The Bollywood filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has become the latest fan of Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and rued Bollywood's formulaic filmmaking.
"MI4 is another example that will make us realise why the white men are a far superior race to us ... the movie is simply awesome!" Varma, who made popular films such as Rangeela, Satya and Sarkar, tweeted rather controversially.
Countering responses that argued that MI4 had excellent visual effects technology to execute visually stunning action sequences, Varma said: "Yes, they have superior technology and budgets, but does anyone here for a moment believe that any of us can imagine one sequence of MI4?"
Questioning why Bollywood cannot make films like the action-packed MI franchise despite big budgets, he wrote: "With the biggest of budgets, we make Kambhakt Ishq and Ready and they make MI4 and Avatar."
Referring to the 2002 Aamir Khan-produced Lagaan losing to a little known Bosnian film at the Academy Awards, Varma said: "From 2nd largest film industry in the world, we boast of Lagaan and then we lose out to No Man's Land from Bosnia, where I didn't even know films existed."
Kim Kardashian returns from Haiti
After her recent botched marriage to Kris Humphries, Kim Kardashian escaped public scrutiny by fleeing to Haiti with mum Kris Jenner, to help out in actress Maria Bello's charity We Advance.
"It was such a great experience to see, you know, what has gone on there since the earthquake and how much work really still needs to be done," the 31-year-old reality star told E! News. Kardashian helped replenish medical supplies and presented holiday gifts to 500 orphans.
Kim promised to return to Haiti with her sisters Kourtney and Khloe, along with the rest of their (in)famous clan.
"I just can't wait to go back and bring my whole family," she said at last week's opening of the new Kardashian Khaos boutique in Las Vegas.
Ellen DeGeneres buys Brad Pitt's home
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has purchased the Malibu home of the actor Brad Pitt.
The 53-year-old bought the four-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot estate for $12 million (Dh44 million).
Pitt, who purchased the house after splitting with Jennifer Aniston, originally listed the property for $13.5 million (Dh50 million) - looks like somebody got a friendly discount.
DeGeneres is downsizing from her 15,000-square foot, $49 million mansion, recently featured in Architectural Digest.
According to Us Weekly, the new residence boasts its own tennis court, lush gardens, private beach access and great views of the Pacific Ocean. What a way to downsize.
Giuliana Rancic's surgery a success
E! television host and reality star Giuliana Rancic's double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery last week went well, reported E! News.
"I'm feeling good and I'm happy to be back home," Rancic told her home network.
Rancic was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.
"It's been tough, but I'm trying to stay strong and manage the pain. I have to say I have a new-found respect for women who have been through breast cancer and this surgery," she said.
Rancic is currently recovering at home with the help of husband Bill.
India's Celebrity Cricket League sets match dates
The second season of the Celebrity Cricket League (www.cclt20.in) will kick off at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on January 13.
It's almost impossible to overplay the significance and enduring popularity of India's first celebrity league, with its star cricketers, glammed-up team supporters, team ambassadors, cheerleaders and frenzied spectators.
The weekend is set to mark one of the biggest celebrity congregations in the UAE, with stars from different Indian motion picture fraternities - Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Kerala, Bengali and Bollywood - in attendance.
The UAE run of the tournament will conclude the next day, at an after-party to be attended by the celebrities.
Marques Houston to perform in Dubai next year
The American R&B artist and burgeoning actor Marques Houston will perform at Dubai's Chi at The Lodge on January 13.
After releasing four albums as part of the successful R&B group Immature, Houston branched out on his own in 2003 to release five solo albums, including the hits Clubbin' and All Because of You. Most recently, Houston has been building a steady acting career with starring roles in You Got Served and the film adaptation of Fat Albert.
For more details on the show, visit to www.chinightclubdubai.com.
