I won’t do a remake again, says Kartik Aaryan after Shehzada failure
8:40 AM
My role in Shehzada is rewritten from the original; she doesn’t stand in the background-Kriti Sanon
8:27 PM
Shehzada production designer builds a mansion set costing Rs 5 crore for the Kartik Aaryan starrer
8:15 AM
When Rohit Shetty offered me Cirkus, I never asked him what the film was about-Pooja Hegde
8:30 AM
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 710
10:23 AM
ALA VAIKUNTHAPURRAMULOO’S RELEASE CANCELLED; BADHAAI DO’S RELEASE ANNOUNCED
In our last week’s Bollywood Talk, we had informed that Allu Arjun’s 2020 film, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, will be released in Hindi in cinemas on January 26. However, the release was cancelled after Manish Shah of Goldmines Telefilms, who holds the rights of the film, had to change his mind. Reportedly, the producers of Shehzada, the Hindi remake of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, felt that their film would be affected if Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo would release in cinemas and do well at the box office. Hence, Allu Aravind, the producer of both Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Shehzada, flew down from Hyderabad to meet Manish Shah.
Manish Shah later told a website that Kartik Aaryan, the lead actor in Shehzada, threatened to walk out of the remake if Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’s Hindi version would release in cinemas. Shehzada’s makers then put out a statement in the media that Kartik has been a thorough professional and that he has made no such threat. Nevertheless, Allu Arjun’s Hindi fans were disappointed. His recent film, Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01, was fresh in everyone’s minds and hence, they wanted to see more of him. Thankfully, for them, they’ll still get a chance to see Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo in Hindi. The film will now premiere on television on February 6.
However, the exhibitors were shattered when Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo’s release was cancelled in Hindi. There has been no Hindi film release since December 24 and they were looking forward to the 2020 flick as it would have got them considerable footfalls. But now with its release being stalled, they don’t know how long they can continue to run cinemas. Most of them, especially the ones in the North, are playing Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01. But with each passing week, its footfalls are naturally declining.
Thankfully, there’s been a ray of hope. Badhaai Do, starring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, has been announced for a February 11 release. It was supposed to be released on February 4. But unlike other films, it has not been indefinitely pushed and got postponed only by a week. It has given an assurance that more films would be announced for a theatrical release in February. This will mainly happen after the Delhi government announces that it is relaxing curbs from next month. The capital city was the first one to shut theatres, in December-end. If it opens, then the release dates of several films will be announced one after the other. Hence, after a disastrous January, one can expect Bollywood films to finally take off and generate some sort of business in February.
Meanwhile, the theatres in Maharashtra have a reason to smile. The Marathi film, Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha, was released on January 14 and was a decent success. Meanwhile, the first Marathi zombie film, Zombivli, was released on January 26 and its opening has been fantastic. The film was released at a great time and got a wide screen count, which would have not been possible had it been released in normal times alongside Hindi movies. The theatres in Maharashtra are now sorted for a few weeks as Zombivli will continue to draw audiences thanks to the hype and great word of mouth.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 709
9:58 AM
FINALLY A RAY OF HOPE IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES
The box office has once again got affected after all the January releases got pushed due to the third wave of Coronavirus. The Delhi government shut down cinemas from December 28. The filmmakers feared that other crucial markets would also follow suit and hence, they postponed their releases. Thankfully, the third wave has turned out to be milder than the previous two waves. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi are clearly past their peaks. In the smaller cities and villages, the new Omicron variant reached at a later stage. Hence, these places are yet to reach their peak. Nevertheless, it is expected to happen before January ends and in February, the cases are bound to fall drastically on an all-India level.
Now that it’s clear that the third wave is not as devastating, everyone is expecting certain restrictions like the night curfew to go away from February 1 or at least from February 15. Until this imposition is there, big or even mid-sized films will shy away from releasing their films. Assuming from February 1, states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh etc allows shows at night and Delhi reopens cinemas, then some movies might release in theaters from February 25. If restrictions are lifted from February 15, then even the month of February would have no Bollywood release.
Till last week, the exhibitors were wondering how they’ll continue to function with no new film playing. Many contemplated shutting down for a month. However, the developments in the last 7-8 days have changed the minds of many. To begin with, the Marathi film, Nay Varan Bhat Loncha Kon Nay Koncha, directed by Mahesh V Manjrekar, turned out to be a crowd-puller. The film got into a controversy over its adult content and it helped the film to generate curiosity. The collections slowed down on the weekdays as the word of mouth was mixed. However, the film has not crashed, indicating that it’ll draw audiences in the second weekend too.
Up North, the Punjabi film Shooter is doing very well, not just in Punjab, but even in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The Telugu films are continuing to release, due to lack of restrictions. Tomorrow, a Malayalam film, Hridyam, will be released and the advance booking seems superb. Kerala has not gone for a night curfew and hence, several Malayalam films are up for release.
And on Monday, a sudden announcement was made that Allu Arjun’s 2020 Telugu blockbuster, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, will release in Hindi in theatres on January 26. The much-loved film has never been aired on TV or digital in Hindi. Moreover, the super-success of Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01, also starring Allu Arjun, is fresh in everyone’s minds. Hence, the decision was taken to release Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo in cinemas. This has spread cheer among exhibitors in Gujarat, Rajasthan etc who were waiting for a big Hindi film to release. As for Maharashtra exhibitors, it’s a double celebration as a Marathi zombie film, Zombivli, would release alongside Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo on January 26.
Confirmed reports have also emerged that if Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo is a hit, more dubbed films would release in cinemas in February. At this rate, the exhibitors will be in a comfortable position, especially if audiences throng in huge numbers to watch these South entertainers.
Tiger Shroff’s Rambo remake back on track with new director
8:36 AM
Rohit Dhawan replaces Siddharth Anand; Hindi adaptation of Sly’s Rambo to roll by end of 2021
Humesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 27, 2020)
Over the years, Tiger Shroff has grown into a bankable action star, spearheading franchises like Baaghi and Heropanti. Since the release of Baaghi in 2016, there’s been talk of the actor collaborating with Siddharth Anand on the official adaptation of Sylvester Stallone’s Hollywood cult franchise, Rambo. Speaking to Mirror (May 17, 2019), Siddharth had confirmed the same, saying he is collaborating with the actor again after War and the Rambo adaptation would roll in January 2020. However, since then, a lot has changed. Siddharth got busy scripting a film with Shah Rukh Khan, while Tiger is taking forward his debut film, Heropanti, with mentor Sajid Nadiadwala and director Ahmed Khan.
Now, Mirror has learnt that the Rambo remake is back on track but with a different director. “Rambo is Tiger’s baby and he is kicked about stepping into his idol Stallone’s shoes. After being put on the backburner for a while, the project is being revived with Rohit Dhawan as director,” revealed a source close to the development.
Rohit has already started working on the script, but there is still time before the film goes on the floors as he is committed to the Hindi remake of the Allu Arjun starrer, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, with Kartik Aaryan. “Rohit has already locked the script of his next commercial entertainer with Kartik and is expected to kickstart it around February. With some free time in his hand, the director has started work on the Rambo remake with his team of writers,” the source informed, adding that Rambo will begin only after the release of the Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo remake, towards the end of 2021.
It is being planned as a multi-film franchise and the action will be mounted on a never-seen-before scale. “Tiger was presented like Rambo in the Baaghi franchise too, and the idea here is to show him as an intense and brutal fighter. Siddharth and Rohit are good friends and the former has shared the blueprint of his vision with the latter and will be involved in the film’s creative development and credited for it too,” shared the source, adding that Tiger, too, is hoping to wrap up two films, including Heropanti 2 which should begin sometime next year. He’s also in talks for an original, non-franchise action film with a director who delivered a hit last year, but hasn’t signed the film yet.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo remake to star Kartik Aaryan?
6:03 PM
Hindi remake of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, that will be headlined by Kartik Aaryan, to go on floors in February, say sources
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 27, 2020)
Towards the close of last week, Kartik Aaryan apparently signed on the dotted line and gave his nod to the Hindi remake of Allu Arjun's Telugu action-drama, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. The film that released earlier in the year, went on to break records, and a discussion about a Hindi remake soon began to gather steam.Rohit Dhawan will be taking over duties from director Trivikram Srinivas for the remake that will be produced by original producers Allu Aravind and S Radha Krishna.
A trade source says, "Before the lockdown, Kartik had been approached for the role of Bantu, which was played by Allu. The role is apt for Kartik, who is also a good dancer. The deal was apparently finalised on Thursday, and Kartik will film for it after he wraps up Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Dostana 2. The movie will roll in early 2021."
The makers, says the source, couldn't think about anyone other than Aaryan to play the tough, intelligent, and smart-talking Bantu, whose life is juxtaposed with that of Raj, a vulnerable, quiet and soft-spoken man. "The makers are scouting for an established actor, like Aparshakti Khurrana or Angad Bedi, to play Raj's role. Paresh Rawal is in contention for the role of Bantu's father. News of Kartik's entry is being kept under wraps as the makers want to announce the remake in September."
mid-day reached out to Aaryan and Dhawan, who didn't respond till the time of going to press.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo first South film to cross 200 crore mark without Hindi version
8:17 AM
The Telugu film ALA VAIKUNTHAPURRAMULOO has created history in the South by hitting the 200 crore nett mark. The film is the sixth highest NETT grosser from the South but its the first film to hit the 200 crore nett from the South without a Hindi version. The five films above ALA VAIKUNTHAPURRAMULOO are all films released in multiple languages and some of the most costliest films ever made in India at time of release.
The film has grossed around 173 crore nett in Nizam/Andhra which is second to BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION only and 27 crore nett apprx in the rest of the country with the bulk of this coming in Karnataka which is almost at the 19 crore nett mark. The business in Nizam/Andhra is huge as it leaves this film as the only film above 150 crore nett along with the two BAAHUBALI films. Last year, SYE RAA NARASIMHA REDDY had collected 147 crore nett in Nizam/Andhra in SAAHO 118 crore nett.
The South film to have crossed the 200 crore nett mark are as follows.
1. Baahubali: The Conclusion = 1115.86 crore
2. Baahubali 2: The Beginning - 418.54 crore
3. 2.0 - 413.30 crore
4. Saaho - 302.31 crore
5. Endhiran - 205.37 crore
6. Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo - 200 cr (31 Days)
I have never looked at the age of a character, her marital status...-Tabu
8:44 AM
Tabu discusses why she has not shied away from playing a mom on screen as she gears up for her act in Jawaani Jaaneman
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 19, 2020)
I did a Telugu film after long, it was like homecoming," beams Tabu, elated that her latest release, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, has become a runaway hit. Dressed in a white kurta, and sipping on an almond cappuccino, she wears a look of contentment, one that probably comes from the film's success. Before the month ends, the actor will have another movie hitting screens—Jawaani Jaaneman.Mention the Saif Ali Khan-starrer to her, and she lights up. "[My character] is free-spirited, almost like a hippie. She randomly gets into relationships, and has a child out of wedlock. As actors, we are searching for something that can show us in a different light, and this film offered that. It's a cameo but I knew I wanted to do this film at the first [reading]. This character is whacky and deserves a stand-alone film," she laughs.
The actor's boho look in the comedy comes as a refreshing change from her previous on-screen turns. "The look had to be right because she [her character] can't be understated. My stylists [Subhash Vagal, Sanam Ratansi and Hiral Bhatia] shopped in London, and added big boots, oversized jewellery, and gave me curly hair to complete the look."
While lesser actors may have flinched at the idea of playing Alaya F's mother in the comedy, Tabu is evidently excited about her role. In an industry that is unfortunately ageist, she hasn't shied away from experimenting—at 28, the actor essayed the role of woman in her fifties in Astitva (2000). In the process, she delivered arguably one of her finest performances. "I am not one to have a strategy for my career. So, I have never looked at the age of a character, her marital status or the length of a role. [All that mattered was] that the role have an impact."
Having a Hindi movie in my filmography is important-Allu Arjun
8:10 AM
As he scores big with Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, Telugu superstar Allu Arjun discusses his Bollywood dreams
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 15, 2020)
"My fans are more than just fans, they are an army," declared Telugu superstar Allu Arjun at the music launch of his latest release, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, last week. A wave of cheer arose from the 10,000-strong crowd, gathered at the Yousufguda Police grounds in Hyderabad, on hearing his statement. The event, perhaps, was an apt barometer to gauge the actor's immense popularity — the fans, sporting t-shirts bearing his picture, broke into an applause every time he took to the mic.As we sat down for a chat at a five-star the following day, Arjun expressed that grateful as he is for being able to make a mark in the Telugu industry, he is itching to widen his horizon. "I want to have pan-India appeal, for which I need to do a Bollywood film. It's a huge prospect for my growth as an actor. Having a Hindi movie in my filmography is important. Thanks to social media, people are now seeing everybody's work [irrespective of the language barrier]." Although Arjun has received offers, he has yet to find one that excites him. "It is about finding the right project and director. I don't want to rush into things."
For now, he is basking in the positive response that Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo has received. The action-comedy has him essaying a role far removed from his larger-than-life characters. "In mass entertainers, we tend to go over-the-top. But this time, I decided to keep my performance at an authentic level," he said of the film that has him share screen space with Tabu. When quizzed about the experience of working with her, he said, "We have known each other for many years. But to [witness] her talent on set was sheer pleasure."