Looks like Rann is all set to be the new year’s first release to hit the bull’s eye at the box office. With positive pre-release reports and glowing trade reviews, Ram Gopal Varma’s keenly awaited drama is much in the news for its gripping storyline and first-rate performances.

On Wednesday night, Riteish Deshmukh, who is a part of the film’s talented ensemble cast, organised a special preview of the film for his close friends at PVR Juhu.

Those in attendance included Aftab Shivdasani, Zayed-Malaika Khan, Ashish-Samita Chaudhary, Chunky-Bhavna Pandey, Sanjay-Maheep Kapoor, Kumar Taurani of Tips, producers Indra Kumar, Ashok Thakeria, Vashu Bhagnani and Sajid Nadiadwala, Shirish Kunder, Sajid Khan, Sujoy Ghosh, Genelia D’Souza, Dia Mirza, Avinash Gowariker and Fardeen Khan, to name a few.

A star-studded premiere of Rann is the big event for Thursday evening and will be attended by the film’s protagonist, Amitabh Bachchan, and a host of A-list celebrities from the film industry.

Rann is out on Friday January 29 and is an Indian Films-Studio 18 international release.

2 years back maverick director Ram Gopal Varma worked wonders at the box-office with the Big B and his baby in Sarkar Raj. Seems like the bond the three share is still very strong and evidently so during the making of Rann!

It so happened that Abhishek Bachchan was shooting for Paa in the compound of the studio that Rann was also being shot in. As soon as AB Jr. got a break from the shoot, he rushed over to the sets of Rann to take a quick look at his Pa’s progress and watch the film on the monitor. He even mingled with Varma on the sets and discussed the film at length. A source on the sets confirmed that Abhishek walked away rather impressed with the gritty and hard-hitting look of Rann.

Rann releases overseas on January 29th through Indian Films-Studio18.

The much talked about book dedicated to the films and memorabilia of Bollywood’s mega star Amitabh Bachchan, ‘Bachchanalia’ was released in Mumbai on Saturday. The Bachchan family got together for the book launch. Bollywood actor Aamir Khan was the guest of honour at the occasion.

On this occassion, Aamir Khan was all praises for the superstar of the millenium. He said, “Often I find in this line that success is not directly proportionate to talent and hard work. But here is one case where it is certainly proportionate to the talent and hardwork Mr Bachchan has.”

Both Abhishek and Aishwarya, who were present at the function expressed joy and honour to be a part of the Bachchan family. Aishwarya said that she was looking forward to go through the book.

‘Bachchanalia : The Films and Memorabilia of Amitabh Bachchan’ is co-authored by noted film author Bhawana Somaaya.

What: Dostana press conference
Where: Cinemax, Andheri, Mumbai
When: November 13, 2008

The starcast of the film Dostana got together to speak to the media at the film’s press conference. Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra and Bobby Deol were present at the press meet.

Download wallpapers of Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, Priyanka Chopra starrer Dostana in 1024×768 res.

What: Abhishek, Priyanka and Goldie unveil Drona merchandise
Where: Big Bazaar, Pheonix Mills, Mumbai
When: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Present at the Event: Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and Goldie Behl

What: Abhishek promotes Drona in Bigg Boss house
where: Bigg Boss House, Lonavla, Maharashtra, India
Spotted at the Event: Abhishek Bachchan, Goldie Behl, Shilpa Shetty

What: Drona music launch
Where: The Leela Hotel, Mumbai
When: Saturday (night), 06 September 08
Present at the Event: Abhishek Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Harry Baweja, Goldie Behl, Sonali Bendre, Shrishti Arya, Sunil Lulla, Krishika Lulla and others

First he created an impact at the IIFA Awards when he introduced ‘Singh Is Kinng’ to Bangkok on stage. Then Akshay Kumar rocked the the Bachchan’s The Unforgettable show in Toronto when he came on stage in his ’sardar’ get-up to promote his upcoming release on August 7.

We are unofficially informed that the audience in Los Angeles (where Akshay has been shooting for close to a month with the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Kareena Kapoor) were so charmed by the Punjabi ‘munda’ that they rumouredly drove even Abhishek Bachchan to perform to the title track of ‘Singh Is Kinng’ during the Unforgettable show on July 26, of which Akshay was not a part.

The audience in LA kept screaming ‘Singh Is Kinng’ as they were missing Akshay, which supposedly drove the latter’s good friend, Abhishek to dance to the title track in good spirit to keep the audience amused.

Akshay attended a press conference of ‘Singh Is Kinng’ on July 25 at Hotel Hilton Universal City, organised by Studio 18 International. He is said to be attending yet another press conference to promote his upcoming release in Vancouver later this week.

K- Jo’s new movie is a tribute to his late father Yash Johar. He has decided to name his new production, Dostana, after the 1980 blockbuster of the same name made by his father Yash Johar, and starred Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha and Zeenat Aman.

The story is set in Miami. K-Jo and Tarun Mansukhani will start shooting it this summer. Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra are the lead players of the cast.

“It is funny, sassy and hilarious. It’s about friendship between these two guys played by Abhishek and John. Though it’s a love story, there is a never-before twist in the tale. We’ve never had a love triangle like Dostana before and you’ll never see Abhishek and John playing something like this again,” Karan said.