Showing posts with label Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. Show all posts
We were told we can't talk about condoms on national television while promoting Janhit Mein Jaari-Nushrratt Bharuccha
7:53 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; June 11, 2022)
After playing glamorous parts in quintessential commercial films, Nushrratt Bharuccha gradually moved towards content-driven movies that revolved around social issues. In Janhit Mein Jaari, which released yesterday, the actress is seen in a similar light, but this time around, she goes that extra mile as she takes on an unconventional subject that has her playing a condom saleswoman. In a conversation with BT, Nushrratt talks about taking on hatke characters and the new turn in her career. Excerpts:
In Janhit Mein Jaari, you play the role of a saleswoman appointed to sell condoms. How did you react to this role and weren’t you sceptical of playing the part considering it revolved around sex and condoms – subjects that are still fairly taboo in our country?
When I was offered this role, not once did I feel awkward or wonder whether or not I should do this film. Ek phase tha, jab bolte the ki ladki filmon mein kaam nahi kar sakti, phir bolne lage ladki late-night call centre mein kaam nahi kar sakti… see, women here have always faced these hurdles, but we overcame them. I did the same with this project. Also, I was confident about it as Raaj Shaandilyaa (writer/producer of the film), who is known to make clean comedies and had directed me in Dream Girl, was associated with it. Had it come from someone else, I would be cautious, but here I was sure ke subject bhale yeh ho, yeh log kuch crass nahi banayenge and that the film will cater to a family audience.
When were you first exposed to sex education?
I think I was in 7th grade when I heard about condoms for the first time during the sex education session in school. The learning from that period was further inculcated and cemented in my mind when I returned home. My parents learnt that I had a sex education class, and so they sat me down and reiterated it to me from a different perspective. I feel information about topics as sensitive as these should be imparted by schools and parents in tandem. Also, it is important that parents talk about sex to their children because kids trust their parents. What if they learn about it from the wrong person and develop a wrong perspective about it?
You started your career with all-out glamourous roles, but in the past couple of years, we have seen you move towards hatke characters, which are probably giving you more scope to showcase your potential as an actress. What do you attribute this change in your career to?
It is all thanks to the audience. As actresses, there has been a point in our careers where we were fighting for one scene or dialogue in films. There was a time when we wondered what were we doing in this film? And why were we standing in the background? So, actresses have always carved for powerful parts. However, the audience, maybe, was somewhere not ready to see us like that. I think this shift happened over a period of time. Today, there are women who are striding ahead in their careers without any support. They are running their own house. Also, there are men who have seen women in their families rise and be the frontrunners of the house. And so, their stories have become inspirational. My father has seen me struggle and reach where I am. So, a subject that is driven by a woman will interest him, and that holds true for other men as well. Woh connection aur relatability aa gayi hai. So, the more extraordinary the story is (about a woman), the keener the audience is to watch it.
Would you say that now you are being offered challenging parts as the lens through which filmmakers are viewing you has changed?
Personally, as an actor, I am extremely happy with the kind of space I have created for myself. At the time of Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, my aunt would say, “Agli baar tu kuch aisi picture kyun nahi karti jahan par tu actually kuch kar rahi ho.” Then, when films like Chhalaang, Chhorii or a web project like Ajeeb Daastaans happened, I started feeling satisfied as an actor. Even my family was happy about this change. It has been a fun, fruitful and rewarding journey. It wasn’t easy though, and yes, there were emotional setbacks along the way too. If you are considered for a movie, but things don’t work out, then it’s fine, but what hurts the most is when you are not even considered for a particular project. In that phase, your mind can either drown you or lead you. I chose the latter by focusing on my work and celebrating the work that came my way. Personally, I would like to balance out my choices. However, post Chhorii there has been an influx of female-oriented scripts coming my way. Filmmakers tell me that when I started out, they could not imagine me beyond my glam avatar, but that has changed now.
Professionally, you seem to be in a happy space, but what about your personal life? You have been single, don’t you feel the need for someone special in your life?
My personal life has gone into some black hole (laughs!) Honestly, you need two things to have a healthy romantic life time and a person. Chalo, ek koi ladka bhi ho mere paas as an option toh main time nikaal bhi lu. Par koi hain hi nahi aas pass. I am constantly shooting. I don’t want to date somebody from the same field as me. Otherwise, the conversations tend to revolve around work. I would prefer to hang out with somebody who comes from another background and a different school of thought. But where do I find a human like this? I have been advised to get on dating apps, which I am not into! So, let’s see…
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Nushrratt Bharuccha doesn’t allow her prejudices or beliefs to impact her film choices
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 11, 2022)
Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha says she’s always strived to steer away from her prejudices and beliefs while picking projects, and her latest release, Janhit Mein Jaari, echoes that. “I started by [playing] the girl no one liked, an annoying and manipulative girlfriend. I have come from hate to this point. I don’t think any actress would have chosen a role like that,” she says, referring to the Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise.
She continues, “At one point, I played a villain (Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety; 2018). I have never shied away from supporting the script and the need of the role beyond my own prejudices, beliefs or biases. I have three more female-led films lined up. It’s not like I am going out there and looking for such subjects. I think the most rewarding part is that the audience is liking it.”
The 37-year-old is seen selling condoms in a small town in Madhya Pradesh in her latest release, as the film aims to start a conversation around illegal abortions, overpopulation and the taboo attached to condoms. “The subject gave me an opportunity to headline a subject that I don’t consider taboo. Very rarely have I succumbed to societal or peer pressure, so it (doing the film) was not a difficult choice,” the actor shares.
While Bharuccha and the makers are proud of the film’s subject, they had a tough time promoting it. “We go on several shows to promote a film. All of them told us that we can’t talk about this topic (condoms) on national television. I don’t get that. This film got a U/A certificate and the censor board gave us a clean chit. Then I wonder what is it that will impact the audience negatively,” the Dream Girl (2019), Chhorii and Ajeeb Daastaans (both 2021) actor ends.
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Nushrratt, who plays a condom saleswoman in Janhit Mein Jaari, on how it’s important to give out message of safe sex to people
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; June 11, 2022)
Nushrratt Bharuccha's recent release Janhit Mein Jaari sees her as a small-town woman who sells condoms for a living despite societal resistance. With the social comedy, director Jai Basantu Singh hopes to remove the hesitance around condom use. Bharuccha says she didn’t think twice before diving into the film’s world, eager to take the subject to people. “I never thought whether other actors would hesitate [to take on the role]. I don’t think about the taboos around the subject, I just go ahead and do it. We need to break the taboo around condoms. That was what the team pushed for,” states the actor.
Janhit Mein Jaari is not the first Hindi film in recent times to tackle the issue head-on. Where Aparshakti Khurana’s Helmet (2021) highlighted the importance of safe sex, the upcoming Chhhatriwali has a similar theme, with Rakul Preet Singh playing a condom tester. Bharuccha says it’s not unusual to have two or more films revolving around the same subject.
“Just because a similar topic has been attempted before, it [doesn’t imply that] we shouldn’t make a film on it. There are so many love stories, each made from a different point of view. So, I don’t get worried about it. What we have made is different [from the other two movies].”
I was giving auditions even after the success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2-Kartik Aaryan
8:14 AM
Kartik Aaryan, who hit pay dirt with buddy films, explains why it is imperative to do a project like Imtiaz Ali’s next directorial, a love story
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 4, 2020)
Kartik Aaryan appears to be tackling Monday blues better than most people, as he saunters into Love Aaj Kal director Imtiaz Ali’s Lokhandwala office. Settling down with coffee in one hand and a cookie in another, the actor points out that he was a “bro-mantic” actor (with Luv Ranjan’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama series and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety) who turns romantic for the first time with Imtiaz’s next. “I’m fortunate to have started my career with Luv Ranjan sir. I’ve also worked with Laxman Utekar and Mudassar Aziz. It’s been a journey of learning different things from different people,” he shares, adding, “Imtiaz sir is a special filmmaker; he changed my thought process as an actor.”
Imtiaz’s last outing, the SRK and Anushka Sharma-starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal, tanked at the box office. When asked if that made him do a double take before signing Love Aaj Kal, Kartik says that the thought never crossed his mind. “He doesn’t make films for the box-office. As a long-time Imtiaz fan, I want to work with him again and again. He is a passionate story-teller and devoid of filters,” the actor asserts.
The duo’s Valentine’s Day release is set in two eras—1990 and 2020—with Kartik playing Raghu and Veer respectively. To prep for the ’90s turn, he watched films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Maine Pyar Kiya. “In fact, my introduction scene is set to Salman (Khan) sir’s song from Maine Pyar Kiya. I also revisited a lot of Shah Rukh (Khan) sir’s films,” Kartik reveals.
To get the physicality right, the actor underwent body language training. “The challenge was to break the off-camera rhythm of my body. We worked on everything, from the way Raghu blinks, to the way he smiles, talks and walks,” he says.
Calling it a significant film in his career, Kartik says, “This is the first time that I am exploring an intense character. It shows versatility. I’m a romantic at heart, so the journey towards bagging a film like this was great.” Buzz is, he and Imtiaz are in talks for another film that pairs him with Deepika Padukone. “That’s something you should ask him,” Kartik smiles. Next up, there’s the sequel to Akshay Kumar’s 2007 horror-comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Kartik confirms that he will resume work on it by the month-end. “It’s a new film for me. No one can fill those (Akshay’s) shoes. I hope to live up to expectations,” he adds.
The success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), changed the course of Kartik’s career. He followed it up with Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh, which made him a bankable actor. “Hopefully, it will continue with Love Aaj Kal,” he smiles, adding, “I wanted an opportunity to showcase my talent and it was after Sonu that I started getting scripts to choose from. Now, producers are confident that I can carry a film on my shoulders. I believe I am on the right path and I am choosing scripts that the audience wants to see.”
He goes on to reveal that till last year, he wasn’t in a position to choose scripts. “I was giving auditions even after the success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. I wouldn’t even find out who was the director I was auditioning for. After Sonu and Luka Chuppi, I have started getting a lot of offers. I believe, there is still some time to evolve,” he avers, adding that now, he wants to do an action film, a thriller and play a negative role.
#MeToo effect: Nana Patekar to Sajid Khan - Spotlight on Bollywood’s hall of shame
8:43 AM
Meena Iyer and Harshada Rege (DNA; October 14, 2018)
Over the last week, nothing except Bollywood’s Hall of Shame made headlines. As alleged first-time and serial offenders tumbled out of the woodwork, the industry felt tremors in some cases, plain ashamed and vulnerable in others. After the allegations, there have been denials and statements coming in from those who have been accused. With many of the industry bigwigs taking a firm stand against such behaviour towards women at the workplace, there have been consequences to bear for many. However, colleagues have also stood up for a few. Here’s what has transpired so far:
ACTION TAKEN
Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgn posted sensitive tweets on their social media handles making it clear that they will not work with proven offenders. Akshay asked for the shoot of Housefull 4, which was to be directed by Sajid Khan and had Nana Patekar as part of the cast, to be postponed. Aamir stepped away from Mogul. Ajay and Hrithik, too, have made their stand on the matter clear. Here’s what they had to say:
Akshay:
“I’ve just landed back in the country last night and reading all the news has been very disturbing. I’ve requested the producers of Housefull 4 to cancel the shoot until further investigation. This is something that requires stringent action. I will not work with any proven offenders and those who have been subjugated to harassment should be heard and given the justice they deserve. (sic)”
Ajay:
“I’m disturbed by all the happenings with regards to #MeToo. My company and I believe in providing women with utmost respect and safety. If anyone has wronged even a single woman, neither ADF (Ajay Devgn FFilms) nor I will stand for it. (sic)”
Aamir:
“As creative people, we have been committed to foregrounding and finding solutions to social issues and at Aamir Khan Productions, we have always had a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour of any kind. We strongly condemn any act of sexual harassment, and equally we condemn any and all false accusations in such cases
Two weeks ago, when traumatic #MeToo stories began emerging, it was brought to our attention that someone we were about to begin work with has been accused of sexual misconduct. Upon enquiry we found that this particular case is sub judice, and that the legal process is in motion.
We are not an investigative agency, nor are we in any position to pass judgment on anyone — that is for the police and judiciary to do. So, without casting any aspersions on anyone involved in this case, and without coming to any conclusions about these specific allegations, we have decided to step away from this film.
We do not want our action to reflect in any manner on the people involved in this case. We believe that this is an opportunity for the film industry to introspect and take concrete steps towards change. For far too long, women have faced the brunt of sexual exploitation. It has to stop. In this regard, we are committed to doing any and everything to make our film industry a safe and happy one to work in.”
Hrithik Roshan:
“It is impossible for me to work with any person if he/she is guilty of such grave misconduct. I am away and have access to only sporadic information. I have requested the producers of Super 30 to take stock of the apparent facts and take a harsh stand if need be. This is not to be hushed or brushed under the carpet. All proven offenders must be punished and all exploited people must be empowered and given strength to speak up.”
BIG CORPORATIONS ISSUE ULTIMATUM
Film corporations, especially those who have their headquarters overseas have started blacklisting the movies and the makers whose names have appeared on the #MeToo list. They have communicated to all top producers’ that they will pull out their investment with immediate effect, even if one offender is a part of the cast, crew or associated with the film in any other capacity.
OUSTED OR DID THEY STEP DOWN?
Two theories are being floated. While it is being said that Nana Patekar, Sajid Khan and Subhash Kapoor stepped down, others are saying they were reportedly asked to leave. We are guessing, the truth lies between the two versions.
DUTTA’S FAMILY TO STAY MUM
We had already reported that Ishita Dutta, Tanushree’s younger sister has stayed mum on the #MeToo Movement, though her sister has spearheaded it. Now we have learnt that apparently even Ishita’s husband, actor Vatsal Sheth will not be commenting on this either.
SAJID KHAN’S FAMILY RESPONDS
Sajid’s sister Farah Khan took stock of the situation and expressed herself with this tweet: “This is a heartbreaking time for my family. We have to work through some very difficult issues. If my brother has behaved in this manner he has a lot to atone for. I don’t in any way endorse this behaviour and Stand in solidarity with any woman who has been hurt. (sic)” Sajid’s cousin Farhan Akhtar, who has supported this movement right from the beginning, said, “I cannot adequately stress how shocked, disappointed and heartbroken I am to read the stories about Sajid’s behaviour. I don’t know how but he will have to find a way to atone for his alleged actions.”
SAJID’S STATEMENT
The director, through a tweet, said, “In the wake of all the allegations against me & the pressure being put on my family, my producer n the stars of my film Houseful4, i must take the moral responsibility of stepping down from my directorial post, till the time i can allay the allegations and prove the truth.. I request my friends in the media to kindly not pass judgement till the truth is out (sic).”
LUV REACTS TO ALLEGATIONS
Luv Ranjan has responded to the charges levelled against him with this statement:
This has probably been the longest day of my life. Since the time I have read the allegations, I have been wanting to react to them. I have been wanting to shout out loud that everyone has gone mad, I have been wanting to scream that I am not this man, I have been wanting to clear my name. Friends and Family have shown great support, support that has made me indebted to them for life.
I am very aware of the fact I am the man who made Pyaar Ka Punchnama and it becomes very easy for someone who doesn’t know me personally to believe that I am guilty. Am I guilty? I have been wanting to scream out loud that I am not. I have never misbehaved with a woman, never touched a woman who isn’t in love with me and I with her, I haven’t sexted, flirted, molested or harassed a woman. I haven’t.
After getting rid of my anger towards the whole thing I have come to realise a few things — It doesn’t matter that I believe I haven’t done anything wrong, what matters is that someone has felt wronged.
I have made a lot of effort in life to make women around me feel safe and comfortable which women who have known me or worked with me will vouch for. I have never intended to hurt someone, and taken utmost care to make sure that I don’t and in my heart I know I haven’t. But again what matters is that someone has felt hurt. Can I be so arrogant about myself to ignore that even if unintended, someone has got hurt. I can vouch for my intention but I can’t decide how someone should feel.
It doesn’t matter that I don’t accept the narrative, what matters is that someone feels hurt enough to present this narrative. I am not the man that I am being portrayed as. I am not. I never was, I never will be. Yet I apologise to whoever I have caused hurt, whoever I have not made feel comfortable enough. I apologise for not being able to communicate my intent. I apologise for not being able to make someone feel that I am the man that I have aspired to be and I believe I am.
LUV’S ACTRESS STANDS UP FOR HIM
Pyar Ka Punchnama (PKP) and PKP 2 actress Sonnalli Seygall stood up for the director saying, “It’s after a long time that such a relevant movement has started n it would be really sad n unfortunate if we deviate from our agenda here. The #MeToo movement is to bring forth the people “guilty” of sexual harassment and not to shoot in the dark aimlessly. If we start believing every name thrown in the media today for whatever personal agenda or whatever you wanna call it, we are really digressing from the topic, and even risk trivialising the issue! Let’s also b sensible, sensitivity intelligent human beings and use our common sense to see what’s real and what’s not, otherwise the true criminals WILL get away and nothing will be solved. and let’s pls hold ourselves responsible for what we choose to believe and what not. Luv Ranjan is a man I have now known n worked with for almost 8 years and the allegations against him by this one “anonymous” person is the most absurd thing I have heard about him! I honestly what to say to that... but I can vouch for the fact that he one of the nicest gentleman with a protective guardian like quality who has always made me, and as far as I know all the women on our set including the female actors, ADs and crew, feel very very safe. On the contrary, there have been multiple cases where he has protected us from disgusting men. One such case was when we were shooting in Chandni Chowk in Delhi during PKP 2 and suddenly we couldn’t find Luv sir, only to find out that he went to hit a guy who had tried to brush past n touch one of us girls on the road. There was another time during the shoot of Chak Glassi in PKP where he fought with and threw the media out of the set because some of them were clicking our pictures inappropriately without us knowing. There have been multiple incidents like this which just go on to say that he is infact the man contrary to the baseless allegations made recently. So, I really wanna take this opportunity to stand by #MeToo and safeguard the movement’s true interest. But let’s take some responsibility upon ourselves and not blindly believe everything that we hear. Let’s be intelligent and wise. (sic)”
I have always been a mamma’s boy-Sunny Singh
7:52 AM
Sunny Singh, while enjoying his second film’s success, is happily away from the spotlight and continues to look for a homely, humourous Ms Right
Shravan Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 9, 2018)
Luv Ranjan’s recently released romcom, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS), is one of the year’s big hits. Sunny Singh who played the endearing Titu Sharma admits that while he has been dreaming for years of being where he is today, he is still too numb to react to this tsunami of love and adoration.
The actor made his debut in a cameo in Madhur Bhandarkar’s romcom Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji in 2011 but waited for four years before another Luv romcom, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (PKP), brought in the sunshine for its leading man. After that, he didn’t think twice before accepting the maker’s next film, even though Luv wouldn’t reveal the title. “I kept asking and he’d put me off saying I’d know once we start shooting,” Sunny recalls, admitting that initially many thought SKTKS was another PHP even though this one was a film about family, besties and a girl rather than three boys. “My first thought when I was offered the film was that this one is going to be different and it turned out to be exactly what I thought.”
Has his perception about women changed considering his films showcase women in a different light? He surprises you by revealing, “I have always been a mamma’s boy. For me, a girl should remind me of my mother and accept me the way I am because no one is perfect. I prefer women who are homely and humourous. Somebody who knows everything about me and vice versa so life goes along smoothly.”
Sunny has played the innocent lover in his last two films but admits that with friends, he’s more like Sonu and when in a relationship, he turns into a Titu. “In real life, I am at times Sonu to my friends. I am usually the one talking, helping and guiding them.” Ask him how and he explains, “One of my friends wanted help so I advised him about his girlfriend that he should be careful and take time. While my friend told me he liked the girl, when I spoke to her, she told me she didn’t like him and asked me to tell my friend not to call her. When I delivered the message, he thought I was dating her and trying to get him out of the picture. I had to convince him that I could never imagine doing something like that,” Sunny reminisces, insisting he’s a good friend but sometimes circumstances play a different role.
After the success of their film, his co-star Kartik Aaryan has walked the ramp with Kareena Kapoor while he continues to shun the spotlight. “I enjoy seeing Kartik’s posts and sometimes even comment on them, but my interactions are limited to clicking pictures, I stay away from socialising a lot,” he shrugs.
By doing so, isn’t he letting Kartik walk away with all the brownie points? “We’ve been friends for a long time now, he’s like a brother. For me, it’s the role that is important, be it Chauka or Titu. Our journeys are different, I go with the flow. If I was even a little insecure, I wouldn’t have accepted SKTKS,” he reasons, adding that whenever anyone congratulates him, it’s a victory for the whole team, in particular director Luv. “I give him full credit for this success. Luv sir guided me, he guided all of us.”
Franchise films are like gulab jamuns, you need to take a break after you’ve eaten two-Luv Ranjan
8:23 AM
Luv Ranjan, the new Midas at the box office, on why he is on a break from direction, and his first big production featuring Ajay Devgn, Tabu
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 21, 2018)
Luv Ranjan is amused when he is repeatedly questioned about his casting
choices. After his successful directorial debut, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, in
2011, he reunited with Kartik Aaryan and Nushrat Bharucha, along with
Ishita Raj Sharma and Sonnalli Seygall, for the second instalment in the
franchise and delivered another sleeper hit. His recent release, Sonu
Ki Titu Ke Sweety (SKTKS), is the second biggest grosser of the year so
far, second only to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s headline-grabbing Padmaavat.
The bromance, co-produced by Luv and Bhushan Kumar, has entered the Rs
100-crore club at the box-office and features Kartik as Sonu, Nushrat
as Sweety and Sunny Singh as Titu and Ishita as Titu’s ex. Even Sonnalli
makes a fleeting appearance as Sonu’s date. “In our industry where
everybody is constantly cribbing about how we don’t give newcomers a
chance, I’ve stood behind my actors for seven years. I do things on my
own terms,” the newly-crowned Midas asserts, adding sheepishly, “I also
end up going over-budget on all my films. Even with Kartik, Nushrat and
Sunny, I spent an extra Rs 12 crore on SKTKS.”The Ghaziabad-born writer-director, who arrived in Mumbai at age 19 in search of a big break, recalls that he was warned that his film was releasing around examination season, and with a tongue twister for a title, the project could backfire. “When I was making Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Viacom18 conducted a massive market research and told me that this was the worst title ever because no one understood it. They suggested different titles to me, but I went ahead and it led to a successful franchise. When a story works, everything works. When a trailer is good, people are bound to flock to the theatres. If SKTKS hadn’t worked, everyone would have blamed the title,” he says.
An avid Bollywood buff, Luv has enjoyed David Dhawan films as much as Sadma and Satya. He believes AkaashVani which he wrote, directed and even turned lyricist for, is his most heartfelt work yet. But the 2013 film with its strong feminist message, featuring Kartik, Nushrat and Fatima Sana Shaikh (in a cameo), was a box-office dud. He admits it was a mistake to promote it as a ‘romcom’, come up against Race 2 and indulge on the length. “But it’s because of Akaash Vani that I know how not to fail a film today,” he insists, saying he’d like to work with such stories now that he has reinvented himself as a director and can command a bigger budget to make a more commercial AkaashVani in the future. “An IIT professor from Kanpur messaged me saying that the film made her look at her troubled marriage from a new perspective,” he recalls.
The film cemented his bond, forging a successful collaboration, with producer Abhishek Pathak. “We were the only two youngsters at a mutual friend’s wedding in Himachal Pradesh and since we were both New York Film Academy alumni, we connected. I narrated the script of Akaash Vani to him and he immediately wanted to produce it,” Luv flashbacks, admitting that due to budgetary constraints, the project never took off, but a year later, Abhishek and he collaborated on Pyaar Ka Punchnama.
AkaashVani was his second film and it broke his heart when it failed, more so because both co-producer Kumar Mangat and he suffered huge losses. “I decided to be more practical and return with Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. A franchise film seemed like a safe option,” Luv admits, revealing that he had wanted to narrate a comedy from a woman’s point of view with lots of male-bashing humour, but it was not a great time to experiment. “I will do all that in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3,” he says, adding that he doesn’t have a script yet and isn’t planning to direct any more films this year. “Franchise films are like gulab jamuns, you need to take a break after you’ve eaten two. I am a fast writer but a slow director. I take two years to make one film, from start-to-finish, but I enjoy writing all the time,” the filmmaker reasons.
Luv is currently location-hunting in Himachal Pradesh with long-time editor Akiv Ali, who will turn director with an urban comedy that he is producing. The Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Rakul Preet Singh-starrer is the first of around five films from his slate. “The first schedule was completed in January and the project should wrap up in the next five months. The audience will see Ajay in a young romcom after years. I’ve always been a big fan of Tabu and wanted to explore her comic timing having enjoyed her turn in Biwi No 1,” he smiles. Buzz is, Ranbir Kapoor wants to collaborate with him on a romcom too? “Ranbir and I have met and want to work with each other soon. But there is no script yet,” says Luv.
Window shopping is every boyfriend's harsh reality-Kartik Aaryan
7:40 AM
Mohar Basu (BOMBAY TIMES; March 11, 2016)
His boy-next-door looks and
charming smile belie his wicked sense of humour. Kartik Aaryan, who shot
to fame with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, thanks to his ;anti-women' rant, has
been nominated in the Best Actor in a Comic Role category at the Times
of India Film Awards (TOIFA) 2016 for the movie's sequel. He speaks to
us about how he has managed to win the hearts of women despite his harsh
monologues against them. Excerpts:
Your performance in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 has won you a nomination at many award functions this year...
I am humbled and grateful for being recognised in this industry. It has been a great year and being nominated amongst stalwarts is a matter of pride for me. I am very excited about TOIFA.
Is it difficult for non-star kids to get access to Bollywood?
Perhaps the access is easier. But easier doesn't necessarily translate to better opportunities. At the end of the day, it is your work that takes you far in any industry. I would have got better recognition, if I were a star kid. But I seek joy in the fact that my son or daughter will be known as a star kid. I was 20 when I entered Bollywood. It took me five years to win nominations at award shows. The way up has been difficult but I have worked hard to get here.
While all your other male co-actors from the prequel were replaced, you were surprisingly retained...
Bhaiyya...issi ko toh kehte hai talent (laughs) I think I was retained because of the monologue connect. I accepted it because my character was different from the first part.
Were you worried that the monologue will deprive you of female fans?
Initially, I did think that the monologue against women was a bit dicey. But I got lucky and now I have many female fans. Their love was unexpected, but women are sensible and hence know how to laugh at a good joke. I am happy that most of them took it in the right spirit.
Do you feel that whatever has been depicted in the film happens in real life too?
Incidents cannot be generalized but such things do happen. Girls promise they will be ready in 10 minutes but take 40 minutes instead. Window shopping is every boyfriend's harsh reality. Fiction finds inspiration in real life incidents.
Your performance in Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 has won you a nomination at many award functions this year...
I am humbled and grateful for being recognised in this industry. It has been a great year and being nominated amongst stalwarts is a matter of pride for me. I am very excited about TOIFA.
Is it difficult for non-star kids to get access to Bollywood?
Perhaps the access is easier. But easier doesn't necessarily translate to better opportunities. At the end of the day, it is your work that takes you far in any industry. I would have got better recognition, if I were a star kid. But I seek joy in the fact that my son or daughter will be known as a star kid. I was 20 when I entered Bollywood. It took me five years to win nominations at award shows. The way up has been difficult but I have worked hard to get here.
While all your other male co-actors from the prequel were replaced, you were surprisingly retained...
Bhaiyya...issi ko toh kehte hai talent (laughs) I think I was retained because of the monologue connect. I accepted it because my character was different from the first part.
Were you worried that the monologue will deprive you of female fans?
Initially, I did think that the monologue against women was a bit dicey. But I got lucky and now I have many female fans. Their love was unexpected, but women are sensible and hence know how to laugh at a good joke. I am happy that most of them took it in the right spirit.
Do you feel that whatever has been depicted in the film happens in real life too?
Incidents cannot be generalized but such things do happen. Girls promise they will be ready in 10 minutes but take 40 minutes instead. Window shopping is every boyfriend's harsh reality. Fiction finds inspiration in real life incidents.
A look at the 10 hit films of 2016
9:42 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The year saw ten hit films compared to eleven hit films last year but out of those eleven hit films, six were big hits while only three films (Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Tanu Weds Manu Returns and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2) were big hits this year. Two films crossed the 100 crore share mark which is the mark for a grosser today and both were Salman Khan starrers. There were 204 releases this year. The classifications of 2015 are as follows with the distributor shares and expected distributor shares in brackets.
All Time Blockbuster
1. Bajrangi Bhaijaan (162.19 crore)
Blockbuster
2. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (68.81 crore)
Super Hit
3. Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (27.62 crore)
Hit
4. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (106.27 crore)
5. Bajirao Mastani (83.50 crore expected)
6. ABCD 2 (51.10 crore)
7. Piku (35.54 crore)
8. Badlapur (23.67 crore)
9. Hate Story 3 (20.84 crore)
10. Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (20.60 crore)
Semi Hit
11. Dilwale (72.50 crore expected)
12. Welcome Back (47.43 crore)
13. Gabbar Is Back (43.18 crore)
14. NH 10 (13.97 crore)
15. Talvar (13.09 crore)
16. Dum Laga Ke Haisha (12.87 crore)
Average
17. Baby (38.49 crore)
18. Drishyam (31.43 crore)
On the flip side there were many disasters where Bombay Velvet and Broken Horses lead the race. Bombay Velvet set a record for losses while Broken Horses was a film for Hollywood by a Indian filmmaker but grossed just $31k in North America and India was just as bad. The other big disasters were Shamitabh, Mr X and All Is Well.
Note - The classifications does not include Baahubali which was a Telugu film but did phenomenal business in Hindi as well as other languages. The film had the highest footfalls of any film released in India last year.
Superstars and girl power ruled 2015 in Bollywood
8:34 AM
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; December 27, 2015)
The year 2015 has been a
remark able one for Bollywood for varied reasons. At the start itself,
films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha (a romcom), Baby (an espionage drama) and
NH10 (a thriller) were noticed. Anushka Sharma, who turned producer with
it, gave a commendable performance in the movie. Fifty-eight films
released in the first quarter and netted a business of around Rs 391
crore.
However, optimism reigned in the second quarter (Q2)
(April-June) when only 49 films
released and the monies saw a jump when the net collections for Q2 went
up to Rs 576 crore. As a popular trade magazine said, “Fortunes changed
with Akshay Kumar's Gabbar is Back on May 1 and Varun Dhawan's ABCD 2 on
June 19. Following closely were four actresses who rewrote the box
office rules. Yes, Deepika Padukone's Piku and Kangana Ranaut's Tanu
Weds Manu Returns along with Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma's Dil
Dhadakne Do got people to sit up and notice that the girls were as good
at the game as were their male counterparts.“
The third quarter or Q3 (July-September) saw 51 releases and
netted a staggering Rs 885 crore, according to trade sources. The man
spearheading the collections was none other than the darling of the
masses, Salman Khan, who kept his Ramzan Eid date with Bajrangi
Bhaijaan. This Kabir Khan directorial crossed the Rs 300-crore mark
despite having the stiffest competition from SS Rajamouli's Baahubali:
The Beginning, the first dubbed film to cross the Rs 100-crore mark in
Hindi. Welcome Back was a super hit at the box office.
Drishyam, a riveting drama between a cop and a common man, was a sleeper hit. Meghna Gulzar's
Talvar, which dealt with the Aarushi Talwar murder case, won accolades
and set the cash registers ringing as it proved that good cinema
rightfully deserves its due at the ticket windows.Typically the last quarter (October-December), which is considered the most important in the trade because it sees the Diwali and Christmas releases, has also kept the Bollywood flag flying high. Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, a rib-tickling comedy, was a hit, especially with the youngsters. Salman Khan-Sooraj Barjatya's Prem Ratan Dhan Payo has reached approximately Rs 188 crore, while the Christmas releases - Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani and Rohit Shetty's Dilwale are both sitting pretty in the Rs 100-crore club already only in the domestic market. What's more, they are still counting big numbers. While Bajirao Mastani has received a terrific word of mouth, Dilwale is leaning big on Shah Rukh Khan and Varun Dhawan's charisma. This entertainer has kids and families cheering for it. Where the final tally of the two December 18 releases ends is anyone's guess at this point.
Aamir Khan had no release this year
but he still had reason to cheer. His PK (2014) was the highest domestic
earner, sitting pretty at around Rs 324.30 crore. It also went on to
break records in the Chinese market as it became the highest grossing
Hindi film till date. HOLLYWOOD GAVE BOLLYWOOD A RUN FOR ITS MONEY THIS YEAR
If daddy can do it, Big Daddy can do it better. Yes, Hollywood, which at one time contributed to a mere 13 per cent of the cinema ticket sales in India each year, showed the desi market that it knows the art of multiplication better than us.
Deepika Padukone may have bagged her next with Vin Diesel but she seriously made a blunder by dropping out of his April 2015 release, Furious 7 (F7). The film crossed the Rs 100-crore mark in India leaving many Bollywood films behind. Three weeks after F7 came another Hollywood biggie - Avengers: Age of Ultron. This one netted around Rs 72-odd crore in our domestic market.
Now Bollywood knows that distant Hollywood is not to be taken lightly. So, they have started to clear the decks when the likes of a James Bond 007 (Spectre) or the latest instalment of a huge franchise like Star Wars comes.
The force has awakened.
Shah Rukh Khan took me for a spin in his Pajero-Omkar Kapoor
8:28 AM
When still a child, the young actor Omkar Kapoor spent time on film sets doing his homework and driving around in Shah Rukh Khan's Pajero
As told to Ektaa Malik (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 27, 2015)
This picture was taken while we were shooting for the film Chaahat. I
was 12 years old. The film had some major names attached to it — Shah
Rukh Khan, Pooja Bhatt and Anupam Kher. Mahesh Bhatt was directing it.
This scene was set in a hospital where Anupam ji was admitted for
treatment. In the scene, we are supposed to be visiting him there. For
me, being on a film set was all about having fun. I used to be so
pampered on the sets — everyone went out of their way to indulge me. I
vividly remember the time Shah Rukh Khan got a new car — a Pajero — and I
would go and sit in the front seat. And he would stand outside the car
and patiently watch as I fooled around in it. He took me for a spin in
it as well. He was so kind and fun to hang with. Call it a stroke of luck, but I went on to work with big names such as Aamir Khan in Mela, Salman Khan in Judwaa and Govinda in Hero No 1. But I was so oblivious to their stardom. For me, the generic idea was to go out there and be myself. I was so uninhibited on the sets, and I would be excited about everything from action to dance. I was a carefree actor — I think all child actors are like that. I remember there used to be a dance master called Master Chiniji and he used to say that he loved working with me, kyunki main mast hokar dance karta tha. From the beginning, I had the fortune of working with great technicians and they made me very comfortable. I loved being on a film set. But my mother made sure that I studied. I would do my homework in between shots or during the lunch break. But I was not the kind of person who would study the whole year. I would cram up last minute and score 65 to 70 per cent and be very happy about it.
Now that I have made my foray into Bollywood as an adult, I can say that I have literally grown up doing this. For me, being on the sets of Punchnama (Pyaar ka Punchnama 2), was like going back to my favourite playground after a long break.
Kartik Aaryan to perform his 'infamous monologue' live in Dubai
7:48 AM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 28, 2015)
Kartik Aaryan's 'infamous'
monologue', in the 2011 release Pyaar Ka Punchnama fetched multiple
views on
YouTube. And just when everyone thought that monologue had it all,
the 27-year-old-actor surprised with another 12-minute rant (it was
eventually edited down to six-and-a-half minutes) in the sequel. Now, he
has been invited to an event in Dubai to perform the monologue, live.
“It was a 25-page monologue which took me six nights to get right. When we finally shot, it was a laugh riot. After the film released, I went into a theatre with my cap pulled down to gauge the audience's reactions. They went crazy when the monologue came on, whistling and cheering and when it ended, they gave it a standing ovation,“ he reminisces.
Kartik confirms that Part 3 is “definitely happening“ but is quick to point out that Part 2 is still playing and they are savouring the success. “I now want to do meaningful love stories,“ he asserts. And what about his real life romance with his Kaanchi co-star Mishti? “We were never dating, I'm single,“ he signs off with a statement that will make many hearts race.
“It was a 25-page monologue which took me six nights to get right. When we finally shot, it was a laugh riot. After the film released, I went into a theatre with my cap pulled down to gauge the audience's reactions. They went crazy when the monologue came on, whistling and cheering and when it ended, they gave it a standing ovation,“ he reminisces.
Kartik confirms that Part 3 is “definitely happening“ but is quick to point out that Part 2 is still playing and they are savouring the success. “I now want to do meaningful love stories,“ he asserts. And what about his real life romance with his Kaanchi co-star Mishti? “We were never dating, I'm single,“ he signs off with a statement that will make many hearts race.
Conversations have opened up for me after Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2's success-Nushrat Bharucha
8:57 AM
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2015)
She's petite, spunky and her
expressive brown eyes flash fire. That's Nushrat Bharucha, fresh from
the success of Panorama Studios' Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (PKP2). Like most
greenhorns, her short career in Bollywood is dotted with hits and
misses, but today everything else is overshadowed with the box office
numbers of her last release, which was produced by Abhishek Pathak and
Kumar Mangat Pathak.
Sitting opposite me like an earnest child, she explains that all that is happening has been unexpected. She says, “Our director Luv (Ranjan) Sir was confident that PKP 2 would do well. However, we were skeptical because my co-star Kartik Aaryan, Sir and I had seen failure in Akaash Vani.“ Fair enough. And then what? She continues, “Last week, I took director Bejoy Nambiar with me to see the film and was pleasantly surprised that it is still running to packed houses.'' Will she work with Bejoy shortly? “I have my fingers crossed. Both of us have been keen to work together since Love Sex Aur Dhokha. But nothing materialised,“ she says.
Quiz her what the future looks like and Nushrat replies, “With PKP 2, I have tasted success again. It has taken me to a place where conversations have opened up. Now, people want to meet me and give me a narration. PKP 2 has given the entire cast the platform that we so desired. Where we head from here and how far our talent carries us, etc. we don't know because everything is not in our hands. You know how Bollywood functions. There have been occasions in the past, when I know I'm the deal fit for a role, but I didn't get cast. That happens a lot o me and I do not understand why. This film has given me the space where I can talk to people and say his is my work, so please work with me. It's easy to get lost in Bollywood.'' She admits she is inspired by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and states, “He had miniscule roles in his earlier films. But today he is on top of his game.“
Nushrat is confident that now she will be heard above the din. “When your film hits the box office, people are forced to take notice,“ she signs off.
Sitting opposite me like an earnest child, she explains that all that is happening has been unexpected. She says, “Our director Luv (Ranjan) Sir was confident that PKP 2 would do well. However, we were skeptical because my co-star Kartik Aaryan, Sir and I had seen failure in Akaash Vani.“ Fair enough. And then what? She continues, “Last week, I took director Bejoy Nambiar with me to see the film and was pleasantly surprised that it is still running to packed houses.'' Will she work with Bejoy shortly? “I have my fingers crossed. Both of us have been keen to work together since Love Sex Aur Dhokha. But nothing materialised,“ she says.
Quiz her what the future looks like and Nushrat replies, “With PKP 2, I have tasted success again. It has taken me to a place where conversations have opened up. Now, people want to meet me and give me a narration. PKP 2 has given the entire cast the platform that we so desired. Where we head from here and how far our talent carries us, etc. we don't know because everything is not in our hands. You know how Bollywood functions. There have been occasions in the past, when I know I'm the deal fit for a role, but I didn't get cast. That happens a lot o me and I do not understand why. This film has given me the space where I can talk to people and say his is my work, so please work with me. It's easy to get lost in Bollywood.'' She admits she is inspired by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and states, “He had miniscule roles in his earlier films. But today he is on top of his game.“
Nushrat is confident that now she will be heard above the din. “When your film hits the box office, people are forced to take notice,“ she signs off.
This is surely a high point in my career-Sonnalli Seygall
8:54 AM
Sonil Dedhia (BOMBAY TIMES; November 21, 2015)
Riding high on the success
of her latest film Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (PKP 2), Sonnalli Seygall is
gushing with joy, “I really have no words to describe. It's more than a
month since the film released and it's still doing well. I have been
getting congratulatory messages even now.“ The young actress adds that
the newfound success means a lot to her career, “People noticed my first
film Pyaar Ka Punchnama and knew I had acted in it, but this time
around they have started recognising me and taking me seriously and this
is surely a high point in my career.“ She also admits that there have
been several offers post PKP 2 but nothing has been finalised yet. “I
don't want to rush and take any wrong decisions. Currently, I am
reading scripts and will take a final call soon.“
She credits her family for all the success, “My mother has been my pillar of strength and has supported me in all my decisions.“ Talking about her journey, this beauty from Kolkata admits, “I never wanted to become an actress. I moved to Mumbai with the intention of becoming a successful model. My days of beauty pageants and winning titles (crowned Miss India International 2006) were like a fairy tale, and now I am really enjoying my time in Bollywood. I don't want to set any boundaries, I want to work with different actors and do some good work.“
She credits her family for all the success, “My mother has been my pillar of strength and has supported me in all my decisions.“ Talking about her journey, this beauty from Kolkata admits, “I never wanted to become an actress. I moved to Mumbai with the intention of becoming a successful model. My days of beauty pageants and winning titles (crowned Miss India International 2006) were like a fairy tale, and now I am really enjoying my time in Bollywood. I don't want to set any boundaries, I want to work with different actors and do some good work.“
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 is my biggest release and success-Kartik Aaryan
7:54 AM
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; November 17, 2015)
Heads turn when the Pyaar Ka
Punchnama 2 (PKP2) dude Kartik Aaryan takes long strides into a local
coffee shop. Without much ado, Kartik admits that after four years in
Bollywood and four films, this is the first time he actually has reason
to feel elated. Says he, “My first movie Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP) did
well, but my second and third films - Akaash Vani and Kaanchi: The
Unbreakable flopped. My fourth movie PKP 2 is my biggest release and
biggest success. And for the first time in four years, I feel like a
part of Bollywood. PKP had also done well but it is only now that people
from the industry and outside have started noticing me.“
The high point, according to the Gwalior boy, is when he took his family to a theatre in Mumbai to watch his latest release that is produced by Panorama Studios and returned disappointed because there was a huge houseful board. “I couldn't see the film that day. But I cannot even describe to you what a high I experienced. I was thrilled to bits that I couldn't get tickets for my movie.“
He admits that though there have been offers post his new-found success, nothing has been finalised yet. “I have grown up watching Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar movies. Naturally, I aspire to be a part of their kind of cinema,“ he says.
Nervous and happy with his current situation, the actor adds, “When I first moved to Mumbai, I shared a flat with 12 boys. Now, I have a home to myself. This, for me, is the beginning. PKP 2 is my calling card in this round and I'm fortunate that my producers Abhishek Pathak and Kumar Mangat Pathak, and director Luv Ranjan have not bound me by any contract. So, I'm free to make my own choices. People had noticed by work earlier, now they have taken notice of my film's box office. It is only when you become commercially viable that you actually get accepted by the industry. I'm praying that whenever my next film happens, it gets a couple of more zeroes at the box-office collections and once more, I'm given an opportunity to do an interview like this one.“
The high point, according to the Gwalior boy, is when he took his family to a theatre in Mumbai to watch his latest release that is produced by Panorama Studios and returned disappointed because there was a huge houseful board. “I couldn't see the film that day. But I cannot even describe to you what a high I experienced. I was thrilled to bits that I couldn't get tickets for my movie.“
He admits that though there have been offers post his new-found success, nothing has been finalised yet. “I have grown up watching Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar movies. Naturally, I aspire to be a part of their kind of cinema,“ he says.
Nervous and happy with his current situation, the actor adds, “When I first moved to Mumbai, I shared a flat with 12 boys. Now, I have a home to myself. This, for me, is the beginning. PKP 2 is my calling card in this round and I'm fortunate that my producers Abhishek Pathak and Kumar Mangat Pathak, and director Luv Ranjan have not bound me by any contract. So, I'm free to make my own choices. People had noticed by work earlier, now they have taken notice of my film's box office. It is only when you become commercially viable that you actually get accepted by the industry. I'm praying that whenever my next film happens, it gets a couple of more zeroes at the box-office collections and once more, I'm given an opportunity to do an interview like this one.“
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3 would be made from a female view point-Luv Ranjan
7:55 AM
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; November 5, 2015)
In a season when established
names have failed, director Luv Ranjan (33) and producer Abhishek
Pathak (28) are riding high on the success of their comedy Pyaar Ka
Punchnama 2 (PKP2), a Panorama Studios production, which is holding well
at the box office. Excerpts from a conversation with them.
Luv, did you think PKP2 would fare better than the first part?
Our belief in the sequel was strong because we knew that Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP) was seen by many more people than what the box office numbers reflected. It was a slow starter but it ran for seven weeks. We are both aware that a lot of people also caught the film on the internet, DVDs and satellite TV etc. Therefore, when we set out to make part two, we already had a definite fan base. We were hopeful that those who missed the first part in cinemas would definitely make an effort to catch the sequel in theatres only.
Abhishek: It is our faith in our franchise that made my father Kumar Mangat Pathak and I buy the theatrical rights back from Viacom18 Motion Pictures for worldwide distribution.
Do you admit that your point of view was lopsided; since guys liked the film more than women?
Things have been told from a male perspective but at the end of the day, it is a comedy. Therefore, you cannot take it too seriously. We don't buy the rationale that men have liked it more than women. There are a lot of women from this generation who have loved the film. Youngsters are more chilled out and the self-deprecatory humour works with them. If you see the movie from a philosophical and ideological point of view, it will go for a toss.
Luv, surely you were joking when you said that PKP 2 is a film on women empowerment?
I maintain that it is a film on women empowerment. I say this because the actresses in my movie are actually able to control the lives of their men. You should agree with me, albeit from a humorous point of view, that only a strong woman can control her man and turn his world upside down.
Abhishek: It had a lot to do with the fact that this time the media also supported us. Last time, both Luv and I were new, so the media didn't bother too much with us. In fact, even our actors were new and at some of the press events, journalists had no questions for any of us. They were also not sure about the quality of the film. However, this time around because we were the makers of PKP and most of the actors too were being repeated, the media came forward and gave us the support. There was a definite curiosity to see what we have done a second time around and they were more welcoming.
How has the industry reacted?
Luv: The industry doesn't accept you very easily. Our film is a success but not everyone is going to acknowledge it. Our movie is against stereotype. It defies norms; it is an anti-love film. Bollywood finds it hard to justify why and how a film like this became a commercial success. In many peoples' heads it becomes difficult to justify their methods. It is an aberration. They will accept our success but grudgingly.
Abhishek: We got the unstinted support of the aam janta. We have managed to triple our investment and I'm happy for us.
One hears there is a third part in the offing?
Luv: Not yet. But of course, that is a thought in our heads. When I made part one, I used to joke that the sequel would be made from a female view point, but I didn't do that. Now I think I will make part three from a woman's perspective. Our film has opened up a certain amount of debate. So there is ample scope to do so, once again with humour. It will be fun to make the film from a female perspective.
You guys have been partners on three films - two hits and one flop. How would you describe your short journey?
Luv: Abhishek and I met at a friend's wedding in Himachal Pradesh. There were few youngsters there and both of us got talking and hit it off instantly. We realised that we shared a common passion for cinema. Both of us had gone to New York Film Academy, he in NY and I in Los Angeles. I'm from Ghaziabad, so after the wedding, I went home and we promised to connect on my next trip to Mumbai. My first film was PKP. And our second was AkaashVani, which dealt with domestic violence and marital rape. Each movie comes with its own destiny. Both of us worked equally hard on that film but it flopped. We learnt more from failure than from success.
Abhishek: Besides a good creative partnership, the two of us have also developed a good friendship. We are almost family now. We fight a lot less (laughs).
Luv: Both of us are unmarried. And we are worried that after PKP 2, we may not find too many girls willing to marry us (laughs).
Is there someone in Bollywood whom both of you wish to thank?
Luv: We are grateful to our producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. He is a simple man. He doesn't calculate and manipulate too much. When we approached him and asked him whether we could make the sequel, he said that if we believed in it, we should go ahead and do it. That's how simple he is. Also, while making PKP he knew we were raw. We made many mistakes but he was very patient.
Did you notice a change in your actors' attitude between the sequels?
Luv: Kartik Aaryan, Nushrat Bharucha, Ishita Raj and Sonnalli Seygall were all very new and young when we made PKP. They are like family. Behaviour changes with success. Our actors had done relatively less amount of work between the two parts and they hadn't met spectacular success or got associated with any other film, the way they did with our movie.
Abhishek: Hence, when they came back to us for PKP2, it was like a happy family reunion. All of us have reason to smile today.
Luv, did you think PKP2 would fare better than the first part?
Our belief in the sequel was strong because we knew that Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP) was seen by many more people than what the box office numbers reflected. It was a slow starter but it ran for seven weeks. We are both aware that a lot of people also caught the film on the internet, DVDs and satellite TV etc. Therefore, when we set out to make part two, we already had a definite fan base. We were hopeful that those who missed the first part in cinemas would definitely make an effort to catch the sequel in theatres only.
Abhishek: It is our faith in our franchise that made my father Kumar Mangat Pathak and I buy the theatrical rights back from Viacom18 Motion Pictures for worldwide distribution.
Do you admit that your point of view was lopsided; since guys liked the film more than women?
Things have been told from a male perspective but at the end of the day, it is a comedy. Therefore, you cannot take it too seriously. We don't buy the rationale that men have liked it more than women. There are a lot of women from this generation who have loved the film. Youngsters are more chilled out and the self-deprecatory humour works with them. If you see the movie from a philosophical and ideological point of view, it will go for a toss.
Luv, surely you were joking when you said that PKP 2 is a film on women empowerment?
I maintain that it is a film on women empowerment. I say this because the actresses in my movie are actually able to control the lives of their men. You should agree with me, albeit from a humorous point of view, that only a strong woman can control her man and turn his world upside down.
Abhishek: It had a lot to do with the fact that this time the media also supported us. Last time, both Luv and I were new, so the media didn't bother too much with us. In fact, even our actors were new and at some of the press events, journalists had no questions for any of us. They were also not sure about the quality of the film. However, this time around because we were the makers of PKP and most of the actors too were being repeated, the media came forward and gave us the support. There was a definite curiosity to see what we have done a second time around and they were more welcoming.
How has the industry reacted?
Luv: The industry doesn't accept you very easily. Our film is a success but not everyone is going to acknowledge it. Our movie is against stereotype. It defies norms; it is an anti-love film. Bollywood finds it hard to justify why and how a film like this became a commercial success. In many peoples' heads it becomes difficult to justify their methods. It is an aberration. They will accept our success but grudgingly.
Abhishek: We got the unstinted support of the aam janta. We have managed to triple our investment and I'm happy for us.
One hears there is a third part in the offing?
Luv: Not yet. But of course, that is a thought in our heads. When I made part one, I used to joke that the sequel would be made from a female view point, but I didn't do that. Now I think I will make part three from a woman's perspective. Our film has opened up a certain amount of debate. So there is ample scope to do so, once again with humour. It will be fun to make the film from a female perspective.
You guys have been partners on three films - two hits and one flop. How would you describe your short journey?
Luv: Abhishek and I met at a friend's wedding in Himachal Pradesh. There were few youngsters there and both of us got talking and hit it off instantly. We realised that we shared a common passion for cinema. Both of us had gone to New York Film Academy, he in NY and I in Los Angeles. I'm from Ghaziabad, so after the wedding, I went home and we promised to connect on my next trip to Mumbai. My first film was PKP. And our second was AkaashVani, which dealt with domestic violence and marital rape. Each movie comes with its own destiny. Both of us worked equally hard on that film but it flopped. We learnt more from failure than from success.
Abhishek: Besides a good creative partnership, the two of us have also developed a good friendship. We are almost family now. We fight a lot less (laughs).
Luv: Both of us are unmarried. And we are worried that after PKP 2, we may not find too many girls willing to marry us (laughs).
Is there someone in Bollywood whom both of you wish to thank?
Luv: We are grateful to our producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. He is a simple man. He doesn't calculate and manipulate too much. When we approached him and asked him whether we could make the sequel, he said that if we believed in it, we should go ahead and do it. That's how simple he is. Also, while making PKP he knew we were raw. We made many mistakes but he was very patient.
Did you notice a change in your actors' attitude between the sequels?
Luv: Kartik Aaryan, Nushrat Bharucha, Ishita Raj and Sonnalli Seygall were all very new and young when we made PKP. They are like family. Behaviour changes with success. Our actors had done relatively less amount of work between the two parts and they hadn't met spectacular success or got associated with any other film, the way they did with our movie.
Abhishek: Hence, when they came back to us for PKP2, it was like a happy family reunion. All of us have reason to smile today.
Why is Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 associate director getting 600 calls a day?
1:01 PM
Imran Fazal (DNA; October 23, 2015)
"Hello Gogo darling, how are you?" – the question has driven a 26-year-old Lokhandwala filmmaker to the edge. Since the release of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, co-writer and associate director Rahul Mody (pictured above, at right) is receiving nearly 600 calls a day.
In the movie, character Anshul aka Gogo, played by actor Kartik Aaryan (pcitured above, at left; and in picture below), mentions Mody's number on screen while introducing himself to Nushrat Bharucha, playing the role of his girlfriend Ruchika aka Chiku. Mody, meanwhile, seems amused as the callers mistake him for Gogo. Not only from India, he is getting such calls from even Dubai and Russia.
"During the shoot, there was a blank space in Kartik's dialogue for a dummy phone number. He chose to use my number in the scene. This led to viewers calling me and asking about Gogo and Anshul. I then politely introduced myself to them," said Mody.
But now the situation has gone out of control with people ringing up at any time of the day. "Since the release of the film, I have been receiving back to back calls, even at night. One of the callers, a girl from Noida, started saying the dialogues from the film. The men mostly call up to say they have gone through similar situations," added Mody.
"One of the women was still inside the cinema hall when she called and kept insisting that I was Gogo. Then she started coaxing me to arrange a conference call with Kartik, which I refused," he said. Mody's mother Rekha is even more amused.
"As soon as the phone rings, the entire family bursts into laughter. It is a proud moment. My son has proved himself and we are having fun," she said.
Interestingly, a few lucky callers actually spoke to Kartik when Mody was around the team. "We were just playing a prank and decided to go ahead with Rahul's number. When we both were together, he gave me the phone to speak to a few callers and it was hilarious. I can only imagine how he must have handled those callers, but we are happy that the movie has received a great response," said Kartik.
We were scared of clashing Titli with Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2-Dibakar Banerjee
7:49 AM
Anirban Das (MID-DAY; October 22, 2015)
Indie film lovers had long been waiting for October 16 to catch Kanu Behl-directed Titli, which has travelled to film festivals across the globe. However, its release was pushed to the month-end since Dibakar Banerjee, who has produced the film, admits that he was “scared” about a clash with rom-com, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2.
Says Dibakar, “We were absolutely right about getting scared of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. If we were to make 5 paise and another film releasing on the same day aims at making Rs 100, but ends up collecting 2 paisa more, then we would make just 3 paise. That would have been a loss for us.”
But with the release date being pushed ahead, Titli will have to compete with two much- awaited films, Main Aur Charles featuring Randeep Hooda and Kunal Kemmu-starrer Guddu Ki Gun. Wouldn’t that affect the film’s business? “Whatever happens, we will accept it as our fate. You can only wait till a certain period of time. If we had waited longer, the film would have clashed with Salman Khan’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo,” says Dibakar.
Movie Review: PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2 by FENIL SETA
1:54 PM
Pyaar Ka Punchnama was one of the biggest surprises and sleeper hits of 2011. The characters were adorable and relatable and no wonder that the film continued to remain popular over the years. Hence, one can’t help but expect a lot from Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, especially when it’s trailer has been so great. And thankfully, it does meet the expectations although Part 1 is better!
The story of the movie: Anshul alias Go Go (Kartik Aaryan), Siddharth alias Chauka (Sunny Singh Nijjar) and Tarun alias Thakur (Omkar Kapoor) are roommates and thick friends. They all fall in love, incidentally at the same time. Go Go starts dating Ruchika aka Chiku (Nushrat Bharucha), Chauka gets smitten by Supriya (Sonnalli Seygall) and Thakur falls for Kusum (Ishita Raj). However, each of this relationship comes with its share of challenges and problems.
To be honest, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 doesn’t immediately impress. The film follows the pattern of the first part and hence one can’t help but start drawing parallels. The intro scene is hardly impressive and immediately one goes down memory lane and reminds oneself that Pyaar Ka Punchnama started on such a rocking note. The scene of the three guys meeting the girls is when the film picks up. The second meeting that the guys have with their girls is even better. The problems that the guys face are different this time but very relatable. And most importantly, it’s highly entertaining! The intermission point is quite smart and one really gives kudos to the writers for coming up with such a cool idea! The fun continues in the second half as well. The monologue this time is almost 7 minutes long and its sure going to bring the house down! The film ends on a completely justified note. Sadly, the film is not without its share of blemishes. The problems shown in part 1 were much more touching and relatable as compared to the ones in the sequel. The monologue is great but the way it suddenly commences looks a bit forced. In the first part, it came up very organically. Lastly, the abuses in the film are beeped despite that the film was given an ‘A’ certificate. The charm of few scenes withered away thanks to these beeps.
Kartik Aaryan delivers a terrific performance. The actor is in top form and makes great use of his chocolate boy looks. And needless to say, he rocked in the monologue scene! Sunny Singh gave some blank expressions in the dancing scenes but in the rest of the film, he is quite good. Omkar Kapoor looks quite dashing and gives a fine and controlled performance. Most importantly, he looks the part of a person who’s earning Rs 3 lakhs a month. Nushrat Bharucha looks very adorable and gets into the skin of the character. Sonnalli Seygall delivers a great performance and leaves a huge mark in some scenes. Ishita Raj proves her worth with a great job. Watch out for her dancing skills! Manvir Singh (Sunny) is good in a small role. Sharat Saxena and Mona Ambegaonkar are okay as Supriya’s parents.
Hitesh Sonik’s music is good but not chartbuster variety. Paro is the best of the lot and is almost like the film’s theme. Moorakh is very nicely shot. Background score is a bit loud but works. Rajat Poddar’s production design is quite nice and the film looks rich thanks to him. Luv Ranjan’s story is original and very much in sync with today’s times. Rahul Mody, Tarun Jain and Luv Ranjan’s dialogues are smart, sharp and funny and one of the big reasons why the film works so well. Screenplay is more or less fine. Luv Ranjan’s direction is simple and effective. However, he could have done a slightly better job in few scenes. The problems faced by the characters could have been better depicted. Also, the film is devoid of emotional scenes. Such scenes were there in part 1 and it really helped. But here, the relatability factor is there but could have been more profound. Nevertheless, a fine job by Luv overall and eagerly waiting for part 3!
Some of the best scenes:
1. Go Go, Chauka, Thakur meet Chiku, Supriya, Kusum
2. Chiku comes to watch the match with the guys (hilarious)
3. The three couples go for dinner
4. The intermission point
5. The couples in Thailand
6. Go Go fights with Chiku over Sunny
7. The last 20 minutes
8. The monologue
On the whole, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 is a fun film that is sure to impress its target audience – the urban youth. Performances are great and the film is riddled with some very funny dialogues and moments. However, it follows the pattern of the first part and hence one can’t help but draw parallels. In that regard, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 fails to reach up to the level of part 1 as the latter was slightly more relatable and convincing. Nevertheless, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 deserves a watch for sure. And yes, there’s a monologue this time as well which in itself is a big reason to see this film!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Akaash Vani's debacle made me & Kartik Aaryan care for each other more-Nushrat Bharucha
8:55 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; October 16, 2015)
With Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (PKP2) coming four years after PKP became a hit, Nushrat Bharucha is hoping for an encore.Though the actress wasn't keen on the first part and even refused director Luv Ranjan twice, she's glad she changed her mind. Though her second film with co-star Kartik Aaryan and the director, Akaash Vani didn't work, the bond they built during its making was reason enough for her to team up with them third time over. Excerpts from the conversation...
How does your character Chiku in the sequel differ from Neha of the first film?
Chiku isn't downright negative like Neha. The first film showed Kartik and me at loggerheads with each other. In the sequel, we are from different worlds. Neither of them is at fault here, but Chiku feels she's better off with a guy who shares her wavelength. So, the situation isn't too favourable.
This is your third film with Kartik Aaryan. How would you sum up your friendship with him?
Our second collaboration, Akaash Vani, flopped. That low made us care for each other more. When you go through a tragedy with someone, the bond is stronger. An actor is most vulnerable at the lowest point of his career.
Like Chiku watches India's cricket matches with Gogo in the film, apparently, you weren't too excited about it in real life. What happened?
Well, I thought I'd watch the match with the guy and his folks for a while and then go for a sundown party with my friends. But I was stuck because of the match. They discussed the game even during commercial breaks. Later, he did the 'punchnama' on me. Ladkiyon ke saath yeh aksar hota hai.
One hears you're curious about every aspect of filmmaking.
I love being a part of the whole journey of a film being made. I went for a mixing session as I was interested in knowing the process. Actors play a small part in all the things that go into the making of a movie. I want to know about pre-production, post-production, shot divisions; everything.
Would you do a third Punchnama?
It depends on how this one fares. If Luv justifies it and if the producers also feel the same, then we'll see.
I hate to stand outside a ladies' trial room. It feels stupid-Kartik Aaryan
8:51 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 16, 2015)
The pleasant Kartik Aaryan
talks about his latest comic caper Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (PKP2), the
sequel of the 2011 hit, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, the freshness of this
franchisee and his take on relationships and women. Excerpts:
Your 'famous' monologue has been revamped and is garnering good response.
PKP2 is not a continuation per se. My character, Gogo is totally different from that of Rajjo in the previous one. Rajjo was subdued, while Gogo is headstrong and carefree. I was like Rajjo back then but now I'm more like Gogo. The monologue was filmed in one take so I couldn't fumble. And this time around it's longer, stretching to seven minutes.
The franchise looks like it caters predominantly to the youth.
The concept is universal as it's a funny take on relationships irrespective of age. You'll be able to relate to all the characters.
Any particular traits in women that drive you up the wall?
I'd say it's better to be in a relationship as I'm quite romantic at heart. But, yes, I can make a list of those traits.
Nagging: In a relationship, your time is often your girlfriend's time. You don't get to hang out with your friends.
No privacy: They want the the passwords of your computer and phone etc. If you ask them the same, they complain that we don't trust them enough.
Shopping: Shopping. I hate to stand outside a ladies' trial room. It feels stupid. Besides, it's weird to see other guys ogle at your girl, when she shows off her new clothes.
Talking: You have to talk to them all the time.
Delay: They can never get ready on time, even if the date was fixed a week before.
Dodging bills: Some girls sneak into the washroom or get busy on the phone, right when the bill arrives. It's important to go dutch.
What attracts you to women?
I like women who are confident and have a great sense of humour. Gorgeous hair is a bonus.
You look way different now.
From cute to hot? (laughs) I started off young. But PKP2 will present me in a new light.
Your 'famous' monologue has been revamped and is garnering good response.
PKP2 is not a continuation per se. My character, Gogo is totally different from that of Rajjo in the previous one. Rajjo was subdued, while Gogo is headstrong and carefree. I was like Rajjo back then but now I'm more like Gogo. The monologue was filmed in one take so I couldn't fumble. And this time around it's longer, stretching to seven minutes.
The franchise looks like it caters predominantly to the youth.
The concept is universal as it's a funny take on relationships irrespective of age. You'll be able to relate to all the characters.
Any particular traits in women that drive you up the wall?
I'd say it's better to be in a relationship as I'm quite romantic at heart. But, yes, I can make a list of those traits.
Nagging: In a relationship, your time is often your girlfriend's time. You don't get to hang out with your friends.
No privacy: They want the the passwords of your computer and phone etc. If you ask them the same, they complain that we don't trust them enough.
Shopping: Shopping. I hate to stand outside a ladies' trial room. It feels stupid. Besides, it's weird to see other guys ogle at your girl, when she shows off her new clothes.
Talking: You have to talk to them all the time.
Delay: They can never get ready on time, even if the date was fixed a week before.
Dodging bills: Some girls sneak into the washroom or get busy on the phone, right when the bill arrives. It's important to go dutch.
What attracts you to women?
I like women who are confident and have a great sense of humour. Gorgeous hair is a bonus.
You look way different now.
From cute to hot? (laughs) I started off young. But PKP2 will present me in a new light.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 381
1:40 PM
WILL PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2 BE AS GOOD OR BETTER AS THE PREQUEL?
Pyaar Ka Punchnama was one of the biggest surprises of 2011. It starred newcomers and didn’t make any noise when it was being shot. But it all changed once the trailer was out. And it got a lot more attention when it was released. The film was rooted in realism and touched the chord of every youngster. Kartik Aaryan’s monologue on men’s problems became an instant craze. Hence, when the makers announced the plan to make a sequel, moviegoers were obviously overjoyed.
However, a tense situation was born when the first look of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 was out. Viewers realized that Divyendu Sharma and Raayo S Bakhirta, who starred in part 1, are not a part of the sequel and this led to lot of outrage on social media websites. After all, both Divyendu and Raayo played a huge part in the prequel’s success. Divyendu’s Liquid act especially was loved a lot. However, everyone cooled down once the trailer of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 was unveiled. It was hilarious and the two new guys – Omkar Kapoor and Sunny Singh – seem to have done a good job. Incidentally, the heroines are the same from the first part – Nushrat Bharucha, Ishita Raj and Sonnalli Seygall. Songs haven’t made an impact but no worries since the film already has created buzz as it’s a sequel of a very popular film. And with the promo of part 2 being so great, half the battle was won.
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 moreover has no competition. The half a dozen films releasing tomorrow serve no threat. Last week’s Jazbaa hasn’t become a huge hit. Hence, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 can have a decent opening and can turn out to be a huge success, if it’s well made. Its run might be thwarted by the release of biggie Shaandaar next week. But if opening is good, then it won’t be much of a problem. Recently, even Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon was able to sail through despite facing tough competition from Singh Is Bliing in its Week 2 since the opening was so huge.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2 AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!
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