Showing posts with label Grand Masti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand Masti. Show all posts
With Masti 4, franchise will shed its adult comedy tag for a fun, family friendly vibe-Milap Zaveri
8:39 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 7, 2025)
The Masti franchise is undergoing an evolution, moving away from its original label as a sex comedy. The success of Masti led to Grand Masti and then Great Grand Masti. However, director and writer Milap Zaveri, who is taking the reins of the next instalment, Masti 4, says that this one will be a naughty, fun comedy. Not an adult comedy.
‘When Masti released, it was more like a shock value’
Milap explained the shift by saying, “We have so much content on OTT platforms already. Earlier when Masti released, it was more like a shock value. Over the years, people thrived on the shock value of the franchise. But I don’t think anything shocks anyone anymore. So, the intent is not to shock, the intent is to entertain. That’s why I am saying it’s a naughty fun comedy film.”
This marks Milap’s first time directing the franchise, which features Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, Vivek Oberoi, Elnaaz Norouzi and Ruhii Singh. Indra Kumar directed the first three parts. “I wrote the first two parts, so it’s a huge responsibility for me to write and direct this one,” he concluded.
‘We don’t want Masti 4 to be vulgar or cringe’
Milap, who began the UK schedule of Masti 4 recently, revealed, “I would not like to call Masti 4 a sex comedy. I would like to call it a naughty, fun comedy. One of the compliments Indu ji (producer, Indra Kumar) gave me when he heard the script was that you’ve written Masti like Dhamaal. It’s got the fun element and it’s naughty. We are clear that we don’t want it to be vulgar or cringe. We want it to be fun and mad. It’s going to be men seeking fun post marriage, almost like the first part.”
Gujarat’s magnificent heritage sites continue to attract filmmakers
7:27 AM
Abhimanyu Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; November 27, 2021)
Gujarat is home to a number of heritage structures. While some are known for their historical significance, others attract thousands of tourists for their structural beauty. And filmmakers are no exception. Be it Bollywood, the regional film industry, or filmmakers from the Southern film industries, a number of films have captured the timeless beauty of these heritage monuments that sizzle on the silver screen adding more beauty to every scene.
Be it the Ahmedabad’s Adalaj Ni Vav, Jama Masjid, Ellis Bridge or the pol houses, or Vadodara’s Laxmi Vilas Palace, the fort of Devgadh Baria, Gondal Palace and Champaner’s Jami Masjid, these marvellous gems have remained in the backdrop in some memorable films. As we celebrated Heritage Week recently, we tell you what’s about these heritage sites that continue to attract filmmakers from across film industries:
‘THESE BEAUTIFUL MONUMENTS ADD SO MUCH TO A SCENE’
Giving a perfect take with the majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace in the background, shooting around the beautifully carved pillars at Champaner’s Jami Masjid, or capturing the beauty of Adalaj Ni Vav, the heritage sites add a lot of character to the scene, believe filmmakers. “The heritage sites in Gujarat are known for their architectural beauty and bring a very unique aesthetic to the film. It is hard to get that kind of essence anywhere else,” says filmmaker Vipul Mehta.
Others feel that heritage sites like the pol houses of Ahmedabad are so deeply ingrained in the culture, that shooting a scene there effortlessly brings that cultural nuance of life. Filmmaker Tapan Vyas says, “The heritage sites like the pol houses are such an important part of the Gujarati culture, that the moment you shoot a scene there, it adds that cultural richness into it. You can’t recreate that essence anywhere else.”
‘IT’S A DELIGHT TO SHOOT AT THESE MAJESTIC SITES’
Their architectural beauty and majestic structures not only make a scene look beautiful, but it also is a delight for the actors to shoot in such lovely locales. Several actors, who have shot at different heritage sites in Gujarat have gone back to visit.
Actress Nandana Sen, who shot for the film Rang Rasiya at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, had told us, “Shooting at the Laxmi Vilas Palace was magical and will remain one of my favourite memories in life. It’s a really majestic palace and also, the museum is a treasure trove of some great paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.”
In 2016, a Hindi film starring Prosenjit Chatterjee was shot at Darbargadh, a large haveli, in Bhadarwa. Bhadarwa, an approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Vadodara, was a princely state once. At that time, Prosenjit had told us, “When I stood at the terrace of Darbargadh, I fell in love with the location. I loved the view from the top. We don’t get to see too many havelis like this anymore and it was an absolute delight to shoot here. It is one of those rare locations which can add a lot of value to a film.”
‘THE PROCESS OF GETTING PERMISSION IS EASY, AND PEOPLE ARE QUITE HELPFUL’
For long, Gujarat has been one of the easiest states for getting shooting permissions. And getting permission to shoot at a heritage site is no exception. The only criteria film crew members must follow is that there should be no damage to the property. “The state government has made the process of getting the permissions quite easy. And it is a big help for the local industry as well as for filmmakers coming from Bollywood as such shoots help in generating revenue,” says producer Harsh Vasanani.
In 2012, some portions of the film Grand Masti were shot at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara. Producer Ashok Thakeria had told us, “We loved shooting at the Laxmi Vilas Palace. It was an unforgettable experience. In Gujarat, people go out of their way to help and that makes shooting a cakewalk.”
— With inputs from Soumitra Das
A Hindi film starring Prosenjit Chatterjee was shot at Darbargadh, a large haveli, in Bhadarwa
I used to be heartbroken if my films didn’t work out-Karishma Tanna
8:22 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 18, 2020)
“Downfall, depression and setbacks are a norm in this industry. It happens to every actor, though the degree might be different. One has to learn to move on,” says actor Karishma Tanna. While she found huge popularity on the small screen with shows such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Qayamat Ki Raat and Naagin 3, Tanna’s journey in films wasn’t as smooth.
The actor, who debuted on the big screen with Dosti: Friends Forever (2005) and later starred in Grand Masti (2013), was looking forward to the Sanjay Dutt and Vivek Oberoi-starrer Sher, which she shot for in 2013, and later Tina And Lolo, co-starring Sunny Leone. But the former got shelved while the latter didn’t release.
Talking about the setbacks, Tanna admits, “I felt low, frustrated, angry, sad, upset and had mood swings when one after the other, my film projects didn’t work out. I used to be heartbroken as I had pinned a lot of hopes on these projects. I used to feel bad, but not anymore.”
She adds on a positive note, “Sometimes, things don’t go the way you want them to and that’s fine. I had to pull myself up. I believed God has something better in store for me. And my belief worked as He gave me Sanju (2018), where I had a small role, but the appreciation I received for it was huge. One has to stay positive and manifest what you want. That is the only way to pull out of a dark phase in your career... This industry can be draining and taxing at times. It makes you insecure. It is only natural to think about usko kaam mila, mujhe nahin mila, but that doesn’t help.”
Tanna, 36, credits her resilience and positivity to her mother’s blessings. “I have been in the industry for so long; yet I am not bored of it and neither is the industry bored of me (laughs). I have so much more to do. I never let success or adulation affect me too much. I don’t know how to behave like a star, as my mother has taught me to stay grounded. When fans tell me that they appreciate my work, I feel good, but it doesn’t sink in. Moreover, stardom never came easily to me as I always had to struggle and make my way,” says the actor, who is working on a web series next.
When you can share adult jokes, what's wrong with adult comedy-Indra Kumar
7:53 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; July 15, 2016)
Having started his career as
an actor in Gujarati films, Indra Kumar began his Bollywood journey as a
filmmaker with movies like Dil (1990) and Beta (1992). Riding high on
star quotient, music and emotions, both went on to become big hits.
While he's seen some flops too in his long innings, Induji, as he's
called by his fraternity, is more known for fun family fare. In recent
years, he's forayed into the adult comedy genre with Grand Masti. And
his latest Great Grand Masti had a run-in with the CBFC (Central Board of
Film Certification), and consequently got cleared from FCAT (Film
Certification Appellate Tribunal). As the film opens in cinemas today,
we catch up with the director for a Q and A.Excerpts from the
conversation...
Having made romantic and family films, what prompted you to venture into the adult comedy genre?
Why not? If an actor plays a hero and then follows it up as a villain or vice versa, no one asks him why. Exploring genres is like a transition, from young to old. When I had just begun my Bollywood career, I remember a meeting with (yesteryear) lyricist Indeevarji and asking him why he was writing numbers with a southern flavour, like Tohfa Tohfa with Bappi Lahiri, after penning some of the most memorable songs. He said, 'You are new, but I'll tell you. In every field of art, after every five years, you have to shake yourself, then break yourself and then re-make yourself. Only then will you survive for a long time.' I followed his words, and after a series of hits when some of my films didn't fare well, I reinvented myself with Masti.
Don't you fear that your switch to adult comedies might not go down well with your family audience?
There are different kinds of comedies, for instance, dark comedy. I opted for adult comedy, and I don't see anything wrong with my choice. Don't you share adult jokes? My daughters, who are adults, do it, too. If there is no problem with adult jokes, then what's the problem with adult comedies? And these films can be seen by families, but not with children. Today, grown up kids don't want to watch movies with their families. They go with their friends, we go with ours. Across the world, we watch films separately.
At the same time, you're targeting films more towards the youth.
I believe, 37.5cr of India's population is under 18 years of age. When I made Super Nani expecting senior audience to like it, they didn't venture to the theatres. On the other hand, they watched it on satellite television. Jo audience TV dekhti hai, woh TV hi dekhti hai. Hollywood films are so successful today only because of the youth. We have the Censor Board for our movies, but there's no censorship on the mobile and internet. A 12-year-old can see whatever he wants on his smartphone.
So do you invite inputs for your films from your children?
When I was planning Grand Masti, many people advised me against making it. I told my daughters to get their friends over. We narrated the screenplay and dialogues to them (18 girls and seven guys), and they loved it. They said it would be a big hit. I'm not a hypocrite. The first trial of my adult comedies is always for my children. I followed a similar approach for Great Grand Masti, too.
Will there be another Masti sequel? Especially since Riteish Deshmukh had sworn off adult comedies till you convinced him.
Sure, I will make another Masti instalment. The three actors will be the same, as I can't change the theme. We're one unit. My actors and I are like four wheels of a car, and we can't move ahead without any one of us. Riteish ne kasam tod di, ab dobara aisi kasam nahin khayega (laughs).
Hasn't the whole censorship hassle deterred you from doing more films like these?
The Central Board of Film Certification is not at fault. The laws of 1952 were amended over 30 years ago and there was no internet then. Now the world is here on one platform. As I said, I'm hopeful of new film certification laws, which will keep the present times and technology in mind.
Having made romantic and family films, what prompted you to venture into the adult comedy genre?
Why not? If an actor plays a hero and then follows it up as a villain or vice versa, no one asks him why. Exploring genres is like a transition, from young to old. When I had just begun my Bollywood career, I remember a meeting with (yesteryear) lyricist Indeevarji and asking him why he was writing numbers with a southern flavour, like Tohfa Tohfa with Bappi Lahiri, after penning some of the most memorable songs. He said, 'You are new, but I'll tell you. In every field of art, after every five years, you have to shake yourself, then break yourself and then re-make yourself. Only then will you survive for a long time.' I followed his words, and after a series of hits when some of my films didn't fare well, I reinvented myself with Masti.
Don't you fear that your switch to adult comedies might not go down well with your family audience?
There are different kinds of comedies, for instance, dark comedy. I opted for adult comedy, and I don't see anything wrong with my choice. Don't you share adult jokes? My daughters, who are adults, do it, too. If there is no problem with adult jokes, then what's the problem with adult comedies? And these films can be seen by families, but not with children. Today, grown up kids don't want to watch movies with their families. They go with their friends, we go with ours. Across the world, we watch films separately.
At the same time, you're targeting films more towards the youth.
I believe, 37.5cr of India's population is under 18 years of age. When I made Super Nani expecting senior audience to like it, they didn't venture to the theatres. On the other hand, they watched it on satellite television. Jo audience TV dekhti hai, woh TV hi dekhti hai. Hollywood films are so successful today only because of the youth. We have the Censor Board for our movies, but there's no censorship on the mobile and internet. A 12-year-old can see whatever he wants on his smartphone.
So do you invite inputs for your films from your children?
When I was planning Grand Masti, many people advised me against making it. I told my daughters to get their friends over. We narrated the screenplay and dialogues to them (18 girls and seven guys), and they loved it. They said it would be a big hit. I'm not a hypocrite. The first trial of my adult comedies is always for my children. I followed a similar approach for Great Grand Masti, too.
Will there be another Masti sequel? Especially since Riteish Deshmukh had sworn off adult comedies till you convinced him.
Sure, I will make another Masti instalment. The three actors will be the same, as I can't change the theme. We're one unit. My actors and I are like four wheels of a car, and we can't move ahead without any one of us. Riteish ne kasam tod di, ab dobara aisi kasam nahin khayega (laughs).
Hasn't the whole censorship hassle deterred you from doing more films like these?
The Central Board of Film Certification is not at fault. The laws of 1952 were amended over 30 years ago and there was no internet then. Now the world is here on one platform. As I said, I'm hopeful of new film certification laws, which will keep the present times and technology in mind.
I'm thankful I have lasted this long-Indra Kumar
7:56 AM
Indra Kumar is hoping to hit the jackpot with yet another adult comedy, attributing his longevity to a successful transition
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 29, 2016)
His successful journey in the movies started with Dil. Twenty-six years later, pro ducer-director Indra Kumar is gearing for a
Dil sequel with his 26-year-old daughter Shweta Kumar in the lead
“because I haven't made a love story in a while“.
But before that, on July 22, he'll be in the theatres with the third instalment of his Masti fran chise and is convinced Great Grand Masti will be a big hit because it has the “wildness of a Grand Masti and the mildness of Masti“. “A doctor friend downloaded Grand Masti because he was too embarrassed to take his wife to the theatre, only to be blushingly told that she had also seen it, alone. I'm sure they will be able to watch Part 3 together in the theatre,“ he asserts.
In a checked shirt and a pair of grey trousers, Indra Kumar or Induji as he is popularly called in the film frat, looks nothing like the King of Comedies he's become from the '80s Midas maker who churned out family dramas and romances like Dil, Beta and Raja. Then, Rishtey and Mann didn't fare well and with lyricist Indeevar's words that in the field of art, every five years you needed to shake yourself, break yourself and make yourself, echoing in his ears, he decided to make Masti which in 2004 was a shocker.
“For the first time you did not have a hero attributing his indiscretions to a toofani night and a scared woman who at the crack of thunder, collapses into his arms. Rather, my hero says unabashedly that he wants to have fun outside marriage. Of course we were careful to ensure that in the end the philanderers realised their mistake, repented and returned home to their wives,“ reminisces Kumar, pointing out that it's important to have a story with a moral even in a laugh riot like Dhamaal.
Tell him that despite his moral stand women are not amused by the derogatory jokes and innuen does in his Masti series and he argues that they laugh the loudest. “Even my sister (Aruna Irani) who thought we'd gone overboard with Grand Masti, approved of Part 3. In fact, all the women in my family loved it,“ Kumar says, revealing, that he narrated both Part 2 and 3 to his kids Shweta, Tanya and Aman--and their friends first and only after they'd given it the thumbs-up, we started filming. “Aman, who is 18 now and was 15 during Grand Masti loved it. Tanya is 23 and Shweta, 26 today, and I'm not nagging them to marry and have babies. Shweta is an actress and Tanya is debating between direction and acting. Aman wants to be an actor,“ he beams proudly.
Kumar signed Shweta in Super Nani, a family drama, and admits that instead of making Rs 100 crore, he lost several crore. Audience tastes have changed, he acknowledges, and attributes it to the smartphone which has popularised adult jokes. “Ninety per cent of people between the ages of 12-80 are reading and exchanging such jokes, even I share them with my son,“ he argues, recalling how it was the sight of desi viewers enjoying The Hangover humour that gave him the idea of making adult comedies. The move paid off. “I'm thankful I have lasted this long,“ Kumar laughs.
The audience may be ready, but what about the censors? He informs that the FCAT cleared Great Grand Masti with minor cuts and an 'A' certificate after it was rejected by the censors. He agrees that the 1952 Cinematograph Act has become outdated and is all for certification over censorship as it's more geared to the Gen X that has access to all kinds of content online. “In fact, it's strange to be told that adult-rated films will not be shown on TV now even with cuts. Grand Masti was cleared with 218 cuts. Then, the TV premiere was halted by a PIL before the court cleared it. This kind of censorship is baffling,“ he fumes, admitting that he's toned down the risque element in Great Grand Masti without diluting its humour. “Maybe Masti 4, to be out in three years, will be wilder.“
Meanwhile, he is juggling Dil 2 and Dhamaal 3. “I could have made Dhamaal 3 without Sanjay Dutt but I didn't want to,“ he says. And will he make Dil 2 without Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit? “Now that you have given me the idea, maybe I will rope them in“ he twinkles, admitting that he had planned a remake of Madison County with Madhuri. “It'd have been her comeback film but things didn't work out. The day I come across another subject for her, I'll get in touch. Till then it's Masti,“ he laughs.
But before that, on July 22, he'll be in the theatres with the third instalment of his Masti fran chise and is convinced Great Grand Masti will be a big hit because it has the “wildness of a Grand Masti and the mildness of Masti“. “A doctor friend downloaded Grand Masti because he was too embarrassed to take his wife to the theatre, only to be blushingly told that she had also seen it, alone. I'm sure they will be able to watch Part 3 together in the theatre,“ he asserts.
In a checked shirt and a pair of grey trousers, Indra Kumar or Induji as he is popularly called in the film frat, looks nothing like the King of Comedies he's become from the '80s Midas maker who churned out family dramas and romances like Dil, Beta and Raja. Then, Rishtey and Mann didn't fare well and with lyricist Indeevar's words that in the field of art, every five years you needed to shake yourself, break yourself and make yourself, echoing in his ears, he decided to make Masti which in 2004 was a shocker.
“For the first time you did not have a hero attributing his indiscretions to a toofani night and a scared woman who at the crack of thunder, collapses into his arms. Rather, my hero says unabashedly that he wants to have fun outside marriage. Of course we were careful to ensure that in the end the philanderers realised their mistake, repented and returned home to their wives,“ reminisces Kumar, pointing out that it's important to have a story with a moral even in a laugh riot like Dhamaal.
Tell him that despite his moral stand women are not amused by the derogatory jokes and innuen does in his Masti series and he argues that they laugh the loudest. “Even my sister (Aruna Irani) who thought we'd gone overboard with Grand Masti, approved of Part 3. In fact, all the women in my family loved it,“ Kumar says, revealing, that he narrated both Part 2 and 3 to his kids Shweta, Tanya and Aman--and their friends first and only after they'd given it the thumbs-up, we started filming. “Aman, who is 18 now and was 15 during Grand Masti loved it. Tanya is 23 and Shweta, 26 today, and I'm not nagging them to marry and have babies. Shweta is an actress and Tanya is debating between direction and acting. Aman wants to be an actor,“ he beams proudly.
Kumar signed Shweta in Super Nani, a family drama, and admits that instead of making Rs 100 crore, he lost several crore. Audience tastes have changed, he acknowledges, and attributes it to the smartphone which has popularised adult jokes. “Ninety per cent of people between the ages of 12-80 are reading and exchanging such jokes, even I share them with my son,“ he argues, recalling how it was the sight of desi viewers enjoying The Hangover humour that gave him the idea of making adult comedies. The move paid off. “I'm thankful I have lasted this long,“ Kumar laughs.
The audience may be ready, but what about the censors? He informs that the FCAT cleared Great Grand Masti with minor cuts and an 'A' certificate after it was rejected by the censors. He agrees that the 1952 Cinematograph Act has become outdated and is all for certification over censorship as it's more geared to the Gen X that has access to all kinds of content online. “In fact, it's strange to be told that adult-rated films will not be shown on TV now even with cuts. Grand Masti was cleared with 218 cuts. Then, the TV premiere was halted by a PIL before the court cleared it. This kind of censorship is baffling,“ he fumes, admitting that he's toned down the risque element in Great Grand Masti without diluting its humour. “Maybe Masti 4, to be out in three years, will be wilder.“
Meanwhile, he is juggling Dil 2 and Dhamaal 3. “I could have made Dhamaal 3 without Sanjay Dutt but I didn't want to,“ he says. And will he make Dil 2 without Aamir Khan and Madhuri Dixit? “Now that you have given me the idea, maybe I will rope them in“ he twinkles, admitting that he had planned a remake of Madison County with Madhuri. “It'd have been her comeback film but things didn't work out. The day I come across another subject for her, I'll get in touch. Till then it's Masti,“ he laughs.
Everything is sanskari about Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3-Tusshar Kapoor and Aftab Shivdasani
8:15 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; January 15, 2016)
Tusshar Kapoor and Aftab Shivdasani the porn
stars who will tease, tickle and make your funny bone moan with their
madness. With a triple dose of spoofs, goofs and uproarious sexcapades
- in the upcoming sex comedy Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, proudly called a 'porn-com' by the makers. Tusshar and Affy,
who play adult movie stars in film, tell us all about the bard of the
bawdy, the sanskar in this sex comedy and the taboo around it. And how
all they want you to do is shake off your cares and watch their wares
while they 'pornicate' your sensibility - with puns galore. It's a
roll...
At the outset, there is nothing sanskari about this movie, right?
Aftab: Everything is sanskari about this film. In fact, the whole family featured in it is sanskari. They do what they do because they have to. Otherwise, they are absolutely normal people.
Tusshar: The moral of the story is don't judge a book by its cover. People should be known by their seerat (inner self) not by their soorat or profession. You don't have to judge someone for being a porn star.
The film is being called a porn-com. The first time I heard it I thought it was popcorn. Will our eyes really pop out while watching your antics on screen?
Aftab: I was going to say it's porn for the entire family, but it's not (laughs). It is a porn family that eats together, drinks together and sleeps together (no pun intended). It is basically a 'porntertainer'. I just made that up, not bad, eh?
Tusshar: Other than all the madness, confusion and coolness that ensues between two families, there are also adult spoofs of Bollywood blockbusters. This concept is a thriving industry in Hollywood where the biggest films are spoofed.
Any fear that a film like this could get too outrageous, too raunchy?
Tusshar: If you focus just on the gags, then it won't work because everything has to be part of a smooth story. A lot of people feel that sex comedies are a shortcut to success. It is quite the contrary. Comedy itself is no mean feat, and here we are doing a sex comedy in a country like ours where people are so sensitive. Without naming them, there are some recently released sex comedies that had the potential of shock value, but they didn't work. So if a film in this genre is not made well, it can fall apart like a pack of cards. It is risqué and risky.
Aftab: Exactly! If we try to force the humour or innuendo on somebody, then it is a problem. But if it is already there at the script level and we are enacting it, with the sole intention of making it look genuinely funny and not vulgar - then we can crack it without being offensive. It is a thin line.
Though in the West this genre is widely accepted and enjoyed, in India a section of our audience still cringe at the idea.
Aftab: I think the problem is with the term 'sex comedy', that's why it is taboo. It should be rephrased as 'adult comedy'. There are a lot of jokes in the film that are beyond sex and not just about sex. If we say adult comedy, it encapsulates everything, not just sexual jokes.
Tusshar: Yes, the term throws people off. Big Hollywood stars like Robert De Niro, Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford and Ben Stiller have done he most outrageous films, and alongside, they also do their gangster movies and all other kinds of roles. Why do we differentiate between dilms and call them highbrow or lowbrow. A lot of actors say... I don't want my kids to watch his, I would be embarassed. Whenever I have kids, I won't force them to watch the films that I have done. But they should respect what I do and not cringe at my body of work. I am doing it for the audience.
Both of you have found a foothold in this genre. Are you comfortable with it?
Aftab: I don't think I have found my foothold in this genre. Yes, the sex comedies we have done have worked, but I have done different kinds of comedy and other films too. So has Tusshar. We don't want to discard our universal audience and only stick to this genre.
Well, a lot of people enjoy such comedies, but they just don't want to talk about it. Maybe double standards, or stigma?
Aftab: That is changing. A large section of people wanted to pan Grand Masti as they thought it would be too vulgar. But they went to the theatre and laughed their hearts out. In fact, it was the women audience that made the film successful. The hubbies or boyfriends are usually worried about what the ladies will say about such a film. The moment the women start enjoying the humour, the men around them feel cool and comfortable about it.
Sex comedies are often not so flattering to women, and are also blamed for objectifying them. Your take?
Tusshar: Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 is not objectifying women; in fact we are the ones who are objectified here. The purpose is not to objectify a man or a woman. The idea is to make people laugh with situations that are bizarre and outrageous.
Most sex comedies in India are not so critic-friendly. Are you boys prepared to take it on?
Aftab: Most of my films aren't (laughs out loud!). We are not expecting reviews for this film. Why should it even be reviewed? Let people decide if they want to watch it.
Tusshar: I don't get upset with the reviews for such films. Aftab is right...there should be some films which are not reviewed at all. Not a bad idea! A film like this should be reviewed like other films in this genre, and not compared with any other kind of film.
At the outset, there is nothing sanskari about this movie, right?
Aftab: Everything is sanskari about this film. In fact, the whole family featured in it is sanskari. They do what they do because they have to. Otherwise, they are absolutely normal people.
Tusshar: The moral of the story is don't judge a book by its cover. People should be known by their seerat (inner self) not by their soorat or profession. You don't have to judge someone for being a porn star.
The film is being called a porn-com. The first time I heard it I thought it was popcorn. Will our eyes really pop out while watching your antics on screen?
Aftab: I was going to say it's porn for the entire family, but it's not (laughs). It is a porn family that eats together, drinks together and sleeps together (no pun intended). It is basically a 'porntertainer'. I just made that up, not bad, eh?
Tusshar: Other than all the madness, confusion and coolness that ensues between two families, there are also adult spoofs of Bollywood blockbusters. This concept is a thriving industry in Hollywood where the biggest films are spoofed.
Any fear that a film like this could get too outrageous, too raunchy?
Tusshar: If you focus just on the gags, then it won't work because everything has to be part of a smooth story. A lot of people feel that sex comedies are a shortcut to success. It is quite the contrary. Comedy itself is no mean feat, and here we are doing a sex comedy in a country like ours where people are so sensitive. Without naming them, there are some recently released sex comedies that had the potential of shock value, but they didn't work. So if a film in this genre is not made well, it can fall apart like a pack of cards. It is risqué and risky.
Aftab: Exactly! If we try to force the humour or innuendo on somebody, then it is a problem. But if it is already there at the script level and we are enacting it, with the sole intention of making it look genuinely funny and not vulgar - then we can crack it without being offensive. It is a thin line.
Though in the West this genre is widely accepted and enjoyed, in India a section of our audience still cringe at the idea.
Aftab: I think the problem is with the term 'sex comedy', that's why it is taboo. It should be rephrased as 'adult comedy'. There are a lot of jokes in the film that are beyond sex and not just about sex. If we say adult comedy, it encapsulates everything, not just sexual jokes.
Tusshar: Yes, the term throws people off. Big Hollywood stars like Robert De Niro, Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford and Ben Stiller have done he most outrageous films, and alongside, they also do their gangster movies and all other kinds of roles. Why do we differentiate between dilms and call them highbrow or lowbrow. A lot of actors say... I don't want my kids to watch his, I would be embarassed. Whenever I have kids, I won't force them to watch the films that I have done. But they should respect what I do and not cringe at my body of work. I am doing it for the audience.
Both of you have found a foothold in this genre. Are you comfortable with it?
Aftab: I don't think I have found my foothold in this genre. Yes, the sex comedies we have done have worked, but I have done different kinds of comedy and other films too. So has Tusshar. We don't want to discard our universal audience and only stick to this genre.
Well, a lot of people enjoy such comedies, but they just don't want to talk about it. Maybe double standards, or stigma?
Aftab: That is changing. A large section of people wanted to pan Grand Masti as they thought it would be too vulgar. But they went to the theatre and laughed their hearts out. In fact, it was the women audience that made the film successful. The hubbies or boyfriends are usually worried about what the ladies will say about such a film. The moment the women start enjoying the humour, the men around them feel cool and comfortable about it.
Sex comedies are often not so flattering to women, and are also blamed for objectifying them. Your take?
Tusshar: Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 is not objectifying women; in fact we are the ones who are objectified here. The purpose is not to objectify a man or a woman. The idea is to make people laugh with situations that are bizarre and outrageous.
Most sex comedies in India are not so critic-friendly. Are you boys prepared to take it on?
Aftab: Most of my films aren't (laughs out loud!). We are not expecting reviews for this film. Why should it even be reviewed? Let people decide if they want to watch it.
Tusshar: I don't get upset with the reviews for such films. Aftab is right...there should be some films which are not reviewed at all. Not a bad idea! A film like this should be reviewed like other films in this genre, and not compared with any other kind of film.
Did Salman Khan give bête noire Vivek Oberoi the cold shoulder yet again?
7:48 AM
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; November 18, 2015)
Salman Khan is known to be large-hearted, but when it comes to old rival Vivek Oberoi, he
does not believe in the ‘forgive and forget’ theory. At least that is
what we heard from those present at Bandra’s Mehboob Studios on Monday
evening.Sources say Salman was in studio no 5 for a press conference while director Indra Kumar was shooting for his next, Great Grand Masti with Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani in the vicinity. “Post the media interaction, Salman caught up with Kumar, who took him to the vanity van where all the lead actors of his film were present. He walked in, saw Vivek and immediately exited the van,” an onlooker says.
Kumar then apparently followed Salman out along with Riteish, Aftab and lead actress Urvashi Rautela. “The four of them exchanged pleasantries and chatted for a brief while even as Vivek stayed put in the van. Clearly, there’s no love lost between them,” adds the source.
While Salman and Vivek remained unavailable for comment, a source close to the Bajrangi Bhaijaan star confirms that he met Kumar and says, “But it is not compulsory for all actors to meet each other when they are shooting in the same location; everyone was there for work.”
Salman and Vivek’s rivalry is over a decade old. It started after the latter called for a press conference at his residence against the former. In the last couple of years, Vivek has tried apologising to Salman on a few occasions, but has always been snubbed.
Grand Masti certified for TV with 218 cuts
7:44 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (September 30, 2015)
After 218 cuts Grand Masti has been re-certified for unrestricted public exhibition. Indra Kumar's adult comedy film features Vivek Oberoi, Aftab Shivdasani and Riteish Deshmukh in the lead.
The submission was made in an affidavit filed on behalf of the Centre and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before a bench of the Delhi High Court, which was hearing a PIL filed by Edara Gopi Chand seeking a stay on the exhibition of the film on TV.
An application has also been filed by a media network, seeking permission to air the movie on one of its channels after the court had on August 21 stayed the television premiere of the film saying it is not certified for unrestricted public exhibition and so cannot be televised under the Cable Network Regulation Act. In a joint affidavit, CBFC has said that the movie was re-certified with a U/A certificate in January after 218 cuts, which reduced the 135-minute long theatrical version to 98 minutes. The applicant submitted 217 voluntary cuts, including double meaning and obscene visuals and dialogues, derogatory towards, or degrading women in any manner. "After carefully examining the film, the committee felt that it is now suitable for viewing by U/A audience. The conversion was done as per the practice for movies with an A certificate," CBFC has said in its affidavit, while seeking dismissal of the petition.
The media group in its plea seeking a lift of the stay on telecast, pointed out that it has suffered financial losses following the restriction. It argued that it had purchased the telecast rights for Rs 4 crore and further invested a substantial amount on advertisement.
Delhi High Court stays TV premiere of Grand Masti
7:47 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (August 22, 2015)
On Friday, the Delhi High Court stayed the television premiere of Indra Kumar's adult comedy, Grand Masti, arguing that the film was not certified for unrestricted public exhibition and cannot be televised under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act. A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath was of the prima facie view that under the Act, any movie with a 'U/A' or 'A' certification, which was not suitable for unrestricted exhibition, can't be shown on TV.
In an interim order, the court rejected the government's argument that it came with a warning before the film started, underlining the fact that the content was not suitable for children and minors and parents could change the channel. Every time a child watches TV, it might not be under parental supervision, the bench observed. The court also issued a notice to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It was to seek their reply, by September 16, on a plea seeking quashing of the 'U/A' certification given to the movie, which earlier had 'A' certification. The petition, filed by Edara Gopichand has sought a stay on the TV telecast on the grounds that it was replete with double-meaning dialogue and objectionable content.
The petition has also directed the ministry to carry out a detailed enquiry into "irregular re-certification" by the CBFC. "The said film is scheduled for telecast on television and if the same happens, it will result in the gross violation of provisions of Cable Network Regulation Act and also adversely affect the rights and interest of hundreds of thousands of minors in the country, especially children and adolescents," the plea asserted.
Saturday is the new reality check-Riteish Deshmukh
7:58 AM
Riteish Deshmukh on the trade, changing trends, being on a career high as an actor and producer
Sarita A Tanwar (DNA; July 14, 2015)
Riteish Deshmukh started off his career as a solo hero
in Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003 and followed it up with Out Of Control.
After just two films, he realised that perhaps his career needs a
different path to success. He found his space in films with a multi
star-cast like Masti, Maalamaal Weekly, Bluffmaster!, Cash, Apna Sapna
Money..!, Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum and Aladin to name a few.
Unlike many heroes who start off with solo careers and stubbornly continue doing those till they are forced to retire, Riteish made the most of what was available to him. He came from an affluent background and could have continued making films mainlining him, but he didn’t let his ego get in the way of his dream. Today, he in the position to pick and choose films. I don’t know if success is always sweeter when it comes after a struggle, but it’s got to be lot more satisfying. Today he has earned the position he is at, along with respect. In the last two years, he has come into his own. He is flying high professionally and personally, but remains the same grounded guy I’d met during an interaction during the release of his first film. Here he talks about being on a high, career-wise, about changing attitudes in the trade and the way ahead.
The last two years have been rather significant for you in terms of your career. What do you attribute that to?
I think there are two things. I felt that the growth of the industry in terms of approach towards actors and not trying to cast them in the same roles, trying offbeat casting and people also being excited to see someone new in that role. Probably that has helped. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity be it, acting in Ek Villain, producing Balak Palak or doing a film like Lai Bhaari. Eventually, all these things timed out well for me. Thanks to them, I got Bangistan and YRF’s Bank Chor, which are not the typical comedies that I am associated with.
Grand Masti and Ek Villain took you to a different level, both crossing Rs 100 crores. In Marathi, it was Lai Bhaari that created new records. Is there a feeling of vindication?
One thing I learnt in the last ten years is that once the Friday is over, it’s the past. You have to let go. I have seen a lot of people who are living on Fridays that have really gone back. Saturday is a new day, Saturday is the reality check, you have to move on. As an actor, I feel the only day you should enjoy or be sad about is a Friday. Saturday you have to go out and start work again.
That’s easier said than done, no?
I know, but I have been a part of films that have not worked and of films that have been successes, but I don’t carry either forward. All that matters is the experience that you had while working on the films. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but I consciously try to work towards that, because everyone is on top of the game, everyone is doing great. There is so much to learn from female actors as well as from male co-stars. I saw Ranveer in Dil Dhadakne Do, and he was incredible, the way he did it. It was so easy and so nice, he was so wonderful. So it’s not about, ‘Oh, if I would have done the role would I do the same thing?” It’s about... he did it so differently so what I can do in my next film, that will be so refreshing? I got a chance in Ek Villain and I tried my best, I did my best but the film is done. What next?
You’ve always been a hero of the masses. With Bangistan, are you trying to reach out to a different set of people.
No. Till the time Ritesh Sidhwani called me for Bangistan I never thought that I would be the actor that Excel would approach or Yash Raj would want me for a lead for Bank Chor, but I was glad they had thought of me.
Bangistan looks too similar to Welcome to Karachi.
They are two different films. But it’s about two people caught in two different situations about India-Pakistan so in that way they are alike, but nothing else.
The director of Bangistan used to be a film critic. And he has always voiced his dissent at the kind of films you have done throughout your career. When your director shows contempt for the kind of films you have done, how do you relate to him?
That’s a very interesting question. For many years, I’d stopped reading reviews. So when I was told Karan Anshuman was directing, I was like ‘Okay.’ I don’t hold it against anyone if they dont like any film of mine. I am like ‘you didn’t like the film, everyone’s choice is different, so it’s okay.’ During a conversation much later, I mentioned to him that I had not read any reviews and at the time Grand Masti had released and Genelia told me he reviewed it. Karan said, “Read my review, I have in fact praised Grand Masti”. That’s the time I read the review.
He had praised it?
Yes, he had praised Grand Masti. More than anything, what I like about Karan or any director for that matter is when they narrate the film with a conviction. And it’s important how much a director understands cinema. I go with that feeling. And when Karan narrated it, it was wonderful. I didn’t know and I am not against any director who has had a flop film, no film, successful film...
As a hero, do you find attitude towards you changing after recent successes?
Whose attitude?
The film industry, in terms of the films that are being offered to you?
Yes. For sure. The films that have been offered to me now are different. Also, there are certain roles that people thought I would have done earlier, I like the fact that they now say, “Nahi, nahi... Riteish yeh role nahi karega”. In a way I’m glad they have decided to not approach me with certain kinds of roles.
You refused Kya Kool sequel because you consciously wanted to move away from that genre, but you are doing Great Grand Masti due to the emotional pressure from Indra Kumar. True?
I didn’t do Kya Kool... 3 because I wasn’t doing any adult comedies. Let me just say that I am doing GGM only for Indra Kumar. The only multi-starrer that I am doing right now are Great Grand Masti and Housefull 3.
You’ve emerged as a star in your own right now. Does it then become difficult to do films like Housefull 3 where you are sharing attention?
No. I am doing Housefull 3 because it’s my franchise. I feel it’s my film and I have grown with it, my career has grown with it and above all it has Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, so I am working with my friends. There is no competition in terms of, there will never be a time when I am trying to do outdo Akshay or he is trying to outdo Abhishek. Everyone is comfortable and confident about their space.
One hears that now you are rather firm on the choice of heroine opposite you. She has to be of a certain stature. Is that correct?
No, no, not at all. I have never ever got into the casting of a heroine.
Has this change in your stance of doing a certain kind of cinema happened because of fatherhood?
In a way, yes. Marriage and fatherhood are two big life changing things. When you are single, your responsibility is for the day or for the week. When you become a husband then you start planning for the next one year or two years. But when you become a father, your life view suddenly shoots up and extends to the next ten or next fifteen years. And it’s great because I am looking forward to this responsibility.
Lai Bhaari has also given you a lot of responsibility towards Marathi cinema. One hears that you are getting the entire Marathi industry under your wings now.
Lai Bhaari was an attempt to do something more commercial within Marathi space and I’m glad it was received the way it was, and I think I am trying to just be a small contributor in this big wheel.
But suddenly, everyone is looking at you as the new hope of Marathi cinema.
I know I think it’s their bigness (sic) to look at me that way, and I will always try to live upto that. But there have been, and there are legends in Marathi cinema right now, who are doing their best and everyone is contributing towards success of the industry. There are so many advantages in Marathi cinema with regard to the kind of films you can make within limited budget and appreciation that you look forward to because those cinemas won’t be even attempted in the Hindi formats, unfortunately. Marathi cinema is the second choice in the State of Maharashtra, the first choice is always Hindi and we are struggling but hoping that changes. There are a lot of things happening. Hopefully, there is some film that will come and break the Rs 50 crore barrier. We have just broken 40. Hopefully 50 and 60, and Marathi cinema becomes stronger.
Lastly, most actors shield their children from the media. You have set a trend by coming out in the public with the baby pictures on social media. What was the thought behind that?
I wanted him to be part of my father’s birthday. It was my father’s 70th birth anniversary, and it coincided with Riaan’s six months, so we wanted to make that day special. Also, we have travelled with him and are going to travel in the future too. So why all the hiding and telling people, ‘Don’t click pictures’? It’s pointless. Especially, in this day of mobile phones, everyone is a paparazzi. So, we decided to put his pics out there and now I am not bothered. Whoever wants to click can click, but that was a special day and we wanted to make it extra special.
Adhikari brothers make foray into Bollywood with Grand Masti sequel
7:47 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 5, 2015)
Having made a mark in
television, brothers Adhikari and Markand
Gautam Adhikari are now making a foray into Bollywood. Their company Sri
Adhikari Brothers Television Network Ltd. will jointly
produce the sequel to Grand Masti with Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria.
They will also produce the sequel to Dhamaal along with them.
That apart, the Adhikari brothers plan to make another six to eight films this year. Says Markand Adhikari, vice-chairman and managing director of Sri Adhikari Brothers, “While we were the pioneers in improving viewership for television in the '80s and '90s, with the corporatisation of Bollywood, we thought it's time to invest in films. The way films are being made today is totally different compared to what it was 20 years back. Digitisation and special techniques are making their way in cinema and films are shot in international locales and the business is transparent now.“
When asked about the stiff competition in Bollywood, he says, “The more people enter the market, the better will be the business.“
Talking about the kind of movies they'll make, Markand says, “We plan to produce one-two big star films while the rest would be medium-budget films. The masses want fun and entertainment and we want to give that in our films. We are not trying to educate the viewers. At the end of the day, there should be a smile on their faces.“
He adds, “While we have produced many TV shows, handling production for films will be different. But I do feel that you can be creatively involved in film production too.“
The brothers, who started their business with a small ad agency in the 80s, were the forerunners in the broadcasting sector, when they started their television channel. With five channels on air, Mastiii being popular, the company is also looking to start four regional and a general entertainment channel soon. They are also aiming at production and broadcasting tie-ups internationally.
Meanwhile, they are are building two state-of-the-art studios in Mumbai. “One is at Charkop (Kandivali West) and another one in Marol near the airport. We wanted to come a full circle as far as our business is concerned,“ sums up Markand.
That apart, the Adhikari brothers plan to make another six to eight films this year. Says Markand Adhikari, vice-chairman and managing director of Sri Adhikari Brothers, “While we were the pioneers in improving viewership for television in the '80s and '90s, with the corporatisation of Bollywood, we thought it's time to invest in films. The way films are being made today is totally different compared to what it was 20 years back. Digitisation and special techniques are making their way in cinema and films are shot in international locales and the business is transparent now.“
When asked about the stiff competition in Bollywood, he says, “The more people enter the market, the better will be the business.“
Talking about the kind of movies they'll make, Markand says, “We plan to produce one-two big star films while the rest would be medium-budget films. The masses want fun and entertainment and we want to give that in our films. We are not trying to educate the viewers. At the end of the day, there should be a smile on their faces.“
He adds, “While we have produced many TV shows, handling production for films will be different. But I do feel that you can be creatively involved in film production too.“
The brothers, who started their business with a small ad agency in the 80s, were the forerunners in the broadcasting sector, when they started their television channel. With five channels on air, Mastiii being popular, the company is also looking to start four regional and a general entertainment channel soon. They are also aiming at production and broadcasting tie-ups internationally.
Meanwhile, they are are building two state-of-the-art studios in Mumbai. “One is at Charkop (Kandivali West) and another one in Marol near the airport. We wanted to come a full circle as far as our business is concerned,“ sums up Markand.
Censor Board asks for 218 cuts from Grand Masti’s TV premiere?
7:49 AM
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; January 22, 2015)
About 17 months after its theatrical release, Indra Kumar’s sex comedy Grand Masti might get a television screening soon — but with some riders. Regional officer of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Rahul Vaidya has sent a showcause notice to the makers asking them to effect 218 cuts for small screen viewing.
A board official says, “They have been asked to resubmit the film after making the suggested cuts.
Only then will a decision on the certification of the film be taken.”
In December 2013, Kumar had applied to the board to clear his Rs 100-crore film with a U/A certificate so that it could be premiered on television. A source from the CBFC says, “With 218 cuts, one wonders how much of the film will be left. The board may pass the film with the requested certification but only if the recommended cuts and modifications are accommodated.”
The filmmaker says the process of deleting the scenes is already underway. Meanwhile, the makers have already announced Phir Grand Masti with Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek Oberoi. The film will mark Riteish’s comeback to the sex comedy genre.
Cut out for the tube
>> 'The Dirty Picture': 100 cuts
>> 'Gangs of Wasseypur': 100 cuts
>> 'Delhi Belly': 20 cuts
Riteish Deshmukh goes back on his word on doing sex comedies; signs Grand Masti 3
7:49 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (January 16, 2015)
In a surprising move,
Riteish Deshmukh, who had earlier said that he has nothing more to
offer to sex comedies post the grand success of Grand Masti, has agreed
to do the next instalment of the film. Riteish had earlier said, “I
enjoyed doing Grand Masti, but I don't think I can
offer anything more as an actor in this genre. It was a bold film and
I am glad the film worked.''
Director Indra Kumar confirmed that the actor has given a nod to Grand
Masti 3. When asked how Riteish agreed to it since was not too keen to
do
another sex comedy, the filmmaker replied, “Riteish is convinced about
it and we are happy with the development. Yeh hamare liye khushi ki baat
hai.“
Sonalee Kulkarni wins praise for her Maneka act in Singham Returns
8:04 AM
Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; August 21, 2014)
Sonalee Kulkarni is happy
with the positive response to her brief appearance in Singham Returns.
The actress played Maneka, Bajirao Singham's (Ajay Devgn) childhood
friend, who Avni (Kareena Kapoor Khan) is jealous of. “My role was like a
breath of fresh air in the otherwise intense film,“ she says.
Sonalee reveals that she initially kept to herself on the set of the film. But director Rohit Shetty made her feel at home in no time. “Rohit broke the ice by playing a prank on me. I felt at ease then,“ she smiles.
The actress says that after Grand Masti, being a part of this massive franchise has made people notice her. “Someone told me, 'Dus minute mein aap chhaa gaye.' That was the best compliment. I hope this brings good roles my way,“ she says.
Sonalee is currently looking forward to her three Marathi ventures this year. While her first release Mitwa is a love story, Classmates revolves around a college reunion. But the actress is most excited about Shutter, where she plays a prostitute. “Unlike the prostitutes often seen on screen with garish make-up, we have kept my look as realistic as possible. And believe me, I enjoyed playing a roadside hooker.“
Sonalee reveals that she initially kept to herself on the set of the film. But director Rohit Shetty made her feel at home in no time. “Rohit broke the ice by playing a prank on me. I felt at ease then,“ she smiles.
The actress says that after Grand Masti, being a part of this massive franchise has made people notice her. “Someone told me, 'Dus minute mein aap chhaa gaye.' That was the best compliment. I hope this brings good roles my way,“ she says.
Sonalee is currently looking forward to her three Marathi ventures this year. While her first release Mitwa is a love story, Classmates revolves around a college reunion. But the actress is most excited about Shutter, where she plays a prostitute. “Unlike the prostitutes often seen on screen with garish make-up, we have kept my look as realistic as possible. And believe me, I enjoyed playing a roadside hooker.“
Comedy & thriller done, it's action time for Riteish Deshmukh
8:58 AM
Krutika Behrawala (BOMBAY TIMES; June 30, 2014)
The last two Fridays have witnessed completely different avatars of Riteish Deshmukh. While he showcased his funny side in the comedy Humshakals -a genre he has successfully built his career on -- he broke out of his comfort zone for Mohit Suri's thriller, Ek Villain. His portrayal of Rakesh Mahadkar, a dark and edgy serial killer, received a thumbs up from the audience and the industry. Next, he will play a hardcore action hero in his Marathi production, Lai Bhaari, directed by Nishikant Kamat. Reveals an insider, “The double-digit opening figures of Riteish's previous films - Housefull 2, Grand Masti and Humshakals, followed by the latest, Ek Villain - proves that he is a bankable star. While he is known as a good actor, he has now proved that he is versatile, too."
The actor says, “Receiving appreciation from the critics and the audience increases your creative appetite and I am hungry to portray different characters. These have been the most eventful months of my life. With genres of comedy and thriller done, I'm looking forward to my action-drama in Marathi.“
Sidharth Malhotra has become calmer; I have become more violent-Riteish Deshmukh
9:12 AM
Roshni K Olivera and Krutika Behrawala (BOMBAY TIMES; June 23, 2014)
Riteish Deshmukh and Sidharth Malhotra may be battling it out onscreen,
but the camaraderie between the two stars was more than evident when
they dropped in at the Bombay Times office. Excerpts from the
conversation:
Who's the bigger villain between the two of you in Ek Villain?
Sidharth: Sizewise? Weightwise?
Riteish: I think our producer Ekta Kapoor. But otherwise it is Mohit
Suri. When you start working with a director like him on a script like
this - which, on various levels, deals with the darker side - it's not
only the dialogues or performances, it's about the approach. It's about
everything you do, right from how each scene is shot. It becomes really
easy to perform when everything else around you is so correct.
Sidharth: Yeah. And Mohit really did that. For instance, he even plays music on the set or he'll give you correct references about how he wants the scene to come out. It was new, at least for me, to get this aggressive dark side. Actually for us to get that little off, psychotic thing. It's tough to answer who's the bigger villain because he has portrayed both the characters in a negative tone. As we keep joking, both of us are the villains and he and Tushar (Hiranandani), the writer, are the heroes.
Sidharth: Yeah. And Mohit really did that. For instance, he even plays music on the set or he'll give you correct references about how he wants the scene to come out. It was new, at least for me, to get this aggressive dark side. Actually for us to get that little off, psychotic thing. It's tough to answer who's the bigger villain because he has portrayed both the characters in a negative tone. As we keep joking, both of us are the villains and he and Tushar (Hiranandani), the writer, are the heroes.
While shooting did you get in touch with your dark side?
Sidharth: It was therapeutic. All my 29 years ki bhadaas has come out -coming to Mumbai from Delhi, staying here alone, changing houses, getting a job... all that has come out. I have become very calm. We were screaming, shouting, kicking and punching, which was therapeutic. I have taken out all my angst.
Riteish: He has become calmer, I have become more violent. This film is an unique experience because I have never done something like this and I have been working for the past 11 years. I have never been in a space that is so dark. Playing a dark character does put a question asking whether you are something like this in person, but then I realised that everyone is capable of being that. It's just how you control and manage your life everyday to be good.
Both of you have powerful roles here but...
(Both together): That's why we signed the movie! Was there insecurity about the other getting more footage?
Sidharth: Mohit narrated the script to us exactly how it is. We were aware of what we were doing.
Riteish: We loved the film and knew that there was something exciting for each of us to do. I wanted to do that role as it was something I had never done before. I remember when Ekta and Mohit first called me, I asked, 'Are you sure you want me to play this?' They said yes and I said, `Okay let's go ahead and do this.' You find the film has a complete balance and once you sense it's a complete story, then it doesn't matter how the balances are shifting throughout the story .
Looking back, do you feel any thing you did in the past was villainous?
Riteish: Umm... Saying yes to Grand Masti? (laughs) When Milap (Zaveri) started narrating the script of Grand Masti, I stretched, put a napkin on my face saying I can't face you.
Sidharth: It's too early for me to have done anything negative. Our film is far more intense and serious.
Riteish, does Grand Masti still haunt you?
Riteish: No, it doesn't. I think I'm really proud of the film.
Will you do a sex comedy again?
Riteish: As of now, however much I could offer in that genre, I have done. I don't know how much more I can do.
And Sid, what about you?
Sidharth: Comedy is comedy. Yes, if there is interesting content and cast. I found Grand Masti really funny.
Riteish: There is a way to do it. Many a times, we cross the line and go on to the cruder side. It can be aesthetic and yet funny. Sex comedy is a genre that can stay, but it needs to be appreciated, not only by masses but also classes. We need to find that one product that will cater to every one. Just like Hangover. I really liked the film.
Did you take any tips from Riteish?
Sidharth: There is, of course, a sense of calmness and relax ation which comes with a lot of work, which I could see in him, even when I was doing an action sequence or any other kind of scene. So, that was great learn ing. With a lot of work, you know what is working and how to cheat at times to get that emo tion or action quicker. He has always given inputs. At times, I have got too excited and it would end up with one knee here and one punch there (on him). But he has been a sport.
Riteish: There was an action sequence where he is beating me up. He had to hit my chest and I had to lie flat on the ground. After the fourth time, he hit me so hard...
Sidharth: Mohit on the mic was like 'C'mon Sid!', he pumped me up.
Riteish: After the take, I held my chest and shouted 'aaah'. The thing that I have learnt from him is the kind of excitement that you need to put for every scene. So many times I used to sit (idle). Obviously, our roles are different, so it is not that I was doing the same thing that he was. But before a shot, he would go down, do push-ups, get his eyes bloodshot red for the scene, and if there is a retake, he would do it again. I used to look at him and feel that he is giving it his all, would I do something like this if I was doing that role? Probably not. That made me question whether I was lazy in my thought process. You start drawing parallels and that taught me that every shot is important. In my own way , I do what I have to do, but there are little things that you pick up. Somewhere ahead in my career, if I get a role like he has, probably I will use this input to improve myself.
Weren't you shooting for Humshakals and Ek Villain at the same time?
Riteish: Yes. Interestingly , this telecam operator was the same for both the films. One day , he used to see me jumping and barking like a dog and the next day , he would see me and say 'Sir aap bahut alag lag rahe hain.' It's not easy ... Humshakals was really difficult! Seriously. Doing comedy where you have to behave like a dog and dress up like a woman can really be physically exhausting. Probably mentally, a film like Ek Villain takes up a lot. I think Sid, you'll make a pretty woman.
Sidharth: Will I? Okay then I'll do Humshakals 2. And no, Riteish wasn't barking on our set.
Riteish, are you as funny in real life?
Riteish: Films make me funnier. Someone asked me whether my sense of humour is something that I have and bring to films or has working in films made my sense of humour better? It is like playing cricket, where everyday when you start playing different bowlers, you start becoming a better batsman. You might have a sense of humour, but when you start working with comic talents like Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Sajid Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, David Dhawan, you start learning from them and know exactly how a punch is delivered. It catches on to you and you become funnier. If at all I am funny in real life, it is because of films.
Sid, from all the characters you've played so far, which one are you closest to?
Sidharth: I have only played three characters and the third one is yet to come out. So, I am still figuring it out. Closest would be the characters I have played in Student Of The Year and Hasee Toh Phasee. For this character, I had to go out-of-the box to think and get out the neg ative aspects, angst and aggres sion.
Has Riteish's humour rubbed off on you?
Sidharth: He is a great narrator of stories. I have heard all the fun stories he has been through. Some of them we can't discuss openly (here), but it was great fun whenever he was on set. It would just lighten up the mood, no matter what kind of content you are doing. It is always good to have that vibe on set and he used to bring that.
Riteish is very good at imitating and mimicking others. Has he ever tried to imitate you?
Sidharth: Not in front of me.
Riteish: The greatest thing about mimicking someone is not to mimic the actor, but mimic a person who mimics them. Someone who is actually a great mimic deciphers the entire personality, takes a few traits and stresses on those lines and that's how you do it. I actually just copy that person. I never copy the original guy. It is very difficult.
So, whose mimicry are you best at from the industry?
Riteish: Most of the time my own (laughs). I don't know... it all started with Sanjeev Kumar in Dhamaal and it was not supposed to be there in the film. It was just a dialogue that I said off-camera and Indra Kumar said, `Yehi camera pe kar' and it started from there.
At parties, whose mimicry do you get asked to do the most?
Sidharth: He is not doing standup comedy at parties!
Riteish: It starts at the story narration. If you are part of a situation or a story and then you are narrating and suddenly, you start acting like that person.
Sid, you have a Brazilian past (link-up with model Izabelle). Any plans to go for the football World Cup?
Riteish: Brazilian past... which has got nothing to do with the waxing part, right?
Sidharth: Yeah, I wish I could travel and see the World Cup. But I can't.
Riteish: I am shooting. I wish I could go. My wife (Genelia) is a huge football fan.
Riteish: Sid, do you actually feel pressure with so many newcomers coming in?
Sidharth: Good question. Yeah there is always the pressure of performance, the pressure to portray a character correctly , to pull this character off.
Riteish, after Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya, have Genelia and you received any acting offers together?
Riteish: Both of us want to do a film in Marathi. She speaks Marathi at home. She has acted in five different languages -Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. And I think doing a Marathi film will be great. Probably, next year.
Sid, when Hasee Toh Phasee released, you had said that the best way to get a girl is to chase her and make her laugh. Are you still doing that?
Sidharth: Of course, chase them, do odd things and laugh. There is no hard and fast rule on how to get a girl. That was just one of our ways in Hasee Toh Phasee. It is still going on. I am trying my best.
Right now, it is tough to get people with this whole villain and aggressive thing, but the intense, brooding thing is working out with girls.
2 States tops the list of Top 10 under-50 crore budget grossers
12:50 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
2 STATES has emerged the highest grossing film ever with a production
and marketing cost under 50 crore. It will also be the first film to
cross under 100 crore nett which has a cost less than 50 crore to make
and release.
There are now around 25 films which have crossed 100 crore nett but all are big budget films apart from 2 States. In terms of distributor share, GADAR-EK PREM KATHA is still top amongst the list below and 2 STATES will also not cross the share of SINGHAM which was over 50 crore while 2 States will stay below 50 crore.
There are some films in the list which were the highest grossing films ever like GADAR-EK PREM KATHA, DHOOM 2 and OM SHANTI OM. Even RAB NE BANA DI JODI can make it if we go by release date but by the time it had beaten the previous record holder, GHAJINI a film released two weeks later had already surpassed RAB NE BANA DI JODI.
Below are the top ten domestic grossers with a cost of less than 50 crore
* Expected
There are now around 25 films which have crossed 100 crore nett but all are big budget films apart from 2 States. In terms of distributor share, GADAR-EK PREM KATHA is still top amongst the list below and 2 STATES will also not cross the share of SINGHAM which was over 50 crore while 2 States will stay below 50 crore.
There are some films in the list which were the highest grossing films ever like GADAR-EK PREM KATHA, DHOOM 2 and OM SHANTI OM. Even RAB NE BANA DI JODI can make it if we go by release date but by the time it had beaten the previous record holder, GHAJINI a film released two weeks later had already surpassed RAB NE BANA DI JODI.
Below are the top ten domestic grossers with a cost of less than 50 crore
| All Time Top Ten Domestic Grossers (Budget Under 50 Crore) | |||
| Rank | Film | Release Date | Nett Gross |
| 1 | 2 States | 18 |
1,01,00,00,000* |
| 2 | Singham | 22 Jul 2011 | 98,38,00,000 |
| 3 | Grand Masti | 13 Sep 2013 | 91,65,00,000 |
| 4 | Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi | 12 Dec 2008 | 84,66,00,000 |
| 5 | OMG! Oh My God | 28 Sep 2012 | 81,43,00,000 |
| 6 | Dhoom 2 | 24 Noc 2006 | 80,93,00,000 |
| 7 | The Dirty Picture | 02 Dec 2011 | 79,77,00,000 |
| 8 | Aashiqui 2 | 26 Apr 2013 | 78,64,00,000 |
| 9 | Om Shanti Om | 09 Nov 2007 | 78,13,00,000 |
| 10 | Gadar-Ek Prem Katha | 76,77,00,000 | |
Riteish Deshmukh accepts Ghanta award for Grand Masti
9:09 AM
DNA (March 16, 2014)
Getting an award is a joyous moment for most actors, unless it’s the Ghanta Awards, which takes a dig at them or their movie. Very few B-Town actors know how to take it in their stride. But Riteish Deshmukh surprised everyone this year by turning up to collect the Ghanta Award, which his movie Grand Masti won in the ‘Anything But Sexy’ category. The actor went on the stage and said, “I never knew I would receive a Ghanta. Thank you for the award.” None of the other actors turned up to claim their award. Till date, the only other actor who turned up to accept the trophy was Sonam Kapoor, who had won in the ‘WTF Was That’ category for Mausam in 2012.
The Ghanta goes to...
Worst Actor
Pratiek Babbar for Issaq
Worst Actress
Priyanka Chopra for Zanjeer
Worst Film
Himmatwala
Worst Director
Sajid Khan for Himmatwala
Worst Supporting Actor
Imran Khan for Once Upon... A time in Mumbaai Doobara
Worst Supporting Actress
Ameesha Patel for Race 2 and Shortcut Romeo
Shahid's TV premiere cleared; Shortcut Romeo-Grand Masti's fate hangs in limbo
12:33 PM
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; January 30, 2014)
Neil Nitin Mukesh-starrer Shortcut Romeo will not be aired on Doordarshan. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has denied it a U certificate citing the film’s adult content that is said to not suit Doordarshan’s audiences. The film had released in cinema halls with a U/A certificate, and since then, it has also been telecast on a general entertainment channel.
But tapping into Doordarshan’s audience base may not be possible for its producers now. A source close to the board says, “The film, with its adult theme, features a lot of vulgar content and such films cannot be aired on Doordarshan.” When contacted, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh admitted that film has some adult content but clarified that it is not an adult film. “ It features less nudity than most of our popular films today,” he said.
Indra Kumar's controversial film Grand Masti, on the other hand, has been refused certification for its telecast on television. The decision was taken after a CBFC committee watched the film on Tuesday.
In the meantime, Hansal Mehta’s film Shahid has been cleared by the CBFC with a U/ A certificate for television. The makers of the film have been asked to snip expletives and a nude scene from the film. A source said, “The board has asked the film’s makers to delete a nude scene featuring Rajkumar Rao and around eight cusswords to be muted out of the film." The filmmaker, however, said that he was not aware of this certification. “I had deleted expletives from the film three months ago but the Censor Board didn’t watch it then. I do not wish to delete the nude scene but want to rework it aesthetically so that the board finds no fault with it. The scene should be retained as the character’s suffering needs to be shown to audiences. I also want the film to be telecast on television as soon possible,” he said.
It may be recalled that the film, was issued an A certificate by the CBFC for its theatrical release. This had upset the filmmaker, who then filed RTIs against films such as Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela and Madras Café, which, — according to him, were given a U/A certificate despite featuring violence and kissing scenes.
CBFC in quandary as Indra Kumar requests for TV premiere of Grand Masti?
9:58 PM
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 3, 2013)
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was in a quandary when Jannat, Delhi Belly and The Dirty Picture came up for re-certification for a satellite release. It’s the same situation again now that Indra Kumar’s double-entendre loaded Grand Masti, which hit the theatres in September, wants a TV premiere.
A few days ago Kumar sent a letter to the Board requesting that the film be cleared with a U/A certificate, so that he can screen it on national television.
A senior member of the CBFC told Mirror that the filmmaker reserves the right to submit his film for clearance since he is looking to sell the satellite rights for a profit, now that his film has grossed 100 crores.“It’s business after all, but we’re wondering what will be left of the film after we have re-examined it. Almost every scene will be scissored out,” said the Censor member.
Ekta Kapoor’s The Dirty Picture was screened on tv only after the I & B Ministry intervened and was given almost 50 cuts.
Mahesh Bhatt edited out all the ‘objectionable content’ from Jannat 2, but the CBFC still maintained that the film wasn’t fit for primetime viewership.
Delhi Belly, has yet to be shown on TV even though it was re-edited, re-dubbed and its satellite rights sold to Sahara.
A source admitted that it’s not going to be easy for Grand Masti to get the go-ahead for home viewing even if Indra Kumar came up with his own cuts.
The producer-director confirmed that he had sent a letter for recertification to CBFC and said: “We have started working but I can’t I tell you how much of the original film will remain till we start making modifications.”
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