Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 22, 2017)

What started off as a case of disconcerted equation between Aksar 2 makers and lead actor Zareen Khan seems to be snowballing into a legal tussle. The actor recently slammed the makers stating that she had been initially assured Aksar 2 would be a “clean film”, but was then asked to “wear minimal clothes in every frame.”

Seeing red, producer Narendra Bajaj is considering dragging her to court over the defamatory remarks. He says, “I will legally pursue the matter after consultation with my counsel.”

Bajaj is appalled over Khan’s allegations about the film having “vulgar” content despite her reservations over it. “Zareen was kept in the loop and a bound script was given to her right at the start. Nothing has changed since then. Regarding her claims of vulgarity, we don’t come from that school of thought. The clothes too were okayed by her.”

Director Ananth Mahadevan adds, “Zareen was quite thrilled with the results. We haven’t tarnished the film by adding anything untoward to the scenes.”

Aksar 2 is a silly, confusing suspense thriller that doesn’t make an iota of sense. It’s shocking to see how some producers, writers and directors refuse to accept that times have changed and continue to make such nonsense in the name of cinema. The first half at least is bearable and makes sense. But in the second half, things happen just for the heck of it. Every single person is bad and twisted. One character makes the whole plan of usurping the whole wealth of an ageing millionaire, for others. He’s not going to get a single paisa out of it and yet he dedicatedly plans all the moves so that others around him, not related to him at all, get rich! How I wish I come across such people in my life! The album is good but sadly, the songs have got used in this film and hence won’t have any shelf life. Performances by all – Zareen Khan, Gautam Rode, Abhinav Shukla, Mohit Madaan and even Lillete Dubey – are average. Needless to say, stay miles away from this flick!

My rating - * out of 5!

TUMHARI SULU VS AKSAR 2!

Here comes another week of November and just like last Friday, it will have two medium-budget films trying their luck. As compared to last week, both films are expected to open better. My views:

TUMHARI SULU: It is a slice-of-life story of a housewife who turns into an RJ of a late-night adult show. Vidya Balan stars in this role and from the trailers, she seem to be enjoying herself. The trailer in fact is very endearing and has connected with a lot of people. The songs – Hawa Hawaai and Ban Ja Rani – are reworked versions of popular tracks and have caught attention. Sadly, the film is not the usual entertainer. Hence, the hype is there but it’s limited. The opening will be not so great but can pick up if word of mouth is positive. It has scarce competition from Aksar 2 and also next week is more or less competition-free. Hence, it can break even and emerge as a decent success of Vidya Balan after Kahaani.

AKSAR 2: It is the second part of Aksar, a film released in 2006 that isn’t memorable at all. Only the song – Jhalak Dikhla Ja – had caught on but the film as such was never memorable. It’s bewildering that a sequel was made of this film! The trailer is strictly okay but it has some erotic scenes and that should help. It stars Zareen Khan in leading role along with Gautam Rode, Lillete Dubey and Mohit Madaan. Songs haven’t worked at all. Aksar 2 was scheduled to release on October 6 at first. It was the day when Julie 2 was also to release. That would have affected Aksar 2 heavily as Julie 2 seems hotter. Now Julie 2 is releasing next week and hence Aksar 2 has some chance, at least in ‘B’ and ‘C’ centres.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY?

Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 12, 2017)

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) guidelines under the chairmanship of its new helmer, Prasoon Joshi, are getting clearer now. Apparently, Joshi, who stays away from the process of certification and lets the CBFC board members do their job, has made it very clear that an ‘A’ certificate means that the content, no matter how sexually aggressive, remains untouched as long as women are not demeaned or ridiculed.

Director Ananth Mahadevan, whose erotic thriller Aksar 2, which has Zareen Khan in the lead role, went to the CBFC this week and came away largely unscathed with all the skin show and smooching intact. Even the word ‘f**k’ was allowed. The only word they had an issue with was ‘b***h’ and so it had to be removed. Mahadevan has replaced it with the word ‘buddhi’ (old hag), though it’s not clear how calling a woman a ‘hag’ is less insulting than calling her a ‘b***h.’ Says Mahadevan, “I think, in all fairness, the viewing committee has taken a very mature view of our film giving it an ‘A’ certificate without major cuts.”

According to the director, the logic offered by the CBFC for allowing ‘f**k’ and disallowing ‘b***h’ was this, “The ‘F’ word is used as a swear word and not to suggest the sexual act. As far as the word ‘b***h’ is concerned, the board members felt it was derogatory to a lady, hence, better to replace it. Come to think of it, I love dogs too much to use ‘b***h’ as an insult.”

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; October 6, 2017)

After Aaj Zid and Jaana Ve, the makers of Aksar 2 are gearing up to release the third song from the film. Called Tanhaiyan, the song featuring Zareen Khan and Abhinav Shukla has been shot in Mauritius. “We have shot at some exotic places — a British kind of villa that has been converted into a museum of artefacts with beautiful furniture, pianos and grandfather clocks. We also shot a portion of the song at a beach and a fort, which had wonderful textures made of wood and bricks and has a huge galley, where we could finish the song with the shot of Zarine running,” shares the film’s director Ananth Mahadevan.

The song comes at an unexpected moment in the film, he adds. “It comes as a shock to both Zareen and the audience. Amit Mishra, who did a wonderful rendition of Bulleya in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil is singing this nostalgic number. I am so glad I got him because he has sung it with a lot of feeling. After the sensuous Aaj Zid and the romantic Jaana Ve, this will tug at your heartstrings,” he says.

Interestingly, the song is being launched today, the day the film was slated to release! But thanks to the Hollywood biggie, Blade Runner 2049, and Saif Ali Khan’s Chef, the movie has got postponed. “Yes, but that’s not the main reason. We wanted to release Tanhaiya first and our second trailer, which concentrates totally on the edge-of-the-seat content. That will be launched next Tuesday. We wanted to build this up and not hurry through, that’s the reason we took a call to push the film. Also, some post-production work is remaining,” reveals the filmmaker. As for when it will be releasing, he says the date will be announced in a day or two, but it is definitely releasing this month.

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 22, 2017)

Bollywood filmmakers heaved a sigh of relief when Pahlaj Nihalani was ousted from his post as chief of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and welcomed Prasoon Joshi. The move, it was suggested, would minimize the unwarranted cuts demanded in films that had made Nihalani infamous among contemporaries. However, going by the Board’s recent decision, it appears that little has changed after the new appointment.

Actor-director Ananth Mahadevan’s upcoming thriller, the Gautam Rode, Abhinav Shukla and Zareen Khan-starrer Aksar 2, has become the latest victim of the Board’s censoring. The song in question is Aaj Zid. Interestingly, Mahadevan says he is yet to receive an explaination for why the CBFC thought the song was inappropriate for television audiences. “I don’t know what the CBFC finds unsuitable for viewers. The song is on YouTube, and anyone who has seen it will tell you that it doesn’t have objectionable content. The romance between the lead pair hasn’t been shown inappropriately,”

Mahadevan says, adding that should the Board be willing to reveal their reservations, he will consider implementing cuts. “It seems that they [board members] don’t have a clue on how to go about the procedures. I hope that they consider their decision again and permit a television release, as it is part of our publicity plan.”

DNA (September 2, 2017)

In early 2000s, eroticas turned out to be a reasonably popular genre in Bollywood. The likes of Murder and Jism were the trailblazers and films like Julie and Aksar followed suit. In a matter of a few years, however, the genre died down though the only franchise that is still being popular is Hate Story.

Promotion spree
While one looks forward to the fourth installment of Hate Story, in a coincidence of sorts, two erotic films from the past — Aksar 2 and Julie 2 — now making a comeback, and that, too, on the same date. Both films are releasing on October 6. “In fact, the promotion has kick-started at the same time as well. While the theatrical trailer of Aksar 2 has just been unveiled, the teaser of Julie 2 was revealed on the very next day,” observes a trade expert.

Franchise facts
Incidentally, none of them feature its original cast. Aksar featured Emraan Hashmi and Udita Goswami. However, Aksar 2 has Zareen Khan and Gautam Rode. Similarly, Julie featured Neha Dhupia in the lead, but the second part has Raai Laxmi as the central protagonist. The directors are the same though. Ananth Mahadevan directed Aksar and Deepak Shivdasani was the man behind Julie. Both are coming up with the sequels now.

Music minded
Though Julie didn’t really have any chartbuster songs, Himesh Reshammiya’s music for Aksar, especially the track Jhalak Dikhla Ja, was the highlight of the film. Makers of Aksar 2 and Julie 2 are expected to emphasise on the music,” an insider comments.

What would stay on to be the key attraction though is the erotica quotient. After all, Zareen had shown that she can be uninhibited in Hate Story 3. On the other hand, Raai Laxmi has been known for her sensual act in Akira last year.

Box-office battle
“Clash of the two erotica is interesting since it gives the makers of both the films a good platform to publicise their films. It benefits both, since the films would be in news, now, and benefit from all the talks surrounding the sequel as well as the genre factor,” a trade expert opines.

Meanwhile, one wonders what would Saif Ali Khan be thinking currently, considering the fact that his Chef is slated to arrive on the same date as well.

You may not have heard about him but soon you will. Mohit Madaan, born in Delhi but raised in New Zealand, is slowly and steadily making a mark as an actor. His debut film Love Exchange might not have worked but that didn’t really dampen his spirits. He’s all set to give his best in Aksar 2, the second part of the musical-thriller Aksar franchise. Over to the dashing actor:

How did you manage to bag a role in Aksar 2?
Well, I was called in for an audition. I tried out different characters – all pure-actor based ones. I tried different clothes. And finally, I bagged the role of this very interesting character.

How important is your role in Aksar 2 considering that there are 3 other actors in the film besides you – Gautam Rode, Zareen Khan and Abhinav Shukla?
Well, I have a pretty important role. I am there throughout the film. In fact, all characters in the film are quite strong and register an impact. As for my character, it goes through a shift in the second half and it’s quite interesting. I can’t reveal much as we are months away from the film.

So when is the film releasing?
It should release in the first half of 2017. The principal shooting of the movie is done, including the schedule at Mauritius. We just have 1 or 2 days of shooting left.

The music of Aksar was quite a hit. It is still remembered. Do you think the music of Aksar 2 will be able to match up to that?
I understand that there would be comparisons with the first part. There is and will be a lot of pressure in that regard. But we do have a great music in our hands. The music of Aksar 2 definitely will be on the top of the charts!

Will any chartbuster track of Aksar will be used in Aksar 2? For instance, recently Rock On title song’s recreated version was incorporated in Rock On 2…
I don’t think the makers have any plans as such. Since the story of Aksar 2 is different from the first and hence, even the music is different. Only the genre and base is the same.

How was it working with director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan?
He’s a great guy to work with. He knows how to extract a fine performance from an actor. Also, he’s a very fine person – I used to trouble him a lot by asking him a lot of questions. But he answered them all very patiently!


Tell us about your journey. I believe you took up acting a little late. Why is that?
Yeah I took up acting a bit late although it is recommended that you take it up as early as possible, more so for an actor like me, who has no backing or godfather. However, there were a certain responsibilities on my head. Finally, when the time was right and everyone was okay with it, I got into acting. I am still trying to understand things and get in the groove as everyday, something or the other happens that changes the rules of the industry.

You hail from Auckland, New Zealand. When you relocated to Mumbai, did you face any culture shock?
Not really as I have always been in touch with my roots, thanks to my parents. So there was no culture shock as such. But yeah, adapting took some time. However, I was determined and it was not much of a problem.

Your debut film, Love Exchange (2015), sank without a trace. Did that affect you? Also, do you think that the release date of the film was wrong? It released with almost half a dozen films and that two weeks before Diwali, considered a dull period for movies.
Ups and downs are a part of life. You have to move on. It’s easier said than done but you have no choice. You have to be strong and keep moving. And yes, I agree that the release timing was wrong. Some 8-9 films released along with Love Exchange, on October 30, 2015. We just couldn’t get enough screens.

Do you have a wish list of actors and directors with whom you’d like to work?
Well, there are many great actors in the industry and I’d like to work with all of them. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan – all are good. From the new age actors, Ranbir Kapoor & Ranveer Singh are doing great.

And what about actresses? Who are there in your wish list?
Well, right it’s too early for me to comment as I am just starting out. In a few years, hopefully, I’ll be able to answer the question!

Do you have any other films signed besides Aksar 2?
Yes, I have a couple of projects which will roll in 2017.

A lot of actors are working on web series. Would you be open to doing one if you get an opportunity?
I haven’t really given a thought to it but why not? It’s all about doing good work and at the end of the day, web series also requires you to act, which is what I am here for.

Gautam Rode, star of Aksar 2, won’t kiss or get intimate with leading lady, Zareen Khan
Subhash K Jha (DNA; September 3, 2016)

Television heartthrob Gautam Rode, who became a household name with Saraswatichandra, has made it very clear to his producers and director — he is making his debut as a leading man in Aanant Mahadevan’s Aksar 2 — that he won’t do any intimate scenes in his debut as a leading man.

Says Gautam, “I am not comfortable with erotica on screen. Fortunately, my film Aksar 2 doesn’t have intimate scenes with the leading lady.” Hard to believe, considering his leading lady Zareen Khan scorched up the screen with Sharman Joshi in her last film.

He adds, “There are no intimate scenes between us as it’s not an erotic film. It’s suspense in its purest form. We still have to shoot the songs. But one of the songs will be sensuous, though not erotic. That, too, I will do also because it’s the situation in the film. All of us, including the producers and the director, are very clear about avoiding erotic scenes.”

Gautam is grateful to television. “Mahakumbh and Karn helped me to grow as an actor. Television has given cinema a lot of talent. I like Ronit Roy’s work and career graph. Television has definitely given actors like us a chance to grow and learn the craft. I owe it all to television.”

About the poor quality of television serials in India as compared with their Pakistani counterparts, Gautam says, “Pakistani television series are finite in duration, so that’s why the interest is there. We are also trying to make finite series now. Which is a good thing.”

Gautam is seeing someone, but doesn’t want to talk about her, “For me, till the time it’s confirmed that I am getting married to that person, I don’t want to go public about her.”

Shilpi Sampad (MID-DAY; July 8, 2016)

The sequel to Emraan Hashmi-starrer Aksar (2006) went on the floors yesterday, albeit after a month- long delay, with a fresh story and star cast in place. We hear, beleaguered ex cricketer S Sreesanth has a bit role in the film starring Zareen Khan, in what will be his second Bollywood outing.

Sreesanth, who used to be popular as much for his fast bowling as dancing chops until he was embroiled in the 2013 spotfixing scandal, forayed into B-Town with Pooja Bhatt’s next, Cabaret. He will shortly begin shooting for Aksar 2, which rolled out yesterday. Incidentally, Aksar had gone on floors on the same day (July 7) 11 years ago.

Says a source, “The makers are yet to sign Zareen’s love interest in the film, but want to complete a few portions with the other actors, including telly star Gautam Rode, who is one of the three main characters, Lillete Dubey and Sreesanth.” Varun Bajaj, the film’s producer, says, “Sreesanth has a small part. We are in the process of finalising the actor who Zareen will romance on screen.”

Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; March 14, 2016)