Satellite Shankar’s beginning portions are bizarre. It takes a while to understand the concept of the ‘satellite’. But soon the film gets on track and a few scenes in the first half, especially the one in the Punjab village, are very touching. The second half has some very heartwarming moments that keeps the interest going and shows the film has its heart at the right place. Still, the script and execution leaves a lot to be desired. The direction is such that many might feel it difficult to digest as the film gets too utopian. The finale is nail-biting but the twist comes too suddenly. Talking of performances, Sooraj Pancholi is a surprise. He has worked very hard and it shows. There’s this earnestness and innocence in his performance and it suits the part. Megha Akash does a confident Bollywood debut and one wishes her track was little more convincing as it had the potential. Palomi Ghosh is terrific and proves why she deserves to be seen a lot. Other actors who leave a mark are Upendra Limaye (Inspector Chavan) Pradeep Singh (Subedar Jeetu Singh), Anurag Mishra (Anwar Hussain), Anil K Reji (Sridhar), Asif Basra (Taxi Driver) and Subrat Dutta (TC). Music is forgettable but the cinematography is excellent. And it’s great to see that the film has been shot in all real locations. No cheating is involved and if the character is in Pollachi or Bagha (Punjab), then it’s actually filmed there, and that’s a rare feat! All in all, Satellite Shankar is ‘Munna Bhai meets Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ and watch it for it’s lovely moments, story and Sooraj Pancholi. At the box office, it sadly might not succeed and it’ll go the ‘Notebook’ way – another film that got it’s due, not in cinemas, but on OTT and television!

My rating - *** out of 5!

WILL BALA MANAGE TO BENEFIT FROM DREAM GIRL’S SUPER SUCCESS?

Tomorrow will see the release of the biggest and most exciting film of the month. There are three more Fridays in November but as of now, none of the films releasing on these days seem that exciting. Hence, all eyes are set on Bala, starring Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role. Since two years, he has become a force to reckon with. In 2017, his film Bareilly Ki Barfi was an average grosser but Shubh Mangal Saavdhan was a hit. Last year, he surprised one and all with Andhadhun, which was not just a fantastic film but also a huge hit. Badhaai Ho was an even bigger hit, as it earned Rs. 136.46 crore! This year too, Ayushmann Khurrana kept surprising and entertaining audiences. His first release was Article 15, a very serious fare and yet, it emerged as a big success. Then came Dream Girl which was a masala comedy fare and hence different from the actor’s usual subtle entertainers. It broke Badhaai Ho’s record by earning Rs. 139.31 crore and is hence Ayushmann’s biggest grosser.

And now Ayushmann is back with his final release of the year, Bala. It features him in the role of a man struggling with premature balding. Yami Gautam and Bhumi Pednekar play the female leads. Stree director Amar Kaushik is at the helm of this flick that’s produced by Dinesh Vijan. The timing of the release is great as it’s coming at a time when viewers have already seen the big Diwali release Housefull 4. Hence, Bala will get a benefit. Moreover, Ayushmann Khurrana enjoys a lot of trust among the audience. Hence, he single-handedly can pull audiences to cinemas. The subject of the film is also very relatable.

Bala faces a few challenges. The trailer is good but not extraordinary. In fact, it’s Ayushmann’s presence that has made Bala such a hyped film to a great extent and not much the content. Songs haven’t worked. There was also a controversy going on when the makers of Ujda Chaman alleged that their film is also on the same lines and that Bala producers have copied their story. Ujda Chaman released last week and interestingly, its makers withdrew the case once the film was out. Hence, many feel it was a case of publicity stunt. Dinesh Vijan however has maintained that Bala is original.

Dream Girl opened at Rs. 9.43 crore and Bala would not be able to reach that level. The opening will be in the range of Rs. 7-8 crore. Bala also has paid previews today where it can earn around Rs. 1-1.25 crore.

There are two more releases tomorrow. One is Bypass Road, a thriller written and produced by Neil Nitin Mukesh. The actor also features in this film along with Adah Sharma, Shama Sikander and Gul Panag. It is directed by Neil’s brother Naman Nitin Mukesh. The trailer is decent and can make for a great experience if made well. The makers have promoted it extensively but the buzz is very limited. It’s opening will be around Rs. 50 lakhs, which is too low. If response is positive, it can grow.

Finally, there’s Satellite Shankar that marks the return of Sooraj Pancholi after his first film Hero, which had released way back in 2015. The film was shot last year in September and did face a bit of delay in getting the right release date. The trailer surprisingly is entertaining and it can turn out to be a dark horse if exceptionally handled. But as the awareness is negligible, the opening will be very bad, around Rs. 50-60 lakhs.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Acknowledging that his link with Jiah Khan's death made him less desirable among filmmakers, Sooraj Pancholi on getting a new lease of life with Satellite Shankar
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; November 1, 2019)

He may have got his dream debut with Salman Khan-backed Hero in 2015, but his absence from the scene year after year made it apparent that Sooraj Pancholi hadn't emerged to be the star kid that had producers flocking for his dates. While the subject of his association with Jiah Khan's murder case was inevitably brushed under the rug, owing to its sensitivity, Pancholi understands that it is a topic that needs to be addressed.

Not mincing words when admitting that his apparent link to the late actor's murder has limited the offers that come his way, Pancholi says, "The last four years have been a bad journey, but I have just surpassed one of the most difficult stages of my life and emerged stronger. I am probably the only accused who is asking for the trial to begin, which in itself, says a lot. Those who filed the case against me do not turn up in court. The media has made me the bad guy. It is disturbing. It is not easy to prove your innocence if you've been accused," says the actor.

Aditya Pancholi's son was charged with abetment to suicide after the death of his former girlfriend, Khan, who was found hanging in her Mumbai apartment in June 2013. Subsequent reports suggested a pregnancy that had to be terminated, and how Khan had been emotionally distraught due to it. Her mother Rabiya had reportedly accused Pancholi of murdering her.

Talking on the sidelines of the promotions of his upcoming film Satellite Shankar, the actor says he only wishes to train his focus on his career. "I heard a lot of scripts after Hero but was not pleased. I was looking for a story. Satellite Shankar is my actual launch pad. It's a story about a soldier who wants to meet his mother, and also keep his promise to his boss that he will report to duty. Every film shows a soldier's heroism and sacrifice, but this is probably the first film that highlights what civilians can do for their soldiers."

Sooraj Pancholi explains why his musical is delayed, dismisses rumours of a new romance, insists he wants to remain single and focus on work
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 31, 2019)

It’s been four years since you made your debut with Hero. Why did it take you so long to return with your second film, Satellite Shankar?
Even before Hero’s release and later, I got many offers but nothing I really wanted to do. So, I waited. Meanwhile, my personal problems grew bigger and compounded the delay.

What’s the status on the Stanley D’Costa musical, Time To Dance, which was to be your second release and would flag off Isabelle Kaif’s career?
That’s for T-Series to answer; we have just seven days of shoot left. When I got back from Time to Dance, I gave my dates to Murad (Khetani) sir and Ashwin (Varde) sir for Satellite Shankar which was not with T-Series at that point. I sport long hair in the musical and had to cut it short for this film. Since I couldn’t grow out my hair and cut it again twice, that seven days’ shoot is now scheduled for December.

Buzz is, the film is almost 70 per cent complete, but Salman Khan didn’t like the rushes and the project has been scrapped.
Not 70 per cent, it’s 95 per cent complete. And he wanted just two songs to be reshot which is about three days of work each. I can only do my job as an actor, everything else is the producer’s call.

In retrospect, do you think starting out with the remake of an iconic film like Hero was a mistake?
At that point, I wasn’t in the position to take my own call because despite my film background, I didn’t know much about the industry. I had professionals taking decisions on the film and I had big shoes to fill as Hero was a big film in its time. I feel blessed to be a part of the film. From here on, it’s for me to prove myself.

The army has been getting youngsters to enlist through recruitment drives and advertisements. Do you think Satellite Shankar will inspire more people to join the forces?
It’s an inspiring story and showcases a soldier’s love for the country and vice versa. I hope more people join the army. Some time ago, I read that 2000 Kashmiris turned up for the recruitment drive in the Valley.

Your film releases on the same day as Ayushmann Khurrana’s Bala. Does that make you anxious?
Competition is healthy. I’m not Shah Rukh, Aamir or Salman Khan or even Akshay Kumar to get my preferred release date though I hope to be in an enviable position in future. If not Bala, it could have been a bigger Hollywood release. Of course, Ayushmann is a big star and Bala is looking good.

What’s next?
A sports biopic to be shot in Haryana which will begin after I wrap up Time To Dance and cut my hair. It’s the story of an unsung hero who won India a couple of gold medals in boxing, but only a few people know about him. No, no names.

Is Salman Khan still micro-managing your career?
He is my mentor and I respect him. His only advice is that I should do a film only if it feels right. I want to make him happy and proud with my work. My family is happy with me anyway.

Your sister was to make her debut some years ago…
She says now that the industry is not for her. She is in the restaurant business.

And what’s your mom, Zarina Wahab, doing?
Her last film was PM Narendra Modi. She enjoys working and could be doing a role in Salman sir’s Radhe. There were talks about her playing my mother in Satellite Shankar, but things didn’t work out.

What about working with your dad, Aditya Pancholi?
We shared screen space in Hero, I don’t know if it will happen again. That chapter is done. I want to work with mom because she is the more emotional actor.

What’s happening on his legal battle with Kangana Ranaut?
I don’t want to discuss that. It’s been very tough for the family, especially my mother and sister.

You were recently spotted with a pretty foreigner. Is there a romance brewing?
I have some friends but just because one of them is white, people assumed there’s a romance. I want to be single and invest all my energy into my career right now.

MUMBAI MIRROR (May 1, 2019)

Ayushmann Khurrana’s next, Anubhav Sinha’s investigative drama, Article 15, now has a release date. The film, which has the actor playing a cop, will release on June 28. Anurag Basu’s upcoming film, which features Abhishek Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Aditya Roy Kapur, Pankaj Tripathi, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra, has also locked in on a date. It will release on January 24, 2020, and will look at cashing in on the Republic Day weekend. It is currently being shot in Mumbai.

Sooraj Pancholi-starrer Satellite Shankar, which is the story of an Indian soldier who discovers the country while travelling, has been postponed by two months. The film was to release on July 5 but will now open in theatres on September 6.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 27, 2019)

As much as Salman Khan is known for his stardom and his box-office successes, he’s also known to be a man who provides grand launchpads for his friends (within the film frat and outside of it). For these newcomers, being launched by bhai is a privilege, but it comes with its own set of pressures, too. In a chat with BT, Salman, one of the producers of the upcoming film Notebook, talks about Bollywood’s fresh breed of talent, the challenges they face and how he, as an actor, has reached a stage where he wants to work without a break. Excerpts:

In just a few days, two newcomers Zaheer Iqbal and Pranutan Bahl, backed by you, will make their debut at the movie marquee.
(Cuts in...) Yes, and I will continue to back more kids for as long as I can. Why? Because I was also launched at some point and I think the industry can do with some more fresh talent.

The difference that is evident between you and other producers is that you largely make a sustained effort to make room for children of actors and filmmakers (mostly)... something other producers would not take chances with?
I have seen a lot in my own life. So given my experience, I feel that if a boy or girl can make my head turn, he/she should be launched. That’s the first thing I go by, it is then followed by training which takes a lot of time and effort. Sooraj Pancholi had toiled for five years — he assisted on a few films and groomed himself in every department before we cast him in Hero. Similarly, Aayush (Sharma) worked very hard before we decided to launch him. (Smiling) Actually, Aayush ke saath ek aur chakkar hai. There was a romantic film that had come my way. I thought I had gone past that phase in life when I could do something like that on screen, so Sohail told me about a guy he had seen at the gym, who he felt was perfect for it. Two months later, Arpita brought a guy home and introduced him to us, saying she wants to marry him. He was not coming to the gym for some time, now I know why.

Eventually, Aayush also assisted on Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Tubelight and Sultan — he travelled with me extensively. People liked his dancing skills in LoveYatri, but when we saw him dancing for the first time, we all were all like ‘Dance classes please…’ He practised dance, action and acting for hours every day. He worked out rigorously and his dedication was evident in the film. Likewise, Zaheer was also an assistant on Jai Ho, where he did everything — from giving claps before the scene to rehearsing with actors and running other errands. He also worked on his body and craft simultaneously.

When did you first spot Zaheer’s talent?
His father is a dear friend. I first saw Zaheer at his sister Sanam’s wedding. When Sajid Nadiadwala and I went for the sangeet, his father flagged off the ceremony after we reached the venue. I saw a beautiful dance performance and a video clip, where Zaheer and his cousin put up a play about his sister and brother-in-law. We were watching that, when I just turned towards Sajid and he said, ‘Haan mujhe bhi aisa hi lagta hai’. Almost as if he could read my mind. I thought he was a fine talent and we could give him a chance. I did ask his father if he had purposely insisted on starting the sangeet only after we reach the venue (laughs!) The boy has been with me for five years now and he has blossomed. Sooraj, Aayush and Zaheer chill together at Galaxy. They are always together and stand by each other at all times. They’re happy for one another — no khunnas, no jealousy. I wish it stays that way.

While appreciation for Aayush validates your decision to launch him, people often question your choices in launching your friends’ kids. What’s your take on that?
It felt great that Aayush was accepted, although the film didn’t do as well as we would have liked it to. The thing is, these are the boys I see and meet. They work really hard to get a nod from me. They work on presenting themselves well and everything that goes with it, because it matters. And mind you, I have many friends, but that doesn’t mean I am launching everyone’s kids (smiles!). Shera’s (his bodyguard) son Tiger is being groomed right now and he’s already being considered by so many producers and directors. Shera feels I will be the best judge of a script for his son, so I am now sifting through scripts. I am yet to find something worthy.

There was news about you launching Rinzing Denzongpa (Danny Denzonpgpa's son) and Ashwami Manjrekar (Mahesh Manjrekar’s daughter), but not many knew you were planning to launch Mohnish Behl’s daughter Pranutan with Notebook, too...
The thing is, I had seen her audition —I think she had done something with Mukesh Chhabra (casting director). I called Mone (Mohnish Bahl) and he confirmed that she had auditioned. We didn’t let her audition for LoveYatri as Warina Hussain had already auditioned for it and was perfect for the part. It wouldn’t have been fair on my part to replace her. When Notebook came on to the table, these guys offered the film to several girls until they saw Pranutan’s auditions. I called Mone and told him that it’s a clean film and a good story. I also told him that Pranutan will have to audition for the part. She won’t get it because she is my friend’s daughter. Mohnish agreed that she should get work on her own steam. On the audition day, I got a call — this time to see if she has liked the script and if she would like to do it. I ensured Mohnish got a narration, too. Pranutan and he liked the story and things got going. So, it’s all on merit, entirely. I can’t have people work in a film just like that, because films cost a lot of money. Just because apna brother-in-law hai toh uske saath kar lenge…aisa nahi hota. Atul Agnihotri is also my brother-in-law, but I can’t make him a hero now. He’s made a fantastic film called Bharat. He’s proven his mettle as a producer in the past. I want him to continue doing that.

Today, do you feel paternal towards the new talent that you launch?
Paternal? They call me bhai, so no, they don’t let me feel that way. But I keep telling them that as much as possible, I don’t want to see their faces in my house. I tell them that when I call you to chill at home or for a party, you should be ready with replies like, ‘Bhai I am busy shooting or I have a show or some other work’. I want them to go ahead with that steam in their lives. Of course, like a bhai, I monitor what they’re doing with their overall grooming, but I also make sure they work on their own. Boys like Varun Dhawan and Tiger Shroff are so good with everything that they just set a very high benchmark for the newer actors. When the new boys see their films, they go like, ‘Yaar, aur mehnat lagegi!’ If they’re not as good, or better than Tiger and Varun, how can I launch them? The confidence to surge ahead comes with time, but they also have to work hard to get to the starting point. Maintaining what you achieve is also very tough, which they need to learn.

Sooraj took very long to find his second project, Satellite Shankar. He once told BT that he consults you on every script…
Cuts in... That’s true. Just the other day, he came to me with an outstanding subject for his next film. He’s a sweet fellow, who has gone through so much in the initial years of his career. He’s danced like a dream in Time To Dance with Isabelle Kaif (Katrina Kaif’s sister). I’ve also seen Satellite Shankar; he’s good. These kids do make me feel proud. When people on the social media pull them down and apart, I feel like telling them that when one man works in a film, he ensures that so many others in the chain get their daily bread and butter. No one seems to understand that.

That’s been your mantra for years now. You don’t seem to take breaks between films and move on quickly from one film to another...
I never take a holiday, except that 10-day break in December. I don’t like taking a single day off, and I don’t. So many people find a chance to earn their living when I work. The other day, I was remembering my days when I had just made my debut in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). There was a time when I just wanted to work. And now, when I am in that position, I don’t see the need to go off on holidays and say that I need breaks. Bakwaas…aise thode hi hota hai. I like working and that is why I keep working throughout. If that pain we go through doesn’t come across on screen, it’s not worth it. People always appreciate the effort you put in to give them that two hours of pleasure. If you get complacent, like I did once, films don’t do well. After that, I decided to do action films because that’s the cinema I grew up with. God was kind and those films worked. When it’s tough for most films to cross Rs 100 crore, my biggest disaster came at Rs 150 crore at the box-office.

Which newcomer is next on your launch list?
While I’m still figuring what happens with Shera ka beta, Tiger, I actually want all these boys to work together in a super dhamaal film, the kind that I have done in my past.

DNA (September 29, 2018)

Things are looking up for Sooraj Pancholi, who plays a soldier in director Irfan Kamal’s Satellite Shankar. The film is being shot at various locations up North and a unit hand tells us that South actress Megha Akash plays Sooraj’s love interest in the movie.

For those who have tuned in late, Megha has already made a mark in Tamil and Telugu cinema. She is currently working in the Tamil thriller Enai Noki Paayum Thota opposite Dhanush and is also a part of his father-in-law, Rajinikanth’s next, Petta. Satellite Shankar is her big Bollywood break.

Megha says, “There were a lot of offers in Hindi but Satellite Shankar is something special. It’s a different film that is being made on a huge scale. I’m excited to be in it.” Irfan says, “Megha is exactly what we were looking for. From the time we saw her, we knew she was the one.”