Showing posts with label Shamshera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shamshera. Show all posts
I hope that Befikre finds a place in everybody’s heart someday-Vaani Kapoor
8:20 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HNDUSTAN TIMES; September 1, 2024)
Actor Vaani Kapoor, who is familiar with both success and failure in a career spanning over a decade, says she is learning to detach from failure. “It is something that I’m still learning in my life — to not be so attached. And you learn from it. Take the good from it, value it and then just try and strive,” says Kapoor, who recently starred in Khel Khel Mein.
The actor, whose previous big-screen film, Shamshera (2022) failed at the box office, laments that over the years, beating herself up over every failure as part of a “self-inflicted pressure” became part of her personality. “You have the captain of the ship who takes the last call. A film is also made on the edit table. There is a background score. There are other people and characters. So, it’s not just all on your shoulders. I take it all on me,” Kapoor adds.
But one part that she admits to be still “attached” with is Shyra from Befikre (2016). “For me, it’s a very special part. The film was made with a lot of love and the right intentions. I hope that it finds a place in everybody’s heart someday,” she says.
The actor turned 36 on Friday last week, and she says birthdays are all about looking back at her personal and professional journey now. “The journey of learning is still on. I want to constantly strive, not just in my professional life only, but as an individual. You want to become better evolved from who you were,” she wraps up.
Mukti Mohan reveals Neeti Mohan's name was omitted from Gadar 2 song
8:07 AM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 13, 2024)
A recent podcast with choreographers Remo D’Souza, Ganesh Acharya, Shakti Mohan and others, talking about them not getting credit on YouTube for many of their choreographed songs, has once again put the spotlight on the credit debate.
Weighing in on the issue, actor-choreographer Mukti Mohan says it isn’t just choreographers — even their assistants never get credit.
“The steps we see in a number — so many times, it’s the assistants who do that but their names are nowhere to be found,” she rues, lamenting that her work as an assistant choreographer for Padmaavat (2018) and Shamshera (2022), didn’t get any recognition.
But more shockingly, Mukti reveals that the name of her elder sister, singer Neeti Mohan, was omitted from the YouTube credits for Chal Tere Ishq Mein for Gadar 2 (2023).
“The credits had the actors, directors, and producers names, but her name was neither on the title nor in the credit list,” she says, adding that the power of social media and audience’s advocacy got Neeti her rightful recognition.
“She was quite upset and her morale went down. But thankfully, fans do figure out. Soon, people started commenting under the YouTube video, asking the label and production house to add Neeti’s credit because they easily recognized her voice.”
I’m paid three times more than the next guy who’d do the role-Ronit Roy
8:45 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 26, 2023)
Actor Ronit Bose Roy’s last few projects, including Thugs Of Hindostan (2018), Shamshera (2022) and Shehzada, failed to impress the audiences or work at the box office, but the actor prefers to look at the brighter side.
“These films are allowing me to build a bridge between me and filmmakers like Rohit Dhawan and Ali Abbas Zafar,” shares Roy, confessing that Shehzada was one such movie that he did only for its director, Dhawan. Without hesitation, the actor calls these no-brainer projects “a vacation”.
The 57-year-old explains, “In some films, performance isn’t needed. There’s barely any prep; you just get in there and be true to your role. These are like a vacation where you go on set and chill. And I don’t mind it because simultaneously, I’m also getting to play lead roles in other smaller films.”
While the failure of these films often leads to fans questioning his choices, the actor says he’s aware of their disappointment, and hence, he often writes to them on social media that he has no choice but to keep working. “Wahi baat hai, ‘marta kya na karta’. You can’t even say no to projects because it’s your job, and you have to continue doing it,” the Bloody Daddy actor says, adding, “Though I’m always aware what I’m getting into, there have been times when you are promised something, and then the results are something else. Those are the times you feel underutilized also, but then you can’t do anything about it.”
Nonetheless, Roy is happy with his career trajectory because of other factors, including good money. “I’m paid three times more than the next guy who’d do the role. That means there’s respect for my name and face. People recognize me as a good actor and that matters,” he ends.
Why is Bollywood missing in action? Experts speak up
8:35 AM
Ashish Kumar Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 13, 2022)
This year saw action films featuring big stars, including Ayushmann Khurrana’s Anek, John Abraham’s Attack, Akshay Kumar’s Bachchhan Paandey and Ranbir Kapoor’s Shamshera, tank at the box office. When we ask experts on what’s wrong and how this can affect the future of the genre, the opinion is varied. Trade analyst Atul Mohan feels, “If a movie is good, it will work, irrespective of the genre. We don’t lack anywhere when it comes to the final product, but maybe, we lack in storytelling compared to films from the South. They tell stories rooted in their culture. But, Bollywood movies have lost their way.”
Actor Angad Bedi, who has featured in action films such as Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), says, “We have Pathaan releasing next year and (actor) Salman Khan’s Tiger Zinda Hai 3. I love action films.”
Action director Sham Kaushal says Bollywood has “witnessed a drastic change post Covid-19”. “People refrained from going to theatres in the first half of 2022. The fraternity will get back on its feet and things are positive now.” Having wrapped up the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki, Kaushal adds, “Nobody can predict how a film is going to work. But action movies will always be part of Bollywood.”
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh feels if a few action films don’t work at the box office, it doesn’t mean the future of the genre is in danger. “It (success or failure of a film) all depends on the merit. Let us not blame a genre for it. These are mere phases.”
Action director Ejaz Gulab feels “filmmakers have started roping in a lot of action directors from Hollywood” and that’s not working: “The makers execute only what is told, hence their work lacks the Indian flavour.”
Bedi adds, “We also have great action masters. Hollywood action masters are good for their techniques. But there is a personality that suits Indian people and that can only come from Indian action masters.”
Jagga Jasoos was the only film in my career that hurt me-Ranbir Kapoor
8:16 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (December 9, 2022)
Ranbir Kapoor, who attended the Red Sea International Film Festival 2022 in Jeddah on Wednesday, discussed his life and acting career during an In Conversation session. Excerpts:
ON THE ‘PRETTY BAD LAST FEW YRS FOR INDIAN CINEMA’
“It’s been pretty bad these last few years. The entire culture of going to a theater for a community viewing of a movie seems like it’s dying, and it’s only there for the big ticket films, but I hope with strong storytelling, and renewed vigour, Indian cinema comes back,” said Ranbir.
ON WHY JAGGA JASOOS’ FAILURE ‘REALLY HURT’
He also described his 2017 film Jagga Jasoos – his ‘passion project’ – as “another disaster. ” “It’s a film that I produced. It was directed by Anurag Basu. It was a very heartwarming and sweet idea, but it didn’t do well, which really hurt. That’s the only film in my career that hurt me,” he was quoted as saying.
ON SOUTH FILMS’ SUCCESS
Talking about the popularity of South Indian movies, Ranbir said, “They’re doing really good storytelling. ” Giving the example of RRR, he added, “It’s got all the songs, dances, action, friendship, and comedy. So it’s a multigenre film, but those are hard films to make. ”
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (December 9, 2022)
Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who made his first public appearance after welcoming his daughter, Raha, with wife, actor Alia Bhatt, spoke about the box-office failure of Shamshera. During a media interaction at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Kapoor said it’s the hardest movie he has worked on.
“It was a big box-office disaster, but the biggest mistake I made on Shamshera was that I stuck on a beard. When you’re shooting in the heat, and you stick on a beard, it’s like your face is melting,” he said.
The 40-year-old also addressed his 2017 box-office failure, Jagga Jasoos. “It’s a film that I produced. It was a passion project. It was a very heartwarming and sweet idea, but it didn’t do well, which really hurt. That’s the only film in my career that hurt me.”
Talking about the dismal state of Hindi films at the box office in the recent times, the Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva actor said that the situation has been “pretty bad these last few years”.
Kapoor added, “The entire culture of going to a theatre for a community viewing of a movie seems like dying, and it’s only there for the big-ticket films. But I hope with strong storytelling, and renewed vigour, Indian cinema comes back.”
Throwing light on his long-term career plans of making films, Kapoor said, “I have always wanted to direct a movie. But I’ve really not mastered the courage to write a story. I’m not a writer, and I’m really shy when it comes to sharing my ideas with others. But I’m working on it, and it’s something that is in my 10-year plan: To start directing movies and hopefully act in them too.”
We ensured Ranbir Kapoor's lifting sessions weren’t hampering his Jagga Jasoos look, while staying on track for Sanju-Kunal Gir
8:40 AM
Long-time trainer to actor chronicles putting him through rigorous routines for films like Jagga Jasoos, Shamshera, and Brahmastra
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; October 5, 2022)
In the last few years alone, Ranbir Kapoor juggled between the shooting schedules of Sanju, Shamshera, and Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva — three films that saw him sport significantly different physiques. Aptly complementing his trainer for his astute understanding of fitness science, Kapoor has often credited Kunal Gir for enabling him to look the part in all his films.
Tracing his journey with Kapoor, Gir recalls how he had to switch his diet to mould him from the 72-kilo Jagga Bagchi in Jagga Jasoos, to the 84-kilo Sanjay Dutt, in Sanju. “In the midst of shooting for Jagga Jasoos, we had to start preparing for Sanju. We had to work in such a way that his lifting sessions weren’t hampering his look in Jagga Jasoos, but we were still staying on track to film Sanju. For Jagga, he was on a two-meal plan, because he had to have a young look. From there, we had to put him on an eight-meal plan for Sanju. Doing that was tough, so we would make him eat four meals, and then have four protein shakes as supplement,” says Gir, adding that for Dutt’s film, their aim was to build size, not definition.
“We put him on a calorie surplus and increased his workload to facilitate a 12-kilo weight gain.”
Gir says the process of muscle building is synonymous to creating a sculpture. “You first pile on as much clay as you can, which is what we do by adding the right calories and building raw muscle mass. In the process, you also gain some fat, which is why you look bigger. Then, you chip away at the fat, with cardiovascular activities, and by limiting the carbohydrate and fat intake, while keeping the protein consumption high, thereby revealing the muscular look.”
The shooting schedules of Brahmastra and Shamshera were well-timed. Kapoor needed to burn off the fat that he had put on for Sanju to acquire a lean look for Brahmastra, and the physical shape that he needed for Shamhera sat somewhere in between.
Kunal Gir
Mind The Gap: Theatre to OTT release window increased
8:20 AM
With the gap between theatrical and digital release of films revised to eight weeks starting August 1, industry players hope for better days ahead
Shruti Das (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 27, 2022)
Gone are the days when one had to wait months after a movie releases, to watch it at the comfort of home. Since cinema halls reopened in November last year, the window of releasing films on OTT platforms was reduced from eight to four weeks. However, this ignited several debates on how the OTT release impacts the theatrical potential of feature films. Hence, multiplex associations and exhibitors announced that starting August 1, there will once again be an eight-week window between the theatrical and OTT release of films.
Shamshera and Ek Villain Returns may be the last two films to hit streaming platforms four weeks after their theatrical release on July 22 and 29, respectively. Films that may have to adhere to the new norms include Laal Singh Chaddha, Raksha Bandhan (both slated for release on August 11), Liger (August 25), Brahmastra (September 9), Vikram Vedha and Ponniyan Selvan I (both releasing on September 30).
“I think it’s a fantastic decision,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, adding, “I’ve always told producers that there has to be an eight-week window. It shrunk to four weeks owing to the pandemic, and this was only killing the business, because people thought, ‘Why should we pay Rs. 400-500 for a movie ticket if after four weeks, the movie will be available on OTT?’.”
Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures, says the reduction of the window from eight to four weeks was a temporary measure, and hence, after discussing with all relevant stakeholders, the older norm was put back in place. “The theatrical business has started looking up. Eight weeks is a fair window. It will help not just exhibitors, but also producers, distributors and even the streaming platforms,” he observes.
Echoing similar sentiments, film producer and business expert Girish Johar says reinstating the eight-week window was “bound to happen”. “If you see the macro trends, things are coming back to normalcy. The South film industries took a similar decision a couple of weeks ago. Now, the Hindi film fraternity has also taken a similar decision. So basically, the fraternity is saying we want to monetise all possible rights available, give due weightage to each and that’s the reason they have gone back to the eight-week window,” he adds.
Also welcoming the move is Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis India, who says, “The eight-week window provides time for patrons to enjoy a movie in theatres before they’re available on OTT platforms. It also provides everyone in the value chain, from producers to distributors and OTT platforms, a more viable commercial proposition.”
Kartik Aaryan-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, directed by Anees Bazmee, not only had the biggest opening weekend of the year (theatrical release on May 20), amassing a worldwide collection of over Rs. 230 crore, but has also crossed the 50-day mark at the box office. “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 is available on OTT now, but is doing good business in theatres as well. Yet, if I am getting an option to watch something on OTT or pay to watch in theatres, I would choose the former. Had there been a gap of eight weeks, the film would have done better [in theatres] than it did,” says Bazmee.
However, Vivek Agnihotri feels eight weeks is also too short a window. The filmmaker, whose film The Kashmir Files ranks as the highest grosser of 2022 so far, raking in Rs. 339.49 crore, says, “The gap [between theatrical and OTT release] should be at least six to nine months. This four or eight-week window means nothing, because most movies definitely run for four or five weeks in theatres. But, because they are going to come on OTT, people don’t go to theatres to watch them. Box office suffers, and because of that, producers start believing they should put all their efforts into satellite rights or OTT... I think too much dependency on OTT or satellite rights is affecting the quality of our scripts.”
When I star opposite Ranbir Kapoor, people want to know my credibility. They ask, ‘Why is she in this film?’-Vaani Kapoor
8:28 AM
Aware that playing Ranbir’s love interest in Shamshera is a big opportunity, Vaani says she has tried to prove her credibility with each film
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 23, 2022)
In the past three years, Vaani Kapoor has been part of some big-ticket releases — War (2019), Bellbottom (2021) and now, Shamshera. But she is under no delusion. The actor admits she is far from a star, as she states, “I am the underdog.”
If her latest release sees her opposite Ranbir Kapoor, one of the biggest stars today, she asserts it’s the result of years of hard work. “I didn’t have to live up to a parent’s legacy, nor did opportunities knock on my door. [Yet], people said, ‘Oh, she is lucky!’ My place of privilege is that I found my way to Shanoo Sharma [casting director]. I got some opportunities, but what I made of those opportunities is what makes me. When I star opposite Ranbir in Shamshera, people want to know my credibility. They ask, ‘Why is she in this film?’ With each movie, I am trying to prove who I am as an artiste.”
The actor shut down many of her detractors with Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021). Vaani defied the norms of an industry that places importance on glamour by bravely playing a trans-woman in Abhishek Kapoor’s love story. While the film took the discourse around queer love ahead, it made little money at the box office.
Did the lack of commercial success bother her? “It was a risque subject. When we were making it, at the back of our minds, we knew it might not cater to a large audience. Was it a film for the masses? No. It aimed to create conversations [around a] subject that has hardly [been discussed] before. We are proud of the film we made. After it dropped on Netflix, it found love. That is half a step towards progressive thinking. As an actor, I am greedy to do such roles so that when I look back at my trajectory, I feel I have contributed to something respectable.”
For now though, she is busy enjoying Shamshera’s release. Happy to share the frame with Ranbir, she says, “I have so much respect for the actor he is. He has no starry behaviour. Working with him was a joy.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: SHAMSHERA by FENIL SETA
3:29 PM
Shamshera rests on a clichéd but promising storyline. The world created by Karan Malhotra is fascinating and the build-up is nicely done. The first half has lots of entertaining and clapworthy moments. Also, visually, it’s quite stunning. The intermission point gives hope that the second half would be even better. From hereon, the film drops and how. One can predict the happenings from a mile away. Also, it’s convenient how all the plundering happens with minimal effort. The characters of Sanjay Dutt and Vaani Kapoor are not fleshed out well. Also, the usage of a voice that sounds like that of The Lord Of The Rings’ Gollum for Sanjay Dutt’s scenes doesn’t induce fear. Instead, it induces unintentional laughter. Speaking of performances, Ranbir Kapoor is the soul of the film. He has given everything to this role and it shows. And he looks quite nice doing mass and action scenes. Sanjay Dutt is quite over the top. Vaani Kapoor is decent but suffers from a lack of backstory and other problems. Ronit Roy, Saurabh Shukla and Iravati Harshe leave a mark. Craig McGinlay is okay. The music is poor and the romantic song ‘Fitoor’ is very boring. All in all, Shamshera is an average fare. It is watchable only due to the scale, mass moments in the first half and above all, Ranbir Kapoor.
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 735
10:31 AM
WILL SHAMSHERA EMERGE AS THE BIGGEST BOLLYWOOD OPENER OF 2022?
The last few weeks have been dismal for the box office as most films flopped miserably. Now, all eyes are on Shamshera, which releases tomorrow. It is a highly awaited film for several reasons. It stars Ranbir Kapoor and it’s his first film in four years, the last one being the big blockbuster, Sanju. He’s joined by Vaani Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt. The film is directed by Karan Malhotra, known for making entertaining big-budget films like Agneepath.
Shamshera is set in the 1800s and is about a tribe fighting the British. Ranbir, interestingly, plays a double role, of a father and son. He is known for doing content roles and here, he’s seen essaying a rare massy role. And from the trailers, he seems to be very convincing. Moreover, the film is mounted on a huge scale and the makers promise some spectacular action and drama. It has also been converted into IMAX and getting a wide release in IMAX screens.
Shamshera’s advance booking was thrown open on Sunday. Till now, the advance is not terrific, as it used to be in the pre-pandemic days. Post-pandemic, it’s usually the Marvel films of Hollywood that are managing insane ticket sales in advance. As per present-day Bollywood standards, the ticket sales of Shamshera are quite good and it’s expected to grow once the film is out on Friday.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 collected 13.50 crores on day 1 and is the biggest Bollywood opener of the year so far. Shamshera will hopefully cross this figure and open at around Rs. 15-17 crores. If the response is positive, its opening can also be higher. However, if reports are bad or ticket sales don’t pick up, there’s a fear that it’ll open less than Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. This will be detrimental to the film as it’s very costly and also for the industry since it’s waiting for yet another big grosser after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which was released more than two months ago.
The Rs. 100-200 crore club pressure is a bit too much-Vaani Kapoor
9:42 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 21, 2022)
Vaani Kapoor has been in the film industry for nearly a decade now and she’s done myriad projects, including Shuddh Desi Romance (2013), BellBottom and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (both 2021). However, if there’s one thing that bothers the actor, it is the hype associated with films racing to enter the Rs. 100-200 crore club. While she agrees with the importance of box-office success, she feels the pressure tends to get overwhelming at times.
“Box-office is important. You want to be able to earn out of a film so that you can continue creating art. [But] ever since the whole [concept of] Rs. 100-200 crore club came in, it has put a lot of pressure. Sometimes, it is a bit too much. People get scared of experimenting with subjects [because of the pressure]. It gets harder for them to mount films on certain people who are not already at the top of their game… Many things are in play because of the pressure to make sure your film reaches a certain number,” the 33-year-old tells us.
That being said, Vaani, who will be seen next in Shamshera, is glad that there’s space for every story on the cinematic canvas today. “If you do Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, you have an audience. You also have an audience for a Shamshera, which is for the masses and classes,” she continues, “Shamshera captures a vast audience and comes with a gamut of emotions. There’s laughter, emotional drama and action; there is so much happening, it is like a buffet of emotions… I’m glad that there is space for all films.”
Directed by Karan Malhotra, the period film, set in the 1800s, stars Ranbir Kapoor as the lead and Sanjay Dutt as the antagonist. While many may dub her choices as courageous and bold, Vaani says she feels grateful to be able to bring such “larger-than-life” stories alive.
“I have always watched larger-than-life films, and today, I get to be a part of one. The film is bigger than all its actors; it offers a cinematic experience where everything has been intricately taken into consideration,” she says.
Calling her character the “quintessential Hindi cinema heroine”, she adds, “Sona has an arc and evolves through the journey in the film.”
Ranbir Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor to wrap up Luv Ranjan's next with an elaborate dance song; to be shot over 10 days
8:39 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 20, 2022)
Ranbir Kapoor is neck-deep in the promotions for Shamshera that hits the marquee this week. With Brahmāstra scheduled to release in September, the actor isn’t far away from the ambitious project’s promotion run either. But before he dives into the world of the fantasy drama, Ranbir will turn his attention to his yet-untitled next helmed by Luv Ranjan.
The film, which sees the actor opposite Shraddha Kapoor and had gone on floors in early 2021, is nearing the finish line. We hear the actor duo will shoot an elaborate song over the next 10 days, after which it’s a wrap on the romantic comedy.
Word is that the production design team has erected a massive set at Chitrakoot Ground in Andheri for the special dance number. A source reveals, “The shoot begins today with Shraddha. Ranbir will join only later in the week after completing Shamshera promotions. Bosco-Martis are choreographing the number, which should be wrapped up by July-end.”
The makers are considering using the song in the credit roll of the film, which also stars Dimple Kapadia and Boney Kapoor. However, a final call has yet to be taken.
Strong movie runs, non-Hindi genre to boost multiplexes
8:35 AM
Top lines of PVR, Inox Leisure projected to grow 18-20% in FY24; restoration of 8-week exhibition timeline bodes well
Rajesh Naidu (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; July 19, 2022)
ET Intelligence Group: Multiplexes are likely to record higher growth in revenue than broadcast (channels) companies following a strong line-up of movies and rising popularity of non-Hindi releases. In contrast, channel broadcasters are expected to face headwinds of dwindling advertising revenue amid high production costs. Analysts expect multiplex companies including PVR and Inox Leisure to record 18-20% top-line growth for FY24 compared with the FY23 estimated numbers.
The top-line growth is expected to pick up for multiplexes in the second half of FY23 given a large number of big-budget, star-studded, and spectacle films in Hindi, regional languages and English. Films such as Laal Singh Chaddha, Shamshera, Brahmastra (Part I), Liger, Adipurush, Avatar: The Way Of Water and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever are expected to generate high footfalls in theatres.
Besides, multiplexes are expected to benefit from a longer run of movies at theatres before debuting on over-the-top (OTT) streaming services. Before the Coronavirus pandemic, movies were released on OTT after completing eight weeks of theatrical exhibition. During the pandemic, the time frame was shortened to four weeks amid falling footfalls at the movie halls and improving reach of streaming services.
Now that the ticket sales at theatres are improving as demonstrated by some of the recent hit movies, filmmakers, distributors and exhibitors have decided to restore the eight-week time frame starting August 1. This augurs well for multiplexes given a strong line-up of movies and the ensuing festive season. The move will provide more weeks of collections for multiplexes boosting their revenues in the coming quarters.
The rising popularity of regional content is another positive factor. According to a distributor who requested anonymity, audiences are more open to films in regional and English languages as they are available with subtitles or dubbed. “Multiplexes no longer have a very high dependence on Hindi films for collections. Most blockbusters in recent months have been either in regional or English language,” he added.
On the other hand, the revenue of broadcast companies may fall or show lower growth because of the slowdown in advertising from FMCG, auto and new-age technology sectors, and high production and marketing expenses arising from inflation.
It took about a month to construct the train in Shamshera-Karan Malhotra
8:13 AM
'Shamshera' director on how the production design team built a 19th-century 400-foot train for action scene featuring Ranbir
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 19, 2022)
Narrating a fictional story in 'Shamshera' meant that director Karan Malhotra could take certain creative liberties. However, with the Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt-starrer set in 1871 against the backdrop of the British Raj, the director made sure that the film remained authentic to the period. For an action sequence that sees Kapoor’s character fight the baddies on a moving train, Malhotra and the production design team created an approximate 400-foot train resembling the ones prevalent in the 19th century.
“From our set design to action set-pieces, everything was crafted to ensure 'Shamshera' is a visual extravaganza. However, we were clear that whatever we did, it had to look like it was from that era,” says the filmmaker, revealing that at first, they considered shooting it aboard a real train. “That was challenging because getting a train from the 1800s wasn’t possible.”
It was then that Malhotra and production designer Sumit Basu took on the task of building a vintage train. He recounts, “It took about a month to construct an approximately 400-foot train. I was adamant about showing how such an action sequence could look grand on the big screen. I also wanted to do it in one take. The entire credit goes to Ranbir for [pulling it off]. After filming the sequence, I remember telling him that he was born to do action films.”
The director adds that Yash Raj Films’ in-house special effects team, yFX, took over the post-production and scaled it up, making the scene one of the film’s highlights.
I always think one has to be an actor and an athlete at the same time-Ranbir Kapoor
8:19 AM
Actor Ranbir Kapoor says people might not easily accept him in the period film genre, but is hopeful that Shamshera will find its audience
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 18, 2022)
You have seen him mostly play the conventional romantic hero, some outright fun characters and some serious ones, too. But, actor Ranbir Kapoor is looking forward to shattering all stereotypes with his next film, Shamshera, a period action drama. In a candid chat with us, Kapoor talks about the risk involved in doing a period film and the physical transformation he underwent for this project.
Shamshera and Brahmastra, two back-to-back films after four years. A lot has changed in this period, especially with the pandemic making us used to a new normal. How have you adapted to all this?
Human beings are born to adapt. Movie-making is a business, but people’s lives are far greater than just thinking about movies. So, there are a lot of life values that people have understood. But, I’m very excited that I’ve got these two films that I’ve been making for the past four years. Both are big-ticket, big-screen entertainment films, and I’m very excited and anxious to see how the audience will accept, react to them.
Shamshera is unlike any of your past movies. Does it get difficult to give a nod to such challenging roles and projects?
When you first hear the story of a film, you instinctively decide if you want to do it, if it excites you or not. A film like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), which was more than a modern film, also required a lot of work. In fact, it was harder, as you don’t really have a character to latch on to because you’re feeding off your own personality. But when a film like Shamshera comes, it comes with a lot of responsibility, and you have to make it look believable. Since people have seen me in a certain image for so long, this is probably a genre that people won’t necessarily easily accept me in, but it’s my job to put in the hard work so as to make the audience watching the film forget what my past work was, and believe in the character and the story they’re watching at the current moment.
When it comes to period films, people either love or hate them. So, a lot is at stake, even for the actor. Is this a risk that you also took while in Shamshera?
Yes, period films are harder, as you really have to make that world believable. The audience needs to know the place and time, and they can’t be alienated from that. So, it’s quite tricky when you’re doing a period piece. A movie, on the other hand, is about a good story told in the future, present or past. As long as the story is engaging, entertaining, and the characters are moving you, making you emotional, I think that’s what matters, irrespective of the period the film is based in.
How hard was the physical transformation for Shamshera?
I always think one has to be an actor and an athlete at the same time. It’s always hard when a role demands physical change. Shamshera is about a tribal leader who stands up for the freedom of his tribe. The fight for freedom is a legacy left behind by one kind, and it is now your destiny to restore it to its former glory. And to really make this storyline work, there are a lot of things that went behind it.
Ranbir Kapoor, who is playing the classic Hindi film hero, had to pull off incredible action scenes-Karan Malhotra
8:53 AM
From Ranbir rehearsing for a week to the team building a special arena, Shamshera director breaks down how they shot the Kalaripayattu-inspired fight sequence
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 16, 2022)
Ranbir Kapoor pulling off high-octane action stunts and fighting countless baddies is an unusual sight on screen. His choice of films has mostly seen him play characters that are rooted and relatable. That’s why director Karan Malhotra knew he could not hit a false note when presenting Kapoor as a larger-than-life hero in his upcoming release, Shamshera. The thought played on his mind when executing the movie’s action sequences, particularly the ambitious set-piece that sees Kapoor’s character Balli lock horns with Sanjay Dutt’s Shuddh Singh.
For the sequence, action director Franz Spilhaus — who previously worked on Denzel Washington’s Safe House (2012) and Hrithik Roshan-Tiger Shroff starrer War (2019) — decided to incorporate moves from Kalaripayattu, a martial art form that has its origins in India.
The director explains that the scene had to be mounted on a grand scale, as it was to be one of the film’s highlights. The production design team built a large arena in Yash Raj Studios. In the sequence, Kapoor’s dacoit character is seen fighting the ruthless army general, with a wooden log as their choice of weapon.
“Shamshera is rooted in Indian culture and traditions. With the story being set in the 1800s, it was important that the action set-pieces look from that era. Ranbir, who is playing the [classic] Hindi film hero, had to pull off incredible action scenes. We shot the Kalaripayattu-inspired fight sequence on a dusty field, constructing an arena that resembled one [prevalent] during those times.”
Malhotra’s biggest advantage is that he found a leading man who is deeply committed to his craft. “As an actor, Ranbir jumps at anything new. When we explained the scene to him, he wanted to ace it,” he says, recounting how the actor rehearsed for a week before setting foot on the set.
“He put in many days, rehearsing the scene with Franz and his team. It was a challenging shoot. It was hot, humid, and dusty. To make matters worse, it was also windy. Hats off to Ranbir for pulling this off!”
While we were shooting, I couldn’t imagine Shamshera’s scale-Ranbir Kapoor
8:26 AM
Ranbir on how the VFX team took over two-and-a-half years to create the 19th century world of Shamshera
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 13, 2022)
Director Karan Malhotra of Agneepath (2012) fame has a knack for mounting stories on a big canvas. With the Ranbir Kapoor-led Shamshera, he has upped the ante, telling the story of a dacoit tribe that revolted against the British Raj in 1871. Creating an authentic setting is crucial to a period drama. From creating the fictitious city of Kaza to mounting the action set-pieces, Yash Raj Films’ in-house visual effects team dedicated months on end to bring the filmmaker’s vision to life.
Malhotra says, “The entire team at yFX deserves a pat on their back. We have worked relentlessly for over two-and-a-half years to bring the world of Shamshera to life. Our core idea was that the film [should] be a never-seen-before cinematic event for the audience.”
The dacoit drama, also starring Sanjay Dutt, holds a special place in Kapoor’s heart as he has seen the project through the pandemic. The actor remembers a chunk of the movie was shot against a chroma screen. Having seen the film a few weeks ago, he was surprised to see how the offering has been scaled up, thanks to the special effects.
Kapoor says, “Cinema, as a medium, has the power of transporting an audience to a new world. YRF has given this film so much backing, making it a visual spectacle. While we were shooting, I couldn’t imagine the film’s scale. Now, when I see the final product, I am awestruck.”
The fictitious city of Kaza was created through visual effects
The target was to make Ranbir Kapoor look athletic, not too bulky as Shamshera was like Robin Hood-Kunal Gir
8:39 AM
Shamshera director and trainer decode Ranbir’s prep as actor built athletic frame, six-pack abs to portray noble dacoit taking on British Raj
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 11, 2022)
Distinct as his roles may have been, Ranbir Kapoor has never played a larger-than-life character so far. Shamshera is an exception in that regard. Director Karan Malhotra’s period drama sees him as a spirited dacoit, who loots the British Raj’s allies, thus protesting against slavery. In keeping with the character, Kapoor had to adopt a ripped physique for the movie. Eight weeks before the project rolled in late 2019, trainer Kunal Gir began working with the actor to help him attain the goal.
“The target was to make RK look athletic, not too bulky as his character was like Robin Hood. We had to retain the character’s rustic and raw appeal,” says Gir, who put Kapoor on a five-meal plan. “It was a high-protein, low-carb diet, and he was allowed a cheat meal only once a week.”
The actor’s fitness regime was modified to focus on his core strength, before building his six-pack abs. “We trained five days a week, each session was an hour-long, followed by a five-minute high-intensity cardio session called ‘truck’. It involved the treadmill being turned off, while RK would hold the handles of the machine and drive the belt with his legs.” Though the pandemic briefly put the brakes on the project, the actor resumed the regimen as soon as filming recommenced.
In the July 22 release, Kapoor’s character is pitted against the merciless Shuddh Singh, essayed by Sanjay Dutt. The director notes that the leading man, who plays a double role, had to build a powerful frame to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Dutt.
“Ranbir has worked hard for the roles of Shamshera and Balli. The idea came from the fact that I wanted the audiences to feel his internal strength every time they saw him on screen. So, I [nudged] Ranbir towards building a body that added more strength to his characters. The intention was never for his physique to be a distraction, but to be an asset to his characters,” he says.
When I would head to Mithoon's recording studio, I would feel like I was part of a mehfil-Sukhwinder Singh
8:32 AM
Pointing out that the Shamshera team approached the music-making process in a collaborative manner, Sukhwinder Singh on being Ranbir’s voice
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 11, 2022)
In giving voice to Ranbir Kapoor’s Balli in Shamshera, Sukhwinder Singh chanced upon an opportunity he had been seeking for long. “Working with a composer like Mithoon is desirable for every singer. When I would head to the recording studio, I would feel like I was part of a mehfil. I had heard that this was the manner in which Raj Kapoor [worked with his team]. After experiencing it, I wish that each project can be approached in a similar manner. In this process, everyone is given the chance to present their idea and enhance the final work. The team is also receptive. If I suggested that I would like to try something different, they were always keen to let me give it a shot,” says Singh, adding that occasionally witnessing the shoot at director Karan Malhotra’s behest worked in his favour.
“I have three songs in the film. Parinda is symphonic. Mithoon belongs to Pyarelal ji’s [Sharma] family. His father [Naresh Sharma] was among the best music arrangers we’ve had. Mithoon has a great understanding of how to mix music. Parinda is played against the film’s background score, across scenes of romance, action and drama. It has been designed to enhance the film’s score. Creating one piece that’s suited for different aspects was a new, but enjoyable process,” says the singer of first of three tracks rendered by him.
“The other two are earthy songs that are heavily influenced by drums, and needed a performance. I believe, that’s a gift I have — regardless of whether I am on the stage or in a studio, I am always performing in accordance with the character.”
Shamshera marks Singh’s fresh collaboration with Kapoor, for whom he previously sang Kar Har Maidaan Fateh (Sanju).
Up next, he joins hands with Vishal Bhardwaj’s son Aasmaan, for his upcoming directorial venture, Kuttey. “I have sung for his father, and I was the first choice for him.”
Singh is currently also creating a music master-class at the behest of a production. He intends to teach students aspects relating to the lifestyle of musicians as part of the course as well. “I intend to make this educational and entertaining, and not complicated. I am also working on creating pure folk music with international musicians.”
Bollywood hopes for a better second half at the box-office
8:29 AM
The first six months of 2022 have not been kind to Hindi cinema, with theatres getting saved only thanks to monster south hits
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 5, 2022)
As the film industry keeps a close watch on box-office figures in the midst of the pandemic, figures from the last six months have established defined trends. JugJugg Jeeyo was able to break the spell for mid-budget films which had been under-performing until its release.
Trade analyst Akshaye Rathi says, “The film brought back the success of mid-range movies, and is bound to clock Rs. 100 crore. It is possibly the only movie in that range that has succeeded. Eventually, its universal appeal has worked in its favour. Content that unifies every demographic has worked. It is worth noting that the true-blue superstar is storytelling.”
Rathi points out that while “the biggest stars couldn’t deliver”, their films’ failures would barely affect their popularity. “But this does give us an insight into the audience that we are catering to. The audience is brutally choosy due to the consumption patterns facilitated by OTT platforms. Filmmakers should not alienate any audience.” He, however, points out that the trends are expected to change over the next six months.
Rathi is convinced that Thor: Love And Thunder will mark the beginning of the release of a string of money-spinners. “Shamshera has a great chance [of performing well]. Ranbir Kapoor is a great actor, and is owning a space that he hasn’t straddled in. Brahmāstra looks great, and can open doors for more such intrinsically Indian superhero films. August has promising releases in Raksha Bandhan, Laal Singh Chaddha. September will see the release of Vikram Vedha, which is also expected to do well. The one film which could become a surprise package is Sooraj Barjatya’s Uunchai, which has a phenomenal cast and story.”
The story at single screen cinemas is, however, a different one. Manoj Desai of Gaiety Galaxy paints a bleak picture when he says, “The first six months haven’t been great for Hindi films. The old charm of Hindi films is yet to return. The pan-India films, KGF - Chapter 2, RRR, and Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 saved us. South actors have a huge fan base and it helped us reclaim our business. However, as far as Hindi films are concerned, only Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 worked. JugJugg Jeeyo had a stellar star cast, but it didn’t connect with our audience. The box-office hasn’t really gained momentum yet.”
Top performers
KGF - Chapter 2: Rs 434.70 Cr
RRR: Rs 274.31 Cr
Vikram: Hitlist: Rs 296.6 Cr
The Kashmir Files: Rs 252.9 Cr
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Rs 184.32 Cr
Source: Bollywood Hungama
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