Bollywood is besotted with trends and formulas. And selecting the right pair of hero and heroine is one of the most crucial aspects to warrantee a sure-shot success.
Irrespective of whether the script demands a peculiar casting like Cheeni Kum, Ishqiya, Wake Up Sid and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu or the idea is to team up the seasoned star with a sprightly young face like in Cocktail and Rowdy Rathore or, better still, pitch two of the industry's hottest lookers in a made-for-each-other set up like Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa Akbar/Dhoom 2, the mathematics behind a casting decision is most befuddling.
Except for all its resistance to novelty in scripts and story ideas, filmmakers are surprisingly broad-minded when it comes to experimenting with the combination of leads. The next few months look quite promising with its mix of untried pairings --offbeat or orthodox. Here's looking at the ones that have us most excited.
Farhan Akhtar-Vidya Balan, Shaadi Ke Side Effects
The biggest USP of Pyaar Ke Side Effects was the opposites attract chemistry between a cerebral Rahul Bose and sexy Mallika Sherawat. The contrasts aren't so forcefully underlined in its sequel slated to be portrayed by Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan. But the easygoing style of one pit against the dramatic intensity is a prospect that's got our inquisitive sides up.
Shah Rukh Khan-Katrina Kaif, Yash Chopra's untitled romance
There was a time when this pairing looked like a distant dream considering Katrina's loyalties to the rival Khan-Salman.
Of course, that's history and after contributing to some of the most prolific item songs of this year and last, Katrina is all set to play ladylove to the King of Romance in nothing less than a Yash Chopra directed confection.
Of course, that's history and after contributing to some of the most prolific item songs of this year and last, Katrina is all set to play ladylove to the King of Romance in nothing less than a Yash Chopra directed confection.
Kareena Kapoor- Randeep Hooda, Heroine
For an actress whose last four films were with the Khans-Shah Rukh, Salman, Imran and Saif, it'll be quite interesting to see what sort of chemistry she generates with a non-A-lister, namely Randeep Hooda in and as Madhur Bhandarkar's Heroine.
Boman Irani-Farah Khan, Shirin Farhad Ki Nikal Padi
Known for her characteristic candidness and humour, it will be fun to see what choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan lends to the screen along with her well-oiled co-star Boman Irani in Bela Bhansali Sehgal's goofy rom-com about two 40 plus individuals.
Ajay Devgn-Sonakshi Sinha, Son Of Sardaar
We've recently witnessed the awkward romance between Devgn and Asin in Bol Bachchan and the over-the-top flirtatious vibe shared by Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha in Rowdy Rathore. So it's only fair to expect a noisy mix of overbearing, lumbering camaraderie between Singham and Sinha in this upcoming farce directed by Ashwni Dhir.
Rajnikanth-Deepika Padukone, Kochadaiyaan
There are plenty of reasons as to why Soundarya R Ashwin's directorial debut is so eagerly awaited this year. Among them is the curiosity of seeing just how Rajnikanth pulls off an on-screen romance with Deepika Padukone who's 37 years senior to the Cocktail babe.
Dhanush-Sonam Kapoor, Raanjhnaa
Okay, so the title sounds a tad dated but here's the good news, it's directed by the guy who gave us the utterly charming, Tanu Weds Manu – Anand L Rai while A R Rahman helms the soundtrack. Whether this gifted combo can make the oddball blend of Tamil star (of Kolaveri fame) Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor work, however, remains to be seen.
Aamir Khan- Katrina Kaif, Dhoom 3
Following his contribution to the acclaimed issue-based TV series, Satyamev Jayate, Aamir Khan is all set to embrace his negative side in Dhoom 3 with an oomph-exuding Katrina Kaif in tow. What's not there to get excited?
Ranbir Kapoor-Ileana D'Cruz, Barfi!
Barfi! may be Ileana's debut in Bollywood but she's actually a year senior to co-star Ranbir Kapoor what with her illustrious track (Pokiri, Kick, Jalsa) in Telugu films. The first-time jodi share a romantic equation in Anurag Basu's breezy drama about three unique individuals also starring Priyanka Chopra.
Imran Khan-Anushka Sharma, Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola
Another jodi set to make its debut on big screen is Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma in Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming comedy drama. In his last couple movies, Imran looked distinctly younger than his co-stars. No wonder he's manning up with a grisly beard to play a believable better half to the sassy Anushka Sharma.
John Abraham-Kangna Ranaut, Shootout at Wadala
The photogenic duo's sizzling intimate scenes are supposed to be the most talked-about feature of Sanjay Gupta's follow-up to Shootout at Lokhandwala. In the film, John Abraham plays an underworld gangster modeled along the lines of Manya Surve while Ranaut plays his estranged girlfriend.
Bipasha Basu-Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Aatma
Riding high on the success of Kahaani and Gangs of Wasseypur, the incredibly charismatic Nawazuddin Siddiqui will next share frame with one of Bollywood's best-known bombshells, Bipasha Basu in a horror drama. Quite an unusual combination, you think?
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