Showing posts with label Bunty Aur Babli 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bunty Aur Babli 2. Show all posts

Any other producer would have backed out-Siddhant Chaturvedi

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Siddhant Chaturvedi on Yudhra: Any other producer would have backed out

Siddhant praises Yudhra producers Farhan and Ritesh’s gumption for backing a relative newcomer like him despite the post-pandemic volatility
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 20, 2024)

Yudhra might be Siddhant Chaturvedi’s sixth film in his eight-year career, but it was the first one he signed after his big-screen debut with Gully Boy (2019). Producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani had zeroed in on him for Ravi Udyawar’s directorial venture, but with the development taking long, the actor made a request to the makers.

“They were still working on the script. Meanwhile, I was offered Bunty Aur Babli 2 [2021] and Gehraiyaan [2022]. So, I told Ritesh sir, ‘You need some time to prep. For an action film, the actor needs equity. Since the responsibility on me is huge, let me go out and get some equity,’” he recalls.

By the time the actor was ready to face the camera for Yudhra, which also stars Malavika Mohanan, the pandemic delayed the project. It, however, didn’t stop Chaturvedi’s prep.

“I knew the weight of responsibility on me. I was also scared. Because of the pandemic, the industry’s commerce went upside down. In such a scenario, any other producer would’ve backed out because it’s all about the returns. But Farhan sir, Ritesh sir and Ravi sir had immense faith in me and the script.”

For this, he remains grateful to the makers. Akhtar and Sidhwani showed gumption as they backed a relatively new actor like him, just as they had in Inside Edge, Gully Boy and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023).

“When the market is so volatile, they could think, ‘We are making this film with this new boy. What if it doesn’t open [well] at the box office?’ It takes guts [to bet on new talent]. That’s why Farhan sir and Ritesh sir are game changers.”

While he made his debut with a supporting role in Gully Boy, Chaturvedi has quickly graduated to lead roles. In the pipeline, he has Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s yet-untitled production, and a Karan Johar film co-starring Triptii Dimri.

“My dreams were always big, to be a Hindi film hero. At the same time, I am attached to my craft and won’t do things for the heck of it. There were films that I could have done, but I always need gravitas in the story.”

In that pursuit, the actor has turned down some movies, including Brahmāstra: Part One—Shiva (2022). His criteria while choosing projects are simple. He explains, “There should be substance. I need to control my craft, the rest is not in my control.”

Everybody had high expectations saying I am the ‘next big thing’... I felt I let people down-Siddhant Chaturvedi

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‘IT IS NOT EASY TO MAKE IT IN FILMS AND EVEN HARDER TO SUSTAIN’
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 10, 2024)

It’s been some time since Siddhant Chaturvedi won appreciation for his performance until his 2023 film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (KGHK). After the Gully Boy (2019) fame, the actor saw a bit of a lull in his career. Then, he went MIA for a year with no media interactions and rare public appearances. In a free-wheeling chat over a video call from his holiday, the actor bares his heart, but refrains from sharing one thing — his holiday destination. Excerpts:

Is ‘relieved’ the word for KGHK working and getting good reviews?
It was long due after Gully Boy. I needed some motivation again... it’s been a while since it released, followed by Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021), Gehraiyaan and Phone Bhoot (both 2022). The pandemic happened, I thought we were kind of losing touch with what was working. I had been working for three-four years, things were not happening. And especially after Gully Boy, everybody had high expectations saying I am the ‘next big thing’... I felt I let people down. I would also not blame my choices. Consumer behaviour changed. Big-scale films became front-runners, no one was ready to invest so much money on a newcomer. What I had shot for was just right before the pandemic, the films released after that. I was disappointed with myself, (and thought) where was it going? I finally needed a push like KGHK.

You decided to stay away from everything for over a year. What prompted you to do this?
I thought mere paas kuch hai nahi baat karne ke liye, aur mera kaam bolta hai. Jab kaam nahi bol raha with the audience, who has moved on to some new kind of cinema... and then there are YouTube influencers, creators. As a newcomer, you are put between 360 degrees of entertainment, where you have to compete with so much. I felt that putting stuff out on social media and being spotted is not who I am. I felt I need to work harder to choose the right things.

Weren’t you bothered about being out of sight, out of mind?
I feel overwhelmed with the love right now, but if people are scattered away, I am not going to stand and shout ‘I am spotted, I am going to the gym, I bought a new car’ — that’s not the kind of actor I am. There are so many of them already; everybody has a great life on Instagram. If everyone is an influencer, then who is influenced? I understood my vision is to be there on the screen — be it digital or theatrical. Obviously, the dream is to be at the box office, but whatever it is, cinema is my way of communicating with people. What would I have talked about? I can’t put pictures of my vacations or go to award shows who are just giving me one. Initially after Gully Boy, I loved the attention (on social media) as there was chatter, I was excited. Later, I realized I needed something substantial.

But social media is also looked at as a means of being in touch with fans and solidifying a fan base...
I have nothing against people who do that. Out of sight was on purpose. If I was out of mind and then came with an unexpected performance, it would blow your mind. I have faith in myself. I was nowhere before Gully Boy... suddenly people saw me on the map, I wanted that same effect.

Social media has two sides to it — a powerful tool and a breeding ground for trolls. You must have faced negative comments too. How do you look at it?
I saw them on Reddit. I go and read the gossip and blind articles. It is really disturbing.

They call it ‘spilling the tea’...
Yes. Pehle achha lagta tha padh ke, before I had made it, maza aata tha. Par jab khud ke baare mein hota hai toh aankhein khulti hain. They call me arrogant, cocky, overrated. I was underrated before Gehraiyaan (2022), overrated after it, and then they said ‘he has disappeared, bada aaya tha’. That really hurt. I take it in a good way, but after reading (such comments), I am not able to sleep at night. I sit at the same window where I sat and dreamt, and decide, I will show the world. Earlier, I almost wrote a reply defending myself from fake profiles, but just before sending it, I would be like ‘no yaar, let the perception be, it’s good to break it with work’. I don’t expect people to be soft on me because I have got the hard way in life. It is not easy to make it and even harder to sustain it.

I can’t wait to have my own iconic Bollywood dance numbers one day-Sharvari

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‘Can’t wait to have my own iconic Bollywood dance numbers’

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 17, 2022)

Sharvari made her Bollywood debut last year with Bunty Aur Babli 2. While she did get a chance to shake a leg in songs, such as Luv Ju and Tattoo Waaliye in the film, the actor now wants to focus on hardcore dance numbers in her films.

“I can’t wait to have my own iconic Bollywood dance numbers one day. That’s my end goal,” says the actor, who believes dancing is also an excellent way to stay fit: “I love dancing as a form of workout, it makes me the happiest.”

In a bid to explore the world of dance a bit more, the 25-year-old has even been connecting with dancers on social media and engaging in workshops with them. “We have some very talented dancers in India. I connect with them through Instagram to try and do a workshop with them. I believe in learning new dance forms and challenging myself by trying to learn different styles,” she shares.

The actor, who made her foray into showbiz with the web series The Forgotten Army - Azaadi Ke Liye in 2020, is constantly working on her creative skills in the pursuit of bettering her craft.

“Currently, I am learning Kathak and freestyle hip-hop almost every alternate day. I have converted a small room in my house into a dance studio,” she says.

Rekha ji told me ‘I haven’t seen a screen presence like yours in a long time’-Sharvari Wagh

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‘Don’t want to take pressure for my next’

Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 1, 2022)

Actor Sharvari Wagh is prepping for her second project after her big screen debut with Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021). While the box-office collections were impacted by the pandemic, her performance did get her noticed. Meeting high expectations after a promising first act, and not having any connections within the industry, could prove challenging and weigh a person down — but not Wagh.

“I don’t want to take any pressure with my next performance. I don’t think any creative process can be justified if you take pressure about what the end result is going to be. You go on set and perform to the best of your abilities. After that, what happens, happens,” she says.

Speaking of the industry, Wagh shares she does feel at home, and the people have been welcoming. “Debuting with a film like that (Bunty Aur Babli 2) puts you on the map, I am really grateful and thankful to the industry. I have received many messages and calls from a lot of people I would love to work with. They are appreciating my work and performance. It’s been a really warm welcome and I can’t wait to collaborate with these people,” gushes the 25-year-old.

But the one compliment she holds close to her heart, came from veteran actor Rekha. She reveals, “I remember, a day after the release of Bunty Aur Babli 2, I got a call from Rani (Mukerji, co-star) ma’am. She said Rekha ji wants to talk to me. I couldn’t believe it. For someone like her to call and speak to me after watching my film, and tell me things like ‘I haven’t seen a screen presence like yours in a long time’, will always stay with me. I have always looked up to her, so for her to say that was the biggest compliment.”

I get recognized by public sometimes, which is unusual since I’m not used to it-Sharvari Wagh

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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 4, 2022)

Actor Sharvari Wagh’s first big screen outing, even amid the uncertainty due to the pandemic, was released in theatres. Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021) saw her star alongside Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji and Siddhant Chaturvedi. She says, “Life has been good since then. I get recognized (by public) sometimes, which is unusual since I’m not used to it. But I’ve been looking forward to such days.”

Wagh says the fact that the film was released in theatres sweetened the deal for her: “We made the film for the big screen... My friends and family were ecstatic to see it in the theatre. I was elated that the people who had supported me for so long would be able to see the film the way we had hoped.”

However, the pandemic naturally had an impact on the film’s box-office collections. The 25-year-old says, “Every film has its fate, and additionally, we have the pandemic. Of course, it was highly disappointing. But I feel that there is nothing we can do after Friday. I am very proud of my film. It gave me an opportunity to showcase my craft.”

The actor has her next film lined up, but can’t talk about it yet: “Choosing a film is easy for me. If I am interested in the story, and if my part has something to tell, it’s a win-win.”

'83 is the top overseas grosser of 2021; beats Sooryavanshi

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sooryavanshi 83 release
Box Office India Trade Network

The Overseas market was dull in 2021 like the Indian market as only '83 and SOORYAVANSHI managed to collect well but this is two films doing well as compared to one in India. The standout performance was SOORYAVANSHI although '83 collected a little more that came over the Christmas and New Year period which is easily the most lucrative period for the box office in Overseas with a prolonged holiday period. 

Also SOORYAVANSHI was that film for the mass circuits like Maharashtra, Gujarat and CP, CI. So an $8 million plus overseas total is actually more impressive than its India business. SOORYAVANSHI became the second highest Akshay Kumar grosser in Overseas after GOOD NEWWZ but that was a more overseas friendly film and released over the New Year period.

The rest fared poorly though TADAP surprised in United Kingdom as it beat the likes of BELLBOTTOM, ANTIM and CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI. Overall TADAP could not do much in Overseas but UK has done pretty well as it has collected £187k till date and is still running after 9 weeks of release. It might add another £3-5k and a £190k final total which is not much less than films like BALA and DE DE PYAAR DE which released pre-Covid in 2019.

The top ten grossers Overseas ins 2019 are as follows.
1. 83 - $8.5 million (expected)
2. Sooryavanshi - $8.35 million
3. Bellbottom - $1.92 million
4. Antim - The Final Truth - $1.8 million
5. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui - $1,060,000
6. Bunty Aur Babli 2 - $1,000,000
7. Tadap - $620,000
8. Mumbai Saga - $470,000
9. Thalaivii - $380,000
10. Chehre - $320,000

As an actor, I cannot take my personal journey as a mother into a film-Rani Mukerji

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Rani Mukerji: Can’t take personal journey as mother into the film

Admitting that it wasn’t easy to pull off Chatterjee vs Norway shoot amid pandemic, Rani on playing a mother who battles the state for her kids
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 27, 2021)

Rani Mukerji completes 25 years in Bollywood this year. To mark the personal milestone, the actor was looking for a story that would speak to her. When she heard the narration of director Ashima Chibber’s Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Mukerji knew her search had come to fruition. The film is reportedly based on the true story of Sagarika and Anurup Bhattacharya, whose kids Aishwarya and Abhigyan were taken away from them in 2011 by the Norwegian welfare services, alleging extreme parental neglect. In 2012, after the Indian government’s intervention, the kids were sent back to India to their paternal uncle.

The drama will be a change of gears for Mukerji who was recently seen in the comic caper, Bunty Aur Babli 2. “My audience loves the fact that I am versatile. I can go from playing Babli to this film, which is a whole new world,” she begins.

But the Nikkhil Advani-backed film wasn’t easy to pull off. The team was to begin shooting in April, but the plan was thwarted by the second Coronavirus lockdown. The actor recounts, “The shoot was to go on until May. But the pandemic led to many changes. Estonia, where we were to shoot, closed its borders. So, we went back and forth [on our plans] and finally shot the film in August all the way till September-end.”

The drama is centred on a mother’s battle against a state machinery for her children. Being a parent to a five-year-old daughter, does Mukerji feel more aligned with her character? “When I play a part, I don’t play myself emotionally. I feed off the emotions and turmoil of the character. I can try and put myself in her place, and bring to screen her pain. As an actor, I cannot take my personal journey as a mother into a film. The story is not mine. I borrow emotions from my roles, and portray them to the best of my ability.”

I have been auditioning with Yash Raj since 2015-Sharvari Wagh

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Sharvari Wagh: Been auditioning with YRF since 2015

Sharvari discusses taking six years to crack her big Bollywood break with Bunty Aur Babli 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 21, 2021)

Six years and a zillion auditions later, this weekend could be deemed a winning one for debutante Sharvari. While one may recall her from Kabir Khan’s The Forgotten Army, she has no qualms admitting that this Friday—the release of Bunty Aur Babli 2—was the one she was waiting for all her life. “My parents have booked out a theatre,” says the actor as we sit down with her for a chat at Yash Raj studios.

It took going through a month-long audition process and “training from casting agent Shanoo Sharma” to crack the part. “When I met the director, I had no idea it was for Bunty Aur Babli 2. Rani [Mukerji] ma’am, the OG on set, showed immense confidence in me and asked me to use my instinct,” says Sharvari, accepting that if she was not part of the film, she would have questioned the casting of the newbies opposite Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan.

Bunty Aur Babli 2 picks up 16 years after the original couple settled into monotony. “The film comes with responsibility. We [Siddhant Chaturvedi and I] had to bring enough to the table to make sure we meet the expectations,” she said, adding that off the camera Mukerji and Khan regaled them with their “stories” from Hum Tum days. “They were bickering, laughing, and it dawned on me that these are the people whose interviews I had read in the papers and [now they were] telling me their personal stories.”

But the journey to her debut movie was not one without struggle, recalls Sharvari. “I have had my fair share of hardships. The only way to continue is to keep going. The sticker that reads, ‘Coming soon in the cinemas near you’ and seeing myself on the 70 mm screen [makes me] excited and nervous. The Forgotten Army got me compliments and assured me that I am in the right profession. I channelled that in my silver screen debut. I have been auditioning with Yash Raj since 2015,” says the actor, adding that doing slow motion walks, saying punch lines, and dancing on screen had always been on her wishlist.

(Crisp) Movie Review: BUNTY AUR BABLI 2 by FENIL SETA

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Bunty Aur Babli 2 has a fine first half. The con games played by the new-age Bunty and Babli manage to engage and a put a smile on the faces of the viewers. The second half is where one expects that the film will go on another level as the old Bunty and Babli try to nab the new-age con couple. Sadly, the film goes downhill from here on. The film ceases to be funny and even logical. The ending is nothing special and also predictable. The music is also another minus point in the film. The first part had an unforgettable soundtrack which are played even today. The songs in the sequel, however, are forgettable. Speaking of performances, Saif Ali Khan doesn’t seem to be in form at all. Rani Mukerji tries hard to be funny but fails. She impresses only in a couple of scenes. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari look glamorous and essay the part of the hero and the heroine respectively nicely. But their characters suffer in the absence of strong back stories. Pankaj Tripathi is funny and dependable. Agrim Mittal (Pappu Trivedi) and Mahi Soni (Rinku Awasthi) are cute but the character of the former should have been fleshed out in a better way. From the supporting cast, Gopal Datt is the most memorable. Yashpal Sharma, late Mohit Baghel, Rajiv Gupta and Neeraj Sood are okay. Asrani, Brijendra Kala and Prem Chopra are average. All in all, Bunty Aur Babli 2 is an average fare and is saved from becoming an ultimate disaster due to the first half.

My rating - ** ½ out of 5!

Aditya Chopra called after Gully Boy and said, ‘Tu toh hero hai!’ I told him, ‘Toh phir bana dijiye’-Siddhant Chaturvedi

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Siddhant Chaturvedi: Plan A was to have big-label launch with actioner

Revealing that plan B was to become a sincere actor over star, Siddhant says his craft has earned him a footing in Bollywood as he fronts Bunty Aur Babli 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 19, 2021)

He captivated the audience with his honest performance in Gully Boy (2019). But to Siddhant Chaturvedi, Bunty Aur Babli 2 is where the real journey begins. “It’s my debut in a way,” he starts off, sitting at Yash Raj Studios. “Gully Boy wasn’t my film. The pressure wasn’t on me. The audience found a hero in me.”

He remembers Aditya Chopra calling him after the musical drama released. “Adi sir said, ‘Tu toh hero hai!’ I told him, ‘Toh phir bana dijiye.’ He assumed I’d want to do something intense after Gully Boy. I was only being offered alpha-male roles. It was important to break that perception. I wanted to show my comic timing, boyish charm, dance, and action.”

The con caper allows Chaturvedi to do all that and more, alongside Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji and Sharvari. As he joins Khan to become the new-age Bunty after Abhishek Bachchan’s act in the 2005 instalment, he says comparisons are out of the question. “The original is too iconic to be touched. What works for us is that it has been 16 years since the original. Love stories have changed, as has the game.”

Aspiring to be a Bollywood star since his teenage years, the actor, 28, says his plan B is bearing fruit. “My plan A was to have a big-label launch at 19. The film would have had me, the heroine and no ensemble. [I had pictured it] as an action film with bike chases. But such launches don’t happen in real life. I was sitting at home jobless for four years.”

Which then made him devise plan B — to work on his craft. “The lure of becoming a Hindi film hero was replaced with being a good actor. I did okay in my plan B. I am a Yash Raj Films hero today alongside Saif and Rani. My next with Dharma Productions has me opposite Deepika Padukone, and there’s another film with Katrina Kaif. I also have a web series with Zoya Akhtar. Now, I like plan B better because plan A wouldn’t have earned me respect. I have proved myself.”

Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 700

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~ 700TH BOLLYWOOD TALK POST ~

WILL BUNTY AUR BABLI 2 EMERGE AS THE 2ND BOX OFFICE SUCCESS OF THE SEASON?

The much awaited Diwali release Sooryavanshi has emerged as a big success. It has crossed the Rs. 150 crore mark in 10 days and now it seems that there’s a possibility that it’ll enter into the Rs. 200 crore club too. It has given a boost to the business and also hopes that the forthcoming films will also be able to find an audience. The first major film to release post Sooryavanshi is Bunty Aur Babli 2 and now trade and industry are looking forward as to how it fares at the box office.

Bunty Aur Babli 2 is the sequel to the very successful Bunty Aur Babli. The original starred Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherji and the sequel takes the story forward. But instead of Abhishek, Saif Ali Khan is playing Bunty this time. Saif and Rani Mukerji are also joined by Siddhant Chaturvedi, of Gully Boy fame, and Sharvari Wagh, who was earlier seen in Kabir Khan’s web series, The Forgotten Army. Pankaj Tripathi also features in this con caper.

The trailer of Bunty Aur Babli 2 is entertaining and it promises to be a fun ride. While the soundtrack of the first part was super-hit and fondly remembered even today, the music of the sequel is a disappointment. Also, the trailer is not such that viewers would run to the cinemas. Nevertheless, it has a decent chance of having an opening of anywhere between Rs. 4 to 6 crore on day 1. Most of the business will come from urban multiplexes. If the word of mouth is encouraging, a weekend of around Rs. 20 crore is very much possible.

The other major release of the week is Dhamaka. It’s a Netflix film, starring Kartik Aaryan, Amruta Subhash and Mrunal Thakur. It is directed by Ram Madhvani, who impressed one and all with Neerja and the web series, Aarya. The film is majorly set in a news studio and believe it or not, the whole film was shot in just 10-12 days. The trailer is gripping and it should be something to watch out for.

For me, the best homework is when I am in my costume-Saif Ali Khan

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Saif Ali Khan: For me, best homework is when I’m in costume

Besides piling on the kilos to play a pot-bellied conman in Bunty Aur Babli 2, Saif says he prepped extensively at home to understand character’s psyche
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 18, 2021)

It’s difficult to imagine the charismatic Saif Ali Khan as a flabby, pot-bellied man. But doesn’t the joy of acting lie in becoming a character far removed from you? “It was quite a bit of flab,” laughs Khan, who piled on the kilos to play the complacent railway ticket collector Rakesh Trivedi aka Bunty in Bunty Aur Babli 2. “That was the point of the role — a middle-aged, slightly unhappy guy who has let himself go. Then, the character progresses to becoming fit, happy and adventurous. So, while prepping for the role, I let myself go in real-life too. Becoming overweight wasn’t difficult. I took it easy on the exercises and ate what I loved, but when it was time to knock off the excess weight, I became more serious about hitting the gym.”

His excitement to breathe life into Bunty aided his transformation. Unlike co-star Rani Mukerji who is all too familiar with Babli, having played the role in the 2005 hit that spawned the franchise, Khan had to acquaint himself with the character and make it his own. “I was keen on playing a small-town hero. Earlier, romantic comedies with NRI, urban-centric characters were the trend. Today, heartland stories are [dominant].”

The small-town setting wasn’t the only factor that drew him to the Varun V Sharma directorial venture. In the recent past, the actor has had more than his fill of grey, edgy roles. A lethargic former con artist was a perfect change of pace. “Rakesh is positive and nice, loyal to his wife, and a hero for the working man. Then, he gets a chance to have some fun again and gets renewed energy to lose weight, and have an adventure.”

The physical transformation aside, Khan says he also started prepping for the character at home, weeks before reporting to the set. “If you have the luxury, you can become that character at home without upsetting your family. You can slip into that zone physically and mentally. But before that, you have to figure out the layers to your role. For me though, the best homework is when I am in my costume.”

Adira had the best time watching Bunty Aur Babli 2, and it means the world to me-Rani Mukerji

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Scammer Rani Mukerji finds fan in Adira

Rani Mukerji says daughter’s approval of her act in Bunty Aur Babli 2 is among her career highlights
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 15, 2021)

Following daughter Adira’s birth in 2015, Rani Mukerji may have primarily been part of two offerings — Hitchki and Mardaani 2. However, the young girl has only seen the actor’s latest offering, Bunty Aur Babli 2, making the comic film a special one for Mukerji.

“She thoroughly loved it,” says the actor, adding that her daughter’s appreciation is among the highlights of her career. “It was amazing to see her reaction to what I have done. She was laughing and rolling over while doing so. Making her laugh fills my heart with happiness. She had the best time, and it means the world to me.”

Referring to her daughter as a case in point, Mukerji says the second edition of the franchise on con artistes is apt for all age-groups. “It is a true blue comedy that you can enjoy with your family. It is a good, clean film that is hard to come by. The industry no longer makes such universal films.”

Longevity comes from embracing your age and the person you are-Rani Mukerji

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Rani Mukerji: Longevity comes from embracing your age

Rani discusses how she has no qualms playing mother to 10-year-old in Bunty Aur Babli 2, and the joy of teaming up with Hum Tum co-star Saif Ali Khan
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 13, 2021)

For someone who is recovering from a knee injury, Rani Mukerji is surprisingly upbeat as she promotes Bunty Aur Babli 2. The wacky energy of her film and the fact that it reunites her with Hum Tum co-star Saif Ali Khan after 13 years probably keep her going. But above all, she is happy to be Babli all over again after the 2005 hit. “When Bunty Aur Babli was first developed, we wanted to take the franchise forward. Shaad [Ali, director] wasn’t convinced. Adi [Aditya Chopra, producer] kept the story for a long time, looking for a director who would make it his own. Finally, it was Varun [V Sharma, director] who whipped up a fantastic screenplay. It is not a regular comedy; it has its heart in the right place,” she begins.

Mukerji believes that Khan and she have matured, just like their on-screen characters. “Saif was a little childish when I met him on the sets of Hum Tum [2004]. Today, he is mature and sorted. We have rediscovered our chemistry with this film. This time, we brought our love and respect on screen. I admire him as an actor; his comic timing is impeccable. We fed off each other’s energies. Our common ground this time was that we were both parents. So, we exchanged notes.” 

Well, it appears our Hum Tum characters grew up. Probably the right time to ask if there will ever be a sequel to the romantic drama. “For now, no. But I hope there are more Bunty Babli sequels in the offing.”

Letting go of their vanities, Khan piled on the kilos to play the average Fursatganj middle-aged man while Mukerji plays mother to a 10-year-old in the con caper. That must be refreshing compared to 10 years ago, when vanity was sacrosanct to an actor’s existence. “Today, it’s liberating how movies have changed and how actors are viewed. Earlier too, I did Black [2005] and Yuva [2004] where I didn’t care about my characters’s [appearance]. I like interesting parts because longevity comes from embracing your age and the person you are. I don’t want to convince the audience otherwise. That said, I’ve done a glamorous film after so long.”

Check out Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari in Tattoo Waaliye song

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'Bunty Aur Babli 2': Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji get grooving

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 27, 2021)

Over a decade after they shared screen space, Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji will be seen shaking a leg to the foot-tapping number, Tattoo Waaliye in Bunty Aur Babli 2. Excited to pair up with his Hum Tum (2004) co-star again, Khan tells mid-day, “Every on-screen Jodi has a unique calling card for audiences. For Rani and me, it has been romantic comedies. We have been lucky to have had chart-busting songs. Hum Tum, especially, had blockbuster music. Rani and I had a blast filming such songs and dancing to them. We definitely needed a song like this one to dance to again. It is a fun party track that will pull people to the dance floor.”

Mukerji credits choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant for putting together a piece that was “cool and relaxed”. “It is a groovy number, and gets stuck in the head when you hear it,” she says.

The duo is accompanied by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari in the track. “This is my first dance number in a movie, so, it is important for me,” says the Gully Boy actor, adding, “I rehearsed incessantly and put in many hours to nail every step before the camera rolled. I’m glad to have found a dancing partner like Sharvari who is a perfectionist.”

Sharvari too admits that the film marks many firsts for her. “I love dancing, especially to Hindi film songs. This project is a dream come true in every aspect. Sid and I were in awe of Rani ma’am and Saif sir’s sizzling chemistry. We were inspired to bring out our version of a Bollywood power-pair.”

Tattoo Waaliye has been sung by Neha Kakkar and Pardeep Singh Sran, and will release tomorrow.

Check out Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari Wagh's first look in Bunty Aur Babli 2

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As mid-day reveals the first look of Sharvari and Siddhant in Bunty Aur Babli 2, duo on being suave conmen
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 25, 2021)

Two days after mid-day revealed the first look of Rani Mukerji and Saif Ali Khan in character in the upcoming film, Bunty Aur Babli 2, we have our hands on the first and exclusive look of co-stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari. The duo joins Mukerji and Khan in the rebooted con franchise, which culminated with the adored characters, Bunty and Babli, getting rid of their unlawful ways. Sharvari, of The Forgotten Army fame, had to imbibe the characteristic traits of Babli, who she describes as intelligent, sassy, and always up for a challenge. In keeping with contemporary trends, her version of the con-woman is tech-savvy — a product of the digital boom.

The actor says, “I was honoured that YRF [Yash Raj Films] saw in me [the potential to play] Babli. She is an iconic character, thanks to Rani ma’am’s incredible act in the first film. I am a fan of her work and hope that I have done justice to the role. Since my character is set in this day and age, I have played it with my own sensibilities. This is my big-screen debut and I am eager to see the responses that my performance evokes.”

Chaturvedi’s Bunty too is versed with technological advancement. Described as a suave and smart conman from the big city, his ability to disguise himself makes him a chameleon, and his digital acumen makes him a master of heists. His avatar of Bunty is in stark contrast to that of Khan, who, while sharp-witted, is unaccustomed to using technology.

“This film is important because it showcases me as a Hindi film hero for the first time,” says the Gully Boy actor. “I have waited for this moment for a while and look forward to seeing the industry’s reaction. It is a huge project to be part of, because we have grown up watching this film’s previous instalment.”

While understanding the psyche of the character was one part of the task at hand, Chaturvedi, who belongs to the state of Uttar Pradesh, did not require prep-work to comprehend the milieu that the film is set in. “I understand the aspirations of the youth hailing from these parts of our country, so, I was sold on the film immediately.” The movie releases on November 19.

Check out Saif Ali Khan as overweight ticket collector and Rani Mukerji as fashion designer in Bunty Aur Babli 2

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Saif-Rani break down their avatars as overweight ticket collector and fashion designer as they take the story of ex-con artists ahead in Bunty Aur Babli 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 23, 2021)

One often wondered what happened to con artists Bunty and Babli after they left their unlawful ways at the end of the 2005 eponymous hit. Sixteen years later, the makers of the crime comedy are rolling out the sequel, Bunty Aur Babli 2. While Rani Mukerji reprises her role of Vimmy aka Babli, she is joined by her Hum Tum co-star Saif Ali Khan. Varun V Sharma, who served as the assistant director on Sultan (2016) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), has taken the directorial baton from Shaad Ali to tell the story of the now-retired con artists who are stuck in a rut.

If the first look of the film is any indication, it is evident that a monotonous life doesn’t suit the protagonists. Sharma has set the comedy — also featuring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari — in Fursatganj, the small town acting as a contrast to his leads’ big dreams.

Mukerji reveals her character has since become a fashion designer. “Vimmy is bored being a housewife in a small town. She knows she is the OG Babli, a smart woman who pulled off incredible cons. Though she is happy in her marriage, she craves being the centre of attention. She has decided to pursue fashion; her fashion choices are loud, colourful and happy.”

When Khan came on board the project, he had to adopt a podgy frame to become Rakesh, an unhappy ticket collector with a sedentary lifestyle. “I had to put on several kilos, and then lose it quickly because of my packed shooting schedule. Now, when I look back, I’m glad I went through the process because Rakesh aka Bunty looks believable,” he says.

For Khan, it was important to get familiar with his character’s backstory to understand his motivations. “He misses strategising for cons that became the talk of the nation. He was a legend, and now, he is a nobody. That makes him disappointed about how his life has shaped up.”

'Bunty Aur Babli 2': Conning their way back in the game

Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 694

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IT'S GOING TO BE RAINING MOVIES IN CINEMAS FROM DIWALI!    

Two weeks back, we had reported in our Bollywood Talk that cinemas in Maharashtra are finally going to open soon. The state contributes 30% of the domestic business. While cinemas opened in every major state in July or August, the Maharashtra government preferred to keep theatres shut over the fears of the third wave of Covid-19. Hence, only three major Hindi films managed to release in cinemas in this season – Bellbottom, Chehre and Thalaivii.

On Saturday, September 25, the government of Maharashtra finally announced that it’ll throw open cinemas from October 22. It was quite late but the mood in the industry was jubilant. Many felt that one should look at it positively since the government for the longest time was not in favour of opening cinemas before Diwali. Hence, if it has agreed to reopen theatres 2 weeks before the festival, it’s a feat. An hour after the government announcement, Rohit Shetty announced that he’ll release his much awaited film, Sooryavanshi, on Diwali. Incidentally, Rohit Shetty met Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray regularly and played an important role in getting the approval of reopening cinemas.

The next day, Yash Raj Films unveiled the release date of some of its upcoming films. Soon, many other producers too jumped on the bandwagon. In no time, all important slots like Diwali 2021, Diwali 2022, Christmas 2021, Christmas 2022, Republic Day, Holi, Ramzan Eid, Independence Day, Valentine’s Day etc were booked. As expected, some clashes are also taking place.

While cinemas open from October 22 in Maharashtra, no major Hindi film is scheduled to release that day or on October 29. Sooryavanshi would be the first significant film. This would be followed by Bunty Aur Babli 2, starring Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari Wagh, on November 19 followed by John Abraham-starrer Satyameva Jayate 2. December 3 would see the release of the launch vehicle of Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan, Tadap. On December 10, Ayushmann Khurrana-Vaani Kapoor starrer Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui will make its way to the cinemas. There’ll be no Hindi release on December 17 but it’ll be significant as it’ll see the clash between Allu Arjun’s much talked about Telugu film Pushpa and the most awaited Hollywood film in recent times, Spider-Man: No Way Home. On December 24, sports period film ’83 would release and on December 31, another cricket-based film, Jersey, starring Shahid Kapoor, would be out.

January 2022 might begin on a dramatic note as the first weekend sees the clash between Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi and Baahubali S S Rajamouli’s director’s next, RRR. January 14 would see Prabhas presenting his love saga, Radhe Shyam. On January 21, Akshay Kumar would be back with the epic period drama, Prithviraj. On Republic Day, John Abraham would present Attack. February 4 might have no release as on February 11, Aamir Khan’s much awaited film, Laal Singh Chaddha, would be out.

The other release dates that were announced were of Ranveer Singh's social comedy Jayeshbhai Jordaar (February 25), Akshay Kumar's action entertainer Bachchan Pandey (March 4), Shamshera, a period dacoit film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Vaani Kapoor (March 18), the horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (March 25), Tiger Shroff's Heropanti 2 and Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan's Mayday on Eid (April 29), Ajay Devgn's sports drama Maidaan (June 3), John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor-starrer Ek Villain Returns (July 8), a clash between Akshay Kumar-starrer Raksha Bandhan and Prabhas's Ramayana version, Adipurush on Independence Day week (August 11), Akshay Kumar's Ram Setu on Diwali (October 21) and Tiger Shroff's futuristic film, Ganapath - Part I (December 23).

And this is not all. The release dates of many films are still pending like Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathan, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 etc. Even Karan Johar hasn’t announced the release plans of his films. Experts are expecting that SRK and Salman might try to grab the Diwali or Eid slot. This would mean that the films already scheduled on those days would move. Or they won’t and the Khans would end up clashing with them. The latter won’t be a favourable situation but then, it's bound to become very common since so many films have held up releases for so long. As long as moviegoers come out in hordes to theatres and a significant number of films become hits, everything would be fine.

Save the dates: Bollywood all set to woo audience with theatrical releases

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After 'Bellbottom' locks big-screen release amid buzz that theatres may reopen in July, John Abraham’s 'Attack' books I-Day slot; 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' and '83' join fray
Uma Ramasubramanian, Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 17, 2021)

On Tuesday, Akshay Kumar announced that his spy thriller, 'Bellbottom', will have a big-screen release on July 27. The announcement came amid trade buzz that theatres across the country may soon throw their doors open. While the Punjab government has allowed cinemas to operate at 50 per cent capacity from June 15, it is heard that other states may follow suit by July 1. 

Amit Sharma, MD, Miraj Entertainment, breaks it down, stating, “In Maharashtra, districts on Level 2 can have theatres functioning at 50 per cent occupancy. So, we’ve procured permission to reopen cinemas in Chandrapur and Vasai. Unless we go to Level 1, we can’t get 100 per cent occupancy.” 

Kunal Sawhney, senior vice president, operations, Carnival Cinemas, says that exhibitors and filmmakers are hoping that movie halls will be up and running latest by July 15. “We heard that Telangana might reopen theatres soon. On our part, we have begun the sanitisation process and getting our cinemas [in order].”

This has created a flurry of activity in Bollywood as makers are quickly lining up releases that have been awaiting their turn at the marquee over the past six to 10 months. While Kumar is leading from the front with 'Bellbottom', trade analyst Komal Nahta says, “People were expecting the announcement of 'Sooryavanshi'’s [release]. The makers are perhaps waiting for every state to open completely before making an announcement.”

In all likelihood, John Abraham will follow the superstar as his 'Attack' will hit screens over the Independence Day weekend. An insider reveals, “While John’s Eid release 'Satyameva Jayate 2' had to be deferred, 'Attack' will meet its August 13 release. The exhibitors want to give 'Sooryavanshi' and '83' their due for standing by them through 2020. It is possible that the cop caper will arrive in October, followed by Ranveer Singh’s cricket drama in November.”

Yash Raj Films, a staunch supporter of the exhibitors’ community, has four movies in the pipeline. “They will get into action by September with the 'Bunty Aur Babli 2', followed by 'Shamshera', 'Jayeshbhai Jordaar', and finally 'Prithviraj',” adds the source.

Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 667

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APRIL SUDDENLY TURNS DRY; 2 FILMS TO STILL TRY ITS LUCK TOMORROW

Last week, we mentioned that the rising cases of Coronavirus led to the indefinite postponement of the Hindi version of Haathi Mere Saathi. It was scheduled to release on March 26. In the last 8 days, a lot of other films got pushed. Bunty Aur Babli 2, scheduled for April 23 release, has been delayed indefinitely. 2 days back, the makers of Chehre too made it clear that they’d release when the situation would be better. This also became crucial after Maharashtra declared a night curfew, starting as early as 8:00 pm. As a result, the last show in a theatre needs to be held at 5:15 or 5:30 pm.

Interestingly, the last week also saw the release of Godzilla vs. Kong and it did phenomenally well. Our projection went completely wrong – we had predicted a weekend of around Rs. 10 crore. But the film surprisingly opened at a huge Rs. 6.25 crore when it released on Wednesday March 24. It ended up collecting Rs. 32.25 crore in 6 days, including healthy collections on Monday, the day of Holi. These are the best collections for a Hindi and English film since the beginning of a pandemic and ideally, it should have cheered up the trade and industry. However, when one sees the collections minutely, one realizes that a major chunk of the earnings came from the South. The cases in the South are not that high and the cinema business there is more or less normal. An average Hindi film meanwhile does limited business in the South. It relies majorly on West and North to score and these areas were doing poorly since the cases began to increase significantly. The not-so-great performance of Mumbai Saga and Saina also indicated that releasing a Hindi film in this scenario would not be able to fully perform as per its potential.

As of now, now only two major films, Thalaivi on April 23 and Sooryavanshi on April 30, are scheduled for release. However, it is being said that Sooryavanshi is definitely getting postponed as it’s a big film and in such conditions, it’ll prove to be a commercial flop in cinemas.

However, two Hindi films, both small budget ones, will be releasing tomorrow despite the challenges. The first one is Flight. It stars Mohit Chadda, Pavan Malhotra, Zakir Hussain, Viveck Vaswani, Shibani Bedi, Pritam Singh and is directed by Suraj Joshi. The film has an unknown star cast and yet, it has grabbed some eyeballs. This is because it’s trailer is very thrilling. It tells the story of a man trapped in a mid-air flight! Despite the fact that the trailer impressed people, the excitement is obviously minimal. The rising cases will also prove detrimental to an extent. But on the positive side, if it’s a good film, it can grow through positive word of mouth. And it’ll have a long run in cinemas now that hardly any film is releasing.

The other film releasing tomorrow is Koi Jaane Na. It stars Kunal Kapoor and Amyra Dastur and is a suspense saga. It is directed by actor Amin Hajee, of Lagaan fame. The film was shot around 2 years back and is finally seeing the light of the day. This movie features Aamir Khan along with Elli AvrRam in the song ‘Har Funn Maula’. This song has been noticed but many have not been able to realize that it’s a part of the film. Hence, while the song is known, the film is still unknown for most people. Just like Flight, it’ll open to poor houses but might have a chance if public reports are encouraging.

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