WILL RAJKUMMAR-HANSAL WIN HEARTS ONCE AGAIN WITH CITYLIGHTS?

Rajkummar Rao gave one of the greatest performances of recent times with last year’s Shahid, directed by Hansal Mehta. The actor was then signed by the Bhatts for an official remake of British-Filipino film Metro Manila, which was to be directed by Ajay Bahl, of BA Pass fame. Sadly, Ajay walked out and it was Hansal who replaced him. Thus, Rajkummar-Hansal got a chance to collaborate once again. The film, Citylights, was shot and completed very quickly and it’s all set to release tomorrow.

Citylights depicts the story of a poor family from Rajasthan that comes to Mumbai in search of employment. The trailer is terrific and gives an indication that the film will be disturbing, dark but also quite touching and with an element of thrill as well. Bengali actress Patralekhaa aka Anwita Paul plays Rajkummar’s wife in the film. Incidentally, Patralekhaa is Rajkummar’s girlfriend in real life. Reports emerged that it’s Patralekha’s closeness to Rajkummar that helped her bag the role. Also, it was Bhatts and Hansal who ‘forced’ Patralekhaa to change her name from Anwita. Patralekhaa and the team of Citylights thankfully ensured that that these rumours didn’t became the talk of the town and kept the focus on the film.

Mahesh Bhatt has taken special interest in promoting Citylights. He even called it the best film from his banner in the last 15 years and at an event, gave away the Filmfare trophy that he won for Saaransh to Hansal Mehta! But sadly, the film isn’t a typical ‘entertainer’ of sorts and there, the excitement of the film is very limited. But the film is expected to have a very positive word of mouth and hence can attract moviegoers. Also, it’s costs are reasonable; so, it should prove to be a profitable venture for the makers.

The other release of the week is Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi. It’s produced by Ekta Kapoor in association with Bejoy Nambiar. It’s directed by newbie Aman Sachdeva and stars Siddharth Gupta, Ashish Juneja and Simran Kaur Mundi. The trailer is hilarious but sadly, the promotions have been anything but interesting. The film hence hasn’t made any significant buzz and this can strongly affect the opening and its overall theatrical run.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CITYLIGHTS OR KUKU MATHUR KI JHAND HO GAYI AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!