Showing posts with label Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Show all posts
Top 10 overseas grossers - Dhurandhar The Revenge sits between Pathaan, Jawan
9:13 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE has emerged the second highest grossing Hindi film ever after PATHAAN as it collects $47 million plus and this includes Nepal as the general figures from the overseas distributors will not include this. The collections without Nepal are $46.375 million till date. The film has finished a little short of PATHAAN but with a Gulf release, it would have been way ahead. In terms of INR, it is the highest ever due to the ever weakening Rupee. It has a gross of 438 crore compared to the 396 crore of PATHAAN.
It would have become the first film to cross $50 million and maybe even $60 million. Its hard to judge how much Gulf would have done. JAWAN is best with $17.70 million and if we take that figure, it would be $65 million for DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE but its an unknown how much it would have done in Gulf. You can probably say $10 million was certain and $20 million was potential as the Muslim crowd may have been compensated by the South Indian crowd like its happened in UK but this is an unknown and will remain that way.
JAWAN would be in second place if we count the collections from the regional versions but that's going away from the Hindi film and in that way there are many films which got a Far East release which are ahead with Dangal on top at $233.80 million. The Far East countries may well be showing a Hindi subtitled or dubbed version but generally its not the same as the original Hindi film. In this way DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE is the eighth highest grossing film overseas.
The business of DHURANDHAR THE REVENGE easily puts that $50 million target up for grabs for the original film and there are a couple of big films later on this year which can target that figure.
The top ten grossers Overseas for original Hindi films are as follows.
1. Pathaan -$48,500,000
2. Dhurandhar The Revenge - $47,100,000
3. Jawan - $46,800,000
4. Dhrandhar - $32,00,0000
5. Dangal -$30,700,000
6. Padmaavat - $29,140,000
7. Bajrangi Bhaijaan - $28,640,000
8. Dhoom 3 - $28,330,000
9. Animal - $27,210,000
10. Dilwale - $26,580,000
Salman Khan told me, ‘If an actor is sick, it should not come on their face’. I’ll always remember that-Harshaali Malhotra
2:31 PM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 17, 2025)
Harshaali Malhotra was all of five when she shot Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). Her cherubic face and screen presence alongside Salman Khan helped her gain stardom overnight.
As the film clocks 10 years today, the 17-year-old tells us with a smile, “No matter how many movies I do, people will always call me and remember me as Munni. And I’m happy with that.”
As the actor prepares for her Telugu debut, her first shot for Bajrangi is still fresh in her memory: “It’s when Munni is stranded in Old Delhi and meets Salman sir’s character for the first time... I was a little nervous, but Kabir (Khan, director) sir and Salman sir made me feel so comfortable.”
She recalls how the sets became an acting school for her: “I’d keep asking Kabir sir how to act or what to do. And he’d explain everything to me... One day, I even fell sick while shooting, and Salman sir told me, ‘If an actor is sick, it should not come on their face’. I’ll always remember that.”
Fans still come up to her and gush about the emotional high of the film’s climax. “At times, I wonder how I did those scenes as a kid. But now, acting as a grown-up, I am confident that I can do it again!” she signs off.
Kabir Khan on Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2
Director Kabir Khan was recently asked about a sequel and he admitted to having “spoken about it”. “In today’s day and age, when all franchises are doing well, we are being careful about Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. Salman and I are in complete agreement that we need to come across a story that’s as exciting as Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” he told Pinkvilla.
Ask Harshaali about it and she says, “If they call me, I’d definitely go for it!”
The love Bajrangi Bhaijaan gets even today proves that humanity exists-Kabir Khan
11:02 AM
Natasha Coutinho (BOMBAY TIMES; July 19, 2025)
Kabir Khan’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which featured Salman Khan in one of his most endearing roles, recently clocked 10 years. It tells the story of a kind-hearted man who embarks on a journey to reunite a mute Pakistani girl with her family across the border. The film struck an emotional chord with audiences worldwide, with people often asking the director about a sequel to the film.
‘Discussions about Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2 keep happening’
Kabir is often asked about a possible sequel to the movie. He says, “At a time when people are objecting to anything and everything, the kind of love the film gets even today, proves that deep down humanity exists. We got the timing of the film right, which is why it resonated with people. Of course, Salman and I have discussed Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2, but we don’t want to make a sequel just for the sake of it; when it happens, it will be done well.”
‘2000 girls were auditioned for the role of Munni’
Recalling the casting process for Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Kabir tells us, “I knew if we didn’t find the right Munni, the film wouldn’t stand, so 2000 girls were auditioned, of which 10 were finalized. Shooting with children isn’t easy, so we had a 10-day workshop. She also had to have the stamina to shoot a six-month-long film in places like Kashmir and Rajasthan. That’s how we finalized Harshaali Malhotra, who met all requirements.”
‘I was apprehensive about approaching Kareena because of the length of her role’
Speaking of how Salman and Kareena Kapoor Khan came on board, he shares, “Salman and I had just delivered a big action film, Ek Tha Tiger, and conventional wisdom says one must repeat what is successful. But for me, Bajrangi was always Salman, and when I narrated the script, he felt strongly about the political angle and jumped on it. His love for children came across in the film, and it became his first production. I was apprehensive about approaching Kareena because the length of her role was less. Her character was the voice of reason, and I asked her to hear the entire script. By the end of the narration, she had tears in her eyes.”
‘Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Chand Nawab was inspired by a Pakistani journalist’
Kabir says that Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character Chand Nawab was directly inspired by Pakistani journalist Chand Nawab. The real Chand Nawab became famous after a video of him went viral in 2008, where he was seen struggling to deliver a news report at a crowded railway station in Karachi.
Kabir says, “I had worked with Nawaz in New York and couldn’t find an appropriate role for him in Ek Tha Tiger. So, when we were casting for Chand Nawab, I just showed him the viral video and he fell off his chair laughing, saying he would do the film.”
‘The police had to take Salman out of Chandni Chowk’
The film’s locations in Kashmir and Rajasthan are now famous as ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan points’. The director recalls, “I love shooting in real locations. I tried shooting with Salman in Chandni Chowk, but a senior police officer told me that 20,000 people had gathered there. A decoy car with police had to take Salman out of Chandni Chowk. Reaching Munni’s village, which was in Aru, involved an hour’s trek for the cast and crew every day with all our camera equipment. Today, all those locations are known as Bajrangi Bhaijaan points. We would organize Kashmiri food feasts every 10-12 days and take days off so the team could travel and explore Kashmir. Even today, I regularly travel to Kashmir.”
‘Munni’s only dialogue in the film wasn’t clear’
Recalling some challenging moments Kabir adds, “We had to scout for a dargah to shoot ‘Bhar Do Jholi’ an important qawwali in the film. Getting Adnan Sami on board was Salman’s idea and in the end everything worked out well. Later, after we shot the climax with Harshaali and were working on the sound mixing, which had to be delivered the next morning, suddenly we realized the words ‘mama’ -Munni’s only dialogue in the film wasn’t clear. We called two security guards to test it and they couldn’t understand what Harshaali was saying. My daughter Sairah was around the same age, so I woke her up from her sleep, took her to the studio and got her to record Munnai crying out ‘mama’ that’s how the film got delivered in time."
Unlike Bollywood, South films cast ‘actors’ in Rs. 200 cr movies-Nawazuddin Siddiqui
11:14 AM
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 10, 2025)
Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui has blamed Bollywood’s star culture for audiences’ declining interest in watching films in theatres. “There are two kinds of actors — industry actors and public actors. Industry actors ko public itna nahin chahti, but unki films aapke ghar ke darwaaze mein lagi hoti hai. Aapko majboori mein dekhna padta hai,” says Nawazuddin, whose film Costao premiered on OTT recently.
He adds, “People want to see public actors on screen. Be it Om (Puri) sahab, Irrfan bhai, Manoj Bajpayee ya Naseeruddin Shah, inko duniya dekhna chahti hain, par inki films itne bade scale mein release nahin hoti.”
The 50-year-old also points out the difference between Bollywood and the South film industries: “In the South industry, the films that make Rs. 500 crore or Rs. 1,000 crore at the box office features actors. In Bollywood, jinko lekar Rs. 100 crore, Rs. 200 crore ki movies banayi jaati hain, woh South ke talent se kahin match hi nahin karti. Unko mor (peacock) ki tarah sajaaya jaata hai gaanon, choreography aur action ke saath, uske baad bhi [hit ki] guarantee nahin hain.”
On being part of Gangs Of Wasseypur 3: “Film banegi hi nahin. Woh director (Anurag Kashyap) hi nahin chahta. The good thing about him is that he’s not stuck in nostalgia.”
Has he been approached for Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2? “I don’t have any information on a sequel being made. It depends on them (the makers). I cannot be ‘Main first mein tha toh mujhe bhi lo’. It doesn’t work like that. Agar unki zaroorat hogi, toh hum haazir ho jayenge.”
When asked if his 14-year-old daughter Shora Siddiqui wants to enter the film industry, Nawazuddin says, “Abhi toh nahin, she is completing her studies now. But she is interested in acting.” So, how does he plan to support her? “Usko training aur workshop karwaunga,” he shares.
Sikandar is the tenth highest first weekend ever for Salman Khan
8:51 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
SIKANDAR was the tenth highest first weekend for Salman Khan at 70 crore nett plus when the target was to get to 100 crore nett over three days. The 100 crore target is also because the music or trailers did not generate much heat because if they did then there is no target as the sky is the limit.
The last release for Salman Khan had collected 138 crore nett on a similar weekend with a Sunday start and at that time this number was also looked at as if it was on the lower side which was not the case. The numbers were double of SIKANDAR; its another story that TIGER 3 was not appreciated but the initial was very good.
SIKANDAR has similar numbers to DABANGG 3 which was released in 2019 just before the pandemic and its numbers are actually not much higher than KISI KA BHAI KISI KI JAAN which did 58 crore nett. TIGER 3 was double its weekend numbers in terms of its lifetime business and that will be the case for SIKANDAR as well.
The top ten opening weekends for Salman Khan are as follows.
1. Tiger 3 - 1,38,56,00,000
2. Tiger Zinda Hai - 1,14,91,00,000
3. Sultan - 1,05,55,00,000
4. Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 1,01,42,00,000
5. Race 3 - 1,00,64,00,000
6. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - 97,63,00,000
7. Bharat - 90,47,00,000
8. Kick - 80,43,00,000
9. Dabangg 3 - 72,46,00,000
10. Sikandar - 70,50,00,000 apprx
11. Tubelight - 61,53,00,000
12. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan - 58,56,00,000
13. Dabangg 2 - 48,43,00,000
14. Jai Ho - 58,17,00,000
15. Ek Tha Tiger - 56,11,00,000
I have noticed a kind of freshness in my voice while recording during Ramzan-Javed Ali
3:06 PM
The singer reflects on what the holy month means to him and how it helps his performance as an artiste
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 12, 2025)
Singer Javed Ali, who is best known for his soulful songs, feels the holy month of Ramzan brings out the “best in me”.
“I tell people that you should record me more during Ramzan,” the 42-year-old muses. Ask him why, and he explains, “The texture of the voice changes after one consumes food. So, when we fast during Ramzan, there is a very different roohani (soulful) connection. Kaam aur zyada accha hota hai. I have noticed a kind of freshness in my voice while recording during Ramzan.”
He says it is no coincidence that some of his hits were recorded while he was observing roza: “I recorded the title song of Ishaqzaade (2012), Tu Jo Mila (Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 2015) and Kuch Nahi (Tubelight, 2017) while observing roza. Aur dekho, unn gaano ka kitna asar hai!”
A religious person at heart, Javed tries to observe roza at any cost, even while he is travelling. Though he admits that he faces some challenges while doing so, he takes it all in his stride: “After iftar, when you consume food, your stamina drops. But you have to manage.”
Dwelling on what the holy month means to him, Javed reflects, “It’s tough to define Ramzan ka mauhal aur khushi in words. Many feel we are hungry throughout the day, but it’s nothing like that at all! In fact, we gain more power and control. I feel all rozedars enjoy fasting and doing iftar with family and friends at the dastarkhān with amazing food.”
I was out of work despite winning awards-Meher Vij
8:27 AM
Manas Mishra and Amina Ashraf (BOMBAY TIMES; January 5, 2025)
Meher Vij, known for her roles in films like Secret Superstar, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Ardaas, visited Lucknow sometime back. While talking to us, the actress shared about her experiences in the city, reflected on her journey in the film industry, discussed the dynamics of her relationship with her husband Manav Vij being in the same industry, and more.
Talking about her visit to the city she shared, “It’s amazing! It’s a city of royalty, the city of Nawabs. People here are very warm, kind, and humble. The food is outstanding. The buildings and architecture are beautifully designed; there’s a unique vibe here. And there’s a special kind of peace in Lucknow. It’s refreshing to disconnect from Mumbai for a while.”
The journey in the film industry hasn’t been that difficult for Meher, she feels. “Actually, for me, it wasn’t too difficult. When I auditioned for Bajrangi Bhaijaan, they called me back the next day, and I was finalized right away. But I know that many TV actors don’t get the same opportunities in films. Maybe I was lucky. It’s a preconceived notion that TV actors are overexposed – they’ve been seen so much on television that filmmakers wonder how they can ‘launch’ them in films. I think that level of exposure might make it hard for them to fit in films.”
Having an actor husband, Manav Vij, comes with a lot of benefits for Meher. “We talk about our characters and discuss our scripts. There’s a friendship between us, a camaraderie, and we have no hesitation in telling each other the truth. If I think he went overboard in a scene, I’ll tell him, and he does the same for me. There’s no veil of formality between us, and I think this clear communication helps us grow. We want the best for each other, so there’s honesty in our feedback. He’s my best critic,” she said.
OTT has changed the scene for actresses opines Meher. “It is OTT where actresses can play strong, confident characters. But in mainstream cinema, there’s still a typical image of heroines – glamour, specific kinds of clothes, body expectations. Mainstream cinema still portrays women in the old, hackneyed way. It’s still there, but there’s also a parallel track where strong female characters are gaining ground. It will take time, but I think we’re slowly moving forward,” she said.
--------------------------------------
‘It’s challenging for outsiders in the film industry’
Meher said, “It’s challenging for outsiders to get work in the film industry, but the better you perform, the more you stand out. Even though I won several awards for Secret Superstar, I was still out of work for a long time. Somehow, I managed, but it can be tough. I wait for work that I truly believe in because I don’t want to regret doing something I don’t connect with.”
It feels like just yesterday that I sang Bhar Do Jholi for Bajrangi Bhaijaan-Adnan Sami
8:32 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 15, 2024)
After a nine-year hiatus, Adnan Sami is set to return to playback singing with not one but two Hindi films: Kasoor and Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. Speaking about his comeback, Sami shares, “It wasn’t a deliberate decision but something that unfolded naturally. I needed time to rejuvenate and absorb new influences. Time flies, and while it feels like just yesterday that I sang Bhar Do Jholi for Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), looking back, it’s clear that it’s been a while. I’m thrilled about this new music.”
Sami reflects on the pandemic years, dismissing them but noting he’s now “in work mode”, diving into recording sessions and touring globally. Despite a bustling schedule, he’s excited to return to the studio, working on both film and independent music projects.
“I’ve been in the industry for 35 years, and my work spans classical, indie pop, instrumental and film music. While I haven’t released a massive number of songs, my approach is driven by passion rather than commercial pressure,” he shares, adding, “Music is my calling, not just a business.”
He elaborates, “Taking breaks is essential for creativity. Musicians abroad often step away for years before releasing new work, which helps them avoid stagnation and stay fresh. A break allows fans to miss you, which is better than being overexposed.”
Worldwide gross: The Chinese and Russian factor
8:42 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
PATHAAN emerged the highest grossing Hindi film in original format last week but there was a little debate within the industry as DANGAL had grossed more if you include the Far East and BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN is also ahead that way. But these numbers are all formats and basically when you do this, it just changes the history of Hindi cinema the way everyone knows it.
The overseas markets had this Russian factor for around forty years and the last decade saw the Chinese factor and both are very similar in almost everything. The difference being that Russia had far more Hindi films released though business could be extreme from crazy levels to practically nothing. Both markets generally have Hindi films on an outright basis as makers see it as extra money and give the film and then the distributor be it Russian or Chinese releases the film on his account. The cost gets higher if the film breaks out but so do the profits.
In Russia, the films was dubbed or subtitled and even cut to suit the needs of the market and it was a different case for different areas. If the film was dubbed, the songs were still left in original Hindi language and this was for all films though a song here there would be cut. It has been the same case in China though here reports are that songs are edited/cut especially if they don't take story forward.
The Russian story was a few prints released which meant very limited revenue but a film could break out into hundreds of prints with huge grosses (though not as high as these $50m, $75m, $100m numbers that go around). Its the same with China, there may be less releases but its about a break out. A difference with Russia is that in Russia, most major Hindi films managed a release
China, meanwhile, is still picky and distributors only pick films which they feel have a chance. PATHAAN will not be one them as it shows the INDIAN as a HERO and the Chinese will not take to that. The Russians were kinder that way as SEETA AUR GEETA, JUGNU, BAROOD and DISCO DANCER were huge but many historic blockbuster films like MOTHER INDIA, MUGHAL-E-AZAM, GANGA JUMNA, MERA GAON MERA DESH, MUQADDAR KA SIKANDAR and KRANTI were debacles there. Even the biggest of them all, SHOLAY, had only decent footfalls in Russia.
Simply put, PATHAAN has moved the benchmarks in Overseas to a different level but if you go by the Far East story then it has not as other films have already grossed more with their various formats. Just like HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN and DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE opened up the overseas market in the 90's but if you go by the Russian factor then then many movies had already done higher business decades back.
The films that were released in Russia and then lately Far East are not the same films which were released in India that is why PATHAAN is the biggest Hindi worldwide grosser in its original format. Then taking all formats it can be said that DANGAL is bigger than PATHAAN worldwide, SECRET SUPERSTAR is bigger than SANJU, DISCO DANCER is bigger than KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM and MAMTA is bigger than MUGHAL-E-AZAM.
The original format of the film is most important and you cant mix up with other versions and then compare. Its like having a bag of Apples on one side and a bag of Apples and Oranges on the other but saying its the same thing. There will be people out there who do but then there are a lot of people who are a bit empty upstairs also.
When BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION released and it was put above DANGAL on the site it was asked why it went above DANGAL as Hollywood does not do this but that is because there eventually for the top films, its a level playing field as most will will go to all the major markets. On a lighter note they also know that a edited/subtitled /dubbed LOLITA (1997) is not going to topple their greats be it GONE WITH THE WIND, TITANIC, AVATAR or ET. This is not to say the historic Hindi grossers in Russia and China are LOLITA's (This film is one of the biggest box office disasters in Hollywood if not the biggest).
Now, ENGLISH VINGLISH will release in China and it will do some business as otherwise the local distributor would not have taken it. But if it somehow, it goes on to do $100 million or more, it will NOT become bigger than PATHAAN as in original format you just cant compare the films.
Pathaan is a sensation in Overseas; breaks the record of, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Padmaavat
8:50 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The PATHAAN juggernaut continues in overseas markets as collections go over $36.50 milion and it will be comfortably over $40 million before its second week comes to an end. The film is now the highest grossing Hindi film in practically every market. Also outside USA, it is the highest grossing film from INDIA in all main markets.
Like India, the film crossed the business in DANGAL on Saturday to become the top Hindi film with collections around $13.50 million. The top film from India in USA/Canada is BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION but that film was released in many formats and did $20 million. This target is a tough one for PATHAAN but its not completely out of the question that it will not reach $20 million.
In United Kingdom, it became the first film to hit the £3 million mark on Saturday. The first million came in 1994 with HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN and then £2 million was hit with KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM in early 2002. And now 21 years later, the £3 million mark has been crossed. PATHAAN can go further and maybe even hit £4 million.
Gulf is simply a sensation as the film has a cumulative total of $11 million by its second Saturday and there is plenty more to come. Its the first film to break the $10 million mark in Gulf and has comfortably gone over the Eid 2016 BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN record.
In Australia, the film has cruised past the PADMAAVAT record of $3.1 million and has also smashed the South films like BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION and RRR which were released on many formats and grossed around A$3.6m. PATHAAN's total is A$3.9 million and here it will be the first film to cross to $4 million which should be there post its second weekend.
Top ten first weeks of all time - Pathaan sets a new benchmark by a huge margin
8:35 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
PATHAAN crossed the 300 crore nett mark in week one as it collected 315 crore nett and just smashed records of all films released. The main one is KGF - CHAPTER 2 which is a recent release while others are generally old releases.
The final circuit numbers are yet to come but it looks like PATHAAN has beaten KGF - CHAPTER 2 (Hindi) in most of the circuits and that is more important than the all India number as KGF had a limited release down South due to its original format and dubbed into other languages being the main format of the film there.
PATHAANhas averaged 45 crore nett a day over its first week. This was pretty much unthinkable before release even with the advances. The numbers are there going by the market and the potential is even higher but its not about the market as eventually a film has to achieve the numbers and it becomes about the content and PATHAAN obviously had that.
Hopefully, PATHAAN is the turning point for the Hindi film industry as more action commercial mass films will be made which are original and with more of a North Indian presentation rather than South Indian.
The top ten first weeks of all time are as follows.
1. Pathaan - 3,15,00,00,000
2. KGF - Chapter 2 - 2,50,51,00,000
3. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion - 2,46,47,00,000
4. Sultan - 2,08,99,00,000
5. Tiger Zinda Hai - 2,06,04,00,000
6. War - 2,03,39,00,000
7. Sanju - 2,00,16,00,000
8. Dangal - 1,92,38,00,000
9. Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 1,83,52,00,000
10. PK - 1,81,26,00,000
When Wadali Brothers said no to Veer-Zaara, Bajrangi Bhaijaan
4:29 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 5, 2023)
Despite being in the industry for several decades, Wadali Brothers, the now-discontinued musical duo, barely recorded any Hindi film songs. While many singers aspire to do playback, Lakhwinder Wadali, son of singer Puranchand Wadali, who is now a part of the music group, says his father never enjoyed recording songs for films in the studio.
“Papa ji doesn’t usually record in the studio. He is a simple man and glamour doesn’t appeal to him. While he is hesitant to record tracks, it’s very easy for him to sing live,” says Lakhwinder, who is “doing a song with (composer duo) Salim-Sulaiman” and hopes that his dad starts singing for movies too.
Wadali Brothers’ handful of film outings include songs such as Darda Marya and Waris Shah Nu from Pinjar (2003), and Rangrez from Tanu Weds Manu (2011). “The songs that they sang were all recorded live,” says Lakhwinder, adding that his father turned down many Bollywood projects.
“He was offered to sing for Veer-Zaara (2004), the part where both the lead actors (Shah Rukh Khan and Preity G Zinta) met after many years (referring to the number Tere Liye, sung by singer Roopkumar Rathod in the film). He refused that project and many others because he didn’t want to record the tracks,” says Lakhwinder.
The singer adds, “Even the song Bhar Do Jholi Meri from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) was offered to him, but he didn’t do it. The makers even waited for a few months, but he did not accept the offer.”
No one should even try to disturb the social fabric for which India is known for-Atul Srivastava
2:28 PM
Deep Saxena (LUCKNOW TIMES; March 26, 2022)
Stree and Lukka Chuppi actor Atul Srivastava is in a happy phase of his career where he is getting to play significant roles in different projects. Last seen in The Kashmir Files, the Luckowite is glad that eventually his roles are becoming bigger, giving him more screen time but at the end of the day what matters more for him is being a part of a successful project as a whole.
“I have played lead roles earlier too but if my work is unable to reach to a larger audience, it’s no point! Playing Salman’s (Khan) father in blockbuster film Bajrangi Bhaijaan gave me more recognition than playing protagonist in projects which people just didn’t watch. Film ka hit hona sabse zaroori hai, role chahe chota hi ho…bas dumdaar hone chahiye,” says Srivastava.
The versatile actor has good projects lined-up. “I am playing a primary character in the OTT series Ghar Wapsi, a family drama, in which Vibha Chibbar is playing my wife. I have completed first schedule of film Happy Teachers Day with Sanjay Mishra in Dehradun where again play a parallel lead. In Pushpendra Nath Mishra’s series Chuna too I am in a parallel role. Whereas, in Mannu Aur Munni Ki Shadi I play Shreyas Talpade’s father followed by Ittu Si Baat directed by Adnan Ali.”
Citing example of his last release, Srivastava says, “If we look at TKF who is the hero? Story, technically, revolves around Anupam Kher and all of us including Darshan (Kumaar) are characters who take the story and the issue forward. In posters we all are there as leading faces!”
He is happy that his performance got appreciated. “My role of a journalist witnesses what is happening around in the valley, he is deeply hurt that he can’t do much about it and couldn’t report them. It has many layers and emotions. It was one of the most challenging roles as it has been mentioned in Natya Shastra that ‘simplification is the toughest job’. But now, when I get god feedback from audiences and connoisseurs it makes me feel absolutely content as an artiste.”
But Srivastava is surprised with the response and business the film is doing! “I knew that film will do well but the response and frenzy around it came as a big surprise for me. I was aware about this issue but unknown about the gravity. Now, when, I met many of them personally, I was surprised with their stories. But as a true Indian, I want to say it’s only terrorism that we need to condemn and no one should even try to disturb the social fabric for which India is known for,” he concludes.
Three years ago, I shared Bajrangi Bhaijaan's sequel idea with Salman Khan-K V Vijayendra Prasad
8:32 AM
Recounting how Khan had not responded to his story pitch in 2018, Bajrangi Bhaijaan writer says sequel announcement came as a pleasant surprise
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 14, 2022)
Salman Khan took his fans by surprise during a promotional event for RRR last month, when he announced that a sequel to Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) is in the works. As it turns out, the sentiment was not restricted to the superstar’s admirers alone. The news about Pawan Putra Bhaijaan — as Khan has christened the sequel — came as a bolt from the blue for K V Vijayendra Prasad, the veteran writer who penned the much-loved 2015 hit. “Salman’s announcement came as a total surprise,” laughs Prasad, well aware of Khan’s spontaneous nature.
Happy as he is that the actor has put the sequel on the fast-track, the noted writer reveals that talks of a second instalment had, in fact, begun in late 2018. “Three years ago, I shared a sequel idea with Salman bhai. At the time, I didn’t get a yes or no from him. I didn’t know whether he had liked the story as he did not say anything, nor did he respond later. That is why I had never spoken about Pawan Putra Bhaijaan.” Though a bit late, Khan gave his nod to the project in a grand fashion — on the stage and in the presence of the RRR cast.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which also starred Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Harshaali Malhotra, was helmed by Kabir Khan. While the director is self-admittedly averse to the idea of creating sequels, the buzz is that he will resume his place behind the camera for the upcoming instalment. “I don’t know who is directing the sequel. It is up to Salman bhai and him. While it is a natural assumption on my part to think Kabir will, and I would want him to as he did a wonderful job in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, I have no role in the decision-making process,” says the writer.
mid-day has learnt that the actor intends to meet Prasad next month, to develop the script further. A trade source reveals, “After Salman’s announcement, a mutual friend called Prasad sir to inform him that the actor will be Hyderabad-bound in February to shoot a cameo and dance sequence for Chiranjeevi’s Godfather. He is likely to meet Prasad then.”
Pawan Putra Bhaijaan is what Salman Khan is calling it-Kabir Khan
8:29 AM
After Salman confirms Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2 is in the works, director Kabir Khan says team hoping to arrive at a promising story
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; January 10, 2022)
At such a time in cinema when film announcements are treated with utmost secrecy, Salman Khan took fans by surprise by confirming that a sequel to his 2015 hit, Bajrangi Bhaijaan was in the works.
“Salman doesn’t follow [protocols] of formal announcements,” laughs director Kabir Khan, adding, “he talks from his heart”. While he admits that writer K V Vijayendra Prasad, who wrote the original, is penning the second script, Kabir says they will only go ahead if a winning story arrives their way.
“Pawan Putra Bhaijaan is what Salman is calling it. It is definitely being written, He mentioned that it is happening because he is excited. I have not read the script, but Vijendra sir will [always] write something exciting. The idea of [creating] a sequel never excites me. I will never make a sequel to my film only because [the original] was successful. If [I find] a great story, I will be happy to make one.”
The opportunity to collaborate with Salman is motivation for Kabir to consider the film. “We had a lovely association. Had it not been for that collaboration with Salman, my career and position in this industry would not be what it is. But, everything does boil down to the script. We’ll see what happens.”
Actors who worked as child artistes share their experience of working with Salman Khan on his birthday
8:26 AM
Actor Salman Khan and children get along like a house on fire. On his 56th birthday today, three of the actor’s young co-stars share their experiences of working with him
HINDUSTAN TIMES (December 27, 2021)
ALI HAJI (Rohan in Partner, 2007)
I had the best experience of my life while shooting with Salman uncle for Partner. It felt more like a joyride than a shoot. He is such a positive person to be around. Every one-liner that I spoke in the film is all thanks to him. Before each take, he would tell me, ‘Yeh bolna,’ and you trust him. Months later, when people laughed at these scenes in theatres, I realised it was his touch.
Our relationship continued as he took me to his farmhouse, introduced me to his nephews and we became friends. He treated my family like he would treat his. He also gave me a ride on his bike during the film’s shoot in Mumbai, and even took me to a toy store and bought me a bike, which I also rode in the film.
HARSHAALI MALHOTRA (Munni in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 2015)
It was so much fun working with Salman uncle. During our first meeting, I remember telling him, ‘I want to be a superstar like you.’
He used to give me lots of gifts, take me to play table tennis and on ATV rides as well. Meri ek baar tabiyat kharab ho gayi thi, so he gave me a tip, ‘Ek actor ko nahin dikhana chahiye ki unki tabiyat kharab hai.’ Now that he is busy, I don’t get to talk to him much. But mum told me that Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2 might be made and I would want to be part of it with Salman uncle. Every year, without fail, I wish him on his birthday and he asks me, ‘Padhaai kaisi chal rahi hai.’
SANA SAEED (Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, 1998)
I remember having a lot of fun when I did my scenes with Salman in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai — me as little Anjali and he played Aman Mehra. He was always super kind and so playful on set. His energy was simply great. I did get a chance to briefly work with him again, on the set of Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega (2000), but I haven’t met him personally since then.
Where did the children’s songs disappear from Bollywood?
8:06 AM
On Children’s Day, industry insiders tell us that with fewer prominent kid characters in films and the focus on creating a hit song that caters to all segments, children’s songs are no longer considered essential or viable in Bollywood
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; November 14, 2021)
When curating a Children’s Day playlist, the most obvious selections are Lakdi Ki Kathi (Masoom, 1983), Nani Teri Morni Ko Mor Le Gaye (Masoom, 1960), Nanha Munna Rahi Hu (Son Of India, 1962), Hum Bhi Agar Bachche Hote (Door Ki Awaaz, 1964) and many others such classic tracks, that have remained a constant favourite with kids (and adults too!). Then came Chak Dhoom Dhoom (Dil Toh Pagal Hai, 1997), Chhota Bachcha Jaan Ke Hum Ko (Masoom, 1996) and Bam Bam Bole (Taare Zameen Par, 2007).
Once an essential part of Bollywood movies, the number children’s songs has gone down considerably in films, and the ones that are there could never match the popularity of songs like Lakdi Ki Kathi or Aao Tumhe Chand Pe Le Jaye. “There can never be a replacement for these old favourites,” says singer Udit Narayan, who has sung popular tracks like O Mere Papa The Great (Papa The Great, 2000) and Oh I Love You Daddy (Akele Hum Akele Tum, 1995), adding, “The reason is that the writing of those songs and the composition was so good that it connected with the audience of every age group, every generation. It is difficult to find those kinds of songs today.”
‘TODAY, THERE ARE FEWER MOVIES WITH PROMINENT KID CHARACTERS, THUS FEWER SONGS FOR CHILDREN’
Udit Narayan adds that when we talk about children’s songs in films, it is impossible not to talk about child artistes who would be an integral part of film plots earlier. But over time, as the role of child artistes in Bollywood stories reduced, songs specific to children were no longer needed.
Music composer and singer Salim Merchant adds, “Even the projection of kids has changed. Take the example of movies like Dangal or Bajrangi Bhaijaan, both of which features kids in prominent roles, but the storyline was communicating something that is not specific to only kids. So children’s songs today do not really fit in most of the stories that we are narrating in our films. There are fewer stories or situations which would demand such a song.”
Lyricist Raj Shekhar, who made his Bollywood debut with Tanu Weds Manu and has written children’s stories, says that in films he grew up watching, kids were an important part of stories. “What I liked was that they were treated as an important character, not a supporting element in the film, and even the songs were written keeping this in mind. If you take the example of the song Hum Laayein Hain Toofan Se Kashti Nikal Ke (Jagriti, 1954), the song is addressed to children. When that scenario changed in films over time, even writing for kids reduced, which I think is sad. We are failing in giving the present generation music that is written exclusively for them,” he says.
‘TODAY, THE FOCUS IS TO AT LEAST GET ONE COMMERCIAL HIT FROM A FILM AND A KID’S SONG CAN’T BE THE PITCH’
In times when social media hits decide the fate of songs, a lot of effort goes into making music that can be a commercial hit and also gain traction online. “In such a scenario, creating a kid’s song feels like a risk when the movie is not about them,” says singer Javed Ali, adding that out of many songs offered to him, he has barely sung two-three tracks which were for kids. “Not just me, this will be the case with all the singers, as there are hardly any songs being written for kids. These specifics that were once an important part of films — like a Holi song, Raksha Bandhan song or Diwali song — are becoming rare. Even if films have them, most of these songs just come and go.”
‘SONGS ARE CREATED OR AUDIENCE AT LARGE, NOT FOR A SEGMENT’
“Let’s not forget to talk about the changing preferences and choices of modern kids,” says Salim Merchant, adding, “I have seen kids in my own home and once they grow out of their nursery rhyme phase, what they consume are songs which are for adults. The songs that are created today in films can’t be created for any segment. To make them popular, it is important that they are created keeping in mind the larger audience, which also includes kids.”
FOREVER FAVOURITE KIDS’ SONGS FROM HINDI FILMS:
- Nani Teri Morni Ko Mor Le Gaye (Masoom, 1960)
- Lakdi Ki Kathi (Masoom, 1983)
- Nanha Munna Rahi Hu (Son Of India, 1962)
- Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1971)
- Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu (Aradhana, 1969)
- Aao Tumhe Chand Pe le Jaayein (Zakhmee, 1975)
- Hum Bhi Agar Bachche Hote (Door Ki Awaaz, 1964) \ Railgaadi (Aashirwad, 1968)
- Ichak Dana Beechak Dana (Shree 420, 1955)
- Re Mama Re Mama Re (Andaz, 1971)
- Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jao (Gharana, 1961)
- Bachche Man Ke Sacche (Do Kaliyan, 1968)
- Hum Laayein Hain Toofan Se Kashti Nikal Ke (Jagriti, 1954)
- Chanda Mama Door Ke (Vachan, 1955)
After three decades, Kashmir is set to revive cinema-hall culture and welcome its first multiplex next year
8:33 AM
After over three decades, the Valley is set to revive the cinema-hall culture and welcome its first multiplex next year
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 21, 2020)
For nearly 30 years, no cinema hall has screened a film in Kashmir. But now its capital, Srinagar, seems set for the 70mm experience again as a two-storey multiplex, the first of its kind in Kashmir, is likely to open its doors early next year. It will come up in a five-storey commercial complex in the Badami Bagh Cantonment area. That’s not all. The owner of Naaz Cinema, in Saraibal area, has reportedly got the nod to turn the single-screen theatre into a multiplex.The film fraternity is, of course, ‘enthused’ by the news. “Being a storyteller and filmmaker, it’s great to know that Kashmiris will able to enjoy films on the big screen as they love Hindi cinema a lot,” says filmmaker Kabir Khan, who shot a major portion of his film, Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) in the Valley. “In fact, when I went back to Kashmir, locals told me they loved the film which they watched on their devices. If there is a cinema hall, they can watch films there,” he says.
When militancy reared its head in Kashmir around 1989-90, many cinema halls in the state such as Firdous, Shiraz, Khayam, Naaz, Neelam, Shah, Broadway, Regal and Palladium, which mostly screened Hindi films, had to be shut. In 1999, there was an attempt to reopen Regal, Neelam and Broadway. But after a terrorist attack during the first show at Regal, it was closed. Neelam and Broadway ran for a while under strict security, but were also forced to shut down due to security concerns and few patrons.“I’ve seen how Hindi films used to be huge in Kashmir at one point. But it has been over three decades now that locals have seen a cinema hall, due to the unrest,” says filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who was born and brought up in Kashmir. “Remember, such things give hope and strength to people, besides the fact that it can be one of the most important tools to channelise their energies in a positive direction,” he says.
Even as Kashmiris turned to watching pirated content on their devices over the years, the theatres were either turned into makeshift camps for the security forces or converted into hospitals.Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, who shot his first film, Yahaan (2005) in Kashmir, too believes the situation will change once theatres reopen. “When we shooting in Kashmir, a theatre was functioning for a few days but then it also got shut. I’ve experienced local Kashmiris’ passion for Hindi films. At one point, we had even thought of doing a premiere [of Yahaan] in Kashmir but it didn’t happen,” he says.
Trade experts are guarded, though happy at the possibility of a new market opening up. “It’s too early to talk from the business point of view but at the end of the day, people want entertainment. Why should Kashmiris depend on pirated DVDs or OTT? They should also experience the magic of the big screen,” concludes trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
SHOOTING AT PICTURESQUE SITES IN THE VALLEY
Kashmir has always been a hot favourite with Hindi filmmakers, but they had to give it a miss in the early ‘90s due to political unrest and terrorism. But of late, Bollywood returned to the Valley for films such as Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Highway (2014), Fitoor (2016) and Raazi and Aiyaary (both 2018) among others. “I remember the love and warmth Kashmiris had showed us. If I need to go back and shoot there, I’d love to,” says Bajrangi Bhaijaan maker Kabir Khan.
Salman Khan had 16 films in the previous decade with only 1 film failing to cross the 1 crore footfall mark
8:44 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
DABANGG 3 just about managed to get 1 crore footfalls despite the failure of the film. This means that Salman Khan had just one miss in the gone decade where only one of his films failed to hit the 1 crore footfall mark, that is, VEER. One crore footfalls is basically a real 100 crore nett value at the box office be it 1970 or 2020. Obviously today 1 crore footfalls means much more than 100 crore nett at the box office and in a few years it will give even more as ticket rates go higher.
One crore footfalls also means reaching a sizeable audience although some films need to reach a bigger audience due to the size of the films and most Salman Khan films come into this category. The one miss was VEER (2010) which was his first release of the decade and became before DABANGG (2010) which established his image of a mass action superstar across India and then films like BODYGUARD, READY and EK THA TIGER rubber stamped this image. VEER actually scored in Rajasthan and Bihar but Salman Khan was not the same star at the time of this release as he was a year or two later.
Basically just one film under 1 crore footfalls through the whole decade means most of his films got an audience irrelevant of content. If we compare, then Aamir Khan had one film which fell under 1 crore footfalls in the 2000-2009 decade but there were just nine releases and Manoj Kumar had one miss in the 1970-1979 decade but only ten films. Limited films had a hand in not missing the 1 crore mark for Aamir Khan and Manoj Kumar.
The Salman Khan films of the last decade are also finding big audiences on television in the Coronavirus lockdown period especially the two TIGER films. As far as OTT goes its being said that these B and C grade web series which have foundations based on sex and profanities rather than story and screenplay are the rage in the lockdown period but just the price paid for Salman Khan starrers which is around 100 crore is enough to tell what has a bigger audience. TIGER ZINDA HAI, RACE 3, BHARAT and DABANGG 3 have all fetched this price or nearabouts it.
The footfalls of Salman Khan starrer in the last decade are as follows. There were sixteen releases in total.
1. Veer (2010) - 73,47,000
2. Dabangg (2010) - 2,50,86,000
3. Ready (2011) - 1,84,52,000
4. Bodyguard (2011) - 2,21,48,000
5. Ek Tha Tiger (2012) - 2,47,39,000
6. Dabangg 2 (2012) - 2,05,28,000
7. Jai Ho (2014) - 1,43,98,000
8. Kick (2015) - 2,41,92,000
9. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) - 3,54,17,000
10. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) - 2,22,76,000
11. Sultan (2016) - 3,20,85,000
12. Tubelight (2017) - 1,15,74,000
13. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) - 3,08,89,000
14. Race 3 (2018) - 1,58,19,000
15. Bharat (2019) - 1,60,68,000
16. Dabangg 3 (2019) - 1,01,63,000
Housefull 4 collects historic numbers in the second television screening as well
8:30 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
HOUSEFULL 4 is a huge BLOCKBUSTER on satellite as it sees first two screenings which are second only to BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION. That film accumulated around 4.70 crore impressions in the first two viewings while HOUSEFULL 4 has 3.50 crore. These are HISTORIC numbers and best ever for an outright Hindi film edging past BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN. It is way ahead of the other big blockbusters on television like JUDWAA 2, GOLMAAL AGAIN, TIGER ZINDA HAI, BAAGHI 2, 2.0 and TOTAL DHAMAAL. All these films have around 2.50 crore impressions barring GOLMAAL AGAIN which had 3.25 crore apprx. The film is set for a long run on satellite after its strong box office run. The second screening of the film at around 1.32 crore is not far off the first screening of many BLOCKBUSTER films. In fact the second screening would beat all the releases of last year barring TOTAL DHAMAAL, 2.0 (Hindi) and KESARI.
The film was much maligned on release by the trade and media but not only did it sustain very well at the box office, it is now getting the sort of audiences on television that very few films have in the past consolidating the audience verdict. It shows how clueless the trade and media is about what will appeal to the public and what will not and if the content is there which public will like then no amount of negativity can stop the public from consuming.
Below are the figures for first two screenings of the blockbuster films on television in the recent past. The number is the impressions which is basically the number of television sets which viewed the film.
Housefull 4
1st - 2,15,42,000
2nd - 1,32,26,000
TOTAL - 3,47,68,000
Judwaa 2
1st - 1,52,66,000
2nd - 92,78,000
TOTAL - 2,45,44,000
Golmaal Again
1st - 1,63,52,000
2nd - 1,58,71,000
TOTAL - 3,22,23,000
Tiger Zinda Hai
1st - 1,37,04,000
2nd - 1,03,96,000
TOTAL - 2,41,00,000
Baaghi 2
1st - 1,61,45,000
2nd - 90,84,000
TOTAL - 2,52,29,000
Total Dhamaal
1st - 1,67,93,000
2nd - 84,58,000
TOTAL - 2,52,51,000
2.0
1st - 1,65,13,000
2nd - 80,37,000
TOTAL - 2,45,50,000
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)