2020’S FIRST QUARTER SUFFERS A BIG DROP, AND NOT JUST DUE TO CORONAVIRUS!

A few years back, it was normal to not expect much from the business point view in Bollywood from the first three months of the year. Very few biggies used to release and it was said that a combination of reasons like cold wave, exams etc used to affect footfalls in cinemas. But things began to change from 2018. It saw a series of successful films like Padmaavat, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Raid, Hichki and Baaghi 2. Padmaavat even in fact collected a mind-boggling Rs. 282.28 crore at the box office, despite not releasing in 4 states. Baaghi 2 too exceeded expectations with a business of Rs. 160.74 crore. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety came with some hype but no one dreamed it’ll manage to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark.

The scenario got a bit better in 2019. It began with a bang with the blockbuster success of Uri. No one expected it to cross even Rs. 50 crore mark but it earned, believe it or not, Rs. 244 crore. Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi was not a hit but accumulated Rs. 90 crore. Total Dhamaal had a lot of negativity among media and so-called intellectuals but masses made it a Rs. 150 crore grosser. Other films like Gully Boy, Luka Chuppi, Badla and Kesari too exceled at the ticket window.

As for 2020, it also started on an encouraging note thanks to Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior. It was not a success in some states but the business in Maharashtra especially was so legendary that it ended its business with Rs. 269.70 crore. The other upcoming films too seemed exciting but sadly none of them worked well at the box office. Street Dancer seemed like a sure-shot hit to many but its opening was shockingly poor and so was its overall business. Love Aaj Kal started off well but public response was terrible. It opened at Rs. 11.47 crore but its lifetime earnings didn’t even cross the Rs. 35 crore mark! Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship was Vicky Kaushal’s first film after Uri but its niche appeal and mixed word of mouth proved detrimental. Meanwhile, a lot was expected from Chhapaak and Panga. But these women-centric films proved to be flops.

By the time it was March, the Coronavirus scare began to increase day by day. Baaghi 3 had minimal impact of it initially but its opening got affected by lack of considerably hype and word of mouth. It ended it’s week one at Rs. 86.73 crore and it’s lifetime would have been around Rs. 115 crore. But sadly, cinema halls began to gradually shut from its 6th day of release. By the time it was its 11th day (March 17), cinema halls had shut across India. It’s collection stood at Rs. 92.31 crore and it’s said that it’s unlikely that it’ll re-release after normalcy.

Angrezi Medium was the unfortunate one as it released a day after Delhi government shut its theatres. On Day 2 of release, most centres of Maharashtra were closed down. Slowly, all other states also followed suit. It’s lifetime was a mere Rs. 9.06 crore. Despite Delhi shutdown and the fear, it had a decent opening of Rs. 4.03 crore. Hence, a Rs. 5 crore opening was possible if things were normal. Many missed watching it and it was hoped that it’ll resume its run once theatres open. A few days ago however, it arrived on digital platform Disney+ Hotstar. The inside news is that it the OTT giant handsomely paid the makers for its rights.

Meanwhile, a few films did well thankfully. Malang didn’t open well but had great response from public. It earned Rs. 57.96 crore. Saif Ali Khan-starrer Jawaani Jaaneman performed decently with Rs.24.58 crore. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan was helped by Ayushmann Khurrana’s presence majorly though the gay theme kept people away. Thappad did very well considering its subject and collected Rs. 29.70 crore. It could have easily crossed the Rs. 35 crore mark if things were fine.

The total nett box office collections of all Bollywood films in 2018’s first quarter was Rs. 880 crore approx. In 2019’s first quarter, it jumped to Rs. 1041 crore approx. In 2020, it however came down at Rs. 735 crore approx. Had the highly awaited Sooryavanshi released on its scheduled date on March 24, then this figure could have crossed the Rs. 1000 crore mark.

The first quarter has seen a dull response with only TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR emerging a success and a huge one also. The film became the third biggest blockbuster of the last 20 years in Mumbai circuit with footfalls only behind BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION and GADAR - EK PREM KATHA.

The rest of the films did not work at all though BAAGHI 3 would have been a SEMI HIT/HIT film as it would have hit the 115 crore nett mark and maybe even crossed 120 crore nett for HIT status if it was not for the shutdown of theatres due to Coronavirus. The film could still make AVERAGE status if it get another 2.50 crore share when cinemas reopen.

The only two other films to avoid FLOP status were SHUBH MANGAL ZYADA SAAVDHAN and MALANG though the former under performed and the latter had far too high costs for the cast of the film. The classifications of the the major films released in the first quarter of 2020 are as follows. Only BAAGHI 3 may have a change depending on what happens when cinemas reopen.

All Time Blockbuster 
-

Super Blockbuster
-

Blockbuster
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (131 crore)

Super Hit
-

Hit
-

Semi Hit
-

Average
-

Below Average
Baaghi 3 (47.50 crore)
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (26.50 crore)
Malang (26 crore)

FLOP
Street Dancer (32 crore)
Chhapaak (14.75 crore)
Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship - (14 crore)
Thappad - (13.50 crore)
Jawaani Jaaneman - (13 crore)
Panga (8.75 crore)
Angrezi Medium (4.25 crore)
Shikara (3.25 crore)

Fronting this week's release Bhoot, Vicky Kaushal on why he felt the need to experiment with the horror genre
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 22, 2020)

"I scare easy," laughs Vicky Kaushal, emphasising that he hasn't watched a horror movie since Paranormal Activity (2007). Not the sentiment you would expect from an actor who has fronted this week's release, the supernatural thriller, Bhoot — Part One: The Haunted Ship. But Kaushal says he was so taken by the script of the Bhanu Pratap Singh-directed project that he gave his nod.

"This film was nowhere on my radar, and yet, here was a director who had the conviction to sell a horror film to a man who would never watch one. I had second thoughts [about doing the film] till I went through the script. The empty ship [MV Wisdom] that had appeared on Juhu beach out of nowhere [in 2011] had all of us talking for weeks. The film may be a paranormal affair, but it hits close to home," says the actor.

Working on his first horror film was a learning experience for Kaushal. "There's an entire science behind a horror film. There are tricks you play. This is not a quintessential Dharma film. It's a true blue scary movie, one with the aesthetics of Hollywood horror."

Many may view a paranormal film as an unsafe choice, but he disagrees. "In 2020, you don't know what a Friday looks like. Had we been able to predict [the success of] Uri? There's no dearth of Indians who pay money to watch [the likes of] The Conjuring [2013] and Annabelle [2014], so doing this film was a no-brainer."

While the success of Uri: The Surgical Strike turned him into a superstar, Kaushal asserts he wouldn't want to compromise on his acting by choosing run-of-the-mill films. "This is what I aspired for. But now that I am here, I can't succumb to the pitfalls of stardom, and choose films basis trends. I choose by instinct. My priority is to work with the best directors."

Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship is technically quite first-rate and manages to give the chills to the viewers. Director Bhanu Pratap Singh does a fine job in creating a scary atmosphere. The idea of a haunted ship is quite unique for Bollywood and that also goes in its favour. A few developments in the story are unpredictable and that keeps the interest going. On the flipside, logic takes a backseat in several scenes. There are too many mistakes and till the very end, some of the questions remain unanswered. Even some of the queries that get answered is not done nicely. Also, a few scenes are clichéd and is reminiscent of the horror films of 80s and 90s. Vicky Kaushal is quite good as always and doesn’t go overboard. Bhumi Pednekar is lovely in a special appearance. Ashutosh Rana reminds one of his past performance and though he does well, the director doesn’t do justice to his character. Akash Dhar as Riyaz is fine initially but later becomes victim of unintentional humour. Meher Vij is a surprise of the film and is someone to watch out for. All in all, Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship is strictly an average fare on account of it’s unconvincing and weak script and direction. Watch it for Vicky Kaushal and if you are longing to watch a horror film in cinemas!

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA TO CLASH WITH VICKY KAUSHAL!

After the two big clashes of January (Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior vs Chhapaak and Street Dancer vs Panga), it’s not time for the third big clash which will happen tomorrow. Both films have a lot going in their favour but also has some challenges. My analysis:

SHUBH MANGAL ZYADA SAAVDHAN: It is the second part of this franchise, known for light-hearted films on taboo subjects. The first part, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, also starred Ayushmann Khurrana along with Bhumi Pednekar. Part 2 also sees Ayushmann in the lead but he’s paired opposite Jitendra Kumar. In other words, it’s a story of a gay couple and the opposition they face from their parents. Ayushmann is also joined by his brilliant Badhaai Ho co-stars Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao. The other actors in the film are Manurishi Chadha, Maanvi Gagroo and Pankhuri Awasthy. Hitesh Kewalya, writer of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, makes his directorial debut with this film. The trailer is interesting and has lot of fun moments. Moreover, Ayushmann Khurrana has earned a reputation and his mere presence can bring audiences to an extent. As a result, despite such a topic, at least some audiences will come to see the film.

On the flipside, the family audiences which gave acceptance to Ayushmann’s earlier films like Bala, Badhaai Ho etc will give it a miss. This might prove detrimental considering the competition. Also, if response is bad, then the film can really suffer. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan opened at Rs. 2.64 crore as it was a time when Ayushmann was not that popular. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, however, will open at around Rs. 6.50-7.50 crore, which will be decent considering the situation. If word of mouth is positive, it can have a great run till Baaghi 3, which releases two weeks later.

BHOOT: PART ONE – THE HAUNTED SHIP: It is a rare horror film, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions. The film stars Vicky Kaushal and is loosely based on a real-life incident when a ship had got stranded at Juhu Beach. Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship gives a horror spin to this idea. It is the next film of Vicky Kaushal after his monstrous success Uri. The trailer is interesting but it looks like niche. Songs haven’t worked at all and the film looks like more or less a songless affair. In terms of opening, it seems safe. The youth love going for horror films in hordes and this one doesn’t look tacky. Also, Vicky has now achieved immense popularity. The niche factor and competition from Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan will play spoilsport. Still, it is set for an opening of around Rs. 5-6 crore. The costs reportedly are limited and if reports are positive, it can achieve commercial success.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

In a first, Bhoot The Haunted Ship director discusses how team procured permission to shoot Vicky-starrer at Alang ship-breaking yard in Gujarat
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 11, 2020)

Given the premise of Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship, a major portion of the Vicky Kaushal-starrer had to be filmed inside a wrecked ship. Writer-director Bhanu Pratap Singh was keen to shoot it at the Alang ship breaking yard in Gujarat as he felt it made for the perfect setting for the horror movie. Needless to say, it was easier said than done — the director reveals that procuring permission to shoot at Asia's biggest ship breaking yard was an arduous process as the property had never been captured on celluloid before.

"Our executive producer Parth Dholakia and the suits of the production house [Dharma Productions] had to be stationed [in Bhavnagar] for over a month as they convinced the authorities at the ship yard. We ran from pillar to post, and finally, got the necessary permission," says the debutant director. He adds that the consent came with a strict caveat. "They were clear that we could not use any flammable materials or smoke [on board] as it could lead to fire."

The unit of the Karan Johar-backed venture was in Gujarat for over 60 days as they gave shape to the thriller, which is inspired from the 2011 incident when the merchant vessel MV Wisdom lay stranded on Juhu beach for 20 days.

"We shot for eight days on the ship," informs Singh, adding that despite their precautions, leading man Kaushal was injured during the shoot. Turns out, the yard officials would frequently visit the location to ensure the team is sticking to safety guidelines. "Since there was no electricity supply on ship, we had to put up small lights so that we could walk aboard safely. Before we kicked off the shoot, we were given a class on safety measures. We were also asked to wear helmets at all times. Besides local officials, some officers from yards in Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar too dropped in to ensure that the shoot was smooth sailing," says Singh, before grinning, "I think they were fans of Vicky as well."

With Bhoot trailer dropping online yesterday, Bhumi Pednekar asserts Vicky-starrer will help Bollywood wake up to the untapped potential of the horror genre
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; February 4, 2020)

Bollywood has rarely perfected the horror genre, struggling awkwardly between gory slasher movies and the unintentionally hilarious ones. Which is probably why when Bhumi Pednekar, an actor known for her unusual choice of scripts, backs Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship, the audience sits up and takes notice. The actor believes the Vicky Kaushal-fronted offering, the trailer of which dropped online yesterday, will bring a new chapter in Indian horror films. "Visually, I haven't seen something like this being attempted in Hindi cinema before. It will open up the horror genre in India and will be genre-breaking. I have not explored horror movies before," she smiles, adding that she can't resist the temptation to experiment.

The Bhanu Pratap Singh-directed venture revolves around an abandoned ship on Juhu beach. Besides being excited about the script, Pednekar reveals that she was eager to be part of the director's maiden outing. "Bhanu and I have been friends for long. I had promised him that whenever he makes his first film, I will be a part of it. But it's an out-and-out Vicky film."

Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 31, 2019)

Films in 2019: Uri: The Surgical Strike
2020 lineup: Bhoot — Part One: The Haunted Ship and Sardar Udham Singh

For you, the year started with the big success of Uri, and ended with receiving the National Award...
This year, there was a feeling of being blessed. I felt something worked really well — whether it’s due to the result of my karma or blessings of my well-wishers. Honestly, I could feel that something special was happening. I worked hard and gave my best every year, but I feel it was destined that after all the hard work — of giving multiple auditions and being assistant directors etc., — there is a year when I am like, ‘Arrey, yeh kya ho gaya’. But I pray it’s just the start of my journey, and that I keep working as hard and with as much truth and honesty. Bas upar waala meherbaan rahe.

Personally, what was the biggest takeaway for you?
I remember since Uri was the first release of the year, we were like, ‘yaar, log bas film dekhne aa jaayein’. But the response went beyond our wildest imagination. One learning was, that you have no idea what a Friday will bring — it may or may not be in your favour. And I feel that it’s a beautiful thing that you don’t know what a film’s destiny is going to be. You shouldn’t plan about becoming a part of a certain film. You should just go by your gut regardless of whether that film fits into the trend or not. Also, remember that only if a film gets love will you be appreciated, and not vice versa. That clarity is important. Bas pair zameen pe rahe aur dil, dimaag sahi jagah pe rahe. The idea is to keep moving ahead with every film.

Last week, you received your first National Award for Uri: The Surgical Strike. How was the entire experience?
It was a beautiful and surreal feeling. I was on the flight throughout December 22nd (travelling back to India from Russia where he was shooting for Udham Singh), and reached Delhi only on December 23rd morning. But there was so much excitement that I couldn’t sleep the entire night (on December 22). The whole thought, I think, kept me charged all the time. Being a part of the whole event was like living a dream. I had also taken my mother along so it became all the more special. Sometimes, you only dream about certain things ke, ‘kaash aisa ho jaaye’ but when that actually happen, you don’t know how to react to it (smiles). It all felt extremely nice.

2020 also looks very interesting for you. How do you see it?
I will start work on Takht around February end. In terms of releases, there will be Bhoot followed by Sardar Udham Singh. I don’t know how it’s going to pan out. Firstly, I feel I am very new to understand ki (year) kaisa rahega and secondly, I believe a lot in destiny and karma. So, my entire focus is on, ‘ke abhi main kya kar raha hoon’ and so, let me focus only on that. The only idea is, ‘ke sacchi neeyat se kaam karte raho.’ I don’t know how a film is going to perform at the box office but it would be great to have as many people connect and resonate with it, as possible. If that happens, the box office part will be automatically taken care of.

Now, audiences have a lot of expectations from you. Do you ever feel pressured due to it?
Not at all! I look at it as a great thing. Meri toh hunger hi uss expectation ki hai. I wish that people’s expectations only go up — and never goes down — with my each film. If they have expectations from me, it’s like a compliment to me. It only means that my work is resonating with them, they are enjoying my performances, and that they are hungry for more of me. I really pray that god blesses with me so much talent, that I keep living up to people’s expectations.

Sharing screen space with Big B!
For a long time, I had the desire to do a period drama. Now, with Takht, I can tick that off, though that process is yet to start. Another wish is that I get to work with Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan. Abhi tak poora hua nahi hai woh sapna but I pray that it happens. There are many other small things as well.

HINDUSTAN TIMES (November 29, 2019)

With two comedies and a horror film in the pipeline, Bhumi Pednekar is excited to charter new and different genres. After being part of entertaining films that have dealt with social messages, the actor promises good content with enough entertainment even in her upcoming films. In a quick chat, Bhumi talks about competition, the younger generation of actors, and attempting her first horror film. Excerpts:

How would you describe your rapport with the younger generation of actors?
Firstly, I am happy for Ayushmann (Khurrana) and he deserves all the accolades. This means you just have to have faith and everything will work out. Everyone I am working with is so good. Even Kartik Aaryan is fantastic in Pati Patni Aur Woh. He’s such a surprise package and we had a blast working. The thing is earlier, I didn’t know him at all, and through this experience we have become friends, and someone I enjoyed working with. Even Ananya is so good. I think the current generation is chill and not insecure about silly things that need no attention. There is also enough work for everyone. There is so much content being generated that it is not dirty competition any more. Everyone is supporting each other.

Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship is your first horror film. Do you feel the horror genre is less explored in India?
I think Bhoot is going to be a genre-breaking film. I have known the director for many years, he is the reason I did this film. It’s a fantastic script. I feel horror has a lot to do with the audio and the technical aspects of it. What he has done is really going to surprise people.

Do you like to watch horror films?
I am really scared of watching horror films. I don’t know how I would watch this one (laughs). I watched Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot (2003), and I think that is the most amount of horror I have ever seen.

You have shot for films back-to-back. How do you deal with work pressure?
I think just spending time your family, chanting, taking out some me time, and working out.

Do you find time for your personal life?
Not at the moment. But it’s all good. I have barely been home for the year and half. My personal life is non-existent at the moment.

Do you believe in a healthy work-life balance and do actors get to do that?
I believe in it 100%, but I don’t think actors have that. I think it is very difficult to maintain that balance. But, I am trying to really get there. I am a workaholic. The only thing that makes me happy is work. And that is what I am doing.

Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 24, 2019)

Being part of a film that does stupendous business at the box office is a joy. Every actor wants his or her film to be seen by the most number of people and superhits are possible when a film is watched multiple times,” says actor Ashutosh Rana, talking about the success of the Hrithik Roshan-Tiger Shroff-starrer War, which also features him.

Ashutosh proved his mettle way back with Dushman (1999) and Sangharsh (2000). And the movies he has done of late have also given his career a boost. Last year, for instance, he was seen in Simmba, Dhadak and Mulk, besides Sonchiriya this year. The actor feels being part of a film like War has a huge impact on one’s career. “Aditya Chopra’s production house, Karan Johar’s production house and Rohit Shetty are like the chaar dhaam’. As in Hindu religion, even if you visit many famous temples, doing the chaar dhaam yatra is a must. Similarly, being an actor, after having worked with them I feel I am completely a part of the film industry. I have worked with so many other talented filmmakers but having these diggaj (stalwart) filmmakers in my filmography takes it to another level,” he says.

After shooting for Vicky Kaushal-starrer Bhoot, he is now working on Guneet Mongia’s next, Priyadarshan’s Hungama 2, another film with Aditya Chopra’s production house, a Telugu web show, a Kannada film and a web series based on the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Ashutosh is known for his impeccable command over Hindi and says talking in Urdu while playing a historical character was a pleasure for him. “Hum bhaasha ke anugrahi hai, pujari hai. So, whenever I speak in Hindi, Urdu, English, Tamil or Telugu, I try to use the language in a pure form and not use Hindi while speaking English or vice versa. Urdu and Hindi have been spoken in India for years and essentially, we speak Hindustani zubaan. It wasn’t tough to talk in Urdu for the show as the language was not as chaste as it might have been in that era. That’s because the show is set in 1700s but the audience watching it is from 2019, so we have kept that in mind,” he shares.

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; July 4, 2019)

Right from her debut film, Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), Bhumi Pednekar has proved that she has no qualms about transforming herself to become the character she plays — whether it’s putting on weight, donning grey or changing complexion for the role, the actress doesn’t shy away from experimenting.

Having already impressed filmmakers and audiences alike with her performances in Lust Stories (2018), Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017) and Toilet - Ek Prem Katha (2017), she now has six big projects lined up in the next 12 months.

“What gets me invested in a movie is the challenge it poses to me as an actor. I would love to learn from every film and every role. I would not like to do similar roles and play safe. For me, acting is all about forgetting yourself and convincingly becoming someone else on screen. I would always seek risky and challenging roles in films where I can contribute as an artiste and choose projects in which my part would have something important to do or say,” says Bhumi.

Her line-up includes Bala, a social satire on pre-mature balding, Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, a drama about dreams and aspirations of women, Saand Ki Aankh, a biopic in which she plays the world’s oldest sharpshooter from India, Pati Patni Aur Woh, a romantic comedy, Bhoot, a horror film and the multi-starrer Karan Johar’s period drama Takht in which she has a significant role.

“It is exciting for me that every role will see me in a new avatar! That’s what motivates me to sign a film and be on the sets of such diverse movies and collaborate with different filmmakers. I’ve been fortunate and blessed to be getting these opportunities from talented directors who feel I will bring their vision to life. I recognise the responsibility and look forward to delivering work that I can be proud of,” she signs off.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 11, 2019)

Vicky Kaushal, who has been busy shooting for Shoojit Sircar’s upcoming biopic on freedom fighter Udham Singh, is now ready to feature in a romantic music video. The Bhushan Kumar production will be shot in Shimla over a three-day schedule starting next week. The song is sung by B Praak, who recently rendered the popular number “Teri Mitti” for the Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra-starrer Kesari, and “Ali Ali” from Blank that had Akshay alongside Karan Kapadia, besides giving playback for several Punjabi music videos in the past.

According to a source close to the development, Vicky will be leaving for Shimla early next week for the shoot. “The song is all about love and heartbreak and will see Vicky in different avatars, from a lover boy to a man yearning for his ladylove. He loved the song and the idea that it will have him showcase different shades of his personality,” the source informed, adding that the 31-year-old actor is on a tight schedule but is hoping to get some time off to take in the sights at the hill station after wrapping up the shoot. The actress who will be paired opposite Vicky in the song will be finalised in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Vicky is slated to resume shooting for the Udham Singh biopic next month. On Monday, the actor kicked off promotions for his horror film Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship, which is directed by Bhanu Pratap Singh. He is also scheduled to start filming Karan Johar’s upcoming directorial, the multi-starrer period-drama Takht, in December this year in Mumbai with co-actors Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar, Anil Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.

BOMBAY TIMES (June 10, 2019)

Over the last decade or so, Karan Johar has added several firsts to his banner, Dharma Productions, which was founded by his late father, Yash Johar. The company has backed family dramas, comedies, action entertainers and suspense thrillers while trying to strike a balance between conventional and unconventional spaces.

After flagging off Student Of The Year (a high-school franchise) and …Ki Dulhania (a romantic-comedy franchise with Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt), Karan will now back a horror franchise. The first film in the eerie series is titled BHOOT — Part One: The Haunted Ship, directed by debutant Bhanu Pratap Singh.

Karan was keen on the title BHOOT, which he felt was apt for the genre. Film buffs would recall that Ram Gopal Varma had made two films under the same title in the early 2000s. Though Karan and RGV share a history of indulging in a tussle of words on social media, it’s learnt that KJo reached out to the latter, requesting for the title for his new franchise. And, RGV instantly honoured his request.

Thanking his gesture, Karan told BT, “I made an unreasonable request to Ramu, asking him for his franchise title BHOOT and he graciously and magnanimously agreed to give it to us without even blinking an eyelid. All of us at Dharma are blown away by his generosity and are eternally grateful to him. We aspire to make sure the title is in the right hands of horror.”

BHOOT — Part One: The Haunted Ship marks director Shashank Khaitan’s debut as a producer. It’s also Vicky Kaushal’s second outing with the banner. The film, shot at some lesser-explored locations in Gujarat, has also been backed by Karan’s mother Hiroo Johar and Apoorva Mehta (CEO, Dharma Productions). The makers plan to release the film on November 15, 2019.
--------------------------
Hiren Kotwani (DNA; June 10, 2019)

Over the years, Karan Johar and his banner Dharma Productions have become synonymous with rom-coms and family entertainers. Now, the maverick filmmaker is set to create his first horror franchise with Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship.

Starring Vicky Kaushal,  the movie is helmed by debutant Bhanu Pratap Singh, who has earlier assisted Shashank Khaitan on Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014). This is Vicky’s second film with the banner and the first in this genre. Shashank is also producing the movie along with Karan, Hiroo Johar and Apoorva Mehta.

The idea for the script came from Bhanu, a horror enthusiast, who was also Shashank’s batchmate at a film school, before he assisted the latter on the Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt rom-com. Later, he started working on the concept and developed it with the Dhadak director, who suggested taking it to Dharma Productions. Bhanu, who was initially apprehensive since the production house hasn’t made any films in this genre after Kaal (2005), narrated the plot to KJo. Shashank tells us, “Karan loved it. Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship is based on a true incident that took place in Bombay. The shooting is complete. The post-production is underway and the film will open in cinemas on November 15 this year.”

Based on a ship, as the title suggests, the movie also has a good dose of VFX, work on which is underway.  The filmmaker adds, “The intent is to create a series. We’re looking at making more authentic films, even horror comedies. Bhanu and I have discussed a few ideas. It’s an exciting time to take the franchise ahead.”

The makers also approached Ram Gopal Varma as he had the rights to the title. After all, he had helmed the 2003 hit Bhoot. “It was extremely gracious of RGV to give the title to us,” Shashank concludes.