Showing posts with label Abir Sengupta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abir Sengupta. Show all posts
Sunny Singh to be seen in neo-noir, comedy, and tragedy flick, Risky Romeo
10:40 PM
Sunny Singh with Abir Sengupta and Anushree Mehta; (right) Sunny Singh
Director Abir Sengupta on exploring a new genre with Risky Romeo, featuring Sunny
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 29, 2024)
After doing a slew of comedies, Sunny Singh is attempting something that has the potential of changing his image as a performer. Giving him a new direction with Ricky Romeo is writer-director Abir Sengupta, who is currently enjoying rediscovering his film in the post-production. The movie’s genre is a combination of neo-noir, comedy, and tragedy. The filmmaker says that mixing the three genres gives a refreshing spin to exploring heartbreak in the film.
“Sometimes, you feel your heart is broken, but did it really break? You don’t even know. Time not only heals your wounds but also reveals that it was all about closure, not a broken heart. The film captures the journey of self-discovery in the most unusual way. It’s a dark idea, but it has colours. We are trying to find humour in a dark situation,” says Sengupta, who also produces the film along with his business partner Anushree Mehta under Jaadugar Films, in association with Priyanka Mehrotra and Rameshchandra Yadav of PR Motion Pictures.
Crediting Singh for being willing to commit to his character and explore dark emotions, Sengupta shares how the actor got into his head to understand the character. “The character comes from a deep-rooted trauma. The prep was internal. We spent more than a month together to crack its mental space before going on floors. We spoke about everything under the sun. All those conversations helped him on set,” shares the director.
The filmmaker believes that Singh of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015) and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018) fame was always meant for more than delivering comic punchlines. “[I always felt] he could break into many shades. It was just a matter of [doing a project] that would bring out his other personalities and, at the same time, give the film an edge,” he says, adding that Singh’s performance is like a breath of fresh air.
With Risky Romeo, Sengupta has aspirations not only as a storyteller but also as a consumer of mixed genre stories. The filmmaker says he will consider it a win if Risky Romeo is able to widen the market for mixed genre films in the industry.
"I really want acceptance for this genre of neo-noir comic tragedy. I feel mixed genre films either completely blow your mind or the audience feels that it's better to watch when genres are explicitly mentioned like romance, comedy, drama so that it becomes simple for them to (comprehend). So, I want that even if there is an audience of 10 for mixed genres, it increases to 30 or 40 after Risky Romeo. I know so many filmmakers and writers, who have such unique voices, but they have fear of unacceptance. If that fear begins to reduce, a lot of new stories, interesting characters will start coming out," he says.
Theatre-to-OTT: What's the plan for big films?
8:03 AM
Shortening of gap between theatrical and digital release is rapidly becoming a norm amid mid-range and smaller films, but over time will big budget films also follow suit?
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 3, 2021)
The Coronavirus pandemic period witnessed a drastic shift in the content consumption habits of the Indian audiences. From theatres the focus shifted to OTT platforms, which promptly took the centre stage as the sole provider of fresh content during the lockdown. And now even when the cinema halls have reopened amid fear, the makers, it seems are still attracted to the large audience base that an OTT release fetches them.
Like in the West, the Indian film industry too, is witnessing a phase where theatrical releases are rapidly making their way on to OTT platforms. Take for instance Indoo Ki Jawaani (2020), which released in theatres on December 11 and premiered on a streaming platform on March 1 or Madam Chief Minister, starring Richa Chadha in the leading role, which released in theatres on January 22, and was out on a digital platform in March.
Rumours are rife that some much-awaited releases such as Sooryavanshi and Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai too, have opted for smaller theatre-to-OTT release window now. In fact, their gap could be even as small as just four weeks. Trade expert Atul Mohan feels such arrangements are the need of the hour. “What worked five years back, won’t work today. We have to change with the changing times, and adapt to the need of the public. In the West, they had day and date releases, and the window has shrunk,” he says.
Asserting that a film anyway completes a major chunk of its theatrical run in about two weeks, Mohan says that OTT release within weeks is quite feasible. “Maximum business for the biggest of films is done in the first weekend, which is 60 -70% of the total. The remaining is done in the next four-five days, after that a film is stretched unnecessarily. Films which do business in the second week are very rare such as Dangal in 2016,” he adds.
Abir Sengupta, who helmed Indoo Ki Jawani, admits that an OTT release without much delay helped his case. “I wanted the maximum number of people to watch it... Because of restrictions, a lot of people, including my parents, couldn’t go to theatres to watch it… I was waiting for its satellite and OTT release. It happened very fast, I was happy that atleast people got to watch it,” he explains.
However, trade analyst Taran Adarsh feels it’s a case of wait and watch for big budget films such as Sooryavanshi, until an official announcement is made. “No one has commented about this theatrical and OTT release coming in so closely. Small films were a different case than big ones. They’ll have big life in theatres I presume, because they are such films. Obviously, immediate release on OTT, if it does very well in theatres, would not (be feasible),” he explains.
Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi says a gap of 28 days between theatrical and OTT releases is good enough in the current scenario. “These are exceptional times which require exceptional solutions. All of us in the industry realise we are still not out of the pandemic and consumption is going to be hampered to some extent… 11%, 50 %, we don’t know. I think all of us in the industry, exhibitioners, producers, actors should work around these solutions. If that means a window is temporarily shortened, and everyone agrees to it, it’s fine,” he says.
But what about a scenario where audiences already know that a film will come on an OTT platform after a short gap and so they don’t go to a theatre and risk it or pay more money? Rathi says, “I don’t know if those films would be available in regular viewing models, most of them would be on pay-per-view model. It’s about the experience, so a lot may consider going out to cinemas, as there is a high degree of sanitisation measures. We are a country of 1.3 billion people, even if a fraction sees a film, it’ll work.”
Images: Kiara Advani goes into flashback mode for Indoo Ki Jawani song
7:54 AM
Indoo Ki Jawani director on how Kiara Advani recreated iconic looks from Kashmir Ki Kali, Rangeela to pay tribute to Bollywood
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 2, 2020)
In his growing-up years, Abir Sengupta remembers spending many an afternoon in front of the television, awed by the songs and visuals of Hindi films. It was only natural then that he wanted to pay tribute to Bollywood with his Hindi directorial debut, Indoo Ki Jawani. Describing how the song, Dil tera, was conceptualised, the director says, "As a filmmaker, I am [emotionally attached] to the many classics that have shaped the Hindi film industry. While writing the song sequence, I wanted to pay homage to the iconic looks and sequences from the '60s to the '90s."
The track, also featuring Aditya Seal, sees Kiara Advani recreating the looks of Sharmila Tagore from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), Parveen Babi from Namak Halal (1982) and Urmila Matondkar in Rangeela (1995) as the couple move from one decade to the next. Sengupta collaborated with the film's stylist Sheetal Sharma to remain faithful to the eras.
Sharma says, "It is a situational song that imaginatively spans the glorious eras of Hindi cinema. References were drawn from the most iconic look of every decade. We also added a bit of quirk to each theme."
Audiences are eager for cinema experience, says Indoo Ki Jawani director Abir Sengupta
7:58 AM
Indoo Ki Jawani director Abir Sengupta explains why the makers have chosen a big-screen December release for the Kiara Advani-starrer over the digital premiere
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 23, 2020)
There's finally a ray of hope for exhibitors who have been waiting for a new release after Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. Kiara Advani's Indoo Ki Jawani is set to hit screens on December 11. While the makers of the comedy were considering an OTT premiere during the eight-month theatre shutdown, they took the tough call of waiting it out as a mark of support to cinemas. "We believe that audiences are looking forward to the cinema experience. In today's difficult times, we need a dose of entertainment, and a fun-filled film like Indoo Ki Jawani will cater to those who want the big-screen experience," says director Abir Sengupta, who makes his Bollywood debut with the coming-of-age comedy.
Releasing a film amid the current circumstances — when Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Delhi and curfews are being imposed in cities in Gujarat — involves significant risk. Isn't he worried that people may not step out of their houses for a film? "Honestly, it [bothers me]. Nothing is more important than human lives, and I am sure theatre owners are taking adequate measures to ensure the audience's safety. So, I hope people will step into the theatres like before."
The movie, also featuring Aditya Seal, revolves around the feisty protagonist's experiences on a dating app. At a time when real-life meet-cutes have been replaced by right swipes, Sengupta believes it is fascinating to trace how love has evolved due to dating apps. "The concept of dating has been changing with every passing generation. But we are in a time where right swipes allow you to meet so many people. There is gender equality as everyone can go ahead and find the right partner. I have come across many who have found their life partners on dating apps. But, at times, even right swipes can go wrong. So, one should take time before forming judgment about the other person," says the director as he roots for these apps. "I strongly believe in love and finding one's soulmate. Dating apps are a faster medium to find that person."
Kiara Advani bags Indoo Ki Jawani; to be produced by Nikkhil Advani
7:59 AM
Actress plays girl from Ghaziabad whose left and right swipes on app makes for a quirky comedy
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 27, 2019)
Kiara Advani who is presently shooting for the Vikram Batra biopic, Shershaah, with Sidharth Malhotra, has given her nod to a coming-of-age comedy titled Indoo Ki Jawani. Produced by Nikkhil Advani, Niranjan Iyengar and Ryan Stephen, it features Kiara as Indoo Gupta, a feisty girl from Ghaziabad, whose left swipes and right swipes with a dating app results in hilarious chaos. It will be the Bollywood debut of Bengali writer-filmmaker Abir Sengupta and is expected to go on floors in September.“Some time ago, my daughter Keya came to my office and while looking at the posters of the films we have made so far asked matter-of-factly why all of them had only men and no women. Around the time, I heard this story that Niranjan and Ryan brought to us and fell in love with it. Thankfully, it revolves around a female protagonist,” laughs Nikkhil, saying that they have been looking to collaborate with Kiara for the longest time and were pleased that she instantly gave her nod.
Kiara is all fired up about her first female centric film. “Indoo is edgy, lovable and quirky. The dialect is completely new so I’m going to do a lot of workshops to get it right. I can’t wait to start shooting,” she says, adding that the story is relevant to today’s time and given her character’s background and the setting, the film is really exciting. Prod her for details and she zips up, only reiterating that Nikkhil and she have discussed several projects in the past. “This is such a special script, I think we were meant to do it together,” she smiles.
It was writer-turned-producer Niranjan who first reached out to Kiara. His production partner, Ryan, informs that when Abir narrated the gist of the story to him in a coffee shop, he knew that this film had to be made and they couldn’t think of anyone better than Nikhil, Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani to collaborate with. “They got it in a heartbeat and that’s what’s most important for any film. Indoo Ki Jawani is young and funny, pure heartland, and sends the right message home, making it the perfect debut for us as producers,” exults Ryan.
Ask Kiara if she has ever been on a dating app and she shakes her head, “Nope, but I have friends using these apps and have heard a lot of fun stories of their experiences. But nothing compared to what we have for you,” she laughs.
Man To Man seeks to normalise gender identities that are termed queer-Adah Sharma
7:27 AM
Adah Sharma will star in a Bollywood romantic comedy which has a man falling in love with a woman, who identifies as a man
Elina Nayak (BOMBAY TIMES; May 10, 2019)
Adah Sharma began her acting career playing a woman possessed by the spirit of a dead man in Vikram Bhatt’s horror drama, 1920 in 2008. Now, she is all set to play a man on the big screen. About her upcoming Bollywood romantic-comedy, Man To Man, the actress says, “I feel so lucky to have gotten a chance to portray a role like this. It’s something no other actress has done till now in the mainstream Indian cinema.” Excerpts from a chat:
What was your first reaction when you learnt about the role?
Director Abir Sengupta didn’t tell me upfront that I will be playing a man. When he met me to narrate the story, it seemed like a typical ‘boy meets girl and falls in love’ kind of a story. But midway through the narration, he revealed that the girl is, in fact, a guy! I was completely taken aback and I was like, ‘What? Really!’ Naveen Kasturia plays the man who falls in love with my character, who reciprocates his feeling after the initial wooing. But what happens when he learns that his girl is a guy, is what the film is all about. I am very happy that Abir chose me for a role that will represent the LGBTQI+ community in a positive light.
What is your character like?
From the outside, my character looks like a woman in every sense — wears dresses and shorts and looks like a pretty girl with whom any guy will fall in love with. But in reality, she is a man. I was blown away by the sensitivity with which the role was written. Portraying the character has pushed my acting skills. It’s a role that will surprise, entertain and educate the audience in equal measure. I am proud of it.
This sounds like a first-of-its-kind romantic comedy. Tell us more.
More than a love story, it’s a film that seeks to normalise gender identities that are termed queer. It tells the world to accept people for who they are. It also encourages people to be comfortable in their skin, even if they don’t fit into the conventional gender roles that prescribe how we should be rather than recognising how we are or how we feel. As they say, the soul has no gender, does it? Whether you are born male or female, you should be allowed to be what you identify yourself as. The film also shows how people from the LBGTQI+ community are bullied by their family, friends and society at large. Having said that, we are not trying to be preachy.
This is a romantic comedy, but the humour will be sensitive. The makers are planning to dub the film in multiple languages. It is a universal film that will resonate with everyone.
What kind of prep did you undergo to get into the skin of your character?
A lot of homework went into acquainting myself with the state of mind, psychology and the struggles that trans people face. After all, the way we behave, talk and express is a reflection of what we feel about ourselves. I wanted the portrayal to be as authentic as possible. Abir’s inputs were of great help, too.
You also have a Telugu film Kalki in the offing besides another Hindi film...
Yes, we’ve finished shooting for Kalki. It’s an investigative thriller set in the ’80s. I play an independent girl and have a retro look in the film. Then, there is Commando 3. The audience will see me in an action-packed avatar in the movie. I am glad that I am getting to portray diverse roles.
Adah Sharma & Naveen Kasturia bag Man To Man, a quirky comedy on sex reassignment surgery
7:41 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 21, 2019)
After the Punjabi film Sajjan Singh Rangroot, which starred Diljit Dosanjh and Sunanda Sharma, Jay Sahni, owner of Vivid Arthouse, is now set to join hands with Abir Sengupta and Anushree Mehta of Anushree Abir Entertainment. The duo had earlier backed the Bengali film Jomer Raja Dilo Bor. The trio unites to produce a Hindi feature film titled Man to Man.The movie stars Adah Sharma and Naveen Kasturia in lead roles and has been written and directed by Abir. It has been talked about for its quirky subject — sex reassignment surgery. The story sees Naveen falling in love and marrying Adah, only to later realise that she was a man who became a woman after undergoing a sex reassignment surgery.
“It's a great role. It’s something that no one has attempted before. The comedy will connect with people of all genders and ages,” said Adah. Naveen, who has been doing interesting work in the digital space, said, “I really liked the script and the director's passion for the project. The role that I was offered was different. I had fun portraying the same on the screen.”
Speaking about his first Hindi outing, Jay Sahni said, “We couldn’t have asked for a better beginning than this. We have a perfect combination of good content and an apt cast coming together. I have wanted to work with Adah and I got to do that in my very first Hindi film.” Anushree Mehta added, “Abir is also my business partner and as a company, our endeavour is to make sure that our content stands out. This film is one such dream come true.”
Man to Man, which is in the last stages of post-production, was shot entirely in Mumbai. Abir said, “This film is a tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community, which is trying to find acceptance from their loved ones as well as the society. I am grateful to the cast and crew of the movie, who helped me realise my dream.”
Jackky Bhagnani’s next Anandwaa is an ode to Rajesh Khanna’s Anand
7:50 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 26, 2017)
After the 2015 film Welcome to Karachi, Jackky Bhagnani is set to
return to the marquee with Anandwaa, a comic satire exploring the
journey of a man who chooses to cope with a life-altering situation with
humour.Producer Prernaa Arora says, “Jackky was our first choice because we felt he would be able to portray the role of Anandwaa with sensitivity and the right comic timing. The project goes on the floors in February 2018.”
Screenwriter-filmmaker Abir Sengupta, who made his debut with the Bengali film Jomer Raja Dilo Bor, is on board to direct the film. “I have written this script as homage to the classic Anand but it’s in no way a remake. It’s about a man who learns to make the most of his life,” he informs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)