Showing posts with label Bhoot Police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bhoot Police. Show all posts
Only some discussions happening right now. Even Bhoot Police 2 script is not finalized-Priyadarshan
11:16 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 4, 2026)
The 2021 horror comedy Bhoot Police brought together Arjun Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam, and recent industry chatter has centred on a possible sequel. Reports suggest that filmmaker Priyadarshan may return to the director’s chair, albeit with a new cast.
However, the filmmaker tells us, “Nothing is locked. There are only some discussions happening right now. Even the script is not finalized. I have not decided whether I should do it or not, and I am still waiting to see the script.”
Priyadarshan also dismisses reports of him charging Rs. 21 crore for the project. “If the film happens, I will let you know,” he clarifies.
The first film revolved around a fake exorcism business, with Saif and Arjun playing two brothers who con people for money. While Arjun’s involvement is still under discussion, producer Ramesh Taurani confirms that “Saif will not be part of the next instalment”. He adds, “The rest of the casting is still being discussed.”
Vikrant Massey delays his honeymoon and begins shooting for Gaslight within days of marriage; says "My wife is upset"
8:04 AM
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; March 14, 2022)
Vikrant Massey and Sheetal Thakur’s love story had the perfect culmination as the two tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Bilaspur, last month. A dreamy honeymoon would have been the ideal follow-up. But the actor had to trade honeymoon in an exotic country for long working hours at Rajkot instead. Within days of the nuptials, Massey headed to Gujarat to shoot for Pavan Kirpalani’s Gaslight.
So, it’s not surprising that he begins the chat with: “My wife is upset.” Currently filming with Sara Ali Khan and Chitrangda Singh, Massey hopes to make it up to his wife soon. “Ideally, we would have liked to take a month off, but there are certain commitments that you have to fulfil. It’s a balancing act. I spent four days at home after the wedding. After that, I have been shooting. I will make it up to Sheetal. She has been supportive, but there are moments when she complains like any wife would.”
The actor was keen to work with Pavan Kirpalani for long. Things fell in place only with the upcoming thriller. “We were to collaborate on Bhoot Police [2021]. However, things kept going back and forth, and I had to drop out of the film eventually. I am glad this has finally happened,” he says, adding that co-star Khan is “a vibrant energy on the set.”
He kicked off 2022 with Love Hostel that tackled the rampant honour killings in our country by telling the love story of Massey’s Ashu and Sanya Malhotra’s Jyoti. Despite its brave theme, the film received mixed response. “A lot of people have bashed the film. But that’s the beauty of films — there are so many interpretations. Criticism doesn’t bother me because I see them as different perspectives. I neither disregard nor take any of them seriously. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion.”
The actor adds that filming the ZEE5 drama took a toll on him. “I was so disturbed that I wanted to take therapy throughout the filming. The timing of the film also held significance. The subject is relevant in the times that we are living in.”
Artistes can’t depend on Bollywood for a chance anymore, feel Sachin-Jigar
8:15 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 30, 2021)
In the last two years, the music industry was heavily impacted due to the pandemic, but it also made artistes realise that they needed to be self-sufficient. Composer Sachin Sanghvi of the musical duo Sachin-Jigar, who suffered from Coronavirus himself, shares how it gave him time to re-evaluate.
“It has been a good time for artistes to understand that they cannot depend on films or a chance from Bollywood anymore. Everybody has to find their own sunshine. We are living in such times that every artiste has a chance to become as popular as a film star,” he explains.
The pandemic opened them up to new ways of making music. The duo came up with the entire album of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui in the lockdown. Jigar Saraiya adds, “We both have always made music in studio, but the pandemic brought out a new side of making music at home. All the songs were made online, and we were recording and sharing them with Abhishek Kapoor (director) simultaneously.”
Looking back at 2021, the duo agrees that it has been a fulfilling year, as they were able to cater to the masses as well as the critics through their music. “With Roohi, Shiddat and Bhoot Police, we were pretty massy with what we did. But with Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, we struck a balance between the masses and critics,” Saraiya tells us.
As for 2022, the has a jam-packed calendar, composing music for Dasvi and Bhediya along with two web shows and four Gujarati films.
When Naseeruddin Shah says, ‘I saw your work and you were fantastic,’ it’s an overwhelming feeling-Arjun Kapoor
8:17 AM
Actor Arjun Kapoor talks about having a busy 2021 and how focus on his personal life affects him, at times
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 27, 2021)
Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (SAPF), Sardar Ka Grandson and Bhoot Police — actor Arjun Kapoor had a rather eventful 2021. Grateful to have received the chance to entertain audiences even during the pandemic, he says, “You have to be grateful and have humility in accepting that at a time when the world was in chaos, work was happening for me and I received love for it. It’s great to stay connected with the audience, reconnect with them and remind them that I’m here to act and earn my bread and butter by entertaining them.”
SAPF had a theatrical release and it earned him critical acclaim for his portrayal of a Haryanvi police officer. That made 2021 “a professionally satisfying year” for the actor. “My effort has been noticed by the upper echelon, who care about credible work,” says Kapoor, adding, “When Naseeruddin Shah (actor) says, ‘I saw your work and you were fantastic,’ or when Kumud Mishra (actor) says, ‘You didn’t even slip in your accent even once’, it’s an overwhelming feeling.”
The film “is still paying dividends”, admits the 36-year-old: “Even the critics have had a conversation about it. The film had its own share of ups and downs, and we had to wait a long time for its release, but eventually, it worked out.”
Apart from his work, he has also been in the news for his relationship with actor Malaika Arora. Quiz him if it bothers him and he admits, “Sometimes I feel it’s a little unfair, but it’s passable. I respect the boundary till a certain degree to which people can have an opinion, beyond which if they get too personal, I don’t enjoy it.”
Entertainers have had a really scary time during the pandemic-Saif Ali Khan
8:07 AM
Saif Ali Khan recounts the challenges of shooting amid the pandemic
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 13, 2021)
Actor Saif Ali Khan says the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for actors and others working in the entertainment sector. “Nobody wants to shoot wearing a mask, with 150 people in the room, but you have to,” notes Khan, who has shot for films amid the pandemic, “I shot Bhoot Police, but the makers were kind enough to charter planes for us and flew us to Himachal Pradesh. That was lovely and comfortable. It was nice to get out of the city.”
He adds, “Adipurush (his upcoming film) has started and stopped, and started and stopped with the lockdowns. But somehow, we’ve managed to finish it. It (the situation) is very scary and upsetting (sic).”
Khan says that it is a rather brave feat for everyone who stepped out and shot projects, and continues to do so.
“Entertainers have had a really scary time and we have gone out there and done something, not only for public good, but also for ourselves. But somewhere, we have been right at the edge of danger as well. It has been worrying. I would much rather work with no pandemic,” says the 51-year-old.
Khan wants to count his blessings that he has been in a much better situation than many others, both personally as well as professionally, during the pandemic.
“I can’t complain. I have shot some films and have been with my family. I feel bad talking about it, because I know some people have had a tough time. It would be great if the world can get back on its feet. I don’t know what normalcy is anymore. I have a feeling that some things might change. Until everyone is vaccinated, I don’t think things are going to be normal,” he ends.
I think we should all be doing web shows-Saif Ali Khan
7:59 AM
Actor Saif Ali Khan says he is fortunate to be living in times of OTT
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 12, 2021)
Saif Ali Khan is one of the first mainstream actors, who made the bold move to dabble into the world of OTT back in 2018 with Sacred Games. He also went on to star in another web series, Tandav, and his film Bhoot Police saw a direct-to-OTT release recently.
“Traditionally, the small screen has been less glamorous than the big screen but these guys (OTT players and makers) spent money to make the small screen bigger than what’s happening on the big screen. It is an incredibly revolutionary thought,” points out Khan. “It [Sacred Games] was nominated at the International Emmys! When does that happen for me? Never!” he chuckles.
Back then, the concept of OTT platforms was still in a nascent stage in the country. Talking about what pushed him to take the plunge, the 51-year-old reveals, “I think, it was the first time for me to get something first in life.”
He explains, “It is not really my thing to try and be a pioneer in any way. But in a way it [decision to embrace OTT] proved lucky. It is fairly logical [to assume] that if a big OTT was to come to India and there’s a production house that likes to experiment, then one of the names that would come up [in terms of casting] would be mine, because I have been on the edge of looking for something like that [before anyone else].”
The actor says that he is happy to see that everyone is now interested in the web medium. “I see (actor) Ajay Devgn also doing something on the web and I feel so good [to know about it]. I think we should all be doing web shows.”
And ask the Jawaani Jaaneman (2020) actor his thoughts on the OTT vs theatre debate, he shares that the debate is redundant given that there is no competition between the two. “They are entirely different things. We are very lucky as audiences as well as actors that there is a platform like the OTT. For an economy to thrive, you need different competitive ideas. I don’t think OTT and cinema are competitive, necessarily. They can work well together,” ends Khan.
If things had gone according to the plan, Bhoot Police would have been made a decade ago-Pavan Kirpalani
8:05 AM
Stating that he wrote Bhoot Police way before horror comedy became a saleable genre, director hints at sequel to Saif-Arjun starrer
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 15, 2021)
Pavan Kirpalani’s fascination for the horror genre is evident in his previous offerings, Ragini MMS (2011) and Phobia (2016). But the filmmaker has turned the genre on its head with his recent horror comedy Bhoot Police. “I wanted to make a horror-comedy way before it became a viable genre,” begins the director, who wanted to kick off his career with a film in the genre.
“The first film I ever wrote, as an aspiring filmmaker, was Bhoot Police. Before Ragini MMS, I had made another horror comedy that got shelved because of the recession then. If things had gone according to the plan, Bhoot Police would have been made a decade ago.”
The Disney+ Hotstar offering sees Saif Ali Khan and Arjun Kapoor as ghostbuster brothers. The project was announced in 2019 with Khan, Ali Fazal and Fatima Sana Shaikh. However, the cast underwent a change in 2020, with Kapoor, Yami Gautam and Jacqueline Fernandez coming on board. “I was trying to make this movie for almost a decade. I met Saif with this idea about four to five years ago. I knew this character was tailor-made for him, and he realised it too. Earlier, we had other actors, but we had to recast because of date [issues]. Arjun has brought a lot to the table.”
Even before the film dropped online, the makers hinted at the possibility of its sequel. Kirpalani too believes that the premise and the genre lend themselves to a franchise. “It was always written as a franchise. So, you can expect many parts. We will think about it.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: BHOOT POLICE by FENIL SETA
10:06 AM
Bhoot Police is a fine entertainer and though it reminds one of horror comedies like Stree and Roohi, it stands out as it deals primarily with the lives of the ghostbusters. The characters are very well fleshed out and that also keeps the interest going. A few horror scenes are very well executed. Even the humour works at certain places. Certain twists and turns are unexpected. On the flipside, the film slips after a superb great and picks up properly only from the intermission point. A few developments are silly. The dialogues are quite smart and funny but only at places. Audiences have off late consumed stuff like The Family Man, Mimi and even Helmet which had great one-liners in nearly every sentence. Bhoot Police had the scope for it but sadly, that doesn’t happen. Speaking of performances, Saif Ali Khan is the best performer in the film and rocks the show. Arjun Kapoor is sincere and looks better than his recent film appearances. Yami Gautam shines in the second half while Jacqueline Fernandez is just okay. Jaaved Jaaferi is not as funny while Rajpal Yadav is wasted. Yashaswini Dayama (Guddi) Saurabh Sachdeva (Ullat Baba), Girish Kulkarni and Jamie Lever leave a mark in their small roles. Late Amit Mistry is fine. Jayakrishna Gummadi's cinematography is terrific and this is yet another big-screen film that has sadly gone directly on digital. All in all, Bhoot Police is a timepass horror comedy and much better what the trailer indicated.
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 690
10:14 AM
POLITICAL BIOPIC AND HORROR COMEDY TO RELEASE IN GANESH CHATURTHI WEEKEND
Due to prolonged lockdown for cinemas in Maharashtra, very few Hindi films have managed to release on the big screen. It started with Bellbottom on August 19 followed by Chehre on August 27. Both films were scheduled to release with the hope that Maharashtra, which contributes 30% of total all-India revenue, would open by August 15. Sadly, it didn’t happen and many films which were planned for a theatrical release in September have been pushed indefinitely. Thalaivii is the two of the last films that would release this season as of now, despite Maharashtra being shut.
This film stars Kangana Ranaut in the role of the iconic ex-chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa. The film attempts to trace her journey from a famous film actress to one of the greatest political figures of India. The trailer was released in March this year as it was scheduled to initially release on April 23. But due to the second wave of Covid-19, it was postponed. The trailer is intriguing. Kangana’s off-screen persona has its share of lovers and haters but when it comes to her on-screen avatar, everyone agrees that she is one of the finest actors today. Hence, to see Kangana in such an author-backed role will surely pull audiences to some extent.
Sadly, Thalaivii will face some major problems. Firstly, the hype is negligible. The promotions have been very low-key and Kangana has not given any interviews or made conventional appearances on television shows. The makers have done the same mistake that was done by the producers of Bellbottom and Chehre, that is, not publicizing the fact that this film is releasing on the big screen. As a result, people are hardly aware that Thalaivii is releasing this Friday. Also, the subject is such that it’ll not easily attract audiences.
Another problem faced by the makers is that it might not be released in the major national multiplex chains. These chains contribute a huge chunk of business. But they have decided not to screen the film as it’ll release on Netflix 2 weeks after Thalaivii’s theatrical release. They believe that if audiences know that a film would release online within a fortnight, many might not go to see it on the big screen. Since the pandemic, the multiplexes and producers have jointly decided to release online 4 weeks after theatrical release. The multiplexes desire the same arrangement from Thalaivii as well. However, Thalaivii’s producer claims that he’ll bear a major loss if he releases it on digital after four weeks. He’ll be paid more for a release on Netflix post fortnight as opposed to a release post 28 days. He also said that at this point, box office figures won’t be encouraging and hence he needs revenue from Netflix to make the project feasible.
The multiplexes, however, have refused to budge. They feel that it’ll set a wrong precedent. If Thalaivii is given an exception, then many other producers would make a similar demand and as a result, the exhibition sector would suffer.
Till Wednesday morning, both parties have not been able to reach a consensus. If Thalaivii is released in multiplexes, then it can have an opening of Rs. 1-1.25 crore. Without these multiplex chains, its opening might be in the range of Day 1 of Chehre (Rs. 45 lakhs) or even lower.
The other release of the week is Bhoot Police. It’ll stream on Disney+ Hotstar from September 10. Interestingly, it was supposed to release on September 17 but on Tuesday, September 7, the makers announced that it’ll release three days later! The film stars Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Yami Gautam and Jacqueline Fernandez. The storyline seems interesting but the dialogues and treatment don’t seem up to the mark. If made well, it can make for a great horror comedy and would be lapped up by the youth.
Bhoot Police was shot last year during the pandemic. It was all set to release in cinemas, coincidentally that too on September 10. But due to the second lockdown, the producers decided to release it on OTT.
Go Goa Gone was slightly western; Bhoot Police is more desi-Saif Ali Khan
8:12 AM
Taking a stab at horror comedy with 'Bhoot Police' after his zom-com 'Go Goa Gone', Saif says his characters reflect the grey shades present in all of us
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 8, 2021)
Don’t give him a unidimensional, all-white role — he’ll probably balk at the idea. Saif Ali Khan revels in playing morally grey characters, complete with vices and vulnerabilities. He cites the example of his upcoming film Bhoot Police, in which his protagonist is far from the typical do-no-evil hero. The actor plays a fake ghostbuster, only too happy to fleece people who believe in spirits.
“[My character] is not all-good or all-bad; he has got a nice mix of [traits]. It’s more interesting to play characters that are edgy. In life, people are not black or white; most of them lie [somewhere in between]. It’s more natural to play characters like that,” says Khan. Every once in a while, he veers into the all-black territory, as he did with his Udaybhan Singh Rathod act in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020).
But for now, he is in the mood to make people laugh. “I enjoy horror comedies. Go Goa Gone [2013] was slightly western since the concept of zombies was alien [to Indian viewers at the time]. Bhoot Police is more desi, and the supernatural elements are rooted in our culture.”
While the horror comedy — also starring Arjun Kapoor, Yami Gautam and Jacqueline Fernandez — is slated to drop on Disney+ Hotstar, the actor admits he would have loved to see it on the big screen. “It would have been nice if the film released in theatres because horror and comedy lend themselves well to the collective experience. That said, we’re lucky that we got a platform, and the producers could make a little profit.”
Khan doesn’t deny that the OTT revolution has changed the dynamics of the business. He is relieved that films now are gauged by their merit. “It’s no longer about day-one numbers. Recently, Farhan [Akhtar] said, ‘You can’t hide behind the numbers anymore; it has to be a quality movie.’ I used to think that [box-office] numbers were a good sign, but now the rating system is different. Now, the audiences have also [evolved]. Maybe my film Kaalakaandi [2018] should have released on OTT. I think it would have done better.”
Bhoot Police set to release a week earlier as a festive treat
8:10 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (September 8, 2021)
The much-awaited Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam starrer, Bhoot Police, is now set to release on September 10 on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Disney+ Hotstar VIP. Helmed by Pavan Kripalani and produced by Ramesh Taurani and Akshai Puri, the movie — a perfect blend of horror and comedy — offers an entertaining experience to watch with your family on your personal screens.
The film was earlier scheduled to release on September 17, however, the makers have decided to release the movie a week before due to the overwhelming response and the love garnered by the fans for the power-packed trailer and the songs Aye Aye Bhoot Police and Mujhe Pyaar Pyaar Hai.
Sharing the excitement of releasing the movie a week prior, producer Ramesh Taurani says, “Bhoot Police is a very special film for our entire team, the biggest standout factor is its story, then the cast, and of course, Pavan, who is a very talented director. The huge amount of love and appreciation the trailer and songs have received is simply incredible, therefore, we have decided to release the film a week in advance, on September 10, on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. In the festive season, one can enjoy the entertaining content with one’s family from the comfort of one’s home, and we hope that the audiences enjoy the film.”
Producer Akshai Puri adds, “We are elated with the response that the trailer has garnered, right from the first poster to the songs, all the assets were well received by the audience. We are releasing the movie a week prior with the motive of adding to the festive mode. This is the first horror-comedy film mounted on a scale as large as this — be it the cast, VFX, locations or action — and it will all be a first in this genre. It’s a well-packaged film, and we are sure that viewers will enjoy it with their family.” The film also stars Jaaved Jaafri and Jamie Lever in pivotal roles.
Director Pavan Kirpalani says, “The movie is an ideal festival treat to enjoy with your family. The most important factor about this movie is its great production design. Saif, Arjun, Jacqueline and Yami are great performers and have come together for the first time for a horror-comedy. The movie’s visuals and look are grand and the VFX is amazing. I am thankful for the constant support from the producers, Ramesh ji and Akshai Puri, who mounted my vision the way it needed to be. The film is a complete family entertainer and I hope people enjoy it.”
Tips Industries Ltd in association with 12th Street Entertainment presents Bhoot Police, produced by Ramesh Taurani, Akshai Puri, and co-produced by Jaya Taurani. The movie is now all set to release on September 10 only for all subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar.
We need to adjust to schedules being disrupted-Jacqueline Fernandez
8:06 AM
Jacqueline Fernandez feels people should go with the flow
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 3, 2021)
The pandemic has dealt a blow to the entertainment industry. In the last year and a half, delays in releases and sporadic shoots have wreaked havoc in the lives of all those associated with the film and television industries. Acknowledging the same, actor Jacqueline Fernandez believes adapting to the situation is the key.
Talking about the way forward for Bollywood, which is reeling under a lot of stress because of the crisis, she says, “Right now, the only way forward for the film industry is to adjust. We need to adjust to the new way of life and the new way of working on sets. We need to adjust to schedules being disrupted.”
Just like most others in the industry, the actor’s schedule, too, has gone for a toss, owing to the pandemic and subsequent restrictions.
“Work has been affected for everyone,” she asserts, adding, “For me, there are movies that needed to be released this year, but the release dates are going to get changed, and we can’t do much about it.”
The 35-year-old, whose last release was the web film, Mrs Serial Killer (2020), goes on to reveal that not just release dates, even her shooting schedule has been impacted to a large extent.
“There are quite a few films that are in production stage. There is Cirkus that needs to be completed, and same is the case with Bhoot Police. I had just started the shoot of Ram Setu when the second wave hit us, so that also, of course, will now have to be pushed,” she laments.
However, Fernandez is not delving too much into these things, as she feels that “health and safety of all” is what should be paramount, at present.
“Right now, the priority is the war against Coronavirus and making sure that we bring down the number of cases, and most importantly, get vaccinated. We need to really see to that, before we do anything else. When we do decide and when we are finally able to start again, we have to make sure that we are adhering to the new ways of doing things,” she concludes, with a word of caution.
Now, I have validation that I should follow my instinct and not worry about box office-Arjun Kapoor
8:19 AM
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; June 15, 2021)
Arjun Kapoor’s nine-year stint in Bollywood has been a roller-coaster ride of sorts. The actor has seen box-office success followed by films that failed to click. Arjun admits that he fumbled when he based his career choices on what he thought an actor is supposed to do, rather than follow his instinct. However, the release of his recent film made him look at his career path in a new light. In a conversation with BT, the actor talks about different kinds of cinema, and also highlights what he terms the ‘new commercial narrative’ that’s growing in the industry. Read on:
You have always said that you love all things typically Bollywood unabashedly, but you have also made interesting choices at regular intervals like Aurangzeb, Finding Fanny or Ki & Ka, and your new release Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. Do you find yourself wondering how to strike the balancing act?
The endeavour is to try and do stuff that excites me at a personal level and also as a member of the audience. Sometimes, you have to be intimate about your selection, because as an actor these are the things you have craved that you would get an opportunity to do. Yes, it has been a tough act to balance because over a span of two-three years, you get masked as a mainstream commercial hero, so you aren’t given enough offers of this kind. Therefore, you have to go and seek that unique and different film rather than it coming your way organically. However, that doesn’t stop me from seeking it.
Also, the lines have blurred from 2012 to 2021, where a film like Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar (SAPF) is not looked at just as an interesting choice, or Aurangzeb and Ki & Ka aren’t looked at as offbeat films. They blend with the commercial, or rather, the new commercial narrative that’s growing, and that’s a heartening sign.
Theatres had reopened after seven months in November 2020, but had to down shutters once again during the second wave of Coronavirus. The pandemic played havoc with film releases and business. How did you deal with the uncertainty around the release of your film?
In my case, the release of SAPF was affected not once, but twice. First in March 2020, when we had the trailer out and had started the marketing, and then again in March 2021, when we were preparing once more and had to deal with the fact that there was a likelihood of another lockdown. At such a point, you just accept the fact that the film is not meant to connect with the audience in a broad spectrum and you feel it will be scattered — with the movie coming out mainly on satellite and digital. You accept that and detach yourself from the result but continue to believe that the process was worth it. You can’t get emotional about these things because they are beyond your control... it’s not like everyone else’s films were releasing.
We wanted to make sure that the film comes in theatres, and Dibakar sir (director Dibakar Banerjee) had made a film that I felt would get its due over the years to come. What I didn’t expect was this burst of love and genuine understanding of what the film speaks about, and people catching the nuances to such a level. The rekindling of the magic of Ishaqzaade that had Parineeti and me... This time around our chemistry was appreciated despite being devoid of romance. And this is where the audience wins at the end of the day. You can’t predict the audience or know them beyond a point, you can just keep your head down and work honestly and hope that the film connects with them.
You recently said that you followed your instincts at the beginning of your career and you fumbled a bit when you tried to strategize after a certain point. How did you get into that phase?
People tell you that you should do films that are viable at the box office, and I have done that and enjoyed those. When I had said I fumbled, what I meant was that I got muddled in my thinking about what actors are supposed to do versus what I should do. When you look at it through the optics of what your stardom should have you doing versus what the audience or you as an actor or someone who watches films should do, sometimes you get confused. When I was offered my kind of cinema, I just grabbed it.
What are you planning to do differently when it comes to selecting future projects?
The material that I am doing right now is selected with an attempt to make sure that you are looking at the pan-India audience, who likes to be entertained. When I do a film with Mohit Suri, I am aware that he connects with our entire country when it comes to romance, music and action, and there’s a certain way he presents actors. At the same time, when I am doing a horror-comedy with Saif Ali Khan, I know it appeals to the audience with certain sensibilities, and mine as well. I have always wanted to be a part of a comedy with Saif, and things just fell into place and Bhoot Police took shape.
Do you feel more confident now to make choices that don’t necessarily fall into the typical Bollywood hero trap?
Now, I have validation that I should follow my instinct and impulse, and not worry about the box-office implications... well, right now all of that exists on paper, so you can’t tell where the situation will be one year down the line. You just have to go with your instinct and know that the audience is sensible. Right now, they are consuming material on OTT, so when they come into the theatres — and believe me, they will — they should feel respected and not taken for granted. So, the material that I am selecting now, whether it’s more mainstream or as they call it a little off-centre, there is a certain regard that I am keeping in my mind for the audience, where I myself don’t want to be taken for granted when I go to watch a film, be spoon-fed and be made to feel silly about things. I want to enjoy cinema that stimulates while entertaining me. You realise that the audience is ready to use all their might to get involved in the journey of the characters, catch on to the smaller details and make a film a bigger success. Before SAPF came on OTT, I was thinking about whether I should stick to a certain kind of cinema, but this experience has given me the confidence to dabble in both worlds and enjoy myself equally.
You have to function with humanity at this time-Arjun Kapoor
8:10 AM
Having wrapped up Ek Villain Returns stint before Goa lockdown, Arjun Kapoor says shoots should remain stalled to ensure crew safety
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 21, 2021)
It has been a case of perfect timing for the team of Ek Villain Returns — Arjun Kapoor and John Abraham had only wrapped up their schedule when the Goa government imposed a state curfew. Kapoor, who has returned to the safety of his home since, backs the restrictions levied by the state governments to curb the virus transmission and believes it is important to halt all shoots, despite the losses incurred.
“As actors, we are always protected, but one has to empathise with the 50-60 odd people who are in charge of the lighting or running around in the creative department. They also have a family back home. You have to function with humanity at this time. It is easy to say that I will act, and go back to [the safety of] the vanity van, but you have to take into account the mindset of people. Their energy will drive the film,” reasons the actor. “I’m glad shoots are not happening at the moment, and the country is working together on more important things.”
The Mohit Suri-directed actioner is his third project shot amid the pandemic after the Netflix film, Sardar Ka Grandson, and Bhoot Police. Kapoor admits that working during these trying times has been emotionally difficult. “We managed to shoot Bhoot Police during 2020-end. We shot in Dharamshala and Jaisalmer at a time when the Coronavirus cases were on the decline.”
Jacqueline Fernandez surprised me with gifts from local markets on my birthday-Yami Gautam
8:21 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; April 1, 2021)
Now, talking about the Kick actress, Yami says, “I am very fond of Jacqueline. She is such a positive person to be around with. Shooting in Himachal was so much fun, where I treated all of them to the pahadi dhaam, which is festive food.”
She further adds, “I have had some deep conversations with Jacqueline. We would talk about our standing as female actors in the industry, how things are evolving in Bollywood for actresses and how we all must respect the work we do. I had a great time working with her. I remember we were shooting on my birthday and Jacqueline managed to surprise me with presents that she scouted from local markets. I don’t know how she managed to do this amidst the hectic shooting schedule.”
The actress mentions that it is this positive energy on the sets that helps shape a project beautifully. “When the vibe on the set is good, work automatically becomes better for everyone. Everybody starts putting in more effort when the energy around you is good,” she signs off.
Arjun Kapoor preps up for Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain 2
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Arjun Kapoor discusses putting twice the effort in building physique as he gears up to share screen space with action star John Abraham in Ek Villain 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 25, 2021)
Fresh off the shoot of Bhoot Police, Arjun Kapoor is neck-deep in prep for director Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain Returns. John Abraham, who is backing Kapoor’s upcoming Netflix film Sardar Ka Grandson, slips into the role of his co-star for the sequel to the 2014 thriller. While Abraham and Disha Patani began filming the project earlier this month, the actor will join the team next month.
Before that, Kapoor is toiling away at the gym so that he can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one of Bollywood’s favourite action heroes. “John is known for his physique and action prowess. I am aware of it, and it was a major impetus for me to sign the film. I am lucky to be working with John, who is so good in this space. I am bound to put in twice the effort to make sure that we look good together on screen,” he says.
Tell him that the movie marks his second consecutive two-hero project after Bhoot Police, which sees him play ghostbuster with Saif Ali Khan, and he says that he enjoys multi-starrers. “Ensemble dramas and big set-ups have always been on my list. When I did Gunday [2014] and Mubarakan [2017], I craved a big cinematic outing. Ek Villain 2 is [another film] that I want to strive hard for.”
Releases galore but makers avoid grand promotions
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Film releases sans exuberant promotions have made the marketing pundits realise that they need to chalk out newer ways to engage with the audience
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 3, 2021)
After quite an underwhelming 2020, it’s finally raining theatrical releases in Bollywood with many small, medium and big films making a beeline at the box office. And what has been an integral part of film releases are the elaborate promotions including city tours, press conferences and more. But given the pandemic and rise in number of cases, is that feasible?
“I’m working on RRR, Radhe Shyam, Bhoot Police and Antim. Our strategy is to give the feel of the magic of cinemas, only then will they come and watch the film,” says Varun Gupta, founder director of MAX Marketing.
He further goes on to add that they’re not involving actors a lot in the promotions, something that they used to do pre-pandemic.
“It’ll be limited but not compromising on how we’re pitching the film as a big screen experience. We’re not looking at city tours for promotional,” he adds.
Cutting back on grand promotions is also the social responsibility on the actor’s head as even the audience would not want to venture into some place where there is a lot of crowd. Filmmaker Vipul Shah feels it’s still going to take at least six to seven months before such promotional gigs resume. “The fact that digital platforms have a wide reach, touring cities has become redundant. You’ve to work with newer ways, the world has changed. I don’t see the need of physical promotions. But yes, we’ll all have to be innovative and we’ll be fighting for people’s attention,” he explains.
Having said that, digital promotions have their own set of challenges. Jay Gotecha, who looks after marketing at Emmay Entertainment, says they released Indoo Ki Jawani in December last year, and it was challenging for them to market the film fully, using digital as a medium.
“But it was also a great learning experience as there were no physical promotions. While we’d want the actors to go all out and promote our films, for us, health and safety would be priority, not just for the actors but for the fans and cine goers as well,” says Gotecha.
Therefore, he adds, “We’ll focus on more innovative mediums to engage with our audiences. We would want them to watch our films like Satyameva Jayate 2 and Bellbottom in theatres with all safety precautions.”
Yusuf Ibrahim, the security consultant for many top Bollywood stars, says he still has no information about on-ground promotions in different cities. “There’s no protocol in place. Things will be clearer when films start this month onwards,” he says.
Even if physical promotional activities are out of question, innovation is going to be key and marketeers will have to come up with novel ways of promoting the film.
“Now that films are releasing in theatres, we can’t only be relying on digital promotions. If you expect an audience to shell out 250 bucks to watch a single film in a theatre, we need to go beyond the basic marketing of where we are just informing that a film is releasing,” concludes Gupta.
I have waited for these chances, says Yami Gautam as as she signs eight films
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Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 5, 2021)
With eight films in her kitty, actor Yami Gautam is on a roll. This year started for her with a bang as she recently wrapped up the shoot of her upcoming film, Bhoot Police. Next, she starts prep for Dasvi, a social drama, which will be shot in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) in mid-February, alongside Abhishek Bachchan.
“I am looking forward to playing a cop in this film, it will be fun to learn Haryanvi. Another film that I am excited about is, A Thursday, which is a sequel of A Wednesday (2008). It is one of the best scripts I have read in a long time. Apart from headlining this film, I am also the lead in director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury’s next, which is a take on crime journalism. I didn’t want to headline a movie just because it is female led. These are really good scripts and roles with some amazing directors,” says Gautam, adding that the other four films will be announced soon.
The actor admits that in nine years of her career, she has had phases where she would have just one film in hand. “People would say, why are you so choosy? One can be choosy only when you have many options. If you don’t, then you do one film at a time, like I did. But things changed after I did films like Kaabil (2017), Uri: The Surgical Strike and Bala (both 2019). These films changed people’s perspective about me, and things started rolling,” she says.
Gautam adds that she waited for these opportunities as she wanted to focus on strong subjects. “The idea was to select films and be a part of scripts which also help me portray and become a versatile actor. I want to be who I am as a person but on screen, I want to surprise myself and the audience and see what more can I explore. That’s what makes it fun,” she says.
After a point, it gets depressing if you are constantly being wicked-Saif Ali Khan
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After playing grey roles in Tanhaji and Tandav, Saif Ali Khan looks forward to essaying righteous cop in Vikram Vedha
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; January 20, 2021)
Give him a morally bankrupt character, and Saif Ali Khan will knock it out of the park — be it the devilish portrayal of Udaybhan Rathod in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (2020) or the shrewd politician in Tandav. But where there is grey, there is also white. After a string of negative roles, the actor says he is looking forward to playing a righteous cop in Vikram Vedha, the official remake of the 2017 Tamil thriller.
"I will play an idealistic cop, so I will have to find a way to make him fun. But it will be a refreshing change to portray the good guy," begins the actor. The noir thriller, which traces how Vikram’s perspective of good and evil changes after meeting gangster Vedha, is expected to go on floors in mid-2021. While Aamir Khan was to initially slip into the role of Vedha, it is now heard that the makers are in talks with Hrithik Roshan.
However, before he can tread on the right side of the law, Khan will take another stab at villainy with Adipurush. In the Om Raut-directed adaptation of the Ramayana, he has taken on the responsibility of playing Lankesh, the larger-than-life antagonist to Prabhas’s Lord Ram. Ask him if he finds himself drawn to the grey over the good, and the actor says, “I have always enjoyed grey roles more than milky white characters. In Adipurush, I am playing the ultimate negative character. But, after a point, it gets depressing if you are constantly being wicked. I also worry about being repetitive. So, I [balance it] by essaying a character like Sartaj Singh [Sacred Games], who is kind and vulnerable. The idea is to channel different energies.”
Khan is currently shooting the last leg of Bhoot Police in Jaisalmer. The horror-comedy was one of the first Bollywood films to go on floors post the pandemic. “Getting back to work was initially scary. The producers did their best to maintain a safe environment," he says.
I’m also looking forward to exploring Jaisalmer and its stunning fort-Arjun Kapoor
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The actor is currently in the Golden City to shoot his next film
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; January 10, 2021)
Actors are used to living out of a suitcase and travelling to exotic locations to shoot their films. While foreign destinations have their charm, Arjun Kapoor is extremely excited about his maiden visit to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The actor recently flew to the picturesque Golden City to shoot his next film, Bhoot Police, which has him sharing screen space with Saif Ali Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Yami Gautam. The team had wrapped up the first schedule of the film in Dharamshala in November 2020.
Talking about his visit to Jaisalmer, Arjun says, “Yes, this is the first time I am shooting a film in Jaisalmer. Being an actor, one is fortunate enough to travel to different places and explore various cultures. I have been lucky enough to explore my country and enjoy the warmth it has to offer.”
The actor, who admits to being fascinated by Rajasthan, says that he is keen to explore the culture and the delicious food that Jaisalmer is famous for. He adds, “Rajasthan holds a very special place in my heart. It’s simply stunning, and I have always received a lot of love from the people here whenever I have travelled to the state for personal or professional reasons. The food here is absolutely smashing, and I am sure I will have some really amazing meals.”
On the actor’s must-see list is the Jaisalmer Fort, and he feels that his co-stars, too, may join him in his excursion. He shares, “The team of Bhoot Police includes a fun bunch of actors and we have formed a lovely bond. So, I’m certain that this Jaisalmer schedule is going to be a fun one. I’m also looking forward to exploring Jaisalmer and its stunning fort because I will get a chance to spend a lot of time in the city this time. I am sure I will return home with some lovely, new memories of the city and its people.”
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