Showing posts with label Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Show all posts
To receive my first National Award standing next to Shah Rukh Khan in itself was an honour-Rani Mukerji
9:39 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; March 28, 2026)
Three decades in, and Rani Mukerji isn’t looking back, she’s looking ahead. With 71 films, a fiercely individual journey, and a National Award arriving right on cue, she stands as both a rarity and a reinvention in motion. In an industry quick to sideline women post marriage and motherhood, she’s quietly rewritten the rules, choosing honesty over hype, and substance over noise. At 30 years, this doesn’t feel like a culmination. If anything, it feels like a reset. On the new episode of the Bombay Times Lounge, which dropped this week on the Bombay Times YouTube channel, Rani reflects on the road behind and the road still unfolding.
Thirty years in the film industry is no mean feat—marked by highs, lows, learnings, and incredible success. As you look back, do you feel a sense of nostalgia and pride, or do you feel it’s a journey that’s unfolding, like a work-in-progress?
It feels like I am starting a new journey, because obviously, when I see my earlier films, I don’t look the same. Also, now with my daughter turning 10, I think I’ll have more time to devote to films. I constantly want to reinvent and bring across a Rani to my audience that they haven’t seen before. I’ve been so fortunate that directors, writers and producers have thought of me for these amazing characters that I’ve got to play for the last decade, and that’s the decade where I got married and had a child. Fortunately, that didn’t come in the way of a director choosing me for a role. So, in a way, the audiences and the industry have helped me shatter the glass ceiling. They always say that once you go the family way, it’s the end of the road for an actress. But that’s not always true.
Having said that, while I love being an actress, I enjoy the whole part of being a housewife. I enjoy the fact that I’m a mother to my daughter. I enjoy that I get to look after my husband (Aditya Chopra). It gives me immense joy to see my husband and my daughter support me in my journey in films, as this kind of support is so important for every woman. I know there are so many women who probably want to go out there and work, but don’t have the kind of support they wish they had. So, I’m very grateful for what I have, and I always tell myself to not ever take these things for granted.
Today, there’s a lot of talk around “staying relevant”. While marking your 30-year milestone, you had written a note in which you had said, “Longevity is not about staying relevant, it is about staying honest.” Could you elaborate on that?
I always give importance to the story that needs to be told, without thinking about the box office and other things that come with it. The audience always connects with honesty, irrespective of the genre. The problem happens when stories are adulterated just for the benefit of the box office. Audiences are sensitive enough and instinctive, they can sense a good story and a good film. They are looking for genuine stories, so it is important to be honest about what you are doing.
Winning the National Award in your 30th year in cinema (for Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway) — did that feel like poetic timing?
It felt surreal. I think it was saved for this moment, probably because my daughter was old enough to understand what this means. The only regret I feel is that my dad, who was always my cheerleader, was not there to see it. My National Award has made my fans and well-wishers happier than me, as they have rooted for me all these years.
How has being a mom to Adira changed you and your perspective towards life?
The change happened instantly. Seeing that little baby, that little piece of your heart and soul, changes everything in a moment. When you talk about the concept of love at first sight and falling in love with someone instantly, I feel the whole concept started when a mother had a baby. Seeing your baby for the first time changes that concept of love at first sight for mothers. That love for your child is unconditional, and it’s something you can’t describe. It could also be a one-way love because you don’t know how much the baby will love you back and for how long (laughs). But really, for me, love at first sight happened with Adira.
Tell me about the one role that changed you forever and why?
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Black. I think Black taught me to be grateful for the little things that we take for granted – like how we are able to see, talk, hear and walk. The film taught me to be grateful for the gift of being alive.
Shah Rukh Khan also received his first National Award (for Jawan) last year. The two of you have shared such a rich on-screen history. Was there something special about sharing that milestone moment with him?
It was such a happy moment, as it was something that we both were so excited about. I started my journey in the movies with Shah Rukh Khan, and to receive my first National Award standing next to him – that in itself was an honour for me.
Which is the one compliment that you have received that means more to you than any award?
Recently, Adira wrote a letter to me where she declared me “the best mom in the world”. For me, that’s the best compliment, and nothing beats that.
Which is the one co-star you wish you had done more films with?
Bobby Deol.
Which is the one co-star who pushed you to up your game the most?
Shah Rukh Khan.
Today, women are not willing to be silenced-Rani Mukerji
10:08 AM
Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; March 8, 2026)
Three decades in cinema, and over the course of 71 films, Rani Mukerji has navigated romance, drama, comedy and fierce, socially charged roles with equal conviction, constantly redefining what longevity for a leading woman in Bollywood can look like. From early films like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Saathiya and Hum Tum, to powerful intense roles in films like Black, Hichki, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, to the successful Mardaani franchise – her career has been marked by reinvention and a refusal to be boxed in by industry stereotypes. In a special Women’s Day conversation on the Bombay Times Lounge, she speaks about shattering the glass ceiling, channelling her angst around crimes against women through her art, and embracing vulnerability in a world that constantly expects women to “have it all together.”
Over the years, you’ve played women who are strong, flawed, resilient, and often ahead of their time. Looking back, do you feel these roles shaped the conversation around how women are portrayed in Hindi cinema?
I do feel that many of these roles helped shape the conversation around how women are portrayed in our cinema. My characters have often been written with agency and emotional intelligence. Hum Tum marked a shift towards urban, contemporary storytelling. Black beautifully portrayed the strength of the human spirit and a woman’s ability to rise above immense challenges. In Mardaani, my character broke stereotypes by portraying a tough, morally driven police officer, proving that women-led stories could thrive in action-driven narratives. No One Killed Jessica highlighted the power of women standing up against injustice. Hichki was a heart-warming story that addressed inclusivity and learning disabilities with great sensitivity. With Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, I had the opportunity to anchor an intense and emotionally powerful narrative almost single-handedly.
You rewrote the rules for yourself from the start. The industry, for the longest time, had a certain image of how a leading actress should be portrayed on screen. You made your voice one of your strengths, it’s what gave you a distinctive quality. But when you were starting out, how did you use all the comments or criticism around that to fuel you?
I think it is important that certain things hurt you, as you can then make them into building blocks for your life, instead of letting it pull you down. To be resilient at times when you have been hurt shows true character. It is normal to go through that; it is part of growing up and part of evolving as a true artiste. Also, I think to live your life according to somebody else’s opinion of you is not an intelligent thing to do. In life, no one thing remains constant, so if people didn’t like my voice back then, it didn’t mean they wouldn’t like it forever. You can’t take what people tell you at first instant too much to heart. I’m very, very grateful for the comments – good and bad – because they have shaped me into the person and the actor that I am today.
The first part of the Mardaani franchise released 12 years ago, and sadly, conversations around crimes against women and safety continue to be painfully relevant even today. How do you reflect on this as someone who has fronted the franchise?
What has changed in the 12 years is that today, women are not willing to be silenced. They have a strong opinion; they are finding their voice and want their voice to be heard. Women have always associated the word fear since childhood. At some point in our lives, most of us have faced untoward situations. It happened to me. It’s probably happened to you. It happens to women, irrespective of their age and where they come from. And it doesn’t only happen outside, it happens within the walls of our homes too. All these experiences have hardened us in their own way, and the problem also is that women trust people easily. Today, we have no choice but to tell our children to be less trusting of people around them. It is something that has disturbed me from my younger days, and not being able to do anything about it makes me angry. The only way to channelize that is through my work, my art form. And having a daughter (Adira) changes the way you look at everything. Now my niece is 18, and she wants to be independent and travel and it worries me. It’s like a part of you is out there. Crimes (like in Mardaani) are happening as we speak. That is our reality. The film raises pertinent questions and talks about these uncomfortable truths. Today, we are living in scary times.
Society often puts women through various contradictions — you have to be powerful but soft, driven but not too aggressive, ambitious but not too fierce. How do you view such contradictions, and in your own journey, how did you process them?
It is very difficult. I don’t think it is easy for women in any position. It generally comes from an attitude where no one wants to be scolded by a woman, no one wants to get a dressing down from a woman. For many, seeing women in a position of power can be unsettling. I think it’s more about the male ego, which comes into the picture. I have navigated this and also dodged it. You know, when people ask me why I cut down on doing so many films, the reason was a conscious one where I wanted to work with like-minded people. There comes a time in your life when you are in a position where you can pick and choose the people who you want as part of your journey. Especially after having my daughter, I think it’s so important that she knows what I am doing means something and that mamma is part of a story that has to be told.
You’ve done romantic roles, rom-coms and dramas. Would you say that Mardaani’s Shivani Shivaji Roy is closest to Rani’s inner fire?
Yes, absolutely! Not to say that I don’t love doing romantic roles. I really love romances and I am still waiting for somebody to write a really lovely love story.
There is often an unspoken expectation from women to “do it all” and “to hold it all together” irrespective of what emotional phase they are in — whether it is in the capacity of a daughter, wife, mom or a working woman. Did you ever see yourself going through this, and how did you navigate it?
Of course, we all go through that process and it’s natural to go through different hormonal changes which we have no control over. I don’t think we should fight it. But if there is education around these emotional journeys that women have to go through at every decade of our life, it will make life easier. If you have mood swings, it’s fine. It is okay to get exasperated. On some days, you’re so tired that your emotions get all mixed up with your physical exhaustion and you break down. Also, I think, this whole thing that we’ve always been told that women have to be strong to handle everything, that myth should be broken. Women should be given a break, because suppressing our emotions is the worst thing that we can do to our bodies and health. Sharing our sadness, confusions and the dilemmas that we go through with our close ones is important. A strong support system during such times can make a huge difference.
Adira is now 10, does she realise the impact of your work, the gravity of being Rani Mukerji? She’s slowly understanding it and she’s very proud of me, which is beautiful. What more do you want?
In the beginning, seeing the pride in my parents’ eyes made my life. Then, of course, came my husband (Aditya Chopra), and now, it’s my daughter. It’s important that people close to you and your inner circle are truly proud of you and root for you. That means a lot to me. The complete interview with Rani Mukerji will drop soon on the Bombay Times YouTube channel
Nikkhil Advani on shooting funeral scene in Freedom At Midnight: "People felt they were in the same room as Gandhi’s body"
9:25 AM
In today’s divided climate, showrunner and director Nikkhil Advani on making Freedom At Midnight 2, balancing multiple viewpoints in a beloved, politically charged story
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 13, 2026)
Revisiting India’s history isn’t just about watching events unfold — it’s about pausing, cross-checking references, and asking if every detail holds up. That’s exactly how we watched Freedom At Midnight. For showrunner-director Nikkhil Advani, adapting Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins’s celebrated book Freedom At Midnight was no easy task — it demanded sensitivity, balance, and an uncompromising commitment to historical accuracy. Yet, it was also a journey he relished. In conversation with mid-day, Advani speaks about why the entire 14-episode series was shot in one go, the pressure of portraying real-life figures on screen, and why the scene following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination remains his favourite. Excerpts from the interview.
What was the reaction to the first season of Freedom At Midnight?
The response to the first season, I think was good. It was a tough show to make. Given that so many people had read the book [Freedom At Midnight], and it’s a favourite topic for so many, [people thought] we’d screw it up. To be able to overcome that and balance so many points of view was [not easy]. It’s a huge ensemble piece, the responsibility of getting it right is much higher than on a fiction show. The reviews were heartening. We got so many calls and tweets [saying] ‘they balanced it’ — be it in the pragmatism, [Pandit Jawaharlal] Nehru’s ideology when he torn between Gandhi’s stance and [politics of it]. I think we got a lot of things right and got some stuff wrong.
Beyond the book, how did you ensure the things you showed were accurate?
Anything that we felt that needed to be backed up [with facts], or when there was a different point of view on an incident or fact, we [referred] to our strong research team. The writing room basically followed three things. One, that every scene is to follow the logline. Then SonyLIV’s head Danish Khan said while we are watching a lesson in history, there should be a level of drama, that constant ticking clock, which is also there in the background music and you feel it when a bomb is going to blow up, or something is going to happen. The third big thing was the moment somebody in the writing room read [a fact] differently, we backed it up with outside sources and annotations.
Today, opinions are more polarized than ever. Did you feel the pressure to balance the narrative?
As a filmmaker, you’re always dealing with polarized opinions. It’s just because of social media today that possibly it’s easier for me to understand what somebody very far away is thinking about what I’ve made. People always had dissenting opinions and polarized opinions, but we followed the book as our source material. It was a chaotic and confusing time, and nobody predicted it would blow up the way it did.
While filming, at any point, did you feel emotionally charged about the patriotism depicted?
For me, patriotism is a very personal. Whether it is Akshay Kumar trying to airlift over 170,000 Indians (in Airlift), or a film about a man discovering that the motherland is everything through a story of migration, even Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway [2023] is extremely patriotic. The subject is very interesting. As for Freedom At Midnight, I think that Nehru’s Tryst With Destiny speech is such a big moment in all our lives. If I’ve made people feel proud of being an Indian at the end of the seven episodes, then I’ve done my patriotic duty.
When you cast Chirag Vohra, Sidhant Gupta, and Rajendra Chawla — did you envision them carrying the show so beautifully?
That’s the big advantage of the platform. Their whole thing was cast for the character and don’t bother about stars. So, whether it’s Chirag, Rajendra Chawla, or Sidhant, they are all incredible theatre actors. Most of them have worked with top directors who I hold in high regard. They were all good actors.
Did anyone’s performance surprise you?
It did not surprise me, but one of my favourite performances Anurag Thakur who plays Madanlal Pawar. He will be the standout performance of season two. I think Anurag Thakur is a name that most cinephiles and lovers of great good storytelling and good cinema are going to be talking about for the next 15-20 years. There’s also a scene after the assassination that is my favourite. I remember when Chirag was made to lie down on the funeral pyre, the room had about 80 people, but there was pin drop silence. People felt they were in the same room as Gandhi’s body. I got goosebumps. The way Sardar and Nehru brokedown was too good. I never imagined the scene to come out so beautifully.
Did you know?
Nikkhil Advani shot ‘Freedom At Midnight’ Seasons 1 and 2 together. He says, “For ‘Rocket Boys’ also we shot both seasons together. When you make a period show of this scale, genre, and pilot, you have to make it together because it just makes production sense. It took a year to write the 14 episodes, and they were written together.”
I felt that National Award win was my dad’s blessing; the timing made his presence felt-Rani Mukerji
9:00 AM
In her first interview since the honour, the actor reflects on winning the National Film Award after three decades in the industry, crediting her parents’ blessings for the achievement
Rohit Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 25, 2025)
Marking a major milestone in her career, Rani Mukerji received the Best Actress honour at the 71st National Film Awards for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (2023). While the award was announced in August, the 47-year-old formally accepted it on Tuesday in Delhi from President Droupadi Murmu. Speaking in her first interview after the ceremony, Rani opens up about what the win means to her.
Reflecting on her initial reaction to the win, the 47-year-old says, “It was surreal to hear the news. That day, I was performing a Griha Pravesh puja for my new office, located at the place where my dad (late filmmaker Ram Mukherjee) used to live. I had him on my mind throughout the day. Just after finishing the puja, I received the call informing me about the award. I felt that it was my dad’s blessing; the timing made his presence felt.”
Rani feels winning the award for a film she poured her heart into is even more special: “The character of Devika was someone I had modelled on my own mother (former playback singer Krishna Mukherjee). It feels like both my parents have blessed me with this National Award. It’s a very personal moment.”
The actor expresses that the National Award feels very different from the other awards she has received over the years. “Seeing the joy and pride in my mother’s eyes, and witnessing the happiness of my fans, it feels like this win is more for them than for me,” she explains.
Rani also shares her thoughts on celebrating this moment with actor Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar, who won National Awards this year as well and have worked with her on several films. “It feels like a full circle moment. But I hope this circle becomes more like an eternity ring, something that never ends. My wish, for myself and for all of us, is to keep striving to make stronger Indian films and work hard to elevate our film industry to the best in the world,” she ends.
71st National Awards: Mohanlal’s ‘magical moment’, Shah Rukh Khan shares his first with Vikrant Massey
9:58 AM
Rani Dedicates Honour To Mothers At 71st Nat’l Film Awards
THE TIMES OF INDIA (September 24, 2025)
New Delhi: It was a night of star power and cinematic pride at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday as President Droupadi Murmu honoured stalwarts of Indian cinema at the 71st National Film Awards.
The spotlight, however, belonged to Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey walked away with top honours in acting categories.
Mohanlal, already decorated with the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019), was visibly moved as he accepted Indian cinema’s highest recognition. “I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from Kerala. This moment is not mine alone, it belongs to the entire Malayalam film fraternity,” he said. Sharing the honour with colleagues, he added: “I never dared to dream of this moment. It feels magical, it feels sacred.”
President Murmu presented the award to Mohanlal amid a thunderous standing ovation. Fellow superstar Mammootty called him “a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as someone who “epitomizes excellence and versatility.”
In perhaps the most Bollywood-dominated edition of the awards, Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor in over two decades for his blockbuster ‘Jawan’. “This award is a blessing. ‘Jawan’ was a film made from the heart, and I dedicate this to every fan who has stood by me through the years,” Shah Rukh said.
Actor Vikrant Massey, who shared the Best Actor award with Shah Rukh for ‘12th Fail’, credited director Vidhu Vinod Chopra for his journey. Rani Mukerji was honoured as Best Actress for ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’. “This film was about the power of a mother’s fight. This recognition belongs to every woman who has faced injustice and refused to give up,” Rani told mediapersons.
The Evening reflected cinema’s diversity: ‘Kathal—A Jackfruit Mystery’ was named Best Hindi Film, Sudipto Sen won Best Director for ‘The Kerala Story’, while Shilpa Rao took home Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya from ‘Jawan’.
Internet divided over Shah Rukh Khan's National Award win for Jawan
8:54 AM
National Film Awards leaves internet divided as Shah Rukh Khan wins his first Best Actor nod for Jawan alongside Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail; ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ writer hopes Best Dialogue win will boost social dramas
Priyanka Sharma, Komal RJ Panchal (MID-DAY; August 2, 2025)
The 71st National Film Awards couldn’t have gotten starrier than this. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award in his 33-year career for his double role in Jawan (2023). The actor shared the honour with Vikrant Massey, who won it for 12th Fail (2023). Bollywood entertainers seemed to dominate the awards as Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (2023).
On the one hand, Khan’s fans saw the win as overdue, considering his restrained act in Swades (2004) was overlooked by the National Film Awards jury 20 years ago. On the other hand, some social media users called the Jawan win “laughable” and “a joke”.
The Best Director award went to Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story (2023) — a win that will presumably be debated over the next few days. The movie, which centred on the alleged coerced religious conversion of Malayali women, was widely criticized. An elated Sen called the win “validating”.
He told mid-day, “I would’ve been even happier if the film had also taken the top honour, but this recognition validates everything we set out to express through The Kerala Story.”
With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani winning the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, co-writer Ishita Moitra told mid-day, “It’s Karan Johar’s [filmmaker] hard work and love that shines in this film.”
The film also won Vaibhavi Merchant the Best Choreography award. She learnt about the win when we called her. “This is overwhelming. You’ve broken the news to me,” said a surprised Merchant.
Deepak Kingrani, who bagged the Best Dialogue award for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, said, “This win is important as [it gives us] courage to write and producers to pump money in such films.”
First National film honours for Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Vikrant Massey
8:38 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 2, 2025)
New Delhi: Hindi cinema dominated the 71st National Film Awards on Friday with superstar Shah Rukh Khan winning his career’s first best actor award for ‘Jawan’ alongside Vikrant Massey for ‘12th Fail’, which was also named the best feature film.
Rani Mukerji won the best actress honour for ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’, her first award. The awards for 2023 were announced by jury head Ashutosh Gowariker. He said Shah Rukh had delivered a “powerhouse performance, balancing raw intensity and emotional depth, and bringing to life a hero who fights not just the enemy, but societal boundaries, creating two unforgettable cinema personas”.
Sudipto Sen won the best director award for ‘The Kerala Story’, which also got the cinematography prize. It had sparked a row for its portrayal of women being converted and recruited by ISIS. ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ was the best popular film .
Rani Mukerji, who has clinched the National award for best actress, said, “I’m overwhelmed. For me, this award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry.”
‘Jawan’, which minted over Rs 1,100 crore at box office worldwide, was a highoctane thriller from filmmaker Atlee and featured SRK in the dual role of Army officer Vikram Rathore and his jailor son Azad.
The jury praised Massey’s performance as one that portrayed the transformative journey of a village boy with “raw honesty and emotional depth”. In a statement, Massey (38), said it was a dream come true moment for him.
Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ was recognized as the best film promoting national, social and environmental values and won the award in the make-up & costume category.
Vaibhavi Merchant won the best choreography award for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ song ‘Dhindhora Baaje’, while Shilpa Rao was named best female playback singer for ‘Jawan’ track ‘Chaleya’. Sanya Malhotra-starrer ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery’ was named the best Hindi film.
While Hindi cinema ruled in the main categories, regional movies were recognized in categories such as best supporting actor as well as actress and in technical segments.
Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic) went to Telugu film ‘Hanu-Man’, which also won the best action direction award. The National Award for best screenplay was shared between Telugu movie ‘Baby’ and ‘Parking’.
Filmmaker Ashish Bende won the best debut film by a director for Aatmapamphlet, a coming-of-age drama that resonated with audiences and the jury alike.
Overwhelmed by the recognition, Bende said, “Getting a national award was always a dream for me, but I did not know that my dream would be realized in my directorial debut. Though it is an award for direction, I feel that it is not a solo award but an award for the entire team of Aatmapamphlet. The film was made during Covid-19 pandemic with a lot of effort, and today all those efforts have paid off.”
Bende will receive the Swarna Kamal for this award.
He added, “The Marathi film industry has along legacy of quality films, and today I feel proud that I am part of this rich tradition. The award will personally encourage me to keep doing quality work.”
I have never seen a time when a filmmaker hasn’t been able to talk to the CBFC about the changes-Nikkhil Advani
8:29 AM
As Vedaa awaits CBFC’s clearance for a month, director Nikkhil shocked that Board has sent it to Revising Committee without apprising him of issues
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 27, 2024)
“Arre, aap toh Kal Ho Naa Ho [2003] jaisi film banate thhe!” This is all that filmmaker Nikkhil Advani heard from one of the members the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after he screened Vedaa for the body on June 25. There has been no formal response from the CBFC regarding the John Abraham and Sharvari-starrer since, except the communication in early July that it was being sent ahead to the Revising Committee.
What exactly is the CBFC’s concern with the movie, which is eyeing an August 15 release? That’s the first question we ask the director when we get on a call with him.
“I would tell you, but I have no idea. The norm is that the Examining Committee watches the film, sends us a list of objections or reservations, and then we discuss further. For instance, in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway [2023], they had an issue with the word ‘harami’ being used. We explained to them that the protagonist is from the outskirts of Kolkata, and is semi-educated. She is enraged and desperate. They understood our perspective. Neena Gupta’s character in the film was modelled on Sushma Swaraj; [through her] we had shown Swaraj’s speech in the Parliament. While we had paraphrased it, the board suggested it be kept verbatim because this speech was documented in public records. We incorporated that change. I have never had this experience where the CBFC has held something for a month, and I have no idea what the issue is,” says Advani, who expressed his disappointment in a lengthy post on Instagram on July 25.
The teaser of Vedaa indicates an undercurrent of caste issue, and a heavy dose of action. For now, Advani is focused on its July 29 screening for the Revising Committee. The filmmaker informs that the screening was initially scheduled for July 25, but was cancelled due to the heavy rains. Despite the hurdles, he doesn’t believe that it’s a tough time for filmmakers today.
“I am doing my best work today. I am making Freedom at Midnight, Rocket Boys; I don’t think it’s the worst time to be a filmmaker.”
Advani adds, “I will say, however, that I have never seen a time when a filmmaker hasn’t been able to talk to the CBFC about the changes. Every time we’ve come across a situation like this, we’ve sat across the table and discussed the recommendations. Earlier, a representative would be sent to my office to discuss the changes. But this time it feels like I have been ghosted.”
August 15 has two more Hindi releases in Rajkummar Rao’s Stree 2 and Akshay Kumar’s Khel Khel Mein. At the moment, it seems unlikely that Vedaa will meet its release date.
“[A delay in release] cannot happen because it will lead to major losses for me and the studio. Right now, we are hoping that the Monday screening happens. Then we can negotiate the changes needed. Our promotional window is reduced. Vedaa is a potboiler set in current times. It releases in two weeks and our first trailer hasn’t come yet!” says the filmmaker.
mid-day texted CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi, who didn’t respond till press time. However, a member of the Revising Committee, who was to watch the film on Thursday, on condition of anonymity, assured that Vedaa will be viewed on July 29.
The insider added, “There was a city-wide red alert on Thursday, which is why we had to push the screening. The delay is only because of the backlog of other films; there is no ulterior motive. There are some objectionable bits in the film, they will be addressed by the Revising Committee. The film will meet its release date.”
My character in Mardaani is not an action heroine who is kicking 10 villains-Rani Mukerji
8:20 AM
Rani says Mardaani 3 will follow the franchise’s realistic and gritty treatment, unlike Bollywood’s masala cop offerings
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 24, 2023)
It has been a good year for Rani Mukerji, who enjoyed a hit in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. The actor is now looking forward to 2024 that will see her reprise the role of a tough-as-nails cop for Mardaani 3. At a time when Bollywood has cop and spy franchises, Mukerji is proud to be the only female actor with a cop franchise under her belt.
“I never thought it would become so successful when I did the first part with Pradeep da [Sarkar, director]. Mardaani happened because we all, as a nation, collectively felt angry, sad and helpless because of the Nirbhaya case. The film was born out of those emotions. Then we received so much love that we got a great idea for the second one as well,” she recalls.
Even as she is eager to face the camera as ACP Shivani Shivaji Roy, Mukerji reveals that Mardaani 3’s script has yet to be finalized. But she promises that it will be realistic, unlike other cop movies that have larger-than-life protagonists who can single-handedly beat countless men to pulp.
“Even the third part will be raw, gritty and close to reality. Mardaani is known for its realism. My character is not a larger-than-life, action heroine who is kicking 10 villains, sending them up in the air. Shivani behaves like a real cop; you won’t see a real cop doing somersaults and kicking in the air.”
After the post-pandemic lull, Mukerji is grateful that the Hindi film industry got back on its feet in 2023, churning out blockbusters like Pathaan, Gadar 2: The Katha Continues, Jawan and Animal. “People are enjoying going back to the theatres, and it’s a great time for the industry as we can take risks again and make films without having the fear that audiences won’t come.”
The theatrical success of her mid-sized film, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, proved that audiences are seeking not only visual spectacles, but also content-driven offerings. “I choose my movies instinctively. It’s not necessary that a good content-driven film will get an audience in the times that we were releasing it, so there was always a fear. But we went in with our gut instinct, [we knew] it was an important story that had to be told.”
Trade experts call 2023 the 'golden year' of movie business
8:44 AM
As we near the end of 2023, trade experts term it the ‘golden year’ of movie business as films hit the mark with the audience and rake in the moolah
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 4, 2023)
Bollywood served the audience drama and action on a plate and reciprocating their love, movie-goers have left the cash registers ringing and box-office numbers soaring. With the film industry booming, industry experts are calling 2023 a golden year.
“Be it Pathaan, Jawan, Gadar 2, OMG 2 and Animal, it’s been a golden year for Bollywood,” says trade expert Taran Adarsh, who expects it to end on a high note with actor Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki and actor Prabhas’ Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire releasing this month.
“Even small gems like 12th Fail and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway have done well. Revenue is expected to be around Rs. 12,000 crore, which is 15-20% more than the previous best,” says trade expert Girish Johar.
Trade expert Atul Mohan adds, “We crossed 2022’s earning (Rs. 1,900 crore) during Jawan’s release. 2019 was a high point for Bollywood, and we are past that mark.”
CINEMA WILL CONTINUE TO REIGN!
Experts are also happy that the narratives of ‘OTT being a threat to theatres’ and ‘people aren’t willing to pay for a ticket’ have been quashed. Mohan says, “Theatres are running at full capacity. All the false narratives have been wiped out. Sequels and original content, both are working, which is a positive sign.”
Johar adds, “It is a great sign for makers as they know the power of the box office and good content. They also know the audience is willing to spend on a movie ticket, no matter if the film is out on a non-holiday or was granted A certificate”.
OMG 2 maker Amit Rai says, “It been a historic year for Bollywood. The footfalls have been great, the audience has shown that good content will work. Jo acha hoga woh hi stand out karega.”
Making bank on the first day
Jawan - Rs. 75 cr
Animal - Rs. 63.8 cr
Pathaan - Rs. 57 cr
Tiger 3 - Rs. 44.50 cr
Gadar 2 - Rs. 40.10 cr
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani - Rs. 11.5 cr
Race begins to select India’s official Oscar entry; The Kerala Story, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dasara in the list
8:15 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2023)
The pursuit to determine India’s official entry for Oscars 2024 has kicked off, with a slew of films vying for the coveted spot. Notable contenders include Balagam (Telugu), The Kerala Story (Hindi), Zwigato (Hindi) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi).
“The Oscar committee has embarked on its meticulous selection process, involving multiple screenings, which commenced yesterday in Chennai, and the eagerly anticipated final announcement is to be unveiled next week,” says a source close to the selection process.
The decision regarding the official entry will rest in the hands of a 17-member jury, presided over by filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli.
Reports indicate that the committee has received an array of submissions, tallying over 22 entries. Among the noteworthy names forwarded to “the Film Federation of India for Oscar consideration are The Storyteller (Hindi), Music School (Hindi), Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (Hindi), 12th Fail (Hindi), Viduthalai Part 1 (Tamil), Ghoomer (Hindi) and Dasara (Telugu)”, adds the source.
India triumphed at Oscars 2023, clinching two Academy Awards thanks to S S Rajamouli’s RRR and Guneet Monga’s The Elephant Whisperers, and Pan Nalin’s Gujarati masterpiece Chhello Show was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category.
The source also said, “The list might have additions such as Vaalvi (Marathi), Gadar 2 (Hindi), Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose (Hindi), and Baap Lyok (Marathi). We have received their application, but are waiting for the fees.”
I lost my second baby in 2020-Rani Mukerji
8:37 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 12, 2023)
Rani Mukerji, who recently spoke at a film festival in Melbourne, revealed that she suffered a miscarriage during the Coronavirus pandemic. Rani, who has an eight-year-old daughter Adira, said, “So, it was around the year when COVID-19 struck. It was 2020. I got pregnant with my second baby at the end of 2020 and I unfortunately lost my baby five months into my pregnancy.”
The actress, who was last seen in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (2023), also explained why she did not share this while promoting the film. “This is the first time I am making this revelation because in today’s world, every aspect of your life is discussed publicly, and becomes an agenda for talking about your film to get more eyeballs,” she said.
Rani also shared that she got a call from producer Nikkhil Advani to star in the film (which revolves around a mother’s struggle) just 10 days post the miscarriage. “He told me about the story and... not that I had to have the loss of a child to feel the emotion but sometimes... what you are going through personally (helps) you... connect with it instantly,” said Rani, adding that the film’s team “will be quite shocked” to learn about her loss.
A star’s gender has no role to play in a film’s success-Rani Mukerji
8:09 AM
With Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway dropping online, Rani says movie’s strong BO run busted myths that only male stars and Rs. 100-crore collections make a hit
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 30, 2023)
In the two weeks since it dropped on Netflix, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway has reached audiences far and wide, consistently finding a spot in the streamer’s top 10 movies in India. It only echoes the Rani Mukerji-starrer’s successful run at the box office. The March release, said to be made on a modest budget, earned Rs 37 crore, becoming one of the few Bollywood hits of the year so far. With it, Mukerji is happy to have busted one of the Hindi film industry’s myths — that only a Rs 100-crore earner is a true box-office hit.
“There are misconceptions about what a hit means. A film is a hit when producers make money from it. It’s not only about how much it collects at the box office; one should also factor in the film’s cost,” emphasizes the actor.
So far, 2023 has witnessed a blockbuster in Pathaan, and hits in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, and The Kerala Story. The strong run of Ashima Chibber’s directorial venture also shut down detractors who had doubts about the prospect of women-led films, in the post-pandemic scenario.
Mukerji asserts, “There is constant chatter about whether women-centric films are box-office draws. Of course, they are! A good film will always bring people to the theatres, and a star’s gender has no role to play in a film’s success.”
Inspired by the real-life ordeal of Sagarika Chakraborty, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway sees the leading lady play a fierce mother who takes on the legal system of Norway when her kids are taken away from her by the welfare services, on grounds of parental neglect. The drama aligned with Mukerji’s vision of bringing courageous women’s stories to the screen.
“As an actor, my vision for cinema will evolve, but the one thing that has stayed with me is the way I want to represent women on screen. I choose films where the woman is pivotal to the plot, where she is projected with dignity and power. For me, women have always been agents of change; they are independent, courageous and caring. I wanted to highlight these facets by choosing characters that echo my belief system — be it in Yuva [2004], Black [2005], No One Killed Jessica [2011], Mardaani, or Hichki [2018].”
Cinema experience can’t be compared to the boredom of watching a film at home-Rani Mukerji
8:40 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 18, 2023)
Actor Rani Mukerji returned to the big screen recently with Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway and enjoyed living through the excitement, nervousness and anticipation around the release of a film in theatres. She says while OTT is the new word of business, it can never take the place of watching a story come alive on the silver screen.
“OTT is a very new concept that has come in the last two-three years. That is when the whole conversation around content on OTT started. It is new to all of us, but films predominantly are supposed to be watched on the 70mm or 90mm screen,” Mukerji says.
The 45-year-old continues, “Watching a movie is a community experience, just like watching sports in a stadium. The whole feeling is so different when we watch sports on TV. It is the same thing when you watch a film with an audience.”
And the actor asserts that the “immersive feeling comes only when you are in a movie theatre”. She adds, “Cinema experience can’t be compared to the boredom of watching a film at home. For me, that’s too boring. At home, you could be distracted by your phone or something else. I like to watch films on the big screen.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 773
10:09 PM
2023’S FIRST QUARTER ENDS ON A FINE NOTE THANKS TO PATHAAN
The first three months of 2023 were a mixed bag. But the industry is breathing easy thanks to the super-success of Pathaan. Also, 2022 saw a lot of flops and ended on a low with the debacle of Cirkus. Hence, the few hits and average grossers in the first quarter spread smiles.
2023’s first release was Kuttey, starring Arjun Kapoor, Tabu, Radhika Madan and Kumud Mishra. The film carried limited buzz and failed due to average word of mouth. Pathaan, meanwhile, broke records left, right and centre. The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer was expected to do a business of Rs. 250-300 crores. But it managed to collect around Rs. 515 crores, thereby breaking the long-standing record of Baahubali 2.
A week after Pathaan came two small releases, Faraaz and Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat. Both sank without a trace, though Faraaz got acclaim, more so after its Netflix premiere. Shehzada was released on February 17 and a lot was expected from the Kartik Aaryan-starrer. But it opened below expectations and flopped. Selfiee, starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi, shocked the trade and industry with its very poor opening and lifetime earnings.
March, however, was better. Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar did quite well, considering it was an urban romcom. Its lifetime collections are expected to be around Rs. 125 crores. These are very good numbers at a time when films are struggling to cross Rs. 40 or Rs. 50 crores mark. However, due to high costs, it’ll have to settle for an average verdict.
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, starring Rani Mukerji, wasn’t a huge grosser. But despite being a niche film, it trended quite well and the word of mouth was very positive. If all goes well, it’ll cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. It was reasonably budgeted and the makers also recovered the entire cost of production from the sale of TV and OTT rights.
Bheed, directed by Anubhav Sinha, was a major disaster. Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa was released in the last week of March. A lot was expected from this film but it’ll be an average grosser at best due to high costs and mixed word of mouth. What also went against the film is that it was released in the month of Ramzan, which kept a section of the target audience away.
Speaking of Hollywood, the films that were released with expectations like Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania and Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, failed. John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, was a pleasant surprise and it’ll enter the Rs. 50 crores club.
The industry now looks forward to the second quarter. Surprisingly, the month of May might not have a single major Bollywood release. But the industry will compensate for it with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’s release on Eid, on April 21, and also with the releases of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan on June 2, Prabhas’ Adipurush on June 16, Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan on June 23, and Kartik Aaryan-Kiara Advani’s Satyaprem Ki Katha on June 29.
Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan is the only clean hit in 2023's first quarter
8:17 AM
With Bollywood wrapping up its first quarter, Shah Rukh’s Pathaan remains sole bright spot, Tu Jhoothi doesn’t break even; trade says business down by 30 per cent
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; April 4, 2023)
Can you imagine a better way to start the year than with a blockbuster? In late January, Shah Rukh Khan arrived in cinemas with Pathaan, ready to decimate the box office. The spy thriller, which saw the superstar returning to the big screen after a four-year hiatus, went on to reportedly collect over Rs 500 crores, becoming the biggest hit of Hindi cinema. With it, the film industry and trade circuit felt that the debacle of 2022 was behind them. Three months into the year, however, it’s a different story.
Veteran trade analyst Amod Mehra notes that the Khan-starrer is the only bright spot in the first quarter. “Its success was encouraging, and made everyone feel like things would change. But subsequent films crashed. So, it is back to square one,” says Mehra.
February saw two big Hindi releases, Kartik Aaryan’s Shehzada, and Akshay Kumar-Emraan Hashmi’s Selfiee. The former came with high expectations — it was Aaryan’s first theatrical release since last year’s surprise hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Additionally, it was the remake of Allu Arjun’s Telugu movie, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020).
Producer and film business expert Girish Johar attributes the failure of Shehzada and Selfiee to sub-par content. “Shehzada was a copy-paste remake with no new elements. Selfiee was completely dated, despite having big names and being backed by a big banner [Dharma Productions]. People rejected it from the word go. The Q1 business was down by 30 per cent compared to the pre-pandemic times,” says Johar. While Shehzada’s lifetime domestic collections read Rs 30 crores, Selfiee reportedly ended its run at Rs 14 crores.
Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s March release, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, had better luck at the cinemas. Despite having made approximately Rs 120 crore, Luv Ranjan’s rom-com isn’t considered a hit due to its high cost. Johar, instead, dubs Rani Mukerji’s Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway “a winner” as the small-budget film is heading towards collections of Rs 25 crores.
Ajay Devgn, who delivered a blockbuster in Drishyam 2 (2022), rounded off this year’s first quarter with Bholaa, which collected Rs 44.28 crore (nett) over its four-day weekend. However, Telugu star Nani’s Dasara, which released across India on the same day, has accumulated a cool Rs 55 crore across all languages.
Johar says the two can’t be compared. “Dasara is a reasonably budgeted film, while Bholaa, which released in 2D, 3D, and IMAX has a much higher landing cost. Plus, Bholaa, being an adaptation of Tamil film Kaithi (2019), hasn’t got the audience in south India flocking to the theatres.”
Looking ahead
In the coming months, Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir and G7 cineplex, will be banking on Salman Khan’s Eid offering Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan, and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan that arrives in June. He says, “The public wants entertainment. They don’t want to go to theatres and get bored. A good film will always work.”
The intention of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway was very different from what was being projected by the ambassador-Rani Mukerji
8:30 AM
Rani Mukerji explains how Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is authentic and relevant
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 29, 2023)
Recently, Norwegian ambassador to India, Hans Jacob Frydenlund, stirred up controversy when he claimed that the Rani Mukerji-starrer Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is a “fictional representation” of a true case, with factual inaccuracies. Now, the lead actor has hit back at the allegations, saying that the intent was not to besmirch any country.
“Everybody is entitled to an opinion. This film was not made to offend anybody. It was a story of a mother that needed to be told. People need to be aware of stories like these,” Mukerji, 45, says. She adds, “It is a true story and the intention of the movie was very different from what was being projected [by the ambassador]. It was about a mother’s journey.”
The film, directed by Ashima Chibber, is the story of Sagarika Chakraborty, whose kids were taken away from her by the Norwegian Child Welfare Services citing improper parenting. It chronicles how she stood up against the government of Norway to get her kids back.
Addressing the claim that the movie is a fictional account, she says, “Our government was involved in this. It can’t be a fictional story, because the Indian government helped in getting the children united with their mother. So, if one person says something, it’s not going to affect the larger picture of the film that we wanted to make and the story we wanted to put out.”
Given that the film has not only done well in India, but also in Norway (it earned 745k Norwegian Krones in the opening weekend), Mukerji says, “It shows that the film isn’t talking negatively about any country. It’s about this particular system that needs to be looked at in a more emotional and sensitive manner.”
I hope the writers develop Mardaani 3's script fast-Rani Mukerji
8:38 AM
With Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway behind her, Rani Mukerji says she is eager to reprise her role of a tough cop in Mardaani 3
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; March 28, 2023)
Rani Mukerji may be winning praise for her performance in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, but she believes in looking ahead. The actor is already itching to face the camera for her next. So, what’s in the pipeline? Mukerji hopes to reprise the role of Shivani Shivaji Roy, the tough-as-nails cop who is at the centre of the Mardaani franchise.
“I hope the writers develop the sequel fast. I’ve had many people asking me when Mardaani 3 will come. But I have always maintained that a film is driven by a script. If the script is not exciting, there is no point [making a franchise],” says the actor, who fronted Mardaani in 2014. Its success spawned a sequel, helmed by Gopi Puthran, in 2019.
While she keeps her fingers crossed for the cop thriller’s third instalment, Mukerji is pleased with the audience’s response to Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Ashima Chibber’s directorial venture, which offers a retelling of Sagarika Chakraborty’s long battle against Norwegian authorities for the custody of her two children, holds a special place in her heart. “I felt good about doing the film. The last time I felt this strongly was during Black [2005].”
The legal drama, she says, represents what she seeks in a film at this stage. After a 27-year career that is dotted with successful movies and awards, the actor says she gravitates towards brave stories. “I have to feel a connection with [the subject]; the character needs to be celebrated. Just like Debika [her character in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway] needs to be celebrated for her determination and perseverance. To fight a country, question its legal systems, and stick by one’s beliefs takes guts. That is the kind of role I want to do.”
The impact of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is such that women are sending bangles and mirrors to Norwegian embassy-Nikkhil Advani
8:16 AM
Nikkhil Advani, Monisha Advani and Madhu Bhojwani talk about the appreciation their recent projects have received and how their content company has rapidly adapted to the changing times
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2023)
The audience has showered immense praise on two recent releases – the film, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway and the OTT series, Rocket Boys 2 — both of which are based on real-life stories. But that’s not the only common factor between these two. Both are creations of Emmay Entertainment content production house, which is headed by the creative-minded trio of Nikkhil Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Monisha Advani. They like to describe themselves as a ‘triumvirate’, which encapsulates a synergy of creativity with sound finance and pragmatism.
The 12-year-old company boasts of a massive slate of original content, including films and web shows. Ask them about the roadmap that brought the company so far and Nikkhil says that there isn’t one. He reasons, “You spend one year planning to do something, and suddenly out of the blue, something else will come up, and that becomes a roadmap.”
However, Monisha says, “There is a roadmap that makes us a very interesting triumvirate because we function with contrarian views. Nobody saw a pandemic coming and suddenly the consumption pattern changed. The content, the way we presented, all of that is transforming so rapidly that we have to nurture a group of creators who are agile to that flexibility.”
Madhu states that at the end of the day, “it’s the commerce that allows us to exist”. She elaborates, “What these 12 years have taught us and kept us going is that you have to light many fires and hope that they become bonfires around which you can stand and warm your hands. We started this company in 2011, and up to 2017, we produced six films. From 2017 to 2023, we finished our 29th project. That can’t be just based on being reactive. We have grown a competency in the area of web series. We are also excited to tell stories based on true incidents.”
The OTT space is liberating, admits Nikkhil. He adds, “OTT has allowed storytellers to fly. Things like Friday kaun aayega, Saturday kaun baithega, Sunday family baithegi ki nahi. The purity of telling a story gets diluted in the process.”
When asked what draws the trio to real-life stories, Madhu replies, “Real life presents us with the most inspiring and bizarre stories (Airlift, Batla House, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, Mumbai Diaries and Rocket Boys 1 & 2). Yes, there are a lot of ramifications, especially from a legal standpoint. Three of us are at loggerheads mostly when we give the green signal to a real-life story.”
Nikkhil adds, “I was certain that if I couldn’t use Norway in the title of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, I wouldn’t make the film.” He also recalls the reactions he got for Rocket Boys. “A lot of people told me that Rocket Boys is cinematic and shot so beautifully, why couldn’t it be a film? It can’t be because then look at the content you will have to give up.”
The trio is moved by the impact their productions have made on the audience. “The impact of Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway is such that women are sending bangles and mirrors to the Norwegian embassy,” Nikkhil shares. Monisha adds, “I don’t know whether it’s triggering or inspiring, but I am moved by the experience. We are not evangelists or activists, we just set out to entertain and tell authentic stories.”
While talking about the production house’s plans — which include the second season of Mumbai Diaries, the new web show Adhura, a film by Saurabh Shukla and another one starring Abhishek Bachchan this year — Nikkhil says he’ll continue to champion the approach of disruption. “We are constantly challenging ourselves. Longevity is a result of disruptions, so I intend to shake things up. Now, whether the disruption will come in the form of genre or an idea, we don’t know,” he signs off.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 770
9:11 AM
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 TO SURPRISE THIS WEEK
Last week was a pleasant surprise as Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway held decently at the box office. It surprisingly saw a slight jump in collections on Tuesday as Wednesday was a partial holiday on account of Gudi Padwa. Wednesday collections were also strong and the film will end up with a lifetime of Rs. 15-17 crores, provided it remains steady in the second weekend. The collections aren’t huge but for a film like this, it’s reasonable, especially in the post-pandemic world. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, meanwhile, dropped a bit on Friday but jumped on Saturday and Sunday. This film also did well on the weekdays and it is expected to collect Rs. 120-125 crores in its lifetime.
And this week, too, will bring smiles. John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to release today evening and the advance sales are very encouraging. It has proved to be a surprise as the earlier three films weren’t that big in India. John Wick 3 had collected around Rs. 11 crores while the first 2 parts had collectively earned Rs. 4 crores only. John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, can collect as much as John Wick 3’s lifetime collections by Sunday or even by Saturday. It has the potential to cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. What will benefit the fourth part is that it’ll also release in Hindi. Moreover, the reviews from the West are very positive. It’s difficult to say how the series became this big all of a sudden but the studio and the exhibitors are not complaining for sure.
The other major release of the week is Bheed. It is directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, Kritika Kamra and Ashutosh Rana. It is set during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and hence, it’s releasing on the eve of the first lockdown.
Bheed, however, has been in the news due to its controversies. The teaser of the film drew sharp reactions as it compared the lockdown with the partition. Interestingly, T-Series was involved with the film then. But the criticism towards the teaser and also the belief that the film is ‘anti-government’ reportedly made T-Series back out of the film. Hence, the posters and assets that came later on didn’t bear the name of the production house. The trailer was then released and some days later, it was pulled down. It was up again but this time the voiceover of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was edited out, as were a few more references.
A section of people, however, is providing full support to Bheed. But the number of such people is very few. The film is meant for niche audiences and on top of it, it is in black and white. A large section of the audience will stay away from the film. Also, the lockdown is a painful memory which people probably don’t want to revisit.
Anubhav Sinha’s last film Anek opened at Rs. 1.71 crores. Bheed is expected to have a lesser opening. Good word of mouth can help the film to grow over the weekend.
Last week was a pleasant surprise as Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway held decently at the box office. It surprisingly saw a slight jump in collections on Tuesday as Wednesday was a partial holiday on account of Gudi Padwa. Wednesday collections were also strong and the film will end up with a lifetime of Rs. 15-17 crores, provided it remains steady in the second weekend. The collections aren’t huge but for a film like this, it’s reasonable, especially in the post-pandemic world. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, meanwhile, dropped a bit on Friday but jumped on Saturday and Sunday. This film also did well on the weekdays and it is expected to collect Rs. 120-125 crores in its lifetime.
And this week, too, will bring smiles. John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to release today evening and the advance sales are very encouraging. It has proved to be a surprise as the earlier three films weren’t that big in India. John Wick 3 had collected around Rs. 11 crores while the first 2 parts had collectively earned Rs. 4 crores only. John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, can collect as much as John Wick 3’s lifetime collections by Sunday or even by Saturday. It has the potential to cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. What will benefit the fourth part is that it’ll also release in Hindi. Moreover, the reviews from the West are very positive. It’s difficult to say how the series became this big all of a sudden but the studio and the exhibitors are not complaining for sure.
The other major release of the week is Bheed. It is directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, Kritika Kamra and Ashutosh Rana. It is set during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and hence, it’s releasing on the eve of the first lockdown.
Bheed, however, has been in the news due to its controversies. The teaser of the film drew sharp reactions as it compared the lockdown with the partition. Interestingly, T-Series was involved with the film then. But the criticism towards the teaser and also the belief that the film is ‘anti-government’ reportedly made T-Series back out of the film. Hence, the posters and assets that came later on didn’t bear the name of the production house. The trailer was then released and some days later, it was pulled down. It was up again but this time the voiceover of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was edited out, as were a few more references.
A section of people, however, is providing full support to Bheed. But the number of such people is very few. The film is meant for niche audiences and on top of it, it is in black and white. A large section of the audience will stay away from the film. Also, the lockdown is a painful memory which people probably don’t want to revisit.
Anubhav Sinha’s last film Anek opened at Rs. 1.71 crores. Bheed is expected to have a lesser opening. Good word of mouth can help the film to grow over the weekend.
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