Showing posts with label Good Luck Jerry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Good Luck Jerry. Show all posts
I feel I am good at falling in love-Janhvi Kapoor
2:22 PM
After headlining solo outings Mili and Good Luck Jerry this year, Kapoor says she is eager to be part of a romantic drama
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 24, 2022)
Her debut film Dhadak (2018) may have been an intense love story, but then on, Janhvi Kapoor has been primarily shouldering varied dramas — from a biopic in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020) to a black comedy in Good Luck Jerry, and the survival thriller, Mili. While the films have given her creative satisfaction, she is now itching to experience the frothy world of romantic dramas.
“I miss it, I am dying to do an out-and-out love story. I want to romance someone [on screen]. I feel I am good at falling in love,” she laughs.
Guess the actor will have to wait a while before her wish is realised, because up next, she has the comedy-drama, Mr & Mrs Mahi. Reuniting with Rajkummar Rao after their horror comedy Roohi (2021) has been a pleasure for Kapoor.
“He is one of the finest actors in the country, and I am honoured to get the opportunity to work with him. This film is special to us because its heart is in the right place. The aspiration is to be as good as him, as an actor.”
Besides the Sharan Sharma-directed venture, Kapoor has Bawaal that sees her team up with Varun Dhawan.
I am very keen to play a conventional heroine as I have spent so much time looking for diverse roles-Janhvi Kapoor
7:36 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; November 4, 2022)
While she is beautifully romancing the camera, and in her own words sharing a certain ‘intimacy’ with it, with every film, Janhvi Kapoor is forming a connect, a relationship with the audience. When asked about it, she unflinchingly says, “It’s tough to have an objective view of how people look at you. It keeps changing.”
That’s Janhvi for you, whether it’s a conversation or a portrayal (on screen), her honesty and vulnerability add that special something to her persona. She leads the show in yet another performance-driven film, Mili, backed by her father Boney Kapoor, in collaboration with Zee Studios. The survival thriller, where she is trapped in a freezer, releases today. It’s probably the only time she froze in front of the camera, literally. In a chat with us, Janhvi talks about the film choices she has made, the direction she wants to head, and what moves her heart. Read on…
Your films, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Roohi, Good Luck Jerry, and now Mili, have you playing the titular role. It reflects on your choice of films — performance-driven, unpredictable and each starkly different from the other. Is it by design or coincidence?
I think it is a coincidence. It never occurred to me until it was pointed out. It was never my approach or plan, as I look at every film as an opportunity to grow as an actor. It so happened that these films offered me the most scope from what I was getting.
For an actor of your age and the stage you are at, you have chosen fairly unique and offbeat subjects, and by that, I don’t mean that they aren’t commercially viable. The subjects stand tall, the story drives the show and you pack in all that you got. It must be exciting, but needs guts, right?
I think that’s the thrill of it. I like taking on characters and worlds that are as different from mine and as different from each other as possible. Firstly, it makes my job as an actor easy, as I don’t have to look at a script and say, ‘Oh, how do I play this girl-next-door differently from the previous one?’ The character is already so diverse on paper. Also, I know my life, so if I get a chance to play a glam, urban girl, it will come easier to me, but I don’t know how much that would help me grow as a person. All these characters that I have played so far have added so much to me as a human being. I like the feeling that I am becoming a wholesome person through my art. Having said that, I am very excited and keen to play a conventional heroine now, because I think that I have spent so much time looking for diverse roles that the things that come naturally to me, I haven’t done that. I really want to do that. I want to do the song and dance routine; I enjoy that, and I have grown up watching those movies. I love seeing heroines presented beautifully in these larger-than-life films. I want people to look at me like that and I want the chance to be that way. I haven’t given myself that chance as I have been so caught up in honing my skills as an actor. I didn’t realise it and I think it was arrogant of me to ignore that there is a special skill set required for that kind of performance as well, where you create an impact and make the audience fall in love with you through your nakhras and adaas. I want to do that, and it will be my next challenge.
Mili also marks your first collaboration with your father, Boney Kapoor. Was he deeply involved at every stage of filming?
He is a really creative producer. I have done several films, and I have seen how most production houses have a machinery under the producer to take care of technicalities. In my father’s case, even at this age, I see him flying off to cities to put marketing plans in place, trying to see the cuts of the trailer and songs and ensuring that they are out on time. He is so invested in every detail. Other producers have a team who the actors communicate with, but here I am communicating with him and it is not because he is my father. Just the other day, I was upset with him about this and I told him that you are not 20 something anymore and you have the luxury of deputing work to people, so you don’t need to take flights for one meeting. He says, ‘This is my life, I need to be hands-on and that’s the joy of it’. I have always seen him this way, but I had never understood his level of investment until now.
So, your previous film Good Luck Jerry was a remake of a Tamil film, and Mili is a remake of the Malayalam film, Helen. While working on remakes, do you watch the original material and eventually, put in a lot of thought into how you would give the character your own spin?
In the case of Mili, I have seen bits and pieces of the original. If you start out with that approach, then you are not being true to the material that you have. Your agenda should be, mujhe achha kuch karna hai over mujhe alag kuch karna hai. Same ho, alag ho, usse farak nahin padta. Thankfully, Good Luck Jerry was a completely different world, and there was no way that the performance could have been similar. With Mili, the director, (Mathukutty Xavier) who also directed the original, told me that he didn’t want me to see the original film or even read the script. He told me not to learn my lines. He said, ‘You have played characters so much that I don’t know if any film has captured your energy as a daughter, and that is an integral part of the film. So be the way you are with your dad at home.’
So, in that sense, you came on set with a certain unpreparedness and that’s what gave your character the edge it needed?
My director told me that my character isn’t prepared to go into the freezer, so there was no way I could prepare for that. He had built a -15 degrees cold storage that we shot in, where I actually felt cold, shivered and felt suffocated. We would do 15-minute long takes, where he would give me activities for survival, like lighting a fire with the objects I had at hand. It was exciting, and it gave me a lot of freedom. My relationship with the camera grew very intimate with this film. I felt more at home than ever, because I felt like I bared my soul, so now, I can’t ever be shy in front of the camera again.
So, you are saying that in the most contained environment that you shot in, you felt absolutely free as an actress. Interesting.
Yes, I felt so free, and all of those feelings were so visceral. There was no choice but to be open andbare my soul.
Good Luck Jerry released on OTT recently, and earlier, you were part of the web anthology Ghost Stories, which was made for consumption on a digital platform. As a mainstream movie actress, has the OTT wave somewhere changed or influenced your career choices, the way you view cinema, and the way you want to present yourself as an actress?
I would really like to think that it’s a producer’s job to think about how he wants to mount the film and release it — OTT or the big screen. My job as an actor is to pick scripts that resonate with me. I think it is silly to look at a film and say, ‘Yeh OTT hai toh iska performance aise hoga.’ Yes, when it comes to choices, there is an awareness that a certain kind of film might be more viable on OTT. However, I don’t like that to jade my approach towards my work too much.
Right. But OTT does give you more choices, more freedom and opportunities to present yourself in different ways…
Yes, there is a sense of liberation knowing how much reach the OTT platform has now. I think, at one point, there was a stigma attached to it… ki yeh toh digital pe jaayegi, and people would act like…yeh toh barbaad ho gaye! Now it’s something to be excited about, given the huge global reach that digital platforms have. I am glad that the evolution of the OTT platform has happened and has spoiled us for choices. Having said that, nothing can take away from the magic of cinema on the big screen and the community viewing experience.
From your first film Dhadak to now, do you believe that you have found more acceptance and more love from the audience? Did you ever fear that, given your privileged background (and there are often discussions around privileged actors in Bollywood), you would take a bit longer to get there?
When I am asked this question, on some days, I feel great and think that people are finally noticing my work, and then, on some days, I feel maybe they will never notice. So, I don’t know… it’s tough to have an objective view of how people look at you. It keeps changing. You do one right thing and you are everyone’s favourite for five minutes, and then, you do one wrong thing, and everyone hates you for the next ten minutes. It’s very transient. I have realised that I don’t want to get too attached to people’s opinions of me. I am confident in knowing that I have a lot to offer as an actor, and by that, I mean my hard work more than anything else. I know that I still have a long way to go. I am ready to keep my head down and keep working. As far as what people think of me, maybe you should ask me after Mili releases, I will have more clarity (laughs!).
In an interview with us, your dad said that we should wait and watch you in a full-on comedy role, as your comedy timing is great and that you get your sense of humour from your mother. What do you say?
At home, they all call me a joker, even my mom would call me a joker. I think my humour comes from my mom’s side of the family, because I spent a lot of time with them. Khushi’s humour is more like the Kapoors, and mine is more like the Ayappans.
Is there any other quality or trait of your mother that you see strongly in you?
I think it is my hyper nature, especially when it comes to Khushi and dad. I can deal with anything, but if I feel that dad is upset with me, or something is off with Khushi, or if Arjun bhaiyya and Anshula didi aren’t in a good frame of mind, it throws me off and I can’t sleep, I feel uneasy and become a wreck.
There is a lot of talk, debate, confusion and even chaos in our industry about what is working on the big screen and what is not. Some believe that larger-than-life films will bring in the audience, while some believe that we have to put out the best content, and that’s all that matters. With Mili hitting the theatres today, are you more anxious about it than you would be pre-COVID times, given the current scenario?
I am a firm believer that there is a realignment happening in the film industry, but that doesn’t mean that a good film won’t get its due. And does getting its due mean the same monetary value it got pre-pandemic? Maybe not. We will have to change our barometer to measure the kind of love a film gets. So, I am hopeful for the sake of my dad and also because I believe a lot in what we have made. I think it will get its due.
During the lockdown, I realised how we are depriving ourselves of this beautiful bond with family as we get so busy-Aanand L Rai
8:54 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 11, 2022)
Filmmaker Aanand L Rai never feels nervous before any of his films’ release. As we sit down in his Mumbai office, he takes off his shoes and declares, “Now I am in my zone”, and adds that he “enjoys the run-up” to his films being put out for the audience. His latest, Raksha Bandhan, with actor Akshay Kumar in the lead, releases today in theatres, and he is confident. Excerpts:
Raksha Bandhan is a simple story about a brother’s efforts to get his four sisters married. How did you develop a one-liner into a full-fledged film?
It happened when we were in the first lockdown. In the 50 years of my life so far, I have never sat at home for two months like this. I realised how we are depriving ourselves of this beautiful bond with family as we get so busy. Those 60 days brought us back to our basics. I wanted to come up with a story that was for the family, a clean family entertainer.
But in today’s time, when content has been pushing boundaries, will people be up for a plot like this?
When I started working on Raksha Bandhan, I saw it [from the point of view of] a son, father, husband and felt that we want to go back to our roots. The maker in me got that strength from that. I felt, ‘Let’s talk about love’. What else than family bonding? When you spend time together, that’s the time you don’t think negatively at all. That time with your kids, mother or sister is so beautiful. How can a story that tells you how important love is be boring? Tanu Weds Manu (2011) and Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015) also got a U/A certificate. They were also family films. But I added an extra level of sanitization and got a U certificate for this film.
Your films Atrangi Re (2021) and Good Luck Jerry were released on OTT, but you held on to Raksha Bandhan for theatres. Why?
I wanted those films to release in theatres too, but it was just the uncertainty of those times. If there was still a problem in Raksha Bandhan’s release, however, I’d have again waited for a theatrical. The reason is, I wanted to give an outing to families. There are few films which can give you that happiness, where you bring your kids and parents along with you.
Raksha Bandhan is clashing with Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha. Are you worried?
It’s a film coming from the biggest talent in the industry, Aamir sir. I am looking forward to his film. Unfortunately for me, my film is named Raksha Bandhan. How can I let go of Raksha Bandhan on the day of Raksha Bandhan? It’s nice that we have such a big weekend, where two films can do their bit. I hope both films shine on their own merits.
What’s your equation like with Akshay Kumar?
We are transparent. I always say, direction is about striking up a good conversation. What has gone right with us is our middle-class values. I keep talking about it as I thrive on it. The same is with him. He’s not a layered man.
I have studied for my history exam by watching every World War II film-Janhvi Kapoor
8:37 AM
While it wasn’t a conscious decision to take up such parts, Janhvi Kapoor is grateful that the makers believed in her
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 8, 2022)
In just a four-year-long career in Bollywood, actor Janhvi Kapoor has played titular roles in three films already: Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), Roohi (2021), and the recently released Good Luck Jerry. Her next film, Mili, is also headlined by her. Shouldering a film as the lead, that too this early in her career, isn’t an easy task, and the 25-year-old admits to feeling the pressure: “Because many people, like you, keep reminding me of it (laughs).”
She shares, “This (taking up titular roles) was not a conscious decision. I was very lucky to get a film like Gunjan… and have Karan (Johar; producer) sir, Gunjan (Saxena; Kargil veteran) ma’am, Sharan (Sharma; director) believe in me enough to give me that film. After Ghost Stories (2020), too, I began getting a lot of scripts that allowed me to be the titular character. I feel fortunate to have been able to play these roles in these films.”
Her life-long passion for films could also be the reason why she is up for such challenges. She says, “My education in life has been through films. While this isn’t something I advocate, I skipped my school to watch movies. I have studied for my history exam by watching every World War II film... Mumma (late actor Sridevi) always used to say that I am such a dramebaaz with nakhras. At the back of my mind, I always felt like it was my calling, and I can’t imagine doing anything other than this.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: GOOD LUCK JERRY by FENIL SETA
11:35 AM
Good Luck Jerry, which has been released today on Disney+ Hotstar, is a fun-filled entertainer. The basic plot is cliched but since the protagonist is a female, the writers have been able to add some interesting plot points that keep the interest going. A few scenes are sure to bring the house down. However, the second half is dragging. Also, certain developments are convenient and even hurried, including the finale. Janhvi Kapoor is terrific and delivers yet another performance after Gunjan Saxena. Deepak Dobriyal is very hilarious and this is among his best performances. Mita Vashisht is in fine form and good to see her in such a lengthy role. Saurabh Sachdeva is over the top, as per the requirement of the script. Jaswant Singh Dalal and the actor playing Jigri (Sahil Mehta) are too good. Sushant Singh is strictly okay. All in all, Good Luck Jerry is a timepass entertainer.
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.
I am constantly told perception is important; I can’t bring myself to follow these norms-Janhvi Kapoor
8:38 AM
Playing a Bihari girl who moonlights as a drug peddler in Good Luck Jerry, Janhvi is happy to choose roles that are at odds with industry norms
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 20, 2022)
"It’s a part of my grand plan. I won’t stop surprising people,” laughs Janhvi Kapoor, right at the start of our interview. Good Luck Jerry has most definitely taken us by surprise. The crime comedy sees the actor in a de-glam avatar, playing a migrant Bihari girl in Punjab who gets entangled in drug dealing. Her choice of films is refreshing in an industry that encourages young actors to sign YA movies, and post glamorous pictures on social media, all in the pursuit of stardom. Kapoor has no patience for such diktats.
“I will never stop chasing roles that interest me and are as diverse as possible. My personal life is different from work. Who I am and what I post on Instagram have no bearing on the actor I aspire to be. I am constantly told perception is important, and how I need to create an image that goes with the work I am doing. I can’t bring myself to follow these norms,” she says.
Kapoor is consciously picking up roles that defy the norms of stardom — be it the understated performance in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), or playing a ghost in Roohi (2021). “I have seen stardom since I was young because of my mother [Sridevi]. So, stardom doesn’t lure me. I want to do work that sets a new personal benchmark.”
Good Luck Jerry, a remake of Tamil film Kolamaavu Kokila (2018), is a step in that direction. The beauty of Siddharth Sen’s directorial venture, she believes, is the casting against type. “I asked [the makers] what about my face made them think I could do the role [of a drug peddler]. They wanted someone who wouldn’t [look the part]. Jerry had to look like an unlikely candidate for that world.”
Preparation was key to playing the seemingly harmless character who wreaks havoc in the drug ring. The actor not only underwent gun training, but also picked up the Bihari diction. “One of my co-actors is from Bihar, as were many crew members. They guided me. It was preceded by a two-month coaching. I did workshops with multiple diction coaches. Sinking into Jerry’s world was a harder process. We constructed an extensive back-story. My director Siddharth had faith in me as an actor, even when I couldn’t muster it.”
I want to do justice to both Roohi and Good Luck Jerry-Janhvi Kapoor
8:02 AM
Janhvi Kapoor on overcoming difficulties of juggling Good Luck Jerry shoot and Roohi promotions
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 9, 2021)
Chandigarh-Mumbai flights have become a frequent occurrence in Janhvi Kapoor’s life. The actor, who is shooting for Good Luck Jerry in the north Indian city, has been rushing to Mumbai for the promotional activities of Roohi that hits screens on Thursday. “Juggling promotions and shoot has been hectic. It gets a tad tiring, but I want to do justice to both films,” says Kapoor, who holds the upcoming horror comedy close to her heart. Meanwhile, Siddharth Sengupta’s Good Luck Jerry sees her shouldering the film.
The trouble with juggling shoots and promotions is that an actor is expected to switch between the two distinct characters. Handling the chaotic pace with her usual calm, the actor admits she has had to push herself over the past few weeks. “There are days when I am running on barely any sleep, but my director and I have figured a schedule. I need to push myself harder to make sure that neither film is compromised. Thankfully, by the time the promotions started, a major chunk [of Good Luck Jerry] was filmed. We have 15 days of shoot left. Since I have spent so much time with the role, my crew and the story, I am at home with the character itself. That makes the job easier.”
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