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Himesh on Bollywoodhungama chat on 15th June:

"A * is Killed will be released all over but first in the West. A * is Killed is basically for the west."

Release date is 25th June 2012.

News

MJ's sister in Himesh Reshammiya’s next

The subject of Himesh Reshammiya's first international venture A * is Killed is about to get closer to home than expected. The film, which is rumoured to be based on the life and mysterious death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson, has found a new cast member in the late singer's elder sister, La Toya Jackson

Mumbai Mirror has learnt that French director, Christopher Lenoir, approached the American singer-songwriter last week to essay a celebrity in the film. According to a source close to the film, "Christopher Lenoir's agents got in touch with La Toya to star in the film. She readily agreed. The modalities are now being worked out."

The source informed us that since Himesh has almost completed shooting for his sequences in the film, La Toya will shoot her portions either in Paris or the US.

In A * is Killed, Himesh essays the character Sidharth Patel, an Indian musician fascinated by the international music superstar, who dies under mysterious circumstances. The film, which is produced by Arifilms, also stars the famous celebrity blogger Perez Hitler.

While Himesh remained unavailable for comment, Rakesh Upadhyay, the Chief Creative Consultant of the music director's company HR Musik, confirmed the news.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=MMIR%2F2011%2F11%2F29&PageLabel=29&EntityId=Ar02801&ViewMode=HTML

Himesh's A * Is Killed to release on Michael Jackson's death anniversary

It was exactly six months back when Himesh Reshammiya's international film A * Is Killed (where * stands for STAR) was announced. Though the makers hadn't chosen to make a statement on record, those who had a dekko at the film's First Look were convinced that the film was based on the murder of Michael Jackson.

Well, now it could well be time for the whole world to be convinced of the same since the makers of the film (producers Arifilms and director Christophe Lenoir) have declared their plans to bring A * Is Killed on the 25th June 2012, the day which marks the third death anniversary of Michael Jackson.

Confirms a source close to the film, "Yes, the film is all set to release on June 25 next year. The makers felt that it was just an apt release timing for the film which tells the story of an Indian musician (Sidharth Patel - played by Himesh Reshammiya) who is mesmerized by a superstar who gets killed."

Though the makers continue to be tight lipped about the identity of the superstar, it doesn't take rocket science to establish the fact that it is Michael Jackson's story which is being told. Moreover the teaser, which is currently available online, has a few shots from the film interspersed with quotes/snippets from friends, supporters and family members of the killed superstar, all of whom are expressing a sense of disbelief that the man is not amidst them any more.

A * Is Killed is said to be taking on from this point on and seemingly unfolds truth behind this murder. The film also stars celebrity blogger Perez Hilton who was very close to Michael Jackson in real life.

The announcement of A * Is Killed is also special for Himesh since it comes in the wake of Damadamm turning out to be one of the better received films of the composer/singer turned actor. While the film managed a sustained run for itself over the weekend, even on Monday it saw a mere 10% drop in collections when compared to it's opening Thursday with Rs. 45 lakhs more coming in.

Says a source, "Guess Himesh is now even surer about his acting career, with Damadamm fighting it out despite Ra.One in fray, A * Is Killed also confirming it's arrival plans and a co-production with Akshay Kumar (Khiladi 786 - Made In Punjab) where he would also be sharing screen space with the actor, Himesh has pretty much declared that acting would stay on to be his love for quite some time."

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2011/11/01/16584/index.html

A * is Killed to unveil MJ’s murderers?

The trailer of the film A * is Killed, which is said to be based on the mysterious death of Michael Jackson, starts with William Gladstone's quote – "Justice Delayed is Justice Denied." 

With it, the agenda of the makers of the film seems crystal clear. The movie is progressing with the aim that those involved are brought forth and due justice is done. 

The film, directed by French filmmaker Christophe Lenoir, stars Bollywood's noted music director, singer and actor Himesh Reshammiya in a key role and the latest to join the crew is Hollywood's celeb blogger Perez Hilton. 

While Himesh plays an Indian musician who is fascinated by a late pop star killed under suspicious circumstances, Perez plays himself as a truth-seeking proponent of justice and a friend of the character who passes away. 

Interestingly, the film promises to bring fore aspects of the murder that were unseen or overlooked and unravel facts that were not known and kept hidden. 

What ensures a sure shot revelation is the director's bid to keep the names of the killers in the film undercover. Talking exclusively to ToI, director Christophe Lenoir said, "The names of those who are responsible for the death of the superstar in the movie are being kept strictly under wraps." 

All this secrecy does point towards a possibility that a mystery will unfold once A * is Killed hits screens. While only time will tell if justice will be done, for now we bring you the latest trailer starring Himesh and Perez Hilton.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/A-is-Killed-to-unveil-MJs-murderers/articleshow/8269586.cms

Himesh has American celebrity Perez Hilton for company in A * Is Killed:

Perez Hilton has joined the cast of Himesh Reshammiya's first global film A * Is Killed which is reportedly based on the killing of Michael Jackson. For the uninitiated, Hilton is an American celebrity journalist who boasts of a following of over 3 million people on Twitter.

Arguably America's most influential celebrity authority and bestowed with the title of 'Queen of all Media', Hilton is sometimes also credited with partially attributing to Lady Gaga's rise to popular success in North America for his frequent and early support.

Confirms a source attached to French director Christophe Lenoir's A * Is Killed, "Yes, Hilton would feature in a cameo. On screen he would also be seen mouthing the lines that go as: "Justice will be served and the murder of the superstar will not be forgiven."

As someone mesmerized by the superstar who dies under mysterious circumstances, Himesh Reshammiya portrays the lead protagonist (an Indian musician) who goes by the name of Siddharth Patel. A thriller, the film is being produced by Arifilms.

Speculations about A * is Killed started gaining traction after a video teaser was shared on the social web. Perez Hilton tweeted about shooting for the film and is thrilled about making a cameo in the film. On the scene at the Beverly Hills film location, William Sees Keenan, also a development consultant on Ra.One, is said to have remarked that it was fun bringing Himesh from Bollywood and Perez from Hollywood together.

"The film is only expected to get bigger with more cast members spread across the globe coming together on the same platform. It is just a beginning as there are many more interesting announcements around the film waiting to me made", the source adds.

Well, we are waiting for sure!

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2011/04/18/7329/index.html

Is Himesh's 'A * Is Killed' based on Michael Jackson:

Himesh Reshammiya marks his international debut in French director Christopher Lenoir’s film A*, based on Michael Jackson’s death.

Himesh Reshammiya is back. And this time around, it is pretty much with a bang. Just when the world was wondering that where had the man disappeared, it has now been revealed that he was quietly making progress on his next film. And this time around it is an international project no less which is titled A * Is Killed (where * stands for STAR). The film is produced by Arifilms and directed by Christophe Lenoir.

While the announcement by itself was enough to make many stand up and take notice, what has further turned out to be shocking is the film's first promo. Those who have had a dekko at it are pretty much sure that A * Is Killed is based on the murder of, hold your breath, none less than Micheal Jackson.

"It is clear that the film is making obvious references to Michaeal Jackson", says a source, "Even though no names are taken, the 100 second promo gives out all the signals indicating that the story is about Jackson who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in June 2009. The film by itself gives the feel of a chilling dramatic thriller."

The teaser, which is currently available online, has a few shots from the film interspersed with quotes/snippets from friends, supporters and family members of the killed superstar, all of whom are expressing a sense of disbelief that the man is not amidst them any more. A * Is Killed is said to be taking on from this point on and seemingly unfolds truth behind this murder.

So where does Himesh Reshammiya come into picture? Well, he plays the character of Sidharth Patel, who is an Indian musician mesmerized by the superstar who gets killed. The promo established his importance to the film's plot as he is shown as the man who takes his own course to unveil the truth.

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2011/03/14/15469/index.html

Himesh in an MJ based film:

Recently there was a buzz in the industry that Himesh Reshammiya was about to embark on an international debut. Well, Reshammiya has not only signed and sealed the international deal with French director Christopher Lenoir, but has also completed shooting for the movie. The film, called A*, which is reportedly based on the death of pop icon Michael Jackson, will feature Reshammiya essaying the character of Sidharth Patel.

Our source tells us, "The makers of the film have come up with a unique strategy and have just released the promo of the film on the web. In the promo of A*, the mysterious circumstances leading to the death of a superstar has an uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson's death. Himesh has already shot for the film. He was selected by producers ARI Films and director Christopher Lenoir, who felt that he would best suit the part of Sidharth Patel, the only Indian actor in the film. Himesh's character, Sidharth, is an Indian musician mesmerized by the superstar." The source adds, "While everyone thought that Himesh is down and out, he has now surprised everyone with a film, which is sure to make headlines all over, especially in India due to its controversial subject." Despite repeated attempts to contact Christopher Lenoir and Reshammiya, they remained unavailable for comment.

MJ’S CONTROVERSIAL DEATH

On June 25, 2009 - MJ died after he suffered cardiac arrest, at his home. His personal physician, Conrad Murray, said he found Jackson in his room with a faint pulse, and so he administered CPR, however to no avail, Initial reports discussed the possible role of painkillers in Jackson's death. He reportedly took medication for insomnia. July 08, 2009 - MJ's death certificate was issued by the Public Health Officials, who referred to cause of death as "deferred". August 28, 2009 - The Los Angeles County Coroner declared Jackson's death a homicide caused by the combination of drugs in his body. Before his death, Jackson reportedly had been administered Propofol, along with two anti-anxiety medicines. Law enforcement officials investigated Jackson's personal physician, Conrad Murray, who told investigators that he had been trying to wean Jackson off Propofol. Some statements described Murray using a non-standard CPR technique on Jackson. During the tape of the emergency call, released on June 26, the doctor was described as administering CPR on a bed, not on a hard surface such as a floor, which would be standard practice.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=MMIR/2011/03/14&PageLabel=29&EntityId=Ar02900&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T

Himesh Reshammiya's first international project as an actor:

Himesh Reshammiya has gone international, also as an actor. A * IS KILLED - that's the name of the project Himesh is starring in - is produced by Arifilms and directed by Christophe Lenoir, based in France. Himesh was selected by the makers as they felt he suited the part of Sidharth Patel, who is supposed to be an Indian musician absolutely mesmerized by a superstar who is killed under mysterious circumstances. How the truth behind the superstar's murder unfolds forms the crux of the story.

This thriller in English will also have music by Himesh, besides him acting in it. Himesh says he is very excited to work with Christophe. "Vivek Singhania had recommended my name to Christophe. When I heard the script and its concept, I was absolutely willing to be a part of it. It's also fun working with a completely new set up of very talented actors from different parts of the world [I am the only Indian actor in the film]. As far as music goes, I have experimented a lot because experimentation is a must if one has to stand apart and my makers were absolutely ready for something very unconventional," states Himesh.

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2011/03/11/15457/index.html

My Opinion

To begin with, it is ironic that himesh has already finished / completed shooting for this project as it wasn't quite expected. So this is what he was working on when he was supposedly 'low-lying' in da eyes of da media and public.

So there is no doubt that A * Is Killed makes a direct &/or indirect reference to Micheal Jackson.

Therefore da subject matter / theme of da movie which is based on Micheal Jackson who was a musical legend, icon and phenomenon is bound to grab attention and raise eyebrows of one and all (including his fans whereby MJ and his music lives forever in their hearts).

Credit goes to da project team for playing smart to target a global universal market in terms of audience and by taking such a risk by tackling such a universal appealing subject which is / was highly controversial and speculative.

However, da title 'A * is KILLED' would draw some flak and criticism from its detractors, as it is not quite proved that MJ was indeed killed / murdered or otherwise, as da saying of law goes like "you are innocent until proven guilty" and also about doing "original" stuff rather than borrowing from previously occured happenings.

Da first plus for Himesh - the actor is that da makers have got their target audience right which would give him a worldwide exposure.

Da second plus for Himesh - the actor is that he is not really da "hero" of this film, but rather enacting a "pivotal character" in da overall story line, and this would give him great scope to perform.

It is a good thing that this time around he has kept his ego aside in terms of only wanting to play a mainstream hero or a dominant lead role which mainly showcases his rwakstar status by crooning back to back songs on stage after short time intervals, and instead doing a character driven / based role (whilst making inference about his musical roots, just leaves it at that and rather focuses on solving da mystery) that would make for a more meaningful cinema.

Caveat emptor attached here: hope that his role/character is "not fictional" but rather "true", as otherwise some people will blabber about this fact rather than judging / acknowledging his performance. But for da best interests for Himesh - the actor, it would be best if his role is based on "true facts" in terms of da actual proceedings that occured based on accounted evidence, as that would have more potential to leave an impactful impression on da viewers.

This project would also give Himesh - the actor a "fair chance" because da western world doesn't perceive him as  a composer turned singer turned actor (but rather as an overall package and a fresh talent off da block) as opposed to Indian audience that have a pre-conceived apprehensions in terms of accepting a musician turned actor.

Lets face it, himesh may not perhaps be your usual typical bollywood hero in terms of looks or be ideally suited to do those chocolate boy roles with lots of chemistry and romance.

But hey then there are some really good looking handsome cute heroes who can't even do da basic required thing and don't even meet da basic required criterion which is "to act" even after being in da industry almost close to a decade i.e. Zayed Khan, and other star kids who have delivered as many flops in their career spans thus far as much hits himesh delivered as a musician.

Strictly / modestly speaking in terms of his growth and improvement as an actor, himesh has shown an exponential upward graph whereby his acting in his last outing Kajraare was decent and best amongst all his movies thus far (his acting in Radio wasn't that bad either, Karzzzz was passable and AKS- The Moviee was just about okay sokay).

Also, da fact that there is "an association" between his image and the global rwakstar (who was killed) image only helps his cause, because in da movie he plays an Indian musician who idolizes or gets inspired by that global rwakstar.

In reality, Himesh now wants to take things to da next level by becoming a global rwakstar after da release of @ da edge and so this movie is "very relevant" in furthering his steps to achieve that status.

In terms of music, it gives himesh ample scope to expermient which has been da case when he has scored music for "thrillers" in bollywood i.e. Vaada, Yakeen, 36 China Town, Red - The Dark Side & Fear which had "haunt feel melodies".

However, Hollywood flicks don't really have songs in intervals so it would be interesting to see whether this movie would make an exception or his music will be only used / restricted as a background sound at key junctures. Also, whether there would be a separate full fledged music album for this project or not.

This project may take time to grow in terms of catching up with everyone but it is bound to be "in your face" for its bold, brave and gutsy backdrop which revolves around a "dark / grey" shade.

In a nutshell,  this project which is either based upon "true facts" or "fictional" in terms of content, is bound to be received with a mixed response and its fair share of controversy / criticism if the storyline is fictious or if facts do not reflect da mirror because there is gonna be an outcry of foul play and intent to cash in on MJs death which is made da scapegoat for commercial purposes.

In that regard, this project is like a "double-edged sword".

Due to da nature of issue in question, they cannot afford to go wrong with no margin for error because that would be like playing around with emotional sentiments of countless millions fans.

So they would have to handle da story and screenplay with utmost honesty, sincerety and delicacy so as to ensure that they don't hurt or offend anyone's feelings.

Well, going by da 1st promo, it doesn't suggest that any of da characters are in a joking mood but rather serious about their business, which makes it an intense outing.

In short:

Firstly:

> People would clearly like to know who that * is in da movie?

Therefore, if da movie is:

> Fictional and doesn't directly mention MJ as da * who was killed whilst directly making references to his death circumstances, because, then it can potentially cause some outrage and bad taste.

> Based upon true facts and makes clear cut reference to MJ, then it could be thought provoking cinema.

Taking da above into account, it is hoped that da makers have already 'thrown caution to da wind' and taken 'calculated / measured risk' to get and depict their facts right.

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