Showing posts with label Jewel Thief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jewel Thief. Show all posts
I’m not playing hard to get; good scripts are playing hard to get with me-Kunal Kapoor
8:45 AM
Abhimanyu Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 19, 2025)
After a four-year hiatus from the big screen, Kunal Kapoor made a striking return with Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, which also stars Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. In a candid conversation with us post the film’s release, Kunal reflected on his absence from cinema and the difficult choices that came with it.
“It’s been difficult,” he admits, “I’ve had to let go of a lot of work. People often ask me, ‘Why aren’t you seen more?’ or ‘Aren’t you afraid that out of sight is out of mind?’ And yes, it’s a valid fear — when you step back, you do risk fading from filmmakers’ memory. But at the same time, I didn’t want to keep repeating the same kind of roles.”
For Kunal, the essence of acting lies in exploring new perspectives: “If people want to typecast you and make you do the same thing over and over again, it loses its charm.” He also spoke about the constant balancing act between visibility and artistic satisfaction.
“You keep getting similar roles. At some point, you have to choose between just being seen or doing something meaningful. Sometimes, you take on a project just to stay visible — hoping that leads to something more creatively fulfilling,” he shares.
When asked whether his selectiveness might come across as being too choosy, Kunal laughs, “I get that a lot! I heard a couple of directors discussing me, saying, ‘Maybe he’s very choosy.’ But honestly, I’m not. I love being on a movie set. You don’t become an actor to hide; you do it because you want to be seen. I’m not playing hard to get — I think the good scripts are playing hard to get with me. If I got the kind of roles I’m looking for, I’d be on a film set all the time.”
Jewel Thief was never supposed to be this profound thing that changes your opinion about the world-Kunal Kapoor
10:38 AM
Actor Kunal Kapoor talks about the mixed reviews on his film; says it was supposed to be a fun ride
Abhimanyu Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 14, 2025)
Actor Kunal Kapoor, who made his acting comeback with Jewel Thief, received praise for his performance but the film did not land well. Co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat, it received mixed to negative reviews.
“You would obviously want the film to land 100%. That is the most important thing. Having said that, the reactions that I have gotten from people have shown that it did what it was supposed to do, which was entertain,” the 47-year-old says, adding, “It was supposed to be fun and have enough surprises to keep you engaged. It was never supposed to be this profound thing that changes your opinion about the world. It was supposed to be a fun ride and it has delivered on that.”
Speaking about what drew him to the project, the actor shares that it was “multiple things”: “Starting with a chance to do something I haven’t done before.”
Though his role was brief, Kunal feels it added impact. “My belief is that sometimes a smaller part can make more of an impact if it surprises people, as opposed to a leading part where you do something they have already seen you do. This kind of character has always been my favourite. It’s just unfortunate I have never had the chance to be part of one of these films,” he ends.
I shot many action pieces, including Jaideep Ahlawat, Saif Ali Khan’s confrontation in Jewel Thief-Kookie Gulati
4:03 PM
Kookie Gulati, who has co-directed Jewel Thief, on how he was roped in midway to design the heist thriller as a mainstream entertainer with glamour and songs
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 2, 2025)
Gloss, style, and scale are not lacking in Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins, but many feel the Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat-led crime caper has neither the smarts nor the taut storytelling expected of the genre. Kookie Gulati, who has helmed the Netflix film with Robbie Grewal, isn’t perturbed by the audience’s mixed reactions.
The director shares that he was brought on board by producers Siddharth and Mamta Anand to design it as a “commercial entertainer”, a count he has delivered on.
“At some point in the shoot, they realized that they wanted it to be more of a Bollywood commercial entertainer with glamour and songs. The makers thought I could bring that to the film. That’s when I took over from Robbie, who had other commitments that were overlapping with the shoot. If I came on board, I had to make it mine. [We] added three more songs. I also rewrote parts of the script, and shot many action pieces, including Jaideep and Saif’s confrontation.”
Jewel Thief sees Saif Ali Khan and Ahlawat’s characters trying to outwit each other in their attempt to rob a rare diamond. Having worked with both actors, Gulati is impressed by their distinct approach to their craft.
“Saif would be constantly talking to me about the film, the scene and his character. Jaideep comes prepared; he always brings his A-game on set. He discusses a scene thoroughly before the shoot, and when the camera rolls, he adds subtle touches to his character.”
After the testosterone-heavy crime caper, Gulati’s next will be a woman-led actioner. Admittedly ‘charged’ about his next, the director reveals, “It’s about a strong woman who finds herself in a dangerous situation. It’s a high-octane thriller with an emotional twist.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: JEWEL THIEF - THE HEIST BEGINS by FENIL SETA
7:17 PM
Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins, which has released today on Netflix, is a fun-filled entertainer. It is mounted on a huge scale and gives the feel of a big-screen biggie. The film begins on a great note and then drops. But the pre-climax is very entertaining and keeps one hooked. On the flipside, there are a lot of cinematic liberties. A crucial twist is forcefully added and could have been done away with. The cop character is presented like a clown and is the most predictable part of the film. Saif Ali Khan looks dashing and delivers a supreme performance. Jaideep Ahlawat puts in an equally impressive performance. Nikita Dutta has a crucial role and is decent. Kunal Kapoor is heavily let down by the writing. Chirjyot Singh Kohli (Chaddha) and Vinay Sharma (Shekhar) raise laughs. Kulbhushan Kharbanda (Jayant Roy), Sumit Gulati (Chunky), Gagan Arora (Avi) lend able support. Meenal Sahu (Nikki; hacker), Dorendra Singh Loitongbam (Moosa), Peter Muxka Manuel (Prince Gamunu) and Paayal Nair (Jennifer Lobo; museum director) do well. All in all, Jewel Thief - The Heist Begins is a timepass flick. If you don't mind the cinematic liberties, then chances are that you'll have a gala time.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Saif Ali Khan to start filming for Rahul Dholakia’s period drama after Jewel Thief promotions
9:34 AM
Sources say Saif Ali Khan, in his first shoot since January home invasion, to begin filming director Rahul Dholakia’s period drama on India’s inaugural election, this week
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 22, 2025)
In January, mid-day had reported that the shoot of Saif Ali Khan’s film with director Rahul Dholakia had to be deferred from its January 20 date after the attack on the actor in his Bandra home earlier that week (Saif’s health above all else, Jan 19). Three months on, the period piece, which chronicles India’s first general election, has gone on floors. Sources tell us that the yet-untitled film rolled on April 20 near Grand Hotel in Ballard Estate, with Khan expected to join this week. It will mark his first shoot since his attack.
The actor plays Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner, alongside Pratik Gandhi and Deepak Dobriyal in the Nikkhil Advani production. The director is said to have kicked off filming with a crowd scene.
An insider tells us, “The set had over 200 extras who formed the crowd. It was a charged sequence with Pratik and Deepak. The unit will shoot across different locations in the city over the next few weeks. Saif and the director intend to shoot a chunk of the drama by May-end. The actor has wrapped up the promotions for Jewel Thief, and will turn his attention to this project in the coming days.”
In their first collaboration, Dholakia and Khan will offer a retelling of how Sen orchestrated the country’s inaugural general election that was held between October 1951 and February 1952. The Indian National Congress secured a majority, leading to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s appointment as the first Prime Minister.
The source adds, “The period is vital to the storytelling. The production design team will build massive sets depicting India of the 1950s.”
Who is Sukumar Sen, the character Saif Ali Khan plays?
Sukumar Sen was the first Election Commissioner of India, who oversaw the first two elections in the then-newly independent country. While the inaugural general election was held between October 1951 and February 1952, the second took place between February and March 1957.
Everyone is blindly getting into the plastic world and looking like clones of each other-Nikita Dutta
9:33 AM
Nikita Dutta on embracing her individuality while living her Bollywood dream in Jewel Thief
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 22, 2025)
Last month, when Nikita Dutta featured in Ram Madhvani’s historical series The Waking Of A Nation, it satiated the actor in her. With her upcoming work, Kookie Gulati and Robbie Grewal’s heist thriller Jewel Thief—co-starring Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat—she is living her Bollywood dream: playing the classic heroine and drawing inspiration from all the stars she grew up watching. Ahead of the Netflix film’s release, in conversation with mid-day, Dutta reveals the joy of shooting for an out-and-out masala film, why she doesn’t compromise her individuality to become a commercial star, and her admiration for Jewel Thief co-star Khan’s actor-wife Kareena Kapoor Khan—who she believes is the last of the stars.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
What was it like to be a part of a quintessential Bollywood thriller, which has song-and-dance and carries the filminess of the movies of the past?
We all know the hook steps of popular Bollywood numbers. It is what we all love [to do]. However much we say that cinema is real and great, which it is in parts, when you talk about the Bollywood that we have grown up to, [the realistic films] took away the filminess of it. So, it was exciting to be a part of that because I was getting to do what I have always [dreamed of doing]. The closet actor in all of us has somewhere enacted that in front of the mirror. I was told, ‘You aren’t a heroine until you have worn a saree in the snow.’ I am still waiting for that.
Over the years, female actors have spoken about how difficult it is to pull off a mainstream heroine act convincingly. There’s also been a discourse around how such stereotypes set unrealistic standards of beauty and put pressure on women to look a certain way if they want to be a part of commercial cinema. So, what goes through your mind when doing a commercial film?
If we go back to our classic heroines, who are known for doing commercial cinema—from Sridevi, Madhuri [Dixit-Nene] to Aishwarya [Rai Bachchan]—I always look up to these actors and feel they tick all the boxes for me. If you see, none of them were trying to be like each other. They all had their own personality. And that’s what made them [so popular]. Or if you look at Kareena Kapoor [Khan], she is the last in the league. I have no one else in mind, who looks good, dances great and has these fabulous expressions.
What I am trying to do right now, irrespective of Jewel Thief, is not follow a trend or get into the zone where everyone is blindly getting into the plastic world and looking like clones of each other. I am trying to stay true to what I saw growing up, which is to have your own personality, but at the same time try to adapt to what a particular film or story demands.
After Jewel Thief, you have another film coming up this year. While you seem to be busy with projects, there’s a sense in the industry that work has slowed down. For someone who juggles films, TV and OTT, what’s your understanding of the happenings in the industry right now?
Somewhere, when OTT picked up, there was a boom that happened and there was an abundance of work. So, we got used to that but now everyone, including makers, has become cautious. People have more options, so they pick and choose and they aren’t ready to watch anything or everything. So many changes have happened—OTT platforms merging, and the numbers of a film getting affected because it has come directly to OTT. I wouldn’t say that work has slowed down but there’s a lot of processing. We are going through a change, where makers are trying to see what will and will not work. So, experiments are bound to happen.
Has that affected the quantity of offers coming your way?
Irrespective of anything, you get offered things and you just have to choose the best from what you get. That’s an ongoing process.
I am happiest on a movie set but I was not feeling excited about what was coming my way-Kunal Kapoor
9:55 AM
Returning to movies with Jewel Thief, Kunal Kapoor on how the gap inspired him to turn producer and gave quality time with son
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 20, 2025)
The dishy and debonair Kunal Kapoor has been selective with his choice of films since his breakout role in Rang De Basanti (2006). He last appeared in the magnum opus, The Empire (2021). Known for choosing stories rooted in realism, Kapoor found Robbie Grewal’s upcoming Netflix heist thriller, Jewel Thief, a tempting opportunity to embrace something more filmy.
“I grew up watching these films [filled with] dialogue baazi. It’s great fun to do, especially because all the films that I have done have been more real, not over the top. Here was a chance to not only be rooted and real but also have a lot of fun with it. In fact, I would love to do more of it,” smiles Kapoor.
Produced by Siddharth Anand’s Marflix Pictures, the film also stars Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Nikita Dutta. As much fun as it was to shoot for it, Kapoor, who plays a cop in Jewel Thief, says a commercial entertainer is more difficult to pull off than a “serious film”, contrary to popular belief.
“People assume it’s difficult to make a serious film. I think it’s even more difficult to make an entertaining film, especially a thriller. It’s difficult to get it right because you need to keep the audience hooked. [That’s why] it’s important that you work with the right people,” says the actor, who returns to films after four years.
He shares that the break wasn’t a voluntary one but stemmed from uninspiring script offers. Having worked on movie sets for 25 years—as a production assistant, then an assistant director, and eventually an actor—he says, “I am happiest on a movie set. [But I was] not feeling excited about what was coming my way. So, the break wasn’t out of lack of desire. The break gave me a chance to spend time developing work that I enjoy, like have the writers’ room develop scripts, some that I want to act in and some I want to produce. It also gave me an incredible amount of time to spend with my son. He is three years old now. So, that was a good thing about not getting the right scripts.”
Kunal Kapoor’s calendar
>> The actor has a film with south star Chiranjeevi, titled Vishwambhara.
>> He is set to shoot for Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana where he plays Indra Dev.
>> Kapoor has a yet-untitled film with Aamir Khan Productions, slated for release this year.
Jewel Thief makers had no that I liked dancing-Jaideep Ahlawat
8:20 AM
With his smooth moves taking the internet by storm, Jaideep Ahlawat says he enjoyed shaking a leg for the first time and playing to the gallery with Jewel Thief
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 17, 2025)
Who is ruling the internet the past few days? Jaideep Ahlawat, with his smooth dance moves. Give the actor a role and he will knock it out of the park, but no one expected him to burn the dance floor. That is, until viewers saw Jaadu, the party number from Jewel Thief, also starring Saif Ali Khan and Nikita Dutta.
“No one, not even Siddharth and Mamta [Anand, producers] had any idea that I liked dancing. When I was asked to do it, I said, ‘I can manage this much dance,’” he smiles.
Ahlawat didn’t exactly spring a surprise on us. In a 2021 interview, the actor had told mid-day that he wanted to strap on dancing shoes for the screen (Want to tell everyone I’m a dancer as well, April 15, 2021).
Bring it up and he says, “I knew I could dance, but for some reason, such a script never reached me. Here, Sid sir and the makers thought of making me dance. They could have easily shot the song only with Saif and Nikita. But Kunal bhai [Kapoor] and I were included. I saw the opportunity and accepted it.”
That’s not it. We’ll see him shaking a leg again soon. “I did a film before Jewel Thief. Its release got delayed,” he tells us.
The Netflix heist thriller, with its dialogue-baazi and cat-and-mouse chase between the protagonists, comes as a departure from Ahlawat’s serious offerings. How was it playing to the gallery? “Ek dum mast,” he says.
“I’ve done all of this before, for instance, in Commando [2013], which had only dialogue after dialogue. This kind of dialogue-baazi becomes fun when you know it’s not force-fitted. We have grown up watching [Amitabh] Bachchan saab, then Shah Rukh [Khan] saab. So, there is no prep needed to play such a character.”
While Ahlawat has teamed up with Khan in the Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati-directed thriller, he also shared screen space with the co-star’s wife and actor Kareena Kapoor Khan in Jaane Jaan (2023). “Ab main family member kaha jaa sakta hoon,” he quips.
When we ask him if there are any differences or similarities between the two actors, Ahlawat shares, “As actors, they are slightly different. Jaane Jaan was quite serious. So, [her] preparation was different. But the one thing I found interesting is that despite being such big stars, both of them never intimidate you with their stardom.”
Saif Ali Khan attack: Shoot of Netflix film, promotions of Jewel Thief and Kartavya pushed
3:18 PM
As Saif Ali Khan recovers after being stabbed during a burglary attempt, sources say the actor has promotions for Jewel Thief and Kartavya lined up in the next few months
Mohar Basu, Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 17, 2025)
Thursday afternoon brought relief to Saif Ali Khan’s family and fans as the team of doctors at the Lilavati Hospital, following the surgery, issued a statement that the actor “is out of danger”. He had suffered six injuries after being stabbed by an alleged burglar at his Bandra residence in the early hours of January 16. The actor, who is on the road to recovery now, has a packed 2025 ahead. In the next few months, he is expected to kick off promotions for his summer releases, Jewel Thief — The Red Sun Chapter, and Kartavya.
It is heard that Jewel Thief, also starring Jaideep Ahlawat, is targeting a March-end release. An insider tells mid-day, “The heist thriller, which is directed by Robbie Grewal, with certain sequences helmed by Kookie Gulati, was wrapped up late last year. The project has now moved into the final post-production stage. While Saif had finished a chunk of the dubbing in November, he only has two days of dubbing left. The team is likely to begin promotions in mid-March before its March 27 release.” Meanwhile, Kartavya, an OTT film helmed by Pulkit of Bhakshak (2024) fame, is slated to release mid-2025. “The promotions will begin after May,” adds the source.
On the shooting front, Khan’s next will be Race 4 that is expected to roll in August. A source says, “The producers are currently finalizing a director.” The actor also has Priyadarshan’s yet-untitled next and Devara: Part 2 in his kitty.
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Sources say Saif Ali Khan’s historical drama with director Rahul Dholakia, which was to roll on January 20, was deferred till he recovers from the stabbing injuries
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 18, 2025)
On Friday, Saif Ali Khan, who suffered multiple injuries after he was stabbed by an intruder in his Bandra residence a day earlier, was shifted out of the intensive care unit of Lilavati Hospital. The actor has been advised rest and restricted movement for a week by his team of doctors. With Khan’s recovery being the top priority of his family and collaborators, we have heard that director Rahul Dholakia and producer Nikkhil Advani have deferred their yet-untitled Netflix film with him that was to kick off on January 20.
Sources tell us that a set was built at Madh Island for the project that also stars Pratik Gandhi and Deepak Dobriyal. But in light of recent events, the makers informed the team that the shoot has been pushed until he recuperates. A unit hand tells us, “Originally, we were supposed to shoot in April, but because things progressed fast, the filming was advanced to January 20. Given the unfortunate incident, the team has reverted to the original plan of shooting by March-end or early April. It can be pushed further ahead as the makers want to give Saif sir as much time as he wants for his recovery. After he has healed, Nikkhil sir and Rahul sir will meet him and chalk out the plan as per his convenience.”
The film is reportedly a historical drama chronicling India’s first general elections that were held between October 1951 and February 1952. Khan will portray Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner, who played a pivotal role in executing the country’s landmark democratic process.
Saif Ali Khan’s Jewel Thief wraps up for second time as Kookie Gulati reshoots action sequence and songs
10:23 AM
Director Kookie Gulati, who was roped in to revisit some scenes and shoot songs of Robbie Grewal-helmed Jewel Thief, wraps up Saif Ali Khan’s thriller
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 5, 2024)
Saif Ali Khan’s Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter is one of those rare films to reach the finish line twice. First, director Robbie Grewal called a wrap on the heist thriller in May. Last month, mid-day reported that producer Siddharth Anand had roped in director Kookie Gulati, believing he would be a better fit, to revisit some scenes and shoot two songs of the Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Nikita Dutta-starrer (Plot twist in the heist, November 16). Now, after a three-week schedule, it’s a wrap again on the film.
With a robbery at the centre of the plot, Anand wanted the movie to be pacy and slick. Sources say that Gulati reimagined an action sequence and shot it with Khan at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.
A source from the unit reveals, “Siddharth wanted to enhance the action and tension in a particular scene reflecting the heist. So, late last month, a set was built at the Bandra studio. Saif and another actor, who plays a significant role in the film, shot the sequence. Part of the set-piece was also filmed against the green screen. Saif rehearsed extensively with action director Parvez Shaikh before filming it. Kookie is now supervising the VFX work on it.”
Between mid-November and December 1, Gulati also shot two songs. While one was a romantic track filmed in Alibaug on the leading man and Dutta, the other was a peppy dance number. The source adds, “It was choreographed by Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat, and featured the entire cast.”
Kookie Gulati roped in to add 2 new dance numbers to Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat's Jewel Thief
10:53 AM
Months after director Robbie Grewal wraps up Jewel Thief, Kookie Gulati roped in to helm two songs and revisit a few scenes of Saif and Jaideep’s heist thriller
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 16, 2024)
What’s a heist thriller without a last-minute twist? In this case, it’s off screen. In late May, Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat had wrapped up Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter, following a 10-day schedule in Budapest and a patchwork shoot in Mumbai. But now, it turns out the shoot is not quite over. mid-day has learnt that the unit will report back to the set to film two songs and re-shoot some scenes. Surprisingly, the new portions will be shot not by director Robbie Grewal, but by Kookie Gulati of The Big Bull (2021) fame.
From what we’ve heard, the inclusions have been recommended by Siddharth Anand, who has written and produced the crime thriller that sees Khan and Ahlawat’s characters in a battle of wits. Sources tell us that after the Budapest schedule was wrapped up in May-end, Grewal dove headlong into the film’s post-production.
“The team completed the patchwork by June. But recently, Siddharth felt that some scenes needed to be revisited to up the heist thriller’s slick feel. He also was of the opinion that two more songs would enhance its appeal. While Robbie felt the existing cut is pacy and slick enough, he understood the producer’s need to make it more appealing to the audience with the new numbers. So, for now, Robbie is focusing on the post-production while Siddharth has roped in Kookie to film the additional parts,” reveals a source.
Gulati was Anand’s first choice for the job as he has directed over 300 music videos. The source adds, “The first song and a few scenes, featuring Saif and leading lady Nikita Dutta, will be shot in Alibaug this weekend. Sid has briefed Kookie that the sequences, which are being re-shot, need to have more drama and action. Another song will be filmed at Mehboob Studios with the entire cast later this month. The dance track will be choreographed by Shazia Samji and Piyush Bhagat.”
Khan, who sports long hair and a beard in the movie, has grown his hair again for the upcoming stint.
When mid-day reached out to Grewal, he said, “We were to shoot [these portions] in August, but it got pushed to November. Since I was already committed to an Amazon show in this [window], I couldn’t do it. Kookie was kind enough to step in and help us out.”
Jewel Thief makers conduct an extensive schedule in Budapest, Saif Ali Khan films action scenes and songs
9:08 AM
Sources say Jewel Thief makers conduct an extensive schedule in Budapest, with Saif filming action scenes and songs; thriller to wrap up soon
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 15, 2024)
It’s a transcontinental on-screen heist for Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat. In March, mid-day reported that an extensive schedule of Jewel Thief—The Red Sun Chapter was being conducted in Mumbai, after which the team would head to a European country (Chor in the city, March 27). Now, it has come to light that director Robbie Grewal shot a chunk of the thriller in Hungary with Khan, Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor and Nikita Dutta.
Jewel Thief, produced by Siddharth Anand, is apparently centred on a high-stakes robbery with Khan and Ahlawat’s characters pitted against each other. While the cast filmed the climax and most action sequences in Mumbai, the Budapest leg saw them shoot some songs.
A source reveals, “The final leg began on May 18 as they filmed songs featuring Saif and Nikita against the picturesque locales of Budapest. Some action-packed chase sequences were also canned in the 10-day stint. Robbie has envisioned Jewel Thief as a slick heist thriller, with the leading man sporting a suave look, complete with a ponytail. Saif has also built a chiselled, six-pack physique, for which he has been working out since last year.”
With the international schedule having been wrapped up on May 28, the film is nearly complete. All that remains is a patchwork shoot that will take place in Mumbai next month.
The source adds, “It will be only a few days of filming that will include some city and car shots. Robbie is currently neck-deep in post-production and wants to wrap it up by October.”
Jewel Thief—written by Anand, Grewal and Sambit Mishra—marks the producer’s reunion with Khan over 17 years after Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007).
Producer Siddharth Anand keen to shoot Saif Ali Khan-Jaideep Ahlawat's Jewel Thief in an unexplored location
8:27 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 4, 2024)
In March, mid-day reported that Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat would commence the second schedule of Jewel Thief in Mumbai from April 7 (Chor in the city, March 27). Sure enough, the two actors will face the camera on the given day, but director Robbie Grewal will begin shooting two days earlier with the supporting cast.
Simultaneously, producer Siddharth Anand and the director are setting the stage for the international schedule in May. We hear the producer has only one ask—bring an unexplored location to the screen.
From War (2019) to Pathaan (2023) and the recent Fighter, lavishly mounted action films with stunning locations are Anand’s trademark. He wants to continue that with his productions as well. To this end, Grewal and he have put aside the heist thriller’s key action set-pieces for the international leg.
A source says, “Robbie had recently gone to Europe on a recce. He has locked Georgia and a few other locations. The key was to find locales that haven’t been shown in Bollywood films. The international crew has already begun its prep. After the Mumbai schedule is wrapped around April 25, the team will fly out to shoot the action-heavy scenes and a song in the foreign location.”
Jewel Thief also stars Nikita Dutta.
Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat to kick off second schedule of Jewel Thief in Mumbai from April 7
9:51 AM
Saif-Jaideep set to kick off second schedule of heist thriller Jewel Thief in Mumbai from April 7; to wrap up film in May with elaborate stint in Europe
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 27, 2024)
You can’t blame us for keeping an eye out for Jewel Thief. After all, Robbie Grewal’s directorial venture brings two powerful performers Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat on screen together. While the Siddharth Anand-backed heist thriller went on floors in February, we now hear the team is gearing up for its second schedule in Mumbai that kicks off in April, which will be followed by the final leg in Europe.
Guess we can expect a battle of wits as Khan and Ahlawat’s characters are pitted against each other in the thriller, which is penned by Grewal, Anand and Sambit Mishra, and is centred on a high-stakes robbery. A source reveals that in the first schedule, the actors shot a chunk of action sequences and some dramatic portions.
“The second schedule begins from April 7 during which Saif and Jaideep will shoot critical portions across real locations in south and suburban Mumbai. It will be a 20-day stint after which the unit will head to Europe for the final leg. The director plans to film some songs and an action sequence in the foreign stint. He is currently on a recce in Europe and will lock the locations by the weekend. Robbie’s plan is to wrap up the project by May,” reveals a source.
Jewel Thief marks Khan’s first collaboration with Ahlawat, who, only months ago, featured alongside the former’s actor-wife Kareena Kapoor Khan in Jaane Jaan (2023). Grewal, who previously helmed Aakhri Sach (2023) and RAW: Romeo Akbar Walter (2019), says working with the two actors has made him admire their craft even more.
“While I have seen their work before, it’s a great joy to now make a movie with them. They are perceptive, sensitive and intelligent actors,” he shares.
Ever since the film was announced last May, rumours have been rife that it is a remake of Dev Anand’s 1967 popular thriller of the same name. Grewal dismisses such talk, stating, “Our film is not a remake, sequel or prequel, nor does it have any connection to Dev saab’s movie of the same name. All I can say is that the narrative is completely different.”
Nostalgia drives re-releases of classics and popular movies
8:17 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; September 23, 2023)
When veteran actress Waheeda Rehman heard that four classics of Dev Anand, including Guide which also featured her, were being re-released, she wondered if moviegoers would be interested in watching 60–70-year-old films in cinemas. She was surprised to know that the shows of these films C.I.D. (1956), Guide (1965), Jewel Thief (1967) and Johny Mera Naam (1970), which will happen over this weekend as part of Dev Anand’s birth centenary celebrations, had been sold out.
"Restored and remastered films provide a higher-quality viewing experience. Post the pandemic younger audiences are going out for movies while the older audience has stayed away. Re-release of classic titles has enabled us to bring back this audience to cinemas."
- Gautam Dutta, Co-CEO, PVR INOX Limited
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“These special screenings offer a chance to relive iconic moments and share the magic of timeless films with a new generation of cinema enthusiasts. The response to re-releases has been overwhelming."
- Devang Sampat, CEO Cinepolis India
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"When I recently met Waheeda ji to invite her to the Dev Anand film festival, she was shocked to discover that there is a huge craze among people for these classics. She couldn't believe that the shows of these re-releases were mostly sold-out."
- Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, film archivist and director of Film Heritage Foundation
SOME MAJOR RE-RELEASES IN THE RECENT PAST
- Khalnayak, on completion of 30 years of the film
- Koi Mil Gaya, to celebrate its 20th anniversary
- RRR, before the Academy Awards ceremony
- Avatar, before the release of Avatar 2 Gadar, before the release of Gadar 2
- Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, to celebrate Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday
‘Re-releases offer youngsters a chance to discover classics’
A part from the Dev Anand films, Kamal Haasan’s 1987 film Pushpak is set to be re-released in theatres soon. Exhibitors say that in the last year, several films have been re-released to celebrate actors’ birth anniversaries, film anniversaries, and even to hype some upcoming sequels. Industry insiders say that the reason why there’s such a huge demand for these films is because “re-releases give young moviegoers a chance to discover classics on the big screen and evoke nostalgia in the older generation”.
SPECIAL FESTS TO SCREEN OLDER FILMS VALENTINE’S WEEK FILM FESTIVAL
Movies like Titanic (English), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (Hindi), Ticket to Paradise (English), Ved (Marathi), Geetha Govindam (Telugu), Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (Tamil), Hridayam (Malayalam), Googly (Kannada), Love Ni Bhavai (Gujarati) were re-released as part of the festival in multiple cities
DILIP KUMAR HERO OF HEROES
To mark Dilip Kumar’s birth centenary, Aan (1952), Devdas (1955), Ram Aur Shyam (1967) and Shakti (1982) were released in 31 cinemas in 21 cities
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN FESTIVAL
Interstellar, Inception, The Dark Knight and Dunkirk were re-released ahead of Oppenheimer’s release date
SUPERSTAR RAJINIKANTH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL
It was held in Chennai and Coimbatore last year with shows of Baba (2002), Sivaji: The Boss (2007), 2.0 (2018) and Darbar (2020)
BACHCHAN BACK TO THE BEGINNING
To celebrate Amitabh Bachchan’s 80th birthday, a film festival was organized in 17 cities where Kaala Patthar, Kaalia, Kabhi Kabhie, Namak Halaal, Abhimaan, Don and Deewaar were screened
Dev Anand classics to return to the big screen
9:33 AM
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Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; September 11, 2023)
To celebrate Dev Anand’s birth centenary, the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) has curated a film festival for his fans, titled ‘Dev Anand@100 – Forever Young’, that will bring the superstar’s iconic films back to the big screen. The two-day film festival will be held on Sept 23 and 24 in 30 cities. These films have been selected by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) in collaboration with the NFDC (National Film Development Corporation of India) and NFAI (National Film Archive of India) which restored these films. I&B and FHF officials say that the idea behind this festival is to reintroduce Dev Anand’s films to a new generation and rekindle nostalgia for those who love his films.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
After ‘Bachchan Back to the Beginning’ and ‘Dilip Kumar – Hero of Heroes’ last year, exhibitors along with Film Heritage Foundation and National Film Development Corporation, are organizing a film fest to mark Dev Anand’s birth centenary on Sept 23 & 24.
‘We are grateful that Dev saab’s films are preserved & restored’
The films have been chosen to introduce the new generation to unforgettable Dev Anand characters – Inspector Shekhar in the thriller C.I.D., Raju, the tour guide, in Guide, Vinay/Amar in the spy thriller Jewel Thief and Johny Mera Naam’s Johny.
‘I WOULD JUMP THE BOUNDARY WALLS OF COLLEGE TO WATCH DEV SAAB’S FILMS’
‘As Dev saab turns 100 this year, I still remember how his attitude and singular style in his performances would get us out of our hostel beds in the middle of the night, jump the boundary walls of the college to the nearest film theatre repeatedly, just to witness the magic of his charm and energy. And on our way back we would sing along with his songs, his deliveries of dialogue and create this wonderful world he had structured for us to be remembered forever.’
— Amitabh Bachchan
The NFDC-NFAI is leaving no effort spared to ensure that these films are presented in the best possible way
It is important for the public to witness Dev Anand on the big screen once again, just as they did during his heyday decades ago. The NFDC-NFAI is leaving no effort spared to ensure that these films are presented in the best possible way, with hundreds of restoration artists technicians, graders, DOPs, sound engineers and archivists, spread across multiple cities, are hard at work to once again bring these films to life. The restoration of the films is being undertaken as part of the National Film Heritage Mission and funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
-Prithul Kumar, MD NFDC and Joint Secretary (Films)
‘THERE CAN NEVER BE ANOTHER DEV ANAND’
‘I’m delighted that the festival will open with Johny Mera Naam, the first film I worked on with him. He was already a megastar when I was cast in this film, but he never made me feel like a newcomer. Afterward, we worked on several films that became big hits. His unique and inimitable style was a delight to watch, not only for the audience but also for me. I have very fond memories of Dev saheb. There can never be another Dev Anand’
— Hema Malini
‘LEARNED SO MUCH FROM DEV SAAB’
‘I grew up watching Dev Anand’s films. I have admired Dev saab since my childhood; he was my hero and mentor. He gave me my first break with Swami Dada (1982), and I was fortunate to work with him on several films. His energy surpassed even the youngest person on the set. I learned so much from him, and I am grateful that his films are preserved and restored so that young actors today can continue to learn and appreciate the work of a legend’
— Jackie Shroff
‘DAD STILL REMAINS THE EVERGREEN ROMANTIC SUPERSTAR’
As we celebrate his centennial, I’d like to say that dad’s movies were decades ahead of their time. I’m confident that the fest will be a huge success, and newer audiences will rediscover the youthful magic of my father – who will forever stay young on screen
— Suneil Anand, Dev Anand’s son
Saroj Khan was the only choreographer who employed mukha abhinaya-Uma Dogra
8:43 AM
Danseuse Uma Dogra remembers Saroj Khan, the legend who introduced Bollywood to Kathak
As told to Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 5, 2020)
I remember meeting Saroj Khan at filmmaker Satish Kaushik's sangeet party. The image of her dancing on the occasion is alive in my mind. Believe me, she had everyone's attention as she danced away. From the way her eyes lit up, to her graceful moves, it showed that she was a passionate dancer. A key point to remember is that unless you love yourself and the way your body moves, your dance will not come alive. Saroj ji knew that—she always appreciated her hand movements and the way her body reacted to music. It's difficult to mention Saroj ji in the past tense.The current breed of choreographers owes her so much; she paved the way for them. [Until 1989], Filmfare Awards did not have a category for Best Choreographer, but she brought about the change with her outstanding body of work. It was because of her that the film industry started recognising choreographers.
Saroj ji changed the definition of dance in Bollywood. She had assisted B Sohanlal ji for several years, including on the song Hothon Mein Aisi Baat [Jewel Thief, 1967], and had learnt the nuances of Kathak from him. So, the influence of Kathak often reflected in her work. She was the only choreographer who brought the kanak and adaa of Kathak to Bollywood.
I have never seen any other choreographer employ the mukha abhinaya. It is a classical word that denotes facial expression. Whenever she worked with Madhuri Dixit or Sridevi, one could see her employing this technique and saying a story purely through the use of expressions, smile and eyes.
[In 2007], Saroj ji was roped in to choreograph songs for the Tamil film Sringaram, which was centred around Bharatanatyam. They have such accomplished choreographers down South, but the makers offered the film to Saroj ji because she was armed with sound knowledge of the dance form. She did a wonderful job with the movie.
Only she could marry the sensibilities of the Hindi film dance with taal and andaaz of classical dance. With her passing on, I will miss the Indian flavour, folk element and classical tadka that she brought to her songs. It's truly the end of an era.
In the years preceding her Bollywood debut, Sonam Kapoor learnt Kathak under my guidance. Saroj ji was choreographing a song for Sonam in her debut film, Saawariya [2007]. Before she began working on the song with Sonam, she asked me if she could see her dancing skills. She joined us during one of our sessions at Sonam's home, and said to me, "Dikhao kya sikhaya hai tumne." When Sonam [performed a set], she was quite impressed. Then, true to her purist style, she said, "Abhi koi abhinay bhi karke dikhao [show some expressions too]". It showed that the steps aside, she was more interested in knowing ki chehra bolta hai ki nahin.
Saroj ji was a brave and powerful woman who was ahead of her times. She captured the sensuousness of a woman so wonderfully in Dhak Dhak Karne Laga [Beta, 1992]. The Sailaab [1990] song, Humko Aaj Kal Hai, is etched in my mind. With her smooth movements and graceful body language, Madhuri [Dixit] beautifully depicted the passion and longing of a woman. One can see Saroj ji's genius in that song. She knew how to convey passion on screen with subtle and beautiful gestures.
Her choreography of Barso re Megha in Mani Ratnam's Guru [2007] is another splendid example. Aishwarya [Rai Bachchan] looked so graceful as she married free style with folk dance for the song. Saroj ji also beautifully wove in folk elements within Bollywood dance steps in Chane Ke Khet Mein [Anjaam, 1994]. As a woman, Saroj ji knew how to depict female sexuality aesthetically and gracefully.
Madhuri Dixit with Saroj Khan during dance rehearsals
Still from Chane Ke Khet Mein, Anjaam (1994)
Still from Barso Re, Guru (2007)
Art director R Verman no more; son Abhishek Varman performs last rites
7:59 AM
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 31, 2019)
Veteran art director R Verman, who had been ailing for a while and was recently admitted to a suburban hospital, succumbed to cardiac arrest on Tuesday around 12.30 am. He was 72.His son, director Abhishek Varman (2 States, Kalank) performed the last rites at the Oshiwara crematorium. Later, filmmaker Karan Johar, actors Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, and directors Shashank Khaitan and Anurag Singh met him to offer condolences.
Best known as R Verman, Ratna Verman Shetty was an alumnus of Mumbai’s JJ School of Art. Post completing his education, he started his own publicity designing and cine advertising company. The late Dev Anand’s production house was one of his major clients and Verman worked on his cult classics like Jewel Thief and Guide (above).
It was during this time that art direction piqued his interest and he began assisting noted art director Sudhendu Roy. He went independent in 1975 and worked on over 350 films, including Betaab, Khoon Bhari Maang, Thaanedaar, Hum, Khiladi, Andaaz Apna Apna, Karan-Arjun, Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai, Company, Aitraaz and 36 China Town.
Dev Anand & Vijay Anand thought of Ashok Kumar for Jewel Thief as they wanted an actor with 'clean image'
8:07 AM
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 7, 2017)
He was always racing against time. In September 2011, when I dropped in
at his office, Dev Anand, who’d just turned 88, told me in his
inimitable style, “The mind never grows old but always urges you to
surge ahead.” He was all charged about Chargesheet, his banner
Navketan’s 37th release, and was planning to return to Nepal for a
sequel to Hare Rama Hare Krishna. But his plans of romancing life and
cinema came to an abrupt halt two months later when, on December 3,
death tiptoed into his hotel room in London and snatched him away while
he was asleep.Six years later, I still can’t imagine Dev saab lying peacefully somewhere, but I can see him sprinting down Churchgate station to catch a local. He’d missed a train in the ‘40s, but the mad dash had caught the eye of Shahid Latif sitting in another train. Latif was directing Ziddi based on his wife Ismat Chughtai’s short story and suggested Dev who’d just wrapped up three films with Prabhat, drop by the Bombay Talkies studio to meet the “boss”, Ashok Kumar. To his delight, his idol not only offered him the Ziddi role supposedly written with him in mind, but also took a shine to him and would sometimes drop him home in his two-seater MG.
Ziddi was a surprise hit and made the struggling actor an overnight star. Dev saab bought himself a Hillman Minx and drove it down to the studio to show it off to Ashok Kumar. To his surprise, though the boss’s car was in the parking lot, the studio was shut. “It was January 30, 1948, and Mahatma Gandhi had been assassinated. The country was in mourning,” reminisces his close associate Mohan Churiwala.
Almost two decades later, he repaid his debt to Ashok Kumar by casting him in a role contrary to his established image in a spy thriller based on a K A Narayan story revolving around a ‘jewel thief’ whose identity is unmasked only towards the end. “Both Dev saab and Goldie saab (director-brother Vijay Anand) were looking for an actor with a ‘clean’ image to enhance the suspense, which is why they thought of Ashok Kumar. But when Goldie saab met Dadamoni who had just recovered from a heart surgery, he was far from excited about playing a baddie even though the film revolved around him. Goldie saab assured him that he wouldn’t be required to do any action and the schedule would be planned around him so he could report late, break for lunch at 1 pm, enjoy a siesta before shooting again till 5 pm. It was only then that he gave his nod,” informs Churiwala. On the first day, Goldie made his priorities clear by announcing lunch break half an hour before schedule, minutes after Vyjayanthimala had pulled into the studio fashionably late, because he did not want to inconvenience an ailing Dadamoni. His concern paid off. Jewel Thief was one of Ashok Kumar’s most memorable acts and with puckish humour, Goldie saab threw his audience a clue by not clubbing him with the other actors in the ‘cast’ category, but putting him at the top of the credits which read ‘Ashok Kumar in Dev Anand’s Jewel Thief’. Few got the hint.
Churiwala recalls a dialogue from the film’s climax in which Ashok Kumar lauds Dev Anand’s character, Vinay/Prince Amar, who he’d believed to be dead, saying, “Tum acting bahut achcha kar lete ho,” to which Dev saab responds, “Badhiya badhiya actor ki sohbat mein rekhar thodi bahut acting to insaan seekh hi jaata hai.” His reply was a tribute to the master actor from whom he had picked up his craft. “Dev saab idolised Dadamoni to whom he owed his big break and regretted he hadn’t responded to his last call, a couple of days before his demise (December 10, 2001) requesting him to drop by. A busy Dev saab thought he had time and lived to rue his decision,” sighs Churiwala.
Today, both the legends are gone but their Jewel Thief which opened on October 27, 1967, remains unforgettable even after 50 years. One still remembers Dadamoni’s ‘invisible’ baddie and its hero who despite his mental torment, was the picture of sartorial elegance in checkered shirts, corduroy suits and the trademark Jewel Thief cap. “The cap he picked up in Copenhagen, the rest of his wardrobe in London. To the end Dev saab was a style icon, making sure even his handkerchief was one of its kind, like Dadamoni and him,” Churiwala concludes.
Dev Anand picked up his signature cap from Copenhagen
7:55 AM
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2014)
The
take-off point for Navketan’s spy thriller Jewel Thief was a man whose
presence is felt and yet he is invisible. RK Narayan’s intriguing story
and its suave villain unmasked in the last reel, had Vijay Anand hooked.
He toyed with the idea of casting Raaj Kumar in the role, then felt
that with Jaani the mastery would be lost and instead settled on Ashok
Kumar. The actor was game but having just undergone a heart surgery was
clear that he would not agree to any fights as they could prove fatal.
Goldie reassured him that this was an “intellectual” villain who used
his brains.Ashok Kumar then chalked out his schedule. He would arrive at 11 am and pack-up at 5 pm. In between he needed an hour-long lunch break. The director agreed to all the demands. On the first day of the shoot, both Dev and Goldie were waiting on the sets at11 am sharp. Only Vyjayanthimala was missing and despite repeated reminders, she turned up close to 1 pm. Goldie announced a lunch break, informing her that they had an ailing actor on the sets and everyone had to come on time.
Their professional equation started on the wrong foot and it didn’t help that Dr Chamanlal Bali whom she married the following year, was often listening in when Goldie explained a scene to Vyjanthimala. Even more upsetting was that she refused to rehearse the song Hothon pe aisi baat, driving straight to the sets on the day of the shoot.
Goldie called for “pack-up” and told her she could spend the day practising with choreographer B Sohanlal’s assistant Saroj Khan. She drove away after 15 minutes and eventually learnt the difficult steps on the sets. Being an excellent dancer, she carried off the song without too many retakes. But Goldie was disappointed by Vyjanthimala’s starry airs.
“He had another problem when Dev saab, impressed with the song and the lavish set at Mehboob Studio, suddenly announced that he wanted to be a part of the song too. Goldie tried to reason with him, pointing out that it didn’t have a male playback and he didn’t know classical dance. But Dev saab was adamant. So finally, he put a damroo around his neck and made him croon O Shalu,” recalls Mohan Churiwala, a close associate of the Anands, adding that this was the first time a round trolley was used.
Rula ke gaya sapna mera, was picturised on Dev Anand, rowing down a lake created at Mehboob Studio. This was the only song written by Shailendra. “But after the debacle of his debut production, Teesri Kasam, he couldn't deliver and Majrooh Sultanipuri replaced him as the lyricist,” says Churiwala.
The songs are unforgettable as is Dev Anand’s jaunty signature cap. Says Churiwala , "He picked it up in Copenhagen and the film was the jewel in his crown.”
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