DNA (September 9, 2016)


The Board earlier removed a shot of a bra from Baar Baar Dekho, which releases the same day as Freaky Ali. A source close to the development wonders what signals the CBFC wants to send out by their selective disapproval of innerwear scenes.

“Are they saying it’s okay to have men’s innerwear on display, but not women’s? If that is the case then why has a bra shot been allowed in the new Jackie Chan starrer Skiptrace? Are we to believe that female lingerie can be shown in international films and not in Indian films? Baffling, to say the least,” says the source. Be as it may, the CBFC has had its say. Freaky Ali has been certified with a ‘UA’ (accessible to children accompanied by adults) with no cuts.

Jackie Chan's team in Mumbai to pick leading lady for Skiptrace sequel
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 29, 2016)

After swaying to bhangra beats with Kung Fu Yoga co-star Sonu Sood, Hollywood star Jackie Chan is taking his love for all things Indian to the next level. His upcoming film, 'Skiptrace', is all set to release next month, but the prep for its sequel has already begun. We hear Chan's team is in Mumbai scouting for a desi actress for a crucial role in the sequel.

One would expect one of his Kung Fu Yoga co-stars, Amyra Dastur and Disha Patani, to be the natural choice, but the production unit is looking for 'fresh faces with striking Indian features'.

An insider tells us, “So far, a few actresses have auditioned for the part. Sobhita Dhulipala (Raman Raghav) and Tillotama Shome (Qissa) are among the top contenders for this part. However, they are still looking at other options, in case someone else fits the bill better. Since Jackie is the producer of the film, he will take the final call on casting after discussion with director Renny Harlin.”

Skiptrace will see Chan playing a Hong Kong-based detective who works with Johnny Knoxville. Their joint missions are replete with slick punches and handy humour. For the sequel, the casting directors are looking for an actor who can show a good mix of acting and action chops.

So, which Bollywood babe will get her big Hollywood break this time round? Watch this space.