Showing posts with label Prithviraj. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prithviraj. Show all posts
RRR’s success showcases South Indian cinema’s global appeal-Prabhas
4:01 PM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; December 21, 2023)
Prabhas’s larger-than-life screen persona ensures that the films he takes up gain momentum of their own. The latest is Prashanth Neel’s multilingual film ‘Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire’, where he shares the screen with acclaimed actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran The two portray characters bound by a strong brotherly connection in a film that boasts of high-octane action, which is often the highlight of films headlined by Prabhas.
In an interview with BT, the actor, known to be a man of few words, talks about his latest venture, which releases on Friday.
‘Camaraderie with Prithviraj and Prashant has added to the magic of ‘Salaar’’
Prabhas attributes more than one reason that sets this film apart from other movies of the same genre. He shares, “‘Salaar’ explores a powerful brotherly bond between Prithviraj and me, set against an intense action and emotionally driven backdrop. The storyline is captivating, distinctly blending action and emotions, which sets it apart in this genre. However, one of the highlights of the experience for me was the off-screen bonding with Prithviraj and Prashanth, which was fantastic. It has also contributed positively to the on-screen chemistry and our overall camaraderie. It has been a fulfilling experience working with them.”
‘The role didn’t require a major physical transformation’
Given the kind of characters Prabhas takes on as an actor, there is often a demand for physical transformations as well as mental prep, but with ‘Salaar’, he chose to be more specific. Elaborating on the preparation he undertook for the film this time, he says, “While working on this role, the emphasis was more on physical preparation with muscle building. It didn’t require a major transformation, but the effort involved a dedicated fitness routine and emotional nuances to bring authenticity to the character.”
‘If the audience likes what they see, our job is done’
The trailer of ‘Salaar’ generated a massive response, heightening the expectations surrounding the film. The actor, however, seems to appear calm amidst the excitement around the release. Ask him if the pressure of the audience’s expectations gets a bit much to handle, and he says, “I like to focus on the positives, and in this case, it is the love and support of my fans. If they like what they see, our job is done. Handling the pressure of a larger-than-life image involves a balance of staying true to my craft and choosing projects that challenge me. In fact, apart from the substance in the script, it is the audience’s expectations that drive my choices in choosing a project.”
‘It’s gratifying to see the emergence of pan-India cinema since ‘Baahubali’’
Everyone has been raving about the emergence of pan-India cinema, a trend that technically took off with the record-breaking ‘Baahubali’ films (2015 and 2017), which was also instrumental in making Prabhas a pan-India star. The actor is elated by the rise of collaborative projects between various film industries in the country. “Witnessing the emergence of pan-India cinema since ‘Baahubali’ is gratifying. It also feels like a significant moment to be part of this transition, fostering a healthy exchange of culture and stories and contributing to the collaborative growth of both industries,” he explains.
‘Oscar for ‘RRR’ is a testament to South Indian cinema’s global appeal’
South Indian cinema is making significant strides, not only nationally but also internationally. Prabhas feels that this kind of recognition is positive for the growth of Indian cinema. “The growing national and international recognition of South Indian cinema, exemplified by the recent Oscar win for ‘RRR’, is a testament to its global appeal. It’s a positive trend that showcases the industry’s creative prowess and potential on a broader stage,” he says.
I love Akshay Kumar's professionalism. He doesn’t take work-related stress home-Manushi Chhillar
8:11 AM
Stating that hour-long meeting with Aditya was first step to bagging Prithviraj, Manushi discusses the prep that went into making her Bollywood-ready
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 27, 2022)
We hear elaborate tales from young actors about how they, since childhood, wished to see themselves on the big screen. Manushi Chhillar’s isn’t that story. “I come from an academic-oriented family. But destiny had different plans,” she starts.
Bollywood has been the destination for many beauty queens. But the 2017 Miss World winner, who will be launched with Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj, says her entry into the movies is accidental. “The film happened by chance. I met Adi sir [Aditya Chopra, producer] for a 10-minute meeting that lasted an hour. [After that], I did a series of auditions. But the fact that I was the leading lady didn’t sink in until the first day on the set. In the eight months in between, I trained at YRF Studios for eight hours every day — [learning classical] dancing, doing acting workshops, and perfecting the language.”
Director Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s period drama sees Chhillar as Princess Sanyogita. According to ancient texts, the 12th century princess defied her family to marry Prithviraj Chauhan. Chhillar believes women will identify with her part. “She was courageous, someone who could declare her love in public. She called out society’s hypocrisies, and had conviction in her beliefs that made her go against her father. Women will resonate with her spirit because she fights for the power to choose.”
There has been much discussion about the glaring age difference between Kumar, 54, and Chhillar, 25. Does the age gap perturb her? “I have to convince people that I am Princess Sanyogita. She was 18 at the time, which isn’t my age. But an actor’s job is to play all ages. That my co-star is older than me or vice versa is irrelevant. All that concerns me is that I should look the character’s age.”
She has deep respect for Kumar who taught her life lessons. “I love his professionalism. He doesn’t take work-related stress home. Our industry [festers] anxiety, which can burn one out soon. He makes a conscious effort to enjoy. I learnt a thing or two about not tiring myself out.”
I used to get ready from 3 am for 8 am shot-Sonu Sood
8:24 AM
From using prosthetics to sport bald look, to reading up on Chand Bardai, Sonu discusses slipping into learned poet’s role for Prithviraj
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 24, 2022)
When director Chandraprakash Dwivedi decided to make Prithviraj, he didn’t have to look further than Chand Bardai’s epic poem, Prithviraj Raso, for inspiration (Film based on medieval epic Prithviraj Raso, Apr 23). Bardai, said to be a poet in Prithviraj Chauhan’s court, had developed what is considered a comprehensive retelling of the king’s life. For his big-screen offering, the director chose Sonu Sood to play the learned poet to Akshay Kumar’s warrior king. Sood, who was familiar with Bardai’s work, thoroughly enjoyed going back in time to the 12th century.
The actor says, “I had heard stories of Chand Bardai and Prithviraj Chauhan from my mother, who was a professor of history and English literature. So, playing this character was special for me. My director shared a lot of literature about Chand Bardai, which helped my prep.”
Looking the part of the poet was a tricky and exhausting affair. The actor says he had to use prosthetics to sport a bald avatar, in keeping with his character. “I remember getting ready used to be a [daunting] task due to the prosthetics. I used to start getting ready from 3 am, so that I could be ready for the shot at 8 am. Once I would get into the outfit, my body language used to change. I would start feeling like the character,” says Sood.
He adds that he had to pick up Rajasthani dialect before the movie rolled. “In a period film, everything needs to be right — from the outfits to the diction. I have done many historical dramas, and it was exciting to portray [a new] character.”
Real marble was used; 900 workers toiled hard for 8 months to build Prithviraj's gigantic sets-Chandraprakash Dwivedi
8:10 AM
Prithviraj director breaks down how art design team recreated 12th century Delhi, Ajmer and Kannauj for Akshay’s period drama
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 23, 2022)
The biggest challenge of making a period drama is recreating the era it is set in. The makers of Prithviraj faced the same hurdle as they set out to offer a retelling of the 12th century warrior king. With the Akshay Kumar-starrer depicting Prithviraj’s reign as he first ruled out of Ajmer and subsequently Delhi, and his love story with Princess Sanyogita of Kannauj, the production design team had to build lavish sets replicating the three cities.
Art designers Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray researched the architectural style of the period before erecting elaborate sets in Madh Island, Dahisar and YRF Studios in Andheri.
It is heard that producer Aditya Chopra assigned a budget of over Rs 25 crore for set design. Director Chandraprakash Dwivedi is satisfied with the result.
“Aditya Chopra took on the Herculean task to recreate Delhi, Ajmer and Kannauj. Real marble was used to build the cities, and 900 workers toiled hard for about eight months to build these gigantic sets,” he says. Kumar adds, “It was a task to make this film a visual delight for the audiences. We wanted people to see how magnificent the cities looked during [his reign].”
Manushi Chhillar learnt in her first film what I did by my 25th-Akshay Kumar
8:22 AM
Noting that Prithviraj isn’t an easy subject to debut with, Akshay praises Manushi for her commitment to the role
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 21, 2022)
In Prithviraj, the spotlight may be on Akshay Kumar, but the film is equally crucial for Manushi Chhillar. The historical drama, after all, marks the Bollywood debut of the former Miss World. Holding one’s own in front of seasoned actors like Kumar and Sanjay Dutt is no mean feat, and the superstar applauds Chhillar for bringing alive the character of Sanyogita.
“Manushi is a natural actor. A film like Prithviraj is not an easy debut for anyone. She is paying tribute to one of the most memorable personalities in Indian history, Princess Sanyogita. So, she is expected to have grace, and deliver a powerful performance,” says Kumar.
Soon after she was roped in for Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s directorial venture, Chhillar began prepping for the period piece — from reading about the ancient texts dedicated to the princess of Kannauj, to understanding her headstrong nature. With her first film being among the many projects delayed by the pandemic, it taught the debutante the uncertainty that accompanies this profession.
Proud of how she took the setback in her stride, Kumar adds, “She learnt in her first film what I learnt probably by my twenty-fifth. I was taken aback by how prepared she was to do this role. She knew she had a responsibility towards the role, and essayed it beautifully. For her to be this assured of her craft speaks volumes about her hunger to deliver on screen.”
I was like a kid in a candy store when I realised the scale of action that I will get to perform in Prithviraj-Akshay Kumar
7:50 AM
Though the war sequences of Prithviraj were demanding, Akshay Kumar says he felt like a “kid in a candy store” on realising the film’s grand scale
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 19, 2022)
When it comes to action, there is little that Akshay Kumar can’t do. He has been one of the most enduring action stars of Bollywood, with a career spanning three decades. With Prithviraj, the superstar saw the potential of pushing the envelope. Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s directorial venture, which focuses on the mighty king’s war against the Muhammad of Ghor, demanded elaborate fight sequences that had to be designed keeping in mind the warfare techniques of the era.
Slipping into the armour and practicing sword-fighting left Kumar excited. “I was like a kid in a candy store when I realised the scale of action that I will get to perform,” grins the actor. “Prithviraj is mounted on a [lavish] scale, and action plays an integral part in heightening the entertainment quotient of the film. The big-screen extravaganza will give the audience numerous highs, given how Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan took on the responsibility of protecting the country and its people from the merciless invader, Muhammad of Ghor.”
Dwivedi roped in action directors Parvez Shaikh and Franz Spillhaus to design the mammoth war sequences. From choreographing the on-screen armies consisting of 500-odd people to filming in the arid deserts of Rajasthan, the stunt directors had a difficult task at hand. Kumar, who hasn’t featured in many historical dramas, admits that he thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the warfare of a bygone era.
“Doing action gives me a high. It was tough to pull off these elaborate war sequences, wearing heavy armour in the sweltering heat, but I knew that these scenes would look spectacular on the big screen. Prithviraj is a film that’s high on patriotism, given the king’s valour. It needed to be presented in a way that would make people gasp with excitement, and I think we have achieved it.” The period drama also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and debutante Manushi Chhillar.
Over 50,000 costumes were hand made by the costume designer for Prithviraj-Chandraprakash Dwivedi
8:45 AM
Leading man Akshay and director Dwivedi discuss how authenticity was key as the team created era-appropriate outfits and turbans for Prithviraj
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 16, 2022)
Making a historical drama can be daunting. Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi knew that all too well as he teamed up with Akshay Kumar for Prithviraj, a retelling of the warrior king who fought valiantly against Muhammad of Ghor. Authenticity is the foundation of any period piece. The director left no stone unturned to recreate the 12th century Chahamana dynasty — from building sets of palaces that resembled the period’s architectural style, to creating era-appropriate outfits.
“Detailing was key to making a film like Prithviraj. For instance, 500 different turbans were created for the film. All these were authentic replications of the kinds of turbans worn by kings, masses, and people of various professions at that time. We had an expert on turban styling, who would oversee the process on the set,” says Dwivedi.
Soon after the script was locked, the filmmaker brought costume designer Sanjeev Raj Singh on board. The designer and his team researched about the garments, colours and fabrics used at the time before creating the sartorial palette. The director adds, “Over 50,000 costumes were hand-made by the costume designer who, along with his team, was specially flown in from Rajasthan. He stayed in Mumbai and made these outfits from scratch. I’m glad I had a producer like Aditya Chopra who believed in my vision for the film.”
The June 3 offering — also starring Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and debutante Manushi Chhillar — is arguably one of Kumar’s biggest releases in recent times. The leading man is evidently impressed as much with the movie’s grand scale as with the intricate detailing that went into its making.
The superstar says, “Rarely do films take this much effort, [with directors] embarking upon such monumental tasks. Every element of our film has been dealt with utmost sincerity, authenticity and reverence. We have paid attention to the minutest details because we wanted this to be the most glorious retelling of Samrat Prithviraj’s life.”
When I was narrated Prithviraj, I had goosebumps throughout the sitting-Akshay Kumar
8:22 AM
As Prithviraj trailer drops online, Kumar reveals he had “goosebumps” when director Dwivedi narrated the warrior king’s story
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 9, 2022)
There are few scripts that speak to you from the word go. For Akshay Kumar, Prithviraj was one of those rare finds. The superstar, who has a penchant for stories that acquaint the audiences with lesser-known chapters of India’s history, says the life of the warrior king — who fought valiantly against the Muhammad of Ghor — deserves a big-screen retelling.
“When I was narrated the film, I had goosebumps throughout the [sitting]. I immediately said yes to the project because the script blew me away. It brings together history, patriotism, portrayal of the values that we should live by, and also tells a story of love that is rare to find,” says Kumar.
Handling a historical drama is not easy. The actor believes that Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi is the right person to do justice to the subject. As the trailer drops online today, Kumar feels the film’s grand scale makes it a big-screen entertainer. “The film has a huge scale that a historical like this deserves. It is an honour to portray someone who has done so much for the India that we know.”
The drama sees former Miss World Manushi Chhillar opposite the superstar.
I was taken aback by Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi's research for Prithviraj-Akshay Kumar
8:22 AM
As Akshay Kumar steps into the warrior king’s shoes for Chandraprakash Dwivedi’s Prithviraj, actor-director duo on how they converted YRF floor into a research wing to accommodate literature and artefacts
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 6, 2022)
Akshay Kumar’s next is arguably one of his most ambitious ventures in recent times. With Prithviraj, the superstar intends to reacquaint the audience with the legendary warrior king, Prithviraj Chauhan, who valiantly fought the Muhammad of Ghor in the second battle of Tarain in 1192. Research is crucial in a historical drama, and director Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi — who has dedicated 18 years to the subject — wanted to bring an authentic retelling to the big screen.
“The first step to attempt such an extravagant historical movie is always research, and we wanted to be absolutely accurate. I had personally worked on the script from 2004 to 2019, updating it every year. Naturally, I had a lot of material that could be used as reference points to write the film’s final draft. There were several books, a variety of costumes that were being used as references, armour and weapons that were brought into the studio before the filming started,” recounts the filmmaker.
When producer Aditya Chopra noticed that the team had built an expansive archive by way of literature as well as artefacts, he converted an entire floor of the Yash Raj Films Studios in Andheri into a research wing. Dwivedi adds, “We kept the research bay fully operational till the last day of shoot. Now, we are exploring a plan to showcase the research work to people.”
Of late, Kumar has fronted a few period dramas, be it Kesari (2019) or Gold (2018), thus bringing India’s unheard stories to celluloid. Applauding the director for his extensive research, the actor says, “When I was narrated the film by Dr saab, I was taken aback by the amount of research that he did while writing this film. Writing and directing a historical film is not easy. He waited for 18 years, nurturing and making Prithviraj the most glorious retelling of the Samrat’s life. I hope it becomes the most authentic reference point for the king’s life.”
The period drama also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.
Prithviraj is my dream project. I have lived with this story for 18 years-Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi
8:22 AM
From reading up on 12th century costumes to spending months on final research, director traces Prithviraj’s journey from paper to screen
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 2, 2022)
From Chanakya (1991) to Mrityunjay (1996), Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi has a knack for delving deep into ancient Indian history to pay homage to its myriad heroes. His next, Prithviraj, which sees Akshay Kumar as the leader of the Chahamana dynasty, promises to be no different. The director says that bringing the story of the 12th century warrior king to the big screen has been his long-cherished dream.
“Prithviraj is my dream project. I have lived with this story for 18 years. It’s a script that I have nurtured for a long time because of the extensive research work that it [demanded] before I even attempted to make a film. To be precise, the film’s final research took about six months for me to be fully satisfied that every fact was checked multiple times,” he states.
Authenticity is key to any historical drama. Dwivedi spent years on the research, reading countless books that would help him gain knowledge of the costumes, language and architecture prevalent at the time. From Roshen Alkazi’s Ancient and Medieval Indian Costume, to Pushpa Mathur’s Costumes of the Rulers of Mewar, to Naveen Patnaik’s A Desert Kingdom, Dwivedi devoured the books before he began building the film’s universe.
The story is reportedly based on an epic titled Prithviraj Raso, written by the poet, Chand Bardai. The director elaborates, “I read many books on his life to ensure that we are doing justice to Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan in our film. Today, I’m deeply satisfied as a writer and filmmaker that I took this time before I could realise my dream. I hope our film is a fitting tribute to Prithviraj’s valour and magnanimous way of life.”
The historical drama also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sonu Sood and marks the Bollywood debut of former Miss World Manushi Chhillar.
(From left) Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi (right) the books he referred to for his research
Aditya Chopra to kick off YRF’s golden jubilee celebration with Jayeshbhai Jordaar; lines up 20 events to reconnect with fans
8:14 AM
After two-year delay due to pandemic, Aditya Chopra to kick off YRF’s golden jubilee celebration with Jayeshbhai Jordaar; lines up 20 events to reconnect with fans
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 17, 2022)
In 2020, Aditya Chopra had charted out extensive plans to celebrate Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) golden jubilee, but had to withhold them due to the pandemic. Two years on, it is time for the filmmaker to put his long-cherished plan — YRF at 50 — into action. Trade sources reveal that the YRF head honcho will get the celebration rolling with Ranveer Singh’s Jayeshbhai Jordaar.
The objective behind the endeavour is to help fans reconnect with their favourite stars. Given the theatre shutdown and the two lockdowns that left everyone home-bound, Chopra feels that actors didn’t get the chance to interact with their fans the way they used to in the past. So, he has lined up 20 fan events in the run-up to the May 13 release of Jayeshbhai Jordaar.
A trade source reveals, “As part of the movie’s marketing campaign, Ranveer will give access to his admirers like never before. There will be multiple screenings, events and premieres specially designed for them. The studio is exploring the idea of drive-in movie screenings as well. Adi feels the pandemic has brought a shift in the fan-actor relationship, and he wants to re-establish that bond.”
As part of the celebrations, the filmmaker will also unveil the slate of upcoming movies, which include Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 and Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj.
The source adds, “Adi wants to celebrate the milestone in a big way because he wants to put the focus back on theatrical releases, after two years of OTT offerings. From Pathaan to Ranbir Kapoor’s Shamshera, he has mounted each project on a grand scale, thus making it apt for a big-screen release. The studio will announce two more films in the coming months.”
Bollywood stares at big losses amid Covid-19 surge
8:32 AM
Experts on how the box-office collection has nosedived and why things continue to look bleak
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 17, 2022)
From film releases to shoot plans — the surge in Coronavirus cases has forced Bollywood to press the pause button on multiple things, again. The entertainment industry is now staring at mounting financial losses, running in hundreds of crores. “Every quarter, at least Rs. 1,000 crore is being lost in terms of box-office revenue. Typically, in a year, more than Rs. 4,000 crore comes from the box office. We are losing money every month,” says trade expert Joginder Tuteja.
“In terms of box-office numbers, we are looking at over Rs. 1,500 crore losses in the first quarter itself. Due to the crisis, the festive weekends of the first month of the year are lost,” says producer and trade expert Girish Johar.
Actor Shahid Kapoor’s Jersey was the first film to get delayed due to the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in December, 2021. Since then, films like RRR, Radhe Shyam and Prithviraj have been pushed. Outdoor schedules of films such as Merry Christmas, Pathan, Tiger 3, Liger and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, have also been affected.
Shibasish Sarkar, producer and former CEO, Reliance Entertainment, says, “Back in 2019, we used to look at business worth hundreds of crores, but those numbers have lost relevance now. The numbers have nosedived in the last two years. So, we try to look at it from a period basis, and the first quarter has gone. We have to hope that things start rolling from April.”
The restrictions in Mumbai and across most parts of India are hurting the production as well as distribution of the film business. “Most films which were currently shooting have had to cancel and postpone their schedules, resulting in cost escalation. It’s going to be a herculean task for these films to deliver in the given timelines,” rues producer Amar Butala, who is backing the film, Mission Majnu.
Director Anees Bazmee shares, “We have seen huge losses till now aur agar aise chalega, toh aur (losses) honge. It’s been happening continuously, bahut zyada bada setback hai.”
Jehil Thakkar, leader at media and entertainment, Deloitte India, mentions, “There’s a big loss in terms of working capital cash flows. Also, the major outdoor schedules are cancelled, and they are the high cost ones. The loss would be hundreds of crores. But nobody has an exact figure.”
Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 brings cheer to BO collections even as theatre owners fear implications of restrictions
8:28 AM
Allu Arjun’s offering brings cheer to BO collections even as theatre owners fear implications of restrictions
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; January 11, 2022)
Box-office collections had barely begun to see an up-tick when the fresh set of curfews were imposed in Maharashtra amid soaring Coronavirus cases. With this state imposing a night curfew, and Delhi continue to down the shutters of its cinema halls, losses are being incurred by not only film producers, but also theatre business-owners.
Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 multiplex and Maratha Mandir, says that the night curfew will impact business since late night shows were running to packed audiences. “It’s been a full house for our night shows within the permissible 50 per cent occupancy. Now we will have to stop that. A lot of viewers prefer the 9.30 pm show that ends at 12.00 midnight, but those shows have been cancelled. We don’t even have new releases, so we are airing reruns of '83, and Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 among others,” he says, adding that the Allu Arjun starrer’s performance has been surprisingly pleasant. “Despite releasing on OTT, the film is going strong. We have around four shows of Pushpa, all of which have attracted large crowds.”
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says that at the end of its fourth weekend, Pushpa earned Rs 80.48 cr.
Ranveer Singh’s 83 too, despite soaring cases in Mumbai, continued to pull crowds and clock numbers that match its previous week record. Adarsh reveals that it has crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the domestic box office. A trade source says, “83 hasn’t fared as expected but due to the lack of other releases, it is enjoying a free run.”
Meanwhile, producers are revisiting the release dates of their films. As reported earlier, both Attack and Prithviraj are rumoured to be moving their film from the scheduled Republic Day release. Though there is no official announcement yet, trade sources say Shaabash Mithu and Badhaai Do will also revisit their dates. A new slate will be arrived at only after the ongoing wave is behind us.
Shamshera, KGF 2 and Prithiviraj can only be enjoyed when Covid-19 is under control-Sanjay Dutt
8:32 AM
Sanjay Dutt hopes fans can soon get back to enjoying the big screen experience
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 9, 2022)
Sanjay Dutt hasn’t had a big screen release in a long time; the last one was Panipat in 2019. But this year, the actor has three film releases scheduled, and he says he is looking forward to the year and hoping for the best amid the rising Coronavirus concern in the country.
“My projects, Shamshera, KGF 2 and Prithiviraj, are magnum opuses and are made for the big screen experience, and I was extremely excited and looking forward to their release. But these can only be enjoyed when the Covid-19 situation in the country is under control. Right now, I only hope that things get better for us and that people continue to take precautions and mask up,” he says.
The 62-year-old adds that, while he “misses being on the big screen”, he is grateful for the OTTs. He has had three web releases in the last two years, including Sadak 2, Torbaaz and Bhuj: The Pride Of India. “The big screen has its own charm, and it allows audiences to enjoy a film in all of its glory and spectrum. But there’s no denying that cinema is evolving, and with the rise of the OTT platform, audiences now have access to a wealth of content that caters to every taste. So, in my opinion, both are equally important and can coexist beautifully,” he explains.
In the midst of the pandemic, the actor also battled cancer. But he says he is fine now. Dutt says, “By God’s grace and with the support of my family, doctors, and well-wishers, I’m back on my feet and raring to go. I’m glad that’s in the past and I was able to recover fully from that difficult phase. It all comes down to willpower and keeping the faith.”
Omicron wipes out January film release calendar
8:58 AM
From a star-studded mega lineup to ‘zero releases’!
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; January 7, 2022)
With cinemas across the country either shutting down, or operating with 50% occupancy, with night curfews and weekend curfews in place due to rising Coronavirus cases, it seems filmmakers have little choice but to put release plans on hold. Jersey, starring Shahid Kapoor, was the first big ticket project to postpone release after cinemas shut down in Delhi, followed by RRR, which was slated for a January 7 release.
Now, Radhe Shyam makers have announced that they’ll be postponing the film’s release as well, while reports state that Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chhillar-starrer Prithviraj, which was meant to hit theatres on January 21, will be held back as well. So, what will be the fate of these films going ahead?
‘WE’RE STARING AT ZERO RELEASES IN JANUARY’
Girish Johar, producer and film business expert, says, “January was a month of solo releases, with one major mega star film releasing every week. Producers had ensured that their release got enough screens. However, now we are looking at an empty calendar. As an industry, we are hoping that this hiatus doesn’t last as long as the last one. Every other hour there is an update from another state and rules are changing quickly, hence there is a lot of confusion around.”
REGIONAL FILM RELEASES FEEL THE HEAT, TOO
While Bollywood releases — and those targeting pan-India audiences — have backed out of theatrical runs, the release of several regional films may depend on the scenario of their primary market. Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres and an industry expert, cites the example of Valimai, starring Tamil superstar Ajith. “The film was expected to release on January 14, and now with the restrictions imposed in Tamil Nadu, it will be slightly unfeasible for the maker to release the film on that date. Then there is Bangaraju starring Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya, which might go ahead as planned because cinemas aren’t yet shut in its primary markets – Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.”
Yogesh Raizada, Corporate Head, Wave Cinemas, says, “A couple of other Punjabi films are still scheduled to release in theatres this month, but with new restrictions imposed in Punjab, occupancy will be low.”
Rajender Singh Jyala, Chief Programming Officer, INOX Leisure, adds, “We have no releases this week. Films that were already in cinemas will continue. Despite cinemas in some states still showing films, due to the restrictions, footfalls will be affected.”
‘FILMMAKERS READY TO WAIT FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE THAN GO THE OTT WAY’
Film business analysts say that filmmakers are likely to wait till the virus subsides to release their films in theatres than go the OTT route. Akshaye Rathi says, “Be it Sooryavanshi or Spider-Man: No Way Home, the business that these films have done recently is proof that the audience will come to theatres to watch films. Some producers with financial constraints may take the OTT route. However, most filmmakers are ready to wait and release films in cinemas. All of us are hoping that states will take a pragmatic approach – keeping both, the safety of people and the economics of businesses in mind – as the last one-and-a-half years have been extremely hard for the cinema industry.”
BIGGER ISSUE IS RESCHEDULING OF THESE FILMS: RAJ BANSAL, FILM DISTRIBUTOR
Raj Bansal, film distributor, points out that several filmmakers have been very reluctant to push back releases, and were ultimately forced to under the circumstances. He explains, “The biggest challenge for our industry is rescheduling the films that have been postponed. Now what happens is that till the first week of Diwali 2022 – the release date of the films announced in advance will remain the same. So, where will the makers shift these January-February releases to? Films which were earlier announced to be released in April, will either have to push back their release dates or go head-to-head with these films at the box-office.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 707
9:59 AM
MANY MORE FILMS GETS POSTPONED DUE TO THE COVID-19 THIRD WAVE
Last week, we had informed viewers how the Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey, which was scheduled for a release on December 31, 2021, was pushed indefinitely. The decision was taken due to the rapid rise in Coronavirus cases and also after the Delhi government ordered cinemas to shut down. It gave an indication that soon many more states would either impose restrictions and that the release of more and more films would get postponed.
As expected, RRR’s makers announced that their grand period actioner won’t be able to make it to cinemas on January 7. Yesterday, on January 5, it was announced that Radhe Shyam, which was supposed to arrive in cinemas on January 14, will now release at a later date. Similarly, Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj, too, won’t be arriving on the scheduled date of January 21. In short, most of the January releases have moved ahead. Only the John Abraham-starrer Attack has stuck to it’s January 28 release date. But the industry is sure that the action film will also get pushed.
Besides Delhi, cinemas in Bihar have also been ordered to shut. In Haryana, cinemas are told to close in five districts with a high number of cases. In Punjab, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan, a night curfew has been imposed and cinemas are told to operate with 50% occupancy. In Gujarat, a night curfew is in place in 8 major cities. All cinemas in the state can function with 100% occupancy. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, districts with more than 1,000 active cases are asked to run cinemas with 50% occupancy. In Tamil Nadu, cinemas are told to operate at 50% and the state will have a lockdown on Sundays. As for Karnataka, a weekend curfew has been imposed, when cinemas will have to shut shop. And on the weekdays, theaters can run with 50% occupancy.
These are the rules in place as of January 6, 2021. At any time, these states can impose more restrictions. Also, other states can also go for curbs. The crucial state of Maharashtra, surprisingly, is still running as before but with 50% occupancy. The government of the state is very strict and prefers to shut cinemas first and open them at the end of the unlock process. As a result, the industry is wondering how Maharashtra is still allowed to reopen though no one is complaining. However, with the daily number of cases all set to cross the 20,000 mark in Mumbai alone, it is believed that it’s only a matter of time before cinemas will be asked to halt operations in the state.
Hence, it can now be safely said that there won’t be a single Bollywood release in January, and also in the first 2 weeks of February. The good news is that the rate of hospitalization is minimal as the Omicron variant is causing mild illness. Many are recovering in home isolation. And experts have predicted that cases should peak in the next 10-12 days. As a result, one can expect the unlock process to begin as early as next month. It now remains to be seen if cinema halls would also be allowed to restart in February or will it be once again a very long wait for the industry.
Cinema closure: After Jersey and RRR, Attack and Prithviraj could bite the dust?
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Spiking cases, closure of Delhi theatres egg filmmakers to defer theatrical releases again. After Jersey and RRR, Attack and Prithviraj could bite the dust
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 3, 2022)
Barely five months ago, movie buffs were celebrating the reopening of cinema halls in the aftermath of a devastating second wave. Three days into 2022, and it appears as though the events of 2020 are unfolding again. After makers of Shahid Kapoor’s Jersey, and RRR, helmed by S S Rajamouli, post-poned the release of their films, other offerings lined up for a cinematic outing this month are also apparently heading back to their calendars. With cinemas in Delhi and Haryana being shut, this move only seems imminent.
A source tells mid-day, “Obviously, [Attack and Prithviraj] will follow suit. The films will incur losses if a sector as massive as Delhi is inaccessible. While the production houses are yet to announce their decision, all the films are possibly going to be moved.”
Only if the lockdown leads to a timely drop in Coronavirus cases, encouraging governments to allow theatres to run, will the films stick to their schedule, adds the source.
Sanjay Dutt plays a blindfolded warrior in Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj
8:30 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 2, 2021)
Sanjay Dutt is geared up to kick off 2022 with mammoth releases like Prithviraj and KGF 2. The superstar is excited that the buzz around the historical Prithviraj already has fans curious. Rumoured to play a warrior named Kaka Kanha, who would come to life only when he goes to war, fans speculate that Dutt’s character in the film will be intriguing.
To play the complex role, the makers required an experienced actor who could switch between the complex layers of the character, and Dutt seamlessly fit in the actioner. Omnipresent in the teaser with his towering presence, Dutt is considered the trump card in the Akshay Kumar-starrer. Playing a character that is battling with rage, the actor aces the part of a hardcore warrior who was decreed to be blindfolded unless he went to battle.
A source, in the know, tells us, “He is practically playing blind and that requires guidance. His character is blindfolded for most part of the film. He trained with a coach who helped him nail the psyche, demeanor and the walk of a blind man.”
On the personal front, having completed his shoots, the actor flew out before New Year’s to spend the holiday season with family and friends in Dubai.
As Jersey defers release amid soaring cases, distributors brave for another period of lull
8:30 AM
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; December 30, 2021)
In the wake of soaring Coronavirus cases, a sense of fear has gripped the film industry. Discussions about an impending halt on theatrical releases finally took centre-stage after makers of Shahid Kapoor’s Jersey pushed the film from its December 31 release date.
Cinema halls in Delhi have been temporarily shut down, and a similar development in Mumbai is anticipated as cases inch close to the 1400-mark daily.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh doesn’t deny that the theatre industry could see another period of lull, but he doesn’t see the need to fret, just yet. “As of now, S S Rajamouli has assured us that RRR, which is the biggest pan-India film of recent times, will release on January 7. They have hosted an event in Kerala today as well.”
He acknowledges that the closure of cinema halls in the capital has come as a blow. “It’s a big market for Bollywood,” he says, but highlights that with RRR releasing as scheduled, other film’s from the distributor’s stable are also likely to hit the marquee. “Pen Films’ Jayantilal Gada is the Hindi distributor of the film. He will also distribute Attack, that releases late in January. The next few weeks are crucial to predict the fate of Hindi films. Akshay Kumar’s Prithviraj is also among them.”
While filmmakers’ decision is only one part of the issue, Adarsh admits that box-office collections won’t look promising unless people are willing to head to theatres. The lukewarm performance of Ranveer Singh-starrer '83, he says, has only aggravated their fears. “The film held fort in the metros, but it hasn’t [earned] as much as people had expected.” The word-of-mouth promotions too, he suggests, did little to improve its performance.
While one may blame the rising cases as reason behind the film’s lack-lustre Rs 60 crore collection, Adarsh points to the fact that collections of Spider-Man or Pushpa, which also released recently, weren’t compromised.
“We can make several excuses, but that won’t change the fact that a lot of people didn’t watch 83 in theatres. It is worrisome, but as the industry adage goes, you win some, you lose some.”
Meanwhile, Gaiety Galaxy owner Manoj Desai says that while they are currently functioning at 50 per cent capacity, they may be forced to air re-runs if filmmakers continue to defer releases. “This may continue until a huge announcement of another release is made. Now, filmmakers are again scared to release their films. It is a scary situation.”
Cinema shutdown in Delhi will impact major Bollywood releases, say stakeholders
8:28 AM
Industry stakeholders say the move will lead to ‘irreparable losses’, and urge the govt to instead introduce safety measures such as allowing only double vaccinated audiences
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; December 30, 2021)
The Delhi government’s order on Tuesday shutting down cinema theatres and multiplexes, in view of the sharp rise in omicron cases in the city, has come as a big jolt to the industry that was just getting back on its feet. An exhibitor says, “We have seen packed theatres this month for films like Spider-Man: No Way Home. The last week of the year is when people prefer going out and watching films. This will be a huge revenue loss for cinemas. ”
‘CINEMA SHUTDOWN COMES AT THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR’
Theatres in the rest of the country, including other parts of NCR and Mumbai, remain open for now. However, with Coronavirus cases rising across the country, exhibitors fear more cities will soon introduce restrictions and lockdown measures.
Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “This is the holiday season, when kids are on winter break, and business is robust across the sectors, including cinemas. It’s unfortunate that a sector is being closed at this specific time of the year, especially taking into account the scenario in the last one-and-a-half years when cinemas were closed for months. Be it Delhi, or other state governments who are contemplating lockdown, authorities need to find a more pragmatic approach. For example, only allowing double vaccinated audiences to enter cinemas, and other such measures.”
Girish Johar, a producer and film business expert, asks, “Why only cinemas? Cinemas are not being treated as a business. After Sooryavanshi opened big, people were coming back to the cinema. We have seen how Spider-Man: No Way Home changed everything and is now clocking around 200 crores at the Indian box office, which is a big deal. So, what now? Thoda gire, thoda uthe, phir se ye chot. We really hope Delhi gives some relaxation to cinemas.”
Rajendra Singh Jyala, Chief Programming Officer, INOX Pvt Ltd, adds, “Whether it was Spider-Man or '83, theatres had good occupancy, and moviegoers came out to watch these films because they found cinemas to be safe. We’ve worked so hard to gain this confidence. This year-end week is one of the busiest weekends for cinemas. In fact, even on Monday-Tuesday, we had over 50% occupancy in cinemas across NCR, which is a good number for weekday occupancy. We had almost 100% occupancy last weekend. While a few moviegoers may go to watch films in Noida and Gurgaon as Delhi cinemas are closed, this shutdown will adversely affect not just the business of films which are currently running, but upcoming releases, too.”
CONSIDER DOUBLE VACCINATION, REINTRODUCE 50% CAPACITY, BUT RETHINK SHUTDOWN: MULTIPLEX ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
The Multiplex Association of India has urged the Delhi government to consider introducing a double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas, instead of a complete shutdown. Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India, said in a statement, “The Delhi Government’s decision to shut down cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ‘yellow’ alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian film industry. After being allowed to reopen, cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, hygiene, and other safety protocols. Not a single outbreak of COVID-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. While we fully understand the need at the government’s end to take necessary preventive measures, we’d request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions.”
“Instead of closing the cinemas, we’d urge the Delhi government to consider introducing a double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas, as is the case in some of the other states (including Maharashtra). Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas. We call on the government to recognise the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry, and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period,” the statement added.
DELHI’S THE SECOND-BIGGEST MARKET FOR BOLLYWOOD; THIS WILL IMPACT FUTURE RELEASES: INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Producer and film business expert Girish Johar says that the closure of cinemas in Delhi can have a ripple effect. “The reason is that Delhi is one of the top two cities from the revenue point of view of Bollywood films. I don’t think that producers will release films when they are on tenterhooks.”
Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “The biggest territory for Bollywood films is Maharashtra, which is already operating at 50% capacity. Now, with the second biggest market – Delhi – shutting down, it is too much of a compromise revenue-wise for producers to continue releasing films, especially films which do well in Hindi-speaking markets. For a film like Valimai, there may not be that big of an impact because its main market is Tamil Nadu, but for an RRR or Prithviraj, it is a very tricky situation.”
Makers of Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey, have already postponed its release while upcoming films like Prithviraj and John Abraham’s Attack may also be impacted.
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