AB Aani CD producer Akshay Bardapurkar on directly releasing Amitabh Bachchan's Marathi film online
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; April 25, 2020)

In an earlier interview to mid-day (Marathi films feeling the fever, March 27), AB Aani CD producer Akshay Bardapurkar had stated that he was delaying the film's digital release. "Amazon Prime asked us to release it on their platform now, but we refused... We can pursue a theatrical release till May 6; it will drop online on May 7," he had said. A month and two rounds of lockdown extension later, the filmmaker has decided to release Amitabh Bachchan's Marathi debut vehicle online on May 1.

"Multiplex chains like PVR and Inox [have suggested] that they don't see [theatres] opening before September. Ours is a Marathi film, and Maharashtra [which is our biggest market] is severely affected [by the pandemic]. How much longer can we wait?" questions Bardapurkar, before adding, "If operations resume after May 3, we will release it in cinema halls anyway."

With the film having enjoyed only a day's run in cinemas before they pulled down shutters on March 14, the producer estimates having incurred losses of about Rs 6 crore. "We lost box-office [collection] of about Rs 5 crore, and another crore on advertising. The earnings [from digital rights] were to be a bonus; now, it's a saviour."

With 20 movies including AB Aani CD lined up for release, regional cinema hit by lockdown; to clash with Bollywood biggies when theatres re-open
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 27, 2020)

If Bollywood has been hit hard by the shutdown of theatres from March 14 and the subsequent lockdown, its Marathi counterpart has met harsher fate. While AB Ani CD — featuring Amitabh Bachchan in a special appearance — was one of the three releases that opened just for a day over the March 13 weekend, almost 20 Marathi movies were slated to release between April and June. Trade analysts believe the industry will suffer huge losses if the cloud of uncertainty doesn't disappear by June.

AB Ani CD producer Akshay Bardapurkar intends to release his project again if theatres re-open, as per plan, on April 14. "Amazon Prime, which owns the film's digital rights, asked me to release it now on their platform. But we refused as we want the film to get a theatrical release. We can pursue a theatrical release till May 6; post which it will drop on Amazon Prime."

Bardapurkar warns that whenever the cinemas re-open, a battle for screen space will ensue. AB Ani CD, Vijeta (left; above) and Ibhrat (right) that are eyeing a re-release will jostle for space alongside new Marathi offerings. "These movies will also face competition from Bollywood films that are waiting in the wings. So, they may get comparatively lesser screens. Marathi cinema may incur losses to the tune of Rs 100 crore."

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh agrees that Hindi cinema's poorer cousin may have a tough road ahead. "Even if Bollywood filmmakers try to work on the dates [for the backlog of releases], how will they fit in regional movies? In Maharashtra, a Hindi film will get preference over a Marathi one."

However, all is not lost for regional films, argues trade watcher Atul Mohan. "Thanks to government support, each theatre has to allot a specific number of shows to them."

MUMBAI MIRROR (March 17, 2020)

Amitabh Bachchan’s Marathi film, AB Aani CD, which hit screens last Friday, will be re-released later. The decision was taken after the shutdown of cinema halls in several regions, including Delhi, Kerala and Maharashtra. “We have knowingly pushed the release date for AB Anni CD. What we need to focus on is everyone’s safety, which should be the priority. The response we’ve received for the film so far is overwhelming and to see that the audience is supportive to wait for it,” said producer Akshay Bardapurkar.

He added that he hopes people are safe and are taking all precautions needed till things are under control. “This will have to be a collaborative effort by all of us; not only the entertainment field but it requires everyone to be home and stay safe so we can fight against Coronavirus by not spreading it but by ending it.”

Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; March 16, 2020)

Following the state government’s directive asking cinema halls to remain shut at least till March 30, the film industry has either pulled out films already in theatres or postponed those that were supposed to release this month. In Bollywood, the makers of Sooryavanshi pushed its release. On the other hand, Angrezi Medium, which released on Friday, has been pulled out and, as per a statement by director Homi Adajania, will be re-released when ‘it is safe to do so.’ With no option left, Marathi releases, too, have followed suit. The screenings of three Marathi films that released this Friday — Vijeta, AB Aani CD and Ibhrat — have been stopped, and the releases of at least three films have been postponed.

The makers of AB Aani CD posted a statement on their social media pages announcing that they were postponing the shows of the film to a further date when the situation is better. Speaking to us, the film’s producer Akshay Bardapurkar shares, “Public safety is of prime importance and that’s why we have no problem in pulling out the shows of our film. At the same time, we are prepared to re-release the film on any Friday after the govt deems it fit to reopen cinema halls. I am sure the audience will shower love on the film even then.”

Amol Shetge, the director of Vijeta, which too released on Friday, shared similar sentiments, saying prevention is better than cure. “It’s not just about the safety of moviegoers, but precautionary measures are important for everyone to control the spread of COVID-19. Yes, a lot of planning and monetary expenses go into the release of a film, but no business is more important than someone’s health, especially when we are talking about public health amidst the Coronavirus outbreak,” said Amol.

While these two films had to bear the brunt just a day after their release, the other films that were to release later this month have also willingly backed out. Niraj Anand, producer of Ajinkya, which was to release next Friday, shared, “We were expecting a decision like this, but our promotion was ongoing and pre-planned. However, as soon as we were informed of the government’s decision, we put plan B in place and ceased further activity. Our film’s release was also pushed because the cinemas will be shut till March 30 at least.” The film’s director A Kadir added, “We hope the situation comes under control soon. Even after that, we will need to evaluate the market situation and plan our release accordingly, because all postponed films will be looking for releases as soon as possible.”

The makers of Neighbours, too, released an official statement announcing the postponement of its release. On his part, Subhash Ghai, who has produced Vijeta, said, “The entertainment industry has and will stand with the citizens in times of crisis. My loss in withdrawing the film is nothing compared to the health of my audience. It’s time we all exercise caution and follow the preventive measures laid out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). When we all are out of danger, I am sure movies will be there to provide entertainment.”

Makers agree that they will incur monetary losses but reiterate the public safety concern. Akshay shared, “Our promotion budget for the next 8-10 days will see a considerable addition for activities before the re-release of AB Aani CD, but it’s something we can’t shy away from.” Amol added, “The effect of coronavirus has already slowed the economy. Businesses will suffer, but what needs to be done, needs to be done. The better option is to unite and find a way out.”

To ensure that he doesn't burden modest budget of Marathi film AB Aani CD, Amitabh Bachchan does away with stylist, sports outfits from his own wardrobe
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 12, 2020)

Tales of his punctuality and commitment to the craft are legendary in the industry circles. Now, Amitabh Bachchan's latest gesture could serve as a lesson in humility for the younger crop of actors who look up to him. Turns out, the megastar — who is foraying into Marathi cinema with AB Aani CD, which also features senior actor Vikram Gokhale — wore outfits from his personal wardrobe in the film, so as to not burden the modest budget of the project with the additional expenses of a stylist and costumes.

Producer Akshay Bardapurkar acknowledges that he was ecstatic and overawed in equal measure when the veteran actor agreed to be part of his film. "As the day of the shoot came closer, we asked Bachchan saab when we could send somebody over to get measurements for his outfits. He told us, 'Don't worry. I will get my own costumes.' On the day of the shoot, he came bearing over 20 outfits, hanged them in his van and asked us to select the ones we wanted for the shoot. He knew that Marathi movies do not have [lavish] budgets; so, he helped us tremendously with this gesture," says the producer.

After having wrapped up the shoot of his portions last November, Bachchan was mindful to allocate a chunk of dates for the dubbing of the Milind Lele-directed film. "He could have easily said, 'I will give you the NOC, please get it dubbed by a Marathi artiste.' But he insisted on dubbing for his part. Since he has spent so many years in Mumbai, he is proficient in the language," shares Bardapurkar, marvelling that the superstar's dedication to his craft hasn't waned in so many decades. "After every scene, he would ask the director, 'Sab theek hai?' If the DoP [director of photography] asked him hesitantly whether he could do one more take, Bachchan saab would say, 'Arre kyun nahin?'''

As Big B's maiden Marathi venture with co-star Vikram Gokhale goes on floors, AB Aani CD producer Akshay Bardapurkar recounts the first day of shoot with the megastar
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 23, 2019)

Almost 25 years after he featured in a song for the Marathi film Akka (1994) that was directed by his makeup artist Deepak Sawant, Amitabh Bachchan is set to dabble in Marathi cinema again.

The megastar, who will be seen playing himself in AB Aani CD, kicked off the film's shoot at a suburban studio on Tuesday with co-star Vikram Gokhale.

While the day plan included filming a simple sequence with Big B, producer Akshay Bardapurkar says it was fascinating to see how the legend elevated it with his improvisation.

"The scene required Bachchan sir to walk into the auditorium and wave out to the crowd. But he spontaneously added a few lines in Marathi, and the effect was surreal. While we thought that he would pack up in three to four hours, he gave adequate time to each scene and was on the set for almost seven hours."

The Milind lele-directed comedy revolves around Gokhale's character Chandrakant Deshpande as he plans a birthday bash for his long-time friend and superstar Bachchan. Glad to have roped in two powerhouse performers, the producer adds, "It's surprising that Bachchan sir hasn't done any Marathi film so far. Filmmakers must have assumed that he would charge a bomb, or may have been unable to come up with a script that would suit him. When he heard our script, he gave his nod immediately. It was difficult to get his dates, but we finally managed it." The next step was to rechristen the film and play on the megastar's name. "The working title was Deshpande Chi Gosht since we weren't sure if Bachchan sir would be part of the film. But the new title is quirky and catchy."

Even though the actor has a 15-minute part in the comedy, Bardapurkar argues that it isn't a special appearance. "The story revolves around him, much like in Irrfan Khan's Billu [2009], where Shah Rukh Khan was present only in a part of the film but was integral to the story."

Also featuring Vikram Gokhale, the Marathi film is going on the floors today in Mumbai
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 21, 2019)

After the success of Badla, Amitabh Bachchan has at least half-a-dozen films in his kitty that will keep him busy for the next two years. What makes the line-up interesting is that after nearly five decades in showbiz, the veteran actor is now all set to make his Marathi film debut with Milind Lele’s AB Aani CD. Today, the Big B starts shooting for the film with Vikram Gokhale, who plays his fellow protagonist, in Mumbai.

Prod producer Akshay Bardapurkar on the quirky title and he explains, “AB is of course, Amitabh Bachchan and CD is Chandrakant Deshpande, enacted by Vikram Gokhale. Mr Bachchan plays himself, a superstar in his 70s. Vikram ji’s character’s family is planning a bash for his 75th birthday in this family comedy, which encompasses the journey of the leads who have known each other for well over six decades.”

It will be shot in a month-long, start-to-finish schedule in Pune from the first week of June. “We wrap up by mid-July and are planning to release the film in December,” Akshay adds.

Ask the producer if it was difficult to convince Bachchan to give his nod to a Marathi film and he says the problem was not the actor but his dates. “I narrated the script to him two months ago. He loved it and on Vikram Gokhale’s request, immediately accepted the film as he has not ventured into this territory before. But we have to rush to get this done now because after July, he is not free for the next six months,” Akshay informs.

Are there plans to release the film in Hindi? “At this point, it’s only going to be in Marathi. May be at a later stage, we could consider remaking it in Hindi,” he signs off.

In 1994, Bachchan made a special appearance in the Marathi film Akka. He returns to the industry in a full-fledged role after 25 years.