Showing posts with label Khel Khel Mein. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Khel Khel Mein. Show all posts
OTT platforms only want box office hits-Taapsee Pannu
11:02 AM
Taapsee Pannu, who champions the rights of women onscreen, talks about choosing the right films in an industry that strictly banks on box-office numbers
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 28, 2026)
Bold, fearless, bindaas: few in the industry can be summed up like this. Actor Taapsee Pannu embodies these traits both off and on the screen. She talks about what works and how she functions, with her recent film Assi spotlighting the sensitive subject of rape. Excerpts from her chat on The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra:
With big-scale films like Dhurandhar, how do you get the conviction to bring an ‘uncomfortable watch’ about rape to theatres?
If people like to watch violence on screen, let’s not demarcate it as ‘this violence is okay, but this violence is not’. We all enjoy big films, but all types of cinema have their own palate.
If one decides to only watch a certain kind of films, our cinema will start looking like a template. Then we as an industry will not be able to produce the kind of variety we are capable of.
There is also a notion people have about a film being okay to watch on OTT, but not in theatres. But the reality is that OTTs also don’t want films that are not big-scale event-based. Their mandates clearly state that they only want films that are box office successes. Soon, there will be a time when movies like Assi will not be released even on OTT platforms.
Does it worry you that the industry prides itself on saying you are only ‘as good as your last hit’?
A decade ago, it was believed that women-led stories didn’t have space in theatres. Then came Vidya Balan and Kangana Ranaut-led films, changing the definition of ‘mainstream’. The industry was flourishing before Covid, when a film like Saand Ki Aankh (2019), in which Bhumi Pednekar and I played 60-year-old daadis, ended up earning Rs. 21 crore. There was that time, too.
Change is the only constant. I am going to be optimistic about the future. My only insecurity as an actor is that if that (mentality) continues, I will have to change the kind of films I take up. I would have to either disassociate totally or change my path and the kind of films and roles I do, which will be slightly painful for me.
When will your fans get to see you in a comedy role like Khel Khel Mein?
I am waiting for a good comedy. I don’t want to be the object of comedy; I want to perform. Mudassar Aziz (director) personally knew me and what kind of comedy I could pull off. People who know me don’t associate me with something so serious (Assi). I am really hoping that after Khel Khel Mein, I find my footing as a bankable actor and find the right script. It takes a while. We don’t have that many comedy films where women can enjoy doing comedy and not be the object of comedy. It’s a rare sighting.
There is a fight between producers and actors: producers say that if an actor leaves a film, they should be compensated; actors feel that they are not compensated when a film is shelved or postponed, or if they are replaced. What is your view?
If both sides decide to spend money on recces and block dates without signing any papers purely on trust, then in what capacity can one try to go and fight for it? It happens all the time.
I have wasted months trying to make a project happen. It happened when a filmmaker, who was a friend of mine, told me that our project had been indefinitely pushed because the investors pulled out, just two weeks before it went on floors.
For an actress, it’s extremely harsh because we don’t get paid as much. There is a limited time of the year that is good to shoot in. And three months of my peak shooting time got wasted like this because we had not signed any papers. We can only feel guilty about it, but we won’t have the authority to seek compensation. That’s how the business works.
Have you ever lost out on work because of being a bindaas, outspoken person?
I might have, but I don’t get this information firsthand. What I do get to hear is, ‘The hero doesn’t want you to be in the film.’ Heroes decide the heroine in a film, unless you have a director who is the biggest star who asks for a particular person. When Raju (Rajkumar Hirani, director) sir wanted me in Dunki (2023), I was in the film. It might just be a big shock for everybody because I am not in the quintessential circuit of those films, or Shah Rukh (Khan, actor) sir’s regular pair on screen. The director was sure he wanted me.
The other thing I sometimes hear is that I am a little too difficult to work with. But I fail to understand that. Anyone who looks at my filmography, directors who worked with me have repeatedly cast me, and that cannot happen with someone who’s difficult to work with. Nobody wants trouble again and again in their films.
If the people who have not worked with me say that I am not a very social person, I cannot go out of my way to show them how I am. I let my work do the talking. It’s the harder route, but I am saner that way.
Kajol, Taapsee Pannu have a no-nonsense attitude, says Aditya Seal
8:06 AM
Having collaborated with an array of female actors in his films, Aditya Seal reflects on the lessons he has learnt from his co-stars
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; December 23, 2024)
Having collaborated with a host of female actors over the years, Aditya Seal confesses his projects have shaped him. Seal, who has featured alongside artistes like Taapsee Pannu, Manisha Koirala, and Kajol, appreciated them for their “no-nonsense attitude”.
The actor says, “Taapsee, Manisha ma’am, and Kajol ma’am are incredible examples of what it means to stay true to your beliefs and never settle for less than you deserve. They embody strength and resilience. I’ve always believed that women must stand up for their rights, and, as men, it’s our responsibility to support and uplift them, whether in our families, workplaces, or society. Empowered women build a stronger world, and I am proud to stand by them.”
Seal credits Pannu—his Khel Khel Mein co-star—for turning up on set with an “incredible energy”. “She is sharp, and witty, and knows exactly how to elevate a scene. Watching her commitment taught me a lot about precision in performances. Every actress I’ve worked with has brought something unique to the table. They’ve shaped me into a more versatile actor, pushing me to dig deeper into my craft.”
Kajol, who he features with in the upcoming action thriller Maharagni: Queen of Queens, has “an aura of brilliance”. “She brings so much depth to her characters that sharing the screen with her feels like attending a masterclass in acting.”
Maharagni, which also stars Prabhudeva, was a film that “demanded a lot from me, emotionally”. “Kajol ma’am’s support and insights were invaluable. She’s a dream co-star—always encouraging and yet challenging you to be your best.”
I wish I hadn’t taken such a long break from work-Fardeen Khan
8:43 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 17, 2024)
The year 2024 marked Fardeen Khan’s comeback to the movies. In a conversation with us, the actor talks about how he struggled to make a re-entry into showbiz after a hiatus of 14 years, his moments of self-doubt, and how his father, Feroz Khan’s death deeply affected him. Read on...
‘I wasn’t sure if filmmakers would be able to slot me in a role’
Fardeen, who spent most of his time away from the limelight living in London with his family, says that making his way back to the industry was a struggle.
Fardeen says, “A lot went into these last three years… just sitting at home, believing in yourself and keeping that hope. It’s been a struggle, especially because I wasn’t coming back after a couple of years, but 14 years and that too, after turning 50. I had a lot of questions like, will filmmakers be able to slot me in a role? Do people even want to see me? Today, the content is very different from what it was in the 2000s. The protagonists have changed. Different parts of our country are being represented so beautifully now. The times are very different. So, I came back with the mentality of literally starting off a new career.” The actor was recently seen in the web show Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar and films Khel Khel Mein and Visfot.
‘I made a conscious decision to take a break from work’
While he’s happy to face the camera again, when asked what led him to step away from the industry at an important juncture of his career, he says, “It was a conscious decision. We had challenges having children at that time, so we moved to London. There, we had an incredible doctor, and soon after, my daughter was born (through IVF) in 2013, followed by my son in 2017. After my daughter was born, I intended to take a two-year break to enjoy parenthood. I enjoyed being a father so much that it ended up being a break that lasted more than a decade. I wish I hadn’t taken such a long break from work. The only brownie point is that I have two beautiful children with whom I could spend so much time.”
‘Dad’s death and my surgery affected me deeply’
The other reason he stayed away from the limelight was his father’s (Feroz Khan) demise in 2009 due to lung cancer, after which he faced a health scare himself. It’s a phase of his life that he doesn’t want to recall. “Let me just say that I had a surgery that also affected me. Also, my father’s illness was very serious, as his prognosis was not good from the beginning. Those two years were very tough. I needed time for closure. Dad’s death affected me deeply,” he shares.
‘I realized that there was an audience that wanted to see me’
Fardeen, who would shuttle between Mumbai and London, was heavily trolled for his weight gain in 2016. Those comments shook him. “I was like… why are they after me? However, that version was the heaviest version of me. I realised that there was an audience that wanted to see me. I saw some love in all that criticism. Then, when I decided that I needed to make a comeback, I started losing weight.”
‘There’s no other greater form of self-love than to look after your health’
Fardeen’s kids, Diani and Azarius, he says, are loving this fitter version of him. “They called my belly, Tungu (laughs). So now they are like, ‘Daddy, your Tungu’s gone!’ I don’t think there is any greater form of self-love than to look after your health. Now, I enjoy playing sports with my kids. My son is just about starting out and he’s showing interest in football. I’m introducing him to Jiu-Jitsu.”
‘I miss my kids terribly’
While the actor lives here now and is totally focusing on his career, his kids continue to live in London. There were reports of his separation from his wife, Natasha. While he doesn’t want to talk about his personal life, he does open up about missing spending time with his children.
He says, “It’s not easy. I don’t want to get into why they’re away, but yes, it’s not easy. I miss them terribly. I see them every four to six weeks and we talk over video calls daily. But I definitely miss being a part of their daily life, watching them grow up, be a part of their decision-making process and help them find their own identity. My kids paint and I have put up their artwork on the walls of my house in Mumbai. I miss their hugs, cuddles and kisses. I keep working to keep my mind distracted. And whenever they come down to Mumbai, I clear my entire schedule and be with them 24/7.”
As big-budget films continue to bomb, more films shelved as Bollywood stops shooting for stars
8:24 AM
Fading star power, high fee make films unviable; changing audience tastes also a reason: Producers
Rajesh N Naidu (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; September 22, 2024)
Mumbai: The Hindi film industry has seen 30-40 big-budget films getting shelved in the past year and a half, a sharp rise from the pre-pandemic average of 10-15 annually, according to trade analysts, causing fresh concerns in Bollywood despite some recent relief brought by the success of a few mid-size releases.
Big-budget films like Rakshas and Baiju Bawra (Ranveer Singh); Ganpat 2, Rambo and Hero No 1 (Tiger Shroff); Hera Pheri 3 (Akshay Kumar); Draupadi (Deepika Padukone) and Mr Lele (Varun Dhawan) are among the projects featuring prominent stars that have been shelved, industry watchers said. Such films account for 30-40% of all projects announced during the period when the Hindi movie industry has seen several releases that have failed to make an impact at the box office.
Producers and trade analysts told ET that three key factors have made launching a Hindi film increasingly unviable: high costs linked to star remuneration and their entourages, promotion, marketing and advertising; a lack of confidence in the commercial viability of existing scripts that don’t align with shifting audience tastes and the failure of stars to deliver strong box-office openings.
“Today, stars cannot guarantee you a good opening at the box office. The industry must accept this,” said Tanuj Garg, managing partner at Ellipsis Entertainment, a production house. “Actors and directors before the pandemic worked on hefty fees. This was impractical and unsustainable.” This is a wake-up call and the Hindi film industry is thinking about what is viable and what is not, he said.
“It is quite clear that high concept films are working at the box office and not big stars. So, a film’s content has to work,” said Garg of Ellipsis Entertainment. After the pandemic, streaming platforms increased their investments in buying films and creating original content. They invested in actors who did not belong to the A-list category, paying them close to three times the fees they previously charged, said trade analysts.
This became a benchmark in the industry. But these actors could not provide a reasonably good opening to their films at the box office. After the list of films failing to make a mark got long and their focus turned to profitability, streaming platforms reduced their average spending on acquiring a film. According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment industry 2024 report, the number of films released directly on these platforms reduced to 57 in 2023 from 105 in 2022. This impacted the revenue of producers. The total revenues from selling digital rights of films fell to Rs 3,500 crore in 2023 from the peak of Rs 4,000 crore in 2021, shows data from the Ficci-EY report.
“Today, more than 50% of the cost of a film goes into remuneration of stars,” film distributor and trade analyst Shaaminder Malik said. “Take, for instance, the recent Hindi film Khel Khel Mein. The budget of the film is Rs 150 crore. The film is shot almost completely indoors,” he said. “Why does such a film require such a high budget? It is clear that a large part of the film’s budget has gone into remuneration of stars and their entourage. Despite this, the film has collected less than Rs 40 crore at the box office.”
According to industry insiders, the financial dynamics within the Hindi film industry have reached a point where scriptwriters earn less than what is spent on a star’s entourage. After covering these substantial costs, producers are hesitant to allocate further funds for film promotion and advertising, leading to a lack of audience awareness about new releases and their launch dates, which can severely impact a film’s success.
On an average the cost of promotion, marketing and advertising associated with a mid-sized or big-budget film is estimated in the range of Rs 8-15 crore. Malik said: “The stupendous success of Stree 2 lies not only in its franchise value but also in its tight budget and strong and sustained marketing and promotion.”
Girish Johar, a producer and industry expert said: “A sense of pragmatism has prevailed among makers today. The whole focus has shifted to relooking at both costs and streams of revenue thoroughly."
After the pandemic, the recovery of investments in Hindi films has come down, he said. “Earlier, films of top actors and actresses would be shelved either for lack of funding or when stars’ vision is not in sync with the makers. But in recent years, economics has compelled makers to shelve films,” he said.
Mudassar Aziz reveals how he is coping with tough time at the box office for Khel Khel Mein
8:20 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 30, 2024)
Filmmaker Mudassar Aziz is happy with the audience and critics’ response to his film Khel Khel Mein (KKM). Despite its release alongside two major films — Stree 2 and Vedaa — KKM has soldiered on after underperforming initially.
“My opinion would obviously be one of emotional attachment with KKM. I will take an objective standpoint and say films like Kantara (2022) and Pushpa: The Rise (2021), when they started out, did box-office numbers across a stretch of a number of days,” says Aziz, contrasting this with films that performed well on OTT platforms and then continued to succeed in theatres, such as Laapataa Ladies. “When I see theatrical business, I see that there has been a change,” he adds.
The 41-year-old says he would be “dishonest” if he says KKM’s box-office performance doesn’t affect him, but he has found a bright side to look on. “It would be wrong to say it doesn’t shake you in the beginning,” he admits, adding, “Numbers can be governed by several factors. In some cases in the past, you will realize that some films have ended up getting a great weekend, maybe only because of one song, and then the film has found no legs. In another case, you may find that a film has got a great opening weekend because of a controversy. So, in this ever-changing dynamic of how films at the box office are faring, if the mettle of the film gets accepted, you find your way around that.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 845
10:22 AM
STREE 2 CONTINUES ITS DREAM RUN; EXHIBITORS OPT FOR RE-RELEASES TO FILL IN SOME SHOWS
With three films released on Independence Day, out of which two suffered, there is a dearth of new releases for the next month. Very few films are up for release in September and none of them seem exciting as of now.
Stree 2, meanwhile, continues its dream run. It collected a huge Rs. 294 crores in the first week. The collections jumped on the second Friday which made it clear that it’ll have a huge weekend. After collecting Rs. 18.50 crores on Friday, it collected Rs. 33 crores on Saturday and a whopping Rs. 41 crores on Sunday. This is unbelievable for a film devoid of stars. On Monday, on account of Janmashtami, it collected Rs. 18 crores and thus crossed the Rs. 400 crores mark. The two-week collections are expected to be around Rs. 433 crores. Its collections in the second week would be around Rs. 139-140 crores and this is simply phenomenal.
Stree 2 would jump yet again in the coming weekend and would cross the Rs. 500 crores mark in its fourth week. It’ll continue to be in cinemas for a long, long time.
Khel Khel Mein, which clashed with Stree 2, suffered due to the clash. But it’s now holding up well in select centres. It’s common to see shows getting filled up even on weekdays, but only in some theatres in a few cities. It’ll collect Rs. 28 crores in two weeks and collections hopefully would cross the Rs. 35 crores mark. This film, too, would hang in cinemas for many weeks. The hope is that those who have seen Stree 2 will now opt for this film.
Tomorrow, two films are up for release – A Wedding Story and The Diary Of West Bengal. The first one is a horror and stars some known faces but it would go unnoticed. The latter seems like a propaganda flick and such films don't have an audience anymore. Hollywood films like Afraid and The Crow, too, will struggle to get an audience. Surya's Saturday, the Hindi version of Nani's Telugu flick Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, also releases tomorrow but awareness is very limited.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the re-release trend, three old films will try their luck in cinemas tomorrow – Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Gangs Of Wasseypur 1 & 2 and Kantara.
With three films released on Independence Day, out of which two suffered, there is a dearth of new releases for the next month. Very few films are up for release in September and none of them seem exciting as of now.
Stree 2, meanwhile, continues its dream run. It collected a huge Rs. 294 crores in the first week. The collections jumped on the second Friday which made it clear that it’ll have a huge weekend. After collecting Rs. 18.50 crores on Friday, it collected Rs. 33 crores on Saturday and a whopping Rs. 41 crores on Sunday. This is unbelievable for a film devoid of stars. On Monday, on account of Janmashtami, it collected Rs. 18 crores and thus crossed the Rs. 400 crores mark. The two-week collections are expected to be around Rs. 433 crores. Its collections in the second week would be around Rs. 139-140 crores and this is simply phenomenal.
Stree 2 would jump yet again in the coming weekend and would cross the Rs. 500 crores mark in its fourth week. It’ll continue to be in cinemas for a long, long time.
Khel Khel Mein, which clashed with Stree 2, suffered due to the clash. But it’s now holding up well in select centres. It’s common to see shows getting filled up even on weekdays, but only in some theatres in a few cities. It’ll collect Rs. 28 crores in two weeks and collections hopefully would cross the Rs. 35 crores mark. This film, too, would hang in cinemas for many weeks. The hope is that those who have seen Stree 2 will now opt for this film.
Tomorrow, two films are up for release – A Wedding Story and The Diary Of West Bengal. The first one is a horror and stars some known faces but it would go unnoticed. The latter seems like a propaganda flick and such films don't have an audience anymore. Hollywood films like Afraid and The Crow, too, will struggle to get an audience. Surya's Saturday, the Hindi version of Nani's Telugu flick Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, also releases tomorrow but awareness is very limited.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the re-release trend, three old films will try their luck in cinemas tomorrow – Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Gangs Of Wasseypur 1 & 2 and Kantara.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 844
4:56 PM
STREE 2 SCORES BEYOND EXPECTATIONS; KHEL KHEL MEIN, VEDAA MAKERS REGRET CLASHING WITH HORROR COMEDY
The three-way clash occurred on Independence Day last week. Stree 2 was expected to take a flying start. An opening of Rs. 35-40 crores would have been extraordinary for this film as it doesn’t have a huge star cast. But Stree 2 opened at Rs. 53.25 crores, a figure no one imagined in their wildest dreams. Moreover, this happened with fewer screens as some showcasing was given to Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa. If these two films were not there, Stree 2 might have opened at Rs. 60 crores. One must also remember that it also had paid previews when it collected Rs. 8.75 crores, the highest ever a film has collected in previews.
Stree 2 enjoyed a terrific word of mouth and also has repeat value. As a result, the collections remained rock steady; it earned Rs. 31.50 crores on Friday and Rs. 44.50 crores on Saturday. On Sunday, it collected more than Thursday – Rs. 57 crores. Since Monday was a holiday on account of Raksha Bandhan, it collected Rs. 37 crores. On Tuesday, a working day, the collections dropped to Rs. 25 crores but it’s still praiseworthy.
The first week's collections are expected to be around Rs. 290 crores. With no competition this week and next, it’ll continue to score big time. Hence, a lifetime of more than Rs. 500 crores is expected.
Vedaa, meanwhile, opened at Rs. 6.25 crores. The word of mouth was not encouraging. As a result, it dropped to Rs. 2 crores on Friday, which sealed its fate. The makers had to implement a Buy One Get One ticket-free scheme to lure the viewers. It didn’t help much as the film collected Rs. 2.50 crores and Rs. 2.75 crores on Saturday and Sunday respectively. After the extended weekend ended, the collections fell below Rs. 1 crore from Tuesday. Its first week collections will be around Rs. 17.25 crores and now it’ll be a struggle for the film to cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. The makers have now asked cinemas to sell Vedaa's tickets for Rs. 99 and Rs. 150.
Khel Khel Mein, on the other hand, opened lower than Vedaa at Rs. 5.75 crores. But it went ahead as its word of mouth was positive. Yet, the collections remained on the lower side. It collected Rs. 2.25 crores on Friday, Rs. 3.25 crores on Saturday and Rs. 4 crores on Sunday. On Monday, the collections were Rs. 2 crores. The Tuesday and Wednesday earnings were in the Rs. 1 crore range. The collections of the first week will be around Rs. 20.40 crores.
What goes in favour of the film is that it's holding steady in urban areas. In fact, it might continue to collect for a few weeks. Those who have seen Stree 2 already might watch this film later on. Yet, with the opening so low, the film at the most can have a lifetime of Rs. 30 crores or maybe it can reach the Rs. 35 crores mark.
The three-way clash occurred on Independence Day last week. Stree 2 was expected to take a flying start. An opening of Rs. 35-40 crores would have been extraordinary for this film as it doesn’t have a huge star cast. But Stree 2 opened at Rs. 53.25 crores, a figure no one imagined in their wildest dreams. Moreover, this happened with fewer screens as some showcasing was given to Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa. If these two films were not there, Stree 2 might have opened at Rs. 60 crores. One must also remember that it also had paid previews when it collected Rs. 8.75 crores, the highest ever a film has collected in previews.
Stree 2 enjoyed a terrific word of mouth and also has repeat value. As a result, the collections remained rock steady; it earned Rs. 31.50 crores on Friday and Rs. 44.50 crores on Saturday. On Sunday, it collected more than Thursday – Rs. 57 crores. Since Monday was a holiday on account of Raksha Bandhan, it collected Rs. 37 crores. On Tuesday, a working day, the collections dropped to Rs. 25 crores but it’s still praiseworthy.
The first week's collections are expected to be around Rs. 290 crores. With no competition this week and next, it’ll continue to score big time. Hence, a lifetime of more than Rs. 500 crores is expected.
Vedaa, meanwhile, opened at Rs. 6.25 crores. The word of mouth was not encouraging. As a result, it dropped to Rs. 2 crores on Friday, which sealed its fate. The makers had to implement a Buy One Get One ticket-free scheme to lure the viewers. It didn’t help much as the film collected Rs. 2.50 crores and Rs. 2.75 crores on Saturday and Sunday respectively. After the extended weekend ended, the collections fell below Rs. 1 crore from Tuesday. Its first week collections will be around Rs. 17.25 crores and now it’ll be a struggle for the film to cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. The makers have now asked cinemas to sell Vedaa's tickets for Rs. 99 and Rs. 150.
Khel Khel Mein, on the other hand, opened lower than Vedaa at Rs. 5.75 crores. But it went ahead as its word of mouth was positive. Yet, the collections remained on the lower side. It collected Rs. 2.25 crores on Friday, Rs. 3.25 crores on Saturday and Rs. 4 crores on Sunday. On Monday, the collections were Rs. 2 crores. The Tuesday and Wednesday earnings were in the Rs. 1 crore range. The collections of the first week will be around Rs. 20.40 crores.
What goes in favour of the film is that it's holding steady in urban areas. In fact, it might continue to collect for a few weeks. Those who have seen Stree 2 already might watch this film later on. Yet, with the opening so low, the film at the most can have a lifetime of Rs. 30 crores or maybe it can reach the Rs. 35 crores mark.
Scene on Fardeen Khan's sexuality censored in UAE
9:02 AM
As UAE snips Khel Khel Mein’s key sequence, revolving around Fardeen’s character’s sexuality, director Aziz says it’s his “moral duty” to raise topics of conversation
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 19, 2024)
Certain portions of Khel Khel Mein have left fans confused in the United Arab Emirates, after the UAE Media Regulatory Office edited out the film’s crucial segments. A key sequence in the climax featuring Fardeen Khan, whose character arc hinges on his sexuality, has been snipped as per local restrictions.
Ironically, another dialogue that goes, “Meri 10 saal ki beti ki soch aapki soch se behtar hai,” also has been scissored.
The comedy—also starring Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu and Vaani Kapoor—marks Khan’s return to the big screen after a 14-year hiatus. Fans are disappointed that such a significant part of the storyline has been removed.
A fan from Dubai, on condition of anonymity, told mid-day, “This edit changes the narrative of Fardeen’s character. It’s disheartening to see such an important moment erased. I felt cheated when I found out from Indian cine-goers about this. Censorship like this denies audiences the full experience of the film’s powerful message.”
Another fan, Ahmed Al Mansoori, added, “I was looking forward to seeing this film because of its progressive storyline. These are stories we need to see more of, not less.”
Mudassar Aziz’s directorial venture revolves around seven friends whose secrets surface over a game night. When we asked Aziz about the censorship, he chose to look at the movie’s positive impact, saying, “I’m a filmmaker. To write all sorts of characters and raise topics of conversation is my professional and moral duty! Khel Khel Mein does that. While it’s heartbreaking to see that something so relevant, and done with so much dignity, found its way out of the UAE release, I’m thrilled at the applause that [the rest] of the world is sending my way for those very scenes.” Khan stated, “Through this role, I hoped to contribute to a conversation that is necessary and relevant. While edits may have been made, the intention behind the role—that of acceptance—remains unchanged, and I stand by the message’s importance.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: KHEL KHEL MEIN by FENIL SETA
2:16 PM
Khel Khel Mein is the story of seven friends who play a dangerous game while sitting in a hotel suite. The protagonists are well-defined and it sets the stage for the madness that unfolds once they begin playing the game. A few scenes are too funny and it's the humour that makes this film worthwhile along with the performances. The film, however, gets serious in the second half. While focusing on the seven protagonists, the director doesn't give prominence to the supporting cast. This affects the narrative. Also, the backstory of one of the protagonists is not properly established and seems superficial. Akshay Kumar, however, is outstanding and it's a pleasure to see him in a comedy after a long time. Vaani Kapoor puts up a confident act. Taapsee Pannu doesn't have much to do initially but she shines in the second half. Fardeen Khan underplays beautifully and he also does better after the intermission. Pragya Jaiswal leaves a mark in her debut role. Aditya Seal and Ammy Virk lend able support. Chitrangda Singh looks stunning and is too good in a cameo. The supporting cast is okay. As for the only, only 'Hauli Hauli' works. All in all, Khel Khel Mein is a fun, timepass entertainer.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Multiplexes expect a blockbuster weekend; record footfalls likely
8:42 AM
Record footfalls likely during 5-day weekend, which coincides with top Hindi & regional movie screenings: Execs
Javed Farooqui (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; August 14, 2024)
Film exhibitors expect record footfalls through the five-day weekend that coincides with the screening of potentially blockbuster Hindi and regional films, such as Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein, Vedaa, Double iSmart, and Thangalaan.
Executives at PVR Inox and Cinepolis say that the footfalls during the five-day long weekend that begins with Independence Day on Thursday have the potential to break the previous year's record of 35 million footfalls during the I-Day week.
"For us, it's better when 4 to 5 films work well in tandem rather than one film going through the roof. Stree 2 and Khel Khel Mein are seeing strong traction, but Vedaa, Double iSmart, and Thangalaan are also looking very promising," said PVR Inox co-CEO Gautam Dutta.
PVR Inox has done advance bookings of 4.5 lakh tickets between the five movies and expects ticket sales to accelerate as the week progresses.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg, as we have just opened Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday bookings. This number should be looked at from the perspective that the trend of advance bookings is not very high," Dutta added.
PVR Inox is expecting footfalls of four million between Thursday and Sunday. "We are expecting a million footfalls on Thursday. We are looking to do a footfall of about 3 million on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday," Dutta said.
Cinepolis India MD Devang Sampat said that the movie line-up looks promising as the content is diverse, catering to audiences with different tastes. Cinepolis is eyeing 1.2 million footfalls during the week.
"We have a five-day holiday, which has never happened in the past. What Gadar 2 and OMG 2 did last year, we are expecting something similar to happen this year," he said, adding that it has already sold 1 lakh tickets for Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein, and Vedaa during the weekend.
Jio Studios and Maddock Films’ Stree 2 has sold over 1 lakh tickets for the opening day alone within 48 hours of tickets going up for sale. Going by the advance booking data, the movie has already garnered over Rs 30 crore for the opening day on August 15
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 843
11:28 AM
STREE 2 SET FOR A HUMONGOUS OPENING; WILL THE ‘OVERFLOW’ FACTOR HELP VEDAA, KHEL KHEL MEIN?
The mega clash between Stree 2, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein will take place tomorrow, August 15. However, it seems like Stree 2 is miles ahead while the other two would suffer as the former has turned out to be a much bigger opposition than anticipated.
Stree’s first part opened at Rs. 6.62 crores and went on to collect Rs. 124.56 crores in its lifetime. Stree 2, meanwhile, would open between Rs. 35-40 crores and can even go higher. It also has paid previews today from 9:30 pm where it can earn Rs. 7 crores plus. This means that it’ll break the 11-year record of Chennai Express. The Shah Rukh Khan starrer was the highest-paid preview grosser, collecting Rs. 6.75 crores.
Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein, meanwhile, are facing the heat. Usually, it happens that during a clash, the weaker film benefits when the overflow audience from the main film throngs to see the latter. It means that if the audience doesn’t get a ticket to the most exciting film, they’ll settle for the second option. OMG 2 benefited this way during the clash with Gadar 2. Even Sam Bahadur got an edge when it was released alongside Animal.
But both OMG 2 and Sam Bahadur had advantages. OMG 2’s first part was much loved. The controversy over its cuts had enhanced curiosity. Sam Bahadur’s trailer got a good response and since Animal was ‘A’ rated, the family audience preferred the Vicky Kaushal-starrer. Sadly, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein don’t have such advantages. The trailers of both films have got just a fair response while the songs in both the movies haven’t worked. Stree 2, meanwhile, has a lot of factors going in its favour – from the brand value to songs to outstanding trailer to the lucrative horror comedy genre.
Hence, the demand for Stree 2 is too high and it's difficult to say if viewers would opt for Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein in case the former’s shows are full as the excitement for the latter is very limited. Vedaa is ahead and will collect around Rs. 7 crores while Khel Khel Mein would have an opening of around Rs. 6 crores. Since films tend to overperform on Independence Day, these two films can have a higher number as well.
Despite the poor opening, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein still stand a chance. This is because the holiday period extends till Monday, August 19. Even Monday, August 26 is a holiday due to Janmashtami. Hence, the two long weekends are enough for these films to sail through, provided the word of mouth is positive. If the reports are bad, then it’ll prove detrimental.
The mega clash between Stree 2, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein will take place tomorrow, August 15. However, it seems like Stree 2 is miles ahead while the other two would suffer as the former has turned out to be a much bigger opposition than anticipated.
Stree’s first part opened at Rs. 6.62 crores and went on to collect Rs. 124.56 crores in its lifetime. Stree 2, meanwhile, would open between Rs. 35-40 crores and can even go higher. It also has paid previews today from 9:30 pm where it can earn Rs. 7 crores plus. This means that it’ll break the 11-year record of Chennai Express. The Shah Rukh Khan starrer was the highest-paid preview grosser, collecting Rs. 6.75 crores.
Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein, meanwhile, are facing the heat. Usually, it happens that during a clash, the weaker film benefits when the overflow audience from the main film throngs to see the latter. It means that if the audience doesn’t get a ticket to the most exciting film, they’ll settle for the second option. OMG 2 benefited this way during the clash with Gadar 2. Even Sam Bahadur got an edge when it was released alongside Animal.
But both OMG 2 and Sam Bahadur had advantages. OMG 2’s first part was much loved. The controversy over its cuts had enhanced curiosity. Sam Bahadur’s trailer got a good response and since Animal was ‘A’ rated, the family audience preferred the Vicky Kaushal-starrer. Sadly, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein don’t have such advantages. The trailers of both films have got just a fair response while the songs in both the movies haven’t worked. Stree 2, meanwhile, has a lot of factors going in its favour – from the brand value to songs to outstanding trailer to the lucrative horror comedy genre.
Hence, the demand for Stree 2 is too high and it's difficult to say if viewers would opt for Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein in case the former’s shows are full as the excitement for the latter is very limited. Vedaa is ahead and will collect around Rs. 7 crores while Khel Khel Mein would have an opening of around Rs. 6 crores. Since films tend to overperform on Independence Day, these two films can have a higher number as well.
Despite the poor opening, Vedaa and Khel Khel Mein still stand a chance. This is because the holiday period extends till Monday, August 19. Even Monday, August 26 is a holiday due to Janmashtami. Hence, the two long weekends are enough for these films to sail through, provided the word of mouth is positive. If the reports are bad, then it’ll prove detrimental.
Khel Khel Mein is a story set over one night, and how it changes relationships between friends-Aditya Seal
8:15 AM
Aditya, who joins Akshay and Taapsee in Khel Khel Mein, says film depicts how dynamics between friends changes in a few hours
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 24, 2024)
What do you get when Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu, Vaani Kapoor, Fardeen Khan, Ammy Virk, and Pragya Jaiswal huddle together? A mad story of one night, says Aditya Seal. The actor reveals that their upcoming rom-com, Khel Khel Mein, delves into the themes of friendship and relationships, all unfolding over the course of a night.
“Khel Khel Mein is a story set over one night, and how it changes relationships between friends. It’s a roller-coaster of emotions and hilarity, exploring the dynamics of friendships and romantic entanglements. There is nuance and depth, over and above the fun and frolic,” he says.
Director Mudassar Aziz took the project on floors in London last October and is now readying it for an August 15 release. Seal is upbeat about the movie’s cast that is led by Kumar and has a diverse set of actors.
“It’s such a unique cast that has a diverse fan base. Between Ammy paaji and Pragya, we have gone all the way from north India to down south. We all bonded as one, and had so much fun on set that there were days when we would wait for the others to finish their last few shots and then leave together.”
Trade experts talk about Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa's three-way clash
8:38 AM
As Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa gear up for a three-way clash on I-Day, trade hopes one release will be deferred to avoid eating into each other’s business
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 18, 2024)
At the box office, two is a crowd, not company. So, what does that make of three films? On August 15, theatres will witness a three-way clash between Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein and Vedaa. Clashes not only eat into each film’s box-office business, but also impact the industry at large.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says that Stree 2, Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor’s sequel to their 2018 horror comedy, is way ahead of the competition. “Stree’s fan base has multiplied over time. So, Stree 2 will undoubtedly be people’s first choice,” he states.
Adarsh notes that a clash impacts the audience too. “They will have no movies to watch for the next three weeks. Unfortunately, all producers are firm on their release dates, and [are hoping for] high footfall as it’s a four-day weekend. Today, most producers want to cash in on the long weekends. While all three films will fight for screens and shows, Stree 2 has a big advantage as PVR-Inox is also part of its distribution. So, essentially, it will be a clash between the other two.”
Director Mudassar Aziz’s Khel Khel Mein is a romantic comedy led by Akshay Kumar, Taapsee Pannu and Vaani Kapoor, while John Abraham and Sharvari’s Vedaa is an action fare. While the three offerings belong to distinct genres, what’s surprising is the high demand for the holiday window, considering there are no movies releasing two weeks before and after.
A source says, “This happens when producers don’t expect a long run, owing to their films’ weak content. They just want to make as much money as they can over the long weekend.”
Exhibitor Raj Bansal hopes that at least one contender will bow out of the race. He says, “In such a situation, the biggest losers are the multiplex chains. Producers want their movies to arrive on long weekends because they think their offering will be the bigger grosser. Hopefully, one of the producers will follow the example of Ajay Devgn, who postponed Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha’s release.”
Trade analyst Atul Mohan adds that Vikram’s Tamil film Thangalaan and Puri Jagannadh’s Telugu offering Double iSmart may also release on the same date. “These films will draw the audiences in the south, which will reduce the number of shows for the Hindi releases.
Everybody will only be hoping that films, Stree 2, Khel Khel Mein, Vedaa work-Aparshakti Khurana
8:00 AM
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 14, 2024)
Actor Aparshakti Khurana isn’t bothered by the upcoming box office clash between his film Stree 2, Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein and John Abraham’s Vedaa on August 15. He sees this as an opportunity for audiences to enjoy three excellent films over the extended Independence Day and Rakhi weekend.
“We (the film fraternity) are in a space right now where we have to root for each other. The current climate of the fraternity is such that I don’t think people will be looking down on each other or trying to pull each other down. Everybody will only be hoping that all three films work,” Khurana tells us, adding, “That is eventually how you grow together as an industry.”
Reflecting on Stree 2’s uniqueness, the 36-year-old highlights the continuity of its production team, sharing, “The reunion of the exact same team from Stree (2018), including the director, actors and ADs, filming in Chanderi (Madhya Pradesh) again, made it truly special.”
Acknowledging the pressure to match the prequel’s success, he admits, “You’re nervously excited after putting in so much effort. The teaser’s positive response reassures us; there’s hopeful anticipation.”
To let me walk in Akshay Kumar’s footsteps, my father took me to Bangkok where I learned martial arts-Aditya Seal
2:28 PM
Working with Kumar in Khel Khel Mein, Aditya Seal on how his father took him to Bangkok to learn martial arts
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 7, 2024)
There is a lot on Aditya Seal’s plate—from Hardik Gajjar’s Amar Prem to the Kajol-starrer Maharagni: Queen Of Queens. But nothing excites the actor more than sharing screen space with Akshay Kumar in the Mudassar Aziz-directed film Khel Khel Mein. Working on the comedy drama, especially with Kumar, was “an incredible experience,” says the actor, who is known for his performances in Tum Bin 2 (2016) and Student Of The Year 2 (2019).
Opening up on his experience, Seal says, “Akshay is not just a superstar but an industry stalwart whose work I have admired for years. His filmography, from romance and biopics to drama, sports, and action, is unparalleled. He has dabbled in almost every genre with remarkable ease and success.”
Seal reveals that while working with his idol has been wonderful, his father is a bigger admirer of the actor.
“My father has been a fan of Akshay’s action. To let me walk in Akshay’s footsteps, my father took me to Bangkok when I was young to stay and learn martial arts. Working with him now [feels like] a full-circle moment.”
If I remake Khel Khel Mein, I’ll do it with Shanaya-Sanjay Kapoor
9:18 AM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 22, 2024)
Flying high on the success of two releases, Homi Adajania’s Murder Mubarak and Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas, actor Sanjay Kapoor has been wanting to work with both filmmakers as a producer first. The actor, who possesses the rights of the 1975 film Khel Khel Mein, wanted either one of them to direct the remake.
In 2012, Sanjay stated that he would take the remake on floors and cast fresh faces as leads but that didn’t materalise. The OG film starred late Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Rakesh Roshan. Now, that his daughter Shanaya Kapoor will soon make her film debut, ask him if he will cast her in the remake and he replies, “If I am going to make it today, I will obviously make it with Shanaya.”
While the 58-year-old isn’t sure when will be the right time for the film, Sanjay insists that he will make the remake, someday. “Right now, I am very busy with my work as an actor, but I will definitely make the film. It’s a film that is very close to my heart.”
He further adds, “I remember that when I got the rights of the film, Chintu (late Rishi Kapoor) told me that he and Neetu will do a cameo whenever I remake the film. So, whenever the time comes, I will miss Chintu, but I will make sure Neetu is still in it,” he ends.
Homi Adajania turned down Khel Khel Mein remake-Sanjay Kapoor
3:59 PM
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 15, 2024)
Actor Sanjay Kapoor is collaborating with director Homi Adajania for the first time in their latest film, Murder Mubarak. But this isn’t the first attempt that the actor made to work with the director. Ahead of the film’s release, the stars of Murder Mubarak got together for HT City’s Stars In the City, where Kapoor made the revelation of his first ‘failed’ attempt at working with Adajania.
During the session, Kapoor remarked that Adajania has been on his bucket list of filmmakers to work with for more than 10 years. He said, “In fact, I wanted to produce a film with him. There is this film starring the great Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Rakesh Roshan titled Khel Khel Mein (1975) and I bought the rights for it. I don’t know whether he (Homi) knows, but I told the writer Shibani Bathija that if there’s one person who can make this film, it’s Homi. I approached him through her for the film, [but] he told her very politely that he doesn’t do remakes. But I think I am more fortunate that I got a chance to work with him, now, as an actor.”
Kapoor had acquired the rights of Khel Khel Mein a while ago and had announced making a remake in 2012. He planned to start filming for it the following year with fresh faces, but it never took off. However, the rights of the film remain with Kapoor, and he still plans to remake it sometime soon.
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An adaptation of Louis Thomas’ French novel Good Children Don’t Kill, Khel Khel Mein was a story of three college students (Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor and Rakesh Roshan). They play a prank and get involved with a notorious criminal. The comedy quickly turns into an edge-of-the-seat thriller.
Rishi Kapoor himself tied a rakhi on behalf of my wife-Rakesh Roshan
8:14 AM
Rakesh Roshan (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 1, 2020)
It’s a sad day today. I’ve lost a very dear friend. I had dinner with him on March 18, a few days before the Coronavirus lockdown. We both got cancer around the same time—he was diagnosed in August and I in December. He was vibrant when I met him last. He spoke about having gone to Delhi the previous month and how the pollution there had probably caused a relapse but he insisted he was fine. Two weeks later he was hospitalised.
We go back a long way. We got close during the making of Khel Khel M0ein (1975). We went on so many holidays abroad together as couples—he, Neetu and their children (Riddhima and Ranbir) and me with my wife (Pinky) and kids (Hrithik and Sunaina). We did many films together as co-actors and later, he made a special appearance in a song in my first directorial venture and featured in Aap Ke Deewane, the first film I produced.
He was very frank but never cunning or manipulative. He was a rakhi brother to my wife and when he was in New York for his treatment, he called to tell us that he had tied a rakhi on his own hand, on her behalf. That’s how sensitive he really was.
As told to Mohua Das
-------------------------------
BOMBAY TIMES (May 1, 2020)
I met Chintu just about a month ago and we had drinks together, reliving our old times. That was the last time I saw him and now, I will never get to see my friend. It’s an irreparable loss. He’s left a vacuum that Can never be filled. Waking up to the news of Chintu’s demise has shaken me up completely
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As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; May 1, 2020)
Our friendship lasted 45 years because we were similar in nature — we loved food and drinks, and were brimming with optimism. We grew close during the making of Khel Khel Mein (1975).
Eventually, Jeetendra joined us, and we three became inseparable. We would meet every day after our respective shoots.
Chintu and I did several movies together — Jhoota Kahin Ka (1979), Khel Khel Mein and Aap Ke Deewane (1980), among others. He would never prepare for his shots, and yet, when the camera rolled, he came alive! He was so spontaneous and natural. When we were shooting for Aap Ke Deewane, I asked him how he shone in each take without having prepped for it. With a smile, he said, 'Aise hi yaar, main camera ke saamne bas masti karta hoon…' He was such an integral part of my life that I couldn't imagine my first directorial venture without him. So, I requested Chintu to do a cameo in Khudgarz (1987).
[In 2018], our cancer diagnosis came months apart — his in August, and mine in December. But we both fought with a smile on our face. He was always brave and full of life. When I met him in March before the lockdown, Chintu, Neetu and I reminisced about our good old days.
I spoke to Neetu earlier this week when I learnt he was hospitalised and prayed for his speedy recovery. I woke up this morning to a message from a friend, asking if Rishi Kapoor was all right. When I called Dabboo [Randhir Kapoor], his number was busy. That's when my heart sank and I instinctively knew something was wrong. Then I rang up Ranbir who shared the news. It was so shocking that I started crying on the phone. Instead of me consoling him, Ranbir comforted me. He has been a pillar of strength to his father.
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