It goes without saying that 2020 was an awful year for the entire humankind and that includes the cinema world, too, which saw disastrous box-office business in a year that was all about shutdowns, lockdowns and stay-at-home.

To put things in perspective, as per industry estimates, the Hindi film industry’s total earnings in 2020 (from India) is just around ₹780-800 crore. Last year, the figure was a whopping ₹4,350 crore. In 2018, it was around ₹3,300 crore and 2017 saw the industry make ₹3,000 crore.

“I would want to forget 2020 as it was a nightmare in every possible manner. From trade point of view, there’s no shining highlight except maybe Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. The entire world, including movies, came to a standstill. It will still take some time before things get back to normal again,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Among the very few money-spinners of 2020 are Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (₹279.50 crore), Baaghi 3 (₹97 crore), Street Dancer 3D (₹75 crore), Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (₹62.50 crore) and Malang (₹59 crore). “The first quarter started on a great note but since then, there have been too many downs than ups,” says exhibitor-distribitor Akshaye Rathi.

Now, insiders hope that 2021 will “make up for all the losses in some way”. While the first quarter will see biggies like ‘83 and Sooryavanshi among others, next year has a number of biggies, including the ones that shifted from 2020 such as Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai and Laal Singh Chaddha etc., lined up to hit the silver-screen.

“The next financial year looks terrific with pent-up demand, pent-up content and a vaccine rollout around the same time,” says Rathi, even as Adarsh hopes that “2021 kicks off things on a blockbuster note.”

The box office of Hindi films has also started in New Zealand for a few weeks now which makes it two countries playing Hindi films at the moment with UAE and New Zealand. Cinemas in Australia are also open but there has been no Hindi film screened there as yet.

TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR, STREET DANCER and SIMMBA have been screened in New Zealand with minimal footfalls. KEDARNATH also saw some screenings due to the death of Sushant Singh Rajput but again there were negligible collections.

The figures of Hindi films released in New Zealand post the the Coronavirus lockdown are as follows.

Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior
$8000

Street Dancer 3D
$5000

Simmba
$7000

Kedarnath
$3000

When movies finally do release, in theatres or on the web, creating a buzz will now be a challenge
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 16, 2020)

The entertainment industry is slowly trying to recover from the repercussions of the Coronavirus crisis and two films, Sooryavanshi and '83, have already announced their theatrical release dates. But with social distancing and restrictions still in place, what happens to the grand promotional activities that involve huge crowds at malls and colleges, which form a very crucial aspect of a film’s release?

“Marketing will change majorly and we’ll no longer see those big events and press meets. The last few films that I worked on — Street Dancer 3D (2020), Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019) — we had a lot of on-ground activities. Now nothing of that sort will be possible,” says Varun Gupta, founder director of MAX Marketing, adding strategies for theatrical films and OTT films will also differ.

Siddharth Kadam, head of marketing at Dharma Productions, feels it is now a game of waiting and watching how things pan out in the next few months. “A couple of projects have been announced for Diwali and Christmas, we don’t know what happens next as the number of cases are going up. But yes, large-scale promotional activities are no longer possible. Health and safety are priorities,” he says.

While physical multi-city promotional tours seem a distant dream as of now, digital seems to be the way forward. “I won’t be surprised if we have a virtual meet-and-greet, that will be interesting. We will have to be very particular and won’t be able to go all out. The studio partners and marketers will have to sit down and figure out smart and innovative means of promotion,” says Jay Gotecha, who looks after marketing at Emmay Entertainment.

Another important aspect that film promotions will have to focus on is messaging, which will involve making the announcement that the film industry is back with a bang, to get audiences back to the theatres.

“If I am working on my trailer, of course we will speak about the film but we will also have to tell people that ‘Entertainment is back and come join us’. That is something all of us have missed and it is important to weave that into our communication,” Gotecha adds.

Another key aspect would be activities linked to the film, feels Gupta. While he admits that the movement of actors will get severely restricted, there will definitely be activities around a film which will help to promote it in different cities. “We will do a lot of things for Coolie No 1. While I might not take Varun Dhawan to Nagpur, for example, but I will still do something in the city which will move each and every person enough to go and watch the film in theatres,” he says, adding that it will be challenging yet exciting.

Nikita Deb (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 12, 2020)

While the original makers of Masakali (Delhi-6; 2009) have expressed their displeasure over its recent remake, Sachet Tandon, the voice behind the version, feels no one reacted negatively to the remake. “Even A R Rahman just tweeted a link to the original song. He didn’t really say anything negative about the remake,” says Tandon, adding, “I’m not sure if makers [of Masakali 2.0] took permission from the original makers of the song but it’s okay… Some people can like a song while others don’t (smiles). I’ve just sung the song, the makers will be better equipped to talk.”

While this is the first remix the singer has sung, Tandon believes it is time for the trend of remixes to die out. “Our young generation is craving original music, that’s the need of the hour. But having said that, the day listeners stop listening to remakes, makers will stop making them. The remake of Muqabla in Street Dancer 3D got around 300 million views in a couple of months. So, since audiences are liking remakes, they keep getting made,” says the singer who has sung original songs such as Bekhayali (Kabir Singh; 2019) and Dilbara (Pati Patni Aur Woh; 2019).

2020’S FIRST QUARTER SUFFERS A BIG DROP, AND NOT JUST DUE TO CORONAVIRUS!

A few years back, it was normal to not expect much from the business point view in Bollywood from the first three months of the year. Very few biggies used to release and it was said that a combination of reasons like cold wave, exams etc used to affect footfalls in cinemas. But things began to change from 2018. It saw a series of successful films like Padmaavat, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Raid, Hichki and Baaghi 2. Padmaavat even in fact collected a mind-boggling Rs. 282.28 crore at the box office, despite not releasing in 4 states. Baaghi 2 too exceeded expectations with a business of Rs. 160.74 crore. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety came with some hype but no one dreamed it’ll manage to cross the Rs. 100 crore mark.

The scenario got a bit better in 2019. It began with a bang with the blockbuster success of Uri. No one expected it to cross even Rs. 50 crore mark but it earned, believe it or not, Rs. 244 crore. Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi was not a hit but accumulated Rs. 90 crore. Total Dhamaal had a lot of negativity among media and so-called intellectuals but masses made it a Rs. 150 crore grosser. Other films like Gully Boy, Luka Chuppi, Badla and Kesari too exceled at the ticket window.

As for 2020, it also started on an encouraging note thanks to Tanhaji – The Unsung Warrior. It was not a success in some states but the business in Maharashtra especially was so legendary that it ended its business with Rs. 269.70 crore. The other upcoming films too seemed exciting but sadly none of them worked well at the box office. Street Dancer seemed like a sure-shot hit to many but its opening was shockingly poor and so was its overall business. Love Aaj Kal started off well but public response was terrible. It opened at Rs. 11.47 crore but its lifetime earnings didn’t even cross the Rs. 35 crore mark! Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship was Vicky Kaushal’s first film after Uri but its niche appeal and mixed word of mouth proved detrimental. Meanwhile, a lot was expected from Chhapaak and Panga. But these women-centric films proved to be flops.

By the time it was March, the Coronavirus scare began to increase day by day. Baaghi 3 had minimal impact of it initially but its opening got affected by lack of considerably hype and word of mouth. It ended it’s week one at Rs. 86.73 crore and it’s lifetime would have been around Rs. 115 crore. But sadly, cinema halls began to gradually shut from its 6th day of release. By the time it was its 11th day (March 17), cinema halls had shut across India. It’s collection stood at Rs. 92.31 crore and it’s said that it’s unlikely that it’ll re-release after normalcy.

Angrezi Medium was the unfortunate one as it released a day after Delhi government shut its theatres. On Day 2 of release, most centres of Maharashtra were closed down. Slowly, all other states also followed suit. It’s lifetime was a mere Rs. 9.06 crore. Despite Delhi shutdown and the fear, it had a decent opening of Rs. 4.03 crore. Hence, a Rs. 5 crore opening was possible if things were normal. Many missed watching it and it was hoped that it’ll resume its run once theatres open. A few days ago however, it arrived on digital platform Disney+ Hotstar. The inside news is that it the OTT giant handsomely paid the makers for its rights.

Meanwhile, a few films did well thankfully. Malang didn’t open well but had great response from public. It earned Rs. 57.96 crore. Saif Ali Khan-starrer Jawaani Jaaneman performed decently with Rs.24.58 crore. Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan was helped by Ayushmann Khurrana’s presence majorly though the gay theme kept people away. Thappad did very well considering its subject and collected Rs. 29.70 crore. It could have easily crossed the Rs. 35 crore mark if things were fine.

The total nett box office collections of all Bollywood films in 2018’s first quarter was Rs. 880 crore approx. In 2019’s first quarter, it jumped to Rs. 1041 crore approx. In 2020, it however came down at Rs. 735 crore approx. Had the highly awaited Sooryavanshi released on its scheduled date on March 24, then this figure could have crossed the Rs. 1000 crore mark.

As Internet usage increases due to work-from-home policy, binge-watching; providers increase bandwidth, OTT giants reduce bit rates
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 26, 2020)

If you've been working from home over the past few days, chances are you've made frantic calls to the customer care department of your Internet service provider to complain about the reduced speed. With a large part of the population adopting work-from-home policy and turning to Netflix or Amazon Prime to unwind due to Coronavirus outbreak, the Internet Service Providers (ISP) across the board have been struggling to keep up with the increased usage.

In the first step to reducing the bandwidth usage, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) wrote to OTT giants to forgo their HD option, last week. Netflix India, Amazon Prime and Hotstar, among others, promptly complied with the request. The official spokesperson of Amazon Prime states, "We are working with mobile and ISP to help mitigate network congestion. We've already begun the effort to reduce streaming bit rates."

However, that has brought little relief to the ISP as online traffic has risen substantially and the OTT players have kept the momentum going with relevant shows and new releases on offer. While The Test has been trending on Amazon Prime, there is also renewed interest in the 2011 movie, Contagion (right), which mirrors the current situation. Varun Dhawan's Street Dancer 3D, which failed to set the box office on fire, found many takers when it dropped online earlier this month. Similarly, Netflix has seen high viewer engagement in the case of She (left; above), Guilty and Pandemic: How To Prevent An Outbreak. A source from a streaming platform explains, "The time spent on an OTT platform has gone up by three hours on an average, globally."

With a drastic shift in consumer usage patterns, Internet providers will have to take adequate measures. "Each service provider will have to increase their bandwidth. But with networks offering special work-from-home plans, the pressure is only increasing."

The first quarter has seen a dull response with only TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR emerging a success and a huge one also. The film became the third biggest blockbuster of the last 20 years in Mumbai circuit with footfalls only behind BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION and GADAR - EK PREM KATHA.

The rest of the films did not work at all though BAAGHI 3 would have been a SEMI HIT/HIT film as it would have hit the 115 crore nett mark and maybe even crossed 120 crore nett for HIT status if it was not for the shutdown of theatres due to Coronavirus. The film could still make AVERAGE status if it get another 2.50 crore share when cinemas reopen.

The only two other films to avoid FLOP status were SHUBH MANGAL ZYADA SAAVDHAN and MALANG though the former under performed and the latter had far too high costs for the cast of the film. The classifications of the the major films released in the first quarter of 2020 are as follows. Only BAAGHI 3 may have a change depending on what happens when cinemas reopen.

All Time Blockbuster 
-

Super Blockbuster
-

Blockbuster
Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior (131 crore)

Super Hit
-

Hit
-

Semi Hit
-

Average
-

Below Average
Baaghi 3 (47.50 crore)
Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (26.50 crore)
Malang (26 crore)

FLOP
Street Dancer (32 crore)
Chhapaak (14.75 crore)
Bhoot: Part One – The Haunted Ship - (14 crore)
Thappad - (13.50 crore)
Jawaani Jaaneman - (13 crore)
Panga (8.75 crore)
Angrezi Medium (4.25 crore)
Shikara (3.25 crore)

Even as she attempts to prove herself as an actress, Nora Fatehi is gearing up for more songs after setting the stage on fire in Paris
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 16, 2020)

After kickstarting the year with Street Dancer 3D, alongside Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and Prabhudheva, Nora Fatehi will next be seen as a spy in Bhuj: The Pride of India, set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

She began shooting in January and learnt Mixed Martial Arts as a part of her prep for the action sequences. “I’ve picked up the basics, including how to kick, punch, pin someone down and even took gun training. It’s a performance-oriented role and is a great elevation in my career,” informs the actress who has come to be known for her hippy-hippy shake-shake chartbusters.

While Street Dancer 3D may not have worked commercially, Nora insists she got a lot out of that film. But after earning her stripes as a dancer, she now wants to establish herself as a performer. “Typecasting hinders the growth of an artiste. Talent and versatility will bloom when this idea of people doing just one thing disappears, but things are changing,” she says optimistically.

Last month, she performed at Paris’s Olympia, the concert venue of Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Janet Jackson, Madonna and Taylor Swift in the past. It was her first concert and she grooved to songs like “Dilbar”, “Saki Saki”, “Kamariya” and “Ek Toh Kum Zindagani”. “My team and I were working on it for six months. The Olympia will only permit you to perform there if you’re a saleable artiste. It was a sold-out show, with an audience from India, Middle East and Morocco. I also sang my singles, the English song 'Pepeta' and the Arabic version of 'Dilbar'. It’s something I’d love to do it in the future too,” she asserts.

Meanwhile, Nora is collaborating with an international artiste on her third single. “It’s an original English commercial pop song which will release this year. I’ve just got back from Morocco where I was putting the project together. I’m really excited,” she signs off.

Shraddha Kapoor on her co-star in next Baaghi film, her first project with Ranbir Kapoor and the future of Stree franchise
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 22, 2020)

After playing Siya to Tiger Shroff’s Ronnie in Baaghi, Shraddha Kapoor returns to the action franchise in its third installment four years later. While part one was helmed by Sabbir Khan, choreographer-turned-director Ahmed Khan stepped in for Baaghi 2 and 3. Having done a couple of songs with Ahmed in Part 1, Shraddha says he has a clear vision as a director, too, and describes Siya as an “outspoken and emotionally-driven character”.

This time, the Sajid Nadiadwala production has Tiger jumping to the rescue of his cop brother, Riteish Deshmukh, who is kidnapped by terror outfits in Syria. Ask her whether her air hostess character will get to do some action this time and the actress says, “Her profession is just one of the aspects of my character, not the focal point. Siya is a foul-mouthed, feisty girl. I had just finished the older portions of Chhichhore, which were pretty intense, so it was wonderful jumping straightaway into this fun space.” Is another film with director, Nitesh Tiwari, on the cards? “I’d work with him again in a heartbeat,” she smiles.

In March, Shraddha kicks off Luv Ranjan’s romcom alongside Ranbir Kapoor. Speculations are rife that the duo will be shooting at a music festival in Spain this summer. The actress, however, will not be drawn into divulging any details. “Let’s focus on Baaghi,” she says shortly, and goes on to rave about her co-star. “Tiger has good energy, super disciplined and the only actor who can do justice to a franchise like Baaghi because his action is one-of-a-kind. I’d love to do a quirky comedy with him some day—he has a humorous side which gets dark at times.”

Her recently-released dance film with Varun Dhawan, Street Dancer 3D, failed to hit the bullseye, but for Shraddha, the journey matters more than the destination. “I was super excited to be a part of Street Dancer and that will never change. Remo sir (D’Souza, director) has created a platform for dancers in India which goes beyond the box-office,” she asserts.

Going forward, Shraddha wishes to sign films which gives voice to certain social issues. “Cinema is a medium which can influence thought process, touch issues not being discussed. I’d love to be a part of this shift,” she exults. The 2017 horror comedy, Stree was a game-changer for the actress. The climax was a cliff-hanger and she was recently spotted outside producer Dinesh Vijan’s office. So, what’s happening with the sequel? Is another collaboration on the cards? “I just dropped in to say a ‘hi’ to Dinoo. We do meet for discussions outside films too,” she signs off.

After the lukewarm response to Street Dancer 3D, director Remo D'Souza takes time off from dance films; to helm actioner sans favourite actor Varun Dhawan
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; February 9, 2020)

During the promotional leg of Street Dancer 3D, reports suggested that director Remo D'Souza and his favourite actor Varun Dhawan will reunite for another dance film. The rumours have all but quietened down after the lukewarm response to the Republic Day release. The director-choreographer, on his part, insists that he has pencilled in on his next—an actioner.

Wonder if he has decided to steer away from the dance genre after having burnt his fingers with Street Dancer 3D, and he dismisses the suggestion. "My next is an action drama and it's completely different from Race 3 [his last actioner]. I had written a few scripts when I was [busy with my choreographing duties], including a dance film. But this is the one I want to make first; I may start shooting for it by April-May," says the director, before hinting, "I am in talks with a top actor for the same."

Does that mean he won't knock on the door of his frequent collaborator Dhawan? "I think he is busy with other projects. Varun [has his plate full with] three films, so my next won't star him, but you never know after that. The ABCD series has been lucky for all of us."

Not too long ago, it was speculated that D'Souza would helm Dance Daddy with Salman Khan. Soon after, there was buzz that he had pitched the idea to Dhawan. Quiz him on the developments, and he says, "These [reports that he is collaborating with Dhawan] are rumours. The script of Dance Daddy is with Salman sir. If he ever wants to make it, I will do it with him."

Nishad Neelambaran (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 30, 2020)

Choreographer-turned-director Remo D’souza feels Bollywood’s apathy to the dance genre is finally changing. “I feel there are a lot of changes now. After ABCD: Any Body Can Dance (2013), this genre has opened up and people are making these kind of movies,” says the director of the recently released Street Dancer 3D.

As a choreographer, Remo has films such as 36 China Town (2006), Singh Is Kinng (2008), London Dreams (2009) and Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011) to his credit, among others. And the 46-year-old feels “dance has changed big time in Bollywood”. “I think the transition happened about a decade ago when dance reality shows started. Now, we have every actor doing some amazing dance steps,” he says.

Katrina Kaif was initially roped in for Street Dancer 3D, but had to quit due to Bharat (2019). Remo says Shraddha Kapoor was the next choice. “Since Katrina had to opt out, we didn’t think of anyone else but Shraddha. In 15 minutes she came on board,” he shares.

Ask if it’s more comfortable to direct dance-themed films and Remo says, “It has more to do with the script. In F.A.L.T.U (2011), ABCD, ABCD 2 (2015) and Flying Jatt (2016), I was a part of the screenplay. The only movie I was not a part of writing was Race 3 (2018). It’s not like I wasn’t comfortable directing it. I am a little more comfortable with a script that I’m part of. I’m willing to direct different genres going ahead.”

Remo, who had directed the Salman Khan-starrer, feels “it wasn’t a failure”. “People used to talk about films being a hit, flop or a blockbuster. Now, the focus is on how much it made in its first weekend. As a director, I feel ₹180 crore is not a bad number. Baaki sab ki films ₹120-130 crore karti hai toh it’s a blockbuster, but people felt my film didn’t do well at the box office,” he observes.

And the director, who has a cheating and extortion case against him, claims it’s “false”. Told to hand over his passport to the police and not to travel abroad without the court’s nod, he says, “As far as my passport is concerned, my lawyers are taking care of it. Whatever the case is, it is false,” Remo adds.

Actor Varun Dhawan says for him, India will always represent a nation that is very warm, kind and loved
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2020)

Like millions of other kids, for Varun Dhawan, too, Republic Day always meant waking up early and sitting glued to the TV, watching the colourful parade. And that’s something which hasn’t changed at all. “Even now, I get up early on the Republic Day and watch the parade just as excitedly. That’s like a ritual in our house,” says the actor, who has just had a new film [Street Dancer 3D] release on Friday. As India celebrates its 71st Republic Day, we catch up with the actor for an exclusive photo shoot and interview. Excerpts:

What are your earliest memories of the Republic Day?
My earliest memories are of me waking up early and watching the parade on Doordarshan. I vividly remember how dad [film director David Dhawan] would explain things to me. Then, a big, special memory is from last year when I travelled to Wagah border on January 26 and performed a song for the jawans and about 10,000 other people. Just being able to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ at Wagah was amazing.

What, according to you, is the best thing about India being a republic?
I think India stands as a great example of being a flourishing republic. Over the years, we have functioned very well as a country for many years, while maintaining the love and harmony between people. Personally, I feel there are a lot of good things about our country, and it’s a great day to celebrate all those things.

You are a youth icon. What do you think India epitomises for the young people of the country?
For me, India will always be symbolic of warmth, kindness and love. The ethos of our nation — what our parents have always taught us — such as being nice to everyone, treating everyone as equal and not judging anyone on the basis of skin colour, culture or race, are amazing. These things have been instilled in me. So, I am always going to be like that. There is a very nice ‘humane factor’ in our country which I don’t think many countries have. If any country goes through a problem, India is one of the first nations to offer a helping hand, and I think, that is the greatness of our nation.

And are you a patriot?
Yes, absolutely, and I have been that way since childhood. And why not? It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling to love your country because eventually, we are what we are because of our nation; we are safe thanks to it. The idea of loving our country should be protected. We are all thankful and grateful to our jawans at the border for keeping us safe. But I feel, in a democracy, everyone should contribute. We can’t have the attitude that someone else will do a certain job for us. For instance, if you want the country to be clean, then you should ensure that you don’t litter, and you must also stop others from littering. Likewise, if you want less pollution, then go the car pool way, or ensure that your car emits no/less pollution. That way, everyone can make a difference in their own way by doing small things.

Two days before Republic Day, you had a film release. It must be a ‘doubly special’ feeling…
I just hope that people use this holiday and watch Street Dancer 3D with their families, especially since it’s a complete family film and also talks about what actually is ‘Indian-ness’ of India. Plus, of course, like a typical Bollywood entertainer, there’s a lot of fun and entertainment in the film. We Indians love to dance and celebrate, and what better than this occasion for a celebration. So, I feel that lots of people should come to theatres and celebrate with us (laughs).

What, according to you, is the essence of India that we all should be proud of?
For starters, I feel everyone should be very proud of being an Indian. Plus, we all should use our democratic right to vote, as that’s the most powerful way to make sure that your voice is heard. It’s not enough to just write your views on social media platforms. You must exercise your right of franchise. Another thing we all should vow to do is keep our country clean. That’s why a movement like Swachh Bharat mission, brought in by our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, is very important. I personally believe that a clean country will always be a happy country.

Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 25, 2020)

On a lazy winter afternoon, Shraddha Kapoor, in a no-makeup-look, curls up on a sofa and apologises for being approximately 15 minutes late. As she settles in and is asked about her earliest memories of her Street Dancer 3D co-star Varun Dhawan, Shraddha is overcome by nostalgia. “Varun and I were in rival schools. When you’re growing up, if you’re in one school and your friend is in another, your conversations are mostly about how your school is better. This has happened through our childhood,” she says.

“Varun has a very special place in my life and heart. I’ve grown up knowing him. He’s so down-to-earth,” she smiles. So what are her thoughts on the actor Varun? “He’s got a spark which makes the masses feel he belongs to them. It’s so amazing to watch him on the big screen,” she shares.

Shraddha says both ABCD 2 (2015) and Street Dancer 3D are “important” films for her. “ABCD 2 helped me fulfill another childhood dream, that of dancing on the big screen. Street Dancer 3D, and ABCD 2, required me to do professional-level dancing and explore dance styles that Remo (D’souza; choreographer-director) sir brought to India.”

Shraddha reveals she gets “a panic attack” every time she needs to pick up a choreography set. “Questions keep popping in my head – Will I be able to do it? Will it be a one-take shot? What should I wear? This is followed by my team calming me down. As you start rehearsing, you realise some steps are way more difficult than what they looked like. So you strengthen your body, chart a workout plan, set your diet, hydrate yourself and change your sleeping pattern,” she elaborates.

Rewinding to her childhood, she laughs, “I realised I love dancing from the moment I learnt to walk. My parents used to make my brother and I dance. They’d set up big cameras in a way we couldn’t see them. Then they used to play I Love You from Maha-Sangram (1990) and other songs of Sridevi and Madhuri (Dixit Nene). I used to be crazy about them. My parents knew if they played these songs, both of us would come before the mirror and start dancing.”

Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; January 24, 2020)

After dancing her way into people’s hearts, Canadian artiste Nora Fatehi is excited about her next outing — the Remo D’Souza directorial, Street Dancer 3D. In a quick chat with BT, she talks about her journey so far and more. Excerpts...

Street Dancer 3D also features Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor and the dancing legend, Prabhudheva. Recently, Varun had talked about how Prabhudheva, who is otherwise extremely quiet and calm, becomes a different person when he dances. Given your passion for dance, how was it working with him?
Well, I didn’t get to dance with him in the film, but I watched him when he was shooting for his scenes. It’s like dance gets his alter ego out. He is a quiet person, but the moment music starts, he goes all out. It’s phenomenal, he’s like Michael Jackson. Apparently, even he was quite shy when he wasn’t on stage, performing. That’s how great artistes are. Prabhudheva is an icon, I could see why he is who he is.

Over the years, you have become one of the most sought-after dancers in Bollywood. So, this film feels like an apt choice...
I am not a trained dancer, I am self-taught. So, it was intimidating to dance with some of the finest talents in this film. I freaked out initially, as it was challenging, both physically and mentally, to match up to them. It made me push my level of dancing. I play Varun’s girlfriend in the film, and my character is supportive and instrumental in his rise as a dancer.

You are a Canadian. How did you make a foray into Indian showbiz?
I was born and raised in Canada. I was always inclined towards dancing, but couldn’t afford a dance class or formal training. My family never encouraged arts as they wanted me to focus on academics and become a doctor. So, I had to teach myself. I would watch dance videos online — be it Bollywood songs, Turkish dancers, Beyoncé, Rihanna... I am extremely observant and that helped. I chose to pursue my career in Bollywood, as it’s the second biggest movie industry in the world and a place where I can dance and act. From doing five-minute dance numbers, I have moved on to acting in films and so, I am happy. It’s only getting bigger and better. Also, I don’t consider my performances as item numbers, they are dance numbers. I am proud of them, as they are performance-oriented.

According to you, who are the best dancers in Bollywood?
Hrithik Roshan is the best. Katrina Kaif is also good. However, my idols have always been Madhuri Dixit Nene and Helen ji.

Street Dancer is a timepass fare with loads of dance, music and visual effects to keep the interest going. The film keeps one hooked from start to finish despite almost being 2 ½ hours long, though one wishes it was a bit shorter and a song of two were done away with. But out of 10 songs in the film, most of them create an impact and look great on screen. The 3D adds a lot to the film, especially in the introduction sequence. A few dramatic and confrontational sequences are too good, especially in the second half. On the flipside, the film doesn’t really grow from the earlier two films. Some jokes don’t work as intended. Also, the dialogues are written by the talented Farhad Samji and could have been better. And the biggest problem with the film is that logic takes a backseat in the immigration track, which is like the base of the film. It’s shocking why the script was not tweaked a bit as that would have made it sensible. Talking of performances, Varun Dhawan is in top form. He’s apt for such roles and looks dashing. Shraddha Kapoor too gives her best and her entry scene is badass. The dance of both of them is great and one wishes their chemistry was explored a bit more. Nora Fatehi however has the best entry scene in the film. She manages to make her presence felt despite limited screen time. Prabhudheva is subtle initially but gets better. The ‘Muqabla’ track is the best part of the film (there’s a lot to the song than what’s shown till now). Aparshakti Khurana, Punit J Pathak, Salman Yusuff Khan, Dharmesh Yelonde, Raghav Juyal, Murli Sharma and Zarina Wahab also do well. All in all, Street Dancer makes for a nice one time watch and if you see it in cinemas, don’t miss it in 3D!

My rating - *** out of 5!

SECOND BIG CLASH OF THE YEAR IS HERE!

The Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior vs Chhapaak clash is done and the verdict is clear. The former has emerged as a blockbuster while the latter is a flop. The fight was never about which film will collect more. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior had more appeal and would have anyways been ahead in terms of earnings. But if Chhapaak had done well in the range of Rs. 50-60 crore, it would have still emerged as a winner.

Now, a similar clash will be seen tomorrow with Street Dancer and Panga. Again, the former is a biggie and a commercial entertainer. Panga meanwhile is niche but with solid potential. My analysis:

STREET DANCER: It is the same zone as ABCD – Any Body Can Dance and ABCD – Any Body Can Dance – 2. Both films were directed by Remo Dsouza, with the second part starring Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor. Street Dancer marks the comeback of all 3 together and is in the same zone. And what’s more, it’s in 3D just like the first two films. The trailer indicates that the makers have tried their best to ensure that the dance and madness goes one level up. There’s also a patriotism and India-Pakistan friendship element and can work, if it’s handled well. And of course, there’s also Nora Fatehi, whose presence also adds to the film. Songs have worked very well and have got huge number of views. It’s a small indication that audiences, especially youth, are really interested to see it.

Street Dancer, however, has some challenges to face. The buzz is there but not that high. Also, a section of viewers feel that it might be too similar to ABCD films. The use of so many remixes is also slammed especially songs like ‘Lahore’ whose original had come out just a couple of years back. Moreover, the super success of Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior means that some shows will be reserved for it. In fact, it’ll be strong in Week 3 as well and might eat into business of Street Dancer, especially if it’s response is not positive.

But thanks to massy and youth factor, Street Dancer will have a great opening, of more than Rs. 10 crore. It should go to Rs. 15 crore, and that’s crucial because ABCD – Any Body Can Dance – 2, 4 ½ years ago, opened at Rs. 14.28 crore. If Street Dancer opens below than this film, then it’ll be a slight loss of reputation. Yet, the makers shouldn’t worry if content clicks as it can cover lost ground from Saturday. Republic Day sadly falls on Sunday this year but that can also give a slight boost to the collections.

PANGA: It is directed by acclaimed director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, of Bareilly Ki Barfi and Nil Battey Sannata fame. The film stars Kangana Ranaut, Jassie Gill and Neena Gupta with Richa Chadha in a cameo, and tells the story of a mother returning back to the sport she once exceled in – Kabaddi. The trailer is great and it seemed the marketing and launching of songs will keep the hype going. Sadly, that didn’t happen. The music hasn’t worked at all. The makers now solely hope that Kangana Ranaut’s popularity and their content will get people to theatres in hordes, and that too in urban areas only as it has no chances in B and C centres. Moreover, it has competition from Street Dancer and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior.

Kangana Ranaut’s last films like Judgementall Hai Kya and Simran opened at Rs. 4.54 crore and Rs. 2.43 crore respectively (We are not counting Manikarnina – The Queen Of Jhansi as that film was more mainstream, unlike Panga). Panga will have an opening which will be somewhere in between the day 1 of these films. It should be around Rs. 2.50-3.50 crore range with a slight chance of reaching the Rs. 4 crore mark. If reports are positive, then the film can score big time and collections can even be double of Friday. And then once Monday collections are more than Friday, then the film is a winner and is accepted. This of course will happen if people love it. If reports are negative or if the film, like Chhapaak, is too dry, then it’ll have a very tough time.

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