In the two weeks since it dropped on Netflix, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway has reached audiences far and wide, consistently finding a spot in the streamer’s top 10 movies in India. It only echoes the Rani Mukerji-starrer’s successful run at the box office. The March release, said to be made on a modest budget, earned Rs 37 crore, becoming one of the few Bollywood hits of the year so far. With it, Mukerji is happy to have busted one of the Hindi film industry’s myths — that only a Rs 100-crore earner is a true box-office hit.

“There are misconceptions about what a hit means. A film is a hit when producers make money from it. It’s not only about how much it collects at the box office; one should also factor in the film’s cost,” emphasizes the actor.

So far, 2023 has witnessed a blockbuster in Pathaan, and hits in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, and The Kerala Story. The strong run of Ashima Chibber’s directorial venture also shut down detractors who had doubts about the prospect of women-led films, in the post-pandemic scenario.

Mukerji asserts, “There is constant chatter about whether women-centric films are box-office draws. Of course, they are! A good film will always bring people to the theatres, and a star’s gender has no role to play in a film’s success.”

Inspired by the real-life ordeal of Sagarika Chakraborty, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway sees the leading lady play a fierce mother who takes on the legal system of Norway when her kids are taken away from her by the welfare services, on grounds of parental neglect. The drama aligned with Mukerji’s vision of bringing courageous women’s stories to the screen.

“As an actor, my vision for cinema will evolve, but the one thing that has stayed with me is the way I want to represent women on screen. I choose films where the woman is pivotal to the plot, where she is projected with dignity and power. For me, women have always been agents of change; they are independent, courageous and caring. I wanted to highlight these facets by choosing characters that echo my belief system — be it in Yuva [2004], Black [2005], No One Killed Jessica [2011], Mardaani, or Hichki [2018].”

Feisty cop on-screen and mushy mom off it, Mardaani 2 actor Rani Mukerji opens up on two pillars of her life - husband Aditya and her daughter Adira
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 17, 2019)

She may play a tough-as-nails cop in Mardaani 2, but mention daughter Adira and Rani Mukerji turns mushy. "I understood what true love is when I had Adira," beams the actor at the recording of Neha Dhupia's podcast, No Filter Neha. "It would matter to me if my husband [Aditya Chopra] didn't reciprocate my love, but it doesn't matter if Adira loves me or not. My affection for her is unconditional." It is evident that the little one has Mukerji wrapped around her little finger as she laughs, "More than my husband, I can be manipulated by Adira."

The actor had traded the arc lights for mommy duties after her daughter's birth in 2015. She ended her three-year sabbatical with Hichki (2018), following it up with the cop drama this year. She credits her filmmaker husband for her return to the big screen. "He told me that I should not let go of my individuality. He pushed me to read scripts; that is how Hichki happened. Women need supportive husbands at that point [post pregnancy] because it is in our nature to sacrifice."

Chopra's reclusive nature is legendary in Bollywood circles. In an industry where out of sight is out of mind, the fiercely private filmmaker has stayed away from public glare, content to run the show from behind closed doors. Mukerji gives a peek into the man behind the mystery as she reveals that he is punctual to a fault. "No matter where he has to go, he will reach there ahead of the [designated] time. When we go to watch a film, he will reach the theatre 20 minutes before the show so that he can watch the trailer of every upcoming movie." She attributes his success in Bollywood to his ability for recognising talent. "He has the knack for spotting not only talented actors, but also writers and directors. I guess he inherited it from Yash [Chopra] uncle."

Actor Rani Mukerji says her roles reflect her belief in how women should be perceived
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 3, 2019)

Right from Shashi in Yuva and Saamiya in Veer-Zaara (both 2004), to Naina Mathur in Hichki (2018), Rani Mukerji has always made sure that she plays powerful female protagonists in her films. Shivani Shivaji Roy, her cop act in Mardaani (2014), was also plotted on similar lines.

What makes Rani zero in on such brilliant characters all the time? “I have always looked to celebrate the strength of women through my films, whenever I got the opportunity,” she says, “No One Killed Jessica (2011), Black, Mardaani, Hichki, etc. are some of the favourite films of my career as they resonated with who I’m as a person in real life and my belief in how a woman should always be perceived. For me, a woman is a pillar of strength for her family, community, husband, child, and I do feel we don’t celebrate women enough.”

The actor is all set to reprise the role of the fearless and committed superintendent of police, Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 2, which is a sequel to the hugely acclaimed Mardaani, in which she took on the kingpin of a child trafficking racket. In the second part, Rani has been pitted against a young, yet dangerous villain, who can be called pure evil.

Opening up on why she thinks her character in Mardaani became so popular with masses, she says, “Mardaani 2, which releases on December 13, is another attempt to showcase what a fearless, self-made, self-believing woman can do despite being pitted against all odds. Shivani is someone who will never back down in the face of injustice, and I’m glad people have showered her with so much love and appreciation. She is one of my most favourite characters because she lives life her way and isn’t cowed down by judgements and stereotyping. A boss in a man’s world, she ensures her work speaks the loudest. She is the quintessential spirit of a woman and maybe that’s why this character resonates with so many people.”

What the versatile actor is thrilled with is the current, new generation of actors, who are choosing to pick scripts with female protagonists. “I can see the tides changing, and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am as a woman and as an artiste. I have silently tried to do my best to bring out powerful women on screen and impact the psyche of people through their life. I get so happy when I see the young actors choosing to do women-centric films that give out the correct message about women to society,” says Rani.

DNA (June 22, 2019)

With her last year’s release, Hichki, a socially-relevant film in which she essayed a teacher with Tourette Syndrome, Rani Mukerji wowed critics and audiences alike and also delivered a commercial success in India and overseas. Now, her upcoming film, Mardaani 2, which is a sequel to her 2014 hit cop thriller, Mardaani, is said to shock audiences with its hard-hitting subject.

‘Grateful and humbled’ that Hichki resonated with cinegoers in India, China and worldwide, the actress talks about how she is choosing stories that are starting social conversations and also setting the cash registers ringing. “I’m picking films that appeal to my heart, that appeal to me as an actor. I think it’s my good fortune that I’ve been able to select scripts out of the several ones that I’ve got and I’m fortunate that directors and writers have thought of me to play these characters,” she says, adding, “I’ve been lucky to have received the right script at the right time. I have enjoyed telling a story to the audience because if we are making a socially-relevant film, we are making it for them.”

Incidentally, not many were familiar with Tourette Syndrome until Hichki released. Rani points out that with Mardaani, the idea was to make the people aware about the menace of child-trafficking. Reiterating that it is is rampant around us and ‘we need to keep our eyes and ears open and protect our children’, she says, “I think these things are a learning for me as well when I get to read scripts. In Mardaani 2, we will again tackle a subject that will be shocking for viewers. It will show something that is extremely real and alarming to audiences and make them aware of what’s happening in and around our lives.”

DHADAK had the top premiere on television in 2018 though the year was dominated by TIGER ZINDA HAI, GOLMAAL AGAIN and BAAGHI 2 which have has continued to rate very highly post the premiere. These films have all crossed 5 crore impressions in 6-7 viewings and are films having a great innings post the theatrical release.

These three films were the huge BLOCKBUSTER on television while DHADAK and STREE were SUPERHIT and all the others on the list were HIT barring PADMAAVAT, GOLD and RAAZI. PADMAAVAT has not done well at all post release which pretty much ascertains that the theatrical business had a lot to do with the controversy as never has such big grosser performed so badly on television post release. It was premiered on digital before satellite but so were others on the list like STREE and PARMANU but they still found an audience. It means seventeen Hindi new releases scored on television in 2018.

Below are the top twenty films on television. The number is the impressions which is basically the number of television sets which viewed the film.
1. Dhadak - 1,83,16,000
2. Golmaal Again - 1,63,52,000
3. Baaghi 2 - 1,61,45,000
4. Tiger Zinda Hai - 1,37,04,000
5. Stree - 1,23,29,000
6. Pad Man - 86,42,000
7. Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran- 79,10,000
8. Sanju - 77,95,000
9. Raid - 74,71,000
10. Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se - 69,76,000
11. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety - 64,97,000
12. Sui Dhaaga: Made In India - 64,00,000
13. Hichki - 63,60,000
14. Genius - 63,01,000
15. Badhaai Ho - 60,86,000
16. Secret Superstar - 60,41,000
17. Padmaavat - 55,23,000
18. Fukrey Returns - 53,05,000
19. Gold - 50,66,000
20. Raazi - 48,79,000

Harshada Rege (DNA; December 29, 2018)

After a four-year break from films, Rani Mukerji returned to the big screen with Hichki in March this year. She portrayed a woman whose passion is teaching but suffers from Tourette Syndrome. The project was also her comeback to showbiz post the birth of her daughter, Adira. The tale of the teacher’s bond with a bunch of lesser-privileged students struck a chord with the audience, not just in India but also in China. Rani will soon be seen on the big screen again as Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 2. We met the actress recently to talk about the year that was and her choice of roles. Excerpts from the chat...

The projects you have picked — Mardaani and Hichki — are message-oriented. Is that the way ahead for you?
Both the films spoke about powerful women in different walks of life. Mardaani is a female police officer tackling flesh trade and child trafficking, which are extremely important and grave issues in our country as well as the world. I remember many parents telling me that they didn’t want to watch the film as they’d feel uncomfortable, or that they didn’t want their children to watch it. I told them that, on the contrary, the movie was for them and their children. It helps society become aware that this is not happening in a faraway land, but right in our neighbourhood. We can’t view the world with rose-tinted glasses. I wanted to be a part of such a story, that too, told from the point of view of a female police officer. Hichki was about a teacher with Tourette, who is asked to tutor a bunch of underprivileged children. In a strange way, both of them are in the same boat. Together, they learn that you can turn your weakness into strength.

What was it about these characters that impressed you?
They are based on subjects that are relevant —child trafficking and issues with the education system. They also pointed to the fact that people judge you for your outer appearance instead of your merit. When you see a woman in a cop’s uniform, you may wonder whether she will be able to protect you. But that shouldn’t be the case because an officer is that, irrespective of the gender. Similarly, a teacher’s Tourette Syndrome doesn’t mean she won’t be good at her job. There were so many layers to these characters.

I think, when people look back at these films, they will realise how important they were. When a movie releases in the midst of what you are living in, you may not realise its importance at that point in time but you will, five years down the line. It will impact change in the society and the thought process. It takes time for an actual change to come about in a society, but these films will help kick-start that process.

What has been your biggest takeaway from the success of your film this year?
I have always believed that content is king. Whenever a story tugs at your heartstrings and has an emotional connect, it will find an audience. Now, how big a viewership it will get is when you need to look at the box office. Even if it’s a moderate hit, you know that it has been liked. For me, the learning has been to always listen to your gut and instinct because when I signed both these movies, I didn’t expect them to become the hits that they did. But I believed in the stories. I knew that I wanted these stories to be told because these subjects were relevant. It was about believing in myself and the stories. I also realised that if there is a producer willing to make a film like this, then as an actor, I have to back it too. Whether or not it does well, the intention is right. And when the film succeeds, that’s a bonus because what you had set out to achieve, you have managed to meet it.

Go on...
With Hichki, there were many more question marks because I was married, a mother. So, would the audience want to see me? That myth was broken and I realised a lot of people wanted to see me (smiles), so that was great. I can be part of the cinema and the stories I want to tell. At the same time, I love entertaining films, so whenever I do a film with a message, it is necessary to make them entertaining as well. Nobody wants to hear a lecture that’s boring. I want to be part of films that can strike a balance between both these aspects. When I know that there’s an audience who wants to see me, I can dabble in various genres. It gives me happiness to know that the viewer doesn’t shut you out because you are married or have kids. They do that when you don’t make good films, it’s as simple as that.

How do you analyse the success of Hichki in China?
I think there are some similarities between our cultures, backgrounds and family values. Perhaps, Hichki worked so well over there because they related to the teacher-student relationship. It’s the victory of the script and content. The Chinese government really loved the movie and agreed to release it there. I remember being in a room full of Chinese audience watching a Hindi movie, clapping and crying. That was a surreal feeling. Then to meet professors from the university and for them to say they wanted to be like Naina... it was something else. Even when we had a screening in Mumbai for 300 teachers across Maharashtra, they and the principals got emotional. Many of them said Naina has become an inspiration to them. And I got to hear the same thing in China. That was amazing.

Do you think there are more author-backed roles for actresses now?
I can’t really say that because I never faced that problem. In fact, I’ve always got meaty roles, right from Raja Ki Aayegi Baarat to Yuva or Black and Bunty Aur Babli. They were equal to the men or even more, but never less. As an actor, it’s our responsibility to choose the right characters. It doesn’t matter if it’s like the one I did in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (Tina’s part) but it has to be impactful. Length of a role is never the issue, the substance is what matters. Actors shouldn’t confuse a bigger role with an important one. You could have a small part in the film, but it should leave an impact rather than being in the entire film and not making one. I have always wanted to do films that talk about the modern Indian woman. My roles have always depicted her. So, there’s always a direct connect.

What’s your resolution, work-wise and personally, for 2019?
I don’t really make any resolutions. Every new project that I sign becomes my resolution. I know that for this project, I need to achieve a set of goals. For Hichki, I needed to look like I did pre-motherhood. I wanted to get back in shape so that I would look the part. Now, I need to look like a cop for Mardaani 2, so my entire process will be dictated by that. Also, for me, it’s very important that each day I spend with my daughter is special. So, to maintain a balance between my work and personal life is my resolution every year (laughs).

Rani on Hichki crossing Rs 150-crore mark in China as against having made Rs 58 crore in India
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 7, 2018)

After Aamir Khan and Salman Khan’s outings took China by storm, Rani Mukerji’s Hichki is taking the country’s romance with Bollywood forward. The movie, which sees Mukerji play a teacher suffering from Tourette Syndrome, has collected a staggering Rs. 150.8 crore at the Chinese box office since its release last month.

Thrilled that her story has struck a chord with viewers, Mukerji says, “The language of cinema and emotion is universal. The way Hichki has resonated with the audiences in China proves that when you make a film about genuine human emotions, it will deeply connect with people. It makes you believe in the power of good cinema.”

The actor reiterates Aamir’s belief that Indian films do well in China owing to the cultural similarities between the two countries. “Our family values are similar, which is why our stories connect with them.”

While the film had reportedly amassed over Rs 58 crore in India, it has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark globally, courtesy its runaway success in China.

Meena Iyer (DNA; September 12, 2018)

One of India’s most famous exports, Freida Pinto walks in 40 minutes late for this interview. She apologises profusely because she has just landed at an unearthly hour from a foreign destination and is obviously sleep-deprived. Without wasting any further time, she delves straight into shop talk about Tabrez Noorani’s Love Sonia (an upcoming drama on human trafficking) and her other projects in the West.

Tell us about your involvement with Love Sonia.
Love Sonia has stayed with me for 10 years. Tabrez was a producer on Slumdog Millionaire (2008). While working on that film, he was writing this movie and told me that he was keen to direct it. Later, he asked me to read the script. Once I did, I was extremely disturbed by the subject. It was an important story and I wanted to be a part of it. I assured him that whether it was helping him cast actors or anything else, I would be actively involved. It took us a decade to get the right people as it’s difficult to find financiers for such films. When the project came together, he recalled how from 2008 onwards, I had read other actress’ parts and particularly enjoyed reading Rashmi’s lines. I loved the character’s complexity and craziness as well as the fact that she was unpredictable. He asked me if I’d like to portray her on screen. I told him my name was written all over it (laughs).

How did you manage to keep the interest alive in the subject for such a long time?
A lot of people think that when you make such a movie, it must be depressing. I can’t speak for Mrunal (Thakur), her role is a lot more intense. But Richa (Chadha), Manoj (Bajpayee), Raj (Rajkummar Rao) and I had a blast while shooting. Yes, there are scenes that are dark and disturbing, but as soon as we finished filming it, we knew why we were making Love Sonia. We wanted people with determined minds to be part of the movement that puts an end to this brutality. As for keeping my interest alive in this film for 10 years, Tabrez is a dear friend of mine. We live about 15 minutes apart from each other in Los Angeles. He and I would talk about this film and many other projects, we’re working on a bunch of things about which I can’t reveal anything more yet. But Tabrez and I are partners. He’s been my mentor, a lot of people don’t know that I learnt everything from him as a producer. If I ever direct a film, I would prod him on the set to mentor me there as well. The interest is alive because the subject matter of Love Sonia is relevant, probably more now than it was 10 years ago. The fact is that people are going to listen to a story like this.

What are the other projects that you are working on right now?
I’ve shot two movies earlier this year. One of them is with American actor Leslie Odom Jr (of Hamilton, a musical on Broadway, fame). Four-five months later, we ended up doing another film with John Ridley (who won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 12 Years A Slave). Later this year, I also have Mowgli. It’s fantastic that I have these two indie films coming up, both of which are love stories. I’d like to do something like Love Sonia once in a while. I want to indulge in more of human stories. There are also a couple of passion projects that I’m producing.

Your trips and films in India have been few and far in between. Filmmakers haven’t been able to tempt you with better scripts?
They are not few. You know that I come home for more than just Christmas. Whenever I come to India, my goal is not just to reconnect with Mumbai or the industry but with my country and different parts of it. The way you grow as an actor, you keep yourself connected to human stories across the nation and the world as opposed to just keeping it secluded to one part or industry. So, for me, it’s never been just about work. I see my growth as an actor by having new experiences. It’s not about tempting me with the right script, it’s wherever and however they find me. If I feel passionate about it, I will do it. I’m not waiting for something to happen. I have this belief that the right thing gets attracted to you.

As a viewer, are you in touch with Hindi cinema?
I enjoyed watching Hichki at the Melbourne International Film festival. Rani Mukerji and I were on the same platform to talk about our respective projects. It’s so moving that such subjects find a way to reach the audience and enlighten them. Not many people knew about Tourette Syndrome before Rani did that film. Likewise, when she did Black (2005), many of us learnt for the first time what visually and hearing impaired people go through. So, I keep in touch with Hindi cinema as and when I can.

I’m asking you this because you’ve relocated to LA and left Mumbai behind.
I don’t think I have left Mumbai behind. My debut film gave me such a fantastic opportunity; name one person who wouldn’t take it on. I’ve made myself a career that no one has been able to do before. Now, it gives me an even bigger opportunity to straddle both worlds as and when I want to. Also, if there is something that I don’t want to do, I’m finally in a position to say no. Also due to digital platforms, in the near future, we won’t be talking about borders and boundaries any more, but letting content and storytelling take the lead.

Take, for instance, Sacred Games. Not just Indians, but people from across the world are watching it. Stories from the West, England and France are inspiring. There is such beautiful storytelling in America. My favourite example is The Untouchables, the foreign language film that people want to remake even in India.

Would you do a Hindi love story?
Love Sonia is in Hindi. Previously, I did Trishna which was not just in Hindi but also in Marwari. I had to learn a language that I didn’t even speak. So, I have done Hindi films (smiles).

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; July 9, 2018)

Rani Mukerji’s comeback venture, Hichki, has worked well at the box office. Along with the positive reception in India, it also received a standing ovation at the recently-concluded Shanghai Film Festival and has scored well on satellite, too.

As we start our conversation with Rani, who’s busy taking care of her daughter, Adira, she tells us, “This interview might happen in breaks.” But the toddler plays with her toy and watches her mother talk, without interrupting her. Over the next 20 minutes, the actress states how Hichki helped her find answers to all her questions and why she is open to doing a film outside the Yash Raj Films banner. Excerpts...

Hichki was a small-budget film that did good numbers. Does this success seem sweeter than that of your other big movies?
I don’t categorise films on the basis of their budget. At the end of the day, it is a validation of my work being accepted by viewers. So, it’s not really about getting success on a higher or lower scale. The audience’s appreciation is of utmost importance. When a film does well, it makes you happy. Likewise, when it flops, irrespective of its budget, you feel equally sad.

The movie has worked well on satellite, too...
Yes, I’m extremely happy because it’s important for every actor to ensure that their film has a wide reach. With television, the reach is tremendous. And the fact that Hichki has worked well on satellite is heartening. Now, it has also released digitally, so more people will be able to watch it.

Were you always confident about its success?
Whenever I choose a script, I do it hoping that the audience will like it. But no one can predict to what extent it will be accepted. If we could do the predictions, then all our films would be hits. There would be no misses.

What’s the fondest compliment that you have received from any of your fans or audience?
I remember Karan’s (Johar) words. He told me, ‘You have performed like a veteran actor.’ Javed (Akhtar) uncle called me after the screening and said he loved my performance in Hichki more than Black. Aamir (Khan) joked that I make for a good-looking buddhi because of the last scene where I’m an old woman. This is the kind of attention an actor craves for.

Hichki also received a standing ovation at the Shanghai Film Festival. You weren’t there. Did you miss the reception?
Siddharth (P Malhotra) called me from there as soon as this happened and told me everyone stood up, clapped and were extremely moved by the film. They asked him, ‘How did you pick up this actor who actually has the Tourette Syndrome?’ So that was gratifying for me. People are loving the film irrespective of the place, country and the language and they are connecting with it, which is very special. I feel bad I had to miss out on it, but I’m happy my director was there.

Where does this film and this character stand in your filmography?
It stands at a very important place. Hichki was my comeback film which I did right after giving birth to my baby Adira. So there were a lot of questions I had about whether I would be able to deliver a hit, whether the audiences would like to see me on screen four years after Mardaani. Hichki has dispelled all those questions.

You promised to do one film every year from now on. Have you finalised your next?
I’m in the midst of deciding on my next. I have learnt from my past experiences. Now, I will sign on the dotted line only when I’m fully happy with the script from the first scene to the end.

Is there a film you are doing outside YRF for now?
No, not as of now. But there are a lot of scripts that I’m reading at present. If there’s a script which I love outside the YRF banner, I’ll obviously do it.

SANJU IS A BLOCKBUSTER; FIRST HALF OF 2018 ENDS ON A ROCKING NOTE!

Over the last few years, the mood of the Bollywood Talk posted in June-end or beginning of July is usually quite somber. After all, the first 6 months have more or less have been dull over the years. Last year, the first half ended on a disastrous note after the biggie Tubelight, starring Salman Khan, crashed in a few days and led to massive losses for its distributors. With such instances happening repeatedly in the first six months, the mood wasn’t that upbeat when 2018 commenced.

However, 2018’s first half has gone beyond expectations! Each month has been full of surprises and super hit films. Bollywood got it’s first blockbuster in January itself when Padmaavat released despite a slew of controversies. It didn’t release in almost 4 major states and yet, became a blockbuster, earning more than Rs 280 crore, a figure unheard for a January release before! February saw the surprise success of the comic caper Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. A film having a not-so-popular cast raked in almost Rs 100 crore and it led to cheer in the industry. March saw three back-to-back successes: Raid, Hichki and the monstrous blockbuster Baaghi 2. In April, the offbeat flick October, starring Varun Dhawan, could have easily flopped considering its niche appeal. But even this film did decent business! April ended with a high with the super-success of Avengers: Infinity War. The fun continued in May when 102 Not Out got the cash registers ringing. The excitement was there for Raazi but nobody imagined in their wildest dreams that it would do almost Rs 120 crore! This is a first for a women-centric film! Parmanu released all of a sudden sans any promotions and yet managed to cross the Rs 60 crore mark! The first day of June saw the release of Veere Di Wedding. Not many were sure if this flick would work considering its all-female cast and adult theme! But it worked and how! Race 3 got thumbs down and many expected it to go the Tubelight way. It fell after a point but not as badly as one expected and it’s lifetime is expected to be in the Rs 160 crore. And that’s not bad for a film that had negative buzz and terrible word of mouth.

And finally, Sanju released on June 29 and it proved to be an icing on the cake. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, it is the biopic of Sanjay Dutt and starring Ranbir Kapoor. The excitement for the film was significant. But who could have told that Sanju would be able to cross the coveted Rs 200 crore mark in just one week?! And this is terrific considering the somewhat dark theme and that Ranbir hasn’t had given a huge hit in a while. Some trade analysts even feel that it can cross the Rs 374.53 crore mark of Dangal and thus emerge as the biggest grosser ever of Bollywood! Even if that doesn’t happen, Rs 250 crore is at least on for Sanju and that’s tremendous!

Now all eyes are set on the second half which should be equally exciting. Films like Dhadak, Gold, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se, Sui Dhaaga, Namaste England, Thugs Of Hindostan, Student Of The Year 2, Kedarnath, Total Dhamaal, Zero and Simmba should work big time and rake in a lot of moolah and impress audiences. The feeling is unimaginable and this is truly deserving and much needed, especially after a spate of dry years!

There were three major television premieres in the last weeks of May with HICHKI, PAD MAN and RAID and all have emerged HITS. HICHKI and RAID sustained at the box office while PAD MAN could do not much after the first week but on television it had the upper hand due to the huge mass popularity of Akshay Kumar. Hence, limited film on menstrual periods has managed to score so well on television. RAID should have scored over PAD MAN as it did better at the box office and its subject was much more audience friendly especially for the television audience which is larger than theatrical.

PAD MAN has crossed its theatrical footfalls with its first television showing. HICHKI has almost doubled theatrical footfalls and has also beaten SECRET SUPERSTAR which was a similar genre film and that too when SECRET SUPERSTAR had Aamir Khan to boost it. SUPER SINGH got the highest rating ever for a Punjabi film dubbed into Hindi.

The top films on television in 2018 are as follows. The numbers are impressions which are the number of television sets viewing the film.
1. Golmaal Again - 1,63,52,000
2. Tiger Zinda Hai - 1,37,04,000
3. Pad Man - 86,42,000
4. Raid - 74,71,000
5. Hichki - 63,60,000
6. King Kong - 60,43,000 (dubbed)
7. Secret Superstar - 60,41,000
8. Fukrey Returns - 53,05,000
9. Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana - 42,47,000
10. Super Singh - 40,01,000 (Dubbed)

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; May 13, 2018)

Rani Mukerji returned to the big screen after a four-year hiatus with Hichki, in which she was seen as a teacher who battles against all odds. However, off-screen, she has been playing the role of a doting mother to her two-year-old daughter, Adira. As soon as one mentions the tiny tot’s name to Rani, her eyes light up and there is a wide smile on her face. The actress gets candid about how her child completes her.

THE JOYS OF BEING A MOTHER
The award-winning star says her evolution as a person “began from the time she was pregnant”. She adds, “Motherhood is a beautiful feeling. You start valuing someone else’s life over yours and address their needs first. I guess, it’s the only relationship in the world where this can happen and it’s amazing. Adira completes me as a person. She was a premature baby, so initially, there were a few restrictions. But she is a happy kid, touch wood.”

ADIRA COMES FIRST
Post Mardaani (2014), Rani decided to stay away from the limelight. However, she doesn’t regret her decision and reasons, “Now, when I do a film, it has to be in accordance with Adira’s schedule.”

Rani says, “I want to be part of every milestone in Adira’s life and ensure I don’t miss any of it. During Hichki, she was going to take her first step. Luckily, I had reached home from shoot right in time to see her do that. These are moments that will never come back and I’ll cherish them forever.” She avers, “If a filmmaker is willing to keep in mind all these factors and moreover, if it’s a good script, I’ll happily take up the film. During those one-and-a-half years when I was with my daughter and changed her nappies as well as did other chores, I was so comfortable that I could be happy doing that all my life. I was so consumed with my daughter’s love that nothing else crossed my mind.”

Ask her how Adira is as a kid and the proud mom says, “Adira likes to see everyone around her happy. Even the helpers that I have at home are fond of her because she will make sure each one of them gets equal attention. She doesn’t like to choose between two people.”

Does she know that she has an actor mom? Rani smiles and says, “No, she’s too young to understand that. But when she watched my promos of Hichki on TV, she would scream ‘Mumma’.”

‘ADI AND I WANT TO GIVE HER A NORMAL LIFE’
Like all parents, Rani is extremely protective of her child, too. “Both Adi (husband Aditya Chopra) and I are protective of her, but that’s how it should be. Adira gave birth to the mother in me. And like any other parent, I will definitely make sure I do the best for my kid. Till the time we are responsible for her, we’ll try and give her a normal life,” she says.

The light-eyed actress, however, adds that they ‘want to keep her away from the media glare’. “I keep clicking selfies with Adira all day. And there’s a point when she gets bored and asks me to stop (smiles). But those selfies are only for me and they will never go anywhere,” she tells us.

ON PLANNING ANOTHER BABY
Adi is busy producing some of the biggest films in the industry today. Will Rani follow suit and set up a production house of her own? “No, I don’t need to. The setup is already here, so why would I go out and get something on my own? Even if I do, I will still be using his team and people.” But there’s something else she wants to be busy with. “Right now, I am just happy with the production of babies (smiles). Of course, there is a plan to have another child. Adira needs to have company,” she signs off with her trademark giggle.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 25, 2018)

Before Hichki had released, Rani Mukerji had told us that she was waiting to see if the audience still wanted to watch her. “If not, I would rather sit at home and take care of my daughter Adira,” she had joked. Now, with her comeback vehicle garnering approximately Rs 44.5 crore at the domestic box office, she feels vindicated.

She says, “It’s important for actors to know what their audience is thinking of them on that particular Friday. Do they want to watch you? The day you stop getting the jitters on a Friday or stop valuing its relevance, you should pack your bags and go home. We want the feedback from viewers or critics. I’m not acting for myself.”

In an era where people forget you when they don’t see you that often, is it difficult to stay relevant with the times, we ask. And pat comes the response, “I don’t want to be known for my presence on social media or for what appearances I’m making between my films. I want to be relevant with my work.”

There was a three-and-a-half-year gap between Mardaani and Hichki. However, now Rani wants to be seen more often on the big screen. She elaborates, “That’s the plan — to act in more films that connect with me and touch my heart. Also, I want to do them at quicker intervals. I wanted to see how Hichki does because there was a long gap between this and my previous film. Now that I know that the audience is more than happy to see me, the projects, which I have kept on hold till now, will soon see the light of the day.”

Quiz her about the kind of movies that she would like to take up and she says, “I have quite a few offers, but I have to work on them first. Right now, I would like to do either Mardaani 2 or a romantic film.”

Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 13, 2018)

Even as his previous outing, the Rani Mukerji Chopra starrer Hichki, continues to rake in the moolah and inch towards the Rs 50-crore mark, director Siddharth P Malhotra has already turned his attention towards his next, an “all-out entertainer”.

With two socially relevant films — apart from Hichki, the Kajol-starrer We Are Family (2010) — behind him, Malhotra now wants to roll back his shoulders and have some fun with his next. “I am writing two more projects. They are fun, light-hearted subjects. They will not have any social message. I want to make a comedy and make people laugh,” Malhotra tells mid-day. Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF), which also backed Hichki, will helm this venture too.

Malhotra tells us this project will be the second of a three-film deal he has bagged with the production house. Even though he is keen to collaborate with Mukerji again, he says casting “will depend on the final script.” “Who would not want to work with an actor as fabulous as Rani again? She’s a magical star, one who reacts to the script. I’ll know if I can collaborate with her again once the script is complete.” Rubbishing rumours that the actor often interferes with the director’s decision, he says, “That’s not true. Rani is a team player, who motivates other members. I am blessed to have worked with her.”

Interestingly, after previously stating that there are “many possibilities” of creating a sequel to the drama, Malhotra now says that he wouldn’t want to work on a second instalment of Hichki. “Hichki 2 will not happen. There are a number of other subjects that Rani and I would want to explore. We have so many stories to tell. You create a sequel only when it’s required. In this case, it isn’t.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 4, 2018)

With Rani Mukerji’s Hichki receiving a warm response from the audience, buzz is that the makers are contemplating developing it into a franchise. Director Siddharth P Malhotra says, “I never thought of it as a franchise when I was writing it. But people who have watched it now are asking Rani and me if there will be a Hichki 2. The possibilities are many, but I’m not thinking about it now.”

Unsure of how to go about Hichki 2, but never denying its scope, he adds, “The film delivered on box office numbers. I am sitting on a lot of stories now. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity [to direct them].”

Harshada Rege (DNA; March 30, 2018)

A special screening of Hichki will be organised for President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow (March 31). In the film, Rani plays Naina Mathur, who wants to be a teacher but has a nervous system disorder known as the Tourette Syndrome. Due to this, she makes involuntary repetitive movements or sounds. The movie also focuses on the student-teacher bond.

“The acclaim of Hichki has found a taker in none other than the President of India who will be watching it on Saturday. Hichki has a strong social message, which appeals to audiences across all age groups,” says a source. The film, which released on March 23, has received critical appreciation and has done well at the box office too.

Producer Maneesh Sharma says, “It is an incredible feeling to receive such love from audiences for Hichki. It is a matter of great pride for any filmmaker to have his/her film screened for the President of India. I’m extremely humbled that it is spreading such important social messages across the country.”