Showing posts with label Neeraj Pathak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neeraj Pathak. Show all posts
Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta's delayed film Bhaiaji Superhit in a fix
8:10 AM
The film, which had been in the making for over seven years, has two producers fighting over credit and non-payment of dues
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 3, 2018)
The Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Ameesha Patel starrer Bhaiaji Superhit, which had gone on the floors way back in 2011, has run into trouble as it finally inches closer to its release date.
Mirror has learnt that the film’s former producer Fauzia Arshi has sent a legal notice to its team, including current producer Chirag Dhariwal, director Neeraj Pathak, actor Sunny Deol and the music company Zee. “I was approached by Neeraj in 2011 to produce the film. We decided on a budget of Rs 24 crore but finally settled on Rs 26 crore. After an entire schedule was shot in 2012, with Rs 5-6 crore that I had put in, Neeraj suddenly informed that the budget will now have to stretch to Rs 40 crore,” Fauzia informed Mirror, adding, “After that, Neeraj and Sunny insisted that they wanted to work with Chirag Dhariwal, who had agreed to finance the film with its revised budget.”
When asked if they agreed to pay her back, Fauzia informs, “Dhariwal gave me a cheque of Rs 4 crore, which bounced. They promised to give me Rs 1 crore at the time of the film’s release but that hasn’t happened as well. Our contract stated that I’d be credited as producer on the film but that has not happened either. Along with interest, I am supposed to receive at least Rs 10 crore from them.”
When Mirror reached out to Chirag Dhariwal, his spokesperson refuted Fauzia’s claims. “It was Chirag Dhariwal who started the project. The lady (Fauzia) came into the picture later and took over the film after paying him Rs 2.5 crore by cheque, which bounced. She gave up just five days after the film went on the floors. That’s when Chirag had to step back in. After that, the entire film was shot by us and she was not involved in it,” the spokesperson added.
Fauzia Arshi with Sunny on the film set; Chirag Dhariwal (right)
Aankhen 2 is a sequel with a promising story-Gaurang Doshi
7:57 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; December 23, 2016)
After over a decade, having
overcome personal and professional hiccups, producer Gaurang Doshi is
all set to make a filmi comeback with the sequel of his 2002 hit,
Aankhen. He speaks to Bombay Times about the much-talked-about ensemble
film and what makes it a cut above the rest.
Aankhen 2 seems to be on track. We hear you've finalised the locations as well?
We will start the shoot in February in Mumbai, followed by a month-long schedule in Johannesburg and finally London. The film will be shot in real locations. The boutique casino hotel in Johannesburg took our breath away. Director Anees Bazmee loved it so much that he wanted to shoot the entire film there (smiles). Anil Kapoor plays a wealthy casino owner, so it fit the bill.
Barring Amitabh Bachchan and Arjun Rampal, the rest of the cast is new...
Amitji ke bina sequel banana mumkin hi nahin tha. Through my tough times, he stood by me like a rock. The new ensemble cast will lend some freshness to the film. We have Anil (in a negative role), Vidyut Jammval and Arshad Warsi joining the cast. Vidyut, Arjun and Arshad are the three blind men in the film.There are two more big names too, which I shall reveal soon.
While Aankhen was based on a Gujarati play, it must have been a challenge to take the story forward with no reference point...
It revolves around a casino heist and has a lot of humour. I started my career with Aankhen and now, I am making a comeback as a producer with its sequel. I've written the story and Neeraj Pathak, Anees and me have penned the screenplay. It took us over a year to zero in on the script. Aankhen 2 is a sequel with a promising story.
Most sequels failed to make an impression at the box office this year. Does that make you anxious?
My sequel is a continuation of the first film, but it has its own story. Of course, it revolves around three blind men, but it has several twists and turns. Amitji plays the sutradhar. As for the other sequels not working, I feel people are not paying attention to the story; they are just trying to cash in on the brand. Most sequels end up being remakes. You have to give something new to the audience. How can your sequels run if they look just like the previous film, in fact an inferior version of it?
Making a comeback after such a long time mustn't be easy.
I may be making a film after over a decade, but filmmaking is in my genes. Three generations of my family have been making films and I missed doing that. I took a break because I didn't want to make films for the heck of it. Paise ke liye mujhe films nahin banani thi. I was shuttling between Los Angeles and Mumbai. I was busy writing scripts and battling personal setbacks (divorce case with wife). Films are my passion and I hope I am able to deliver.
You've produced a critically acclaimed film, Bawandar. Will we see you supporting more indie films?
It was an award-winning film, but I like masala entertainers; I am a commercial filmmaker. I'm not interested in walking the red carpet at Cannes. I'll be happier if people whistle during my film at a single screen theater.
We will start the shoot in February in Mumbai, followed by a month-long schedule in Johannesburg and finally London. The film will be shot in real locations. The boutique casino hotel in Johannesburg took our breath away. Director Anees Bazmee loved it so much that he wanted to shoot the entire film there (smiles). Anil Kapoor plays a wealthy casino owner, so it fit the bill.
Barring Amitabh Bachchan and Arjun Rampal, the rest of the cast is new...
Amitji ke bina sequel banana mumkin hi nahin tha. Through my tough times, he stood by me like a rock. The new ensemble cast will lend some freshness to the film. We have Anil (in a negative role), Vidyut Jammval and Arshad Warsi joining the cast. Vidyut, Arjun and Arshad are the three blind men in the film.There are two more big names too, which I shall reveal soon.
While Aankhen was based on a Gujarati play, it must have been a challenge to take the story forward with no reference point...
It revolves around a casino heist and has a lot of humour. I started my career with Aankhen and now, I am making a comeback as a producer with its sequel. I've written the story and Neeraj Pathak, Anees and me have penned the screenplay. It took us over a year to zero in on the script. Aankhen 2 is a sequel with a promising story.
Most sequels failed to make an impression at the box office this year. Does that make you anxious?
My sequel is a continuation of the first film, but it has its own story. Of course, it revolves around three blind men, but it has several twists and turns. Amitji plays the sutradhar. As for the other sequels not working, I feel people are not paying attention to the story; they are just trying to cash in on the brand. Most sequels end up being remakes. You have to give something new to the audience. How can your sequels run if they look just like the previous film, in fact an inferior version of it?
Making a comeback after such a long time mustn't be easy.
I may be making a film after over a decade, but filmmaking is in my genes. Three generations of my family have been making films and I missed doing that. I took a break because I didn't want to make films for the heck of it. Paise ke liye mujhe films nahin banani thi. I was shuttling between Los Angeles and Mumbai. I was busy writing scripts and battling personal setbacks (divorce case with wife). Films are my passion and I hope I am able to deliver.
You've produced a critically acclaimed film, Bawandar. Will we see you supporting more indie films?
It was an award-winning film, but I like masala entertainers; I am a commercial filmmaker. I'm not interested in walking the red carpet at Cannes. I'll be happier if people whistle during my film at a single screen theater.
Check out Preity Zinta posing after shooting for action sequence on Bhaiyyaji Superhit sets
7:50 AM
The actress takes the lead in a fight sequence impressing with her punches
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2016)
Preity Zinta who plays Sunny Deol’s wife in Bhaiyyaji Superhit recently delivered a few punches of her own too. Sunny plays a don from UP in the film and in a scene the couple are cornered by the baddies. Before Sunny’s dhai kilo ka haath can pound him to pulp, the feisty actress took the fight forward, with her stronger half joining in.
Director Neeraj Pathak confirmed the news, saying, “Yes, Preity took cues from Sunny as he is known as Bollywood’s action hero. She trained under action director Vijayan who directed the action sequences in Dabangg,Wanted and Bodyguard. It’s raw, hardcore maar dhaad.”
Preity’s in-laws and husband, Gene Goodenough, didn’t get to watch the shoot but she excitedly shared pictures with them. Now, only a few scenes remain to be shot post Diwali for a wrap.
Ameesha Patel in splits as Arshad Warsi cracks up while filming Bhaiyyaji Superhit
7:54 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (August 5, 2016)
Ameesha Patel is having a
great time shooting for her upcoming film Bhaiyyaji Superhit. Helmed by
Neeraj Pathak, this movie reunites the actress with her Gadar - Ek Prem
Katha co-star Sunny Deol.
After a three-week outdoor schedule in Banaras, the team recently began shooting in Mumbai. Sunny plays a double role and the entire cast was called for a two-day rehearsal before they began shooting in the city. We hear the atmosphere on the sets was a laugh riot, thanks to Arshad Warsi, who often cracked jokes and played pranks on unsuspecting crew members to keep the mood light.
Says Ameesha, “Arshad is a really funny guy and we are enjoying every day of the shoot. In fact, on one of the occasions, the director had to stop the shoot as we couldn't stop laughing on his jokes.“ Pathak sums up saying, “The actor is keeping the atmosphere positive and it is surely reflecting on their performances.“
After a three-week outdoor schedule in Banaras, the team recently began shooting in Mumbai. Sunny plays a double role and the entire cast was called for a two-day rehearsal before they began shooting in the city. We hear the atmosphere on the sets was a laugh riot, thanks to Arshad Warsi, who often cracked jokes and played pranks on unsuspecting crew members to keep the mood light.
Says Ameesha, “Arshad is a really funny guy and we are enjoying every day of the shoot. In fact, on one of the occasions, the director had to stop the shoot as we couldn't stop laughing on his jokes.“ Pathak sums up saying, “The actor is keeping the atmosphere positive and it is surely reflecting on their performances.“
Doing good films is my priority now-Ameesha Patel
8:02 AM
MID-DAY (May 5, 2016)
Ameesha Patel talks about turning producer with Desi Magic, reuniting with Gadar co- star Sunny Deol on screen and the fun of being single
How is your maiden production, Desi Magic shaping up? There was a lot of buzz around it after you released the teaser.
Desi Magic is turning out to be better than what was planned and imagined. My business partner, Kuunal Goomer, who came up with the concept and is keenly involved with every aspect of this film, decided to delay the film’s release by over a year — it was a decision that we weren’t really happy about initially. However, with all the changes that he has made to the project, he has taken it to a whole new level. The team is extremely happy with the film and we are looking at completing it in approximately three months. And does the time frame to make and release a film really matter? I don’t think so. What matters is how the film has shaped up when it hits theatres and not how long it took to be made. I can name several films that have only been in the pipeline for five years or so with nothing progressing post an official announcement. The audience goes to the theatre on the merit of a film’s content.
How were Zayed Khan and Saahil Shroff as co- stars?
I am highly fortunate to have been working with two great, good looking, cool guys who were highly professional. I couldn’t have asked for better co-stars in Desi Magic. They were just tailor- made for their characters.
How is your other film, Bhaiyyaji Superhitt, with Gadar (2001) co-star Sunny Deol progressing?
Sixty per cent of it has already been shot. Sunny is the most amazing of all my co-stars till date; he is a great human being. Hopefully, our on-screen chemistry will work wonders again.
How was the experience of working with Bhaiyyaji Superhitt director Neeraj Pathak? Is he a taskmaster?
Oh, he is just amazing. He knows what Sunny and I can do; he gets the best out of us. He has created an out and out commercial entertainer. Preity Zinta, who is also playing one of the lead roles, is someone I am really fond of. And then there is Arshad Warsi. He is terrific as always.
Why have you been away from the big screen all this while?
It was a purely professional decision, but now, I am all geared up for a comeback.
Mehul Atha, director of Desi Magic, belongs to the ad fraternity. Did he come with a different vision?
Unlike many others, Mehul focusses more on characters than stylised shots. He has several big ads to his credit and is extremely thorough with his work. I am sure he will make a mark in the industry after Desi Magic releases.
You and Kuunal appear to be positive and strong minded...
You have hit the nail on the head. Yes, Kuunal is very strong minded and positive, and I can confidently say that his thoughts, vision and plans will be the talk of the industry in the near future. He and I believe in doing everything with utmost positivity.
What is more appealing to you — acting or producing?
They are equally appealing and challenging, to be honest. I would like to do both. Working in films under other banners is more important for any actor than sticking to home productions. And making good films under one’s own banner is a challenging task. I am hopeful, with time, our production house will rise to the challenge and deliver.
You got your first break with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000). Any plans to give struggling actors a chance to make it big through your production house?
Post Desi Magic, we would love to launch new talents for our other projects.
Was turning producer on your to-do list?
No, it was never on my to-do list. In fact, it was Kuunal who forced me into this! But I am happy that I went ahead with his foresight. I couldn’t have asked God for more; I am in a very happy space at the moment.
What about the news of you being offered a TV show in America?
It is one of the top 10 shows on air today, but I declined it since it would have taken up all my time. At the moment, I am happy with my production venture and also busy doing a film with Sunny. There was no way I could leave India for several months on end.
Who among the present Bollywood actresses do you admire?
I am proud of the way Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt have done for themselves. They deserve every bit of the success that they have earned. Hats off to Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone as well for the wonderful work they are doing and making us proud.
You are known to be a fitness freak and your trainer is said to be the best in the business...
Yes, Klinton Rebello is one of the best trainers, who mentors Olympic athletes. He deserves credit for my fitness.
What is your beauty secret?
I do not believe in starving myself and abusing my body. But I feel blessed to have genes of my mother and grandmother, who are extremely beautiful women. Not having too many vices also helps.
Is love on the horizon for you?
I guess men don’t find me worthy of them. Jokes apart, I am currently focussed on my work. Maybe, a year or two down the line, I will think of a relationship. But doing good films is my priority now.
Gene Goodenough in Mumbai; to go on sets to see Preity Zinta perform
7:45 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 6, 2016)
Mirror (April 29) had earlier informed that Preity Zinta has resumed shooting for her next, Bhaiyyaji Superhit, but promised to introduce her husband to her film family soon. Well, the time has come, Mr Goodenough is in town.
Director, Neeraj Pathak, informed Mirror, "From what I know, Gene arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday and Preity is spending time with him. They have plans to travel but she's promised us that she will bring him on the set soon. We're hoping it's sometime next week, we are planning to host a party to celebrate their shaadi."
This is Mr Goodenough's chance to see his actress wife in action. Preity plays the wife of a don who comes from the hinterlands of UP and gives the angry dhai kilo ka haathwala Sunny tough competition. "She's been practising screaming sessions on the set," Neeraj laughs. "We even hired a dialect coach so she could speak fluent Bhojpuri. And I can promise you a unique wedding when Sunny and Preity tie the knot in reel life."
Post-wedding, Preity Zinta resumes work by shooting for Bhaiyyaji Superhit in Karjat
6:41 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 29, 2016)
After walking down the aisle
with her American beau, Gene Goodenough, in February, Preity Zinta
returned to the Karjat sets of Neeraj Pathak's comedy,
Bhaiyyaji Superhit, on Wednesday evening. Joining her were co-stars
Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade.
“Ameesha plays a heroine in the film while Preity portrays the role of a
small-town girl who tries to emulate the former. Sunny plays a UP don
and will be seen speaking Bhojpuri. He has the unit in splits when he
unintentionally slips into Punjabi in between dialogues,“ Neeraj shares,
adding that the film's team has planned a bash for Preity after they
wrap up the current schedule.
“We started shooting at 7 pm and wrapped up by 1 am. Preity stayed on after that to catch up with the team. She has promised to get her husband on the sets very soon,“ the filmmaker reveals, insisting that despite having two actresses in his film, shooting has been like a breeze.
“I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Preity and Ameesha spent time in each others' vanity vans, helping one another decide their outfits for the scenes. Sixty per cent of the film is complete,“ he says, adding that the unit is hoping to wrap up the shoot by June-end. “Initial plans were afoot to shoot in Banaras but we had to shift to Karjat due to the soaring temperatures,“ he says.
“We started shooting at 7 pm and wrapped up by 1 am. Preity stayed on after that to catch up with the team. She has promised to get her husband on the sets very soon,“ the filmmaker reveals, insisting that despite having two actresses in his film, shooting has been like a breeze.
“I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Preity and Ameesha spent time in each others' vanity vans, helping one another decide their outfits for the scenes. Sixty per cent of the film is complete,“ he says, adding that the unit is hoping to wrap up the shoot by June-end. “Initial plans were afoot to shoot in Banaras but we had to shift to Karjat due to the soaring temperatures,“ he says.
Preity Zinta returns to the silver screen with Bhaiyyaji Superhit
7:34 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (March 28, 2016)
After tying the knot with
American beau Gene Goodenough in a hush hush Los Angeles ceremony on March 2, Preity Zinta is now gearing up for an acting comeback.
The actress, who was last seen in her 2013 home production, Ishkq in
Paris, will feature in the upcoming Sunny Deol-starrer action comedy,
Bhaiyyaji Superhit.
The 41-year-old Preity announced the news on Twitter during an interaction with her fans, saying, “Next project is Bhaiyaji Superhit. Besides that setting up house etc.. Being a house wife.“ The film also features Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, Mithun Chakraborty and Shreyas Talpade. Directed by Neerraj Pathak, the film had been in cold storage for a while. Sunny paaji plays a gangster with showbiz dreams.
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Preity Zinta returns to tinseltown with her long-in-the-making film opposite Sunny Deol
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; March 28, 2016)
Preity Zinta will be back on the silver screen with her long-delayed project, Bhaiyyaji Superhit, which has Sunny Deol as her co-star. The action comedy which was put on the backburner for the past few years, is being revived with a shooting schedule slated for next month in Benares.
Says the film’s director Neeraj Pathak, “Preity has confirmed that she will start shooting for the film from April 15. She is slated to be back around April 7 ahead of the Indian Premier League matches that kick off on April 9.” This will be the first time the actress will come to India post her hush hush wedding to US-based financial analyst Gene Goodenough in Los Angeles last month.
Adds Pathak, “It will be a 40-day schedule in Benares. We will wrap up the film in this schedule.” Bhaiyyaji Superhit was announced in 2011 and after a shoot schedule in Rajasthan in 2013, it was riddled with production and monetary issues. This forced the project to be in cold storage.
Pathak further says, “Things have been sorted out. We now have a new producer, Chirag Dhariwal, on board. We will wrap up the shoot and release the film later this year.”
Sunny Deol’s spokesperson says, “The actor will start shooting for the film from April 15.” The film also stars Arshad Warsi, Ameesha Patel, Shreyas Talpade. There was buzz in July 2015 that that the film is being revived, but things did not take off then. Neeraj adds, “We have already shot 50 per cent of the film earlier. I have got the dates of the entire cast who are excited about working on it again.”
The first look of Sunny Deol from Bhaiyyaji Superhit that was released in 2012 courted controversy as it was said to be inspired by Hollywood star Johnny Depp’s photoshoot. Preity was last seen in her production, Ishkq in Paris (2013) besides a cameo in Happy Ending (2014).
The 41-year-old Preity announced the news on Twitter during an interaction with her fans, saying, “Next project is Bhaiyaji Superhit. Besides that setting up house etc.. Being a house wife.“ The film also features Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, Mithun Chakraborty and Shreyas Talpade. Directed by Neerraj Pathak, the film had been in cold storage for a while. Sunny paaji plays a gangster with showbiz dreams.
-------------------------
Preity Zinta returns to tinseltown with her long-in-the-making film opposite Sunny Deol
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; March 28, 2016)
Preity Zinta will be back on the silver screen with her long-delayed project, Bhaiyyaji Superhit, which has Sunny Deol as her co-star. The action comedy which was put on the backburner for the past few years, is being revived with a shooting schedule slated for next month in Benares.
Says the film’s director Neeraj Pathak, “Preity has confirmed that she will start shooting for the film from April 15. She is slated to be back around April 7 ahead of the Indian Premier League matches that kick off on April 9.” This will be the first time the actress will come to India post her hush hush wedding to US-based financial analyst Gene Goodenough in Los Angeles last month.
Adds Pathak, “It will be a 40-day schedule in Benares. We will wrap up the film in this schedule.” Bhaiyyaji Superhit was announced in 2011 and after a shoot schedule in Rajasthan in 2013, it was riddled with production and monetary issues. This forced the project to be in cold storage.
Pathak further says, “Things have been sorted out. We now have a new producer, Chirag Dhariwal, on board. We will wrap up the shoot and release the film later this year.”
Sunny Deol’s spokesperson says, “The actor will start shooting for the film from April 15.” The film also stars Arshad Warsi, Ameesha Patel, Shreyas Talpade. There was buzz in July 2015 that that the film is being revived, but things did not take off then. Neeraj adds, “We have already shot 50 per cent of the film earlier. I have got the dates of the entire cast who are excited about working on it again.”
The first look of Sunny Deol from Bhaiyyaji Superhit that was released in 2012 courted controversy as it was said to be inspired by Hollywood star Johnny Depp’s photoshoot. Preity was last seen in her production, Ishkq in Paris (2013) besides a cameo in Happy Ending (2014).
Ameesha Patel and Sunny Deol pair up after 14 years with Bhaiyyaji Superhit
7:42 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (December 12, 2015)
Ameesha Patel and Sunny
Deol, who first paired up on screen for Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), a
period romance set against the partition, are all set to recreate the
magic. After 14 years, the two actors will be seen romancing each other
in Bhaiyyaji Superhit. Director Neeraj Pathak is excited to cast the two
actors, and seeing their camaraderie on set, it didn't seem the duo was
working together after such a long gap. During the Mumbai schedule,
co-actor Arshad Warsi joined the team, following which the whole unit
had a ball of a time. Although Ameesha also acted with Sunny in Teesri
Aankh - The Hidden Camera (2006), they weren't cast opposite each other
in the movie.
Sunny Deol-Preity Zinta starrer Bhaiyyaji Superhit revived; to release in early 2016
7:53 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; July 31, 2015)
Neeraj Pathak’s Bhaiyyaji Superhit, which was announced four years ago and shelved soon after over budget issues, has been pulled out of the cold storage. Buzz suggests that shooting for the film has started recently. It stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Ameesha Patel, Arshad Warsi, Mithun Chakraborthy and Shreyas Talpade.
A source says, “The film had been canned due to financial constraints. But now, it has got a new lease of life. The team had a brief schedule in Mumbai recently and will head to Banaras next month. The script and star cast remains what it was earlier.”
The film had been shelved apparently because Neeraj had asked producer Fauzia Arshi to raise the budget by a crore after 15 days of shooting and she didn’t agree to proposal. Some other reports suggested that the director had approached Subhash Ghai to fund the project without Arshi’s knowledge, which led to a dispute and eventually, pushed the film to the cans.
Neeraj confirms the development, adding: “We are back on track and will release the movie early next year. All actors as well as the crew members are excited about wrapping up the film as early as possible.”
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