Showing posts with label Govinda Naam Mera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Govinda Naam Mera. Show all posts
Is it fair to sacrifice talented artistes at the altar of shoddy scripts?
8:20 AM
Talented actors are trolled and criticized for taking certain roles, but is it right to question only the performances?
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 8, 2023)
Sometimes, poor scripts are elevated by great performances. But, what do you expect when best of actors are given sketchy characters in a badly written story? Case in point: Gajraj Rao in Bholaa, Sanjay Mishra in Jogira Sara Ra Ra and more. Such actors, known for their versatility, were reduced to frivolous characters in certain projects, which left their fans, and audience at large, disappointed. The bigger question is: Is it fair to sacrifice talented artistes at the altar of shoddy scripts? Industry experts help us decode.
Actors state their reasons
‘FOCUS ON WHAT’S GOOD FOR ME’
Gajraj Rao says he’s “very selective” with picking films, thus he doesn’t regret taking up any role. “If I start getting bothered by what people like to see, I won’t be able to survive in this industry. I feel, you’re the best judge of your work, so I only focus on what I think is good for me,” he says.
‘CAN ONLY DO WHAT’S OFFERED’
Renuka Shahane was highly criticized for Govinda Naam Mera (2022), but she doesn’t take “vague opinions” seriously. “If you tell me that this role wasn’t good enough for me, it does not make sense to me. How is it going to change anything for me? I can only do what’s being offered.”
‘HAVE TO PUT BREAD ON THE TABLE’
Ronit Roy, who played Kartik Aaryan’s father in Shehzada, opines that decisions are often determined by several factors. “I have to create a balance between the films I like and projects that will facilitate putting bread on the table. I never feel short-changed because I sign the film knowing what my role is,” he says.
‘MAIN KYUN NA KARUN?’
Siddharth Jadhav was brutally trolled for his cringe acting in Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus (2022). He admits that sometimes actors sign up a film only to collaborate with a director and banner. “Kabhi kabhi achche logon ke saath kaam karna bhi impactful hota hai. That’s why I took up Cirkus and Radhe (2021), which had Salman Khan in the lead and was directed by Prabhudheva,” he says.
There are several factors at play, say trade experts
‘NOT THE ACTOR’S FAULT’
Taran Adarsh feels that actors’ judgement can in no way be blamed for a script misfire. “Actors very well know what they are signing up for. Nobody is cheating or lying to them or making false promises. This used to happen earlier when there was no hard bound script, but that’s not the case anymore,” he says.
LOST IN TRANSITION
Atul Mohan explains how at times, the character’s strength gets lost in script-to-screen transition. ”Paper par jo hota hai, wo bahut exciting hota hai. I’ve been part of so many narrations where the director described a character in such a way that any actor would get convinced. But it did not translate well in the final outcome.”
I have grown up watching David Dhawan's movies, to be complimented by him is a big deal-Viraj Ghelani
8:29 AM
Viraj Ghelani of Govinda Naam Mera fame discusses creating and co-writing the series, Unbachelored, which stemmed from personal experiences
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 17, 2023)
He made his Bollywood debut with the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Govinda Naam Mera, but the film didn’t alter much in Viraj Ghelani’s life. The actor and social media influencer has taken it upon himself to turn the tide. Rather than waiting in line for offers to come to him, Ghelani conceptualized a story, which is now streaming on YouTube.
“Maybe [people] in the industry are now aware that I have acted in this film. [If nothing else], the film has made me feel confident about myself. I received the biggest compliment when after the film’s screening, David Dhawan told me that I did good work post the screening of the film. I have grown up watching his movies, to be complimented by him is a big deal, but having said that, no producers or directors have lined up outside my house waiting to cast me. I had kept low expectations, so I am not disappointed. I do feel my colleagues and friends have begun to respect me more than usual. I do not know if they are serious or just pulling my leg,” says the actor, who plays the dejected friend when his childhood friend finds a fiancé and his priorities change in Dice Media’s Unbachelored.
Ghelani jokes that usually the production house contacts him when the budget of other actors gets too high for them. “I am ghar ka hi for them. But I have no hang-ups doing any role. I am hungry to act and be seen. It is better than sitting at home and doing nothing,” he says.
Unbachelored marks his first lead role for the production house. “It’s the first time in the last five-and-a-half years I have worked with them. Since the series was conceptualized by me, I decided to act in it too.”
Ghelani confesses that while he has not scripted the series, he sat with the team of writers to share his experiences, which have been chronicled in the show. “The series is personal for me. I am big fan of going on group trips, especially if it’s an all-boys’ outing. I am the only unmarried person in my group. When I sometimes call my guy friends home, someone ends up getting their partner, and I say, ‘Dosti hamesha stag entry hoti hai, tu hamesha plus one mat laaya kar’,” explains Ghelani, who is working on the concept of another series. He also has a Gujarati film and a few podcasts lined up for this year.
Renuka Shahane finds auditions ‘raw’ and ‘cold’
8:40 AM
Ashish Kumar Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 27, 2022)
Actor Renuka Shahane is rarely seen on the big screen, but when she does, she makes sure her roles take centre stage. The 56-year-old, who recently played actor Vicky Kaushal’s mother in Govinda Naam Mera, says that she is indeed picky about projects.
“Whatever roles are offered to me, I want them to make a difference to the script. It’s not the length of a role that decides [if I’ll do a film or not], but the fact that the movie can be made or not without that character. The role has to be consequential to the plot. In that sense, yes, I am choosy,” she confesses.
Shedding light on the other factors that count, Shahane adds that it also depends on the credibility of the people she collaborates with. “You spend so much time on a particular subject and if it doesn’t see the light of day, you feel shattered. So, whoever you are working with has to see the project through,” says the actor, adding that she doesn’t pay much heed to things like which production house or banner is backing a project.
But one thing that the Tribhanga (2021) director is still not able to wrap her head around is the audition process. “For me, as an actor, it is very important to build a character. And that evolves through discussions with directors. Auditions are very raw and too many things are not told about the character. Directors are not even there to direct you during an audition. I feel it is a cold way of doing things,” says Shahane.
Citing an example of working with director Shashank Khaitan in her latest web film, the actor asserts, “Shashank did take my reading, but it wasn’t an audition as such. He wanted me to read out the script with my input. The moment he told me what he wanted, it became easier for me to build the character, emote and give what was expected of me.”
My father Ranjeet always wanted to carve that path for me, but we didn’t see eye to eye on it-Jeeva
8:14 AM
While yesteryear villain-father Ranjeet wanted to launch him in a grand manner, Jeeva on how he chose to debut with supporting role in Govinda Naam Mera
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; December 22, 2022)
Playing a supporting role in a movie doesn’t align with the idea of the grand debut that star kids usually get. But Jeeva, son of yesteryear villain Ranjeet, wouldn’t have it any other way. He made his acting debut with Vicky Kaushal-led Govinda Naam Mera, which sees him play the character of Six-Pack Sandy. Jeeva admits that like every protective father, Ranjeet too wanted to give his son a big launch.
“My father always wanted to carve that path [for me], but we didn’t see eye-to-eye on it. The best gift that my parents have given me is the opportunity to fail. I cannot disregard the privileges that I have today. I don’t have to worry about food, rent, or the shirt on my back. So, the least I could do is figure out the rest on my own,” says the actor.
Breaking into Bollywood is easier said than done. It was after years of auditions and rejections that he bagged Shashank Khaitan’s crime comedy. “This film didn’t happen overnight. I have been [struggling] for nine years, and my father was definitely not happy about it.”
But the car racing enthusiast-actor relied on his merit over daddy’s connections. “I told my family about Govinda Naam Mera five months after signing the project,” he smiles.
While he has grown up on a steady diet of movies, especially those featuring his father, it was only in the past decade that he gravitated towards acting. “The films that got me intrigued were Vaastav [1999], Maqbool [2004], and Omkara [2006]. What made me dive deep into this industry was Kai Po Che [2013].”
I was certain I’d be rejected by Dharma Productions-Viraj Ghelani
8:24 AM
Viraj, who plays Bhumi’s boyfriend in Govinda Naam Mera, says he dilly-dallied on the audition as he feared rejection
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 19, 2022)
While most would jump at the opportunity of auditioning for a Karan Johar production, Viraj Ghelani dilly-dallied for a month. “I had faced so many rejections in my initial years that I was certain I’d be rejected by Dharma Productions too. But I eventually did [a screen test],” says the actor, who plays Bhumi Pednekar’s boyfriend Baldev Chaddha in Govinda Naam Mera.
Ghelani may be a YouTube content creator, but acting is a different ball game. Naturally, he was nervous before giving his first shot. He credits director Shashank Khaitan for addressing his fears, which enabled him to deliver a one-take shot.
“Shashank explained to me that he is making a movie [that is] on a much bigger scale than my YouTube videos. So if he found anything lacking in my performance, he wouldn’t hesitate to ask for a retake. He patiently cleared my doubts and boosted my confidence.”
While his character is at loggerheads with Vicky Kaushal’s protagonist in the crime comedy, they bonded easily off screen. “During breaks, Vicky and I would chat about our journeys, in his vanity van.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: GOVINDA NAAM MERA by FENIL SETA
3:21 PM
Govinda Naam Mera is a timepass and twisted entertainer. The film has several tracks and characters. But director Shashank Khaitan handles this aspect with panache and hence, the film doesn’t turn confusing even for a moment. The second half is lengthier but isn’t boring or dragging at all as there’s so much happening every minute. A few twists are quite unexpected and keep the interest going. On the flipside, the dialogues could have been funnier. And the biggest problem with the film is that it’s too silly in several places, especially in the climax. As a result, it doesn’t reach the level of similar Mumbai-based crime comedies like Lootcase and Bluffmaster. Speaking of performances, Vicky Kaushal is excellent in the most commercial role of his career. Kiara Advani looks stunning and delivers a fine performance. Bhumi Pednekar is loud, as per the requirement, and it works. Renuka Shahane hams but her character is amusing. Amey Wagh (Kaustubh Godbole), Viraj Ghelani (Baldev Chaddha) and Dayanand Shetty (Inspector Javed) lend able support. Trupti Khakmkar (Manju; maid) is too funny. Jeeva (Sandy), Sayaji Shinde (Ajit Dharkar) and Kenneth Desai (Judge) add to the madness. Akshay Gunawat (Vishnu), who looks a lot like Dhanush, is okay. Ranbir Kapoor and director Shashank Khaitan (builder Anand Joshi) are entertaining in their special appearances. All in all, Govinda Naam Mera is a fine one-time watch despite resting on a illogical script.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
I love playing women who challenge the status quo in society-Bhumi Pednekar
8:20 AM
Playing a domineering wife pursuing extra-marital relationship in Govinda Naam Mera, Bhumi says her character challenges society’s gender roles
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 15, 2022)
To Bhumi Pednekar, her character Gauri Waghmare from Govinda Naam Mera is “an unstoppable force of nature”. More importantly, she lives life on her terms. If her choreographer-husband — essayed by Vicky Kaushal — finds love outside marriage, Gauri turns the tables on him by flaunting her new boyfriend.
“Gauri can stand up to a man, and be vocal about what she wants in life. I thank Shashank [Khaitan, director] for giving me the freedom to run riot with the character,” begins Pednekar, who had a blast essaying the part.
Govinda Naam Mera, also starring Kiara Advani, is designed as a masala crime comedy centred on a frustrated husband and his domineering wife. From the trailer, it is evident that Pednekar’s character calls the shots in the marriage. Her character’s independent streak, coupled with the unconventional gender dynamics, drew the actor to the film.
“I love playing women who challenge the status quo in society, and change the lens on gender. I would like this to be my calling card. Through my body of work, I want to loudly speak about the need for equality.”
In her seven-year run in the industry, the actor has constantly championed the cause through her movies. The stories and their milieu may be varied, but the women at the centre are similar — each fierce, and exercising agency. From the new bride who seeks a divorce citing the lack of toilet in her marital home, in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), to the soft-spoken Sumi who comes out of the closet in Badhaai Do, Pednekar says it has been a conscious choice to play these spirited characters.
“I have always believed that cinema can be a powerful tool to showcase strong, independent and progressive women on screen. I have consciously chosen films that present the woman of today. I have been inclined to play women who haven’t compromised on their dreams and wishes, and stood up against patriarchy.”
With Varun Dhawan, the film had a different background. With Vicky Kaushal, I have changed over 40% of it-Shashank Khaitan
8:01 AM
Director Khaitan says he changed the background and ‘over 40 per cent’ of Mr Lele’s premise to make the crime comedy, Govinda Naam Mera
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; December 8, 2022)
One look at the trailer of Govinda Naam Mera tells you that it’s a masala comedy designed to appeal to the masses. Yet, the Vicky Kaushal, Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani-starrer — initially planned as a theatrical offering — is set to première on Disney+ Hotstar next weekend. What led to the change of plans, especially at a time when films like Drishyam 2 and Bhediya have ended Bollywood’s dry spell?
Director Shashank Khaitan explains, “The film was written in the first lockdown, shot in the second and was ready [in early 2022]. But at the time, films that were clear favourites [tanked] at the box office. What you’re seeing today is the [result] of decisions taken much earlier.”
Taking Govinda Naam Mera on floors has been a journey in itself. In 2019, the director had announced Mr Lele with Varun Dhawan. While the comedy did not materialize, Khaitan is said to have reimagined it with a different leading man and title. “With Varun, the film had a different background. With Vicky, I have changed over 40 per cent of it. I’m a writer who incorporates the actor’s traits into the character and the script. Every actor comes with his own energy, and I am glad I got to make it with Vicky.”
Kaushal is known to gravitate towards intense subjects — be it Raazi (2018), or Sardar Udham (2021). The upcoming crime comedy will see him in a new light, says the director. “I think this is his toughest performance because here, he can’t rely on anything — say, make-up or background music [to elevate his act]. I’m not taking away from his hard work in serious films, but in a comedy, if an actor doesn’t deliver the punch correctly, the joke fails. Govinda Naam Mera may not have been an emotionally draining process, but demanded as much effort as any intense film.”
Khaitan had announced a few other movies as well — Rannbhoomi, Screw Dheela, and Bedhadak that was to launch Shanaya Kapoor. But the projects have yet to get off the ground. “We have overcome such a tough period in humanity. In another six months, we should be in a better place. We were planning to start Bedhadak early 2023; we’re figuring it out. It has newcomers, but is still an expensive film. All the films that I’ve announced will be made in due time.”
Films with big names opt for the OTT space over the big screen; trade experts share their views
2:21 PM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 24, 2022)
News of actor Kartik Aaryan’s Freddy and actor Vicky Kaushal’s Govinda Naam Mera ditching a theatrical release and instead opting for an over-the-top (OTT) premiere has left industry insiders perplexed. They are now expecting that more projects backed by big names might also take the same route as makers are finding the digital space safer over the big screens for the success of their projects.
Even actors Sidharth Malhotra and Rashmika Mandanna’s Mission Majnu and actor Rakul Preet Singh’s Chhatriwali are expected to get OTT releases. This comes after several Bollywood films including Thank God, Double XL, Phone Bhoot, Doctor G and Mili failed to elicit a favourable response at the box office this year.
Speaking on this change in trend, trade expert-producer Girish Johar says no one in the Indian film fraternity is sure of what will work right now in theatres and so the lack of confidence. “Coming to the box office and getting validation needs a lot of muscle now. I think they (audience) do not find it (going to theatres) worth the effort, and choose OTT as it is economical,” he says.
Meanwhile, trade expert Atul Mohan thinks that opting for the OTT space is a very calculated move by makers. He explains, “If makers feel a film will tank at the box office but will recover the cost of production on an OTT platform instead, they go for it. Because after release, if the film flops, the OTT and satellite deal also gets affected.” He also points out that this trend is working in favour of the streaming platforms as well, because they are getting more star power to pull in subscribers.
However, trade expert Taran Adarsh is worried with the new trend. “I am unable to understand why films are going to OTT when things have reopened after two years. I think makers find these films OTT-friendly. It’s strange because these projects have big names attached to them,” he says.
Tiger Shroff to shoot for Shashank Khaitan's next in Portugal
8:51 AM
Sources say Shroff to kick off his next in Portugal in August; director Khaitan to film romantic songs and action scenes during three-week schedule
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 3, 2022)
Tiger Shroff is currently taking his next, Ganapath, to the finish line. After he wraps up the actioner, the actor will begin prepping for his yet-untitled next to be helmed by Shashank Khaitan. Word is that Khaitan will take his romantic actioner on floors in August, in Portugal. This will be the third Hindi movie to be shot in Portugal after Siddharth Anand’s War (2019), and Imtiaz Ali’s Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017).
The southern European country is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, architectural treasures, and colourful culture. It offers beautiful backdrops for shoots—from the historic Belem Tower to the colourful Aveiro, from Serra da Estrela (Portugal’s highest mountain range) to the Palácio Nacional da Pena—all of which will be on the unit’s itinerary.
A source reveals, “Portugal is a film-friendly destination offering generous tax rebates, local crew pools, rental companies and strong production support.” It is heard that Khaitan will wrap up a promotional video for Govinda Naam Mera, after which he will turn his attention to the Shroff-starrer.
The source adds, “The director intends to wrap up the video featuring Vicky Kaushal and Kiara Advani, and then head to Portugal for the recce. The movie is backed by Karan Johar. While Tiger has earlier featured in Karan’s Dharma Production Student Of The Year 2 [2019], this movie marks the actor’s first project with Shashank. A number of action and chase sequences, and some romantic songs will be filmed in the three-week schedule. The remaining schedules will be conducted in India and other countries.”
It is heard that Shroff will sport a distinct look in the movie. “Tiger needs to build a lean, ripped body. The leading lady has yet to be finalised. Shraddha Kapoor and Janhvi Kapoor are among the frontrunners.”
After returning from New York holiday, Vicky Kaushal to wrap up Govinda Naam Mera shoot with a dance number
8:18 AM
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 10, 2022)
Vicky Kaushal may be currently holidaying in New York with actor-wife Katrina Kaif, but work will soon come calling. The actor has wrapped up the shoot of Govinda Naam Mera, save for a dance number. After he returns to the bay, he is expected to film the song, thus marking the completion of Shashank Khaitan’s comedy that also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Kiara Advani.
It is heard that a massive set is being built at Chitrakoot ground in Andheri for the song. “Vicky has barely had the opportunity to showcase his dancing skills on screen, barring Dhyaanchand in Manmarziyaan [2018]. So, he is looking forward to this number, which will have him grooving to desi beats. Shashank has envisioned it as a fun, quirky offering that will be one of the film’s highlights. If all goes as planned, Vicky will hit the dance floor on June 3, following a few days of rehearsals,” reveals a source.
Govinda Naam Mera is a fun take on a love triangle that sees Pednekar as Kaushal’s on-screen wife and Advani as his girlfriend. The Karan Johar production was announced last November.
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