Showing posts with label Bhaiyya Ji. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bhaiyya Ji. Show all posts
Today’s actors are at an advantage. I, Irrfan, Kay Kay Menon had it tough-Manoj Bajpayee
9:19 AM
As he crosses 100-film milestone, Manoj recalls how he struggled to find meaningful movies in number-obsessed industry; says times have changed for better
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; August 1, 2024)
Such is The Family Man effect that you can’t talk about it without it bringing a smile to your face. We can almost hear the smile in Manoj Bajpayee’s voice as he speaks about shooting the third season of Raj-DK’s spy thriller. “It’s shaping up great. I don’t want to be flamboyant. All I will say is that each day’s experience is making us feel that the third season will be far bigger and better,” he says.
Bajpayee has another reason to be happy. The actor achieved the milestone of 100 films with Bhaiyya Ji. After its theatrical release in May, the action thriller premièred on ZEE5 last week. Had he hoped for a better box-office outcome? “Let’s not even go by theatre viewing nowadays. It did remarkably well in single screens, but multiplexes didn’t see [high] footfall. That is the case with most films in multiplexes.”
One’s 100th film can be a good point to pause and assess their career. As he looks back at his three-decade journey in the movies, the actor says that filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt’s recent words stayed with him. “Bhatt saab said, ‘You achieved all of this even after being so choosy. It’s a great achievement.’ I chose my films with great care. Some of them went wrong, most went right. To complete 100 films in this cut-throat industry is a miracle in itself!”
Sticking to his convictions in an industry that only chases box-office success wasn’t easy. But Bajpayee marched to his own beat, building a robust filmography that boasted Satya (1998), Shool (1999), Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012) and Aligarh (2016). Today, he stands as a success story for aspiring actors, who want to headline meaningful stories.
“Today’s actors are at an advantage. They have come at a time when things have changed. Be it me, Irrfan or Kay Kay Menon, we had it tough. We somehow navigated and found our way with stories and directors. We took a lot of beating before everything started changing. So, I envy these actors, who have come at a time when the choices are so many.”
The beating that Bajpayee took was not only professional. “I couldn’t spend time with my parents, and they passed on. You make these sacrifices when you’re chasing a dream.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: BHAIYYA JI by FENIL SETA
2:33 PM
Bhaiyya Ji has a depressing but engaging start. The film then shows its real massy side and it is quite clapworthy. It gives a John Wick déjà vu but that's fine as the treatment is different. Once the hero and villain confront each other, one expects fireworks. Sadly, the film goes downhill from here on. There are flaws in the script and moreover, the action scenes are not well stitched together. The second half is shorter and could have had an even lesser run time if some unwanted scenes were done away with. Speaking of performances, Manoj Bajpayee gets into the massy action zone for the first time and he rocks the show. Suvinder Vicky and Jatin Goswami are quite good as the antagonists. Zoya Hussain doesn't have much to do initially but in the second half, she leaves a huge mark. Vipin Sharma and Jai Hind (Pandit) raise laughs. All in all, Bhaiyya Ji had the potential but fails to impress.
My rating - ** out of 5!
My rating - ** out of 5!
Now we have stereotyped the independent woman-Zoya Hussain
10:55 AM
Asserting that the industry has to take strides to enhance the portrayal of female characters, Zoya Hussain on why it took her a while to return to screen with Manoj Bajpayee’s Bhaiyya Ji
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 23, 2024)
Four days after Zoya Hussain watched Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai did she get a call to star in Bhaiyya-Ji opposite Manoj Bajpayee. Hussain made her debut with Anurag Kashyap's Mukkabaaz and then followed it up with Laal Kaptaan opposite Saif Ali Khan.
"I was very intimidated when they called for this film. I wasn't sure I could match his prowess. But when I met him, I realized he is very funny. This film is the rare time that I was on a set that was so happy. I really got a dream team to work with," she tells us.
But in the past seven years, despite a shining performance in one of Hotstar's most-loved shows Grahan, Hussain has been branded as picky. When we sit down with her, we ask why it took so long to see her in a Bollywood film again.
"It's not that I am so picky. I think because of Mukkabaaz, I got stereotyped. It was assumed I would only do these types of roles. I am not from Mumbai or industry or modelling. All my opportunities come organically. Apoorv Singh Karki and Manoj sir saw my film, thought I am good, and gave me a call. I have turned down some commercial films because in many of those offered to me, the female character is an accessory. There was literally nothing to do. I don't want to do such films because that's not a narrative I wish to contribute to. I am not saying stories have to be female-oriented. But why can't character driven good stories come to me. In this film, we haven't revealed my character yet. But when people watch, they will get to know why this movie was fulfilling for me. The film is set in a small town but this isn't an average subservient girl's part."
Hussain faults the writing of female parts in Bollywood and says the parts by and large are either sexy glam girl or helpless.
"This is a casting problem as much as writing people. When you write these characters, you look for women to fit these moulds. Writing has to be diverse. For decades we serve the male gaze where the protagonist is a man, ensemble of men and the women are thrown in as an afterthought. They are not well rounded characters. Now we have an attempt to have more female characters but now we are falling into the opposite trope and now we have stereotyped the independent woman. It doesn't mean she is smoking, drinking and rebelling. Rebels can be conservative too. Writing and casting departments have a lot of work to do."
Hussain has been through her own share of personal struggles which has hindered her from getting bigger projects greatly.
"I didn't make a big splash because all my work came out in Covid. I feel it all fell under the radar. It is taking a little longer than it takes for people who have a modelling background or industry support. They are more visible. It is tough to stay happy and motivated. In terms of casting, I faced a lot of struggles initially. A woman studio head told me in my first year - you are dusky, you are curvy, you'll be in indie type movies. It still makes me angry. Most actresses are tall and thin. In our industry - colour or size inclusion is still in its tokenist phase. That has to change. I am very rebellious about not wanting to change myself. I keep my head down and work. Now I am working alongside Manoj Bajpayee, and it is a reaffirmation that I am talented enough to work with him. Working with him helped my career, my confidence and my craft."
Manoj Bajpayee is romantic. If I ask him to get a lily, he gets a bunch-Shabana Raza Bajpayee
10:42 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; May 22, 2024)
Shabana Raza Bajpayee, professionally known as Neha, stole hearts with her innocent portrayal in films like Kareeb and Fiza. Married to Manoj Bajpayee and mother to 13-year-old Ava, Shabana is back in the movie business after a 15-year hiatus, now as a producer. She says she is open to acting parts too, provided they have some substance. Excerpts from a conversation with the couple.
After being liked in movies like Kareeb and Fiza, you disappeared from the scene completely, and now you are back after 15 years. What led to this decision?
Shabana: I was a hands-on mom until a year ago. Our daughter Ava is now in boarding school, so I have the time and mind space to consider other things. I was offered roles even when the OTT space came into focus, but I chose not to take them up. I thought that if I were to come back as an actor, it had to be something special. There was a time when Manoj wanted to do a certain kind of films and I told him why we don’t go ahead and produce those, so that we can follow our heart. Manoj was a little uncertain, but this progression was organic.
Manoj: I felt that she deserves to do good work. I firmly believed that the offers she got had to justify her presence, and it shouldn’t look like a desperate comeback. A few big directors had approached her, but the roles they offered weren’t flattering. It was as if they were doing her a favour and we weren’t okay with that.
Giving up your career in your prime must not have been an easy decision. Do you regret that?
Shabana: After my marriage, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I decided I had to have a child before she passed away. Fortunately, she lived for many years after that and got to spend time with Ava. Back then, that was my priority. Of course, I regret missing out. When Ava was three, I did have this feeling that I wanted to work and it’s normal to feel that regret of missing out. But who was going to take care of Ava? People outside the industry don’t understand that an actor is out there working for 14-15 hours a day! One of us had to stay at home. We planned the baby, but we didn’t plan what’s next. I wanted her grandparents to spend time with her without looking at her as a responsibility, so I chose to be with her.
Did I feel like I missed out on my prime as an actress? 100%. Would I have done it differently? No! I just have one child and she means the world to us.
How did the two of you meet? It seems like a match between an extrovert and an introvert.
Manoj: We met at director Hansal Mehta’s party. She was there because of the late Rajat Mukherjee, who directed me later on. I made the first move. She was always pretty. I just don’t say it too much. Most people who knew her spoke about her beauty to me without any shame that they were talking to her husband (laughs). I love the way she has raised our daughter. She is a voracious reader. We always discuss movies with each other.
Shabana: We both are introverts. I can become an extrovert selectively; Manoj finds it hard.
We tend to be in our own space. He socializes only with select people. He is not a filmy romantic, but he is romantic. If I ask him to get a lily, he gets a bunch.
Your name was changed to Neha when you entered the movies. Some still remember you by your screen name. What are your thoughts on that?
Shabana: Vidhu Vinod Chopra gave me the name Neha. The decision was purely commercial. My screen character’s name in Kareeb was Neha, hence the decision. It hypes the film to say introducing Neha as Neha. Was I okay with it? I didn’t care either way at that point. I am Shabana, but if I am walking down the street and someone calls me Neha, I will turn around.
Manoj: I never liked the idea of changing names. Even I thought of changing my name long back when I entered the movies. I was told Manoj is a common name. I wanted to change my real name to Samar, but I didn’t, so I gave it to my character in Shool.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 831
6:09 PM
WILL BHAIYYA JI AND FURIOSA BRING SOME RESPITE?
Srikanth completes two weeks today and is doing quite well at the box office. As predicted last week, it’ll cross the Rs. 40 crore mark in June, which is a huge result for this film. Meanwhile, this week’s release might also surprise as they have mass appeal.
Bhaiyya Ji stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead and it’s his 100th film. The actor is seen in an action avatar this time and it looks quite impressive. The film is directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and his last film, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, became a surprise hit on OTT last year. Hence, there’s hope that the actor-director duo will once again create magic.
Bhaiyya Ji’s teaser caught attention but the subsequent promo and trailer haven’t lived up to it. Also, some feel that it looks like a B-grade film. However, this very factor can go in its favour, especially in the mass centres. Bhaiyya Ji is expected to open around Rs. 1 crore and might go a bit higher to Rs. 1.50 crore.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, meanwhile, was released today and is a prequel to the cult action film, Mad Max: Fury Road. The earlier part has a following in India. Also, this series is known for stunning action scenes and this will pull in a section of the audience. However, the buzz is limited and also, it’s A-rated. Hence, the business will be there but not significant. It is expected to open around Rs. 1 crore and can grow in the weekend if the target audience accepts it. A Rs. 15-20 crore lifetime will be great for this film.
Srikanth completes two weeks today and is doing quite well at the box office. As predicted last week, it’ll cross the Rs. 40 crore mark in June, which is a huge result for this film. Meanwhile, this week’s release might also surprise as they have mass appeal.
Bhaiyya Ji stars Manoj Bajpayee in the lead and it’s his 100th film. The actor is seen in an action avatar this time and it looks quite impressive. The film is directed by Apoorv Singh Karki and his last film, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, became a surprise hit on OTT last year. Hence, there’s hope that the actor-director duo will once again create magic.
Bhaiyya Ji’s teaser caught attention but the subsequent promo and trailer haven’t lived up to it. Also, some feel that it looks like a B-grade film. However, this very factor can go in its favour, especially in the mass centres. Bhaiyya Ji is expected to open around Rs. 1 crore and might go a bit higher to Rs. 1.50 crore.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, meanwhile, was released today and is a prequel to the cult action film, Mad Max: Fury Road. The earlier part has a following in India. Also, this series is known for stunning action scenes and this will pull in a section of the audience. However, the buzz is limited and also, it’s A-rated. Hence, the business will be there but not significant. It is expected to open around Rs. 1 crore and can grow in the weekend if the target audience accepts it. A Rs. 15-20 crore lifetime will be great for this film.
What else do people expect from a Joram? It can’t become a blockbuster-Manoj Bajpayee
8:16 AM
Unfazed that his maiden production is releasing in a volatile market, Manoj says people want to see heartland stories like Bhaiyya Ji and not urban films
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 16, 2024)
At one point in our interview, Manoj Bajpayee abruptly pauses our chat because he remembers he had to make a call two hours ago. That is just a glimpse of how swamped he is as a first-time producer. The actor is not only leading Bhaiyya Ji, but also turning producer with it—a role that he describes as “a hell of a job!”
“As an actor, when the shoot is over, the film is over. But here, the work starts early and it ends way after the release. I’m taking baby steps, trying to get a hang of it,” he smiles, visibly happy about the next chapter in his three-decade career.
The idea is to produce all kinds of stories, some that won’t even star him. “The purpose is to find fresh voices, new directors and talent. I want to give people a chance to tell their piece. I don’t want to be genre-restricted; middle of the road, massy, indie, I want to create a home for every story. It’s important that storytellers get the space to tell their tales how they want to and be treated with respect.”
For his first step in that direction, the actor-producer has reunited with Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023) director Apoorv Singh Karki. With Bhaiyya Ji, the duo has designed a masala action fare set in Bihar. It is a monetarily turbulent time with most movies under-performing at the box office, but Bajpayee is unperturbed.
“Call it my naïveté or faith, but selling a film isn’t such a tough job as people make it out to be. Get the budget right. I’ve tried to make sure that every stakeholder feels safe and happy. The industry is in a flux. So, the solution is to plan well, stick to the budget, get a good story, make the best film you can and minimize risks, but certainly make the films,” he explains.
To him, the action fare—also starring Zoya Hussain—has the advantage of being a story rooted in Indian culture. He believes that is what the Indian audience is seeking.
“If we are to get past this phase [of uncertainty in movies], we should go back to our stories. Stories should be rooted in our world, and the hero has to represent the people of the country. I believe this is why south Indian films are working; their emotions are pure, they are rooted in our culture and people relate to the protagonist’s fight. Our [Hindi] films are set in urban areas and most of these characters are alien to the country’s masses.”
A few weeks ago, Bajpayee’s acclaimed work Joram (2023) was the subject of a social-media furore. On behalf of director Devashish Makhija and him, netizens were angry that the thriller was released on YouTube. Was it not getting OTT takers?
The actor clears the air, stating, “People took past interviews where Devashish had spoken about how hard it is to make an indie film, and posted them on social media. When the news came, the film was running on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and then Zee Music released it on YouTube. It is being watched and recovering money. What else do people expect from a Joram? It can’t become a blockbuster! People like Devashish and I make a Joram because cinema is art for us. What hurts me is that despite winning love from people, the film hasn’t been getting many mainstream awards. When it comes to giving respect, films like Joram are forgotten. It happened to me with Pinjar (2003) too. When I won the National Award for it, I felt there was some poetic justice.”
Once my film reaches the audience, I get bored of it, I lose all interest-Manoj Bajpayee
8:34 AM
Manoj says not being satisfied with his last work is the mantra behind his rich career, as he marks his 100th movie with Bhaiyya Ji
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 17, 2024)
Thirty years, three National Awards, and 100 films—it’s quite a career, put in numbers. Next month, Manoj Bajpayee will be seen in his 100th film, Bhaiyya Ji. The actor finds it hard to believe that he has reached the milestone. “Even now when you are mentioning it, it feels surreal,” he smiles. For the actor, who left his village in Bihar to pursue his celluloid dreams, it feels like a miracle.
“Coming from outside, taking such a long journey from my village to this point is miraculous. I always feel some kind of magic is happening with my life and career. Someone up there has really been taking care of me.”
Bhaiyya Ji reunites him with his Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai (2023) director Apoorv Singh Karki and writer Deepak Kingrani. For his maiden production, Bajpayee has chosen a revenge drama that aims to bring back the flavour of the ’70s Hindi action films. The intense action drama is quite a departure from his past few offerings. But then, that’s the thing about the actor—over three decades, he has carefully curated his filmography, choosing roles that further his versatility than his popularity. From Satya (1998) to Gangs Of Wasseypur (2012), from Aligarh (2016) to Joram (2023), we’ve been introduced to his many different facets.
“It has been a conscious choice for the last 30 years. I have been only trying to explore new characters because I believe if I do it, I will only be getting better at my craft. That way, I will surprise not only my audience, but also myself about my abilities.”
There is another reason to try something new with every project. “I get bored with my last work. Once my film reaches the audience, I get bored of it, I lose all interest. Not getting satisfied with your last work is the key [to longevity]. It must be the key to my zeal to explore new grounds all the time,” says the actor, who will begin filming the third season of his popular series, The Family Man, soon.
People don’t know that I’m a writer too-Manoj Bajpayee
8:17 AM
Set to make his debut as screenwriter with action fare Bhaiyya Ji, Manoj recalls how he used to pen plays during his theatre days
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 3, 2024)
When we get on a call with Manoj Bajpayee, he opens the conversation, saying, “You’ll be proud of me by the end of this year.” We immediately respond that we’re almost always proud of him and his films. Easily one of the finest Hindi actors of our generation, Bajpayee has built a robust filmography, and shone bright last year with Gulmohar, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, and Joram. For 2024, he has an equally diverse slate, beginning with Netflix’s crime series, Killer Soup that also stars Konkona Sen Sharma and is helmed by Abhishek Chaubey.
“What I’m looking forward to in 2024 is the result of my love for a variety of genres,” says Bajpayee. “Last year, if I had the middle-of-the-road Gulmohar, I did a content-heavy project like Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai and an independent movie, Joram. Similarly, this year, there will be mainstream, middle-of-the-road and independent cinema. I begin with Killer Soup, then there is the [sequel to] Silence… Can You Hear It?, director Raam Reddy’s Pahadon Mein that is travelling to many film festivals, and Kanu Behl’s investigative thriller Despatch.”
This year, the actor will also have a brush with production, with Bhaiyya Ji. While he had produced Missing (2018) under the banner of Manoj Bajpayee Productions, Bhaiyya Ji will mark the launch of Aurega Studios that is headed by the actor’s wife Shabana and his business partner Vikram Khakhar.
“Shabana is handling everything, including the creatives and administration. Bhaiyya Ji is a larger-than-life character from the hinterlands of north India. The film is inspired by a true incident. The story was on my mind for years. I wanted to make a middle-of-the-road movie, but director Apoorv Singh Karki was intent on making an action entertainer. Our association on Bandaa has been so good, and he was so insistent that I had to give up that thought. It is a mainstream, formula film with lots of action. That said, it’s not a mindless entertainer, it has my sensibilities.”
Interestingly, Bajpayee has also written the story with screenplay by Deepak Kingrani, marking the actor’s foray into screenwriting. “People don’t know that side of me—that I am a writer too. I stopped writing after I left theatre. Until then, I used to write street plays. I left it as acting takes so much time, and I put in so much passion into every role that I play.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)