Showing posts with label Badhaai Do. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Badhaai Do. Show all posts
It’s my life and my face. If it boosts my confidence, I see no harm-Rajkummar Rao
8:45 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (April 21, 2024)
A few days ago, social media was buzzing about a picture of Rajkummar Rao, clicked at a recent concert in Mumbai. The actor looked visibly different in the picture and had a much lighter and flawless skin. It instantly sparked ‘plastic surgery’ rumours, with many Instagram doctors pointing out all the cosmetic enhancements that they thought he might have gotten done.
The actor has finally addressed the chatter and said that he hasn’t had any plastic surgery done. He did admit to getting chin fillers many years ago – a fact that is evident to anyone who has seen Rajkummar’s early films. More than his admission, it was his reasoning that struck a chord – “If anyone wants to do that to gain confidence, then why not? There is no harm in it.”
In one video chat, he added, “I want to ask people: Do I look better now?”
‘Did not get plastic surgery’
“I did not get any plastic surgery, but I did get chin fillers some 8-9 years back. I wanted to look confident and my dermatologist suggested a little filler work to balance out my face. Do I feel more confident after that? Yes. It changes perceptions, acting is a visual medium. But plastic surgery? No. It is too expensive, it’s too time consuming.”
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Fillers and plastic surgery: Rajkummar Rao spills the beans on recent viral picture
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 21, 2024)
Rajkummar Rao, gearing up for the release of his latest film Srikanth: Aa Raha Hai Sabki Aankhein Kholne, recently found himself in the midst of an intriguing discussion: Did he undergo plastic surgery?
Speculation about whether Rao had chosen cosmetic enhancements surfaced after a photo of the actor from singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh’s recent concert in Mumbai went viral. However, Rao himself addressed these queries, stating, “It is not plastic surgery!”
Delving deeper into the matter during our conversation, he expresses amusement at the entire debate. “I found the whole thing very funny,” he remarks, adding, “I even saw that particular image. I don’t possess such flawless skin. I have lines; I’m not 21 anymore.”
Reflecting on his early days in the industry, the 39-year-old recounts facing comments about his appearance: “Many people in casting and production would say, ‘You won’t be able to play lead roles; you lack the necessary look’.”
“Around eight to nine years ago”, Rao sought advice from an expert for the first time. “She said: ‘Your face is imbalanced’, and it was true; my chin was slightly recessed. I opted for a minor filler, and I genuinely felt the difference. Suddenly, people began commenting, ‘You seem more confident’. Subsequently, projects like Stree (2018) and Badhaai Do (2022) materialized. I deemed it acceptable. It’s my life and my face. If there’s a medical solution available, why not? If it boosts my confidence, I see no harm. As long as it’s not done excessively and alters your appearance drastically,” Rao explains.
What do you think would have happened if Hunterrr would have made Rs. 100 crores?-Gulshan Devaiah
8:25 AM
Niharika Lal and Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; October 5, 2023)
In the big screen vs OTT debate, Gulshan Devaiah isn’t taking sides. While he believes OTT offers more opportunities, there’s no substitute for the cinematic experience, he adds. In a freewheeling chat, the Dahaad actor talks about everything from the business of cinema to having civil discussions on social media. Excerpts:
‘Cinema and OTT should co-exist and flourish together’
I love cinema and it will make me very sad if the cinematic experience is lost and is not valued anymore. I am happy that I am doing interesting work and the web series format is very liberating for storytellers – the business model is also different as you don’t have the same pressure and it is more liberating to tell long-format stories – which means more interesting work, more money, opportunities. But if this is going to be at the cost of cinema, that will make me very sad.
I have a wider reach on OTT, I have better opportunities. But sometimes achieving difficult things can be extremely satisfying. If I am able to have a blockbuster when nobody expects it, what do you think is going to happen to my career? What do you think would have happened if Hunterrr would have made Rs. 100 crores? I know it’s a slim chance but there is nothing wrong in trying. I’m not losing anything. I have a career anyway.
‘We have lost that emotional touch with cinema’
Many people do not realise that Andaz Apna Apna did not make any money and they don’t care, it is a film that is fondly remembered. Dil Chahta Hai was not really a financially successful film, but people have strong memories attached to that film, its music. Agneepath was a massive flop, but nobody remembers it as a flop because people don’t care. They loved these films. We have lost that feeling – ‘ mazaa aaya yaar yeh dekh ke’. We have lost that touch with cinema, which is becoming more about numbers.
‘It’s always the role that matters when I pick a film’
If I have genuine interest in the story and in the part, then I will do the film. Like in Badhaai Do, it was a six-minute part, it was nine pages worth of scenes for me. The director, Harshavardhan Kulkarni, is a friend, I am his supporter, and the role made complete sense to me when I read it. It was a small part but it was well written, it impacted the story, and I got to romance Rajkummar Rao. It is always the role and the story that matters most when I am selecting a film.
‘I’ve done many small- budget films and will till do more of them’
I have primarily done mid and small-budget cinema, like CandyFlip and 8 A.M. Metro. Barring Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela, most of my films were mid-budget. Small and mid-budget films are the ones that can take risks in terms of storytelling, they can try something new. I have been a part of many small-budget films because those scripts were interesting to me. They were more interesting than big-budget films or the roles that were being offered to me.
‘Cinema is all about numbers and opening day business now’
Small and mid-budget films face bigger challenges right now in terms of business. The theatrical business model is cut-throat. Some kind of reform is needed there. With very little guarantee of return on investment, it is a gamble. Sometimes you have a good film or product, but if you don’t market it well, it doesn’t work. And if you don’t get good show timings, people may like it but won’t be able to watch it. It is very pressurizing. It’s much more difficult now that everybody has started discussing figures. Even cinemagoers who really don’t understand anything about business, they are talking about opening kitne ki lagi thi, and then they decide whether that film is good or bad. Whether they want to watch a film or not is based on whether other people are watching it. That was never the case before.
‘Can’t compete with stardom, despite brilliant performances’
There are people like Rajkummar, Manoj ji, whom I respect and I have learnt a lot from them. They give me and everybody else hope. They are not proper movie stars, I could say they are stars – people love their characters. Even when they (the audience) talk to me, they refer to Mandar Ponkshe (from Hunterrr) or Devi Lal (from Dahaad) – all characters, right? On the other hand, I have seen grown men at an airport react to Rajinikanth – it’s like they have seen God. They fall, they start to shake and shiver. They love him and not his characters. People love Shah Rukh Khan and not his characters. They love Salman and not his characters. You can not compete with that, no matter how brilliant your performances are.
‘Most people don’t expect to make deep bonds at their workplace’
In 2020, when I tweeted that “Bollywood is not a family, it never was and never will be”, the point I was trying to make is that it’s a place of work. I think some people misinterpreted that as yahan pe koi dost nahi hai. I think it helps if you change your perspective. If you don’t have expectations of it being your family, then you are able to navigate your way around it in a much better way – you don’t expect people to be your friend or family because it is a place of work. You can have wonderful colleagues with whom you get along and develop friendships and deep bonds, but that’s not the expectation that most people have when they go to work. This whole romanticization of one big family – if we don’t do that, it will probably help us have a perspective that is a bit better for our mental health.
Arts is usually filled with subjective opinions, and the sooner you accept that it is subjective I think the better you will be able to deal with failures and disappointments. Back then (in 2020), I also saw that our angst is being harnessed by others for their personal benefit. I had an issue with it, I was like my angst is my angst, you are not benefitting from it!
I got a call that a popular news anchor wants you on the show, I was like I don’t want to be on television. I am what they called an outsider, who has an okay career, who has done alright for himself but is not a massive star. So they thought maybe I would have some grudge, maybe I do, but then I will deal with it.
‘I won’t say anything on social media that I wouldn’t in real life’
I refused to believe that social media is a place where you cannot have a civil conversation. I’m very fortunate that most people engage with me constructively. I get trolled sometimes, but it’s okay. I have a thick skin for such things. Not all of us will take our freedom of speech responsibly. Some of us will be irresponsible with it. I don’t want to say anything on social media that I wouldn’t say in real life. And I would not say anything to you all that I wouldn’t put on social media.
68th Filmfare Awards: Salman Khan was at his witty best with co-hosts Ayushmann Khurrana and Maniesh Paul
8:43 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (April 28, 2023)
“They didn't let me be a ‘Miss’ and nobody made me a ‘Mrs’,” says actor Alia Bhatt’s character in an iconic scene from ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ in which she discards a written speech, calls for a chair onstage, sits on it, takes off her shades, looks the world in the eye and delivers an impromptu heartfelt talk. For channelling a 1950s’ Kamathipura sex worker with nuanced dignity, Bhatt—the white-swathed leading lady of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie—won a Black Lady for best actor in a leading role (female) at the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 with Maharashtra Tourism held at BKC’s Jio World Convention Centre on Thursday. The widely-acclaimed biopic was the undisputed queen of the evening, earning several trophies, including best film and best director for Bhansali.
Rajkummar Rao took home the best actor in a leading role (male) award for his meticulous portrayal of agay man in a sham marriage in director Harshvardhan Kulkarni’s heartfelt dramedy ‘Badhaai Do’.
The ceremony aptly began with the national anthem and Maharashtra’s minister of tourism, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, along with Amruta Fadnavis, wife of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, lit the inaugural lamp.
“Maharashtra was always the film capital of India. To provide further momentum to the state to sustain its reign as film capital in the future, we are going to launch a single window system for movies soon,” said Lodha.
The ceremony, which marked the debut of Salman Khan as host and presenter at Filmfare Awards, packed enough of his signature moments to power an imaginary post-credits sequence in which the onstage actor gives his onscreen self a run for his box office collection.
Six days after the release of his latest flick ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisiki Jaan’, Khan replicated the dance moves in the song ‘Naiyo Lagda’ from the film. Mike in a bracelet-clad hand, tongue in cheek and eyes on the prize, he was at his witty best with co-hosts Ayushmann Khurrana and Maniesh Paul.
“Without them, actors would be ‘nirvastra’ (uncovered),” said Khan while introducing the nominees for best costume design. “You understand ‘nirvastra’?” Khan asked Paul. “Yes sir, I have been ‘nirvastra' on many occasions,” came the reply.
Amid a sea of stars on the red carpet, actor Sanjay Mishra—who won the best actor (critics’ award) for his portrayal of a debt-ridden pensioner in the film ‘Vadh’—stood out with his silver beard and sunglasses.
Here, heads turned when statuesque models in cocktail gowns and glam ghagras posed for cameras and bobbed when music composer Anu Malik, who was flanked by his two daughters, broke into spontaneous Govinda and Salman numbers on cue. “Oonchi hai building. . . ,” Malik sang, snapping his fingers.
The whistles and cheers that ensued in the wake of each of the evening’s powerhouse performers—Vicky Kaushal, Govinda, Tiger Shroff, Janhvi Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez—matched cinema halls playing films starring the evening’s superstar host.
Those who dropped in early caught a sneak peek of Shroff’s parkour moves as he leapt off the stage and onto a mattress on the floor several times over.
The highlight reel included octogenarian actor Prem Chopra—the leading villain of many a Hindi film from the ’60s—winning the Lifetime Achievement award. “Prem. Prem naam hai mera. Prem Chopra,” said Chopra, reminiscing his iconic line.
The 68th Filmfare Awards 2023 is presented by Hyundai Motor India as the Title Partner, Destination Partner Maharashtra Tourism, Co-presented by Vimal Elaichi.
Janhvi Kapoor sets the stage afire at the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023
Govinda mesmerizes the audience with their magical moves
Badhaai Do would have earned more at the box-office, if it had been released after pandemic-Bhumi Pednekar
11:07 PM
A year after Badhaai Do’s release, Bhumi says she fronted film to express solidarity with her friends in the LGBTQiA+ community
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 11, 2023)
If Bhumi Pednekar had to pick her favourite project of the year gone by, it would be an easy choice. Badhaai Do, she would say, in a heartbeat. Harshvardhan Kulkarni’s directorial venture fell perfectly in line with the kind of movies she likes to front — those that hold up a mirror to society, and question its ills. What made Badhaai Do, a drama about a couple in a lavender marriage, all the more special for the actor is that it came from a personal place.
“I have family and friends belonging to the LGBTQiA+ community. While I have been a part of their journey, at times, I have found myself helpless. I didn’t know how to share their pain, love and grief. That’s when Badhaai Do happened. I’m fortunate to have found a script, which enabled me to voice a cause that is close to my heart,” says the actor, as the film completes a year of release today.
Starring Rajkummar Rao and Pednekar in central roles, the comedy drama showed how the intolerant nature of society compels the queer community to hide their identity. Besides batting for queer love, it highlighted the challenges that same-sex couples face when adopting children. While the film may not have made a huge impact at the box office on its release, it won immense praise and love from the audiences when it subsequently dropped on Netflix.
“The film trended worldwide when it was released on OTT, and got so much acclaim. This means that the audiences are accepting what it communicated. People are more aware, and [want to make] India a more inclusive place. I think Badhaai Do would have done so much more box-office-wise, if it had been released [after the pandemic],” states Pednekar.
In the coming months, the actor will be seen in Anubhav Sinha’s Bheed, Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah, and Gauri Khan-produced Bhakshak, among other projects. While the films belong to different worlds, she says the idea behind each is to make a social impact. “I have great regard for the medium of cinema. Films can have a cultural and social impact, and through most of my movies, I have tried to start a conversation about issues, and look for a realistic solution.”
I don’t choose movies on the basis of medium-Rajkummar Rao
8:31 AM
Rao, who explored OTT and theatrical releases in 2022, addresses the growing divide between two media; asserts movies must be judged only by stories
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 23, 2023)
For Rajkummar Rao, the first month of 2023 has been a mix of something old and something new. While he has shot for his maiden music video Achha Sila Diya, the actor is gearing up to return to the all-familiar world of Stree 2. Mounting the sequel to a successful film like Stree (2018) is not easy.
Rao is aware of the fact, as he says, “We are in the writing process, and will take the film on floors soon. The team is being careful with the writing, considering it is a huge responsibility.”
Rao’s run at the movies in 2022 mirrored that of Bollywood, which witnessed only a handful of big-screen hits. The actor’s two theatrical offerings — Badhaai Do, and HIT: The First Case — failed to set the cash registers ringing, whereas his OTT offering Monica O My Darling received a thunderous response. As the divide between the big-screen euphoria and the intimate experience of the digital platforms grows wider, Rao emphasizes that the story matters, not the medium.
“I don’t choose movies on the basis of medium. Nor do [I determine] which film I should do for the big screen, and which for OTT. We should stop categorizing films like that. For me, the fun lies in the process of making a movie. I am sure if we made Newton [2017] today, so many people would say it is an OTT film. But it did so well at the theatres.”
The year has left him with some important lessons. He believes that Badhaai Do would have benefited from a different release date. “Badhaai Do might not have been a big success, but it wasn’t a big failure either. I am sure that if it was released slightly later, it would have done way better.”
That said, the actor is “grateful for the year gone by”. It has only strengthened his belief that a film must be the right blend of content and commerce. “I’m only doing stories that I believe in. I am pushing myself as an actor. As long as the economics of your film is right, there is nothing to worry about. All we know is to make a film with utmost sincerity and within the right budget. If it’s a good story, it will find its place.”
We have no choice, but to change our lifestyle-Bhumi Pednekar
11:22 AM
From adopting no-plastic policy to practising waste management, Bhumi on bringing positive changes to film sets as her initiative Climate Warrior turns three
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 21, 2022)
A stubborn optimist — that’s how Bhumi Pednekar describes herself. It’s from this stubborn optimism that her nature conservation project, Climate Warrior, was born in 2019. The actor has used the social media initiative to raise awareness about the depleting natural resources and climate change, and host clean-up drives across the country. As the project turns three, she is proud to have made sustained personal choices to aid ecological conservation. “We have no choice, but to change our lifestyle. Otherwise this planet will become unlivable, and our future will be clouded by pollution and man-made waste,” she rues.
In the past three years, while Climate Warrior has amassed thousands of followers, Pednekar has been walking the talk on her film sets. On the set of 'Durgamati' (2020), she carried her own cutlery, thus doing away with single-use cutlery, while she ensured that the unit of 'Badhaai Do' (2022) followed a no-plastic policy. During the filming of her latest project 'The Ladykiller' in Manali, the production team followed waste-management measures and cleaned up the venue every day after the shoot.
Pednekar has found support in several voices from the industry — Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, and Arjun Kapoor had joined her for the 2020 campaign to plant more trees. She says, “For some years, I have reached out to people to explain why we should choose climate-positive ways. Small changes in our lives can [yield] big [results]. Stop using single-use plastic, don’t produce more waste than you need to, and use water wisely. I do the same at home, and re-use old clothes. [It is imperative] that we live with reduced carbon footprint.”
Her endeavour took her to Harvard University in February, where she spoke about climate change. “Be it [participating] in New York during the Global Climate Week or anywhere, I will always [urge people] to practice sustainable living.”
When my body will naturally tell me to slow down a little, only then I will slow down-Bhumi Pednekar
8:14 AM
Bhumi Pednekar wants to make up for the time lost due to the pandemic
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 6, 2022)
Back-to-back shooting schedules have kept Bhumi Pednekar very busy this year, and she has no intention of slowing down. The actor says she is currently in “revenge work mode” and making up for all the time she missed due to the pandemic-related lockdowns.
“I feel me-time is extremely important, but this year I have not had a lot of that. But I’m a workaholic and I want to catch up on lost time,” says the actor, who was last seen in Raksha Bandhan, adding, “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that I have that I don’t feel like slowing down at the moment. When my body will naturally tell me to slow down a little, I think only then I will slow down. But at the moment, I’m on a high. I’m having a blast.”
About her projects, the 33-year-old informs, “I have recently worked on Afwaah, which stars (actor) Nawazuddin Siddiqui sir, and is directed by Sudhir Mishra. It is such a wonderful project. It is actually my fourth film this year. I have already finished The Ladykiller and Bhakshak. My year started with a bang with Badhaai Do. The second half of the year is going to be super packed too. I have back-to-back shooting schedules and will start filming for two new projects.”
Ask her if she also plans on expanding her horizons in the industry — for instance, taking up direction, production, or writing — and Pednekar shares, “I don’t feel the need for it right now because my hands are so full at the moment. But because I love cinema so much, I’m sure I will diversify at some point, and that could be directing, producing, or singing.”
Baadhai Do: Uttarakhand is turning into Hollywood of the Himalayas
8:43 AM
Kautilya Singh (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 4, 2022)
You’d be mistaken if you thought that the last 10 minutes of the Ajay Devgn-starrer ‘Shivaay’ was actually shot in Bulgaria. It was in fact a prominent hotel in Mussoorie. And if you were fooled into believing that John Abraham’s ‘Batla House’ had shots of the Pilibhit market near the India-Nepal Border, no one would blame you.
It was filmed near the Mall Road and Library Chowk of the town that overlooks Dehradun. In fact, even ‘The Kashmir Files’ did not have actual shots of Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Those were shot at locations across Uttarakhand, which is emerging as a prime destination for filmmakers with its picturesque landscapes, speedy clearances, and low costs.
The number of projects – including for ad shoots, web series, and movies – filmed in the state rose from just 15 in 2015 to 217 in 2021, with many choosing the hill state instead of other exotic but expensive locations abroad. Just in the first half of 2022, the number was 98.
According to the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC), there are roughly 1,800 to 1,900 films, advertisements, and web series being made in the country each year. Uttarakhand now snags over a tenth of the total projects and its share is growing, the data shows. What’s more, in the last five years, Uttarakhand has on three occasions bagged the ‘Best Film Friendly State’ award at the National Film Awards.
On the other hand, neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, which is also a Himalayan state, granted permission for only 43 shoots in the 2020-21 financial year comprising 18 web series, 14 ads, and 11 movies. Uttarakhand has actively sought to attract filmmakers from across the country. In 2017, the state government stepped up its campaign to promote the film sector. The then CM Trivendra Singh Rawat personally met top production houses and assured them of assistance for their projects, highlighting how shooting in Uttarakhand would be an economical option.
“The film sector in Uttarakhand has grown to become a Rs 100-crore industry. To get there, the council first carried out a case study on the ‘Student Of The Year 2’ movie,” said Kalam Singh Chauhan, the former nodal officer of UFDC who played a key role in attracting production crews to the state.
“Their entire team was in Uttarakhand for 55 days and the estimated expense was Rs 14 crore. While locals landed employment opportunities, the crew made big savings as the costs would have been three-to-four times higher had the location been some place abroad.”
The state’s film policy was also changed to make way for faster clearances. Earlier, a filmmaker had to approach individual district magistrates for permission to shoot. Now, a single-window system is in place for clearances. Among other benefits, the government offered subsidies to filmmakers who shot over 75% of their projects in Uttarakhand. Subsidies were also provided for films made in regional languages and local dialects.
The outcome of these efforts can be seen in several ‘A-listers’ of the industry making a beeline for the state. Rajkummar Rao-starrer ‘Badhaai Do’, Shahid Kapoor’s ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu’, and Alia Bhatt’s ‘Sadak’ were all shot in the state.
“We don’t face hassles in obtaining permission to shoot. The state has turned into a favoured shooting destination,” said filmmaker Harshavardhan Kulkarni, who wrapped up shooting for his movie ‘Badhaai Do’ some months back.
Filmmaker Kunal Shamshere Malla said, “Be it permissions or other approvals, everything was hassle-free. The shooting scenario in Uttarakhand has improved greatly over the years.”
Happy with the hill state’s performance, the information department has mooted a proposal for a ‘Film City’ in Dehradun. A project with infrastructure and other facilities is in the pipeline and the state government is likely to make a major announcement by the end of the year.
Senior IAS officer and director general of information, Ranveer Singh Chauhan, told TOI, “At a recent meeting, we took a call to identify suitable land for the proposed film city, which will also have a ‘film training centre’. The growth has been phenomenal and this can turn out to be a major employment sector for our youth. ”
People told me that Badhaai Do gave them the strength to come out to their families-Rajkummar Rao
8:20 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; June 12, 2022)
Over the years, Rajkummar Rao has been seen consistently delivering power-packed performances in content-driven, thought-provoking cinema. Not one to get trapped by stereotypes, he left the audiences impressed and moved by his performance in Junglee Pictures’ Badhaai Do. The film, which revolved around the story of a couple in a lavender marriage, was screened at the 13th Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, which concluded this week.
Speaking to Bombay Times about it, the actor said, “Festivals like Kashish are much needed today. I am glad that there are more and more films being made on the LGBTQIA+ community, because we need more voices and more awareness. There are many like Shardul (his character in Badhaai Do), who are scared to come out because of the circumstances they face, societal and family pressure. I think the way that Suman (Adhikary), Akshat (Ghildial) and Harsh (Harshavardhan Kulkarni) wrote the story it was perfect. Everything was there in the script, and so I just had to be sincere towards my character. ”
‘I LIKE PLAYING CHARACTERS THAT ARE A LITTLE COMPLICATED AND HAVE UNDERLYING LAYERS’
Rajkummar is known for pulling off, not just thoda hatke, but characters that are seldom seen in cinema. When we asked him, what was the toughest part of playing Shardul from Badhaai Do, he said, “I like playing characters that are a little complicated, and when there is an underlying layer to those characters. I like challenging myself as an actor and keep pushing my boundaries with different characters. I am still learning and still trying to grow with it. I still get very nervous before every film and that is absolutely true! It excites me to play these parts, which can challenge me because sometimes there is no arc, and there is nothing happening inside the character’s head and heart. For me, the internal journey of a character is more exciting than its physical appearance. Also, for me, this film was slightly tough because I had to build a certain kind of physique for it. Getting that kind of physique was not easy. Harsh had told me that since Shardul wanted to be a bodybuilder, you have to be in a certain shape.”
Gay characters have rarely been portrayed in Hindi films realistically and with sensitivity, but Badhaai Do’s Shardul was every bit real and believable. “Sometimes, people have preconceived notions that why is a straight guy playing a gay character. I am glad that people from the community who saw it, loved it. I have met so many people who saw the film and told me that nobody could have played it better than Bhumi (Pednekar) and me. And they thanked me that we made a film like Badhaai Do,” he shared.
‘PATRALEKHAA IS A VERY HONEST CRITIC OF MY FILMS’
Last November, the 37-year-old tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Patralekhaa. “I just feel very happy and complete now,” he told us when asked about life after his wedding. “Nothing really has changed for Patralekhaa and me. It has been 11 years that we have been together. It’s a beautiful feeling to be married. She is a very honest critic of my films. And Badhaai Do is her favourite film of mine. When we saw it together for the first time during the edit, she came out crying and couldn’t stop. She found it tough to control her emotions. That was the time she told me that it was her favourite film of mine,” he added.
‘I THINK I HAVE JUST STARTED, AND I STILL HAVE A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD’
Success and fame have come to Rajkummar gradually and after a lot of sweat and toil. As he moves ahead, he doesn’t let himself lose focus or forget the reason why he stepped into showbiz. “I think I have just started, and I still have a long journey ahead. I feel that first and foremost, one has to be an actor, and that was why when I was growing up, I always wanted to be an actor… I never thought about becoming a star. That’s how my journey started I began learning acting through theatre, I went to film school, and then I came to Mumbai and started doing films that I believed in. After that, things happened organically. I was never really chasing fame; I was just doing films that I really wanted to do,” he explained.
‘WHEN YOU GET SO MUCH LOVE FOR A FILM, I THINK THAT IS THE VICTORY FOR ANY ARTISTE’
The success of Badhaai Do has been thrilling for the entire team of the film. Rajkummar said, “When I saw the movie, I was happy and proud of the kind of response I was getting for the film after the release. Then we saw the kind of business it did at the box office. We were elated. We all make films so that people go and watch them, and when you get so much love for that film, I think that is a victory for any artiste... that you get respect, credibility and your producers make money as well. I think that is the best combination for any film. To date, people are watching Badhaai Do. We get so many personal messages where people share their experiences and tell us how this film has given them the strength to come out to their families. I think that our film is doing a great job. It is still trending.”
‘LOVE IS LOVE. JUST BE WHO YOU ARE’
Talking about the ongoing Pride Month, the actor says, “I think every day should be a Pride Day and everyone should have the freedom to live their life the way they want to live. We all should be there to support each other and be proud of each other’s choices. Love is love. Just be who you are.”
Say hello to the new-age OTT and cine-maa
8:22 AM
The ever-sacrificing, predictably perfect & always one-dimensional template of the on-screen mother has undergone a dramatic change in recent times. Today’s on-screen moms are layered, flawed and sometimes downright chaotic!
Fathima Ashraf (BOMBAY TIMES; May 8, 2022)
Cinema’s moms are stepping down from their pedestals of perfection to get more real, raw and honest, with shades of grey. Sometimes, they are even messy, flawed, or plain chaotic. Recent times have seen several new shades to the filmy and OTT maa– from complicated (Tanve Azmi and Kajol in Tribhanga) to reluctant (Sheeba Chadha in Badhaai Do), to empowered-yet-flawed (Vidya Balan in Jalsa). Here’s more:
MOVIES & SERIES EMBRACE ‘HUMAN MOMS’
In the past, moms were either relegated to the sidelines of cinema, or put up on a pedestal and in either case, their whole identity centred around their kids. Often, their only flaw was that they loved their kids a tad much.
But, as Renuka Shahane – who wrote and directed Tribhanga (2021), a film about a dysfunctional and unconventional family of three women – puts it, “Ultimately, mothers are human. That is what is reflected in new-age films. Directors are also realising that mothers too have shades to their characters. In Tribhanga, while one of the mothers has had many affairs after her divorce, Kajol’s character had a daughter born out of wedlock. I think these scenarios are very real, relatable, and most people are accepting these changes.”
National Award winning actress Urvashi, who has won acclaim for playing Suriya’s mother in Soorarai Pottru (2020) and RJ Balaji’s mother in Mookuthi Amman (2020), shares, “For one to see the flaws and imperfection in mothers, they have to be looked at as human beings. If you look at mothers in older films, you’ll see they were never the lead actors. They were the hero’s or heroine’s mothers and past a certain age. They don’t have any other priorities, feelings, or thoughts. For them, it’s all about raising their kids and grandkids. That was the concept back then. As an actor, I don’t always want to play the soft and kind mother who doesn’t do much else.”
Madhoo Shah, who’s acted in films across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, adds, “I was an actor in the ’90s and now, in 2022, I’m playing a lot of mother roles. And most of the characters I play are that of women who have left their unhappy marriages, single mothers raising kids alone, or women who start their careers or find their partners late in life. The characters these days reflect the current generation of mothers. I’m a mother, and my children are very important to me, but my focus is also on myself – my life, wellbeing, appearance, and all that. The attitude was different among the older generation. Their life was all about their husband and children. They went through a very sacrificial, martyrdom kind of motherhood. Whereas right now, there’s a lot of emphasis on self-care.”
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ADDING A NEW LAYER TO THE FILMI MAA
Recently, the film Badhaai Do featured two mother characters, who were a rare departure from the stereoptypical Bollywood moms. Sheeba Chadha – who played Rajkummar Rao’s mother in the film – said she enjoyed playing the role oft he unconventional, and rather ‘reluctant’ mother, who rarely participates in her family’s discussions.
Sheeba says, “Her non participation was the most interesting thing for me because that is really different from those conservative mom roles that one gets offered. I love her desire to not participate at all. She has a great degree of reluctance – she’s not just a reluctant mom, she is a reluctant human being (laughs). It is an interesting quality to explore as it is totally contradictory to what usually mothers are – mothers want to be present and to be contributing,” she said.
Loveleen Mishra, who played Bhumi Pednekar’s ‘hyper’ mom, told us, “My character is so hyper all the time, forget inner, most of her contemplations are outer. Uski life ke funde hi yehi hai. Usko aata nahi isse zyada sochna. There is a situation in the film, when Sumi (Bhumi) comes out to her family, and she is not just horrible, but extremely horrible in this situation. I could not get myself to believe – aisi chandalika maa bhi hoti hai.”
— with inputs from Dharitri Ganguly
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FLAWED TO FRIGHTENING: MOMS IN OSCAR-NOMINATED FILMS THIS YEAR
Several of the Oscar nominated films in 2022, featured chaotic and messy moms. While Olivia Colman was a complicated, cruel and distant mother in The Lost Daughter, Meryl Streep was seen feeding her on-screen son to the climate apocalypse in Don’t Look Up. At the same time, Parallel Mothers showed how maternal devotion can skew one’s sense of right and wrong. The Oscar eventually went to Jessica Chastain for her role in The Eyes Of Tammy Faye – in which she plays a character that feels frequently sidelined from her job due to her maternal duties.
I don’t think representing 70% of population of the country should stereotype me-Bhumi Pednekar
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Bhumi Pednekar is proud of playing a small-town girl in films, says she likes ‘representing 70% of the country’
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 28, 2022)
In her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha (DLKH, 2015), Bhumi Pednekar played a teacher based in a small town in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The actor followed it up with films like Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (both 2017) and the recently released Badhaai Do, where she was seen playing a strong-spirited small-town girl. While these acts have fetched her acclaim, she has also been stereotyped for being caught in the template.
But she has no qualms about it: “I am not scared of being stereotyped. I don’t think representing 70% [of the population] of the country should stereotype me.”
The actor, however, wants to make every small-town girl she plays starkly different from each other. She explains, “What I’m wary about is repetition, but that hasn’t happened so far. I’ve never had anyone telling me, ‘I’ve seen you do this before.’ Even if I’m playing a girl who’s from the same milieu in different films, I make sure that the ways they lead their lives are very different, and that requires a lot of unlearning about India’s heartland.”
Having been brought up in Mumbai, the journey to slipping under the skin of such characters hasn’t been easy for the actor. “In fact, it’s still very tough because I’ve not lived that life. But fortunately, I’ve had that exposure through films. And every film comes with a lot of prep,” says Pednekar.
The actor, who has spent seven years in the industry, credits her debut film for setting the tone of her career. “It’s been a few years since I have been acting, but I feel like I have started now, because it’s only now that I am getting to explore so much about myself. This is a great time for me,” ends the 32-year-old actor.
#TrendingNow: Indian movies and web series across the globe
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Badhaai Do is among Netflix’s most-watched films globally this year, and the latest example of how desi OTT movies and series are striking a chord with audiences from Europe and Southeast Asia to Latin America
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; March 24, 2022)
Since its release last week on Netflix, Badhaai Do was trending in the No 1 spot in India till March 20, and was in the Top Ten list globally in the non-English films category. In fact, Badhaai Do is the sixth Indian film this year to make it to the global top 10 rankings of the platform, as Indian content increasingly finds a vast audience overseas.
DESI FILMS AND SHOWS TAKE OVER GLOBAL OTT RANKINGS
In the last two-and-a-half months alone, six Indian language films and two series made it to the Netflix Top 10 list, which is published weekly. These include Minnal Murali (Malayalam), Sooryavanshi (Hindi) and Badhaai Do (Hindi) among other films; and Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein: Season 1 and Fame Game: Season 1 in the TV series category.
Similarly, Gaurav Gandhi, Prime Video Director & Country Manager, Amazon India stated last year, “Our Indian Amazon Originals enjoy incredible popularity both in the country and outside India. In fact, one out of every five viewers for these shows is from outside the country.”
As per the CII Big Picture Summit 2020 report by the BCG (Boston Consulting Group) and CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), the increasing acceptance of Indian content among global audiences includes, but is not limited to, the Indian diaspora of over 32 million spread across multiple countries. Countries with significant Indian language speaking population — such as Bangladesh (Bengali), Mauritius (Bhojpuri), Nepal (Maithli and Bhojpuri), Singapore (Tamil), etc — also consume Indian content, states the report.
Karan Bedi, co-chair, CII sub committee on OTT and Digital content and CEO MX Player, says, “MX Player’s shows are popular in countries such as Bangladesh, US, UK, UAE, Canada, and Australia. We focus on the Indian diaspora in these countries and the content is also curated for a global audience.”
‘LOCAL, AUTHENTIC STORIES ARE IN DEMAND EVERYWHERE’
With platforms like Amazon boasting of viewership in 240+ countries and territories worldwide, Girish Johar, producer and cinema business analyst, says that streaming platforms have helped Indian content reach not just the conventional top markets, but even countries which were out of bounds for traditional distributors.
He explains, “Traditionally, the top markets were the US, UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Some films did release in selected Southeast Asian countries, but now we are able to tap European countries, West Indies, Brazil, and so on. ”
He adds, “Through users on social media, too, we get this picture that Indian content is being consumed and liked in foreign countries. Be it south films such as Minnal Murali or Hindi films such as Gulabo Sitabo, Indian cinema has received a lot of praise from global audiences.”
Agrees Karan Bedi, “Some global OTT platforms are present in 150+ countries. For Indian content — films and shows, releasing the same day across these countries, now you have got (viewers in) countries in Eastern Europe and Latin America.”
Bela Bajaria, Netflix head of global TV, had said at a conference last year that the shows that have been the most successful globally have been “the most authentic and the most specific”.
Monika Shergill, VP-Content, Netflix India, adds, “Last year, Netflix’s 28 Indian original titles were across 7 languages, 8 formats and 11 genres across films, series, comedy, reality and documentaries. From blockbuster hits like Dhamaka, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein to differentiated stories like Cinema Bandi, The Disciple and Axone, our aim is to have authentic stories and it is this authenticity that audiences love. Malayalam cinema’s first superhero film, Minnal Murali which trended in the Top 10 in 30 countries from Argentina to Nigeria, or Red Notice, which India enjoyed with dubs in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu — are examples of how great stories are universal.”
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SUBBING AND DUBBING OF FILMS BIG REASON FOR THEIR INCREASING POPULARITY
Due to subbing and dubbing in various languages, Netflix reached out to a wide audience. The Tamil anthology film Navarasa has been in the Top 10 in 10 countries, including India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. More than 40% of the film’s viewers came from outside India in its first week on Netflix. Likewise, in its first week alone, the Dhanush-starrer Jagame Thandhiram drew an equal share of audience from outside India as it did within the country, and was in the Top 10 in 12 countries outside India. It was also No 1 in 7 countries, including India, Malaysia, and the UAE.
Badhaai Do (Hindi), Minnal Murali (Malayalam) and Sooryavanshi (Hindi) were among the Indian films that made it to the global top 10 on Netflix. A Thursday, Atrangi Re and Maaran were among the Indian films that topped the global list on Disney+ Hotstar in the last month
*Lists not in order of ranking.
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INDIAN SHOWS THAT ARE POPULAR ACROSS THE GLOBE
MX PLAYER ORIGINALS:
Aashram, Indori Ishq, Bhaukaal, Cartel, Campus Diaries, Raktanchal, Ek Thi Begum (Hindi), Matsya Kaand, High, Samantar (Hindi) were among the global Top Ten
ON ALT BALAJI:
Lock Upp, Broken But Beautiful Season 3, Bekaaboo Season 2, Cartel, The Married Woman, Puncch Beat Season 2, Crimes And Confessions, Pavitra Rishta, His Storyy, and Girgit were among the most popular shows last year
ON DISNEY+ HOTSTAR:
Rudra, Human, The Great Indian Murder, Aarya Season 2, and Special Ops 1. 5 were most popular globally in Feb-March
ON NETFLIX:
The Fame Game, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein, Aranyak and Mighty Little Bheem
INDIAN CONTENT SHINES @ INTERNATIONAL EMMYS
The 48th International Emmy Awards were a historic event for India as, for the first time ever, an Indian series, Delhi Crime ,won an Emmy for Best Drama Series. Series such as Sacred Games, Aarya 2, Made In Heaven, Inside Edge, Four More Shots Please!, the Netflix special Vir Das: For India and the anthology Lust Stories have also been nominated for Emmys.
Last year, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was nominated for the International Best Actor Emmy for his role in Serious Men. Siddiqui also became a household name all around the world for his stint as gangster Ganesh Gaitonde in his Netflix debut series titled Sacred Games. In an interview he mentioned that the locals of Italy recognized him as Gaitonde and appreciated his performance.
After watching Badhaai Do, I thought, how did they know about my story of coming out?-Apurva Asrani
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Saptaparna Biswas (BOMBAY TIMES; February 28, 2022)
When writer-editor Apurva Asrani, a prominent voice in the LGBTQIA+ community and someone who is out and proud, went to watch Badhaai Do recently, all he expected was just another mainstream film touching upon the community. But he was pleasantly surprised by the story, and was reminded of his personal struggles with coming out while watching it. Moved by the relatable portrayals, Apurva penned a note of appreciation for the Junglee Pictures’ film. In a chat with us, Apurva spoke about how such films help get rid of tokenism and make real conversations happen. Excerpts:
‘HOW DID THEY KNOW ABOUT MY STRUGGLES SO WELL?’
While there have been many other films portraying the struggles of the queer community lately, Apurva says the portrayals in Badhaai Do are closest to real-life struggles of queer persons. He shares, “I went to the cinema hall expecting yet another commercial film which doesn’t really capture the heart and soul of the LGBTQIA+ struggle. But, what struck me was that the writers have truly understood the journey of the community and have got the nuances in portrayal of the characters right.”
The film also got him to recollect his personal experiences. “I was genuinely touched by the depth of emotions in the same-sex relationship explored in Badhaai Do. I was like ‘How did they know what happened with me?, How did they know about my heartbreak?, How did they know about my story of coming out, and my yearning to be a parent?’ The film reflects the thoughts and feelings of the queer community so well, and for that, it deserves all the love coming its way,” says Apurva.
‘IT IS HARD TO RETAIN THE ESSENCE OF STRUGGLES IN AN ENTERTAINING FORMAT’
Apurva feels that as long as stories are written sensitively, the audience will relate to them. “I’m not of the opinion that you essentially need LGBTQIA+ actors to essay these roles, because actors can and should be able to play any character. What you need is queer representation in the writing team to be able to bring genuineness to the story and expression. I feel Badhaai Do achieved that,” he says, adding, “Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar have no doubt done a phenomenal job. They’ve added so much magic, and they’re so brave in their portrayals. But I really want to compliment the writers for bringing the conversation in such an entertaining format for family audiences and a larger population while keeping the heart of the struggle very much alive. It’s a difficult thing to achieve. Because so far we have either talked of the predicament or made light of it – to attain a balanced portrayal is a hard job.”
Apurva also emphasises on the importance of having such films in mainstream viewing so audiences get an idea about diversity of the members of the queer community.
‘MAINSTREAM FILMS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO IMPACT PEOPLE IN RURAL BELTS TOO’
While many OTT shows and films have managed to strike up conversations about queer love and relationships, Apurva feels that with relatable characters and a theatrical experience, mainstream films can make a larger impact in terms of sensitization. “Just the fact that this is the kind of film that your family would watch together gives you a common ground to strike up conversation. That’s a very big deal. I worked as an editor on the show Made In Heaven, and the show encouraged people to have dinner time conversations around love and same-sex relationships. Badhaai Do has the potential of doing this in cinemas pan-India, in the rural and regional belts where parents and kids can watch it comfortably and have discussions around the topic. Today, if a young person wants to come out of the closet, they have these references to start with. Rajkummar and Bhumi’s characters elicit respect, right till the end of the film. They have a job, they have a role in their families – it brings LGBTQIA+ characters in the family construct, and into the mainstream social fabric. A film like Badhaai Do engages the community – and then you know that the makers’ hearts are in the right place,” says Apurva, on a concluding note.
I have seen the ups and downs of my LGBTQiA+ friends, nights where they cried themselves to sleep-Bhumi Pednekar
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Proud that Badhaai Do champions equality, Bhumi discusses how playing a queer character changed her perspective and “soul”
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 22, 2022)
In telling the story of two queer protagonists who settle for a marriage of convenience, Badhaai Do deftly handles myriad subjects — from celebrating queer love to championing adoption for same-sex couples. But to Bhumi Pednekar, the film is about equality above all else. “I would not say Badhaai Do is about lavender marriage. That is the film’s set-up. The movie is about two queer persons trying to live in a society that is not equal,” she begins.
Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s directorial venture sees the actor as Suman, a closeted lesbian entering a lavender marriage with Rajkummar Rao’s gay cop. Through her measured performance, Pednekar shows the suppression and suffocation that members of the LGBTQiA+ community endure in a society that unfortunately makes them feel othered. “When you are going through this experience [of feeling unequal], you question a lot of things. I have a lot of friends who belong to the LGBTQiA+ community. I have seen their ups and downs, nights where they cried themselves to sleep. It’s a lonely journey. It’s not easy living a life where you have to lie in front of the people you love the most. It’s not easy living a life where you feel like you don’t fit in.”
The actor approached her character with sensitivity, imbuing her with dignity and determination to fight for her right. “We have always seen a lesbian woman in a singular light. So, for starters, the biggest challenge was not to stereotype her. Secondly, I did not want her to be bitter at all. Her life has been tough, but I didn’t want the bitterness to come into my performance. I wanted her to be somebody sweet who is yearning for a better life. All she wants is acceptance from the people she loves. So, the process of becoming Suman was internal.”
After playing an intense role, one can’t walk away from it without being affected to some degree. Pednekar agrees it shifted her perspective. “Playing a queer character changed my soul a little. I have gone from being sympathetic to having a lot more empathy.”
Images: Chum Darang and Badhaai Do team meet Arunachal Chief Minister
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BOMBAY TIMES (February 21, 2022)
The Office of the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, recently hosted a lunch for Badhaai Do actress Chum Darang, who hails from Pasighat in the state, and the film’s team. The CM shared pics from the event on Twitter, and wrote, “Excited to meet today Sister Chum Darang, who recently made her Bollywood debut in Junglee Production’s Badhaai Do. Also a pleasure meeting acclaimed film personalities from Bollywood, who accompanied her. All the very best Chum. May God bless you with all the success! (sic).”
Chum also posted pictures from the meet-up on Instagram, with the caption, “Being lauded for something that you’ve put your heart and soul into feels amazing ya. Thank you hon’ble CM, Mr Pema Khandu for making team #badhaaido feel at home. Truly honoured. Thank you Arunachal for the immense love you all have shown. ” She added, “Happy Statehood Day Arunachal Pradesh.”
Badhaai Do proves people are ready to go back to cinemas to watch good content-Raj Bansal
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Despite COVID restrictions & 50% capacity in theatres, the film’s performance at the box office shows that moviegoers are craving the big screen experience, say distributors
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; February 18, 2022)
Badhaai Do was the first major Hindi film to hit the big screen on February 11, right after cinemas reopened, and its strong run at the box office so far has exhibitors feeling optimistic about the industry rebounding from pandemic losses. Footfall has gone up not just on weekends, but weekdays too, they tell us, while trade analysts are confident that the film is headed for another good week.
IT WAS A BRAVE AND BOLD DECISION TO RELEASE THE FILM WHEN NO ONE ELSE WOULD, WHICH HAS WORKED IN BADHAAI DO’S FAVOUR: DISTRIBUTORS
Just as the Hindi film industry thought it was getting back to its feet after the pandemic, Omicron led several theatres across the country to pull down shutters, and all January releases were pushed to March and April. When theatres finally reopened, Badhaai Do was the first major Hindi release, and despite 50% occupancy and other Coronavirus restrictions — thanks to word-of-mouth publicity and strong content — the film is doing quite well at the box office, say trade analysts and distributors.
Raj Bansal, industry expert, says, “I am really impressed with the Badhaai Do makers’ decision to release the film on February 11, at a time when others weren’t ready to take the same call. It was a brave and bold decision and it has paid dividends. The film is doing very well, and the release date being close to Valentine’s Day was an added impetus. The film’s already collected Rs. 11 crore plus in five days, even with the restrictions in most of the states. It was a master strategy indeed.”
Stressing on how the lack of any other releases and the release date falling close to Valentine’s Day worked in the film’s favour, Girish Johar, producer and film business expert, explains, “Valentine’s Day is not a holiday, but it is a celebratory occasion, when young people like to go out. It’s had a positive impact on the film, specifically in metros like Delhi and Bengaluru, where the film is doing well. And with no major film scheduled to release next week either, Badhaai Do will get more audiences.”
Bansal adds, “Badhaai Do also has the added advantage of its prequel Badhaai Ho being a hit. With the audience appreciating the film, footfall is going up, and we are expecting another good weekend. It has shown the way to upcoming films by proving that people are ready to go back to cinemas to watch good content.”
‘IT IS 200% ESTABLISHED NOW THAT PEOPLE WILL STEP OUT FOR SOMETHING WORTH THEIR TIME AND MONEY’
Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad theatres, and an industry expert, says, “Badhaai Do is an interesting film that’s designed to grow with word-of-mouth publicity. It’s performance at the box office — that was strong on the weekends, as well as the weekdays — was a pleasant surprise. I’m sure that it will continue to do well.” He adds, “It’s 200% established now that be it cinemas — or even restaurants or malls — people will step out if the product or service is worth their time, effort and money. The hesitancy to go out has definitely come down and the return to normalcy has happened quite quickly.”
WE’RE EXPECTING AN EVEN BETTER SECOND WEEKEND FOR BADHAAI DO: EXHIBITORS
Cinemas and distributors are expecting the film’s second weekend to be even better than the first. That’s because Badhaai Do managed to get a good opening despite COVID restrictions and many people being unaware that cinemas had reopened.
Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis, says, “Badhaai Do’s content is very strong. Positive reviews are helping the film and we are expecting the second weekend of the film to be better than the first. During the first week of its release, most people didn’t even know that cinemas had reopened or that there were new releases. The film is gaining momentum in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where the night curfew has been lifted. And now that people are getting to know that cinemas are open, footfalls are increasing.”
Agrees Rajender Singh Jyala, chief programming officer at Inox Leisure, “On the first day, many people were not aware whether the film would release in cinemas or OTT. Still, the film is holding up well and doing good in the north and Maharashtra. Delhi and Haryana still don’t have night shows, which has definitely impacted collections, but otherwise it’s a good turnout.”
‘THROUGH BADHAAI DO,THE MAKERS OF THE MOVIE HAVE PAID A TRIBUTE TO THE SHEER RESILIENCE OF CINEMAS THAT HAVE SAILED THROUGH THREE COVID WAVES’
Gautam Dutta, CEO, PVR Limited, says, “Badhaai Do is the first Bollywood blockbuster after the third wave of the pandemic, and has been well appreciated by our patrons. The timing of the release — right during Valentine’s Week — has been appropriate. Belonging to the hugely successful ‘comedy’ genre of movies, it has appealed to audiences while at the same time addressing an extremely relevant social angle of inclusivity portrayed by an excellent star cast. Through Badhaai Do, the makers of the movie have paid a tribute to the sheer resilience of cinemas that have sailed through three COVID waves.”
With its strong performance at the BO, Badhaai Do has shown the way to upcoming releases by proving people are ready to return to cinemas.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 713
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BADHAAI DO UNDERPERFORMS BUT THE WEEKEND JUMP GIVES HOPE
Earlier, the niche and multiplex films followed a clear trend, especially if these films had positive reports. The opening would be low. But once word of mouth would spread, the collections would see a jump from Saturday, or even from Friday evening or night. This trend was missing for these unconventional films post the second wave. It was a cause of worry as several such films are made and released throughout the year. Hence, if these films are not getting support from the audience, then it leads to fears that many such films would be released directly online.
Badhaai Do, however, has proved to be an exception. It deals with a taboo subject, of a marriage between a gay and a lesbian. The buzz was limited and even the subject was niche. Hence, as expected, the opening was just Rs. 1.50 crore. However, it showed a big jump on Saturday, as it earned Rs. 2.50 crore. The jump on day 3 was also healthy – Rs. 3.35 crore. After looking at the day 1 collections, many feared that it won't be able to cross the Rs. 10 crore mark. The day 2 and 3 collections have now given hope that it can do double of what was originally predicted, that is, around Rs. 20 crore. This was more so after it held strong on Valentine’s Day (Monday, February 14) and collected Rs. 1.85 crore.
It's not like suddenly, the audiences decided to give these films a chance. The multiplex films which released post the second wave were probably not upto the mark. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, for instance, was a fine effort but the second half was weak and the dialogues were poor. Even pre-pandemic, this film would have struggled to find an audience. Badhaai Do, meanwhile, has been liked a bit more as the writing is simple to understand and comprehend. And the last 30 minutes take the film to another level.
Badhaai Do trending well also ends the debate that audiences would now come to watch only the biggies in cinemas while smaller films would be seen only on digital. With the third wave waning, many states have eased up restrictions and have gone back to pre-pandemic measures, except for the mask mandates. Even the box office seems to be heading the same way. If there’s no fourth wave and cases further reduce, 100% occupancy will be allowed everywhere by March or at least, April. And then there would be no stopping the collections. It’s just a matter of time.
I was told Rajkummar Rao and I are so good in Badhaai Do that we should do another romantic film together-Gulshan Devaiah
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Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; February 17, 2022)
Gulshan Devaiah — the surprise package of Badhaai Do — says he has received a phenomenal response to his character ever since the film released in theatres on February 11.
The actor, who plays Guru Narayan, a lawyer and Rajkummar Rao’s love interest in the film, adds, “The kind of love and appreciation that the film — and the character I play in it — have been receiving is wonderful. ”
He says that his part in the film was deliberately kept a secret. “Even my friends were surprised when they saw the film and me in it! No one had an idea that I was doing this film, while I also kept it under wraps, and I think that is working in our favour. A lot of people are pleasantly surprised that I suddenly appear in the story. They had some great things to say like ‘we wish there was more of you in the film’.”
In a chat with us, Gulshan talks about his chemistry with Rajkummar, working with director Harshavardhan Kulkarni again after Hunterrr (2015) and playing a character that leaves an impact on the audience despite his brief screen presence.
‘I THINK EVERYONE IS LOVING GURU BECAUSE HE IS HAPPY BEING WHO HE IS’
When Gulshan read about Guru Narayan in the script, he says what struck him was how comfortable the character was with himself. “He doesn’t have issues accepting who he is. He is a person who is happy with himself. Most of the time, we have issues because we don’t accept many things about ourselves and that makes us insecure, Guru doesn’t have any of those insecurities. Guru is secure, happy and content. He doesn’t feel that he needs to hide from society for who he is,” says Gulshan.
Gulshan adds that Guru’s character might appear for a brief period of time, but he’s a significant part of the film. “He is important to the plot of the film because it does affect Shardul (Rajkummar’s character in the movie) and changes him,” he says, adding, “The audience’s response to the character, and the chemistry between him and Raj’s character, is amazing. They are accepting the fact that there is wonderful chemistry between two men. Love is love and people are enjoying the performance for what it is without getting too judgmental about it — even if they can’t relate to it. For example, I am a straight man, but when I see a beautiful moment created between a same-sex couple, I enjoy that moment for its beauty. I am hoping that we have managed to create that kind of a beautiful relationship on screen and that’s why people are enjoying it so much. It is effective as it is able to make people forget the sexual orientation of the two people and find beauty in the relationship that they share.”
‘I WAS TOLD THAT RAJKUMMAR AND I ARE SO GOOD IN BADHAAI DO THAT WE SHOULD DO ANOTHER ROMANTIC FILM TOGETHER’
One of the best compliments that Gulshan’s received so far about his chemistry with Rajkummar in the film is that “you two are so good that you should do a romantic film together.”
The actor says that their chemistry was effortless. He explains, “When you work with good actors who are extremely professional and secure then you don’t have to try to create anything, the chemistry just shows on screen. Raj is a fine actor, trained and extremely professional, he is very secure in the place where he is, so we could create something together and it was fun. I love Raj as an actor and he is also a person who is leading by example. He is a trendsetter and source of inspiration for many, including me, so working with him was very delightful.”
Gulshan says that he got to shoot for just about two-three days with the cast and had the best experience. “I have known Sheeba Chadha (who plays Rajkummar’s mother in the film) for over 10 years, but this is the first time I worked with her. I just shot one scene with her, but I enjoyed it. I like Bhumi, I find her very cool. For me, the most fun part was shooting the pride parade scene where Bhumi and I are on a truck and I got to play some music of my choice to make Bhumi dance,” shares Gulshan.
‘I JUST TRIED TO BE AS TRUTHFUL AS POSSIBLE TO THE SCRIPT AND HARSHAVARDHAN’S VISION OF THE CHARACTER’
After Hunterrr, this is the second time Gulshan worked with director Harshavardhan Kulkarni and he says that the creative process of working on the character is slightly easier when you understand the director’s vision. “Harsh and I had made one whole film together, so I understand his sensibilities, how he directs and what he expects. The point was to stay true to the writing of the film. Even if I was making a special appearance, my job was to give my best. So I just tried to be as truthful as possible to the script and Harshavardhan’s vision,” says Gulshan.
Junglee Pictures’ Badhaai Do is directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni, and written by Akshat Ghildial and Suman Adhikary. The film is now playing in theatres.
Chum Darang was the unanimous choice for Rimjhim's role in Badhaai Do-Ashish Khare
8:25 AM
Happy that they got “more yeses than noes” from actors for queer love story, Badhaai Do’s casting directors discuss how they roped in Chum Darang opposite Bhumi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 16, 2022)
Even as Hindi cinema is becoming braver, casting the romantic interests of leads in queer love stories continues to be a challenge. So, after watching Badhaai Do, one is compelled to seek out the casting directors who found the perfect on-screen partners for Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar. Shiv Chauhan and Ashish Khare admit it wasn’t easy.
“It can be a challenge as it’s an image-conscious industry. But times are changing; actors now are more open to experimenting. They want to play well-written characters that give them a chance to stand out. Badhaai Do provided this opportunity. There were more yeses than noes,” recounts Chauhan.
In a welcome move, director Harshavardhan Kulkarni and the casting directors roped in north-eastern actor Chum Darang opposite Pednekar, thus taking the theme of inclusivity a step further.
Khare says, “On paper, Rimjhim was a character from the north-east. Our director’s brief for Rimjhim was simple — great actor, sparkling eyes, and a beautiful smile. We tested 200 to 250 actors across 20 cities in India, and Nepal, over eight months. Chum first auditioned in March [2020]. About 20 to 25 actors were shortlisted for the second round, then five for the final round. Chum was the unanimous choice. We have seen some plays in Delhi performed by visiting north-eastern groups. So, we were aware of the talent and untapped potential from the north-east. We had to go for it.”
Since the movie’s release, netizens have praised Rao and Gulshan Devaiah’s chemistry. It was Kulkarni’s brainwave to bring his Hunterrr (2015) actor on board. Khare says, “The factor we kept in mind was Raj and Gulshan’s age compatibility. Actors of his and Raj’s calibre can weave magic out of the written word.”
I ensured Shardul is not a caricature. He is a strong, macho guy, who is gay-Rajkummar Rao
8:33 AM
The actor says that Junglee Pictures’ Badhaai Do– which is now in theatres – is one of the best films of his career and hopes that it brings some change
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 15, 2022)
What drew you to Badhaai Do?
Harsh (Harshavardhan Kulkarni, the director) and I are from the same film institute (FTII, Pune). I knew him as he was my senior there. I loved the story of Badhaai Do, the moment he narrated it to me. It’s brilliant. It’s one of the finest scripts that I have read. I can say that this is one of the best films of my career. Be it Bhumi Pednekar and I doing our readings together or everyone on set, we all were in sync. It was so much fun making this film. We had the time of our lives. People may say it’s just one film but Harsh, Bhumi and I; we are going to be friends for life.
Apart from telling a great story, what is it that you hope the film will achieve?
The film tells an important story in a fun, interesting way. It matters how a story is told. The humour’s clever. Along with being entertaining, the latter half of the movie is extremely moving. I can vouch for the fact that people will remember this film for a long time. Though we have come a long way, there’s still a lot of stigma and prejudice against gay people. We are hopeful that this film will bring about some change. I am not saying things will change overnight but if even some people think differently because of our film, it’s great.
As a straight man playing a gay character, how did you approach the role of Shardul?
As an actor I want to do everything. That’s my job. I am devoted to my characters. I don’t want to restrict myself. I have so many friends who are gay so I had had reference points. I tried to understand what they expect from society and their experience of coming out or being closeted. Also as an actor, you borrow a lot from your own perspective on things and people. I ensured my character Shardul is not caricaturish. He is a strong, macho guy, who is gay. There are so many gay men out there who are like Shardul.
There’s more to Shardul than his sexual orientation, isn’t there?
What happens to Shardul happens to so many of us. We want to become something but due to family and societal pressure, we don’t end up doing that and we are not happy. Shardul dreams of becoming Mr India and works towards it but due to family circumstances, ends up taking a government job. He does it with sincerity but deep down he has that regret of not being able to pursue his dreams.
What makes the movie a family entertainer, according to you?
It embodies the spirit of a typical middle class Indian family. One from Shardul’s side, the other, Sumi’s. I didn’t face this but most Indian families start putting pressure on their kids to ‘settle down’ once they cross 30. Sumi and Shardul are stuck in the same situation and that’s what makes it interesting. Both are raised a certain way. Shardul comes from a joint family. He is pampered and protected because he is the only son in the family. Both are conditioned to follow the middle class values and situational humour stems from that.
What’s your take on the film’s portrayal of a middle class family?
We have tried to be as realistic as possible. Be it mannerisms or values. Most of the dialogues are taken from real life. Akshat Ghildiyal our writer, has borrowed lines that he overheard in his own family. Raised in a joint family, I have seen this world closely but no one pressurised me to get married. My chachiji and buajis were different in that sense but this was definitely relatable.
What was it like to work with Bhumi?
Bhumi is a rockstar. I admire her for the way she is. Other than being a phenomenal actor, she is kind and supportive. We just finished shooting another film together (Anubhav Sinha’s Bheed) and working with her is like getting to spend time with a close friend. Our bond is only getting stronger with every film. She is someone who I can talk to about anything, not just work related. We do shit talk and that’s the best form of friendship. You don’t need a topic to talk about. We are constantly laughing when together. The same rapport you will see in the film, where we are more like friends so that helped. The readings and rehearsals also broke the ice. I figured she is so chilled out that shooting with her would be a breeze.
What is the chemistry between your characters?
It starts with an arrangement. Then they become roommates and eventually become good friends. They come from a similar background so they understand each other better. They also share the same problem (living closeted lives). They are always there for each other. What they have for each other is love, just not the romantic kind. If you are sad when someone is hurting, that is love and Shardul and Sumi share that equation. Sumi is worried for Shardul because he has always been in his shell.
This new wave of commercial Hindi cinema is courageous enough to tell stories that are deeply personal yet universal, isn’t it?
I think the credit goes to the makers for being so brave. It is they who are backing these stories. This change was needed. Cinema is a powerful art form. We cannot keep telling the same stories year after year. We need to push the boundaries. Also these stories aren’t preachy. They are humourous and entertaining. Stories that weren’t told earlier or even discussed publicly are coming to the forefront now. This was needed. Our film will inspire individuals who are afraid to come out and families, who aren’t ready to accept them. Our film talks about acceptance – of self and others. Someone’s sexual orientation doesn’t define them. There’s more to an individual than that. While people have become more understanding now, we have a long way to go. Our film tries to push the envelope.
OTT vs cinemas, is the new raging debate. What’s your take on it?
As an actor I want people to watch my films, be it on OTT or at theatres. The power of OTT is only rising with every passing day. A theatrical experience however, cannot be replaced or recreated. I am so glad that Badhaai Do, a film that I am so proud of, is in theatres. With COVID cases going down, people are also waiting to watch a good movie in theatres. It’s our job to serve you good content and Badhaai Do is just the right film for it.
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