goal in her real life too. The actress has been signed by Percept Picture Company for their film Raftaar. The film is directed by noted ad film maker Shamin Desai. Sagarika will be paired Emraan Hashmi in the film. What is interesting is the fact that the role which Sagarika has been signed for was to be originally played by Esha Deol. In a way Sagarika has replaced Esha Deol.

According to Sarita Patil, Head of feature films at Percept Picture Company, to get some more info on this story. “Yes we have signed Sagarika for Raftaar. She has replaced Esha Deol as we couldn’t agree on the price. After things didn’t work out with Esha, we had a couple of options in mind and our director Shamin had seen Sagarika’s work in Chak De India and felt she would fit the part. Sagarika’s is a full-fledged lead role opposite Emraan Hashmi.”

The film also stars Neha Dhupia and Aditya Panscholi in prominent roles. Shooting for the film is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur and the film is expected to release sometime early next year (2009).

Buttt.. beware Sagarika!! You are getting paired opposite a serial kisser!!

Emran Hashmi demands 150 million for the next Venture

Buoyed by the success of "Jannat", Percept Picture Company (PPC), which released the film, has signed on the leading man Emran Hashmi for a three-film deal worth Rs 150 million.

What should warm the cockles of the actor is that the PPC agreed to the price he demanded Rs 50 million per movie. So, his deal with the PPC is the biggest ever Hashmi has signed so far.

After the deal was signed Thursday, the PPC's joint managing director Shailendra Singh said, "We are very happy to have Emran Hashmi on board. We believe his performances are consistently improving and he has the potential to make a difference to our future line-up with leading directors."

Obviously, Hashmi could not have been happier for the faith reposed on him by a leading distribution and production company.

"All I can say is that I am delighted. Whatever I have achieved in films so far has largely been because of the Bhatts. So, a fair share of all the appreciation that I am getting today should also go to them," the actor remarked after signing the deal.

The PPC has also taken on board directors like Priydarshan, David Dhawan and Nagesh Kukunoor.

"We want to produce all genres of comedy, be it comedy, supernatural thriller, drama, romance and action. So we are signing directors who can justify making these divergent genres of films," Singh said.

Singh hinted that Emran Hashmi may be cast in one of David Dhawan's movies for the PPC.

After the successes of "Khuda Ke Liye" and "Jannat," the PPC is now on the look out for acquiring talent to take it production portfolio to the next level.

Emraan Hashmi all set to play a ghost in Raaz -The Mystery Continues

Emraan Hashmi has been traditionally famous as a serial kisser. Now he is all set for a new role. He experimented with his image as action hero and he did Awarapan, which changed his image completely.

Now he is all set to play the role of a ghost in Mohit Suri’s forthcoming film Raaz - The Mystery Continues. Being confident about him, Mohit feels Emraan is a fantastic actor and thus he challenges to showcase Emraan in a very different character.

In a recent interview Hashmi, who is playing the ghost in the film, said that he did not
believe in ghosts, but, if the word ghost exists, there might be ghosts too. Delighted about the role he feels that this role will be a surprise for his fans as it will change his role as a romantic hero. “For my audiences it will be a new flavor, till today they have seen me in a chocolate boy’s role,” he said.

Mohit Suri , who is the director of the movie, is confident about Emraan and his film. “This film will be better than Raaz because we have used various special effects for the first time in horror scenes.” It can be recalled that Malini Sharma played the role of a ghost in Vikram Bhatt’s Raaz .

Emraan Hashmi to join Himesh Reshammiya in Karzzzz

Himesh Reshammiya may be trying very hard to keep the cast of his next film, Karzzzz, a secret. But if sources are to be believed, Emraan Hashmi is the latest to join the cast.
He will play the role which Raj Kiran played in the original Karz.

As for the rest of the cast: Danny Denzongpa will play Pran's role, and Feroz Khan will play Premnath's role of Sir Judah. Urmila had already been finalised for Simi Grewal's role.

Though discussions are on in full swing about who will play Tina Munim's role. But if grapevine is to be believed, Kannada actress Jennifer Kotwal has been roped in already.