Showing posts with label Bachchan Pandey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bachchan Pandey. Show all posts
Cinemas bet big on Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali
8:04 AM
After the lull brought on by the third wave, exhibitors hope to bounce back in action with Alia’s Gangubai Kathiawadi; optimistic that back-to-back massy entertainers will lure audience to theatres
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 9, 2022)
The exhibition sector, which was slowly getting back on its feet in late 2021, was dealt another blow by the third wave of the pandemic. Amid a surge in cases in late December, cinemas in Delhi were shut while night curfews were imposed in Mumbai, leaving the theatrical business bleeding again. But now, with the case count declining significantly, trade analysts believe the big movies lined up for February will be a shot in the arm for the sector.
While Badhaai Do opens on February 11, cinema owners have their eyes peeled for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi that hits screens a fortnight later. Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 multiplex and Maratha Mandir, says, “When Pushpa [2021] had released, all our night shows were house-full [at 50 per cent occupancy]. But when the night curfew was imposed, we suffered terribly. Now that the night curfew has been lifted, fresh films are the need of the hour. The plot of Badhaai Do may not appeal to [a wide audience], but Gangubai Kathiawadi will hopefully spin some magic. For us, it’s the most-awaited film.”
Distributor Akshaye Rathi is confident that Badhaai Do will strike a chord with the urban audiences, luring them back to the theatres. “It’s the sequel of a successful film. It is an interesting premise that caters to an evolved audience,” he reasons.
However, Rathi notes that the box-office performance of the Alia Bhatt-starrer will be the litmus test. “Gangubai Kathiawadi has the biggest female star on screen. With Bhansali’s craft and vision, and Ajay Devgn’s presence, the film will pull more than just respectable numbers. Couple that with Ajith’s Valimai, and it will be a weekend to watch out for.”
He points out that there is an air of optimism in the exhibition sector. Filmmakers, on their part, are putting their money where their mouth is by lining up massy entertainers back-to-back. “There is a massy flick in Khiladi [Telugu]. After that, Gangubai and Valimai will hit the screens. With Bachchan Pandey, Radhe Shyam and RRR, we will end the financial year on a significant high. This is an important season at the box-office.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 711
11:21 PM
RESTRICTIONS EASE; RELEASE DATES OF NUMEROUS FILMS ANNOUNCED
Last week, we informed readers that Badhaai Do would release on February 11, 2022. It is the first Hindi film to hit cinemas since December 24, 2021. Thanks to the third wave of the pandemic, all the films scheduled for release in January got pushed ahead. Soon, it became clear that the cases dropped as quickly as it increased and that the numerous states would ease restrictions and allow cinemas to reopen or function till late at night in February. With this assumption, the makers of Gangubai Kathiawadi announced on Friday, January 28, that their film would release on February 25.
The Akshay Kumar-starrer Bachchan Pandey was already announced for a March 18 release two weeks back. In no time, all the rest of the Fridays in March were taken over as Mumbai lifted night curfew and other states also gave or are expected to give relaxations in the next 10 days. The Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Jhund would be the first release in March, and will arrive on the 4th. On March 11, Prabhas-Pooja Hegde starrer Radhe Shyam would hit the theatres. The much-awaited period saga, RRR, would release on March 25. And that’s not all. Ajith’s Tamil film, Valimai, would release widely in Hindi on February 24, that is, a day before Gangubai Kathiawadi.
The historic clash is about to take place on April 14 when the Aamir Khan-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha and the Kannada film dubbed in Hindi, KGF 2, would arrive in theatres. The release dates of both films were announced long back. Unlike other films, these two films have not been pushed. The month of May, too, would see the release of films like Anek, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, etc with a couple of more films expected to release. All eyes are also on Jersey, the film that was supposed to release in theatres on December 31, 2021. It is said that it might make it to cinemas either in February or March.
In short, the industry would come back to life this month and in March, the box office would be on fire.
I rejected Tiger 3, Bachchan Pandey and 12 other films-Jatin Sarna
8:09 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 12, 2022)
For Jatin Sarna, life has come full circle. The actor, who was once dropped from Akshay Kumar-led Airlift (2016), recently declined a role in Kumar’s upcoming comedy Bachchan Pandey. “I was heartbroken when I lost Airlift,” he recalls.
Talking about the project, which he lost to actor Purab Kohli, Sarna shares, “I’m a huge Akshay Kumar fan. When I was cast for the role, I was excited and my family thought it was my big break. But one day, I realised baat bigad gayi hai. I kept calling them, but there was no response. I went to meet director Raja Krishna Menon, and found out they had already started shooting. They dropped me and went with a known face.”
Interestingly, after watching the movie, the disappointment turned into relief, the 37-year old shares. “I felt better that it didn’t happen; it was not an exciting role anyway,” he adds.
The Sacred Games actor reveals the reason he rejected the upcoming movie was the role he was being offered. “I didn’t like the character; it didn’t really excite me,” he admits.
Not just Bachchan Pandey, Sarna confesses he has refused close to 12 movies recently, which also included the Salman Khan-starrer, Tiger 3. “I rejected 12 films. I was offered Tiger 3 and Ahmed Khan’s OM: The Battle Within with actor Aditya Roy Kapur,” he says and adds, “I don’t like dost, chacha, bhatija roles anymore. I want to work with all the stars, but it has to be substantial. Simply sharing screen space with big actors is not my priority.”
We are keeping our fingers very tightly crossed that the worst is over-Akshay Kumar
8:31 AM
As Akshay Kumar awaits theatrical release of five of his films, he hopes the audience will help the industry revive
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 29, 2021)
It was raining release date announcements in Bollywood over the weekend, after cinemas were given a go-ahead to reopen in Maharashtra. But, for Akshay Kumar alone, there was this special line-up queued up. The actor announced release dates for not one or two, but five of his films — Sooryavanshi, Prithviraj, Bachchan Pandey, Raksha Bandhan and Ram Setu — that are all set to finally hit the big screens over the next one year. There’s also Oh My God 2 and Atrangi Re, both of which are likely to release next year. In an exclusive chat, Kumar talks about keeping up his pace of four films a year, ensuring all releases are spaced out, and how the entire film industry is finally hoping for good times ahead.
So, how is it like to have the much-awaited backlog finally ready to release?
It’s a good feeling, having four-five releases a year, again. The life, as we all knew and have lived, is back now; things are getting back to normal, and I hope it stays that way (fingers so tightly crossed that they hurt). Since the past year-and-a-half, we’ve been waiting behind the scenes with bated breath for the right time to showcase and unleash the entertainment to the audiences.
Do you feel it’s going to be an ‘Akshay Kumar overdose’ at the box office? Does such a thing worry you or excite you as an actor?
If you’ve seen the release dates, they’re all spaced out, like how my films used to be before the Coronavirus pandemic... a film comes out after a span of three to four months, and that’s how it is even now. As for it being an overdose, I don’t think so. Since all the films belong to completely different genres, there’s something for everyone. As an actor, finally my films are going to be enjoyed again on the big screen, like how they’re meant to be. This is the most excited I’ve been in a long time.
With so many pending films releasing, actors and filmmakers must be hoping that they will finally bring people back to the theatres. Do you agree it’s time for the audience to leave the fear behind and experience the big-screen magic?
Absolutely, and I think people have already started doing that, because till when can you stay cooped up at home, with life being at a standstill? Offices have started, people are working out... going to the gym, parks etc., eating out at restaurants, visiting malls if they are fully vaccinated, travelling and going on vacations. So why single out going to the movies? Films have been around to entertain you since decades, and now they need your support to revive and survive. And I’m sure together, we will manage to do so in no time. Though I’d still urge the audience to follow all the safety protocols that have been listed out by the authorities.
Even before the second wave hit earlier this year, many films had announced their theatrical release, including Sooryavanshi, but again, the shutdown of theatres changed everything. With the fear of a third wave looming, is there a back-up plan this time? Has the industry thought through it?
If I could say anything on behalf of the Hindi film industry, it is just that we are being hopeful, like we were before the second wave, and keeping our fingers very tightly crossed that the worst is over. We are just going with the flow. It has been a tough year-and-a-half for the entire film industry, with everyone bleeding money, but things are finally looking up with the reopening of cinemas in Maharashtra (from October 22). And, I hope audiences have missed watching us as much as we have missed them. I’m truly looking forward to a great year at the movies.
Amid all this, Atrangi Re is missing from the theatrical release line-up. Since the film is ready, do you plan to announce it soon?
To be honest, I haven’t yet included Atrangi Re in the list (of theatrical releases), because we are still mulling over whether it should be a theatrical film or an OTT release. It has a fantastic, never-heard-before subject and storyline. For me, and (director) Aanand L Rai, it is critical that the most suited platform is chosen for the film. Also, for me, good content goes hand in hand with the platform. I am as much for OTT as for theatres. What’s best for the film should decide the medium of release. OTT may simply be the medium of choice for Atrangi Re, as it looks right now.
Bachchan Pandey makers cordon off Andheri's PVR Icon theatre to shoot last schedule
8:07 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 22, 2021)
Over the past few days, Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon and Arshad Warsi have been filming the final schedule of Bachchan Pandey in Thane, in adherence with safety norms. On Wednesday, the Farhad Samji-led unit headed to their final location — PVR Icon in Andheri — before they call it a wrap on the actioner. Even though the multiplex has been non-operational due to the pandemic-induced theatre shutdown in Mumbai, the area was cordoned off to enable a smooth shoot.
A unit member reveals that the crowd sequence slated for the day required 200 artistes. “Early last week, the 200-member team was tested after which they were kept in a bio-bubble. They underwent another COVID test on Tuesday. Following their negative reports, they joined the unit for the three-day stint,” says the source.
Early morning call-times are the norm for a Kumar-starrer, and this was no exception. The crew of the Sajid Nadiadwala production reached the venue by 5.30 am to set up for the day’s work. “The shoot commenced a few hours later with Kriti and Arshad. The unit restricted themselves to the multiplex area, refraining from using the entrance and exits of the adjoining mall. While Arshad wrapped up his portions by 5.30 pm, Akshay will report to the set today. He has two days of work left after which he will turn his attention to Raksha Bandhan.”
Despite heavy rains, bio-bubble shoot of Bachchan Pandey, Masaba Masaba 2 continue uninterrupted
8:07 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 19, 2021)
While shoots in Mumbai have suffered at the hands of the monsoon year on year, 2021 seems to be kind to producers who have already faced financial losses due to the lockdowns. The heavy downpour through late Saturday and the small hours of Sunday wreaked havoc in the city, leading to landslides in various locations and claiming at least 25 lives. However, filming continued smoothly at different studios, owing to the bio-bubble set-up adopted by most production houses.
Akshay Kumar began the final schedule of director Farhad Samji’s 'Bachchan Pandey' in Thane on Saturday. A source reveals, “The rains weren’t as heavy in the area, so the shooting continued over the weekend without any hiccup. Similarly, as per their plan, the team of 'Masaba Masaba' filmed portions of the second season at a set near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, while work on Raj-DK’s (Raj Nidimoru, Krishna DK) production Ashwalinga progressed at a suburban studio. Since most shoots are taking place in bio-bubbles, there is no question of the cast and crew being unable to travel to location due to the downpour. In the post-pandemic times, indoor shooting has become more common, so heavy rainfall has no bearing on it.”
It is heard that Salman Khan’s 'Tiger 3' will resume shoot today, with the studio currently awaiting the crew’s RT-PCR results.
I was initially terrible at auditions; filmmakers were right in rejecting me-Kriti Sanon
8:15 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 23, 2021)
Uprooting herself from her overprotected life in Delhi, more than seven years ago, Kriti Sanon landed in Mumbai to chase her Bollywood dreams. There were many within her close circle who dissuaded her from taking that big leap of faith, but Kriti went ahead and followed her passion. Today, when she looks back, she can’t believe that she has packed in so much in the years that have gone by. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the actress opens up about what made it possible to make Bollywood her home, her evolution as an actor and the facets of her personality she unravelled along the way. Excerpts:
The year 2021 began on a positive note for you as you were busy shooting for films like Bhediya and Bachchan Pandey. Then, the second wave of Coronavirus hit the country and everything came to a halt again…
Yes, this year had definitely started off well. I was back on film sets, something that really excites me. I shot for Bhediya, Bachchan Pandey and had even started working on Adipurush. The second wave hit all of us like a tsunami. I feel, at this point, nothing is more important than getting the situation of COVID under control.
Personally, how has the lockdown of 2021 been for you? You, too, had tested positive in December 2020. This time around, there seems to be more panic and fear...
Last year, it was all about dealing with the ambiguity around COVID-19, as the virus was new to us. This time around, we are dealing with a far more fatal situation.
It’s quite a scary phase. I asked my parents to come to Mumbai from Delhi, because I wanted them around. I knew I would be more at peace if we were all in the same house. While last year people got busy cooking and working out, this year, people have been helping others with resources. Even I have been trying to help as many people as I possibly can. A lot of my relatives have been down with COVID, too. While on the one hand, I am doing my best to help people, on the other hand, I am also utilizing this time to prep up for my movies. I am going through the dialogues and preparing for the next schedule of Adipurush, which is being directed by Om Raut. I am also looking forward to Ganapath, for which I have to train for the action portions. I am gearing up for the phase when the restrictions will be eased, and shootings will be back on track.
Looking back at your seven-year journey in Bollywood, does it feel like a dream?
This journey has been extremely special, something that I never dreamed of. I come from a simple, middle-class family — my mom is a professor and dad is a chartered accountant. I am an engineer, and I had never thought that acting would be my profession. And here I am today, realising that acting is one thing that gets me excited. It gives me satisfaction, peace and is something that keeps me going. Initially, my relatives and friends told me that Bollywood is too big a dream to pursue and there are too many people who are struggling and want to be in this industry. So, I do feel fortunate to get opportunities to come this far and live my dream.
Back then, when you had just stepped into the industry, were you worried about being accepted by the people here? Was Bollywood welcoming enough?
I don’t think I was ever working towards getting accepted in Bollywood. What I really wanted was to get opportunities to be able to do films and work with directors of my choice. Yes, you do need people who believe in you, and I am lucky to have people like Sajid Nadiadwala, Dinesh Vijan, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Nitesh Tiwari and Ashutosh Gowariker who showed faith in me and that only motivated me to do better. I got the feeling of being accepted right from the beginning, but it took me some time to find my place in the industry. I was new to the city, came from a non-filmy background and knew nobody here. I did feel like a bit of a loner in these filmy parties, which sometimes I still do. Frankly, as you keep working, doing more films and meeting more people, you start feeling like you are part of the industry. However, reaching this far wasn’t easy. I went for a lot of auditions before I got Heropanti, and I must say I was initially terrible at it (auditions). So, I don’t think it was wrong of them (casting directors/filmmakers) to reject me.
The rejections and the failures that you face make you stronger. I believe you learn a lot more from your failure than success. Success gives you a lot of confidence to move ahead and take risks. The appreciation I got for films like Bareilly Ki Barfi, Luka Chuppi or Panipat gave me the confidence to take up roles that were a little different, which people didn’t expect me to do. But my failures made me realise that I shouldn’t be afraid and that I can overcome even a situation like this as well. I have been a learner and have constantly evolved, which is probably why I have reached where I am today.
So, how different is the Kriti Sanon of 2021 vis-Ã -vis the day you started off in showbiz?
As a person, I feel I have opened up a lot. I was far more stubborn about my opinions, but now I am a lot more open-minded. I have lived a very protective life, so I was more of a black and white person, but now, I see more greys. The past years have also been a journey of self-discovery. As an actor, I have understood my craft and my process better. During Heropanti, I had absolutely no idea about the process of filmmaking, and today, here I am approaching my scenes differently. I think at a deeper level now and find a lot more layers in my characters. It is exciting to be still discovering your process and I wish that I continue to do that.
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The actor, who completes seven years in Bollywood, calls it a learning experience and a journey of self discovery
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 23, 2021)
It was seven years ago, on this very day, when Kriti Sanon made her Bollywood debut with Heropanti, and since then, she has shown versatility through her choice of films. From the big actioner Dilwale (2015) to slice of life Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), from quirky comedy Luka Chuppi (2019) to historical drama Panipat (2019), the actor calls the past seven years “a learning experience” and a journey of self discovery.
She elaborates, “I discovered my own process as an actor and it has been an extremely fulfilling journey. I’m blessed and fortunate to have got so many different kinds of opportunities that have made me grow as an actor.”
Looking back, Sanon, 30, confesses being “completely clueless” on the sets of Heropanti. “From not knowing my camera angles or how filmmaking actually happens to being fascinated by it... I’ve always been a thinker and have had the urge and excitement to learn. That has helped me all these years to grow and evolve,” she says.
While Sanon has become more confident with each of her films, she admits it has been quite a learning to not just polish her craft but also understand herself as a person.
“In these seven years, I remember figuring out my process almost by hit and trial, and seeing what works for me and what does not. I discovered one more thing about myself that it’s nice when you don’t know it all. I don’t know it all and I don’t want to know it all. I’m still discovering the process,” she muses.
The present year may be marred with the second wave of the pandemic, but Sanon has a packed and exciting line-up ahead including pan-India mythology film Adipurush, horror film Bhediya, which she recently shot in Arunachal Pradesh, Mimi, action film Ganapath, Bachchan Pandey and Hum Do Hamare Do.
While she’s pleased with her new slate of films, the actor admits there’s something that she’d have wanted to do differently in the last seven years.
“I have no regrets about the films that I’ve been a part of. I’ve learnt from each one of them — from my successes and my failures. The first three to four years of my career, I was pretty slow. I was being very safe and cautious. I didn’t want to make a wrong move. I was very selective with the projects that I did. I didn’t realise it back then that a film or script doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect. When a script comes to you, it also goes through a journey, and sometimes, things end up getting much better than what is on paper. I’d have probably liked to have done more number of films if I could,” she concludes.
Varun Dhawan is married now, but he is still the same, only a little more mature than before-Kriti Sanon
8:22 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 10, 2021)
From a horror-comedy to an out-and-out entertainer and an action film, Kriti has a variety of movies lined up. What makes it interesting is that in these films, she reunites with some of her previous co-stars. The actress will be seen with Akshay Kumar in Bachchan Pandey, opposite Varun Dhawan in Bhediya and with Tiger Shroff in Ganapath and the sequel to their debut film, Heropanti (2014).
Elaborating on working with Akshay again, Kriti says, “The first time I worked with Akshay sir was in Housefull 4 (2019). He is someone who’s always fun to be with on the set. This time around, the entire team was in Jaisalmer, shooting together for 45 days. With him at work, you tend to have lunches, dinners, basically all meals together. It’s like a lot of people on one table. It became like one big family. During breaks, we used to play games like housie and ludo.”
Kriti also got together again with Varun, with whom she worked in Dilwale (2015). “It’s been six years since we worked together. I think both of us have grown as actors and individuals. He is married now, but he is still the same, only a little more mature than before (laughs!). Bhediya, which is a monster-comedy, is drastically different from what we did in our last project, so it is great fun.”
The actress, who made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with Heropanti along with Tiger Shroff, cannot contain her excitement as she teams up with him again in Ganapath. What’s interesting about this project is that, this is the first time Kriti will flaunt her action avatar on screen.
“I have always wanted to do an action film, and who better to do it with than Tiger? For this film, I will have to get the hang of riding a dirt bike. Also, action as a genre is new for me, so I will be spending a lot of time prepping up when it comes to technicalities and stunts. I’ve wanted to do the kind of roles Uma Thurman has done. I always felt like I could make better use of my height and long legs, and here I am getting a chance to do that,” she signs off.
I am nervous to attempt action opposite Tiger Shroff-Kriti Sanon
8:23 AM
From riding bikes to prepping for stunts, Kriti Sanon goes full throttle for her first actioner Ganapath as she reunites with Heropanti co-star Tiger Shroff
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; April 2, 2021)
For Kriti Sanon, it’s 2014 all over again. Only that she and her co-star aren’t two wide-eyed debutants anymore, but two stars who have established themselves firmly on the Bollywood circuit. The actor says she is counting the weeks to the shoot of Ganapath, which will mark her reunion with Heropanti co-star Tiger Shroff.
“It has taken too long to collaborate with my first co-star,” smiles Sanon, who is rigorously prepping for the film. After all, the Vikas Bahl-directed venture will be her first stab at an actioner. “We will begin shooting in July. I am nervous to attempt action opposite Tiger because he is so good at it. When sharing a frame with him in such a film, you need to be [pitch perfect]; otherwise your [limitations] will be noticed. I think he will help me better my stunts on the set.”
The makers announced the project in February with a motion poster that sees Sanon in a femme fatale avatar. Elaborating on her prep, she says, “I will have to learn to ride a bike for the film. My character is written such that she [wields] a lot of power.”
In the past few months, Sanon has been transitioning from one universe to another, juggling the shoot of Bachchan Pandey, Bhediya and Adipurush. Fortunately, the shoot of Mimi had just been wrapped up when the lockdown was imposed last March. The actor says she utilised the stay-at-home period to shed the extra kilos she had piled on for the surrogacy drama. “I felt it would be tough since I couldn’t go to the gym and didn’t have the advantage of a personal trainer at home. But I shed about 11 kilos during the lockdown. When I was gaining weight, I had increased my food intake. So, in this period, I reverted to my regular [meal plan] and cut down on my sugar intake. I still have to lose four kilos, but everyone around is telling me that those few kilos look good on me.”
I play a Mumbai girl in Bachchan Pandey, who is used to making her own decisions-Kriti Sanon
7:56 AM
Kriti Sanon on exploring the space behind the camera in Akshay Kumar’s Bachchan Pandey
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; March 28, 2021)
Basking in the new found love in front of the camera, Kriti Sanon is all set to explore the world behind it. The Akshay Kumar-starrer Bachchan Pandey sees the actor playing a filmmaker. “Playing a director is interesting and something I’ve never done before,” says Sanon of the Farhad Samji directorial film.
After finishing up a schedule in Jaisalmer, the actor says, “It is a lot of fun to be in the creative space of a director and truly feel what is running in his/her head. There is a lot to learn [about the] character [and channel] her strength. I play a Mumbai girl, who is used to making her own decisions,” adds the actor, who will be sharing screen space with Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi and her Bareilly Ki Barfi co-star Pankaj Tripathi.]
Juggling between Om Raut’s Adipurush, where she plays Sita and Bhediya opposite Varun Dhawan, Sanon says she is yet to wrap up Bachchan Pandey. “We have a lot of time in hand as the film is releasing in January 2022. A major chunk of the film has been wrapped up. I still have about a week’s schedule left, which will be completed in Mumbai,” she adds.
Whenever we shoot with Akshay Kumar, it’s always a lot of fun on and off set-Kriti Sanon
8:19 AM
Kriti Sanon says that despite restrictions, her enthusiasm as an actor remains the same
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 6, 2021)
She has worked in two films amid the Coronavirus pandemic, and nothing seems to be stopping Kriti Sanon from working more. Currently, she’s in Arunachal Pradesh, and will begin the shoot for Bhediya opposite Varun Dhawan.
“It’s good to be back on set. Firstly, to be fortunate enough to be working at this point. 2021 is hopefully going to be a busy year, I think I love being busy. I am in fact, looking forward to different kind of projects, which are not in any one genre. It’s very exciting as an actor,” she exclaims.
Recently, she had wrapped up a schedule for Bachchan Pandey, which reunites her with her Housefull 4 (2019) co-star Akshay Kumar.
On how’s it been for her so far, shooting at a rapid pace with all the Covid-19 restrictions in place, she says, “To be honest, once you are on set, in front of the camera, nothing matters. You have to forget everything. When the camera is rolling, as an actor, you can’t wear a mask. On set, you have a team going around to make sure people are wearing masks and are protected, giving us sanitizer time and again. That’s the only difference, nothing else. Especially in Jaisalmer, where the number of cases is lesser as compared to shooting in Mumbai.”
Sanon adds that the entire crew travelled on a charter flight, the same which they have done for Bhediya too. “On the way, we were doing our mandatory Coronavirus test. It keeps your mind away from the scare of Covid-19. I feel the enthusiasm is still the same, it has not slowed down the process,” says the actor.
Shooting with Kumar, she continues, is a ‘lot of fun’. “We were there in Jaisalmer for 45 days, and shot at the same palace as Housefull 4. Whenever we shoot with him, it’s always a lot of fun on and off set, everyone eats together. How all these days passed, we didn’t realise, it was just so much fun. The place itself is so beautiful. And in between all this and playing games, we made a film! Having said that, I am also very excited about my role and character,” she says.
Gaurav Chopra to play the antagonist in Bachchan Pandey
8:11 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; February 25, 2021)
He reached the location for his schedule on February 18, which coincided with his wedding anniversary. Gaurav, who has featured in several TV shows, was last seen in Sanjivani. He was also a part of the Hollywood film Blood Diamond and has dubbed for Thor: Ragnarok, Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Talking about his first Bollywood project, the actor says, “I feel extremely fortunate to be cast in a film produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. It doesn’t get better than this for a debut. To find someone like Farhad (Samji) sir as a director was great. He literally held my hand through it because I had a lot of questions and doubts. He gave me confidence and brought me into the film.”
Gaurav further adds, “Debuting in a film that has Akshay Kumar sir is a privilege. As the antagonist of the film and to stand up against him, I needed that confidence that Farhad sir, Akshay sir and Sajid sir gave me on the set in Jaisalmer. They made me feel at home, although the entire ensemble cast and crew had been shooting for at least 50 days before I joined them.”
Films have booked festive dates for their releases but will things change as the D-day comes closer?
8:15 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 13, 2021)
Festive season has always translated into the release of big-budget movies in Bollywood. And after waiting for almost a year owing to the pandemic, it seems that actors and makers want to make the best of everything.
The year 2021 has some festivals already booked at the box office — John Abraham and Salman Khan have chosen Eid for Satyameva Jayate 2 (SMJ2) and Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, while Akshay Kumar will come out with Raksha Bandhan on Diwali. He has also booked Republic Day 2022 for Bachchan Pandey.
Is blocking festivals so much in advance a wise decision? Reliance Entertainment CEO Shibasish Sarkar sees no harm in this. He explains, “Since the last two-three months, shoots have been on, and top stars have all been working. So, producers will start looking for dates. Once the floodgates are opened, everyone will try to look for a release.”
FESTIVE BONANZA
Aamir Khan has lined up Laal Singh Chaddha for Christmas 2021. Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan and RRR recently created headlines, with the former’s producer Boney Kapoor miffed with the latter’s director S S Rajamouli for announcing the same Dussehra release date.
Milap Milan Zaveri, director of SMJ2, says, “Our film is the perfect recipe for a festive occasion. This Eid, audiences who have been starved of entertainment will rush to cinemas.”
Echoing similar sentiments is the producer of SMJ2, Bhushan Kumar. “Eid will be a perfect date to celebrate the massy cinema we plan to give our audience,” he says.
NO SENSE in early film announcements?
Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi feels early announcements beyond a point don’t make sense. He reasons, “This year, Diwali is set to see five releases. I’m more than willing to bet my right arm that all five won’t release come what may, irrespective of how conducive a scenario it is.”
He feels that makers should focus on completing the films first. “Rather than cutting a sorry figure by announcing a release date and then moving away from it, they should complete the film,” Rathi says.
Experts, however, don’t negate how festive releases make a difference to revenue altogether. Trade analyst Joginder Tuteja says, “Since there’s a certain backlog, it’s all the more important to block a festival date. If one superstar doesn’t block a date, someone else will.”
I want to look back and say that I made my mamma proud-Prateik Babbar
8:09 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; February 11, 2021)
“This is going to be work-in-progress for me till my last breath. I am fortunate and grateful to have arrived at this point where I can focus on my craft. And it’s been a journey to get here. It’s a hustle which never stops. The journey is ongoing. What saved me from drowning mentally and emotionally, and I say saved, because I thought everything was over for me and my career was done with, was the love and passion for the arts,” he says.
“I missed it all and I started chasing it again about two-three years ago. It’s been a rocky road for me, but I am hanging in there like a rock, chin-up and looking forward to a bright future,” says Prateik.
Talking about the time when the realisation kicked in, the actor adds, “It must have been 2016-17, when I went clean of alcohol and drugs for a few months in a row. I could think with a clear head. That’s when I started missing my work. It was something I needed for my soul and that is when I started picking up different kinds of roles. I rebooted myself with plays and short films. I did things for no money at all, at times. I did things for free for people to just remember that I exist and I haven’t left the stage yet. I had to test the waters again. Once I did that, there was no looking back. One show, one movie led to another with Mulk (2018), Baaghi 2 (2018) and Chhichhore (2019). It was gradual.”
When asked about the responsibility of living up to his mother, the legendary actress Smita Patil’s name, Prateik, soaked in emotions, says, “Yes, I do feel a sense of responsibility to live up to my mother’s legacy. People may see that as a burden, but I will not call it that. If it’s seen as a weight on my shoulders, I’d say it’s one that I am proud of. I will carry it till my last breath with absolute pride. My mother was a magical woman, who did magical things in a shortlived career and life. She touched way too many people and she is a part of our country’s cinema heritage. I am honoured and fortunate to be her son. It will be an honour to be able to live up to her name, and if I can be a little reflection of her.”
He further shares, “I am trying my best to make her proud. That’s the reason I am here. I wish I could be a little like her. I wish I can make her parents, my aunt and myself feel a little content in saying one day that this magical woman was my mother. One day, when I am old and frail, I want to be able to look back and say that I really did what I could to make my mamma proud.”
Akshay Kumar connects the real Bhairon Singh with the reel one
8:23 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 20, 2021)
Akshay Kumar, who has been shooting for his next film Bachchan Pandey in Rajasthan, took time out to celebrate Army Day (Jan 15) by flagging off a marathon and playing a game of volleyball. But he also had a surprise visitor that day.
“A veteran Army officer, Bhairon Singh, sent a note to Akshay, asking to speak with him. When Akshay met him, he realised that Bhairon Singh is the same Lance Naik Bhairon Singh, who had played an important role in the historic war at Longewala in 1971. The Army man told him that while Suniel Shetty played him in the multi-starrer movie Border (1997), his character dies but he is still alive! Everyone who heard him found the exchange hilarious and sweet, as well,” reveals a source.
Kumar then called Shetty to tell him about Singh and get the two of them together but couldn’t connect with Shetty.
Shetty tells us, “Akki had called me but I couldn’t take his call and by the time, I called him back, he had left the venue. Later, he told me about the incident and we laughed about the whole episode because Bhairon Singh said he wants to talk to the Bhairon Singh of the movie! So I called him but unfortunately he wasn’t comfortable talking on the phone, due to age perhaps, so I spoke to his son. I told him the next time I am in the city, I will come and visit.”
Ask him though Border was a true story, why was Bhairon Singh killed in the film and Shetty explains, “It was a true story but at times, we fictionalise a bit to make it more dramatic. He was ready to give up his life which is important and that’s why J P sir (Dutta; director) thought to make changes. The moment in Border, when I walk through landmines, worked like magic and is one of the most beautiful moments in the film and of my career as well,” he shares.
Kumar also gifted ₹5 lakh to Singh as a personal gesture.
My dad is into events; he was struggling in 2020 and I could see that-Jacqueline Fernandez
8:31 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 1, 2021)
After a lull that the world faced in 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Jacqueline Fernandez hopes that the New Year brings in some positivity and prosperity for everyone. Post the lockdown, the actress steadily began getting back in action. As a silver lining, the year 2021 will see her shooting multiple big-budget ventures.
Jacqueline, who’s looking at the New Year with a ray of hope, tells BT, “I expect that something good will come out of 2021. The last year was a difficult one for a lot of people. There was a lot of uncertainty in the air. I am happy that people are going back to work, and we are slowly trying to resume doing things that we used to. I know so many of my friends and family members who have been really struggling to get past this quarantine. Like my dad, who’s into events. He was struggling and I could see that. I faced my share of tough times, too, though, through this phase, I really started believing in the power of positivity, and I kept spreading it with whoever I connected.”
In the last quarter of 2020, the actress began shooting for two films simultaneously — Bhoot Police and Cirkus. Opening up about the former, which has her working with Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Yami Gautam, the actress, says, “I am glad that with a film like Bhoot Police, I got an opportunity to shoot in Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh). Luckily, Yami is from Himachal, so I got to try the local flavours of the place. Even Kareena and Taimur joined Saif for some part of the shoot, and we had a great time every single day. It is fun teaming up with Saif after so long, and this is the first time I am working with Arjun.”
While shooting for Bhoot Police was a chilled out experience for her, on the sets of Cirkus, Jacqueline found herself to be extremely nervous. “I was thrilled as working with Rohit Shetty and Ranveer Singh was my dream. When you finally get to work with someone who you have looked up to, the experience, in the beginning, can be intimidating,” she shares.
The other project that she is excited about is Bachchan Pandey, which reunites her with Akshay Kumar. She says, “I will start shooting for the film in February. With Akshay, you get to learn so much when it comes to acting, comedy and fitness. The film also stars Kriti (Sanon), who is such a cool person. I am happy to have a girlfriend on the sets (laughs!).”
Besides these projects, there has also been buzz about the sequel of Kick. The film, which released in 2014, was a turning point in Jacqueline’s career. The actress who spent a lot of time with Salman at his Panvel farmhouse during the lockdown, says, “I am excited to get back to working with Salman that too in the sequel of a film that changed the course of my career. The script is ready and we would probably go on the floors by mid-2021.”
Akshay Kumar wraps up three projects post-lockdown; to kickstart Bachchan Pandey in January
8:01 AM
Industry only limping back to normal, but Akshay Kumar already working on the fourth project since March; to commence filming Bachchan Pandey in January
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 28, 2020)
Despite restrictions on shoots having been lifted several weeks ago, filmmakers have struggled to keep up with their schedules while filming in the new normal. However, Akshay Kumar seems to have been untouched by the situation. The actor wrapped up as many as three films since March, and mid-day has learnt that he will commence his next in a matter of days.
A source says that Kumar will shoot for Bachchan Pandey in Jaisalmer. "Along with Kriti Sanon, he is likely to start shooting on January 6. He plays a gangster, who is also an aspiring actor. A 30-day shoot is being planned in Rajasthan. The actors will return to the bay in February." Over 100 people are likely to travel to Jaisalmer in the first week of January for the film.
This marks the fourth project that he will work on since the pandemic began, after Bellbottom, Atrangi Re, and Prithviraj. mid-day reached out to Kumar's team, which did not respond till press time.
I wanted to shoot an insane film with Akshay Kumar-Arshad Warsi
8:28 AM
Arshad Warsi on uniting with Akshay Kumar for Farhad Samji's Bachchan Pandey
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 20, 2020)
When comedy comes calling, Arshad Warsi can't say no, especially when he is paired alongside the master of all trades, Akshay Kumar. "It's so strange that I have never worked with Akshay all this while," says the Munna Bhai MBBS actor, who was recently signed for Farhad Samji's Bachchan Pandey.
Elated about sharing screen space with another comedy king, Warsi believes their pairing will be a "treat for the audience". "This is my first film with Akshay. We have often spoken about working together, but it never materialized. I wanted to shoot an insane film with him and we are doing Bachchan Pandey. It will be great to work with someone so spontaneous," says the actor. While they've never collaborated onscreen before, Kumar served as the producer on Warsi's latest OTT release, Durgamati.
Set to go on floors in January 2021, the movie also features Kriti Sanon and Jacqueline Fernandez.
Jacqueline Fernandez joins Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon in Bachchan Pandey
8:19 AM
Reunites with Akshay Kumar for the fourth time; film will be her eighth outing with Sajid Nadiadwala
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 1, 2020)
“I was very new to the industry when I did the song ‘Dhanno’ in Housefull for Nadiad (producer Sajid Nadiadwala). Our friendship goes way back to then and I am elated to be working with him again in Bachchan Pandey, our eighth film together,” exulted Jacqueline, adding, “It’s always a crazy ride with Akshay and I am sure we will all have a blast again.”
The Farhad Samji directorial rolls in Jaisalmer from January 6. They will be shooting for two months nonstop at real locations in Rajasthan.
Apart from Bachchan Pandey, Jacqueline has another Sajid Nadiadwala film kitty, Kick 2, which will be her third with Salman Khan. The action-thriller is currently being scripted by Sajid with writing partner Rajat Arora and rolls sometime next year.
Arshad Warsi joins Akshay Kumar's gang in Bachchan Pandey
8:21 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 28, 2020)
Mirror was the first to report (November 3) that Akshay Kumar and Kriti Sanon will start shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala’s action comedy Bachchan Pandey from January in Jaisalmer and continue till March. In the film, Akshay plays a gangster who aspires to be an actor, with Kriti as a journalist who dreams of becoming a director. Now, we have learnt that Arshad Warsi has come on board as Akshay’s friend and a member of his gang.
“The makers were looking for someone who could match Akshay’s comic timing and they found him in Munnabhai’s Circuit, who, over the years, has aced this space. It’s a first time pairing for the actors,” revealed a source close to the development, adding that his track is integral to the narrative, with multiple shades and a special look. Interestingly, both Arshad and Akshay have been a part of the Jolly LLB franchise, playing Jolly in part one and two respectively.
The team of this Farhad Samji directorial is currently on a recce in Jaisalmer and are planning to shoot at places like the Gadisar Lake and Jaisalkot. “Heavy duty action scenes will be shot at real locations, choreographed by stunt teams from across the country,” added the source, saying another A-list actress is expected to join the cast soon.
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