Showing posts with label Dhak Dhak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dhak Dhak. Show all posts
Sanjana Sanghi confirms Dhak Dhak 2 script is ready
9:35 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; May 4, 2026)
Despite the tepid response on its big screen release, Dhak Dhak (2023) found a dedicated audience when it premièred on Netflix. So much so that director Tarun Dudeja, in early 2024, announced the sequel to the Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, and Sanjana Sanghi-starrer. In the latest development, Sanghi told mid-day that the script is ready.
“It’s a script that we’re all excited by, something that we’ve all said yes to. Tarun has done a stellar job in staying true to the characters. We can’t wait to reunite for it,” beamed the actor.
Dhak Dhak revolved around four women who take a road trip to Khardung La, which transforms them. Will they kick off another road trip this year? It’s too soon to put a timeline, said Sanghi, adding, “It’s been a difficult time in our industry, in terms of putting projects together.”
The only privilege I had was that I was a beauty title holder-Dia Mirza
8:49 AM
Dia Mirza, whose web series Kaafir has been turned into a film, discusses OTT changing the game for female actors and how she says more nos than yes to projects
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 10, 2025)
Call it a quirk of fate or irony, but Dia Mirza’s Kaafir (2019) was initially written as a film. After six years of streaming as a web series, the Zee5 offering has now been trimmed to a movie. Smiling at the turn of events, Mirza says, “It was first written as a film, but it was stuck for many years. Then Zee5 came along and said they will make it as a series. So, Bhavani Iyer [writer] rewrote it. Now, [as it streams in a film format], I was curious to see what would be retained.”
Kaafir tells the story of a woman from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, who ends up as a prisoner in India. It fits seamlessly in Mirza’s filmography that, over the last few years, has seen diverse stories—from Thappad (2020) to Dhak Dhak (2023) and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024). But finding such opportunities hasn’t been easy.
The actor shares, “For me, Dhak Dhak was a clarion call. It changed my perception of how life would be in my 40s. The industry had made me believe that by my 40s, I’d be obscure.”
Even as she credits OTT for opening doors for female actors, she notes that author-backed roles are hard to come by. “OTT has opened up [opportunities] for female parts. But again, stories like Dhak Dhak are rare. It takes a lot of sifting and sometimes also hurting egos [to find the right projects]. I say more nos than yes.”
The actor recently worked alongside Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor in Nadaaniyan. With the two actors having been trolled for their performances, Mirza says she empathized with them, as it reminded her of the “vicious” attack she received in her early years.
“We didn’t have social media then, but I was burnt at the stake. So, I empathize with how hard a personal attack can hit. The only privilege I had was that I was a beauty title holder. Beyond that, I didn’t have any support system.”
When Taapsee Pannu and Dhak Dhak team were struggling, it felt personal-Dia Mirza
8:47 AM
After Pannu thanks Dia Mirza Rekhi for supporting the release of Dhak Dhak, the latter says ‘filmmaking is a collaborative’ effort
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 18, 2024)
At a recent event, actor Taapsee Pannu highlighted how small films struggle for a proper release. Referring to her own production, Dhak Dhak (2023), she revealed that the co-producers lost enthusiasm and didn’t push for a proper release once they recovered their money before the movie hit theatres. She also mentioned that her co-actor Dia Mirza Rekhi helped her out in difficult times.
Ask Rekhi about this, and she shares, “It’s Taapsee’s generosity that she has publicly acknowledged what us standing by her and our film meant to her.”
The story revolves around a group of women who set out on a road trip, which results in their self-discovery. Rekhi adds, “Filmmaking is a collaborative, creative process. It takes the strength, will and fortitude of an entire crew to tell a story like Dhak Dhak. We were filming in extreme temperatures, in treacherous terrain and travelling to several locations.”
The reason she could further relate to Pannu’s struggle was because she, too, had undergone a similar situation while producing her film Bobby Jasoos (2014). “I will never forget what it took for me to produce Bobby Jasoos, when I was all of 28, and what it meant to have (actor) Vidya Balan’s unwavering support. When Taapsee, Pranjal (Khandhdiya, co-producer) and team were struggling, it felt personal. So, we did all we could, including hosting private screenings and interviews to lend our support,” she says.
As for the debate around the rising film costs, while small films struggle for just a proper release, Rekhi feels that actors should “support the process, so that stories like this (Dhak Dhak) are told more often. No production should ever be burdened by the weight of its cast. If anything, the cast should lend the story their might and magnanimity”.
More than us, Vicky Kaushal laughed at Katrina Kaif joke-Tarun Dudeja
8:47 AM
Admitting that comedy is tough to write, Bad Newz writer Dudeja on weaving in the meta Katrina joke with Kaushal and how his actors elevated the material
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 5, 2024)
There is always a second time. Nine months ago, Tarun Dudeja’s debut directorial venture, Dhak Dhak, had a muted release. Today, in stark contrast stands his next, Bad Newz—starring Vicky Kaushal, Triptii Dimri and Ammy Virk—which has generated much buzz before its theatrical release.
“Dhak Dhak didn’t have a trailer launch event. At Bad Newz’s trailer launch, I sat in the first row. Karan Johar [producer] and Vicky took my name. The experience was the opposite of Dhak Dhak,” says Dudeja, who serves as the screenplay and dialogue writer.
That’s not where the differences end. The two movies are also poles apart in genre and tonality. While Dhak Dhak told the story of four women coming into their own over a road trip, Anand Tiwari’s directorial venture is a comedy centred on the rare medical condition, heteropaternal superfecundation, where a woman gets pregnant with twins from different men.
Dudeja remembers being introduced to the story, penned by Ishita Moitra, three years ago. “There was a newspaper article about this case in China. She, along with Somen Mishra, who is a creative producer at Dharma Productions, built a world around it. Anand and I took that and kept experimenting with it. The idea was to bring a flavour of the ’90s comedies, while keeping it realistic and [rooted in] emotions so that it feels logical. We all love ’90s comedies, but today’s audience is evolved. So, we had to maintain a balance [between comedy and emotions]. Writing a comedy is always tough, especially cracking dialogues. But Anand put in a lot of work with me to get the punches out. We were also aware that emotional scenes and conflicts needed to be written sensitively.”
Translating humour from paper to screen is a tough job. Not if you have Kaushal, Dimri and Virk as the lead actors, says the writer. “All three have terrific comic timing, and elevated our lines.” Which brings us to the most hilarious sequence in the trailer—in a meta joke, Kaushal tells a character he will have to pass over his dead body to rip apart a poster of Katrina Kaif, his actor-wife.
Dudeja laughingly says, “It was there in the script. We wanted some Vicky jokes. More than us, he laughed at this joke. He also performed the scene with utmost conviction. His dialogue delivery makes it funnier than it is.”
Studios fail to take up movies; theatres pay the price
8:27 AM
14 Hindi titles released in Oct not backed by adequate marketing, impacting multiplex cos
Rajesh Naidu (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; November 2, 2023)
ET Intelligence Group: After an exceptionally good September quarter, the Hindi film industry has begun the December quarter on a sombre note.
Each of the 14 movies released in October has failed to generate sufficient footfalls at theatres. What’s unique about this is not the failure, but the fact that big studios and distributors backing these movies hardly invested in their pre-release marketing and promotion leaving moviegoers largely unaware of titles such as Dono, Mission Raniganj, Dhak Dhak, Ganapath, 12th Fail, Yaariyan 2, and Tejas among others.
The failure of these films also means the third quarter financial performance of the multiplex companies now depends heavily on the success of big titles including Dunki, Animal, Salaar, Tiger 3, Sam Bahadur and Merry Christmas which will be released later in the current quarter.
Some of the movies released in October are by well-known distributors and studios such as Pen Marudhar Entertainment (a distributor of Jawan), Viacom18 Studios, PVR Inox Pictures, AA Films, and Zee Studios.
Shaminder Malik, a trade analyst, expressed astonishment over the fact that so many movies were released in a single month yet the audience was unaware of them. “One cannot rely merely on word-of-mouth publicity as for it to work the audience at least should know about the release of a film,” he said, adding that a big studio can invest close to Rs. 200 crore on a film but follows a conscious strategy of not investing adequately in marketing the film.
On average, it is estimated that distributors spend Rs. 5 crores to Rs. 20 crores in marketing and promotion of a Hindi release.
“I was not even aware that 12th Fail was made by veteran director Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Distributors seem to be dumping content in theatres rather than having to compete with big titles in the coming months,” said Ameya Naik, founder of Fantasy Events, an event management company.
Through the sheer strength of word-of-mouth publicity, the film 12th Fail is gathering a gradual momentum in metro cities. The film has collected close to Rs. 8 crores on the budget of Rs, 10 crore-11 crore, cite analysts. According to them, after an encouraging response over the first weekend of release, distributors have undertaken the promotion of the film.
According to Girish Johar, a producer and a trade analyst, when a distributor refrains from investing adequately in the marketing of a film, it shows a lack of confidence in its success. “There has been no buzz for these films which is reflected in their fate at the box office. It is clear that these distributors knew these films did not shape up well.”
Atul Mohan, another trade analyst, hints at the possibility that distributors may have recovered money through the sale of digital and satellite rights before the theatrical release. “Given the lack of clarity about the success of these films, they did not want to invest incremental money in marketing.”
While the cricket World Cup is likely to have a bearing on the footfalls at theatres, Mohan believes that content plays a crucial role. “Biwi No. 1 was a super hit during the 1999 Cricket World Cup,” he added.
Investors will be closely tracking the industry developments to know whether multiplex companies are able to repeat their robust September quarter performance in the current quarter.
Fatima Sana Shaikh on epileptic seizure on set: "I carry on with work"
9:02 AM
Sneha Biswas (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 27, 2023)
Fatima Sana Shaikh recently revealed that she suffered an epileptic seizure on the set of her recent road-trip buddy drama Dhak Dhak. “It’s not a big event for me because I live with it. I have seizures and then I carry on with work. Of course, it’s difficult for somebody else to see — they care about me. Not many people have seen it happening, so, for them, it can be very traumatic,” says Shaikh, adding, “I am touched that Dia (Mirza, her co-star) cared because a lot of people don’t have the awareness. The person who goes through the episodes knows how difficult it is.”
Stressing that even though people on set were supportive, Shaikh says that the seizure struck when she insisted on finishing a shot without a break. “But if I had taken a break, we wouldn’t have gotten the shoot done. Woh location chala jata,” explains the Ajeeb Daastaans (2021) actor.
Asked if the condition has ever caused a major problem for her at work, and the 31-year-old shares, “I’ve never faced it in the film industry. People have been extremely supportive. You tell them that you have a problem and they will help you. Beyond anything, your craft is most important. Everybody has some baggage or injuries and they keep showing up.”
Thinking out of the box office: Analyzing the trend of films opting for the token release
8:43 AM
We speak to trade experts and makers to decode the trend of films releasing on the big screen only to eventually facilitate their web release
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 26, 2023)
The mutually-agreed-upon eight-week window between a film’s theatrical and OTT releases has been working well so far in the coexistence of the two mediums. However, of late, films such as Music School, 8am Metro, Guthlee Ladoo, Jogi Ra Sa Ra Ra, Shiv Shastri Balboa, Coat, Dhak Dhak and the upcoming Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video seem to have been released on the big screen only to eventually facilitate their web release.
The teasers and trailers of these films, too, dropped with just days to go for their releases, with barely any promotions. In some cases, even the release date was decided and announced without any proper planning. Termed ‘token release’, this phenomenon is characterized by films releasing in theatres just so they can be made available for streaming.
With most token releases, films do not wait for the eight-week window and can release on OTT after running in theatres for four weeks. Another reason why OTT giants prefer films to take the theatre route first is to rule out controversies that follow their release. To understand why several films are taking the ‘token release’ route, we talk to trade experts and makers.
OTT platforms are majorly global companies. Given the controversies and legal hassles that we’ve seen with so many shows and films recently, this is thought of as the safest way. If there are any controversies or cases, they will get handled during the theatrical release and the onus would no longer be on the web platforms. This may help them to minimise any legal trouble, cases in point being Adipurush and The Kerala Story. Moreover, now they want to judge the audience’s reaction before taking the film on their platform.
- Atul Mohan, Trade Analyst
With our film, I don’t know why exactly the producers considered it a token release, but yes, we were really heartbroken as a team. We feel that though Dhak Dhak was a limited release, it could have been promoted well. And now that the word of mouth is spreading, we feel hamari baat mein dum toh tha. Agar theek se promote hoti toh zyada logon tak pahunch sakti thi yeh film.
- Tarun Dudeja, Director, Dhak Dhak
Films that are smaller in scale have no other option but to opt for a token theatrical deal because they probably have a pre-buy deal with a web platform and a certain monetisation of their film is already locked. OTT is playing smart because if they buy films for a direct release, they have to create all the noise and undertake marketing. Once they ask the producers to release the film in theatres, the latter has to manage that cost. If the film does well, OTT will cash in, but if it doesn’t, then they can negotiate on a lower rate for the rights. Having said that, it is a very sad trend since the rejection rate at OTT and the box office is very high now.
- Girish Johar, Producer and trade expert
I went to many streaming platforms for my film, but was told by all of them to release it in theatres first and only then could it drop on the web. I knew my film had an audience on digital platforms, but just to fulfil their freaking window, Shiv Shastri Balboa had to be released on the big screen first. We had to put in more money for that and the film didn’t do very well in the theatres but received so much appreciation once it came on OTT.
- Ajayan Venugopalan, Director, Shiv Shastri Balboa
Initially having opened only in Mumbai and Bengaluru, Dhak Dhak now releases in 14 cities
8:12 AM
Initially having opened only in Mumbai and Bengaluru, Dhak Dhak now releases in 14 cities; maker attributes it to film’s positive word-of-mouth
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 25, 2023)
It was on Monday of the release week that Dhak Dhak’s trailer was unveiled. The promotions were minimal, followed by a limited release on October 13. The Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi-starrer released only in Mumbai and Bengaluru, in about 300 screens. Now, the film seems to be finding its way to people. In the past week, Tarun Dudeja’s directorial venture has been released in over 14 cities, including Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad. Producer Pranjal Khandhdiya of Outsiders Films attributes the development to the audience demand, following the film’s positive word-of-mouth.
He says, “The best way to judge a film’s success is when strangers start tagging you on social media, asking for theatre and show timing details. Dhak Dhak enjoyed great reviews on Friday, and by that evening, the word-of-mouth was strong.”
It led distributors and exhibitors to assign screens in more cities. Now, the all-woman film is reportedly running in over 500 theatres. He adds, “More screens have been added across India. For a film which was planned as a limited release, the audience demand [ensured] that it had a good run in theatres across key cities.”
Dhak Dhak tells the story of four women bikers who ride to Khardung La, discovering themselves and each other during the trip. Industry sources suggested that the drama wasn’t actively promoted as the studio backing it had already secured a profit through its OTT rights. The unexpected turn of events, however, is being relished by the film’s cast.
Sanghi says, “Dhak Dhak was attempting to do something that hadn’t been done before. It always felt honest. To see that honesty spread its wings and touch the audiences has been one of the most reassuring journeys. This is hopefully the boost our fraternity needs to back authentic stories with nuanced characters.”
When we get on a motorbike, I feel we are overcoming intergenerational inequality and fear-Dia Mirza
9:01 AM
The actor-producer just learned to ride, and is telling all women to hop on—age no bar, fear be damned
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; October 22, 2023)
“I was super excited when I heard I had to ride a motorbike in Dhak Dhak. It would mean that I could overcome a fear, and also fulfill a lifelong dream,” says Dia Mirza, who at 41, learned how to ride a geared two-wheeler for the road trip movie.
In the film, which released last week, four women set out on a journey of self-discovery through the highest motorable pass in the world, Khardung La in Ladakh. The cast also includes Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Sanjana Sanghi, and has been produced by Tapasee Pannu.
Striding the two-wheeler revived memories of Mirza’s late father. She was born in Hyderabad to a German father and a Bengali mother; Frank Handrich passed away when she was just nine years old. “I remember sitting with dad on his bike, holding him,” she says, “I was very young then, and ever since he passed, I’ve wanted to ride. But I’ve never even tried… maybe I was scared. So, this was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. It was also a powerful story about women searching for freedom, so it all tied in well together.”
In his cult 1974 book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, author Robert M Pirsig writes, “The real cycle you’re working on is a cycle called yourself.”
Mirza would concur. “We learnt how to find our centre of gravity, handle the weight, the theory of brake and clutch, how to shift the gears… but it’s been a lot about inner work [too].”
The first day Mirza faced the machine, a Royal Enfield 350 cc, she was intimidated by its size. Understandably. It weighs about 180 kg. “As a part of the script… I play a mechanic… I had to lift the bike to put it on the main stand. Fatima had to do it to. It took a lot of strength, and I had aches and pains for a while. I even strained my wrist. I discovered muscles I never knew I had,” she laughs.
She’s never been more grateful to her fitness regimen. “Yoga and strength training are important if you want to even attempt this,” she says, “Flexibility and strength. Ratna has been doing yoga for years now, so whenever she fell, and she fell a lot, she would spring back [up]!”
Soon, the entire cast got the hang of it. “Once you are on the bike, balance comes naturally. We started riding in 48 hours, but trained for a month and kept riding every chance we got. We had to get used to the traffic, bumps… It’s all about building confidence.”
Process aside, Mirza links taming the motorcycle to your state of mind. “The first thing is to overcome anxiety,” she says, “Balance depends on your heartbeat—if its slower, you balance better. So one needs to just believe.” And of course, the whole cast always wore safety gear
We have to ask here—once all is done and they are riding—does it feel meditative? “You said it,” she responds quickly, “It was meditative. We were in Ladakh, surrounded by infiniteness, feeling extremely finite. There’s a sense of oneness with nature…. I would think that’s how you feel when you fly. It’s an open experience… all the elements are accessible to you. You feel the wind, rain, and terrain… it’s humbling.”
Mirza says the whole adventure of getting atop a bike is different for women. “It’s always been linked to masculine strength. When we get on a motorbike, I feel we are overcoming intergenerational inequality and fear. It’s just so liberating. I think everyone who watches this movie should draw inspiration to [overcome their fears and] pursue their potential. Anything is possible at any age, at any stage. Nothing empowers you more than yourself.”
I was told to make one a biker chick with shorter outfit, says Dhak Dhak director Tarun Dudeja
9:02 AM
Dhak Dhak director Tarun Dudeja reveals how producers offered sexist script suggestions, as he shopped around his all-woman film for four years before Taapsee Pannu backed it
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; October 19, 2023)
Why should men make the rules? This question forms the core of Dhak Dhak. But much like the women in the film, first-time director Tarun Dudeja had a long road to this realisation. Along with writer Parijat Joshi, he had initially begun with the idea of making a movie about a woman, who takes a trip to Khardung La to realise her late father’s unfulfilled wish.
“Over time, we realised this premise was wrong. Why should a man have to do anything with a woman’s decision to do something? The agency should come from within,” emphasizes Dudeja. And from there was born the Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi-starrer that tells the story of four women, whose road trip becomes a journey of self-discovery.
It took Dudeja and Joshi a year to develop the screenplay. What came next was harder—a four-year ordeal to find a producer who could back his vision.
“It took us four years to find producers. The constant rejections broke [us] from within. Then, there were suggestions given about the script that left me [boggled]. One was, ‘Make one of them a biker chick, shorten her outfits and show her legs.’ Another suggestion was, ‘Make it Ratna Pathak Shah’s on-screen husband’s last wish to go to Khardung La [rather than her own], and add his voice-over throughout the film.’”
Finally, Taapsee Pannu and Pranjal Khandhdiya entered the picture, producing it with Aayush Maheshwari, and Ajit Andhare of Viacom18 Studios. Dudeja says he lucked out with Pannu, Khandhdiya and Maheshwari, who became his pillars of support.
“Taapsee really liked the script. Her question was, ‘Who is directing it?’ She was told it was a first-time director, and then was shown my short film, Khayali Pulao [2020]. She felt that I knew how to capture emotions, and said, ‘I am here for you.’”
While filming Dhak Dhak was a dream run, Dudeja was disappointed to see how his passion project was barely promoted ahead of its release. “It broke my heart. It did the same for Taapsee, Aayush, Pranjal and all our actors. With OTT and satellite rights, studios secure a profit, and then they don’t feel like taking a risk [by way of its theatrical run]. That’s a corporate-driven decision. Even if you want, you can’t do much.”
But Dudeja also believes that his pain has been balanced with the enormous love that he has received from all those who have watched the movie.
I’ve learnt from Taapsee Pannu that it’s worth doing movies that need you to fight for them to be made-Sanjana Sanghi
8:38 AM
Even as she is upbeat that Bollywood is finally making women-led movies, Sanjana admits she had to make peace with Dhak Dhak’s lack of promotions
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 15, 2023)
In producer Taapsee Pannu’s living room, over a brief narration, Sanjana Sanghi found the film that is an extension of who she is as a person. To her, Dhak Dhak stands for a simple thought: Anything is possible.
“I lived in a barsati in Delhi and led a sheltered life. But look how far I have come! Dhak Dhak is a story of path less travelled, and I am trying to do the same,” says Sanghi.
Tarun Dudeja’s directorial venture revolves around four women—essayed by Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanghi—whose biking trip becomes a journey of self-discovery. Sanghi is proud that she has an all-woman film on her resume within three years of foraying into Bollywood.
“I don’t want to do safe movies. I could take up that two-bit role in a big film, but I am naturally not making those choices. I’ve learnt from Taapsee that it’s worth doing movies that need you to fight for them to be made and released. These films have an impact more than anything else,” she says.
We have all grown up on multiple versions of female friendships. It’s a pity that they haven’t been represented enough in Hindi films.
“When intelligent, strong women come together, we feel invincible. I love that these women [in the film] are strangers who alter each other’s lives. When Taapsee gave me a cup of chai and told me this story, I was proud that Bollywood is finally making movies about women owning agency and not asking for it.”
But as much as the cast is upbeat about such films being made, the reality remains that they aren’t promoted much. Being three films old, Sanghi admits she needs this movie more than her experienced co-stars.
“From an outsider’s perspective, I feel bad. I have to force myself to understand that as an actor, there is only so much I can do. When I hear senior actors tell me to switch off when pack-up is called, I have to make my peace with it. I’m deeply passionate about the film and I will sell it till my dying breath. But a lot of it is beyond my control. We have poured our soul into this film and I believe it will reach the audiences’ hearts.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: DHAK DHAK by FENIL SETA
9:45 AM
Dhak Dhak, produced by Taapsee Pannu, is about four women bikers on a trip to Khardung La Pass. This was a story waiting to be told and the writers and director Tarun Dudeja have done a fine job. The characters are well-established and the film is peppered with some funny and emotional sequences that strike a chord. However, the conflicts that arise in the second half are not established well and even defy common sense. Also, nothing much happens in the first 20-30 minutes after the interval. Fatima Sana Shaikh gets the maximum screen time and handles the important part with ease. Ratna Pathak Shah, as always, is a pleasure to watch. Dia Mirza delivers a superb performance. Sanjana Sanghi is a bit overboard in some places but overall, it's a watchable performance. Other actors who do well are Dheerendra Dwivedi (Shabbir; Uzma's husband), Kallirroi Tziafeta (Martha; Manjari’s foreign friend) and Ozgur Kurt (Bernett). Dr Lakha Lehri (Taran; truck driver) is adorable. All in all, Dhak Dhak is a decent film and deserves to be seen in cinemas, though the makers haven't promoted the film much.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
This myth I had about people believing in ‘content is king’ was shattered while making Dhak Dhak-Taapsee Pannu
8:17 AM
On National Cinema Day, Taapsee Pannu talks about how small-budget films are deeply affected by the star system in the industry
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 13, 2023)
‘Dhak Dhak’, Taapsee Pannu’s big-screen production, starring Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi, releases in theatres today. Produced under her banner Outsider Films, the story follows four female bikers, total strangers, who hail from different backgrounds. As they embark on a road journey, it helps them discover life and themselves along the way.
A true believer of the big screen, Taapsee is glad that her labour of love releases in theatres on National Cinema Day, today. However, her experience as a new producer has been shockingly eye opening. Annoyed and disappointed with the system that still favours the stars, she fears it will only widen the gap between talented aspiring actors and massive movie stars, when there’s room for everyone.
“I truly believe in a good subject as an actor and a producer. Dhak Dhak is an interesting story, and we’ve left no stone unturned to ensure it makes for a great visual and emotional experience. Sadly, the entire system still revolves around the stars including the OTT, and everyone passes the buck. The film’s trailer was dropped barely four days before the release. I heard things like ‘yeh female oriented hai, sirf niche audience aayegi, itnay shows nahi milenge, baad mein OTT pe aani hi hai so why stress?’ XYZ ka trailer bhi late drop hua tha but my film is not Jawan. Smaller films need a certain push. People are free to accept or reject them, but they need a fair chance to be seen.”
Stressing on her prime concern, she says, “I have a first-time director Tarun Dudeja helming this, good actors who have given it their all. They learnt how to ride the bike for it. If there’s no buzz around the film, no promotions, one or two shows playing in theatres at strange times, the film is bound to go unnoticed. Everyone will be quick to label it as a ‘flop’. Once you get that label, will people even watch it on OTT later? Isn’t this infuriating?”
Everything boils down to the ‘star system’ eventually, something we believed ended with the advent of OTT, points out the actress. “This myth I had about people believing in ‘content is king’ was shattered while making this film. There’s so much hypocrisy. They will hear your one-line story and will be quick to ask, 'Picture mein actor kaun hai?' That decides their financial and emotional investment in the project. As an actor, I never asked who my co-star is, or how big the makers are when I signed a movie. I worked with so many first-time directors and costars who were newcomers but that is not how others look at it."
The actress concludes with a sigh, “Everyone involved is to be blamed for this culture. It includes the actors, studios, audience, everyone. It’s a cycle. Just because the studios recover their investment (by selling digital rights) for the smaller films, there’s minimal interest in packaging and releasing a film well. That’s detrimental to the growth of the industry because you are only enabling the big names. Baakiyon ko chance kaise milega? It will only widen the gap between actors and stars. We keep saying Bollywood doesn’t attempt something meaningful but when we try to do that, there’s rarely any support and this must change.”
Seeing Aamir Khan, we developed strong work ethics-Fatima Sana Shaikh
8:13 AM
Reflecting on her Bollywood journey from Dangal to Dhak Dhak, Fatima Sana Shaikh discusses how mentor-friend Aamir Khan and director Anurag Basu have influenced her
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; October 13, 2023)
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s latest release Dhak Dhak is a tale of sisterhood. To the actor, sisterhood could well be the off-camera theme of her next, Sam Bahadur. Meghna Gulzar’s directorial venture, after all, reunites Shaikh with her Dangal (2016) co-star Sanya Malhotra. But while their debut film saw them share several scenes together, Sam Bahadur has left her wishing for a full-fledged film with Malhotra.
“I am aching to do a film where we have a lot of interactions because she is an incredible actor,” she smiles.
Their friendship is a fitting answer to the industry that revels in pitting contemporaries against one another. To Shaikh, comparisons with Malhotra are only background noise.
“Recently, Sanya and I were discussing that two actors might begin their careers together, but their journeys won’t ever be the same. Our choices will be different depending on where we come from. Initially I used to wonder why they were comparing us. But I am content where I am, knowing I am here because of my choices. I have to be kind to myself because if I am not, then I am putting myself down. That’s something I won’t do.”
In the seven years since the sports drama, the actor has come a long way, building a diverse filmography. While her film choices are guided by instinct, she attributes her work ethic to mentor-friend Aamir Khan. Spending time with him on the sets of Dangal and Thugs Of Hindostan (2018) has been a learning in itself.
“When Sanya and I started our careers, he was such a professional on set. Seeing his strong work ethics, we also developed that. When you see a star behaving in such a sincere manner, you realise that being there on time and learning your lines is the least an actor can do.”
These years have also taught her the value of having dependable friends in the cut-throat industry. She feels lucky in that regard, counting Khan, Anurag Basu, Shonali Bose and Anil Kapoor among her well-wishers. The actor, who is reuniting with Basu for Metro… In Dino, reveals the director helped her become less critical of herself.
She recalls, “Dada has helped build my confidence. When I did Ludo [2020], I used to criticise myself a lot. I’d keep saying that I am not a good actor. But Dada kept on saying, ‘Don’t be so harsh on yourself. You are good.’ Then I felt that if Anurag Basu was saying this, there must be something in me.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 799
9:58 AM
NATIONAL CINEMA DAY 2023 TO BE HELD TOMORROW; YET, NEW RELEASES WILL STRUGGLE
The National Cinema Day 2023 will be celebrated tomorrow in cinemas across the country. On Friday, October 13, the tickets will be sold for just Rs. 99 for all shows and in all theatres. Last year, the tickets were priced at just Rs. 75 and the response was maddening, to say the least.
This year, too, tickets have been fast filling. Surprisingly, Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which will enter its sixth week tomorrow, continues to be a preferred choice for moviegoers. Many of its shows are almost sold out, prompting exhibitors to increase its shows from tomorrow. The film is already an all-time blockbuster, collecting more than Rs. 550 crores. Yet, it continues to get an audience. Mission Raniganj, starring Akshay Kumar, didn’t work at the box office. But on National Cinema Day, it’ll have great collections, as evidenced by the sold-out shows. Fukrey 3 and The Exorcist: Believer, too, have an encouraging response. Thank You For Coming’s ticket sales have been gradually increasing too.
Shockingly, three films are releasing tomorrow and the ticket sales till now are poor. The biggest release is Dhak Dhak, produced by Taapsee Pannu and starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza and Sanjana Sanghi. It is about four women bikers on a trip to Khardung La Pass. The idea is interesting and the trailer is also decent. Sadly, the studio partner, Viacom18 Studios, has barely promoted the film. The trailer was out just four days before release and the actors haven’t done any promotion. Taapsee, in fact, deleted posts related to the film as she’s reportedly miffed with Viacom18 for meting out stepmotherly treatment to her movie. It is said that the banner has recovered the investment by selling the rights to Netflix and hence, is giving it a token release in cinemas. The screen count is too low for a film of this scale.
It is believed that Dhak Dhak will also get an audience once the other preferred films sell out. Yet, due to limited release, the first-day collections would be less than Rs. 50 lakhs. The collections will further drop on Saturday due to the crucial India vs Pakistan match. The only hope is that the film turns out to be extraordinary so that it can see a huge jump in collections on Sunday. That can lead to higher collections on Monday than on Friday.
Two Hollywood films up for release are Dumb Money and Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. However, due to negligible awareness and hype, it will get some collections only on Friday due to the offer.
The National Cinema Day 2023 will be celebrated tomorrow in cinemas across the country. On Friday, October 13, the tickets will be sold for just Rs. 99 for all shows and in all theatres. Last year, the tickets were priced at just Rs. 75 and the response was maddening, to say the least.
This year, too, tickets have been fast filling. Surprisingly, Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which will enter its sixth week tomorrow, continues to be a preferred choice for moviegoers. Many of its shows are almost sold out, prompting exhibitors to increase its shows from tomorrow. The film is already an all-time blockbuster, collecting more than Rs. 550 crores. Yet, it continues to get an audience. Mission Raniganj, starring Akshay Kumar, didn’t work at the box office. But on National Cinema Day, it’ll have great collections, as evidenced by the sold-out shows. Fukrey 3 and The Exorcist: Believer, too, have an encouraging response. Thank You For Coming’s ticket sales have been gradually increasing too.
Shockingly, three films are releasing tomorrow and the ticket sales till now are poor. The biggest release is Dhak Dhak, produced by Taapsee Pannu and starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza and Sanjana Sanghi. It is about four women bikers on a trip to Khardung La Pass. The idea is interesting and the trailer is also decent. Sadly, the studio partner, Viacom18 Studios, has barely promoted the film. The trailer was out just four days before release and the actors haven’t done any promotion. Taapsee, in fact, deleted posts related to the film as she’s reportedly miffed with Viacom18 for meting out stepmotherly treatment to her movie. It is said that the banner has recovered the investment by selling the rights to Netflix and hence, is giving it a token release in cinemas. The screen count is too low for a film of this scale.
It is believed that Dhak Dhak will also get an audience once the other preferred films sell out. Yet, due to limited release, the first-day collections would be less than Rs. 50 lakhs. The collections will further drop on Saturday due to the crucial India vs Pakistan match. The only hope is that the film turns out to be extraordinary so that it can see a huge jump in collections on Sunday. That can lead to higher collections on Monday than on Friday.
Two Hollywood films up for release are Dumb Money and Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. However, due to negligible awareness and hype, it will get some collections only on Friday due to the offer.
When we depict progressive women, there is a certain brazenness used-Dia Mirza
8:25 AM
Despite lack of promotions, Dia Mirza asserts Dhak Dhak will shine for its intent; says drama about sisterhood busts myth of women pulling each other down
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 12, 2023)
Twenty years ago, if someone had told Dia Mirza that, at 41, she would star in an all-woman biker drama, she wouldn’t have believed it. But life has a way of surprising us. Amid Bollywood’s larger-than-life actioners comes Dhak Dhak, Taapsee Pannu’s production featuring Ratna Pathak Shah, Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi.
“That a studio backed it and this movie got made, shows that we have come some way. It’s a harbinger of times to come,” beams Mirza.
Tarun Dudeja’s directorial venture revolves around four women on a journey of self-discovery. The actor says that the movie will shine because of its intent.
“It’s a balanced story that celebrates authenticity, reveals layers about people and does so gently. I don’t want to be disrespectful to the feminist movies being made, but when we depict progressive women, there is a certain brazenness used. Sometimes, there is disrespect to the country’s cultural and religious ethos. Only a few storytellers—Hansal Mehta, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti—have the aesthetic to represent progressive Indian women the way they are. In Dhak Dhak, the women seek agency but that has nothing to do with their cultural rooting. It might be written from the lens of men, but it is such a strong feminist narrative.”
Dhak Dhak also underlines the power of sisterhood, she says. “A lot of patriarchal mindsets are shaped by women. So, we have to show women pushing each other up. For too long, we have watched saas-bahu bickering. Movie promotions [are sometimes] hinged on two leading ladies not getting along. These narratives have to change because they can’t be farther from the truth. I’ve had more fun on this film than I’ve ever had and that’s because I was with three cool women.”
Despite it being a film that she believes in, Dhak Dhak was barely promoted until its release week, which may affect its commercial success. But Mirza believes that the movie’s fate on a Friday cannot take away from its larger impact.
“Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein [2001] is called a cult film today, but it was a box-office dud. I am detached from the [commercial] success and failures of my work because an honest film will reach people sooner or later.”
Taapsee Pannu stops promoting Dhak Dhak; feels bulldozed by the studio
8:28 AM
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 10, 2023)
Taapsee Pannu was quite gung ho about her debut big-screen production Dhak Dhak, co-produced by Viacom18, which she was actively promoting on social media. However, just days before its release (October 13), Pannu has distanced herself from all kinds of promotions and even deleted her social media posts about the film. We’ve learnt that the conflict goes beyond lack of promotion at the studio’s end.
“Taapsee didn’t want to be bulldozed by a studio just because they have recovered their investment (by selling digital rights). As a producer, she wanted a say in packaging the film and its releasing,” a source tells us.
Yesterday, the trailer of the film, which stars Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Dia Mirza Rekhi and Sanjana Sanghi, dropped with only days to go for its release, leaving only a tiny window to create any sort of buzz or hype. The source adds that Viacom18 also didn’t let Pannu execute her ideas and deals that she got for the film as the producer.
“They kept telling her it’s just a token release and is mainly for people to watch it on OTT, so she should not bother about theatres. For any producer, who got this kind of a cast together in this day and age, not getting support from the studio is the last thing they expected. And it’s so bad for the cast and crew who went on this excruciating journey on road,” says the source.
As for reports that Pannu sold marketing rights to the studio, the source clarifies: “A producer’s job is to make a film in a set budget and deliver it to a studio, and then they market and release the film. No producer can buy or sell marketing rights. Also, Taapsee didn’t make any money in this film, all she wanted was to build a brand of the kind of films she wants to produce, so the least she expected from the studio was to support her promote the film.”
When contacted, Pannu said, “I can’t say anything right now. I’m just waiting for the film and for the audiences to see the labour of our hard work and love. I don’t want it to have a mark of any toxicity.”
We also reached out to Viacom18 for a comment, but there was no response till the time of going to press.
Taapsee Pannu irked with Viacom18 for haphazard release of Dhak Dhak
8:51 AM
As Taapsee deletes Dhak Dhak posts, sources say she is irked with studio’s haphazard release of her production; no trailer yet for the Oct 13 offering
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 7, 2023)
Next Friday, Taapsee Pannu’s second production Dhak Dhak will hit the cinemas. But the plot twist is that until yesterday, neither the trailer nor any promotional material was released. Last afternoon, the team released the first song, Re banjara, from the Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi-starrer. This move came only after reports surfaced that Pannu, who was actively promoting her labour of love on social media since it went on floors last year, had apparently deleted many posts related to the movie.
In the past few weeks, the actor—usually one to put her heart into her movies—has maintained a studied silence around her production, thus showing her displeasure with the proceedings. Industry insiders say that there is growing discontent in the team regarding the film’s haphazard promotional strategy and hurried release.
A source reveals, “On September 27, it was decided that Dhak Dhak would be released on October 13, giving the team only a 16-day window for promotions. The trailer was originally supposed to release by September-end, but it couldn’t be readied at such a short notice.”
It is heard that Viacom18 Studios, which has produced the road-trip drama along with Pannu’s Outsiders Films, plans to focus on the post-release buzz. But surely, even the most elementary pre-release promotional activity plan includes a trailer.
A studio insider retorts, “Jawan’s trailer was released pretty late, but the film did well. There is no correlation between promotions and a film’s success.”
Another source from the studio assures that starting Monday, the film will be on a promotional overdrive. “We will release an asset every day. The actresses will be on social media, talking about the movie.”
The silence around the upcoming release has not gone unnoticed in the trade circle. A trade veteran, on condition of anonymity, tells us, “It’s silly to compare a Shah Rukh Khan-Atlee film’s promotional model to that of Dhak Dhak. A story about four women, no matter how incredible, requires an aggressive promotional round. For instance, the cast of Thank You For Coming was everywhere—from red carpets to film festivals. Any film requires visibility at a time when content is flooding platforms and theatres. At least, Taapsee’s move has led us to [notice] this [troubling] trend of dumping films on screens and OTT without promotions.” In the recent past, Sudhir Mishra’s Afwaah was a victim of underselling.
Buzz in the circuit is that a lack of promotional budget isn’t the problem. The trade analyst adds, “It is a case of prioritizing. The studio isn’t putting their might behind this movie, but when they release Fighter next year, the case will be completely different. We often discuss how the industry doesn’t do enough for its movies and actors. Dhak Dhak is an example of that. Since Viacom18 has recovered the film’s making cost with its OTT deal with Netflix, its theatrical release is a token one. But any film is a passion for those making it and acting in it, and this film has been wronged on that count.”
mid-day reached out to Pannu and Viacom18. Both remained unavailable for comment.
I joke that Meghna Gulzar has to direct me in an item number next-Fatima Sana Shaikh
8:46 AM
Looking forward to Dhak Dhak and Sam Bahadur’s release, Fatima thrilled that biopic realised her wish of working with Meghna Gulzar
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; October 6, 2023)
It’s not often that you get it all—a best friend, a mentor of sorts and a lifetime of memories —on one movie set. But Fatima Sana Shaikh found that rare mix on the set of Dhak Dhak. On reading the script of Tarun Dudeja’s directorial venture, she knew she had to join the Ratna Pathak Shah, Dia Mirza and Sanjana Sanghi-starrer that revolves around four women on a journey of self-discovery.
“If I vibe with a director, I want to work with him/her, and Tarun is a lovely guy. He gave his all for this film. He was my best friend on the set,” begins Shaikh.
What made the experience richer was the talented cast. Sharing screen space with a veteran like Shah was akin to a masterclass in acting. “She gives [valuable] suggestions. Since she has been performing for years and is also a director, her understanding of acting is so deep. Whenever she talks, I feel I have to take notes,” she laughs, before heaping praise on Mirza.
“The whole country has a crush on Dia Mirza. As an actor, I want to be as good with my craft as they are.”
Shaikh will end the year with the December release, Sam Bahadur. She had more reasons than one to be part of the biopic on the late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw—from the opportunity to play former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to incredible co-stars in Vicky Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra. But to her, it is the result of her love for director Meghna Gulzar’s work.
“When you see her on set, you understand what a genius she is, just on the basis of the amount of information she can retain. She is smart, detail-oriented and so sure about what she wants.”
Having one Gulzar film on her résumé is not enough for Shaikh, who has an odd request for the director, known for her sensitive dramas. “I keep joking with her, ‘Next time, you have to direct me in an item number.’ She tells me, ‘You don’t know what you are asking for,’” she laughs.
In her seven-year journey in the movies, Shaikh has been part of several acclaimed projects, including Ludo (2020) and Modern Love: Mumbai (2022). But the success of her debut film, Dangal (2016), stands out. Does she ever feel the pressure of topping the Aamir Khan-starrer?
“I can’t compete with how Dangal has impacted people. The only thing I can do is be a better actor than I was then. I was part of something very special, and such things don’t happen too often. Dangal will never be a shackle for me.”
Main na puri Dilli ki hoon, meri Gurgaon ke liye utni loyalty nahi hai-Sanjana Sanghi
8:24 AM
Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; August 1, 2023)
Food, family and her furry pals – that’s what Sanjana Sanghi’s visits to Delhi is all about. During her recent visit to the capital, the actress spoke to us about her favourite hangout spots here, why her heart belongs to the city and the films she has lined up.
‘I miss being with my family and my dogs when I am in Mumbai’
Sanjana says that she keeps looking for opportunities to come to Delhi. “Though I stay in Mumbai for work, my heart lies in Delhi. I try coming to Delhi an evening before I have an event or take a late flight the next day so that I can have dinner with friends and family and see my nana. I am definitely greedy when it comes to spending time in Delhi,” says the Dil Bechara actress.
Talk about Delhi food, and Sanjana says that her favourite memories from her school and college days are all about food. “During my recent visit to the capital, I was at Lodhi Road, which used to be my regular hangout spot when I was in Modern School, Barakhamba Road. Every day after school, we used to drive to Khan Market and get burgers and cold drinks. I went to Lady Shri Ram College, and Amar Colony, which is at a stone’s throw distance from the college, has the best chur-chur naan (from the outlet under the Moolchand flyover). We used to also gorge on tandoori momos from Amar Colony Market. I haven’t explored Gurgaon that much when it comes to food. To be honest, main na puri Dilli ki hoon, meri Gurgaon ke liye utni loyalty nahi hai. Though I have visited Cyber Hub and One Horizon Center, the feeling is not the same as walking around in Khan Market or Connaught Place.”
It’s a busy year for Sanjana
The actress is gearing up for the release of her two films and says that this will be the busiest year for her. “I just finished shooting for my next film Kadak Singh which is a father-daughter drama with Pankaj Tripathi. The other film Dhak Dhak is also ready for release. It is a story of four women riding bikes from Delhi to Ladakh. Both these films will release in the next couple of months,” says Sanjana, adding that for actors like her, there are a lot of opportunities today, but one has to deal with a lot of uncertainty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)