Showing posts with label Middle-Class Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Middle-Class Love. Show all posts
Ladkiyaan mere peeche bhaagti hain, main unke peeche nahin bhaagta-Prit Kamani
7:53 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 30, 2022)
As far as he can remember, Prit Kamani always wanted to be an actor. Being called “cute” since childhood helped him envision himself on the big screen. “Everyone used to say that I’ll be a hero. So, I always wanted to become a hero. I started giving auditions from third grade and got my first advertisement back then,” Kamani recaps.
His parents wanted him to focus on his studies and Kamani excelled in them, too. However, his passion kept him doing several TV shows, including the remake of Shaktiman and a few other shows. “I did a lot of TV shows here and there, however, I was really focused on studies. I wanted to become a bioengineer,” he states.
Kamani recently played the lead in Middle-Class Love, which was all about teenage love. Ask him about his relationship status and he replies, “I’m single and completely available. I want to make space in everyone’s heart. I hope phone ke wallpaper se dil ke wallpaper tak I’ll be everywhere.”
Talking about his female fan following, the actor says he has been popular since college days: “Ladkiyaan mere peeche bhaagti hain, main unke peeche nahin bhaagta. Ladkiyaan to kya ladke bhi mere peeche bhaagte hain (laughs).”
OTT no longer a haven for small films, say experts
2:40 PM
As theatres make a post-pandemic recovery, makers shed light on whether content still triumphs over big budgets on OTT
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 12, 2022)
Content does all the talking on OTT — this is the popular notion that has been attached to the medium for some time now. The OTT boom that was witnessed during the pandemic further strengthened this belief as a barrage of fresh and unique content flooded the web space. However, is the scenario still the same, now that theatres have become operational again? Is it still easy for small films, which are driven by good content, to get an OTT release? Experts weigh in.
‘OTT IS NOT A MESSIAH’
Recently, Manoj Bajpayee told us in an interview that it’s a struggle to release films regardless of the medium. He said, “What I have gone through in getting films like Aligarh (2016) and Bhonsle (2020) to cinema halls, and then OTT, has been quite a journey. One gets tired.” Attesting to the same, Devashish Makhija, director of Bhonsle, recalls, “Originally, we wanted a theatrical run, no matter how limited. But when Covid-19 hit, there was no scope for it. That’s when we got in talks with some OTT platforms.”
Makhija says the expectation for OTT to be a messiah for smaller films shouldn’t exist in the first place. “It’s filmmakers like us, who ascribe a lot of value to alternative mediums. I don’t remember OTT saying, ‘We are here to champion independent films’,” he says, and adds that they just got lucky as a newly-launched platform took a chance with them with Bhonsle. “Today, a big platform turns away original voices. They say, ‘We want to make money, we’re answerable to our bosses’,” he adds.
Echoing similar sentiments, Vinod Bachchan, who produced Jahaan Chaar Yaar, starring Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, says he is yet to find an OTT platform for his film. “Sirf content criteria nahin hota. Many OTT platforms have grouped together. They don’t care whether the content is good or bad, but focus on stars,” he says.
NOT ALL OTT
However, there are also some makers, who have had a good experience on the medium in the recent times. Director Ratnaa Sinha, who created Middle-Class Love, starring newcomers Eisha Singh and Prit Kamani, says the journey becomes easier for a small film when a production house owning a streaming platform, gets on board. “It is really difficult to make a film with new faces. Very few people believed that we could actually pull it off. Once we got a producer on board, however, it was fine. They gave us a good theatrical release, and since they own an OTT platform, we will get a release there automatically,” she says.
Palash Muchhal, director of the film Ardh, says the trick for him was to not approach any OTT platform, but to instead produce the film and then present it to the web teams: “We decided that we will sell the rights to the first platform that approaches us. I produced the film by selling off my car, but made back double profit.”
BOX OFFICE MATTERS
How a film performs at the box office is also a parameter now for OTTs. Trade expert Atul Mohan says films, which failed to attract footfall, were let go of by streamers. “During Covid-19, majboori thi OTT platforms ki as there was a lot of demand. Later, they realised yeh film jiske liye humne Rs. 20 crores diye, yeh toh Rs. 10 crores ke layak nahin thi. The journey is difficult for small films,” he says. Tara Vs Bilal was one such film whose OTT deal fell through after a dismal box-office run, a source reveals.
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, whose film Siya got a theatrical release recently, says, “Things are changing fast. I’ve heard from people that streamers say, ‘Release in theatres first, we’ll take your film after that’.”
Somebody told me that Aamir Khan really liked my audition-Eisha Singh
8:25 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 27, 2022)
Getting her first TV show, Ishq Ka Rang Safed, was like a cakewalk for actor Eisha Singh, as she cracked her first-ever audition and landed the project. However, the same cannot be said for her Bollywood debut. Before bagging director Ratnaa Sinha’s Middle-Class Love, Singh “auditioned for a couple of films, including Laal Singh Chaddha (featuring actor Aamir Khan)”.
The actor tells us, “They were searching for a newcomer initially and I auditioned for it. Somebody told me that Aamir Khan really liked my audition. Though it did not work out, I met him for another project.”
Interestingly, Singh tested for a part that actor Kareena Kapoor Khan ended up playing in director Advait Chandan’s Hindi remake of Forrest Gump (1994).
Recalling her audition, the 23-year-old shares, “We did three scenes and I enjoyed most of them. I have watched Forrest Gump thoroughly, so I really enjoyed it. I think I was nice, but maybe I wasn’t good enough. My dad was watching me (audition) and I was very nervous. Every time dad is on the set, I get very nervous, though he is the coolest and loves my work.”
The actor adds, “It (the movie) did not work out, which is fine. Later, I got to know that Kareena Kapoor ma’am is doing it, so I was fine. I don’t care if 50 more people auditioned for it. The fact that I auditioned for it, and they considered me and thought that I was eligible to be a part of a big film like Laal Singh Chaddha and be paired opposite Aamir Khan was a big thing for me.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: MIDDLE-CLASS LOVE by FENIL SETA
4:07 PM
Middle-Class Love, directed by Ratnaa Sinha of Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana fame, is a bhel puri of films like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Ishq Vishk, Student Of The Year and Do Dooni Chaar. The funky opening credits will make you feel that the film will be a timepass, entertaining fare. Sadly, the introduction scene, which is all over the place, makes it clear that you have signed up for disappointment. What’s saddening is that the film’s storyline did have some interesting plot points be it besties-turned-foes, middle-class upbringing, the importance of family etc. Even the finale speech, if seen individually, is touching. However, the lead male protagonist’s characterization spoils the show. The viewers fail to understand his intentions and what he wants in life. His actions don’t make any sense. Prit Kamani is a bit loud, as per his character requirement. But he does hold promise and can excel, provided he does better films. Eisha Singh plays her part with aplomb. Kavya Thapar puts up a confident act. Manoj Pahwa, as always, is dependable. Sapna Sand (Prit's mother), Sanjay Bishnoi (Prit's brother) and the actors playing Prit's rapper friend and Alex are decent. All in all, despite some fine performances, Middle-Class Love fails to entice.
My rating - ** out of 5!
My rating - ** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 743
11:09 AM
BRAHMASTRA SCORES AT THE BOX OFFICE; MULTIPLE FILMS TO TRY THEIR LUCK THIS FRIDAY
Last week's Brahmastra emerged as a success. After the release of a biggie, producers of big or mid-sized films prefer to stay away, fearing that the big spectacle movie might eat into their business. Hence, this Friday, there’s no major release. Instead, multiple small films would try their luck at the box office though none of them has any chance. My analysis:
JAHAAN CHAAR YAAR: It stars Swara Bhasker, Meher Vij, Pooja Chopra and Shikha Talsania. It tells the story of four unhappy married women going on a trip to Goa. The concept is interesting. But the visual quality doesn't look up to the mark and seems like a small-budget OTT film. It'll have the best opening of all the films though it won't be more than Rs. 15 or 20 lakhs.
SIYA: It marks the directorial debut of acclaimed producer Manish Mundra and stars Vineet Kumar Singh and newcomer Pooja Pandey. The subject is hard-hitting and the trailer packs a punch. However, it’s a very niche film and seems to be disturbing fare. The film has made a bit of noise on social media but it won’t translate into healthy box office numbers.
MIDDLE-CLASS LOVE: It is produced by Anubhav Sinha and directed by his wife, Ratnaa Sinha, who debuted as a director with Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. The film stars newcomers, Prit Kamani, Kavya Thapar and Eisha Singh. They look quite fresh and the intention of the makers is to pull the youth to the cinemas. However, the film has failed to generate any sort of buzz.
SAROJ KA RISHTA: It stars Sanah Kapur, Shahid Kapoor’s sister who was seen in Shaandaar. It tells a relatable story of a plus-sized girl who finds it difficult to find a man who’ll love her. Again, due to zero awareness, it’ll sink without a trace.
MATTO KI SAIKIL: It is a delayed film and stars filmmaker Prakash Jha in a leading role. It is the story of a poor labourer and how his life changes for the worse when his beloved cycle is destroyed in an accident. A subject like this is moving but has no chance in cinemas. The makers did promote the film and that’s when Prakash Jha slammed certain big Bollywood films, including Laal Singh Chaddha. This news became viral but sadly, no one talked about the film while reporting or discussing this news item.
Lastly, there is Khalli Balli, starring Dharmendra in a special appearance. The trailer is horrible and the film might have some chances in B and C Centres.
Lastly, the film that will make the maximum noise this week is Jogi. It will be released tomorrow directly on Netflix and stars Diljit Dosanjh. Ali Abbas Zafar of Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai fame has directed it. It is about a Sikh family caught in the violence that erupted in Delhi in 1984. The awareness is limited as of now but the film will become a talking point after its release due to the subject and Diljit’s presence.
Last week's Brahmastra emerged as a success. After the release of a biggie, producers of big or mid-sized films prefer to stay away, fearing that the big spectacle movie might eat into their business. Hence, this Friday, there’s no major release. Instead, multiple small films would try their luck at the box office though none of them has any chance. My analysis:
JAHAAN CHAAR YAAR: It stars Swara Bhasker, Meher Vij, Pooja Chopra and Shikha Talsania. It tells the story of four unhappy married women going on a trip to Goa. The concept is interesting. But the visual quality doesn't look up to the mark and seems like a small-budget OTT film. It'll have the best opening of all the films though it won't be more than Rs. 15 or 20 lakhs.
SIYA: It marks the directorial debut of acclaimed producer Manish Mundra and stars Vineet Kumar Singh and newcomer Pooja Pandey. The subject is hard-hitting and the trailer packs a punch. However, it’s a very niche film and seems to be disturbing fare. The film has made a bit of noise on social media but it won’t translate into healthy box office numbers.
MIDDLE-CLASS LOVE: It is produced by Anubhav Sinha and directed by his wife, Ratnaa Sinha, who debuted as a director with Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. The film stars newcomers, Prit Kamani, Kavya Thapar and Eisha Singh. They look quite fresh and the intention of the makers is to pull the youth to the cinemas. However, the film has failed to generate any sort of buzz.
SAROJ KA RISHTA: It stars Sanah Kapur, Shahid Kapoor’s sister who was seen in Shaandaar. It tells a relatable story of a plus-sized girl who finds it difficult to find a man who’ll love her. Again, due to zero awareness, it’ll sink without a trace.
MATTO KI SAIKIL: It is a delayed film and stars filmmaker Prakash Jha in a leading role. It is the story of a poor labourer and how his life changes for the worse when his beloved cycle is destroyed in an accident. A subject like this is moving but has no chance in cinemas. The makers did promote the film and that’s when Prakash Jha slammed certain big Bollywood films, including Laal Singh Chaddha. This news became viral but sadly, no one talked about the film while reporting or discussing this news item.
Lastly, there is Khalli Balli, starring Dharmendra in a special appearance. The trailer is horrible and the film might have some chances in B and C Centres.
Lastly, the film that will make the maximum noise this week is Jogi. It will be released tomorrow directly on Netflix and stars Diljit Dosanjh. Ali Abbas Zafar of Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai fame has directed it. It is about a Sikh family caught in the violence that erupted in Delhi in 1984. The awareness is limited as of now but the film will become a talking point after its release due to the subject and Diljit’s presence.
Middle-Class Love director puts no-dating clause in actors’ contracts
8:17 AM
(From left) Kavya Thapar, Prit Kamani and Eisha Singh
Middle-Class Love director puts no-dating clause in actors’ contracts, says co-stars being in a relationship would have ‘hampered the dynamics’
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 29, 2022)
How often have we heard of two co-stars dating ahead of a film’s release? Over the past many years, it has become almost a staple promotional gimmick to grab eyeballs and pique curiosity around the movie. Ratnaa Sinha’s upcoming directorial venture, Middle-Class Love, stands in stark contrast to the practice. Ahead of the shoot of the campus caper that launches debutants Prit Kamani, Eisha Singh and Kavya Thapar, director Ratnaa Sinha and producer Anubhav Sinha included a clause in the actors’ contract that forbade them from being romantically involved off screen during the film’s making.
Ratnaa reasons that the clause, unusual as it may be, was put in place to ensure that the equilibrium on the set was not disrupted. “Right when I hired my actors, I ensured that their contracts have a clause asserting that off-screen romance during the film’s making is off-limits. The film has three leads, and a situation where two of them were dating would have hampered the dynamics. We wanted to ensure that everyone is comfortable and feels like the film belongs to each of them,” she explains.
This isn’t the first time that such a clause has been effected in Hindi entertainment. In 2016, the makers of the show, Rishton Ka Saudagar — Baazigar, had made lead actors Vatsal Sheth and Ishita Dutta sign a no-dating clause. Nidhhi Agerwal, who forayed into Bollywood with Munna Michael (2017), was made to sign a similar contract. In a telling sign of the industry’s patriarchal ways, the film’s hero Tiger Shroff was not bound by such a clause.
In Middle-Class Love, however, Ratnaa asserts that the rule was laid out for all three actors, thus creating a work environment that was transparent and fair. “I am glad we put this rule. The actors were more than forthcoming when this was brought up. They are bright, ambitious, hard-working, and are here to make a career. I was impressed by their work ethic. Now, this is among the things that we all joke about.”
Repeatedly pushing people with limited talent is unfair-Anubhav Sinha
8:17 AM
As he launches rank outsiders with Middle-Class Love, Anubhav says it’s up to directors, press and audience to break B-Town’s cycle of nepotism
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 10, 2022)
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has a knack for challenging the norms with his movies — be it Article 15 (2019) or Thappad (2020). This time around, with Middle-Class Love, he is throwing his weight behind rank newcomers Prit Kamani, Eisha Singh and Kavya Thapar. Sinha, who is backing the Ratnaa Sinha-directed offering, begins, “This film demanded newcomers. How else do you make a campus film?”
It’s refreshing to see new names in the billing at a time when it’s common for star kids to bag big-ticket projects. Nepotism in Bollywood has been called out time and again, but there is little on-ground change. “I am not saying that it’s not an important discussion to have, but it mostly gets into mudslinging. There are children who were born in Bandra and Juhu, they played in the backyards of movie stars and filmmakers. It’s only natural that they would get their blessings. [But] repeatedly pushing people with limited talent is unfair. When [it comes down to choosing between] a child from the industry or not, that becomes unfair. I am an outsider, and it’s my responsibility to make sure that whenever I get an opportunity to work with newcomers, I [rope in] people from outside of the industry. I worked with newcomers in Tum Bin [2001], and with Bipasha [Basu] and John [Abraham] in music videos. They became popular, not because of me, but because of who they were. For Middle-Class Love, Ratnaa found these kids who did commercials, television and music videos until they landed a lead part.”
Casting star kids has certain advantages — they grab more eyeballs, thus becoming a more lucrative proposition. However, the filmmaker says everybody, from the media to the audience, has to do their bit to make it a level-playing field for newcomers. “It is more lucrative to [rope in] this one’s son and that one’s daughter from the announcement perspective. But it’s important to choose outsiders. I also blame it on the press. They don’t write as much about the other newcomers. [The press will] blame the readers who don’t read articles about them. It’s a cycle. Ratnaa has made a great film. Now, it’s up to the media and audience to bless the kids because they need those extra blessings.”
From left: Kavya Thapar, Prit Kamani and Eisha Singh
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