Showing posts with label Ek Villain Returns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ek Villain Returns. Show all posts
After success of Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, I was trying to chase numbers-Mohit Suri
9:24 AM
Samarth Goyal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 20, 2026)
For filmmaker Mohit Suri, the success of Saiyaara (2025) has brought a powerful realisation, that trusting instinct matters more than chasing industry formulas. He has been a part of showbiz for more than two decades now.
The director says Saiyaara’s journey felt liberating from the very beginning. “I remember the last day of the shoot. My producer (Aditya Chopra) asked me how I was feeling, and I said, ‘I feel liberated,’” he recalls.
Suri explains that after the success of films like Aashiqui 2 (2013) and Ek Villain (2014), he found himself increasingly chasing box-office numbers, and that pursuit slowly pushed him toward what he now calls formula filmmaking. “I tried everything possible,” he admits.
“I put action, I put two heroes, I tried a remix song, things I had never done before. I tried all the so-called tricks of the trade.” Yet the result, he says, didn’t quite work the way he expected, referencing his film Ek Villain Returns (2022), which didn’t perform well at the box office.
Saiyaara, however, marked a reset. Without the pressure of big stars or a franchise, the project gave the director creative freedom. “There was no sequel, there were no stars, there was no number to live up to,” Suri says, adding, “It was made on a small budget, so I just went and made a film which I thought was a good film.”
The result surprised even him. “Everything came, the opening, the success. So the learning from this is: just chase excellence, success will come by itself.”
I did Singham Again not to prove anyone wrong. I did it to prove myself right-Arjun Kapoor
4:54 PM
Winning praise for his baddie act in Singham Again, Arjun Kapoor says he was confident about getting out of his career slump and holding his own in front of an all-star cast
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; November 23, 2024)
Standing out in an all-star cast of Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Akshay Kumar and Ranveer Singh can’t be easy. But Arjun Kapoor was confident that Danger Lanka, the “unhinged” antagonist in Singham Again, would leave an impression. Evidently, the actor’s gamble has paid off—his performance in director Rohit Shetty’s film is being talked about, even weeks after the release.
“I have played shades of grey since the beginning of my career. But this was an unhinged bad guy. There is no logic. This was a villain who thinks he is doing everything right. I loved depicting that mindset,” begins Kapoor.
Singham Again came to the actor at a time when he was going through a slump after back-to-back underperformers in Ek Villain Returns (2022), Kuttey (2023) and The Lady Killer (2023). Was he surprised that Shetty didn’t care about his box-office performance?
“Credit goes to Rohit sir; he took a chance on me when my films were not doing as well. Also, Singham Again was such a big franchise film on its own that my valuation didn’t matter,” he says.
If Shetty’s world of alpha cops promises larger-than-life heroes, it also carries expectations of villains that are equally mighty. Before the film’s release, many were skeptical whether Kapoor would be able to do justice to the role of Devgn’s nemesis.
Did he harbour doubts? “No, those questions didn’t occur to me because I back myself completely as an artiste. I know what I am capable of. The audience is right in having those questions, but there were hints in my [previous] work, like Ek Villain Returns. Rohit sir is intelligent enough to catch on those hints. The physicality I carry is an advantage. Plus, I’ve been a lead actor; so, you get a [known] face to stand opposite these faces. If it lands, it lands really well. And that’s what happened,” he smiles.
Throughout our conversation, the actor’s belief in his craft is unmistakable. It’s this belief that was his constant companion when he hit a low period. That’s not to say he didn’t have moments of self-doubt. “When you’re down, you’re alone because it’s the nature of this profession. You have to back yourself.”
The success then must be feeling sweeter today, with a touch of vindication. “Of course! But I did the film not to prove anyone wrong. I did it to prove myself right,” he asserts.
Now, it’s time for Kapoor to reap its benefits. He says there is already a shift in the industry’s outlook towards him. “I sense an excitement where filmmakers are feeling they can see me in different types of roles. Next month, I’ll begin to think about what I want to do next.”
Overseas sees decent results in 2022; Brahmastra is the top grosser
2:57 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
The overseas market has seen decent results in 2022 and that is adding to the success of SOORYAVANSHI and '83 at the fag end of 2021. There have been eight films which have done decent or better business and they are BRAHMASTRA, LAAL SINGH CHADDHA, GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI, BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2, THE KASHMIR FILES, VIKRAM VEDHA, JUGJUGG JEEYO and EK VILLAIN RETURNS.
The HIT or better films in Overseas are BRAHMASTRA, GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI, BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2, THE KASHMIR FILES and EK VILLAIN RETURNS. LAAL SINGH CHADDHA can be called decent but with Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan, who are the biggest stars by a distant, the number is dull as for these two stars, $10 million should come eyes closed even on bad content.
The performance in overseas is driven by numbers in US/Canada and the market here is very much like a big metro in India. So this pre pandemic content held its audience in US while the Indian market has gone into transformation post pandemic as the importance of centres outside the metros has emerged. BRAHMASTRA is the only film to cross $10 million but CIRKUS with a Christmas release will have to the potential to cross $10 million even though it will be a film more for the mass markets in India. The period will give the film a big boost and it could even challenge BRAHMASTRA if the film is good.
The top ten grossers overseas for 2022 are as follows.
1. Brahmastra - $14,150,000
2. Laal Singh Chaddha - $7,640,000
3. Gangubai Kathiawadi - $7,470,000
4. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 - $5,880,000
5. The Kashmir Files - $5,710,000
6. Vikram Vedha - $5,100,000
7. JugJugg Jeeyo - $4,580,000
8. Ek Villain Returns - $2,450,000
9. Runway 34 - $1,900,000
10. Bachchhan Paandey - $1,850,000
Not every character you play will be in your belief system-Arjun Kapoor
8:17 AM
Even as he admits that every character can’t share his beliefs, Arjun says his films Kuttey and The Lady Killer back gender equality
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 4, 2022)
With Ek Villain Returns behind him, Arjun Kapoor is now focusing on his upcoming projects — Aasmaan Bhardwaj’s Kuttey and Ajay Bahl’s The Ladykiller. The actor believes that the two films, through their narratives, further gender equality. For Kapoor, Ki And Ka (2016) was the starting point from where he ensured that he backed movies batting for gender equilibrium.
He says, “There is a gender bias created subconsciously in our upbringing. It is up to artistes to break it by doing films that they can ideologically stand by. Like in Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar [2021], the climax initially had Pinky [his character] beating up Jaideep Ahlawat’s character. But Dibakar [Banerjee, director] did research, and added the final sequence [where Pinky cross-dresses to escape the police]. It was a big risk. But that’s where your own faith convinces you to take the plunge. I come from a deep-rooted understanding of gender dynamics, and want to submit to such stories.”
A look at the recent hits — from Pushpa: The Rise (2021) to KGF: Chapter 2 — and it’s easy to see that the male leads showcase problematic behaviour. How does an artiste align with that?
“Not every character you play will be in your belief system. But these characters operate from their own values,” explains Kapoor, who was the voice of reason in the otherwise misogynistic Ek Villain Returns. “Films aren’t always about teaching, but also about showing [the reality]. Do we need to glorify it? No. If there is something I find unnecessary [in the story], I will debate it. As actors, we must pick material carefully.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: EK VILLAIN RETURNS by FENIL SETA
11:20 AM
Ek Villain Returns is made in a stylish manner; there are parallel tracks and yet, Mohit Suri manages to do justice and give prominence to both. However, several developments are silly. The first half will leave viewers confused. Later on, thankfully, the twists are unpredictable and make for a great watch. The film also ends on a rocking note. Arjun Kapoor looks the most dashing as compared to his recent films and plays to the gallery well. John Abraham is okay initially but later gets better. Disha Patani is a surprise and delivers a top notch performance. Tara Sutaria is decent and much, much better than her act in her last film, Heropanti 2. J D Chakravarthy and Shaad Randhawa are okay. Songs are not memorable and only 'Galliyan Returns' stands out, more so due to the picturization. All in all, Ek Villain Returns works due to the style, thrills and the suspense.
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 736
2:22 PM
WILL EK VILLAIN RETURNS MANAGE TO PULL AUDIENCES?
Ek Villain which had released in 2014 emerged as a sleeper super hit. The mid-sized film, starring Sidharth Malhotra, Shraddha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh, seemed exciting. But thanks to the super-hit soundtrack and thrilling trailer, it opened at a huge Rs. 16.43 crores, shocking everyone. It ended up collecting Rs. 97.51 crores in its lifetime and was declared a super-hit.
As a result, expectations are huge from Ek Villain Returns, which releases tomorrow. It stars John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria. Just like the first part, the sequel is directed by Mohit Suri. The film's trailer has caught the attention and it seems like there is a healthy dose of intimacy, thrills and action in the film. Also, it seems like a proper suspense flick.
Ek Villain Returns however has its share of challenges. The music hasn't worked well. The casting is a bit weak. Both the male actors are not that huge crowd pullers. Nevertheless, Ek Villain Returns has an advantage as it has tremendous youth appeal. Pre-pandemic, it was common for college students and youngsters to throng cinemas in groups for youthful films. After the pandemic, there hasn't been any such film. Ek Villain Returns, however, can prove to be an exception.
The day 1 figure should be more than Rs. 4 crores. Looking at the buzz, it can also go to Rs. 8 crores. However, in today's times, when the scenario is very unpredictable, it is always better to have fewer expectations.
The other major release is Vikrant Rona. It is a Kannada movie which is getting a wide release in Hindi. It stars Kichcha Sudeepa in the lead. Jacqueline Fernandez also features in the film and her song has got noticed. It has been released today, that is, July 28. The Kannada version has opened with a bang since Kichcha Sudeepa is a star in that region. However, the Hindi version is poor. The word of mouth is negative and hence, its box office prospects look bleak.
Finally, Good Luck Jerry would be out on Friday, July 29, but on Disney+ Hotstar directly. It stars Janhvi Kapoor in the lead along with Deepak Dobriyal and Mita Vashisht. It is produced by Aanand L Rai and directed by newcomer, Siddharth Sen. The trailer is very entertaining and since Hotstar has a huge base, it'll definitely get a huge viewership.
Mind The Gap: Theatre to OTT release window increased
8:20 AM
With the gap between theatrical and digital release of films revised to eight weeks starting August 1, industry players hope for better days ahead
Shruti Das (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 27, 2022)
Gone are the days when one had to wait months after a movie releases, to watch it at the comfort of home. Since cinema halls reopened in November last year, the window of releasing films on OTT platforms was reduced from eight to four weeks. However, this ignited several debates on how the OTT release impacts the theatrical potential of feature films. Hence, multiplex associations and exhibitors announced that starting August 1, there will once again be an eight-week window between the theatrical and OTT release of films.
Shamshera and Ek Villain Returns may be the last two films to hit streaming platforms four weeks after their theatrical release on July 22 and 29, respectively. Films that may have to adhere to the new norms include Laal Singh Chaddha, Raksha Bandhan (both slated for release on August 11), Liger (August 25), Brahmastra (September 9), Vikram Vedha and Ponniyan Selvan I (both releasing on September 30).
“I think it’s a fantastic decision,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, adding, “I’ve always told producers that there has to be an eight-week window. It shrunk to four weeks owing to the pandemic, and this was only killing the business, because people thought, ‘Why should we pay Rs. 400-500 for a movie ticket if after four weeks, the movie will be available on OTT?’.”
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures, says the reduction of the window from eight to four weeks was a temporary measure, and hence, after discussing with all relevant stakeholders, the older norm was put back in place. “The theatrical business has started looking up. Eight weeks is a fair window. It will help not just exhibitors, but also producers, distributors and even the streaming platforms,” he observes.
Echoing similar sentiments, film producer and business expert Girish Johar says reinstating the eight-week window was “bound to happen”. “If you see the macro trends, things are coming back to normalcy. The South film industries took a similar decision a couple of weeks ago. Now, the Hindi film fraternity has also taken a similar decision. So basically, the fraternity is saying we want to monetise all possible rights available, give due weightage to each and that’s the reason they have gone back to the eight-week window,” he adds.
Also welcoming the move is Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis India, who says, “The eight-week window provides time for patrons to enjoy a movie in theatres before they’re available on OTT platforms. It also provides everyone in the value chain, from producers to distributors and OTT platforms, a more viable commercial proposition.”
Kartik Aaryan-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, directed by Anees Bazmee, not only had the biggest opening weekend of the year (theatrical release on May 20), amassing a worldwide collection of over Rs. 230 crore, but has also crossed the 50-day mark at the box office. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is available on OTT now, but is doing good business in theatres as well. Yet, if I am getting an option to watch something on OTT or pay to watch in theatres, I would choose the former. Had there been a gap of eight weeks, the film would have done better [in theatres] than it did,” says Bazmee.
However, Vivek Agnihotri feels eight weeks is also too short a window. The filmmaker, whose film The Kashmir Files ranks as the highest grosser of 2022 so far, raking in Rs. 339.49 crore, says, “The gap [between theatrical and OTT release] should be at least six to nine months. This four or eight-week window means nothing, because most movies definitely run for four or five weeks in theatres. But, because they are going to come on OTT, people don’t go to theatres to watch them. Box office suffers, and because of that, producers start believing they should put all their efforts into satellite rights or OTT... I think too much dependency on OTT or satellite rights is affecting the quality of our scripts.”
It’s important for cinema to reflect that there can’t be only all white heroes and heroines-Disha Patani
8:49 AM
Disha says stories today have gone beyond depicting goody-two-shoes heroines as she plays antagonist in Ek Villain Returns
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 16, 2022)
Her last few offerings have rarely allowed her to go beyond the glamorous girl image. Which is why when Ek Villain Returns came her way, Disha Patani grabbed it with both hands. Is a grey role out of her comfort zone? Sure. But the actor reveals that she thoroughly relished the idea of essaying a female antagonist in the John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor and Tara Sutaria-starrer.
“It’s not about women or men; we all have grey shades in us. It’s important for cinema to [reflect] that there can’t be only [all-white] heroes and heroines. No man or woman is always good,” she says.
Mohit Suri’s directorial venture is a sequel to Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor’s hit, Ek Villain (2014). In the upcoming thriller that focuses on a serial killer who attacks women, Patani plays the greed-driven Rasika. “She believes that greed is good. She has certain requirements in life, and uses men [to achieve them].”
Understanding her character’s motivations was the first step to playing it sincerely. “If you don’t relate to the part, you can’t play it. I wanted to be sure that I was going in the right direction. I saw several films [belonging to the genre], and tried to be honest to the role. Mohit helped me throughout. I was always unsure about giving my shot.”
Big set ups, two hero films will always excite the audience-Arjun Kapoor
8:59 AM
Stating that B’wood will take six months to navigate box-office lull, Arjun says actors must support each other by making multi-starrers like Ek Villain Returns
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 25, 2022)
Right at the start of our conversation, Arjun Kapoor points out that his next, Ek Villain Returns, shouldn’t be labelled a sequel. “The story isn’t picking up from the last film. This has new characters. I don’t feel the pressure to match up [to Ek Villain]. It is only an asset because the world created by Mohit Suri is accepted by the masses,” he says.
After Half Girlfriend (2017), the actor is happy to reunite with director Suri, who is known to have a finger on the audience’s pulse. “He has a fan base. His connection comes from music; there is emotional depth in his songs. Ek Villain Returns has all the trappings that the [target] audience will enjoy.”
The movie, also starring John Abraham, Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria, is gearing up for a theatrical run. Kapoor admits that at the moment, actors are feeling the pressure to draw audiences to theatres. “The films [that are releasing now] were approved in 2019 when the audience’s mindset was different. Before the pandemic, multiplex films were on strong [footing]. But now, the multiplex audiences have become OTT viewers. It has resulted in a change of taste. The films that have worked have desi content and are technically sound. Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 [2021] is like Deewaar, following the rags-to-riches story. Gangubai Kathiawadi and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 fared well because they cater to every section of society. As a fraternity, we need to search for answers from [these films’ success]. It will take six months to a year to find that.”
As the industry is navigating an uncertain phase, he believes it is important for actors to support each other. He suggests that multi-starrers like his upcoming thriller might be the way forward. “Big set-ups, two-hero films will always excite the audience. We need to let go of perceptions as individuals, and help each other move ahead. As an actor, I am hoping to do more collaborative projects. When we did Gunday [2014], Ranveer [Singh] and I were stars with potential. There was superstar Priyanka Chopra, and Irrfan Khan. So, a producer could put in more money than he could in a solo-hero film.”
My battle with obesity is very deep rooted; I am somebody who can put on weight by just breathing around food-Arjun Kapoor
8:05 AM
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; June 23, 2022)
Arjun Kapoor often shares posts about his fitness journey on social media. In fact, he recently shared pictures of his physical transformation and is in a happy space where his health is concerned. However, by his own admission, it has been tough to stay on course. The fight for him is not about flaunting a chiselled physique, but to stay healthy. In a chat with Bombay Times, he spoke about being vocal about his battle with obesity, staying focused and the exciting phase ahead where his career is concerned. Excerpts:
You have been extremely vocal about obesity and your battle with it. Today, it has been acknowledged as a growing health problem that needs to be tackled on a larger scale.
Well, I have been battling it since I can remember...waking up for the last 20 odd years with it. It’s not really been an easy task. People assume that when you lose weight, it’s done, but the tougher part is maintaining that. It’s never over. Even today, when I wake up every morning, I have to be conscientious and aware. My battle is very deep-rooted; I fight it every day with a smile on my face. There are some really bad days also. For anybody out there who needs inspiration, I am happy that I can inspire them, but I am as vulnerable as the next person. I am somebody who can put on weight by just breathing around food, so I have to be very aware of that. More than anything, I wanted to get fitter. I think I have now got back to being fit, taking care of my body, loving myself and valuing my body. I’d lost that ability to care for myself. I was so lost in work that I thought it would take care of itself. That’s what I wanted to remind them… that even if you gain weight, you can’t stop loving yourself. You have to try to lose weight for the right reasons, it can’t just be for the superficial part, which obviously exists.
At the end of the day, when you see that a virus can trap all of us in these circumstances, you realise how important your health is. Obesity leads to sugar issues, heart problems and blood pressure… the way food is looked at in our country, there’s always an excess. You have to realise how to take care of yourself.
A huge part of one’s fitness journey is having the right information instead of just being influenced by health fads. You often try to motivate people and create awareness through your posts. Do you plan to do more in this area?
To spread awareness, I think you have first to be aware of yourself how much you can do and how much you can achieve. I have done it very slowly and systematically like I did the first time. I am still at it. My hashtag says work in progress, and it will continue. I feel most people are like me. I do want to do a lot more, in due course, so it’s not easy to explain. With every passing day, I want to be able to build the belief that people who follow me or watch my work, or my Instagram account, realise that this is real. This problem exists within them and me. We have to tackle it. I would like to set up something way bigger and I am working towards it. I want to do something very concrete to make sure that the awareness spreads far and wide for young kids not to be affected, perhaps the way I did unknowingly, because I didn’t have the right information.
A part of your fitness regime also involves yoga now. How has it changed your lifestyle?
In recent times, my mind was very restless and that is when yoga came in. Finishing work, starting new work, shutdown of work and being stuck in between… all of that took a toll. I wanted to calm myself, and yoga helped me go back to meditating, breathing and just calming my mind. Also, I overthink a lot (smiles)… that’s how I function. Yoga helped me be still, just be in the moment and be awakened and blank for a bit. That’s something we all need from time to time not to be in the past or future but to just be in the present.
Moving on to your work, your next few projects are quite a mixed bag — Kuttey, The Ladykiller and Ek Villain Returns — and has you sharing screen space with actors like Tabu and Naseeruddin Shah. Would you say that you are on to an exciting phase of your career?
Definitely! It’s my most exciting phase. A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined having such a unique mix. However, I’ve always tried to do it. When I was doing Mubarakan, I was also doing a Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. I have always tried to mix it up. But yes, this is pushing it to a whole new level. Also, I get to work with fantastic actors like Tabu, Tara Sutaria, John Abraham, Radhika Madan, Kumud Mishra sir, Naseer sir and Bhumi Pednekar. It’s an exciting phase of collaborating with great minds, great producers, directors and actors.
What has changed when it comes to selecting the projects that you do now?
Earlier, when my career began, many films that I signed were no-brainers when someone is starting out... like a double role with Aurangzeb and then movies like 2 States and Gunday. Meanwhile, Tevar was a home production. I wanted to be somebody who could dabble between a Finding Fanny and a Gunday, so I chose those. Today, when I am selecting a film, I am trying to do stuff that I have not done before, and subconsciously, in a strange sort of way, I am also trying to do things that I have got appreciation for. It’s a space where you select material where you want to push the envelope, but at the same time try to find some sort of overlap, where the audience has engaged with you in those spaces, albeit in a different story. I always liked doing all kinds of things; perhaps that’s my strength or weakness. Maybe, now I have found a slight logic behind choosing material that is unique and yet has a semblance of accepted tones.
I can’t visualize myself on OTT; I am a big screen hero-John Abraham
7:41 AM
Birthday boy John Abraham shares why he isn’t likely to do web projects any time soon
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 17, 2021)
Actor John Abraham doesn’t believe in crafting answers to please other people. He would rather say what he truly feels, and that’s evident when we ask him whether he would follow in the steps of his contemporaries and release a film on OTT platforms for any reason.
“I believe, in my head, I am a big screen hero, and I will appear on the large screen,” he continues, “At this point, I can’t even visualise myself appearing for a subscription fee (on OTT). All my films have been designed for the big screen for the next three years. I don’t have the time to do anything else outside of big screen films at this point... But never say never.”
The 49-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, also believes that nothing can match the experience of watching a film in a theatre. “Take Sooryavanshi, for example. Watch it [in the theatre] with an audience and see the experience you have. Then go back home and see the experience you have watching a film on a tablet. You tell me the difference,” Abraham says, adding, “Don’t get me wrong. We make OTT films, we respect those platforms. But some films are not OTT films.”
Busy with a packed schedule, the actor’s 2022 is set to be hectic. He confirms that he is starring in the film Pathan, also said to co-star Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
“My film Attack releases on Republic Day 2022, then there’s Ek Villain Returns somewhere in June, on Eid. I have no idea about Pathan’s release, because we have not yet finished shooting for it, so I cannot comment on it,” Abraham concludes.
Tara Sutaria to sing a song in Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain Returns
8:20 AM
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 12, 2021)
With Ahan Shetty’s Tadap behind her, Tara Sutaria has trained attention to Ekta Kapoor’s Ek Villain Returns. An avid fan of music, Sutaria has gone behind the mic to lend her voice to a song track that features her. The progression, she suggests, is a natural one.
“I always thought that I would act for a year or two, and then enter the space that I love the most—singing. The idea is to balance it out. I have never performed to Hindi music before because I have been a western and pop singer. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the songs that I have recorded,” says the actor.
She will be seen opposite Arjun Kapoor in the multi-starrer film, which also features John Abraham and Disha Patani. That she had a director as musically inclined as Mohit Suri at the helm worked in her favour. “It was easy to understand his vision for my character. We gelled well. It was great to create music with him,” she says of the film, a sequel to Suri’s 2014 movie, Ek Villain.
I have been told that it’s not ideal to do a two-heroine project, but I disagree-Tara Sutaria
8:12 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 16, 2021)
From her debut film Student Of The Year 2 to her upcoming movie Ek Villain Returns, Tara Sutaria has starred in movies featuring two heroines. However, in her forthcoming projects, she is all set to explore the solo heroine space. Ask her how she feels about it, and she says, “I don’t look at films in this fashion. People like to pit your co-actresses against you and talk about how you are sharing screen space with another heroine and also suggest that it is not ideal to do a two-heroine project, but I completely disagree with it. Some of my favourite films feature an ensemble cast. I feel in these movies everyone has an equal part to play. You rather have a five-minute role and shine in a good film than play the lead of a not-so-great project.”
The actress enters the solo heroine territory with Heropanti 2 opposite Tiger Shroff and Tadap with Ahan Shetty. When asked what sets her apart from the pool of actors who are making a mark in Bollywood today, she says, “There are so many factors that go into choosing an actor for a particular role. What sets me apart? Well, after meeting certain people and working with certain directors, I have realised that the thing about me that’s comforting is the fact that I am extremely real, which I feel is a good thing. My choices of films so far have been very commercial. So, when people sit down with me, the reaction I often get from them, which I treasure, is, ‘Oh, I thought of you in a specific way because of the choices of your films, but now we know that you are completely opposite of that’.”
Before she appeared on the big screen, the actress dabbled in theatre and TV shows. Talking about how her learnings from all these experiences give her an edge, she says, “I have been performing for a large part of my life. So, I feel I have a lot to share, learn and converse. I like striking an interaction around the entertainment space and even outside of it. I am interested in different aspects of acting — be it the commercial, theatrical and even cinema from decades ago. And I guess this, too, sets me apart.”
I have dealt with obesity. So, I have to work harder than most people-Arjun Kapoor
8:34 AM
Arjun Kapoor on how teaming up with former world kickboxing champion Drew Neal has aided his fitness journey for Ek Villain Returns
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 13, 2021)
Having battled obesity since childhood, Arjun Kapoor is a prime example of how one can attain their fitness goals with the help of a healthy life and regular workout. The actor, who is required to sport a muscular frame in Ek Villain Returns, roped in former world kickboxing champion Drew Neal in February to guide him to attain the body type. What followed was six months of intense workouts that developed his core strength and enhanced his agility.
“I have dealt with obesity. So, I have to work harder than most people to achieve a certain body type that is required to play a Hindi film hero. If I do the same thing every day, I feel uninspired.”
It is his drive to experiment with workout forms that led him to Neal. “With him, I realised after a point that it’s all in the mind. The more focused you are, the better the results,” says Kapoor.
The actor, who will share screen space with John Abraham in the thriller, reveals that Drew not only helped him tone his physique, but also made him adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond his two-hour workout at the gym. “Drew understands that I need to be focused mentally and physically. For him, it’s not always about the end result, but also about being consistent. I have put in an excruciating amount of hard work to achieve the transformation. I’m happy that people are noticing the change.”
Among all my co stars, I am closest to Tiger Shroff-Tara Sutaria
7:57 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 26, 2021)
It’s back to juggling work within a tight schedule for Tara Sutaria, who’s currently shooting for two films — Ek Villain Returns and Heropanti 2 — simultaneously. The Student Of The Year 2 (SOTY 2) actress, however, is not complaining. “It is exhausting, but rewarding!” she says, adding, “It’s been a while since we shot for a film as there were restrictions due to the pandemic this year, too. I am just happy that my mind is occupied with the one thing I enjoy doing the most — and that’s acting.”
The actioner Heropanti 2 sees Tara reuniting with Tiger Shroff, her first hero when she debuted with SOTY 2. “With every film, the set and your co-stars become your world for a certain period of time. People tend to move on once the project wraps up, but that hasn’t been the case with Tiger and I treasure that about him. We managed to stay in touch over the years. I must say that among all my costars, I am the closest to Tiger,” she says. She elaborates, “I did my first film with him and he is also the first friend I made in the industry. We are similar in many ways.”
What’s common between the two is that they are both shy and reserved. So, how did the two strike a bond and open up with each other? Tara is quick to add, “Personally, I have grown and come out of my shell. I am quite chatty now in comparison to how I used to be. An industry like showbiz brings out that side of you, which you didn’t know existed in you. As for Tiger, we’ve spent a lot of time with each other and that’s how the friendship grew stronger. We are now very chatty and enjoy long conversations. In fact, we have a ball of a time on the sets of Heropanti 2 and are always cracking each other up. Well, the jokes are often lame, if a third person comes to know what we are laughing about they might think we are really silly (laughs!).”
Tara is also discovering a new equation now with her co-star Arjun Kapoor with the film Ek Villain Returns. “We might come across as an unusual pair, but we have an amazing time on the set. Arjun is a very sweet guy,” says Tara. The film also stars John Abraham, who she’s yet to shoot with. Interestingly, in an earlier interaction with BT, Tara had opened up about John being her family friend. She had said, “I remember visiting John ever since I was a kid. He’s often surprised with the filmy conversations we have when we meet now, as we never imagined back then that we’d be working in the same industry.”
How comfortable does she feel to share screen space with the senior actor? “This whole situation is so unexpected,” she says, adding, “It is exciting to be able to work with him as I have seen his films and like his work. I am excited to see what the vibes are going to be like on the set. The coolest part about him is that he doesn’t give the I-am-the-senior kind of a vibe. He is too chilled out.”
While work keeps her busy, Tara misses the family-time she had in the last few months. “There cannot be a bigger blessing than having a roof above your head, food on your table and a family to spend time with in these terrible times,” she says, concluding, “I am sure through these tough days we all have felt lonely at some point, which is why it is always important to have the right people by your side. This period has shown us how important it is to have a wonderful personal life along with a professional life, and that one should not take our near-and-dear ones for granted.”
You have to function with humanity at this time-Arjun Kapoor
8:10 AM
Having wrapped up Ek Villain Returns stint before Goa lockdown, Arjun Kapoor says shoots should remain stalled to ensure crew safety
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 21, 2021)
It has been a case of perfect timing for the team of Ek Villain Returns — Arjun Kapoor and John Abraham had only wrapped up their schedule when the Goa government imposed a state curfew. Kapoor, who has returned to the safety of his home since, backs the restrictions levied by the state governments to curb the virus transmission and believes it is important to halt all shoots, despite the losses incurred.
“As actors, we are always protected, but one has to empathise with the 50-60 odd people who are in charge of the lighting or running around in the creative department. They also have a family back home. You have to function with humanity at this time. It is easy to say that I will act, and go back to [the safety of] the vanity van, but you have to take into account the mindset of people. Their energy will drive the film,” reasons the actor. “I’m glad shoots are not happening at the moment, and the country is working together on more important things.”
The Mohit Suri-directed actioner is his third project shot amid the pandemic after the Netflix film, Sardar Ka Grandson, and Bhoot Police. Kapoor admits that working during these trying times has been emotionally difficult. “We managed to shoot Bhoot Police during 2020-end. We shot in Dharamshala and Jaisalmer at a time when the Coronavirus cases were on the decline.”
Second wave of Covid-19 pushes shoots out of Mumbai as films pile up for release
8:18 AM
The show goes on as film and TV shoots move to new locations for completion
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 19, 2021)
The Hindi entertainment industry primarily operates out of Maharashtra, but now, everything has come to a standstill as all kinds of shoots have been suspended till April 30.
What’s keeping hopes alive, though, is work carrying on in other states across India. The team of Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain returns, including Arjun Kapoor and Tara Sutaria, has jetted off to Goa. Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon starrer Bhediya has had its team stationed in Arunachal Pradesh for over a month now.
Bhushan Kumar, co-producer of Ek Villain returns, tells us, “The sudden surge in Coronavirus cases is worrisome. We stand by the decision to not shoot in Mumbai, but to meet the shoot deadlines, we’ve found the perfect location in Goa, and we’re abiding by the protocols.”
A source tells us Adipurush was being shot in Mumbai, until the shutdown. “It was anyway a shoot against the green screen, so there wasn’t any hassle,” we’re told.
Last year where when the pandemic hit, filmmaker Milap Zaveri, too, had changed the location of his film, Satyameva Jayate 2, from Mumbai to Lucknow. “We support the lockdown and are standing united in helping the state and nation overcome this crisis, but the show must go on. Many livelihoods are at stake.”
Reliance Entertainment has four projects in various stages of production on floors, but all shoots have had to be stalled. Shibasish Sarkar, Group CEO, tells us: “If there’s a producer or director who has done it (shifted location), depending upon the story, it’s a good option in this situation. But the cases are increasing. I’m not sure how long it will be possible to manage.”
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says a lot depends on the story when it comes to shifting to a different shoot location. “The location is decided by the script. The scare is everywhere, not just Mumbai,” he says.
Several TV shows have shifted their shoot locations to various other cities. Sasural Simar Ka 2, which goes on air next week, recently shot in Agra and plan to shoot more from there only.
Producer of Chhoti Sardaarni, Ram Singh decided to shift the shoot from Mumbai to Delhi, “It is not an overall lockdown in India. It is not tough to shift the location, you have to just create a bio bubble.”
Pooja Banerjee, who stars in Kumkum Bhagya, says their shoot has been shifted to Goa. “The public has to stay at home, and wants their shows, and we are trying to fulfil that,” she says.
TV shows and their new shoot locations
- Kundali Bhagya - Goa
- Kumkum Bhagya - Goa
- Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti - Surat, Gujarat
- Imlie - Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City
- Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali - Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City
- Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani - Goa
- Saath Nibhana Saathiya - Gujarat
- Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein - Delhi or Hyderabad
- Anupamaa - Goa or Rajkot
- Teri Meri Ikk Jindari - Jaipur
- Hamariwali Good News - Haryana
- Choti Sardaarni - Outskirts of Delhi
- RadhaKrishn - Umbergaon
- Pratigya - Ramoji or Goa
- Prem Bandhan - Silvassa in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Yeh Hai Chahatein - Goa
I know Mohit Suri has always had faith in me-Arjun Kapoor
8:15 AM
As he heads to Goa for Ek Villain Returns, Arjun Kapoor says Mohit Suri is one of the few filmmakers to believe in him since Half Girlfriend days
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 15, 2021)
On Wednesday, as shoots ground to a halt in the city, it was ironically a new beginning for Arjun Kapoor. He winged his way to Goa to kick off Ek Villain Returns, which also features John Abraham, Disha Patani and Tara Sutaria. After bringing on the laughs in Bhoot Police and Sardar Ka Grandson, it is time for Kapoor to delve into his intense side, and he is glad to navigate the complex character under the watchful eyes of director Mohit Suri.
The actor has been looking forward to reuniting with the filmmaker since Half Girlfriend (2017). “I always tell my friends and family that apart from Aditya Chopra who believed in me, I know Mohit has always had faith in me. When I work with him, I [look forward] to keeping my head down and simply learning from him. He is a mainstream filmmaker who offers [creative freedom] to his actors. That balance is important for me,” says Kapoor, who came on board the sequel to the 2014 hit after Aditya Roy Kapur dropped out.
According to the actor, Suri not only has a knack for crafting thrillers, but also has a keen ear for music. “I am excited to see the kind of music he will give me. I have been fortunate [to have brilliant music] in Ishaqzaade [2012] and 2 States [2014], but Half Girlfriend’s album was on a different level, be it Baarish or Phir Bhi Tumko Chahunga.”
Arjun Kapoor preps up for Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain 2
8:04 AM
Arjun Kapoor discusses putting twice the effort in building physique as he gears up to share screen space with action star John Abraham in Ek Villain 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 25, 2021)
Fresh off the shoot of Bhoot Police, Arjun Kapoor is neck-deep in prep for director Mohit Suri’s Ek Villain Returns. John Abraham, who is backing Kapoor’s upcoming Netflix film Sardar Ka Grandson, slips into the role of his co-star for the sequel to the 2014 thriller. While Abraham and Disha Patani began filming the project earlier this month, the actor will join the team next month.
Before that, Kapoor is toiling away at the gym so that he can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with one of Bollywood’s favourite action heroes. “John is known for his physique and action prowess. I am aware of it, and it was a major impetus for me to sign the film. I am lucky to be working with John, who is so good in this space. I am bound to put in twice the effort to make sure that we look good together on screen,” he says.
Tell him that the movie marks his second consecutive two-hero project after Bhoot Police, which sees him play ghostbuster with Saif Ali Khan, and he says that he enjoys multi-starrers. “Ensemble dramas and big set-ups have always been on my list. When I did Gunday [2014] and Mubarakan [2017], I craved a big cinematic outing. Ek Villain 2 is [another film] that I want to strive hard for.”
Can sequels to hit films change Bollywood industry's course in 2021?
8:17 AM
Actors, filmmakers and experts believe sequels can help lure audiences back into theatres
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 18, 2021)
Sequels to hit films aren’t anything new. However, in the Covid-19 era, when theatres need patrons to fill maximum number of seats, this tried and tested formula could just do the trick.
A host of instalments are in the making, and some are set to release in theatres this year itself. Sample this long list: Satyameva Jayate 2 (SJ2), Ek Villain Returns, both starring John Abraham, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (BB2) with Kartik Aaryan, Badhaai Do with Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar, and more.
Citing past examples of how much power a franchise or instalment holds, trade expert Atul Mohan says, “Housefull, Golmaal are highly successful films, and all their parts worked. Similar was the case with Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish. What will help in the current scenario is that you already have a popular title, so it’ll make an instant connection with the audience. Marketing will also be easy, but the content of course will do the talking.”
Anees Bazmee, who is helming BB2, says there are both advantages and disadvantages to a sequel. He adds, “There’s already a positive frame of mind. People have expectations, so there are chances of the film working. The downside could be that, while a normal film is judge on it’s own merit, the sequel is always judged in comparison with the first one. If the second one is not a bigger hit, people say ‘kami reh gayi’.”
While Bunty Aur Babli 2 will see Saif Ali Khan alongside Rani Mukerji, Hungama 2 will have an ensemble cast of Paresh Rawal, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Meezaan and Pranitha Subhash.
Abraham, who leads the show in SJ2, says, “The film must be entertaining. If it has that and is in a commercial masala space, so be it. Milap (Milan Zaveri, director) makes mass films, and I love his conviction.”
Zaveri feels sequels are awaited at the box office. “The goodwill of the first part ensures excitement. I’m confident, we will give audiences double the action, dialogue-baazi and heroism,” he quips.
Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi however believes sequels aren’t a guaranteed hit formula. “If it’s a badly made film, and doesn’t connect with people, it will go nowhere. The simple reason why any franchise like Dhoom, Munnabhai does well, is because people really connect to those characters. They have great memories. Beyond that, there is nothing else sequels can do,” he reasons.
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