Showing posts with label Shehzada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shehzada. Show all posts
I won’t do a remake again, says Kartik Aaryan after Shehzada failure
8:40 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (August 7, 2023)
Actor Kartik Aaryan has finally opened up about the dismal box-office performance of his film Shehzada, which released in February this year. The Rohit Dhawan directorial was a remake of the 2020 Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, starring Allu Arjun.
Aaryan told BBC Asian Network, “I think the biggest perspective that I got was that I would not do a remake film. This is actually the first time that I was doing [that], so it was a different experience. While filming, I didn’t realise it, but later I realized that people have already seen it and I don’t see them spending money and going to the theatres to watch the same thing again.”
The 32-year-old, last seen in the film Satyaprem Ki Katha, added, “It is a big thing (not doing remakes), because every now and then there’s a script that is a remake. But, I’ve decided that I would not enjoy it. I would not like to do something that somebody has done.”
Sometimes I do wonder if I had a life partner, then would life have been better?-Manisha Koirala
8:20 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; July 14, 2023)
The digital space has opened up a plethora of interesting projects for Manisha Koirala. However, the actress wants to take it slow and indulge in other areas of interest in her life, too. From gardening in her house in Katmandu to taking off on treks with her school friends – the actress says that what’s most important to her is enjoying life to the fullest. In a chat with BT, she talks about how life changed for her after battling cancer, the kind of projects she wants to associate with, and her thoughts on family life and motherhood.
‘OTT content has also led to a change in the viewers’ mindset ’
Like many of her contemporaries, Manisha has jumped onto the digital bandwagon and is selecting work that appeals to her sensibilities.
“OTT has opened the doors for everything that was somehow out of the ordinary, because of certain restrictions in mainstream Bollywood. I think OTT content has also led to a change in the viewers’ mindset, due to which the mainstream is also making subjects that are slightly better for middle-aged actors like me. Today, you might not be the best-looking person around, but if you are a good actor, you have a lot of scope. There’s a demand for new actors, directors, writers and they are now challenged to think out-of-the-box.”
‘I am not driven by insecurity’
Her contemporaries like Sushmita Sen, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor are doing web shows that are centered around their characters, ask Manisha if she itching to take on a project headlined by her, and she says, “Which actor won’t want to do that? While it’s exciting to play a protagonist in a cool project, for me, what matters is who I am teaming up with. After my cancer recovery, which was a near-death experience, what’s most important for me is to enjoy life and be grateful for what I have each day. I am past that phase where I have to keep working. I am 52 and I have done almost 100 films, so at this point in my career, I don’t feel the need to continuously churn out films. I am not driven by insecurity. I am only driven by exciting work and in the process, I am trying to do better than what I have done before.”
‘As you grow older, you learn to be at the periphery rather than the center’
At a time when storytelling has evolved and actors are picking from a range of roles they are offered, Manisha opted to play Kartik Aaryan’s mother in Shehzada. She says, “I wanted to be a part of a typical commercial film. I have been doing slightly serious roles and this came across as a break from that. Just because the film didn’t work, it doesn’t mean I will abandon it. I have seen too many failures in my life. Probably more failure than success, so I won’t do that. See, initially from being the main lead to playing a character role was a little tough. As a heroine, the whole world revolves around you, but suddenly, when you shift to playing a character, you start seeing a totally different setup. It does hurt you, but then you realize that times have moved on. The good part is that I am getting fabulous roles, so I perform those with a bang. So yes, at first it was tough for my ego to handle it (laughs!). But it is okay, as you grow older, you learn to be at the periphery than the centre.”
‘I have a lot on my bucket list. I definitely want to explore life’
Talking about living life after winning her battle with cancer, Manisha says, “I will always be grateful to cancer because it changed me for the better. It showed me that my time is limited, like everybody else’s time. I am cancer-free, but at some point, I will have to say goodbye. I started focusing on things I enjoy, like spending time with my family and doing quality work. Now, I want to see the skies, the hills, explore new places, and read books. I want to rough it out, be physically fit to be able to trek. I went to Everest base camp with my school friends a couple of years ago. I have a lot on my bucket list.”
Manisha’s thoughts on having a life partner
"To have a family is a bit late now, no? Sometimes I do wonder if I had a life partner, then would life have been better? I don’t know. I feel my life is complete and my children are my dog and my cat, Mowgli and Simba. Plus, I have wonderful parents and an amazing friends circle. Still, sometimes I wonder… would it be nicer if I had a life partner."
Manisha shares her views on motherhood
"I know how responsible you have to be to raise a child in this world. The day I get the confidence ki as a single mother I can do that, I will do it. But keeping in mind my health background, my multiple interests that I wish to pursue and the sense of freedom that I am enjoying now…if I can sacrifice all that and focus on being a parent, I would love to do that."
Analyzing the first six months of 2023 from box office perspective
8:35 AM
The last six months saw a number of small as well as big-banner films release, of which some hit the B-spot while most missed the mark
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2023)
The year started off with a bang as actor Shah Rukh Khan’s big comeback, Pathaan, lived up to its hype. However, it’s been a mixed bag in terms of the releases that followed. Trade expert Atul Mohan says, “Pathaan was an emotional hit. People just wanted to watch it to show support to Shah Rukh, who was going through a rough patch personally.”
A handful of films worked, but a bigger number didn’t. Family films and those in the romcom space, such as Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and now, Satyaprem Ki Katha — which is still in its first week — worked. This hints at the fact that mid-segment movies are back to support tentpole films such as Pathaan.
“That was necessary, as mid-segment films are what keep the box office in the green. They keep people coming to cinemas till the time a big film releases,” says exhibitor Akshaye Rathi.
While the Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon-starrer Shehzada didn’t meet expectations, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan — led by Salman Khan — made on a production cost of Rs. 150 crore, also didn’t earn as expected.
But, trade expert Taran Adarsh feels the “biggest disappointment of 2023 has been Adipurush”. The Prabhas-led epic, which incurred a production cost of Rs. 500 crore, had its fate sealed from the big drop on its first Monday after release, clouded by controversy and backlash over its dialogues.
Star-led projects such as Akshay Kumar’s Selfiee and Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa also disappointed. But, then came The Kerala Story on May 5 that proved to be a winner. Its director, Sudipto Sen, says: “Small, realistic films are creating a new ecosystem. People are connecting more to them. The ones with an organic connection are the ones working.”
HITS
Pathaan
Budget: Rs. 240 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 512 cr
The Kerala Story
Budget: Rs. 30 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 211 cr
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
Budget: Rs. 160 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 128 cr
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Budget: Rs. 40 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 83 cr
MISSES
Adipurush
Budget: Rs. 500 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 270 cr
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
Budget: Rs. 150 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 101 cr
Selfiee
Budget: Rs. 100 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 17 cr
Kuttey
Budget: Rs. 35 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 4 cr
(ALL INDIA FIGURES ACCORDING TO BOX OFFICE INDIA AND TRADE ESTIMATES)
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.
Buy one get one, discounted ticket prices: Multiplexes, filmmakers go extra mile to woo moviegoers
4:52 PM
From innovative schemes to discounted ticket prices, multiplexes and makers are going the extra mile to make cinemas houseful again
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 15, 2023)
In a bid to lure audiences back to the silver screen, theatres are employing innovative strategies such as Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offers and reduced ticket prices. These tactics aim to not only attract moviegoers but also ensure the success of films that might otherwise struggle to find an audience. With several recent releases reaping the benefits, it appears that these approaches are yielding positive results.
One film that capitalized on the BOGO offer was Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (ZHZB). According to insiders, the offer came with a limited number of free tickets available each day. Once the cap was reached, tickets reverted to their regular prices. ZHZB managed to earn Rs. 5.49 crore on its opening day, with nearly Rs. 50 lakh coming from the BOGO offer alone. “Fortunately, ZHZB’s content was good, so the offer became an advantage,” says Rajender Singh Jyala, chief programming officer, PVR Limited.
Price matters!
The makers of The Kerala Story recently announced that audiences could now watch the film for just Rs. 99 (plus GST) nationwide. Sudipto Sen, the film’s director, explains that “this decision was driven by the exorbitant ticket prices in major cities. By lowering the cost, the film could reach a broader audience, including smaller cities where it hadn’t been released previously”.
While in the case of Shehzada, the BOGO offer couldn’t weave magic, it contributed to the success of the re-mastered version of Gadar (2001). Its director and producer, Anil Sharma, shares, “We made the tickets cheaper so that even a poor person could come to a multiplex. Otherwise, today, ticket prices are such that taking a family to one film costs anywhere between Rs. 1,000-1,500. This is also why films don’t work well.”
Innovation matters
Meanwhile, Hollywood movie The Flash has adopted a unique strategy by announcing “Flash Sales” twice a day for 20 minutes (the offer lasted for three days until June 14), where users who are able to book tickets through a multiplex chain’s app will get 50% off on tickets.
Exhibitor Akshaye Rathi encourages such tactics, but says, “This kind of strategy would never be successful for films like Brahmastra (2022) and Pathaan because it’d erode potential revenue. But for (small or medium-budget) films like ZHZB, it works like magic. This becomes the push to watch in halls instead of web.”
Is it fair to sacrifice talented artistes at the altar of shoddy scripts?
8:20 AM
Talented actors are trolled and criticized for taking certain roles, but is it right to question only the performances?
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 8, 2023)
Sometimes, poor scripts are elevated by great performances. But, what do you expect when best of actors are given sketchy characters in a badly written story? Case in point: Gajraj Rao in Bholaa, Sanjay Mishra in Jogira Sara Ra Ra and more. Such actors, known for their versatility, were reduced to frivolous characters in certain projects, which left their fans, and audience at large, disappointed. The bigger question is: Is it fair to sacrifice talented artistes at the altar of shoddy scripts? Industry experts help us decode.
Actors state their reasons
‘FOCUS ON WHAT’S GOOD FOR ME’
Gajraj Rao says he’s “very selective” with picking films, thus he doesn’t regret taking up any role. “If I start getting bothered by what people like to see, I won’t be able to survive in this industry. I feel, you’re the best judge of your work, so I only focus on what I think is good for me,” he says.
‘CAN ONLY DO WHAT’S OFFERED’
Renuka Shahane was highly criticized for Govinda Naam Mera (2022), but she doesn’t take “vague opinions” seriously. “If you tell me that this role wasn’t good enough for me, it does not make sense to me. How is it going to change anything for me? I can only do what’s being offered.”
‘HAVE TO PUT BREAD ON THE TABLE’
Ronit Roy, who played Kartik Aaryan’s father in Shehzada, opines that decisions are often determined by several factors. “I have to create a balance between the films I like and projects that will facilitate putting bread on the table. I never feel short-changed because I sign the film knowing what my role is,” he says.
‘MAIN KYUN NA KARUN?’
Siddharth Jadhav was brutally trolled for his cringe acting in Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus (2022). He admits that sometimes actors sign up a film only to collaborate with a director and banner. “Kabhi kabhi achche logon ke saath kaam karna bhi impactful hota hai. That’s why I took up Cirkus and Radhe (2021), which had Salman Khan in the lead and was directed by Prabhudheva,” he says.
There are several factors at play, say trade experts
‘NOT THE ACTOR’S FAULT’
Taran Adarsh feels that actors’ judgement can in no way be blamed for a script misfire. “Actors very well know what they are signing up for. Nobody is cheating or lying to them or making false promises. This used to happen earlier when there was no hard bound script, but that’s not the case anymore,” he says.
LOST IN TRANSITION
Atul Mohan explains how at times, the character’s strength gets lost in script-to-screen transition. ”Paper par jo hota hai, wo bahut exciting hota hai. I’ve been part of so many narrations where the director described a character in such a way that any actor would get convinced. But it did not translate well in the final outcome.”
Vendors who worked on Shehzada complain of non-payment of dues of over Rs 30 lakh
8:32 AM
Four months after Shehzada’s release, vendors across departments complain of non-payment of dues of over Rs 30 lakh
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 7, 2023)
On its February release, Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s Shehzada couldn’t work its charm at the box office. Almost four months on, many associated with Rohit Dhawan’s directorial venture seem to be feeling the pinch. mid-day has learnt that many vendors across departments are awaiting their dues, with the cumulative figure said to be over Rs 30 lakh.
With payments made in tranches, the industry norm is to clear dues within 60 to 90 days of the release. A senior crew member from Shehzada’s direction team, on the condition of anonymity, says, “Producers need to understand that prolonged non-payment can lead to a breakdown in trust. I may become reluctant to collaborate with them on future projects.”
The issue highlights the on-ground implications of the cash crunch that Bollywood has witnessed since 2022. With only a handful of films having worked at the box office over the past two years, the industry has seen a significant drop in revenue and cash inflow. A character actor says the film’s producers have promised to make the final payment next week.
“I have been told they are awaiting a chunk of subsidy from an overseas shoot. Once that is in, we will be paid. It’s crucial for stakeholders to prioritize timely payments. If payments are expected within 60 to 90 days, they should stick to it.”
Allu Entertainment, the production house backing the film, issued a statement that read, “We have settled all the vendors’ dues except a few disputed bills [that have] discrepancies, and in others, there are certain GST issues.”
Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan is the only clean hit in 2023's first quarter
8:17 AM
With Bollywood wrapping up its first quarter, Shah Rukh’s Pathaan remains sole bright spot, Tu Jhoothi doesn’t break even; trade says business down by 30 per cent
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; April 4, 2023)
Can you imagine a better way to start the year than with a blockbuster? In late January, Shah Rukh Khan arrived in cinemas with Pathaan, ready to decimate the box office. The spy thriller, which saw the superstar returning to the big screen after a four-year hiatus, went on to reportedly collect over Rs 500 crores, becoming the biggest hit of Hindi cinema. With it, the film industry and trade circuit felt that the debacle of 2022 was behind them. Three months into the year, however, it’s a different story.
Veteran trade analyst Amod Mehra notes that the Khan-starrer is the only bright spot in the first quarter. “Its success was encouraging, and made everyone feel like things would change. But subsequent films crashed. So, it is back to square one,” says Mehra.
February saw two big Hindi releases, Kartik Aaryan’s Shehzada, and Akshay Kumar-Emraan Hashmi’s Selfiee. The former came with high expectations — it was Aaryan’s first theatrical release since last year’s surprise hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Additionally, it was the remake of Allu Arjun’s Telugu movie, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020).
Producer and film business expert Girish Johar attributes the failure of Shehzada and Selfiee to sub-par content. “Shehzada was a copy-paste remake with no new elements. Selfiee was completely dated, despite having big names and being backed by a big banner [Dharma Productions]. People rejected it from the word go. The Q1 business was down by 30 per cent compared to the pre-pandemic times,” says Johar. While Shehzada’s lifetime domestic collections read Rs 30 crores, Selfiee reportedly ended its run at Rs 14 crores.
Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s March release, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, had better luck at the cinemas. Despite having made approximately Rs 120 crore, Luv Ranjan’s rom-com isn’t considered a hit due to its high cost. Johar, instead, dubs Rani Mukerji’s Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway “a winner” as the small-budget film is heading towards collections of Rs 25 crores.
Ajay Devgn, who delivered a blockbuster in Drishyam 2 (2022), rounded off this year’s first quarter with Bholaa, which collected Rs 44.28 crore (nett) over its four-day weekend. However, Telugu star Nani’s Dasara, which released across India on the same day, has accumulated a cool Rs 55 crore across all languages.
Johar says the two can’t be compared. “Dasara is a reasonably budgeted film, while Bholaa, which released in 2D, 3D, and IMAX has a much higher landing cost. Plus, Bholaa, being an adaptation of Tamil film Kaithi (2019), hasn’t got the audience in south India flocking to the theatres.”
Looking ahead
In the coming months, Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir and G7 cineplex, will be banking on Salman Khan’s Eid offering Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan, and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan that arrives in June. He says, “The public wants entertainment. They don’t want to go to theatres and get bored. A good film will always work.”
After Shehzada and Selfiee's debacle, experts debate on whether a fatigue is setting in due to remakes?
8:26 AM
Experts weigh in on whether the lack of luck for Hindi remakes of southern Indian-language films is indeed about fatigue
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 12, 2023)
They once gave major fillips to many Bollywood stars’ careers, including Salman Khan (Wanted, 2009), Ajay Devgn (Singham, 2011) and Akshay Kumar (Rowdy Rathore, 2012). But lately, remakes of southern Indian-language films have been failing miserably. From Vikram Vedha, Jersey and Cuttputlli last year to Shehzada and Selfiee this year, the remakes have failed to stir up the audience’s excitement. This begs the question: is a fatigue setting in?
Trade expert Taran Adarsh advises against generalization. “If, in a span of 1.5 years, three remakes failed to perform, we also have examples like Drishyam 2 (2022) that clicked with the audience. It all boils down to how the remake is made. Selfiee and Shehzada were bad remakes. I have seen the originals — Driving Licence (2019) and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) — and felt that both these remakes were shoddy,” explains Adarsh.
Trade expert Komal Nahta and producer Ashwin Varde opine that the originals being freely accessible on OTT takes away the excitement of watching a remake. “When people have excessively consumed the original already, why would they be interested in watching another version of it, that too, just a year later?” notes Warde. “Vikram Vedha did not work because everyone had seen the dubbed version on YouTube,” says Nahta.
According to trade expert Atul Mohan, viewers are averse to paying to watch the same story twice in theatres. “Going to theatres is an expensive affair, and after the pandemic, people want to spend money on films that would give them something new,” he points out.
The result will be positive, Varde assures, “When producers start to reinvent their choices, even in terms of choosing the right film to remake. The fatigue is in the minds of the producers. We have to add something unique to bring freshness. Frame-by-frame remakes are not going to work now.”
Producer Ramesh Taurani, too, cautions against copy-pasting indiscriminately. “Har film ko uski audience ke hisaab se banana padhta hai. You cannot copy paste everything and expect the film to work,” says Taurani.
I consider myself a Muslim, Christian, Jew, and Hindu-Sonu Nigam
8:12 AM
With this year marking his 46th as a live performer, Sonu on the essentials of honing his craft, year after year
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; February 20, 2023)
With his soulful renditions in Laal Singh Chaddha behind him, Sonu Nigam’s latest Bollywood offering has him head behind the mic for the energetic title track of Shehzada. At a time when reality television shows are thrusting singers into Bollywood in abundance, Nigam still finds himself enjoying a certain command over an array of genres. “It’s all hard work,” he says, addressing questions on the gamut of songs he has been appointed for, of late.
“One must take care of the voice, and focus on the work at hand. I train as smartly as possible, and continue to work hard towards the craft.”
With 2023 marking his 46th year as a performing artiste, Nigam attributes the attention that he has paid to live gigs for his success as a singer. “Live music is the litmus test for a singer. Only when one sings live can the audience know if he can or cannot sing. Your fitness as a singer, and the training that you have done, is made evident on stage.”
Admitting that if he turned to Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan to learn the tropes of singing when he was 18, today, he looks toward the younger lot, including Arijit Singh and Armaan Mallik, as well. “When the student dies, the master dies. This approach has led me to where I am today. No one is luckier than I am, because I have enjoyed such a long journey — from Acha sila in 1995, to Shehzada, today.”
His most cherished live rendition, however, dates back to 2008, when he paid tribute to Mohammed Rafi. “I was already [an established singer] at the time, and I was singing songs of my guru, with the Symphony orchestra. In a span of two hours, I sang 21 songs of his. I made 75 foreigners adapt to the Indian style of music to create that concert. It will always be a memorable one.”
Meanwhile, Nigam also trained his attention to devotional numbers and recently released his versions of the Hanuman Chalisa, and the Mahamrityunjay Mantra. It is owing to his mother’s love for devotional numbers that he says he took on the endeavour.
“My mom used to [chant them]. She was a spiritual woman, and I did it for her. As far as I am concerned, I consider myself a Muslim, Christian, Jew, and Hindu. I am simply a resident of this planet.”
Shehzada's title song has turned out to be one of my all time favourites-Sonu Nigam
8:16 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; February 19, 2023)
Sonu Nigam has been an integral part of the music industry for the last three decades. Despite the influx of new talent in the world of music, he is on the top of everyone’s minds when it comes to pure melodies like Main Ki Karaan and Kahani (Laal Singh Chaddha) or foot-tapping numbers like the Shehzada title track. In an exclusive interview, he talks about singing for Pritam again, being active in the Indie music scene and missing his family and more. Excerpts:
You have recently worked a lot with composer Pritam. Tell us about your association with him.
There’s been a renewed association with Pritam lately and after Laal Singh Chaddha and Dunki, and I truly love it. Apparently, director Rohit Dhawan and Pritam decided to approach me for the title track of Shehzada as they needed a blend of vigour and expression conveyed with innocence in that song. And the song has turned out to be one of my all-time favourites.
You sang two melodious songs — Kahani and Main Ki Karaan — in Laal Singh Chaddha. Do you feel that they had the potential to catch on and become far more popular?
The credit for Laal Singh Chaddha goes to both Aamir (Khan) and Pritam. The movie, unfortunately, was plagued by negativity. Otherwise, the songs I sang would have reached the level of Kal Ho Naa Ho. But I always say that every piece of art comes with its own destiny. Today, Kahani and Main Ki Karaan are a staple at my concerts.
You have recently sung for an OTT release, worked on many singles and also lent your voice to spiritual songs in the last year. Professionally, how has the last year been?
The last year-and-a-half has been unbelievable in terms of quality of work. The Mission Majnu song Maati Ko Maa Kehte Hain is a beautiful track, which was released around Republic Day this year. The Indie music scene that I’ve been a part of is so diverse — be it Rangrezwa and Yaad for Jam8 or Ruk Ja for Salim Sulaiman’s Bhoomi 3, I have received so much love for them. Then there are two tracks, Hanuman Chalisa and now Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, releasing under my label. These have been very exciting times. And then there are also my regional songs and concerts!
On the work front, you seem to be on a roll.
Honestly, I am overwhelmed with the volume and quality of work. The aggressive Sonu of the 1990s and 2000s is long dead; so this new calm and satisfied version is unable to relate to all this, although I have seen all this before too. But internally, I’m thankful to the universe; after all, good work comes from good karma. It’s a blessing to have worked with so many geniuses in the last 31 years in Mumbai, who have enriched my life. God definitely loves me.
Your family is in Dubai, while your work keeps you in Mumbai and also takes you across the world for your concerts. Do you miss your family?
I miss spending time with my family in Dubai as work commitments need me to be in Mumbai and the rest of India. Sometimes, I don’t get to meet my father for weeks despite being in India, but they know that I’m fulfilling my destiny.
(Crisp) Movie Review: SHEHZADA by FENIL SETA
4:13 PM
Shehzada is a light-hearted film that boasts of not just comedy and romance but also action and emotional moments. The film starts on an intriguing note and Kartik Aaryan’s entry is heroic as well as hilarious. The intermission point is solid and post-interval, a few scenes stand out. However, Shehzada, which is a remake of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, doesn’t have the same kind of overload of entertainment as the original version. Director Rohit Dhawan has smartly made some changes and that’s praiseworthy. But at the same time, he has also omitted a few scenes that made Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo such a loved and classic film. Speaking of performances, Kartik Aaryan gives a powerful performance and suits the character perfectly. He has made his mark in emotional, romantic and funny scenes but this time, watch out for him while doing action. Kriti Sanon looks stunning and puts her best foot forward. Sadly, she’s hardly there in the second half. Paresh Rawal is dependable while Sachin Khedekar is adorable. Ronit Roy and Manisha Koirala provide able support. Ankur Rathee is a surprise and his role is better than the one in the original. Rajpal Yadav is too funny and should have had more screen time. Vinay Rana and Sunny Hinduja are strictly okay as the villains. Kunal Vijaykar, Ashwin Mushran and Ali Asgar are nothing special. As for the songs, the title song, ‘Mere Sawaal Ka’ and ‘Chedkhaniyan’ are well-tuned and well-shot. All in all, Shehzada is a decent family entertainer. (P.S.: DO NOT MISS THE BEGINNING)
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 765
10:10 AM
WILL SHEHZADA AND ANT-MAN SUCCEED AT THE BOX OFFICE?
After three weeks of no major release, this Friday will be an exception. A major Bollywood as well a Hollywood film will be arriving in cinemas. The expectations are immense from both but they also face certain challenges.
Shehzada stars Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon along with Paresh Rawal, Ronit Roy and Sachin Khedekar. It is the remake of the 2020 Telugu blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, starring Allu Arjun. Allu's father Allu Aravind produced the original film and he has also co-produced the remake. Rohit Dhawan, brother of Varun Dhawan and son of David Dhawan and who made Desi Boyz and Dishoom in the past, has directed Shehzada.
Shehzada looks like a complete entertainer and a film ideal for the family, going by its trailer. Kartik Aaryan's last theatrical release Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was a blockbuster and hence, the expectations are immense from Shehzada. As for the songs, 'Munda Sona Hoon Main' has worked but hasn't become a chartbuster.
The buzz for Shehzada, however, is limited. The makers have done their best to ensure the film makes a noise. But the advance sales haven't been encouraging. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 opened at Rs. 13.50 crores. But Shehzada is expected to open in the range of Rs. 6.75-7.50 crores. And this is not good news since Shehzada was expected to take a bigger opening than the horror comedy.
But Shehzada still has a chance if word of mouth is positive. The Saturday jump in collections has started happening again and once that happens, the film will hold in the weekdays. A solid trend and minimal drop in weekdays are what the makers should hope for. However, if reports are negative, Shehzada will face a tough time.
Meanwhile, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania belongs to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has a dedicated fan following. However, Ant-Man is not as popular a superhero as Iron Man, Thor etc and hence the excitement is limited. Moreover, the opening day numbers of Marvel films have been consistently falling with each film. Spider-Man: No Way Home opened at a huge Rs. 32.67 crores as viewers were excited to see three Spider-Man characters. The film worked big time and the next Marvel product, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, got the advantage of it. Its day 1 collections were a mind-boggling Rs. 28.74 crores. Thor: Love And Thunder, meanwhile, opened at Rs. 18.48 crores followed by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Rs. 11.75 crores.
Going by this trend, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania’s opening will be lesser than that of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. A double-digit opening seems difficult and it should open around Rs. 7-8 crores. The target should be an opening weekend of Rs. 30 crores and lifetime collections of Rs. 60 crores. This is provided the audience enjoys the film.
After three weeks of no major release, this Friday will be an exception. A major Bollywood as well a Hollywood film will be arriving in cinemas. The expectations are immense from both but they also face certain challenges.
Shehzada stars Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon along with Paresh Rawal, Ronit Roy and Sachin Khedekar. It is the remake of the 2020 Telugu blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, starring Allu Arjun. Allu's father Allu Aravind produced the original film and he has also co-produced the remake. Rohit Dhawan, brother of Varun Dhawan and son of David Dhawan and who made Desi Boyz and Dishoom in the past, has directed Shehzada.
Shehzada looks like a complete entertainer and a film ideal for the family, going by its trailer. Kartik Aaryan's last theatrical release Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was a blockbuster and hence, the expectations are immense from Shehzada. As for the songs, 'Munda Sona Hoon Main' has worked but hasn't become a chartbuster.
The buzz for Shehzada, however, is limited. The makers have done their best to ensure the film makes a noise. But the advance sales haven't been encouraging. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 opened at Rs. 13.50 crores. But Shehzada is expected to open in the range of Rs. 6.75-7.50 crores. And this is not good news since Shehzada was expected to take a bigger opening than the horror comedy.
But Shehzada still has a chance if word of mouth is positive. The Saturday jump in collections has started happening again and once that happens, the film will hold in the weekdays. A solid trend and minimal drop in weekdays are what the makers should hope for. However, if reports are negative, Shehzada will face a tough time.
Meanwhile, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania belongs to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has a dedicated fan following. However, Ant-Man is not as popular a superhero as Iron Man, Thor etc and hence the excitement is limited. Moreover, the opening day numbers of Marvel films have been consistently falling with each film. Spider-Man: No Way Home opened at a huge Rs. 32.67 crores as viewers were excited to see three Spider-Man characters. The film worked big time and the next Marvel product, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, got the advantage of it. Its day 1 collections were a mind-boggling Rs. 28.74 crores. Thor: Love And Thunder, meanwhile, opened at Rs. 18.48 crores followed by Black Panther: Wakanda Forever at Rs. 11.75 crores.
Going by this trend, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania’s opening will be lesser than that of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. A double-digit opening seems difficult and it should open around Rs. 7-8 crores. The target should be an opening weekend of Rs. 30 crores and lifetime collections of Rs. 60 crores. This is provided the audience enjoys the film.
Recreating Character Dheela could have created a backlash. So, we decided to celebrate the song-Bosco Martis
8:26 AM
Shehzada production designer reveals how Aaryan decided to recreate Character dheela, and put together a team to shoot it at the last minute
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 15, 2023)
Earlier this month, mid-day had reported that Kartik Aaryan was shooting a last-minute song for Shehzada, which was one of the reasons the film’s release was deferred (Taking a chance on dance, Feb 2). It appears that the team didn’t look too far for inspiration. The makers of the Aaryan and Kriti Sanon-starrer recently released Character Dheela 2.0, a recreation of Salman Khan’s hit number from Ready (2011).
Production designer Rajat Poddarr reveals that Aaryan — who is also one of Shehzada’s producers — suggested incorporating a promotional song to amp up the buzz around Rohit Dhawan’s directorial venture.
“Kartik wanted to [reimagine] this number from Ready, in his own way. Initially, the team felt that the situation didn’t require a song, but he insisted it would enhance the movie’s promotions. He contacted Bosco [Martis] for the choreography, and me for the sets. He suggested to the producers that this would be his team, as we had done the title track of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 together,” shares Poddarr.
With the team in place, it was time for execution. The leading man prepped for two days with choreographer Martis, before the dance number was shot over three days in the last week of January at a Madh Island bungalow. Building the set in such a short time was no mean feat.
“We were constructing one part of the set, while Kartik would be shooting in the other part. We built different sets, including a swimming pool, ramp, and a colourful scooter. We submerged the ramp in water so that Kartik could do his slide step. He had referenced videos with Bosco, Manu [Anand, director of photography] and me [to determine the song’s treatment].”
Character dheela had become a rage when it was released. Aaryan knew that stepping into Khan’s dancing shoes was a huge responsibility. So, instead of recreating the track, step for step, he did the next best thing. Martis says, “Recreating Salman bhai’s song could have created a backlash. So, we decided to celebrate the song. We wanted to make it peppier and relevant.”
To promote or not to promote is the question for Bollywood after Pathaan’s box-office success
8:38 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 10, 2023)
With a Rs. 250-crore budget, three big stars, and foot-tapping music, everyone expected the makers of Pathaan to go all out marketing it. But barring some old-school repartee on #AskSRK, the film’s lead Shah Rukh Khan’s Twitter, the film remarkably opted for no promotions.
The action-thriller’s mammoth numbers (Rs. 850 crores worldwide), however, haven’t deterred makers of upcoming biggies Selfiee and Shehzada from taking the all-out route with promotions. While actor Kartik Aaryan is on a multi-city tour for the latter, Selfiee makers have been holding trailer and song launches with much fanfare.
This has inevitably plunged makers and experts in the debate — promotions or no promotions? Varun Gupta, the man behind the marketing for Selfiee, Drishyam 2, and Ram Charan and Jr NTR’s next, says it is “stupid” to blindly follow Pathaan’s example. “An actor just asked me a few days back that if Pathaan is not doing anything, why should we? I just feel helpless trying to explain that it is not a film that you can measure with any other lens. It’s the return of brand SRK on the big screen after four years, nobody else can match that. Marketing tactics will keep evolving, but they will never go out of fashion,” says Gupta.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh, however, feels that no promotions is the way forward, because eventually, it’s content that does the talking. “Drishyam 2 didn’t do any city tours, no mall visits. Promotions and tours only add to the cost of the film. Devote time to social media and do your promotions there. Avoid lavish expenses and controversial comments before release,” he opines.
Uunchai, Ram Setu and Good Luck Jerry (all 2022) co-producer Mahaveer Jain weighs in: “If the trailer of a film hits the ball out of the park, it’s the biggest resource for any film. The same applies to songs. Now, if the makers feel that multi-city tours and promotions are required to reach the audience and create awareness, they must go ahead with it.”
And who says promotions can only be done before release? Makers of Pathaan recently also slashed ticket prices by 25%, which, Jain feels, “will help add a whole new section of an audience for the film”. Gupta agrees, calling it an excellent promotional tactic on their part.
I would love to do a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film-Kriti Sanon
7:58 AM
Proud to be viewed as a star-actor after Mimi’s success, Kriti says working with ‘brilliant’ directors like SLB will push her further as artiste
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 8, 2023)
There is a palpable shift in the audience’s perception of Kriti Sanon after Mimi (2021). Even though the actor tried to strike a balance between mainstream entertainers and author-backed offerings earlier, it was Laxman Utekar’s directorial venture that made viewers sit up and take notice of her acting prowess. Sanon hopes to maintain the momentum, as she begins this year with Rohit Dhawan’s Shehzada. She will balance the masala film with Adipurush, director Om Raut’s cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana.
“I am finally feeling that people look at me as a star-actor now. I always wanted the actor [in me] to shine brighter than the star. I am glad that is happening now that I have got a bit of validation,” she smiles.
Sanon has her plan laid out ahead. Picking up projects that highlight the actor in her is her top priority. The Crew — director Rajesh Krishnan’s all-female film starring Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and her — stands true on that count, as does her upcoming venture with Anurag Kashyap. Collaborating with filmmakers who can broaden her horizon and extract the best out of her is another goal.
“I haven’t even tapped into 50 per cent of my potential. At this point, I feel that as an actor, [I] can push myself to a limit, and then [I] need a brilliant filmmaker to push me further. If I have that kind of an opportunity, I can do a lot more,” asserts the actor.
Does she have a name in mind? “The one offer that is not yet on the table is a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film,” she smiles. The filmmaker has a knack for crafting strong female characters, giving his leading ladies roles that they treasure for years to come.
Sanon hopes to wear the tag of a Bhansali heroine some day, as she says, “I would love to do a Bhansali film. So, there is a long way to go. I love the way he presents his actors, the stories and the depth [they carry]. It is every actor’s dream to work with him.”
Besides Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan, here's another reason why Kartik Aaryan's Shehzada release date got postponed
8:28 AM
Sources say Shehzada’s makers delayed release to shoot new dance number with Kartik-Kriti; hope to boost audiences’ interest in album
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; February 2, 2023)
On Monday, the makers of Shehzada announced that they are deferring its release from February 10 to 17 “out of respect for Pathaan.” But it looks like the runaway success of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer isn’t the only reason for the postponement. Sources tell us that director Rohit Dhawan is shooting a new song with leads Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon.
An insider attributes the last-minute addition to the tepid response that the album has generated. “Besharam Rang and Jhoome Jo Pathaan are topping the music charts. No movie song released since January, including Shehzada’s Munda Sona Hoon Main and Chedkhaniyan, has been able to match their popularity. So, the makers decided to shoot a new promotional song that will pique audiences’ interest,” says the source. Bosco Martis is choreographing the number that is being filmed in Madh Island.
The decision to delay the film’s release also stems from the unavailability of adequate screens on February 10. A trade source says, “Exhibitors want to make the most of Pathaan’s glorious run. It remains to be seen how many screens Shehzada gets in mid-February when Pathaan will enter its fourth week.”
When Shehzada star Kartik Aaryan savoured Chinese meal named after him
8:30 PM
Indian Idol 13 contestant surprises Aaryan with a meal from Juhu eatery, which has named the actor’s favourite dishes after him
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 1, 2023)
If you’re among those who frequent Sagar Chinese in Juhu, keep an eye out for Kartik Aaryan. He often wraps up a hectic day of shoot with a bowl of burnt garlic fried rice and Veg Manchurian from the suburban restaurant. So much so that the restaurant’s owner has now named the dishes ‘Kartik Aaryan Special’. Indian Idol 13 contestant Senjuti Das, an ardent fan of the actor, knows this all too well. On Monday, as Shehzada actors Aaryan and Kriti Sanon shot for an episode of the reality show, the contestant surprised him by offering his signature dish from the joint.
A source reveals that the development happened after Das’s performance, where she sang Deewani Mastani. While judges Himesh Reshammiya and Vishal Dadlani appreciated her act, Aaryan termed it a “shehzada performance”.
The source adds, “The conversation then veered towards street food, and Kartik said he is a big fan of it. To his surprise, Senjuti then presented him his favourite Chinese dishes from his go-to eatery. She said that she was aware that he often goes there. So, she would frequently visit the joint, hoping to meet him.”
The actor was stumped by the contestant’s thoughtful gesture. As he fed her a bite of the dishes, Aaryan said that he has been a regular at the eatery since his struggling days. “Even now, whenever my shoot wraps up post 12 am, I go to the restaurant [for dinner]. The owner has named a special dish after me,” he said.
Last year, a video of him sitting on the bonnet of his luxury car outside the popular food joint and enjoying his meal went viral.
My role in Shehzada is rewritten from the original; she doesn’t stand in the background-Kriti Sanon
8:27 PM
While she admits that Shehzada revolves around male protagonist, Kriti says remake of Allu Arjun-starrer isn’t like other potboilers that sideline female characters
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 1, 2023)
Happy yet restless — that is Kriti Sanon’s state of mind. Even though her 2022 releases Bachchhan Paandey and Bhediya received underwhelming response, the actor is still reaping the benefits of Mimi (2021). “I am probably in the best phase of my career, but I want to climb higher,” she smiles, ready to open the year with Shehzada. Sanon was looking for something breezy after the intense Mimi, and the remake of Allu Arjun’s Telugu hit Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020) seemed like the perfect answer.
“In the ’90s, we used to have films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun that were complete entertainers. Somewhere down the line, they stopped making such films. Shehzada is a modern version of that [genre of movies].”
Rohit Dhawan’s directorial venture is largely centred on Kartik Aaryan’s character. Was she concerned about not driving the narrative? “My role is rewritten from the original. I play a lawyer; the female character in the original wasn’t [one]. My character is independent, strong-headed and doesn’t stand in the background. There are fresh scenes. Shehzada is a male-centric film. [Earlier, such movies] had female characters who were submissive and damsels in distress. That is changing.”
The actor is balancing the masala film with The Crew that sees her alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu. You can hear the excitement in her voice, as she says, “I am working with female actors whom I admire; we don’t get to do this very often. This film is all about the camaraderie of the three characters. We are from three different generations, so it will be cool coming together.”
Before The Crew hits the marquee, Sanon will be seen in Om Raut’s Adipurush. The teaser of the Prabhas-starrer was criticized by the audience, but she is hopeful about the final product. “It was just a one-minute-35-second teaser; there is much more to the film. These days, anything you put out gets judged so soon. It’s unfortunate.”
Bhediya was one of the first few films that I was not nervous about; I'm extremely proud of Adipurush-Kriti Sanon
7:52 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; January 31, 2023)
In her showbiz journey over the last nine years, Kriti Sanon has been a part of films of diverse genres. After making her debut with Heropanti in 2014, she made a mark as the quintessential Bollywood heroine in several big-ticket films. But she didn’t stop at that. She went on to pick roles that gave her a chance to push the envelope and showcase her range as an actor. In 2021, Kriti won immense appreciation for her role as a surrogate mother in Mimi and the Filmfare Award for the Best Actress, which was followed by the creature comedy Bhediya last year, a genre that hasn’t been explored in Bollywood much. In a conversation with BT, the actress talks about how she’s constantly changing gears in her career and the surprises she has up her sleeve for the audience this year. Read on...
2022 was a year of surprises and shocks for the Hindi film industry, but amidst that, there were some movies that left an impact, one of which was the creature comedy Bhediya, which won much appreciation. How confident were you to be a part of a film which was an attempt at a genre that’s rarely explored in Bollywood?
Success at any time is what we all are looking for, especially in times like these where films are struggling a bit to do what they should do or would have done in another time. So, when Bhediya got the reactions it did and performed well, it gave me a little more confidence in my own choices.
It was one of those films that I was extremely sure of when it came to content. Also, I knew we had done something unique in terms of its VFX. When you are absolutely sure of something and that doesn’t end up working then you start questioning your thought process, your choices and decisions. You start wondering if your choices are still resonating with the audience and that is a scary feeling. Bhediya was, in fact, one of the first few films that I was not nervous about. Sometimes you are aware that the part that you are playing in a film isn’t long in terms of screen time, but it is relevant and there is meat in it. I also did the film for that one twist (in the climax). I am glad Bhediya got the love it deserved.
2022 ended on a positive note for you. What’s in store this year?
The audience can probably look forward to far more versions of me. It starts with a very glamorous one which is a family entertainer, followed by probably my biggest film, Adipurush, which I am extremely proud of. Then there is a lot of action coming in with Ganapath, something I have done for the first time. You will see me ride a dirt bike, throw kicks and punches and also use a weapon. I am also doing a quirky love story with Shahid Kapoor. We are teaming up on screen for the first time, so you will see fresh chemistry. Then there is The Crew, which has three women (Tabu, Kareena Kapoor Khan and me) coming together, having a lot of fun and creating something amazing.
After observing the pattern at the box office last year and the beginning of 2023, has your thought process on choosing films and subjects changed?
No. I don’t think we can make our future choices in retrospect. It isn’t a good way to move ahead. We can’t say... ‘Achcha this has worked, so let me do this’. Because that film has worked at that time. I believe that every film and genre have the right timing. Timing is important in terms of when the film is releasing and what the audience is craving for. I go by my gut feeling and instinct. When I hear a script, I try to see if it gets me excited as an actor, as an audience or both. I don’t want the audience to put me in a box where they say if it is a Kriti Sanon film toh aisi hi hogi. I want to give them a variety of content and characters. After Bareilly Ki Barfi, I was getting small-town roles one after the other. So, I did the war epic drama Panipat. Then I took up a strong and meaty role in Mimi and moved on to the next level. I want to shift the gear constantly and not stay in one particular zone. You have to move on and think what’s next, otherwise you will stagnate.
Today, you are in the top league, and are being offered the kind of roles that you want and deserve. But the road up to here has not been easy. When you look back, what has kept you going?
I have been here for nine years and I am glad that finally people are seeing the actor in me. Having said that, I don’t think I have reached even 50 per cent of what I can do. There is a lot more I can offer. Sometimes the opportunity you get gives you a lot to do and you shine. Sometimes it is limited in terms of what the role is or what the screenplay is. There is only so much for you to perform and do. Then there is a film like Mimi, which gives you the range and kind of scenes where you can go all out and shine. So, it is a matter of getting the right opportunity at the right time. I am just glad that people are seeing me in different zones. I am glad Om Raut saw me as Janaki for Adipurush, Vikas Bahl saw me kicking ass as Jassi in Ganapath, Rohit Dhawan saw me as this glamorous urban girl for my upcoming film, Shehzada. I feel excited and blessed in this phase, which probably is the best of my career. It took a lot of consistency, passion, hard work and belief in myself to get here. It is only when you believe in yourself that someone else will believe in you. I’m happy with where I am today, but I still feel that I am not even close to exploring half of my potential. I want to do more. So, you just believe in yourself and hold on closely to the people who are with you when you are not doing well! I think that is very important, too.
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