Showing posts with label Satyameva Jayate 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Satyameva Jayate 2. Show all posts
59-year-old TV actor Rituraj Singh dies following cardiac arrest
8:10 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (February 21, 2024)
Mumbai: Noted actor Rituraj Singh, who first rose to fame in the 1993 TV show ‘Banegi Apni Baat’ and went on to appear in a range of serials, films and OTT shows over the next three decades, passed away at his home early Tuesday following a cardiac arrest. He was 59.
“He had been hospitalized due to some stomach issues and was discharged a few days ago. He passed away around 12.30 am at his home due to a cardiac arrest,” said close friend Amit Behl. Singh, who started his career as a theatre actor in Delhi, is survived by his wife and two children.
Amongst his last appearances is the OTT show ‘Indian Police Force’, which released just last month. Singh's television roles include ‘Anupamaa’, ‘Hitler Didi’, ‘Shapath’, ‘Adaalat’. Besides, he appeared in supporting roles in Hindi films, including ‘Badrinath Ke Dulhania’, and in OTT shows such as ‘Bandish Bandits’ and ‘Made In Heaven’.
Singh, who studied in Delhi University, was close friends with Shah Rukh Khan. They both were a part of Barry John's Theatre Action Group (TAG).
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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 21, 2024)
Actor Rituraj Singh, 59, known for Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017), Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021) and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, died on Tuesday. He is survived by wife Charu Singh and kids Jahaan and Adhiraaj.
Actor Amit Behl, a friend, told PTI, “He had been hospitalized due to some stomach issues and was discharged a few days ago. He passed away around 12.30 am at his home due to a cardiac arrest.”
Singh began his career in 1992. Satyameva Jayate 2 director Milap Zaveri says, “He was so full of life and passionate about his work. He’d rehearse his dialogues in advance with me and John (Abraham).”
Ram Kapoor’s weight gain used to give me sleepless nights-Gautami Kapoor
8:34 AM
Akash Wadhwa (BOMBAY TIMES; November 9, 2023)
Back to facing the camera, this time for her reels on social media, Gautami Kapoor says she is loving the trend of preparing dance reels for her Instagram. In an interview, the Ghar Ek Mandir actress spoke about making a comeback to acting, why she doesn’t do TV anymore and how she was worried at one point about husband Ram Kapoor’s weight issues. Read on...
Ram often posts videos, catching you off guard, like the recent one where you had a face mask on. How do you react to it?
Well, I will also turn to social media to take my revenge for the kind of videos he posts of me! But Ram has always been like this... when we were dating, when we got married and even now. In fact, this sense of humour is what attracted me to him. And in reality, even I am crazy like him and our kids are like we have had enough of you guys (laughs).
While Ram may be fitter now, was his weight a cause of concern, especially since you are quite health-conscious yourself?
I was worried because television really took a toll on him in terms of health. Whatever he is today is because of the medium, but he had to pay a price in terms of family life and health. When we got married, Ram was one of the fittest guys in the industry. Of course, his fans loved him despite the weight gain. He has always been comfortable in his skin, but yes, his weight gain used to worry me and give me sleepless nights. Thankfully, one day he decided to get fit again and he has lost oodles of weight now.
You seem to be enjoying making dance videos on your social media handle...
Being a fitness freak, sometime back I tried Zumba and I started enjoying dancing. A year ago, my Zumba teacher asked me to do a reel with him and I had no idea what a social media reel was. It was on Kesariya and that reel got me massive views. Dancing was number one on my bucket list. Now I plan to learn Bollywood and hip-hop dance forms.
You started your career with television, but have kept away from TV shows for many years now. Why?
My kids have grown up now and I’m open to doing TV shows. I do get calls for shows, but it’s not the kind of work I would like to do on the medium. When I ask them about the role, they say hero ki maa ka role hai, ya bhabhi ka, but I ask them again ki role kya hai? Unfortunately, they do not get my question as characters other than leads are not given importance on television.
Why did you take a break from acting all these years?
I did Parvarish and Tere Sheher Mein in 2015 on TV, but at that time my kids were really small, especially my son. And that decision took a toll on him as he was lost, since both his parents were busy with work. So, I decided to step back a little and concentrate on my kids. But I’m back now and shooting for two OTT projects. In the past, I also did the film Satyameva Jayate 2 with John Abraham, but the film didn’t do well and my role didn’t come into focus.
On television, you come from a time when there was no game of ratings for a show, and back then shows never went off air within months of their launch. How do you see this trend now?
Content back then was so good on television that rating ka kisi ko yaad bhi nahi rehta tha. But today the competition is so fierce and cutthroat that good content gets lost because of this rating game.
There are a lot of misconceptions about my age. I was only 17 when I shot for my debut film-Divya Khosla Kumar
8:39 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; October 19, 2023)
Divya Khosla Kumar, who directed ‘Yaariyan’ (2014) and featured in a couple of films in the last few years, is now excited about ‘Yaariyan 2’, which has her playing the lead along with actors Meezaan Jafri and Pearl V Puri. The film, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, will be released tomorrow. In a conversation with Bombay Times, she talks about her challenges as an artiste and how she is now focused on her acting career. Excerpts:
‘Yaariyan 2’ is probably the first Hindi film to capture the bond between cousins’
Talking about why she didn’t follow the trend of quickly making a sequel to her successful directorial debut film ‘Yaariyan’, she says, “I don’t take on a project just for the sake of it. The subject has to ignite passion in me. Until directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru presented me with this unique and entertaining story based on yaariyan between three cousins, I hadn’t found a suitable story that could do justice to the brand. ‘Yaariyan 2’ is probably the first Hindi film to capture the bond between cousins on screen.”
‘As an actor, it is crucial for me to trust my director and surrender to his vision’
Divya had complete trust that the director duo would do justice to the project and was never tempted to tell them how to handle the film. She shares, “When I work with a director in the capacity of an actor, it’s crucial for me that I trust their vision, surrender to it, and never question their judgment. The character, Laadli, has been written keeping my real self in mind. The directors know me personally and my goofy and witty nature. So, while my co-actors had to work hard to get into their character, I just had to be myself (smiles). ‘Yaariyan 2’ is important to me because my character is beautifully etched out. The audience will get to see me in a full-fledged role for the first time in a Bollywood film.”
‘At the moment, I am concentrating on acting’
Having dabbled in both acting and direction, what’s closer to her heart? “I am the happiest and creatively alive on a set. Both acting and direction give me a lot of creative satisfaction. However, I must admit that direction is way tougher than acting because one has to manage so much. At the moment, I am concentrating on acting. I also feel it’s a great time for actors with the kind of content that is being generated. Content is king today,” she replies.
‘I have learnt on the job and grown, especially behind the camera’
Divya’s journey in showbiz is marked by long gaps – from her film debut with ‘Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo’ (2004) to getting married and returning to acting with ‘Satyameva Jayate 2’ (2021). “I have been constantly working. It’s just that when you are working behind the camera, it often goes unnoticed. I have learnt on the job and grown, especially behind the camera. I have neither assisted any director nor has anyone been my teacher, guide, or support. After directing ‘Sanam Re', when I decided to get back to acting, I had to start with music videos for industry people to see my work and approach me. That’s how I was cast in ‘Satyameva Jayate 2’.”
‘An actress’ age is always under scrutiny’
Talking about how there is unnecessary focus on an actress’ age, while male actors don’t have to deal with similar scrutiny, she says, “There are a lot of misconceptions about my age. I was only 17 when I shot for my debut film and got married after that. I am 35 now. An actress’ age is always under scrutiny. Most actresses are in their 30s, so why do people create hullabaloo about my age? An actor should be judged for her ability to play a character, be it an 18-year-old or 60-year-old, and I can pull off both.”
My next has heroism, but is more credible in plot-Milap Zaveri
9:17 AM
Milap Zaveri and Hiranandani
Following Satyameva Jayate 2 debacle, director Milap reunites with Ek Villain collaborator after eight years for action drama
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 24, 2022)
Putting the poor run of Satyameva Jayate 2 (2021) behind him, Milap Zaveri is looking forward to his next, a yet-untitled action drama. The director has another reason to cherish the project — it reunites him with writer-director Tushar Hiranandani eight years after Ek Villain (2014). While Hiranandani had written its story and screenplay, Zaveri had penned the dialogues of the Sidharth Malhotra-starrer. The two — who had previously collaborated on ABCD (2013) and Main Tera Hero (2014) — parted ways after the thriller to pursue their directorial dreams.
Asked how the duo found their way back to each other, Zaveri says, “The action drama is not in the zone of Satyameva Jayate. While it has heroism, it is more credible in plot and treatment. I had the idea, and wanted someone to write it for me. When I reached out to Tushar, he loved the story. We wrote the screenplay together. I have written the dialogues. We picked up from where we had left off.”
The director is currently finalizing the cast.
Coming to terms with the dismal performance of the John Abraham-starrer was hard, Zaveri admits. “The producers of Satyameva Jayate 2 are backing my next. They tell me that one failure doesn’t define my work. Failure can be depressing. But you need to learn from your mistakes. I made the film that I wanted to and went wrong in my conviction. I have to admit it so that I don’t repeat the same mistakes.”
Sooryavanshi is the only hit of 2021, the worst year ever for the industry
8:28 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The year 2021 was the worst ever seen in history for the Hindi film industry with SOORYAVANSHI being the only HIT film and no other successes. There were BLOCKBUSTER films like SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME and PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 but they were from Hollywood and the Telugu film industry respectively.
There were 57 releases from the Hindi film industry in 2021 compared to 59 releases in 2020 and the 57 films cumulated around 490 crore nett while in 2020 it was 745 crore nett from the 59 releases. The disaster year was due to the Coronavirus pandemic but also the films that did releases at the fag end of 2021 were not up to the mark.
The year was so bad that becoming a FLOP was actually a minor achievement. SOORYAVANSHI was a HIT while ANTIM, TADAP and ROOHI were the flop films and every other single film was a DISASTER. The problem with these films was they did okay for a week or so but could not do anything after. The saving grace was the revenue from digital rights which meant that despite very poor theatrical results, the losses were not huge. 83 lost a record amount of money while SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2 also lost a reasonable amount but most others got away with it.
There were releases like BELLBOTTOM which had high costs and CHANDIGARH KARE AASHIQUI which had reasonably high costs but did not suffer much due to good prices for digital. This is despite very poor theatrical performance. Going forward things will get better as Covid now looks behind us though you can never be 100% sure.
It will probably take time to get back to pre-Covid levels as the content has to adjust to the new box office scenario post pandemic. The larger Hindi film audience is in the states and not in the metros while most films were targetting metros pre-Covid. The footfalls were dropping pre-Covid and a change in content was going to be needed anyway to hold footfalls and all Covid-19 has done is accelerated this need for change.
The classifications for 2021 is as follows.
All Time Blockbuster
-
Super Blockbuster
-
Blockbuster
-
Super Hit
-
Hit
Sooryavanshi
Semi Hit
-
Average
-
Below Average
-
Flop
Antim - The Final Truth
Tadap
Roohi
Disaster
The Rest (53 films)
Film business runs on hard work, a bit of luck and your own sensibilities-Bhushan Kumar
3:48 PM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 6, 2021)
When Bhushan Kumar took charge of his father, Gulshan Kumar’s company, T-Series, he was a young 19-year-old. Today, not only has he turned the company into one of India’s most successful music labels, but he has also earned it the tag of being one of the country’s foremost film production studios.
He is currently busy promoting his upcoming films, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui starring Ayushamann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor and Atrangi Re featuring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan and Dhanush. Besides that, he’s also been making time to visit the sets of his upcoming films like Shehzada starring Kartik Aaryan and Luv Ranjan’s next with Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in Delhi.
In a freewheeling chat with BT, he spoke about the changing avatar of the entertainment business and what has helped him maintain his position despite intense competition and a global health crisis. Excerpts:
While you waited almost two years to release Satyameva Jayate 2 in theatres, you continued to have movie releases via OTT platforms. In short, your company did not have a lean day in the last 20 months. How did you go about doing that?
As a studio, we have always tried to make films that cater to every single bracket of audience in the country. My job is also to ensure my actors and directors are happy to work with me. The encouragement and appreciation they sense from a theatrical run are unmatched.
I didn’t want to take that away from them for the sake of profit. Having said that, the theatrical situation is not what it used to be. Before the second wave hit, we had released Saina and Mumbai Saga, which did nominal business. We took the steps that were important to keep the business going at all times. So now, we have a list of films that will be released in theatres, and some that were pre-committed to OTT platforms will have a direct to digital run.
You are releasing Atrangi Re on an OTT platform and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui in theatres. What has been your strategy while trying to blend different business models in terms of releasing your films?
All the films on our list were made for a theatrical run, but circumstances have forced us to recalibrate and think wisely about our release strategy. Today, we have 30 ongoing projects and twice as many in different stages of development. The decision to release content on different platforms was to ensure that we keep the audience entertained and we have ample cash flow at the same time for our new ventures. Apart from strong content, we look at the cast we have on board. Releasing a film in a theatre or on an OTT platform is a decision made with experience, gut instinct and the way a project shapes up, among several other things. We have already started drawing up our plans on what will work better as an OTT release and what can now be released in theatres.
From tackling competition at an early age to becoming a frontrunner in film and music production, what has helped you build and sustain your spot in the business?
My father, Gulshan Kumar, is a source of inspiration for me. Music was in his genes which he passed on to me, and filmmaking was his dream that I am trying my best to fulfil. It was a gradual process. When I started out, I braved competition from domestic players and international companies making big films. That was a tough phase, but I didn’t want to give up. Paisa sab ke paas hota hai, but not the kind of long-standing relationships that I have built and continue to invest in even now. A great set of directors like Aanand L Rai, Nikkhil Advani, Anubhav Sinha and newer filmmakers like Om Raut and Sandeep Reddy Vanga are all working with me as creative collaborators. Most of them are producing and directing content together with us. We play on each other’s strengths. With the space we give one another, and with the way we respect each other’s contribution to every project, they don’t want to leave my corner. I have never had a specific strategy to counter competition. This business runs on hard work, a little bit of luck, your own sensibilities as a producer and as a music label. The response to our content shows that we have probably made some wise and correct decisions. In the bargain, I have earned the goodwill I have.
With the number of songs in our films decreasing, you have been tapping into singles. What’s been your thought process there?
Yes, it’s true that the space for music in our films is depleting. As a label, you have to keep your ear to the ground and know what people want to hear. In the last two years, we’ve made a lot of singles around bewafaai, which have worked really well. Before that, we made the best recreations of old songs. We have a vast catalogue today. The content earns for itself. You just have to try and understand what the audience seeks.
In the new scheme of things in the entertainment business, in which direction do you see your company heading?
Right now, my biggest worry is the health situation in our country, which is changing every day because of new variants of the Coronavirus. Today, everyone is wondering what they should make, and what might draw people into theatres. Jab lockdown tha people had content that was released on OTT, and it was consumed. The real challenge for content creators begins now. We’re positive and hopeful that things will only get better. Health and safety are really the key. What may not change from now on is that a chunk of films will continue to go to OTT platforms, and some will make their way to theatres. As usual, we are prepared to embrace change and move ahead.
Gautami Kapoor is disappointed with response to Satyameva Jayate 2
7:59 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 2, 2021)
Gautami Kapoor is disappointed. The actor, who featured in the recently released Satyameva Jayate 2 (SJ2), says that after Sooryavanshi’s box office collections, the SJ2 team was hopeful that “audiences would come to the theatres”.
“SJ2 had a slow start and it is disheartening to see that after working so hard amid the pandemic, critics write off films and readers form opinions based on those. I was feeling bad for the film as it was a team effort and all of us had put in a lot,” says Kapoor, who is glad that her “decent part in SJ2 was appreciated”. She urges people to follow safety protocols and go watch movies, in theatres “now that things have opened up”.
The actor, admits that though SJ2 might not be “intelligent cinema”, “we have touched upon topical and real issues”. She adds, “I feel the pandemic has made the audiences harsher and now they are not willing to give a chance. Why actors don’t get their due, even after working so hard, is baffling.”
Impressed with her co-star John Abraham’s dedication and professionalism, Kapoor says, “I can’t tell you how inspired and motivated I was watching John on the sets. He is such a huge star, but he is so humble. Today, with advanced visual effects, there is no need for any actor to put himself in risky situations. We watch Hollywood films like Mission Impossible films or Bond films and rave about the over-the-top action and find the stunts convincing. But when a Hindi film hero does the same, be it Akshay Kumar or John, we say ‘what crap’. It’s unfair.”
Professionally, the Special Ops 1.5 actor admits, she is in a good space. “Since SJ2’s release, I have got some good offers, including an exciting web show,” she ends.
A film like Satyameva Jayate 2 can be quantified only by ticket sales-John Abraham
7:40 AM
Unfazed by the brutal trolling of Satyameva Jayate 2 trailer, John says cop caper is his attempt to cater to India that lies beyond metropolitan audience
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 26, 2021)
John Abraham candidly admits that release days are rarely exciting for him. It is while starting a new film that he gets most excited. “The only thing that has me thrilled is that this film [can] bring the audience back to the theatres,” begins the actor, whose Satyameva Jayate 2 hit the screens yesterday. “It offers the 70mm experience. It won’t work as a pay-per-view film; that would be a disservice to the platform and the movie. The target group is in the hinterland, those who live beyond the purview of social media.”
But the trolling on social media can sometimes be hard to see past. Netizens have had a field day sharing memes, be it about the leading man’s triple role or him lifting a bike in an action sequence. Abraham is characteristically unfazed by it all. Director Milap Zaveri’s conviction in the actioner is enough to sell the film to him. “Such a film can be quantified only by ticket sales. Beyond that, it doesn’t matter who said what about it on Twitter. We knew we’re catering to the Hindi hinterland audience. As an actor, I want to juggle this space and a Batla House [2019], which is appreciated for its fine research and its layers. I don’t want to cater only to the metropolitan audience, and forget that there’s an India beyond. There are people who have a condescending attitude [towards these movies], but it doesn’t matter. I’ve survived in this industry for so long because I’m doing something right.”
So, how does he tackle the trolling that can often get cruel? The actor has an easy fix. “I only follow handles of football clubs and animal [videos]. If an animal didn’t like my movie, it’d worry me. Human beings, not so much,” he laughs, before indicating that it’s mind over movies for him. “Films that are raved about, and that are trolled will come and go. You can’t let that affect your headspace. [Otherwise] you’ll become a slave of the system. I choose to ride my bike and play with puppies instead.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2 by FENIL SETA
11:56 AM
As evident from the trailers, Satyameva Jayate 2 is not everyone’s cup of tea. Writer and director Milap Zaveri attempts to bring alive the cinema of the 70s, 80s and 90s. He transports you back to the time when multiplexes were absent and when cinema was primarily meant for the common man. The first hour moves like a rocket and has some fine massy scenes. The entry of John’s cop character is terrific and the way the national anthem bit is incorporated is seen to be believed. The twist at the interval point is unexpected. But in the second half, the film drags and also gets repetitive. The story is absent as the film just moves from one massy sequence to another. The climax is quite over the top. The action is a highlight in the film but also very gory and violent. Speaking of performances, John Abraham dominates the show and brilliantly plays to the gallery. He’s excellent in all three avatars but his cop character is most entertaining. Divya Khosla Kumar is fine while Gautami Kapoor leaves a huge mark. The other actors like Harsh Chhaya, Anup Soni, Rituraj Singh, Daya Shankar Prasad, Zakir Hussain, Rajendra Gupta, Shaad Randhawa, Sahil Vaid, Saleem Shah and Bhagyashree Limaye are okay. All in all, Satyameva Jayate 2 is mainly targeted at single screens and Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Go for it only if you are a John Abraham fan and if you can bear a Bhojpuri style action fare. Or else, stay miles away!
My rating - ** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 701
4:36 PM
SATYAMEVA JAYATE 2 VS ANTIM THIS WEEKEND!
The first big clash of the season is here. Two massy entertainers are all set to clash this weekend. Interestingly, both won’t release on the same day. While Satyameva Jayate 2 arrives on Thursday, November 25, Antim will be released on Friday, November 26.
Satyameva Jayate 2 is the sequel of the very successful Satyameva Jayate. The first part had a huge opening of around Rs. 19.65 crore, shocking trade and the industry. It later dropped and ended up collecting Rs. 79.61 crore in its lifetime. Yet, the huge opening and the way masses went to see it in hordes motivated the makers to come up with a sequel. Part 1 starred John Abraham and Manoj Bajpayee. Satyameva Jayate 2, meanwhile, features John in a triple role! Divya Khosla Kumar, makes a comeback as an actor. And like the first part, Nora Fatehi will be seen here in a sizzling item song.
The trailer of the film has received polarized reactions. While some have loved it, others found it unbearable. That’s because the film is treated in a very commercial manner. The film has the potential to open at around Rs. 8-10 crore. Whether or not Satyameva Jayate 2 manages to go beyond the collections of its predecessor will depend on the word of mouth and how the other film turns out to be. Its chances of succeeding in the high end multiplexes are bleak as the audiences thronging such properties look down upon such cinema. Hence, it’ll have to depend on the footfalls from single screens and theatres in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
The other film, Antim, stars Aayush Sharma in a lead role and Salman Khan in a supporting role. It is directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and is the remake of the 2018 acclaimed Marathi film, Mulshi Pattern. There was a lot of negativity surrounding the film, especially after Salman’s last film, Radhe, failed to impress audiences. They feared that Antim would also be yet another substandard product. However, the trailer has surprised many viewers as the film looks like a well-made product. Salman plays the roles of a sardar cop and this time, his character is devoid of any comedy or romance. Yet, the fans have lapped it up.
The film might open lesser than Satyameva Jayate 2 but in the long run, it can go past the John Abraham starrer. That’s because of Salman’s casting and also because it has more appeal for multiplex audiences than Satyameva Jayate 2.
I have no plans to slow down on action-John Abraham
8:02 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; November 24, 2021)
A John Abraham film brings with it a certain kind of excitement, but in the new normal, it’s bringing to you the unexpected — the actor in a triple role in the upcoming film, Satyameva Jayate 2. As the film gears up to hit the theatres, the actor tells Bombay Times about what convinced him to play a triple role in this film, how they intend to reach the hinterland of our country with this film and stressing the fact that he will continue to add more power to the action genre in India. Excerpts:
One of the talking points Satyameva Jayate 2 (SMJ2) is the fact that you will be seen in a triple role. Tell us more about that...
Initially, I wasn’t too keen on playing the third role (of the protagonist’s father). My reason for not wanting to do the third role was that the film is already centred on me, and hence, I felt that doing this would result in too much of me in it. However, Milap’s (Zaveri, director) conviction in what he wants to portray through my character in the film, is outstanding. He was quite committed to that process and was convinced that I should be playing the third role as well, which is the flashback sequence of the father and his two sons. Honestly, that half-an-hour in the film is probably the best part. After watching the film, I told him that he got it right!
The central character in Satyameva Jayate 2 is larger-than-life, while as an artiste, you have a rather realistic approach towards cinema. How did you blend your style in a story that fits the massy film profile?
Nikkhil (Advani, producer) and I belong to a genre of action films based on real-life events, like Batla House, Madras Cafe and Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran. We belong to that space, and it comes very easily to us. With SMJ2, we were very clear about wanting to reach out to a larger audience — that’s your masses. I am not talking about the price of a ticket, which is probably more than Rs. 500 at a multiplex. I am talking about the footfalls across the country because India is not just about Mumbai and Delhi alone… it goes beyond that. I know for a fact that SMJ2 will reach out to the hinterland and that’s the idea. When you penetrate through to the masses, your value of a ticket may be one/tenth, but your footfalls may be one/fifth more and the collections are as good as a typical multiplex film. That’s what we are doing with SMJ2.
When it comes to film promotions, it now largely factors in the role of social media. Do you take that into account all the comments, feedback and opinions that show up on social media pre and post a film’s release?
On social media, the number one trending topic when Sooryavanshi was released was #BoycottBollywood, but the film still clocked in huge numbers on day one. So, there is a huge dichotomy between what happens on Twitter and in the real world. We forget that there is an India out there that wants to savour the experience of watching a film in a theatre, especially after the pandemic. They don’t care about what’s trending on social media. That’s why as an actor and as a part of the film fraternity, I don’t really care about the trolls. Does SMJ2 care about it? It cares about ticket sales. We resonate with the audience that’s going to buy tickets to watch the film.
The kinds of films you are choosing as an actor see you as a patriot. In fact, you have mentioned that the most prized possession you have is the Indian flag. Patriotism in films often goes a jingoistic way. How comfortable are you with that?
I love my country and I love to entertain my country even more. As an actor, I follow my director’s conviction, and if he wants to play to the masses, I will do it. The film brings out the honest Indian in you without traversing the political space or hurting anyone’s sentiment. Now in that process, if SMJ2 goes over the top, so be it! Our film addresses the farmers’ plight in the country, children being poisoned in Gorakhpur, no oxygen cylinders. It is almost prophetic as Milap brought it up even before the pandemic, albeit, in the entertainment space, without pointing a finger at anybody. That’s the vision of my director and if I am not convinced by the kind of films my director makes, then I should not be doing it.
You are synonymous with the action genre. At this stage of your career, what still inspires you to keep working in this space?
I like and enjoy doing action just like an actor who loves to dance. It is like a romantic moment for me. I am very comfortable in this space. After a point, an actor tends to become a prisoner of his own image, but the good thing is that people still expect to see me doing the action. A lot of stars often give up on action over a period of time because it wears you out physically. I have had injuries everywhere, but I have no intentions of slowing down on action space. In fact, I am at my fittest best today. I intend to push the envelope in this genre even further and get more intense.
If we had to wait for another six months for Satyameva Jayate 2's theatrical release, we would have-John Abraham
7:52 AM
John Abraham wasn’t keen on releasing Satyameva Jayate 2 on any other medium
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 23, 2021)
The pandemic may have thrown everyone’s plans into disarray, but actor John Abraham was certain of one thing: his film Satyameva Jayate 2 (SJ2) would only be released in theatres. “I was 100% sure we would have to wait. If we had to wait for another six months, we would have, for a theatrical release. There was no other option. We were very clear,” says the 48-year-old actor, who will play not one, not two, but three characters in the film.
The reopening of theatres, on the other hand, has resulted in a barrage of back-to-back releases every week, with SJ2 and Salman Khan’s Antim: The Final Truth both opening in theatres with barely a day’s gap.
Ask him should all filmmakers have met to discuss how to avoid this audience split, at least initially? He agrees, “Yes, I feel at least, in the first six months, all films should have decided to give each other some space. But, unfortunately, I am aware of the fact that there are more films than space. If clashes are inevitable, so be it. We can only wish well for others. That’s all. Also, everything hinges on whether or not you have an audience, and thankfully, Sooryavanshi has opened the floodgates. So we’re hoping audiences come in and enjoy themselves.”
So far, two trailers for SJ2 have been released, with the actor admitting that he prefers the second one. “That’s because that’s the grain of the film. The songs are performing exceptionally well. Jan Gan Mann has taken off faster than I expected. My favourite song, though, is always going to be Meri Zindagi,” says the actor, who is playing three roles for the first time in his career.
He corrects us by stating that this is also his first time playing a dual role. “I initially refused to do the third role and said it’s too much for me,” he says, describing shooting the characters as “overwhelming.” “Then Milap (Zaveri, director) persuaded me, saying, ‘Listen, this role is very important’, and he was right. That is my best role in the film, in my opinion. Those 45 minutes in the film are beyond fantastic. The rest of the film is entertaining, but the third role of a farmer elevates the film. I felt overworked at times, but the process was enjoyable because Milap is a positive person. I complain a lot,” he signs off.
If intellectuals don’t like my movie, I don’t care-Milap Zaveri
7:51 AM
Satyameva Jayate 2 director Milap unfazed by trolls; says John-starrer is designed for the single-screen audiences’ hoots and claps
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 23, 2021)
Twitter was flooded with memes, one more hilarious than the other, when Satyameva Jayate 2 trailer was launched online. Milap Zaveri, who has helmed the John Abraham-starrer, is unperturbed. “Those on social media are a minuscule fraction of the audience. They don’t reflect the sentiment of the masses,” he says. The filmmaker may not be entirely wrong. Distributors, who’ve watched 40 minutes of the film, believe Zaveri’s masala offering — complete with punchlines and gravity-defying action sequences — can bring the public back to cinemas.
“I have realised trolls aren’t my audience. If they were, neither Satyameva Jayate [2018] nor Marjaavaan [2019] would’ve worked,” says Zaveri.
The director is happy catering to the single-screen audience who enjoy dialoguebaazi, and hoot and clap at cinemas. “If intellectuals don’t like my movie, I don’t care. Between critical acclaim and box office, I choose the latter. Memes add buzz to my movie. It’s better to be talked about, even if trolled, than to go unnoticed. The day SJ stops working, I have enough capability to reinvent.”
That he has Abraham’s backing means the world to him. “John has shown faith in me, and it’s scary too because I have to live up to his expectations.”
The director is aware that the over-the-top cop actioner is at odds with his leading man’s sensibilities. “His sensibility is reflected in Parmanu [2018] and Batla House [2019]. He often jokes that Milap is my cheat day. We have a deal — even when he is 90, he has to do SJ 30.” While there’s a long way to the 30th instalment, Zaveri adds that Abraham has given his nod to the third edition of the cop caper.
I’m the one who brought John Abraham to this world of masala heroism-Milap Zaveri
7:49 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 23, 2021)
Writer-director Milap Milan Zaveri talks about the longevity of masala potboilers in an age of critic-friendly OTT platforms, creative conflict with John Abraham, why ’70s cinema influences him a lot and his upcoming film Satyameva Jayate 2. Excerpts:
John Abraham plays a triple role in Satyameva Jayate 2. It’s clearly an ambitious project for you. One sees the return of ’70s melodrama in it with lines like ‘Chappan inch ka jigra’, isn’t it?
Satyameva Jayate 2 is a film that wages war against corruption. It’s my tribute to filmmakers Manmohan Desai ji, Prakash Mehra, Subhash Ghai, Rakesh Roshan and Mukul Anand. It’s a tribute to these directors, the films they made and that era when cinema was larger than life and heroes had all the good qualities. They preached harmony, secularism, fought evil and corruption and protected women. They did it all while entertaining you. They sang, danced, cracked jokes and beat up the bad guys. That is the kind of cinema that I grew up on. I would go to Gaiety-Galaxy (chain of single-screen theatres) with whatever little pocket money I had and I would watch these films. Look at Rohit Shetty’s films today, for that matter. I don’t make films on a scale as big as his, but he inspires me to offer over the top entertainment. Someone might say, how can anyone rip a tyre apart? But a common man has an alter ego. He wants to display that kind of strength. They want to see a kind of heroism that gives them an adrenalin rush. I want them to feel for that moment that hum bhi hero ban sakte hai.
Did John’s sensibility match yours, or did you have to convince him to play along?
I had to convince him. John has a physique that looks like he can lift a bike. It looks believable. He asked me, ‘Milap, how can I tear a tyre or lift a bike?’ In Force, he picked a bike, I told him this time, you lift the bike with the rider (laughs!). I remember this was trolled a lot on Twitter.
John asked me, “Milap, are you sure!” He has often said that I am his cheat day. He generally follows a healthy diet otherwise, in terms of his film choices, and then there’s me. He gets to indulge in some masala entertainment with me. By nature, he leans towards something like a Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran, Batla House or Madras Cafe. I am the one who has brought him to this world of masala heroism. Nikkhil (Advani) often teases me by saying, “Yaar, thode kam punch line likh.”
Theatres have reopened, and things have started to look up for the film industry. How do you weigh the two scenarios — comfort of OTT at home versus the movie-going experience?
Cinemas are ten thousand times more comfortable than sitting at home. This whole notion of how cinemas are over, and OTT is the way ahead, is absolute gibberish. The day a big film like Sooryavanshi was released, you couldn’t stop people from going to the cinemas. We saw that happening. Even Eternals! The box office was on fire that weekend. People want to see big-budget action extravaganzas and commercial films on the big screen. You cannot enjoy those on TV without a crowd whistling and cheering around you. Cinemas are back in a huge way; I would say bigger than before. It took a Rohit Shetty who waited for two years to give us the courage to hold on to our films, too. People are bound to come in big numbers as they want to get out. Everyone was in their homes for almost two years! OTT can never replace the big screen. Aap chaahe jitna bhi ghar ka khaana khaalo, aap restaurant jaoge.
So, would you say that co-existing is the way ahead?
I agree. Both offer unique experiences. They said radio will kill cinemas, TV will kill cinemas, VCR will kill cinemas, and now, OTT will kill cinemas, but no one has to die for the other to survive. Everyone can live and co-exist. I feel going forward, content that is critic-friendly may find its way into the OTT more. They will be appreciated more on that platform. Big budget extravaganzas will need the big screens. Look at the south market. They have never lost sight of the mass audience. Commercial entertainment rules there, so heroes are revered. The escapism that these films offer will never be obsolete. You want to get away from your day-to-day problems. Of course, I want to see realistic, gritty content as well, but I want some guilty pleasure, too. I want to be taken over by masala entertainment with its claps, whistle inducing dialoguebaazi and action.
A woman’s marital status doesn’t determine her career now-Divya Khosla Kumar
8:17 AM
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 16, 2021)
Filmmaker-actor Divya Khosla Kumar marked her acting debut with the Hindi film, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004). Almost 17 years later, she is all set for her second feature film, Satyameva Jayate 2 (SMJ 2). But she is not worried about the long break.
Kumar says, “This is a great time to be a female actor in the industry. Some amazing roles are being written.”
According to her, female artistes witnessing a dearth of acting offers post their marriage is passé: “We’ve moved beyond the perception that one’s marital status determines the course of their career. The success that Deepika (Padukone) and Kareena (Kapoor Khan) have achieved is a testament to that.”
The director of Yaariyan (2014) and Sanam Re (2016), Kumar doesn’t plan on directing herself in a film. “My headspace, as a director, is very different. I’ve never seen myself as a part of the world that I envision as a filmmaker. Hats off to Ajay Devgn and Aamir Khan, who have directed themselves. It’s a very difficult and strenuous job.”
As she gears up for the release of SMJ 2, she admits that she’s more excited, than nervous. “I wasn’t nervous on the first day of the shoot either. I never lost touch (with acting), because I acted in a few music videos. Being on a set gives a lot of creative satisfaction and I truly believe that I belong there. I would say that a set is my happy place,” Kumar ends.
I watched several iconic films again, including Aandhi, to prep for the role of a politician in Satyameva Jayate 2-Divya Khosla Kumar
8:15 AM
Divya Khosla Kumar reveals she watched Aandhi several times as prep for her politician role in Satyameva Jayate 2
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 16, 2021)
Where John Abraham plays a triple role as he fights corruption in Satyameva Jayate 2, Divya Khosla Kumar stands shoulder-to-shoulder with him. The actor, who returns to the big screen after over 15 years, essays the role of a politician in the vigilante action film. Director Milap Zaveri apparently developed her character as a tribute to the empowered women of today.
Sharing her look from the film, Khosla says, “Milap had briefed me that my character [reflects] the strong and empowered women of today’s generation, who maintain the ideal work-life balance and stand for what’s right.”
Khosla claims that ahead of the actioner going on floors, she prepped extensively to become one with the character. “I watched several iconic films again, including Aandhi [1975], to understand how to portray my role to the best of my ability. It was tough for me as I had to put on weight for my role. I am glad to have got this chance to showcase a new side of me,” she says.
Antim to hit the big screen on November 26
8:38 AM
Initially slated for Diwali, Salman’s Antim to hit the big screen on November 26; superstar shoots additional scenes for the actioner
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 11, 2021)
In September, filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar had told mid-day that he was eyeing a Diwali release for Antim: The Final Truth (Plan to release film on Diwali, September 24). The director was confident that the combination of Salman Khan, a masala actioner and the festival weekend was the perfect recipe to bring the audiences back to theatres. However, there has been a change of plans. The film — also starring Aayush Sharma — will now have a big-screen date with the fans on November 26, almost three weeks after its originally intended release.
Khan, who plays a no-nonsense cop in Antim, shot some additional scenes at Mehboob Studios in Bandra, last week. “After returning from the international schedule of Tiger 3, Salman filmed some solo dialogue scenes between October 4 and 6. The decision to add more sequences, featuring the actor, was taken jointly by Salman and Mahesh after seeing the rushes of the gangster-cop drama,” reveals a trade source. The movie is currently in post-production.
The source adds, “With fresh sequences added, editing will take slightly longer than expected. So, the director and Salman decided to push the release to November 26.” Antim will now lock horns with John Abraham’s cop caper Satyameva Jayate 2.
The official adaptation of the Marathi hit, Mulshi Pattern (2018), sees Khan in pursuit of a village youth-turned-gangster, played by Sharma. The project has piqued the interest of OTT platforms, owing to the superstar’s presence. “After Salman wrapped up the shoot, he had a meeting with the suits of a streaming giant. A call was taken to release Antim first in the cinemas because the team believes it has shaped up well.”
The source adds that the movie will have its digital release four weeks after it hits the marquee. The date, however, is yet to be finalised. A source closely associated with the project states, “Antim is currently in the last leg of editing. With the movie halls in Maharashtra set to reopen later this month, the team is eyeing a theatrical release on November 26.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 694
10:01 AM
IT'S GOING TO BE RAINING MOVIES IN CINEMAS FROM DIWALI!
Two weeks back, we had reported in our Bollywood Talk that cinemas in Maharashtra are finally going to open soon. The state contributes 30% of the domestic business. While cinemas opened in every major state in July or August, the Maharashtra government preferred to keep theatres shut over the fears of the third wave of Covid-19. Hence, only three major Hindi films managed to release in cinemas in this season – Bellbottom, Chehre and Thalaivii.
On Saturday, September 25, the government of Maharashtra finally announced that it’ll throw open cinemas from October 22. It was quite late but the mood in the industry was jubilant. Many felt that one should look at it positively since the government for the longest time was not in favour of opening cinemas before Diwali. Hence, if it has agreed to reopen theatres 2 weeks before the festival, it’s a feat. An hour after the government announcement, Rohit Shetty announced that he’ll release his much awaited film, Sooryavanshi, on Diwali. Incidentally, Rohit Shetty met Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray regularly and played an important role in getting the approval of reopening cinemas.
The next day, Yash Raj Films unveiled the release date of some of its upcoming films. Soon, many other producers too jumped on the bandwagon. In no time, all important slots like Diwali 2021, Diwali 2022, Christmas 2021, Christmas 2022, Republic Day, Holi, Ramzan Eid, Independence Day, Valentine’s Day etc were booked. As expected, some clashes are also taking place.
While cinemas open from October 22 in Maharashtra, no major Hindi film is scheduled to release that day or on October 29. Sooryavanshi would be the first significant film. This would be followed by Bunty Aur Babli 2, starring Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Sharvari Wagh, on November 19 followed by John Abraham-starrer Satyameva Jayate 2. December 3 would see the release of the launch vehicle of Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan, Tadap. On December 10, Ayushmann Khurrana-Vaani Kapoor starrer Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui will make its way to the cinemas. There’ll be no Hindi release on December 17 but it’ll be significant as it’ll see the clash between Allu Arjun’s much talked about Telugu film Pushpa and the most awaited Hollywood film in recent times, Spider-Man: No Way Home. On December 24, sports period film ’83 would release and on December 31, another cricket-based film, Jersey, starring Shahid Kapoor, would be out.
January 2022 might begin on a dramatic note as the first weekend sees the clash between Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Alia Bhatt starrer Gangubai Kathiawadi and Baahubali S S Rajamouli’s director’s next, RRR. January 14 would see Prabhas presenting his love saga, Radhe Shyam. On January 21, Akshay Kumar would be back with the epic period drama, Prithviraj. On Republic Day, John Abraham would present Attack. February 4 might have no release as on February 11, Aamir Khan’s much awaited film, Laal Singh Chaddha, would be out.
The other release dates that were announced were of Ranveer Singh's social comedy Jayeshbhai Jordaar (February 25), Akshay Kumar's action entertainer Bachchan Pandey (March 4), Shamshera, a period dacoit film starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Vaani Kapoor (March 18), the horror comedy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (March 25), Tiger Shroff's Heropanti 2 and Ajay Devgn and Amitabh Bachchan's Mayday on Eid (April 29), Ajay Devgn's sports drama Maidaan (June 3), John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor-starrer Ek Villain Returns (July 8), a clash between Akshay Kumar-starrer Raksha Bandhan and Prabhas's Ramayana version, Adipurush on Independence Day week (August 11), Akshay Kumar's Ram Setu on Diwali (October 21) and Tiger Shroff's futuristic film, Ganapath - Part I (December 23).
And this is not all. The release dates of many films are still pending like Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathan, Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 etc. Even Karan Johar hasn’t announced the release plans of his films. Experts are expecting that SRK and Salman might try to grab the Diwali or Eid slot. This would mean that the films already scheduled on those days would move. Or they won’t and the Khans would end up clashing with them. The latter won’t be a favourable situation but then, it's bound to become very common since so many films have held up releases for so long. As long as moviegoers come out in hordes to theatres and a significant number of films become hits, everything would be fine.
I will be heartbroken if Satyameva Jayate 2 has an OTT release-Milap Zaveri
8:19 AM
Stating that he has got OTT offers, Satyameva Jayate 2 director says will only pursue theatrical run
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 16, 2021)
Satyameva Jayate 2 was slated to hit screens on May 13. However, leading man John Abraham and the makers had to postpone the actioner, owing to the destructive second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic. In the four months since, several films have enjoyed digital premieres while director Milap Zaveri and his team patiently waited out the theatre shutdown. Now, as cinemas across the states are steadily reopening, the filmmaker promises a big-screen outing of his cop caper.
“Satyameva Jayate 2 will not come on OTT. John too is of the same opinion,” he declares. “My producers believe that it must have a theatrical release, and I will be heartbroken if it has an OTT release.”
The director says the “dialoguebaazi-driven” movie is meant for the big screen. “John believes it’s a film for the masses, and can resurrect single-screen cinemas.”
Zaveri says that the team received lucrative offers from some OTT platforms, but the producers have taken a hard stand. “It may be tempting for producers to get swayed by the money offered, but Nikkhil and Monisha Advani, Madhu Bhojwani and Bhushan Kumar are passionate about cinema. When cinemas operate at full capacity all across the country, we will come with a bang. Sooryavanshi, '83 and Satyameva Jayate 2 will bring the audiences back to theatres.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 671
10:47 PM
AND CINEMAS SHUT ONCE AGAIN
India is in the second wave of Coronavirus right now and it’s much more extreme than the first wave. A lot of states went under lockdown or introduced curbs and as part of it, theatres were asked to shut down. This is because cinema halls are believed to be venues where the Covid-19 virus can spread rapidly. That there has rarely been a case where a person got infected after a theatre outing is a different matter! But with non-essential shops, malls, restaurants etc being asked to shut shop, cinema halls obviously won’t be left out.
On April 27, Kerala government ordered theatres in the state to down shutters. Even the Gujarat government passed a similar order earlier this week. As a result, theatres are now only open in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Telangana and West Bengal. With the cases refusing to subside in most parts of India, the fear is that in the next 10 days, even these states would ask cinemas to halt operations.
Many cinema halls in these states have already downed shutters, due to lack of content. Since April 2, no new Hindi film has been released. Godzilla vs. Kong was the last major film that worked pan-India but even that was released a month ago. And in North, West and East India, it failed to reach the desired numbers due to fear psychosis about the virus. Hence, the belief is that even if state governments don’t take the harsh decision, the exhibition themselves will stop playing films to save on the costs.
2-3 days ago, the makers of Satyameva Jayate 2 announced that their actioner stands postponed. Starring John Abraham and Divya Khosla Kumar, it was supposed to release on May 13, on Eid. The other upcoming films like Bellbottom (scheduled to release on May 28) and ’83 (scheduled to release on June 4) will soon be pushed ahead too.
The experts have predicted that the cases will reach a peak in mid-May after which there’ll be a reduction in numbers. In such a scenario, it is said that cinemas in most states will be allowed to open only after mid-June or in July.
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