Showing posts with label Kick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kick. Show all posts
Sikandar is the tenth highest first weekend ever for Salman Khan
8:51 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
SIKANDAR was the tenth highest first weekend for Salman Khan at 70 crore nett plus when the target was to get to 100 crore nett over three days. The 100 crore target is also because the music or trailers did not generate much heat because if they did then there is no target as the sky is the limit.
The last release for Salman Khan had collected 138 crore nett on a similar weekend with a Sunday start and at that time this number was also looked at as if it was on the lower side which was not the case. The numbers were double of SIKANDAR; its another story that TIGER 3 was not appreciated but the initial was very good.
SIKANDAR has similar numbers to DABANGG 3 which was released in 2019 just before the pandemic and its numbers are actually not much higher than KISI KA BHAI KISI KI JAAN which did 58 crore nett. TIGER 3 was double its weekend numbers in terms of its lifetime business and that will be the case for SIKANDAR as well.
The top ten opening weekends for Salman Khan are as follows.
1. Tiger 3 - 1,38,56,00,000
2. Tiger Zinda Hai - 1,14,91,00,000
3. Sultan - 1,05,55,00,000
4. Bajrangi Bhaijaan - 1,01,42,00,000
5. Race 3 - 1,00,64,00,000
6. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo - 97,63,00,000
7. Bharat - 90,47,00,000
8. Kick - 80,43,00,000
9. Dabangg 3 - 72,46,00,000
10. Sikandar - 70,50,00,000 apprx
11. Tubelight - 61,53,00,000
12. Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan - 58,56,00,000
13. Dabangg 2 - 48,43,00,000
14. Jai Ho - 58,17,00,000
15. Ek Tha Tiger - 56,11,00,000
Kick 2 scripting is in progress, and will be completed soon-Rajat Arora
8:35 AM
Screenwriter Rajat Arora reveals scripting of Kick 2 is underway; decodes how he has written the dialogues of Salman Khan’s Devil, keeping the actor’s stardom in mind
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 27, 2025)
Keep Salman Khan’s stardom in mind while writing. It’s one of the mantras that Rajat Arora followed as he co-wrote the dialogues of Sikandar. Or for that matter, his next—Kick 2—that marks his third project with Khan. “We are taking the story ahead from where Kick [2014] ended, with Salman’s character [becoming] a police officer,” shares Arora.
Kick saw Khan playing Devi Lal Singh aka Devil, a desi Robin Hood of sorts. While the actioner’s success sparked many rumours of a sequel over the years, it was only last October that filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala officially announced Kick 2.
Arora sheds light on its development, as he says, “If any character demands a sequel, it is Devi Lal from Kick. There has been a huge demand for the sequel, and we could have done it much earlier if we wanted to cash in on Kick’s popularity and Salman’s stardom. But we didn’t want to make the film for the heck of it; we wanted it to have a new story and be perfect. That’s why it has taken us some time. The scripting is in progress, and will be completed soon.”
Rumours suggest that Kick 2 will go on floors by August. While Arora remains mum on the timeline, he asserts that Nadiadwala has ensured that the sequel is an all-out entertainer like the original. “Sajid sir knows all aspects of filmmaking, including storytelling. Salman sir’s personality and stardom are legendary. So, I have to keep his stardom in mind while writing, but at the same time, the screenplay and dialogues come from the subject. Kick’s popular line, ‘Main dil mein aata hoon, dimag mein nahin’ came from Salman’s persona,” he explains.
f the trailer is any indication, Khan will dole out many power-packed dialogues in director A R Murugadoss’ Sikandar—that tackles themes of power, politics and vigilante justice—as well. Arora says it’s the director’s treatment of these themes that made him co-write the dialogues with Hussain and Abbas Dalal.
“When I heard the story from Murugadoss sir, I was blown away. It’s a powerful subject, a socially relevant yet entertaining film. It was also challenging because it wasn’t easy to [convey] the right emotions while perfectly aligning them with the [core] subject.”
What’s next?
Rajat Arora has also written the screenplay and dialogues for Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4, which is currently being shot, and director Milan Luthria’s yet-untitled next that features Akshay Kumar as a quirky cop.
Salman Khan comes up with moves that even a granddad can do-Ahmed Khan
9:21 AM
Returning to choreography after eight years, Ahmed Khan discusses incorporating the Dabke dance form in Sikandar’s title track and how Salman Khan brought swag to his steps
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 20, 2025)
Over the past many months, Ahmed Khan has been neck-deep in the shoot of his directorial venture, Welcome To The Jungle. But when producer Sajid Nadiadwala reached out to him to choreograph Sikandar’s title track, he promptly said yes. Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna’s dance number Sikandar Naache, which dropped online on Tuesday, marks Ahmed’s return to choreography after eight years.
“I’d do anything for them,” he smiles, emphasizing his long-standing collaboration with the superstar-producer duo.
With Salman’s films, one can be assured of hit songs and hook steps that will be imitated by his legion of fans. So, as a choreographer, how did he make sure that the latest number stands out?
Ahmed explains, “We wait for a Salman track because of the swag. He comes up with moves that even a grandfather can do, and sometimes he pulls off moves that even youngsters can’t match up. But whatever I’ve done with him, it has been a pleasure; when you have such a good-looking man in front of the camera, half the job is done. When you show him [a step], sometimes he doesn’t do it exactly how you want, but he does it in his own style and eventually you see your creation take shape.”
The choreographer’s last hit number with Salman was Jumme Ki Raat from Kick (2014). With Sikandar Naache, the idea was to top it. “Or we had to, at least, try to reach that space,” says Ahmed.
That’s when Nadiadwala suggested incorporating the Levantine folk dance, Dabke, in the track. Excited by the suggestion, Ahmed went ahead to design the number that was shot with about 500 dancers at a massive set in a Mumbai studio last month.
The choreographer adds, “Sajid suggested that we add the Dabke dance style. This has never happened in Hindi movies so far. He went out of his way to fly down Lebanese dancers from Turkey, who could perform Dabke. I loved that we made that addition. Salman has danced his heart out in this song.”
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Do the Dabke
Dabke combines elements of circle dance and line dance. The folk dance is popular in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, with people performing it at weddings and other joyous occasions.
Sajid Nadiadwala to take Salman Khan-starrer Kick 2 on floors next year
8:08 AM
Sources say filmmaker Sajid scripting Salman-starrer Kick 2; plans to roll action fare’s sequel next year
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 23, 2024)
Is 10 years too long a time to wait for a sequel? Not for Salman Khan fans. We hear the superstar is set to reprise his role as Devi Lal Singh aka Devil for the second instalment of his 2014 hit, Kick. Sources tell us that filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala, who had turned director with the entertaining action fare, is keen to take Kick 2 on floors next year.
“Sajid has been busy writing the script. He will have to figure out the timelines because he is also overseeing several productions under his banner. He wants to ensure smooth functioning of the productions in order to dedicate his entire time to direct Kick 2,” reveals a source. The filmmaker, who is currently backing Khan’s Sikandar, has apparently initiated a conversation about taking the story of Devil—who was designed as a desi Robin Hood—forward.
“Salman and Sajid are thick friends, and both are excited about joining forces again for Kick 2,” adds the source. Kick, which also starred Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jacqueliene Fernandez and Randeep Hooda, was an adaptation of the 2009 Telugu film of the same name.
For now, Nadiadwala has two big productions in his kitty, A R Murugadoss’ directorial venture Sikandar, and Housefull 5, led by Akshay Kumar. mid-day reached out to Nadiadwala, who remained unavailable for comment.
During my stint as an assistant director, I got to learn a lot from Salman Khan sir and Akshay Kumar-Shivaleeka Oberoi
8:21 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 6, 2022)
Shivaleeka Oberoi is glad that so early in her career she has been able to play the complex part of Nargis Chaudhary in the Khuda Haafiz franchise. The actress who stars opposite Vidyut Jammwal is excited that Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2 - Agni Pariksha will release in theatres this Friday. In a chat with Bombay Times, she opens up about her film choices, recollects her days working as an assistant director and why her family wasn’t too keen on her pursuing a career in Bollywood. Excerpts:
It was quite a happy ending for your character, Nargis in Khuda Haafiz, who is rescued by her husband from the flesh trade. What’s in store this time around in the film’s sequel?
Khuda Haafiz: Chapter 2 Agni Pariksha will showcase a new side of Nargis. In the previous part, people saw a girl-next-door who had to face difficult situations. Those situations changed her as a person. Now, you get to see Nargis 2. 0. This time around she is a warrior. It’s quite an intense role and it has been physically and mentally exhausting for me to play Nargis on screen.
Wasn’t it tough to portray such an emotionally challenging part very early on in your career?
It isn’t an easy character to play. You have to balance out her innocence with her strength, especially given the fact that she dealt with so much. It has changed me as a person in a lot of ways. It has really pushed me as an actor. I play a mother in the film, which is something that a lot of actresses refrain from doing at the beginning of their career. I wasn’t worried about it because it did justice to my character. Shooting with a child artiste is not easy as you have to make them feel comfortable. Also, my sister has twins and I have enjoyed being around them.
You began in showbiz as an assistant director working on two out-and-out commercial films like Kick (2014) and Housefull 3 (2016). What kind of films do you want to be associated with as an actor?
I am happy that challenging roles in content-driven films have come my way, now I am waiting for something massy and commercial to come my way. I want to do a romantic comedy, or a mushy romantic film. I am glad that at the start of my career I got moulded by people like Faruk Kabir sir and Vidyut Jammwal. During my stint as an assistant director, I got to learn so much from Salman Khan sir and Akshay Kumar sir. In fact, recently when I met them, they met me like we have known each other for years. I worked hard as an AD too. People think jo actors banne aate hai, woh as AD set pe kuch bhi kaam nahi karte. But that’s not true. I used to give the clap, call the actors when the set was ready and make call sheets. I learnt a lot about facing the camera, how lighting works on set and more
such details.
Your grandfather, Mahavir Oberoi, was a producer; did coming from a film related background help you pursue a career in showbiz?
On the contrary, because of that, my family did not want me to pursue a career in showbiz. I could never meet my grandfather. My father was 16 years old when my grandfather passed away. My grandfather had produced just one film Sheba And Hercules (1967) and passed away while working on his second production. My father has seen my grandfather struggle as a producer. He has seen the kind of stress one goes through and the unpredictable nature of this business. My father was never into movies. My mother comes from an academic background and she wanted me to focus on my studies. My sister studied law and I was studying fashion design. There was an acting school close by and I wanted to join that out of curiosity. I convinced my mother to allow me to train as an actor and also started doing auditions. My mother gave me a window of two years to get a job as an actor, if I couldn’t do that I was supposed to pursue my masters. Luckily, things worked out for me, and here I am today.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui can hold the screen with his facial expressions alone-Ahmed Khan
8:20 AM
Ahmed Khan discusses roping in Nawazuddin as the antagonist in Heropanti 2, opposite the mighty Tiger Shroff
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; March 31, 2022)
When one considers the elaborate stunts that Tiger Shroff can pull off, they would assume that the makers of his next, Heropanti 2, would rope in an antagonist with comparable physical prowess to tackle the actor on screen. Ahmed Khan instead picked Nawazuddin Siddiqui, an actor, who, he says, can “hold the screen with his facial expressions alone”.
Khan tells mid-day, “When we started scripting the film, we knew we needed a man with [command over his] craft. We began to wonder who would portray this part on the celluloid and deliver exactly what we had in mind. In the film Kick, when I saw Mr Siddiqui perform against Salman Khan, a man who could fight anybody in the world, I realised that this man can hold the screen with his facial expressions alone. So Nawaz bhai was the first and the only option for the role of Laila. When you see his eyes, you can see the pain of the character.”
Khan credits Siddiqui for his ability to showcase the character’s turmoil and malices at once. “When he laughs, he laughs like a hyena. He is so intelligent that he can rule the world, and almost does it. This character is confused, but he expresses it. I requested him to hear the script, and he loved it at the first go.”
I was chasing Salman Khan in Kick, I trained him in Sultan and I am now testing him in Radhe-Randeep Hooda
8:04 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 12, 2021)
In one of your recent social media posts, you gave a shout out to help with oxygen concentrators in the battle against Coronavirus. How did you get involved with this work?
During the last wave of the pandemic, I had done whatever I could to help people. Back then, people didn’t have basics, daily amenities, and so many had been laid off from their jobs. This time, the fight is for oxygen. I have been associated with Khalsa Aid for many years now. We decided to tackle the most important and immediate requirement - oxygen concentrators. Some patients can manage with these devices at home for their oxygen requirement. By getting hospitalised, they occupy beds that can be used for critical patients. Concentrators are fewer in number. So, we decided to help out with it. Once a patient reaches out to us, we either home deliver it or have someone from their side pick it up from us. We collect it back once the patient is alright and pass it to the next one who needs it. We’ve got a tremendous response. Today, everyone is trying to help. In fact, I was also planning to go on the ground and assist, but I was asked to refrain from it to avoid chaos. So, I am doing whatever I can from home.
Amid this crisis, your film Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai is releasing. It has waited a year to see this day. Did you feel restless and impatient at any point, during this waiting period?
Well, as an artiste, you don’t have much control over the timing of a film’s release. There are bigger problems at hand and people are suffering a lot more than a film not making it to theatres on a preset date. So, one does not feel much about it being delayed. In the past, I have been guilty of preparing for a film for two-three years, and after that, things didn’t move. So, waiting is okay for me. During the last wave of the pandemic, my international project Extraction released and I was happy that we were able to entertain people and take their minds off a gloomy situation temporarily. Around the same time this year, we have Radhe... it doesn’t matter if it’s a year late.
You have worked with Salman Khan before and there seems to be a certain ease when you appear on the screen together. Whether you play the villain, his coach or someone chasing him — there is an unmissable camaraderie there.
Salman and I have hung out together and we have a friendship that goes back years. We get along well and I really like the guy. There is a camaraderie there which exists off-screen, too. I am very happy with my collaborations with Salman. I was chasing him in Kick, I trained him in Sultan and I am now testing him in Radhe... I think this progression was all planned by him (laughs!). The camaraderie on screen works out well when both the actors concentrate on their parts. Radhe... is an action entertainer and a story of cleaning the city of a drug ring, something that was being talked about last year. It’s an action entertainer. I worked with a cool action team from Korea and a team from the South, which, I would agree, is quite a blend. Prabhudheva keeps it simple and it’s not taxing to work with him. It’s a quintessential story about the good and bad guy and how the bad guy is taken down.
At this stage in your career, with 20 years and numerous roles in movies across genres, what do you seek in a prospective film?
There are many reasons I would say yes to a film — it has to primarily offer something new and exciting for me to do. I don’t like repeating myself. Of course, working with friends is an incentive. A scale like that of Extraction is something that also ticks a box. Primarily, I seek a story that should be something worthy of my time. I have worked with over 20 new directors in my career, so that has never been a constraint. At this stage in my career, with a few experiences in the past, the rest of the people attached to a film also matter a lot now. I have had many movies which didn’t get the perception and the release that they deserved.
Digital platforms have opened doors for actors to break new grounds, while the content is assessed purely on its merit. With Extraction,and now, Radhe..., which releases simultaneously on OTT, does the medium hold more appeal for you?
The longer format is interesting indeed, and I am doing a show, too. But the long format shooting is a new thing for me, and I don’t know yet if I am excited. Shooting for one show is like filming three-four films. This is a new territory and no doubt that new things are being explored. But I am not switching to the digital platform entirely. I still have that excitement about watching a film and being collectively infected with people’s energies in a cinema hall. That medium is still something! Over my career of two decades, I have delved into all sorts of roles across genres — villain, hero, satellite character — the work involved is the same in all these. I have to be truthful to the script, and the rest will happen. A lot of content comes my way, and some of it really excites me. I have enough on my plate to keep me busy; in fact, dates sometimes are an issue now. But I have a good blend on my table.
Lastly, in the pandemic, many actors have made their relationships formal and tied the knot. Have you been thinking on those lines?
Well, I am in the process, I guess. That’s all. That’s my answer — we are all progressing in life and let’s see where it takes us.
The lyrics of Radhe's title track has been penned by me, and is a fitting tribute to Salman Khan-Sajid Wajid
8:14 AM
Prepping for the release of his first film following brother Wajid Khan’s demise, Sajid on discussing the score of Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai with the composer when he was hospitalised, and dedicating his work to him
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; April 19, 2021)
While preparing the soundtrack of Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai, Sajid Khan would make his hospital-bound brother Wajid hear rushes of the tracks, hoping to get his approval. “He would suggest changes that should be made. When I made him hear the title track, all he did was raise his hand to indicate that he liked it a lot. He [expressed sorrow] at the fact that the work load had come on my shoulders. He worried for me; I was working night and day, because we were in need of a lot of things then. But he would tell me to take care of my health,” says Khan of his long time collaborator, the late musician who succumbed to a cardiac arrest, last year.
With Khan’s passing, Sajid inevitably lost his sounding board. Feedback on his music was always readily available for him, and in his absence, he says his “music is different”. “Now, all that I do is for him; [I want him] to be proud of his brother. Salman bhai [Khan] stood by me and said he had faith in our work. I remember, in the past, when my father was unwell, Wajid and I requested to distance ourselves from working on Kick, because we were not mentally [invested]. And while it is easy to [replace musicians], Salman kept his faith in us.”
When dealing with a Salman-starrer, there’s little to debate when establishing that Sajid-Wajid — with tracks like Mashalla (Ek Tha Tiger), Dabangg and Hello Brother in their kitty — had a fine understanding of what goes into creating a chart-buster. For Sajid, he admits that the aim is to always play to Salman’s magnificence. “He is not a regular star; even an [unsuccessful] Salman Khan film will do better than a regular actor’s successful film. People follow the way he dresses; his music is almost a factor that alters their attitude. So we don’t select normal sounds for him.”
Sajid consistently refers to Radhe as a “town film”, one that, he was told, is stylish and advanced. “We wanted to match international standards. The soundtrack has regge, Colombian music, and carnival styles, and we needed it to sound different from Dabangg. The lyrics of the title track has been penned by me, and is a fitting tribute to Salman.”
A track rendered by Iulia Vantur and Ash King is among the soundtrack’s highlights, says Sajid, crediting the former for her trajectory as a singer in the industry. “People say she is being promoted by Salman, but you can’t negate the effort she puts in. Previously, we would have to work with her for six to seven hours to correct each [note]. But, this time, she recorded the song in 30 minutes. People need to understand that for any singer, understanding the language is essential. Just like a foreign language would be for an Indian, Hindi can be tough for [a foreigner] to nab, and she was, at the onset, weak. Working on the pronunciation was another aspect. But look how actors like Katrina [Kaif] and Jacqueline [Fernandez] have grown. Even if they err while speaking, people love it. That’s how hard Iulia has worked too.”
In Kick, Devil’s personality matches Salman Khan’s-Rajat Arora
8:43 AM
Rajat Arora is scripting the sequel of the thriller, along with Part 3 of Shootout; he also has films with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ekta Kapoor
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 22, 2020)
Bollywood writers have diverse opinions about the lockdown—with some finding much-needed time at home to write, while for others, the on ground scenario of Coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on their creativity. Rajat Arora who has scripted films like Taxi No 9211, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, The Dirty Picture and Kick to name a few, admits that some days are very good, and some very bad. “Sometimes, nothing happens for months; then, you get into the flow and write in one go,” he shares, adding that in the last few months, he has completed the script of Shootout 3, which will be directed by Sanjay Gupta.The first two installments of the franchise were based in Mumbai — Lokhandwala and Wadala. “The third installment steps out of the city. It’s essential to go one up on the previous film. This is my first film for Sanjay and we quickly aligned with each other’s vision. We started in February and locked the script in four months,” says Rajat, who is now working on the dialogue as he revisits the gangster genre a decade after Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. “I was offered several gangster films, but I didn’t want to repeat myself. I couldn’t say no to this one as it’s a great story, very different from what I have done so far.”
Rajat is also working on the sequel of Kick, Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial, which will again be fronted by Salman Khan. He’s evasive on the subject, saying it’s work in progress. The 2014 action thriller had several crowd-pleasing one-liners like “Mere baare mein itna mat sochna, main dil mein aata hoon, samajh mein nahin” and “Aap Devil ke peechhey, Devil aapke ke peechhey, too much fun.” Are there more in store? “In Kick, Devil’s personality matches Salman sir’s and that’s how those lines came about. Nobody talks like this in real life, but you don’t want to disappoint a huge star’s fan base. Eventually, it’s the character that dictates the language,” he reasons.
Writing larger-than-life characters comes naturally to Rajat, as he has grown up watching Salim-Javed, Kader Khan, Vijay Anand and Manoj Kumar’s brand of cinema. “My childhood was full of larger-than-life characters and my writing just sums that up,” explains the writer of another Sajid Nadiadwala production, an official remake of the Telugu film, RX 100. It is being directed by Milan Luthria and will introduce Suniel Shetty’s son, Ahan, opposite Tara Sutaria. “A remake is like adapting a true story and this film is great, so you don’t want to ruin it. This is my eighth film with Milan and it’s been a good partnership.”Besides the above-mentioned films, there are multiple others in the pipeline. “I’m writing another film for Sajid sir, one for Bhansali sir (Sanjay Leela Bhansali) and a third for Ekta (Kapoor), but I can’t talk about them right now,” he signs off, leaving one to speculate about these projects.
Salman Khan had 16 films in the previous decade with only 1 film failing to cross the 1 crore footfall mark
8:44 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
DABANGG 3 just about managed to get 1 crore footfalls despite the failure of the film. This means that Salman Khan had just one miss in the gone decade where only one of his films failed to hit the 1 crore footfall mark, that is, VEER. One crore footfalls is basically a real 100 crore nett value at the box office be it 1970 or 2020. Obviously today 1 crore footfalls means much more than 100 crore nett at the box office and in a few years it will give even more as ticket rates go higher.
One crore footfalls also means reaching a sizeable audience although some films need to reach a bigger audience due to the size of the films and most Salman Khan films come into this category. The one miss was VEER (2010) which was his first release of the decade and became before DABANGG (2010) which established his image of a mass action superstar across India and then films like BODYGUARD, READY and EK THA TIGER rubber stamped this image. VEER actually scored in Rajasthan and Bihar but Salman Khan was not the same star at the time of this release as he was a year or two later.
Basically just one film under 1 crore footfalls through the whole decade means most of his films got an audience irrelevant of content. If we compare, then Aamir Khan had one film which fell under 1 crore footfalls in the 2000-2009 decade but there were just nine releases and Manoj Kumar had one miss in the 1970-1979 decade but only ten films. Limited films had a hand in not missing the 1 crore mark for Aamir Khan and Manoj Kumar.
The Salman Khan films of the last decade are also finding big audiences on television in the Coronavirus lockdown period especially the two TIGER films. As far as OTT goes its being said that these B and C grade web series which have foundations based on sex and profanities rather than story and screenplay are the rage in the lockdown period but just the price paid for Salman Khan starrers which is around 100 crore is enough to tell what has a bigger audience. TIGER ZINDA HAI, RACE 3, BHARAT and DABANGG 3 have all fetched this price or nearabouts it.
The footfalls of Salman Khan starrer in the last decade are as follows. There were sixteen releases in total.
1. Veer (2010) - 73,47,000
2. Dabangg (2010) - 2,50,86,000
3. Ready (2011) - 1,84,52,000
4. Bodyguard (2011) - 2,21,48,000
5. Ek Tha Tiger (2012) - 2,47,39,000
6. Dabangg 2 (2012) - 2,05,28,000
7. Jai Ho (2014) - 1,43,98,000
8. Kick (2015) - 2,41,92,000
9. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) - 3,54,17,000
10. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) - 2,22,76,000
11. Sultan (2016) - 3,20,85,000
12. Tubelight (2017) - 1,15,74,000
13. Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) - 3,08,89,000
14. Race 3 (2018) - 1,58,19,000
15. Bharat (2019) - 1,60,68,000
16. Dabangg 3 (2019) - 1,01,63,000
It hurt that the audience could not see a more authentic version of Battle Of Saragarhi-Randeep Hooda
11:30 AM
Randeep Hooda opens up on Battle Of Saragarhi, admits he didn’t watch Akshay Kumar’s film on the same subject
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 23, 2020)
Randeep Hooda recently wrapped up Prabhudheva’s Radhe, featuring Salman Khan in the titular role. In his first negative role he plays a Mumbai-based gangster and has shot some dare devil action scenes with a Korean stunt team. “I’ve had this action image for a long time and I would always wonder why because I’ve never punched anyone, never used my fists. But I love action, if it’s not too over-the-top,” smiles the actor.Randeep underwent extreme transformation, shedding 18 kilos for Sarabjit Singh’s biopic and then growing his hair and learning the Sikh martial arts to enact the role of Havildar Ishar Singh in Rajkumar Santoshi’s war drama, Battle Of Saragarhi. “It’s just an extra effort I put in for my character and there’s a sense of responsibility and respect when you are playing one who was for real. There’s also a fear that people will find out that I can’t act,” he guffaws.
Battle Of Saragarhi was shelved and it was Akshay Kumar who played the braveheart in Anurag Singh’s Kesari. Surely, it must have been upsetting? “It hurt that the audience could not see what would probably have been a more authentic version with more real emotions of the story. That apart, you learn to move on. Through the journey I learnt the principles of Sikhism and I’m a better person now,” he avers. Did he watch Kesari, you wonder, and he quips, “Nope, it didn’t excite me much.”Randeep will soon be seen in Sai Kabir’s Mard and describes him as a “quirky director” who is trying to extend himself with this film. “Every film has a life of its own. Since I don’t go on holidays, my only holiday is to go into the world of films,” he exclaims.
His last release, Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal, despite Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan, failed to connect with the audience. Ask him what went wrong and he laughs, “It didn’t do well? I’m not sure because had it done well, I’d have got a grand piano from Imtiaz, but I believe I’m not getting it now.” Prod him and he says he thought it was a novel story, underlining the difference between the sex-starved, gender-separated love of the ’90s with the sexually easy yet empathetic world of today. “It was well directed, I enjoyed it,” he avers.Sajid Nadiadwala has confirmed that a sequel to his 2014 directorial, Kick, is being scripted. The first part had featured Randeep as a no-nonsense cop, Himanshu Tyagi, on the hunt for Salman’s Devil aka Devilal Singh. Has the maker returned to him with Part 2? “I have no idea they were doing the sequel!” he exclaims. “I really enjoyed Kick, Sajid’s debut directorial.”
Buzz is, Randeep will soon be seen in a quirky comedy produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He interrupts, “That’s being produced by somebody else now. Yes, it’s a comedy and I play a cop. I am shooting for it right now at Karnal.”
Speculaton is also rife that the actor will soon tie the knot with model-actress, Lin Laishram. The actor neither confirms nor denies the rumour and signs off keeping the suspense around his personal life intact. “As a rule, I don’t discuss my personal life, I have enough to talk about professionally. But yes, I am in a very good space at the moment,” he winks.
In Radhe, I’m testing him to see how much Salman Khan has learnt from me-Randeep Hooda
7:55 AM
Korean stunt team designing action for Prabhudheva’s directorial, which is still on course for an Eid release
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 13, 2020)
Even as other actor-producers are juggling their releases, Salman Khan’s Radhe is still on course to open on Eid. Just a few days of work remains on the action-thriller which is currently being shot in Mumbai after a marathon schedule in Goa during which a number of dare-devil action sequences were canned under the supervision of a stunt team from South Korea. Randeep Hooda, who has reunited with the actor for the third time, after the 2014 action-thriller Kick and the 2016 sports-drama, Sultan, for his first out-and-out negative role, shot for several smoke fights, hand-to-hand combats, gunfire and multiple chases. “There is this five-minute single shot for which my co-actor, who was on the heavy side, had to jump on my back. The stunt team insisted on several takes. When we were on the 18th one, my knee gave way,” Randeep reminisces, adding that he tried one more time, but the pain was intense, and he had to be rushed to the hospital. “Ironically, they finally settled for the first take.”
The actor, who for years has thumbed down all caricaturish baddie roles, agreed to play one in Salman’s home production on his request, which came with the promise of lots of action. “I respect Salman as a person and an actor. He has a certain way of working and since we have collaborated before, I am used to it and we had a lot of fun,” says Randeep, optimistic that the audience will enjoy seeing the two of them together.
While in Kick, Randeep played a no-nonsense cop, Himanshu Tyagi, on a mission to track down Salman’s Devil, and in Ali Abbas Zafar’s sports drama the role of Sultan’s boxing coach, Fateh Singh, this time he plays a Mumbai-based gangster. “I chased Salman in Kick and coached him in Sultan. This time, I’m testing him to see how much he has learnt from me as his character hunts for mine,” he smiles.
The film chronicles the gang wars of Mumbai, with Salman in the titular role of a Bhai opposite Disha Patani. Jacqueline Fernandez has a special turn in a dance number. The Prabhudheva-directorial wraps up by March end.
We have Dabangg 4 written too-Salman Khan
8:36 AM
Salman Khan on plans to take the Dabangg franchise forward even after a prequel; bringing Chulbul, Radhe and Devil in a crossover film and being approached by Farhan Akhtar with a script
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 12, 2019)
He arrives like the star he is. And instantly, the slumbering parking lot of Mehboob Studio comes alive. Flashbulbs pop as Bhai strikes a pose. There are journalists waiting to meet Salman Khan and a Bangladeshi cricketer too. He obliges some of those waiting, before beckoning you to take two chairs, one stacked on top of the other so you are at his eye level. Excerpts:
This time, we believe you have been credited with the story, screenplay and dialogue. What makes Dabangg 3 different from the earlier two films?
When I heard the story of the first Dabangg, which Dilip Shukla had written, I liked the plot but thought the character wasn’t noble. There were no songs, he was grey, corrupt and ruthless. I changed him into the Chulbul Pandey you see, and it worked. There was a lot of angst. The mother passes away, after which he accepts his father and brother as family. That script was not mine; we retained the mota mota plot and made the scenes more massy and today, with a different kind of swagger. If you were to meet Chulbul on the road, toh aap usey maroge because he’ll appear arrogant and badtameez. But on screen, you like him. He does tedha things but for the right reasons. Like the zehreela sharab scene in Dabangg was negative but uska fayda was positive.
In Dabangg 2, they wanted just Chulbul, without the family. I argued that Chulbul worked because of his mother, father, Makkhan Chand Pandey, Bobby ji, Tiwari ji, Pichkari ji, Rajjo, everyone. How could I take them out? So, we retained them.
The third part is about how Chulbul became the man he is. We’ve dug up his past, there’s pain. It’s an emotional vendetta story.
At a time when filmmakers are struggling with sequels, you’re coming with a prequel…
We have Dabangg 4 written too.
Yeah you are going up to Dabangg 743 as you mentioned in our last interview. Seriously, how do these ideas happen?
(Laughs) They just come about. Sometimes, one film gives you an idea for the next. In Dabangg 3, we explore why Rajjo’s father was an alcoholic and how Chulbul met her. Aap jab picture dekhoge toh aapko samajh mein aayega kahan kahan se nikle hain hum.
After two films, today, the minute I walk into the Dabangg set, I stop being Salman Khan, the actor, and become Chulbul Pandey. Ditto, Sonakshi who transforms instantly into Rajjo. That’s how it is with the whole cast; we’ve become a real family.
Do you have a personal connection with Chulbul?
Well, I’m writing it, playing the character, so there has to be some thought behind it.
The director this time is Prabhudheva and he knows the pulse of the audience…
Yeah, that’s why he’s in the film. Arbaaz (Khan, brother and the director of Dabangg 2) would take time to understand, his BP would shoot up and down. So, this time, the first thing he said was that he wouldn’t direct the film and we should get someone else. I suggested Prabhu, and his reaction was, “Fantastic!” Prabhu is very receptive, he gets what I want to say in a second. Language is a problem with him, so I have to explain things to him, but once he gets it, he executes it beautifully... Larger-than-life, with humour and emotion. Bang on! With a film like Dabangg, we go from high point to high point. We’re not pakaoing anyone. The message comes through the scenes.
Even before Dabangg 3 was complete, you announced Radhe with Prabhu. Obviously, you have a lot of confidence in him and he reiterates you share a great equation, which is rare...
Yes, we have a good working relationship and I believe one shouldn’t spoil that. We were looking for a director for Radhe. My friend Prashant suggested Prabhu. I recalled he had told me that after Dabangg 3, he was going on a two-month holiday, but Prashant urged me to speak to him and Prabhu agreed. The script was halfway through. I was working on a film at the time... I don’t remember the name... and it was to come out on Eid, which didn’t happen…
Inshallah with Sanjay Leela Bhansali? Wasn’t that the film?
Inshallah… Inshallah… Radhe is happening Inshallah on Eid. We are working day in and day out to put it out on Eid.
You were saying Radhe’s script was ready…
With us, plots are always ready, then, they evolve. You write at home, in a hotel or an office. But then, when you come on the sets, the story changes with the setting.
Radhe is also your story?
No, but we have made a lot of changes.
Eid is your date…
No, it’s not, it’s nobody’s date, anyone is welcome to release a film on the day. It’s just that my films happen to come on Eid. Actually, my last film, Bharat, released during Ramadan, three days before Eid. And now, Dabangg 3 is arriving on Christmas. I’ve had releases during Diwali and Republic Day too. Any festive day is a good day.
Next Eid, Akshay Kumar’s Laxmmi Bomb is releasing with Radhe...
Yes, and there is scope for another two-three films to come on that day. Then, the audience decides which film to spend on. Agar picture achhi lagi, they will watch it. If they don’t, toh nahin dekhenge, festive date ho ya koi bhi date ho.
Bharat has made a lot of money at the box-office. But do you think the scale of the film magnified the expectations?
Not really. I just thought towards the end, the father should have come back. That was my problem with the film. But aaj kal ke yeh new people think that a reunion with the father is a cliché. Father ki age kya hogi? Uski story kya hogi? I don’t give a damn, he should have come back.
Yes, the film did phenomenal business, my sister (Alvira) is happy, we’re happy with the product. But if we had shown a 70-year-old man and a 90-year-old man having a conversation, it would have been a more emotionally satisfying film. Bharat’s whole journey was about him waiting for his father to come back to him. So, for me, the film looked incomplete.
Talking about fathers, Salim Khan saab recently said that Farhan Akhtar has come to you with a script and you have liked it. Is the film happening?I don’t know. Farhan has come to me with a script and I like him. He is like a kid brother; he has grown up with us. That bond will always be there with Zoya (Akhtar) and him. They are like my younger siblings.
Rohit Shetty and you have been talking too. Will Chulbul Pandey join Rohit’s cop universe, with Singham and Simmba?
Chulbul is a universe within himself. So is Singham.
This is a separate film, then?
Nothing’s finalised. We’ve been talking about other things too.
But Kick 2 is definitely happening and we are told it could arrive in December 2021?
It could.
How does it feel to bring Devil back? He has his own fans...
Yeah, one thing I want to do later is bring Kick’s Devil, Dabangg’s Chulbul Pandey and Radhe together.
That’s a wonderful idea. If The Avengers can do it, why not Salman Khan. Are you joking or is it a possibility?
No, I have something in mind.
Kick is Sajid’s film. He is not just a producer but a good friend...
Yes, he’s like a brother to us.
And what is it like bringing him back as a director?
(Laughs) He didn’t even know he was directing Kick, he got to know on Twitter.
You have introduced several newcomers to Hindi cinema, not just technicians but actors, too. From Sonakshi Sinha to Saiee Manjrekar now...
Saiee is a sigh of relief for the industry. Watch out for her.
We have heard that she is playing a mute in the film, no dialogue, speechless… True?
Nooo, you guys will be speechless when you see her. I’d introduced Sonakshi at an award show and this time too, I took Saiee along. As soon as we faced the paparazzi, they started saying, we want solo pictures of her. So, I thought, ho gaya Saiee ka. Rocket Singh, straight out! Then, I heard this comment, “Saiee, tu sahi aahes.”
We thought you were introducing Saiee’s sister, Ashwami? Are you?
We don’t have anything right now, but she is very talented.
How does Bigg Boss feel after all these years? It’s become a part of you?
Yeah, a part of mine wants to cut that part and throw it out and the other part wants to keep it. And the latter is haavi on the part that wants to throw it out.
You don’t like the show?
I like it. It gets stressful, but I learn a lot. And I get to know where the country is going, what is happening to values, morals, scruples and principles. We see it right there, with celebrities. The beauty is once they are out of the house, they are not like that at all. It’s not as if they are giving performances, the house makes them like that.
Has being in a particular place changed your personality?
No.
What’s happening with Sohail Khan’s film Sher Khan?
That film requires a lot of visual effects. After it is shot, it will take six-eight months, almost a year, for it to be ready. After the next two-three films, Sher Khan goes on the floors. It’s beautiful.
I’m not going to ask you about marriage this time…
Okay.
…But whenever I see you with kids, I feel a child is missing out on a really good father.
Even I feel that way.
Are there plans of having a child through adoption, surrogacy, though that’s outlawed...
No, not yet.
So, no plans?
No, when it happens, it happens.
How will it happen?
(With a straight face) I can’t describe the whole process to you.
What I mean is that you don’t want to get married or adopt…
There are enough kids in the house. Another child will be born now, in December.
Would you like to raise your sister Arpita’s child?
No, Arpita does a fantastic job of raising her child, in fact, she is raising all of us correctly right now.
Your dad, even at 84, is all there…
Yeah, because there were five of us, and now many more, so he has to be all there.
It’s wonderful how he knows everything that is happening with all your projects.
I share things with him when he is sitting across the table, tell him the basic plot. He will say, “Yeh galat hai, isey nikalo.” When he sees the film, too, there are times he says, “Yahaan mazaa nahin aa raha hai, isey nikalo.” Some bits we do listen to.
Did he have any suggestions for Dabangg 3?
No.
I led a life away from cinema, but it still found its way to me-Shivaleeka Oberoi
7:31 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 22, 2019)
Shivaleeka Oberoi, who is all set to make her acting debut with director Cherag Ruparel’s romantic-thriller, Yeh Saali Aashiqui, has previously assisted filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala on Kick (2014) and filmmakers Sajid-Farhad (Samji Brothers) on Housefull 3 (2016). Interestingly, even before her film opposite debutant Vardhan Puri opens in theatres, she has bagged her second film with Vidyut Jammwal. The actress spoke to BT about her journey so far and what lies ahead. Excerpts...
With your debut film hitting the theatres in a few days, are you nervous? It’s interesting that you chose a romantic thriller for your maiden outing. Also, the past couple of years have seen a lot of new faces in Bollywood. Are you apprehensive about the competition that lies ahead?
Right now, I’m just overwhelmed that people have appreciated the film’s trailer and first song. Even with two newcomers in the lead, people have been generous with their appreciation. For Vardhan and I, this movie is a big responsibility. Yes, I am nervous, but I’m also happy about what we’ve pulled off. As for the new faces on the scene, I don’t feel any pressure, as competition is a part of every profession. To further answer your question, I chose a romantic thriller because I felt that it would help me showcase my range and potential as an actor in a content-led film.
Your grandfather, Mahavir Oberoi, was a producer. Did the fact that you are an industry kid make it easier for you to make inroads in Bollywood?
Well, I have never met my grandfather. He passed away when my father was really young, and no one else in the family was in the business of cinema until I decided to become an actor. I was all of five years when I started imitating Kareena Kapoor’s scenes from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) at home (laughs!). My mother, who was a teacher in the same school where I studied, was a little scared to see me like that because koi apparent filmi connection nahi tha. I led a life away from cinema, but it still found its way to me. During my college days, I decided to join Anupam Kher’s acting school, and my mother was quite supportive. For my ‘admission test’, I had to enact a scene before Anupam sir, and even there, I did Kareena’s train sequence from Jab We Met (2007). At 16, I was the youngest in my batch. Eventually, I landed a few commercials, and then, at a social gathering, my grandmother spoke to Sajid sir’s mother about me. Hearing what I wanted to do, she asked me to see Sajid sir. When I told him about my acting aspirations, he asked me to first prepare myself by becoming an assistant director. Post Housefull 3, I got a call for auditioning for Yeh Saali Aashiqui. Everyone, insider or outsider, has their journey before finding his/her debut film. If someone comes from a prolific film family, like Vardhan (late actor Amrish Puri’s grandson), they have to live up to that name and still work hard to make a mark. So, we’re all in the same boat, albeit, on different sides. Everything depends on how well people take to your work.
So, who do you consider your mentor in the industry?
Sajid Nadiadwala is someone I look up to. If I hadn’t assisted him on Kick, I would not have been here. Being behind the scenes has helped me learn so much. While shooting Kick, I was assigned to give claps before the shot. When I saw Salman Khan on the set for the first time, I started shivering. Eventually, I was assigned to take the scenes to him and so on. That is how I studied films — by working on them. As an AD on Housefull 3, I figured how nuances matter a lot. Akshay sir (Kumar) casually hangs out on the set, but the moment the camera rolls, he’s in character. I also understood the pressures producers face, how actors and crew members work together, and why there’s never a minute to waste on a set. It’s important to have such exposure before starting off as an actor.
Apart from you, this is also Vardhan’s first film. How did you break the ice with him?
His family has a big name in the industry. I was nervous when I met him for the first time, but Meenaji and Rajeev ji (producers Rajeev Amrish Puri, Meena Rajeev Puri) took good care of me. Vardhan was also kind and understanding as a co-star. A week into the look tests, we bonded with each other. We even figured that we were friends on social media for years, and had lots of common friends. Eventually, we became good friends in the real world, too.
It is often said that landing your second film is more difficult than making a debut. But, in your case, even before Yeh Saali Aashiqui releases, your second film (Khuda Hafiz) has rolled. That must be a relief...
Deep in my heart, I wanted my second film in my kitty before my debut releases. And, God answered my prayers. I was called to audition for Khuda Hafiz. When I heard the brief, it ticked all the boxes — a great story, a talented co-star and a good team. I was happy that I got a chance merely on the basis of my audition. Kumar Mangat ji (producer Kumar Mangat Pathak) put his faith in me even without seeing my first film.
On the personal front, there were rumours that you are engaged to TV actor Karam Rajpal...
He’s one of my closest buddies. I’m very focussed on my career right now. My mother and I were both surprised when news about Karam and me made the rounds. I’m a romantic person, but this is not the time to fall in love. It’s time to work.
That was a hoax… I am very much single-Shivaleeka Oberoi
7:49 AM
Shivaleeka Oberoi refutes rumours of her engagement with TV actor Karam Rajpal
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 15, 2019)
Shivaleeka Oberoi, who is all set to debut as the leading lady of Amrish Puri’s grandson Vardhan in Yeh Saali Aashiqui, admits it’s a big responsibility to be associated with the Puri family. “Meena Puri (producer) would personally come to check on me when I fell sick. They are family,” she points out.She entered the industry soon after completing her 12th standard, working as an assistant director on Sajid Nadiadwala’s Kick and Housefull 3. The filmmaker was a mentor to her and after wrapping up her first film, Shivaleeka went straight to meet him. “Acting in one of his films would be a dream come true and complete the circle,” she points out, adding that while working on Kick, she learnt how not to waste money. “I would hang around Salman Khan and Jacqueline (Fernandez), picking up little details.”
The young actress has already started shooting for her next, Khuda Hafiz, opposite Vidyut Jammwal. “I was determined to have a second film in my hand before my first release. So, as soon as I completed Yeh Saali Aashiqui, I started auditioning. Kumar (Mangat) sir showed immense faith in me as a producer by investing in an actor who he has yet to see on screen,” she says. She will be performing some stunts but promises they will be different from action sequences in mainstream films. “Even Vidyut will be in a different zone. He is very down-to-earth and we hit it off instantly.”
Shivaleeka’s grandfather had produced a film in 1967, Sheba And Hercules. “It was his dream to be a part of Bollywood. I never met him as he passed away before I was born, but I am trying to fulfill his dream,” she says emotionally.
Two years ago, there were reports that she was dating TV actor Karam Rajpal. The duo had even announced their roka. Prod her on the subject and she laughs, “That was a hoax. Everyone had very high hopes about us, but we were and continue to be close friends. I am very much single.”
I would love for Katy Perry to try some homemade pani puri-Jacqueline Fernandez
7:42 AM
Jacqueline Fernandez says singer is interested in Bollywood and eating out while in Mumbai
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 13, 2019)
On Tuesday, Mirror had reported that Karan Johar will be hosting a party at his residence on Thursday to welcome Katy Perry. The American pop star touched down in Mumbai at around 3 am and found an enthusiastic companion and guide in Jacqueline Fernandez, who’ll reportedly play host at the music festival.
The actress took to the social media to share her “fan moment” with Perry who said she’s going to watch the Jackie-Salman Khan starrer Kick on her first evening in Mumbai. “She is very interested in Bollywood and in watching a couple of movies. When she asked me to recommend one, I suggested Kick. It’s really sweet that she wants to understand the culture and immerse herself into some Bollywood films,” Jackie told Mirror.
During her last visit in 2012, when she performed at the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League in Chennai, she didn’t get to discover India, so this time, even though her schedule is jam-packed, it’s all about “immersing and educating” herself.
“I’m sure Jacqueline is going to take me shopping, eating,” Perry said, adding, “I’ve always looked at Mumbai as a destination I really want to be at... And I’m excited to indulge in all things Indian.”
Jackie promises that whenever Perry gets some time, they will go around the city. “I would love for her to try some homemade pani puri. Since she has a performance on November 16, I don’t want to feed her anything that can upset her stomach. I’m going to be very cautious if I take her out to eat anywhere,” she was quick to add.
Prod her on her fave Perry song and she picks “Roar” for its “motivating and inspiring lyrics” and that it is a mood lifter. Given a chance would she want to share the stage with the internationally famous singer? “That would be awesome, to actually share a stage with someone so iconic. She’s an amazingly talented performer and entertainer. We have something in store for the show, but we will keep that a surprise for the moment,” Jackie signs off with a laugh.
I’ve not understood this beast called Bollywood-Randeep Hooda
7:58 AM
Itishree Misra (BOMBAY TIMES; November 12, 2019)
The past few years may have been disappointing for actor Randeep Hooda professionally, but a more calm and confident person has emerged from it. The actor has been actively involved in social work and when asked about it, he says, “You have to go out in the world to feed the actor within you. And I feel that when I do something for the greater good, which is not personally or directly connected to me, I feel better about myself because I think there is this sense of contribution.”
He is now armed with several acting projects, including a film with Salman Khan and another with Hollywood hearthrob Chris Hemsworth. The Highway actor, who has just completed Love Aaj Kal 2 with Imtiaz Ali, says he is in a better space than he was when he had said ‘no’ to a lot of projects while prepping for his role of Havildar Ishar Singh for the film Battle Of Saragarhi. The film never got made, and the role was later played by Akshay Kumar in a different film, Kesari.
Talking about it, Randeep tells us, “It is not disappointing, rather it was a life-changing experience. I grew my hair and beard and I did it for my own satisfaction, and to test my own boundaries. Look, everybody wants recognition and the fact people are talking about it is recognition in itself. I know where I lacked and if given a chance, I will try and improve upon those things. So, it wasn’t disappointing that the film never got made, it has added to my personality immensely.”
Ask him if Bollywood has started taking note of him more now, and the actor laughingly says, “To be honest, I’ve really not understood this beast called Bollywood. I’ve been working in different kinds of films with different kinds of people. From an absolute commercial pot-boiler like Kick to a Sarbjit to doing a Bombay Talkies or even a Charles, I’ve worked with all kinds of people and have enjoyed each experience. Many successful and experienced people in the industry have told me that I shouldn’t change my look too often but I did just that. In the last 14-15 years, I’ve loved what I’ve done. If one says that Bollywood has started to notice me... well, it’s high time!”
Sajid Nadiadwala owns the title Sanki, also rumoured to be the name of Shah Rukh Khan-Atlee's next?
8:00 AM
Salman suggested it during Kick, reports are rife that SRK’s next is called thus, but it’s Sajid who is making a film with it
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 4, 2019)
While there’s no word on this film or any other yet, we can say that it definitely won’t be called Sanki because the title belongs to Sajid Nadiadwala, who has registered it with the Film Producers Guild of India. A source affiliated to the Guild informed Mirror, “Salman had suggested that Sajid register the title when they were making Kick. Even though they eventually stuck with Kick for their film as it was a remake of a Telugu film with the same title, Sajid still owns the title Sanki and without his NOC (No Objection Certificate), no one else can use it. In fact, there are three other producers in the queue for this much-wanted title.”
While Sajid was unavailable for comment, his spokesperson confirmed that the filmmaker owns the title and added that the script of Sanki is ready, along with the casting. “We will be officially announcing the project soon after Christmas,” said the spokesperson.
Images: Prabhas imitates Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan; serenades Raveena Tandon on Nach Baliye 9
7:55 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (August 22, 2019)
Prabhas may be making inroads into Hindi films now, but the Bahubali actor who will next be seen in the multilingual action-thriller Saaho opposite Shraddha Kapoor, is quite clued into the Bollywood subculture.He recently made a guest appearance on the celebrity dancebased show Nach Baliye 9 with his co-star, and instantly had the audience eating out of his hands. While he is known to be reserved, Prabhas broke character on stage to fan-boy over one of the show’s judges. “I am a huge fan of Raveena Tandon,” he said, eliciting a response from show host Maniesh Paul, who remarked, “Laakhon ladkiyaan fida hain Prabhas par, but Prabhas fida hain Raveena par.”
Later, the Telugu actor was asked to perform on Bollywood songs, and he pulled off Salman Khan’s hook step from his 2014 chartbuster in Kick, “Jumme Ki Raat”. He was soon joined by Shraddha and the show’s second judge, choreographer-turned-director Ahmed Khan, who then performed on Hrithik Roshan’s iconic “Ik Pal Ka Jeena” from his 2000 debut film, Kaho Naa… Pyar Hai.
While we’re yet to see what Salman and Hrithik have to say about Prabhas’s screen impressions of them, from us it’s an ‘A+’ for Bahubali with the happy feet.
Mirror Exclusive: Salman Khan's Kick 2 to go on the floors next year
2:26 PM
Filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala has finished the first draft of the script of Salman Khan-starrer Kick 2; film to roll next year
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 25, 2019)
Five years ago today, Kick, the 2014-action thriller, which featured Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Randeep Hooda and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, released, on Eid.The film marked Sajid Nadiadwala’s directorial debut. The filmmaker had, up until then, worked as a producer in the industry for more than 25 years. Ever since the film released to wide appeal, there’s been a constant buzz around Kick 2.
Mirror has learnt that the sequel is in its pre-production stage and is expected to go on floors in 2020.
“Since Kick was a much-loved film, Sajid and his writing team is taking things extremely slow, to ensure that part two lives up to the expectations of the audience,” reveals a source close to the development. “There have been several brain-storming sessions to lock the premise of the story, which carries forward the franchise. They have finally zeroed in on the idea.”
The film will mark the return of Salman, who plays Devil (Devi Lal Singh). “The character is deeply layered. There’s a lot about him that has been left to explore,” adds the source. “Devil’s character is extremely unpredictable. That is precisely what makes his role all the more unique. Sajid will further explore this side of the character in part two.”
The filmmaker is working overtime on the script to ensure the film is ready to kick off next year. “Salman and Sajid are constantly in touch—the discussion is mostly about Kick 2. Both of them are extremely keen and eager to team up again. Sajid has discussed the basic premise of the film with him, and Salman Khan is quite kicked about the project,” the source informs.
Once the script is finalised, the team will go on a recce to finalise the location sites. “The shooting spots will be decided as per the demand of the script. Much like part one, even the sequel will be set in India and abroad.” Apart from Salman, other members of the cast will be decided shortly.
Sajid is ecstatic that his directorial debut has completed five years today. “It’s a nostalgic day for me. I have started penning down the second instalment. The first draft is ready. The second draft is in its initial stage. I’m excited for this journey to begin as much as fans are to witness it. The Devil will return soon,” he smiles.
Apart from working on Kick 2 script, the filmmaker is also “actively involved” in projects such as Chhichhore, Housefull 4, ‘83, Ahan Shetty’s launch and Baaghi 3.
Salman and Sajid first worked together as actor-producer in the 1996 action film, Jeet. They also teamed up for Judwaa, Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and Jaan-E-Mann.
Sajid has revealed in the past that when the team was deciding who will be the director of Kick, it was Salman who insisted Sajid to come and helm the project. “Before I could even confirm my decision, Salman had already tweeted, ‘The Grandson is the new director of Kick.’ This happened within 10 minutes and I didn’t even get a chance to say a no,” Sajid was quoted ahead of Kick’s release.
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