Showing posts with label Uunchai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uunchai. Show all posts
Led by Aattam, South Indian cinema walks away with top honours at National Awards
9:10 AM
Best Director Award For Barjatya Marks Bollywood’s Presence
Manash Gohain (THE TIMES OF INDIA; August 17, 2024)
New Delhi: Southern cinema grabbed centerstage winning a clutch of major awards in the 70th National Film Awards. The best feature film award went to the Malayalam movie “Aattam: The Play”, while Rishabh Shetty received the best actor award for the Kannada hit “Kantara.” Best actress prize was shared by Nithya Menen for the Tamil film “Thiruchitrambalam” and Manasi Parekh for the Gujarati movie “Kutch Express”.
Sooraj R Barjatya (Hum Aapke Hain Koun) seized the best director award for “Uunchai”, marking Bollywood’s presence among the top categories. Nina Gupta received the best supporting award for the same film while Pavan Malhotra, known for his riveting performances in films such as Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro and Bagh Bahadur, earned the supporting actor award for Haryanvi film, Fouja.
The jury members presented the list of winners for 2022 to Union I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday.
Malayalam cinema led the charge, winning eight awards, including for best child actor, best screenplay, and best editing. Overall, 20 south Indian films bagged awards a cross various categories in the feature film segment. In the feature film category, out of the 24 awards, excluding the sub-category of best feature film in each language, 20 awards were shared by Malayalam, Haryanvi, Kannada, Gujarati, Tamil, and Bengali movies. Only six awards were bagged by three Hindi films, with two being shared with other regional language movies.
“Fouja” won two other awards: best debut film by a director for Pramod Kumar and best lyrics by Naushad Sadar Khan.
The award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment also went to a non-Bollywood film, the Kannada blockbuster “Kantara”, which explores the intricate connection between humanity and nature through its folklore-based storytelling. Rishabh Shetty played the dual roles of a father and son in this film.
The top honour, the best feature film “Aattam: The Play”, directed by Anand Ekarshi, revolves around a theatre troupe and the changing dynamics after its only woman member alleges she has been groped by one of the men.
The best female playback singer award went to Padma Shri awardee “Bombay” Jayashri Ramnath, a champion of Indian Carnatic music, for the track “Chaayum Veyil” from the Malayalam film “Saudi Vellaka CC 225/2009” (Saudi Baby Coconut CC.225/2009), which also won the best Malayalam film award.
A R Rahman won the National Film Award for best music director (background music) for his work in Mani Ratnam's ‘Ponniyin Selvan-Part 1’, which was also named the best Tamil film. Pritam got the award for best music director (songs) for ‘Brahmastra-Part 1’.
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Rishabh Suri, Mugdha Kapoor, Soumya Vajpayee, Yashika Mathur, Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 17, 2024)
I was not expecting it: Manoj
It’s Manoj Bajpayee’s fourth National Award and this time it’s a Special Mention for the actor for the film Gulmohar (2023). We break the news to him, and he exclaims, “Wow! Best Hindi film too! I must call my director (Rahul V Chittella) right away. I was not even expecting an honour. He is deserving of it, as he made such a beautiful film.” Bajpayee feels grateful that his work is getting recognised now: “There have been performances and films that went unrecognised.”
I am still processing it: Manas
Manasi Parekh, who bagged the Best Actress award for Kutch Express (2023), says, “I am shooting for my new film, and got a message from (actor-filmmaker) Anand Tiwari: ‘Congratulations on the National Award’. I exclaimed, ‘What!’ I am still processing it, I can’t believe it.” The actor looks at the award as a vindication for her hard work: “I love what I do. What makes this win sweeter is that my husband and I produced Kutch Express. I want to do the best work and make the best of films.”
Kantara is a tribute to our land: Rishab Shetty
Rishab Shetty, who won Best Actor for Kantara (2022), with the film also winning the Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award, tells us exclusively, “The win feels overwhelming. I wanted to bring authenticity and a raw portrayal of our heritage. The film is a tribute to our land and the deep-rooted stories that have been part of our cultural fabric for many years, true to the essence of the Kannada culture. I’m thankful to the Daiva for their divine blessings and dedicate this award to the Daiva Nartakas.”
This feels so special: Pritam
Pritam Chakraborty, who won the Best Music Director award for Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), says, “This feels so special. I am really grateful to the jury. I want to thank the makers and everyone who was associated with the movie for their support and trust in me. But, most importantly, a big thank you to the audience for their love to our music.”
’This is such an auspicious day’
“I didn’t know that the National Awards were going to be announced today!” says director Chandoo Mondeti, whose film Karthikeya 2 won the National Award in the Best Telugu film category. Mondeti also tells us how he heard of the win after a friend called to congratulate him. “It is such a happy day for us. Karthikeya 2 is a very special film. This is such an auspicious day,” the filmmaker beams, adding that celebrations will follow right away: “It is such great news for me and everyone associated with the film.” This is Mondeti’s first ever National Award.
Like a pat on the back, says Pavan Raj Malhotra
Actor Pavan Raj Malhotra, who won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in the Haryanvi film Fouja, says, “This is my second award, and it feels really good. I remember the first time around, there used to be a rehearsal before the main ceremony without the President and I was wondering how to greet him. Suddenly, I uttered the words ‘Jai Hind’ and it was perfect. This kind of recognition is what every artiste works for. It’s like a pat on the back and as far as I know, these awards are not manipulated. Fouja is actually close to my heart as it is about the desire to join the army; it is a great honour to be a part of the Indian Army. I don’t know how much of an impact this might have, but I have been working for 40 years now. If you keep working and doing what you like, these awards just make you feel appreciated.”
When I was writing a film for Salman Khan, a voice inside me told me to make Uunchai-Sooraj Barjatya
9:00 AM
With Uunchai winning two National Awards, Sooraj Barjatya and Neena Gupta share their humble reactions to the recognition
Priyanka Sharma, Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 18, 2024)
Thirty years ago, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya and actor Neena Gupta received their first National Award honours for Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Woh Chokri (1994), respectively. On Friday, they received their second National Award, this time for Uunchai (2022)—a film they collaborated on. The relationship drama earned Barjatya the Best Director honour, while Gupta won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 70th National Awards.
The award is particularly special for Barjatya as Uunchai marked his comeback after a seven-year gap. “When I was writing a film for Salman Khan, a voice inside me told me to make Uunchai. I felt it was time to offer movies that [come] from my soul rather than trying to make what sells. Uunchai is the most layered film that I have made. In my films, I usually take up happy moments of life and create a happy [movie] around it. This is the first time that I had a clear story with such strong and layered characters,” he says of the film, which also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Parineeti Chopra, and Sarika. Barjatya recalls a journalist once telling him that stories of friendship are usually made with youngsters but rarely with older people.
Gupta, who has had an eventful career since 1982, has starred in several unconventional films. She began her second innings in cinema with Amit Sharma’s Badhaai Ho (2018), which catapulted her back into the limelight.
“Uunchai was not just a story of four people. It touched on so many truths and had several layers. [My character] is visiting her daughter’s house for her birthday, but she doesn’t want the mother to be in the presence of her friends. This happens a lot in life,” says the actor. Gupta’s evolution also defies the ageist norms in the industry, which often regards women as dispensable after a certain age. Despite her achievements, the actor remains humble.
She shares, “I feel I should look at myself through other people’s eyes, but I can’t. I believe that if I keep working, I will be rewarded one day. The National Award is a big reward for my work, but that doesn’t get people to queue up to work with me. However, it does earn me a lot of respect.”
Winning the award, Barjatya feels not only humbled but also excited for the next chapter of his career. “When Hum Aapke Hain Koun won the National Award for [Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment], the rush and happiness I felt as a young director was crazy. Today, there is a sense of gratitude and calmness. It’s a great honour to be chosen among the best [filmmakers] of our country. It unites our industry because it is a celebration of films made in every language. I feel I have truly climbed Mount Everest today. This immense recognition belongs to my entire team of senior actors and technicians, who braved the pandemic and shot at unheard locations with me. After 35 years, I still feel that I’m not done yet. There are so many more stories to tell,” he smiles.
After watching Uunchai, I told my family that I am definitely climbing the Everest base camp-J D Majethia
8:25 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 18, 2023)
Actor-producer J D Majethia ticked off an item from his bucket list as he climbed the Everest Base Camp recently. Currently in Kathmandu (Nepal), the 54-year-old took to Instagram to share videos from his 11-day trek. He tells us that it was actor Amitabh Bachchan’s 2022 release, Uunchai, which inspired him. “I watched the movie with my daughter. I told her and my family that I’m definitely going for this,” says the Khichdi actor.
He continues, “We only live once. This journey introduced me to a new J D. One must challenge themselves at every step.”
To prepare for the climb, the actor’s trainer asked him to strengthen himself, physically. “For one month, I climbed 17 floors of my (residential) building. Since my office is on the seventh floor, I would take the steps to get there too,” he shares, adding that he faced a health-related situation before leaving, but he never told his family about it: “Had I told them, they wouldn’t have let me leave.”
On his way to the Kala Patthar, Majethia’s health deteriorated. “You get acute mountain sickness. But I didn’t take any pills. I was certain that I’d pass through it. One morning, mera blood loss hua stool mein, so I got scared. If there is blood loss due to an injury, you aren’t much worried, but when it is internal bleeding, you are clueless,” he says.
Calling it a “cathartic” experience, Majethia adds, “It gave me a lot of satisfaction.”
Badhaai Ho: Character actors turn leading lights of Hindi cinema
8:31 AM
Mature actors playing central roles in movies and web series and raking in big bucks amid transformation in cinema, plots and audience taste
Shephali Bhatt (THE ECONOMIC TIMES; April 10, 2023)
Mumbai: Gajraj Rao is in disbelief. The 50-something actor of Badhaai Ho (2018) fame is finally getting to play leading roles of his liking in films and web series after spending three decades in the industry. What’s more, he’s able to charge a fee on his own terms, with negligible resistance from producers of the Hindi film industry, the largest in the country by audience size – over 520 million.
“A decade ago, if someone told me they had written a role for me, I would have thought they were mocking me,” said Rao, who is also an ad film director. Today, he has headlined movies like Thai Massage (2022), which reportedly trended on Netflix India in the first spot during the second week of January this year. “I was emailed the entire script of Bholaa (2023) even though I had only a guest appearance in the recently released movie. Earlier, people only sent the pages that carried my scene,” the actor said.
For someone who admits to having spent 25 of his 30 years in cinema doing minor roles for little-to-no money, these changes are rather significant. “I never thought I’d get to see days like these,” he said.
Senior character actors such as Rao, who had been relegated to the supporting cast for most of their careers, are having their moment in the spotlight — well into their 40s and 50s. The likes of Neena Gupta, Shefali Shah, Pankaj Tripathi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sanjay Mishra and Manoj Bajpayee are playing central roles in movies and web series, the preserve of younger artistes thus far. Further, most of these mature actors are charging 10 times the fee they were able to command less than five years ago.
“There’s been an exponential change in their fee structure, with many of these senior actors’ pay going from Rs 25-30 lakh to Rs 1-4 crores per project within the last four to five years,” said a producer closely associated with movies and shows featuring senior character actors in lead roles.
To put it in perspective, “their current fee is commensurate with what most mid to top-tier female lead actors are making,” said a celebrity manager who prefers not to be named.
A middle-aged character actor was offered Rs 2 crores for playing the lead in a web series, said a producer in the know, on the condition of anonymity. “When the show gained popularity, the actor is known to have charged Rs 15 crores for the second season,” the person said. “He may get up to Rs 35 crores if the platform renews the show for a third season.”
The last figure is comparable to what one popular lead male actor in his early 30s is charging after delivering one of the biggest box office hits (in Hindi) of 2022, added the producer quoted above.
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Senior character actors took centre stage in movies for a brief period in the aughts as well, said trade analyst Atul Mohan — Anupam Kher and Boman Irani starred in Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006), Vinay Pathak in Bheja Fry (2007) and Dasvidaniya (2008), and Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah in A Wednesday! (2008). “But it did not become a regular practice as the box office was still star driven,” Mohan said.
A decade later, that changed with the advent of over-the-top (OTT) content platforms. “So, even a story like Uunchai (2022) that is centred around the senior demographic — featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Boman Irani — turned profitable for the makers despite faring average at the box office because it made good money from ancillary sales, that is, platform licensing rights,” Mohan said.
The proliferation of streaming platforms has de-homogenized the audience and reduced the box office pressure that had turned “filmmaking into gambling, where you only want to bet on the winning horse,” Rao said.
Initially, Badhaai Ho — the story of a middle-aged couple getting pregnant and dealing with the consequent disapproval of a conservative society — was “supposed to be told from the parents’ point of view,” recalled Priti Shahani, founder of Tusk Tale Films, who was heading Junglee Pictures (one of the producers of the movie) at the time.
“It was rewritten from the point of view of the son because otherwise, casting the parents was becoming a challenge,” she said. “Once Ayushmann Khurrana was locked in for the son’s part, it gave us the freedom to cast the parents.”
But then the audience started noticing and appreciating the characters of Rao and Gupta in Badhaai Ho , or that of Tripathi in Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) who then went on to play central roles in web series like Mirzapur and Criminal Justice, and Ahlawat in Raazi (2018), who headlined web series Paatal Lok. “Since OTT platforms do not have the theatrical pressure but do need recognizable talent to drive not only subscriptions but also engagement, these actors started getting the weightage they had been missing all this while,” said Shahani.
[Disclaimer: Junglee Pictures is the movie studio division of The Times of India Group, which also publishes The Economic Times. Bareilly Ki Barfi and Raazi were also co-produced by this division.]
Pooja Kohli Taneja, managing director at FilmKaravan, cannot be happier about this shift. “As a producer, I have also faced the pressure of recovering money at the box office,” said the executive producer of the international Emmy Award-winning web series, Delhi Crime. “If I had a dollar for every time someone suggested I get an A-list actress to play the cop… But with platforms, you work within a budget instead of worrying about the theatrical collection.”
When 30 or 40 years later, people will say, ‘Cinema before The Kashmir Files and after The Kashmir Files’-Anupam Kher
8:38 AM
Anupam Kher on 2022, ‘the most successful year’ of his career
Monika Rawal Kukreja (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 27, 2022)
Having spent almost four decades in the film industry, with 532 films to his credit, actor Anupam Kher’s body of work speaks volumes. Unstoppable at 67, he continues to reinvent himself and 2022 proved to be a game changer for him, with three hits — The Kashmir Files, Karthikeya 2 and Uunchai. He feels glad that these films allowed him to present Anupam Kher 2.0 version to his fans. As 2022 nears the end, the actor talks about “the most successful year” of his career. Excerpts:
At a time when most Hindi films didn’t do well, you had a great year. How does it feel?
It’s been an amazing year with the success of the unconventional films I did, and that makes it more joyous, as they weren’t typical films. I am not looking down upon regular Hindi films, but to get success with The Kashmir Files, Karthikeya 2 and Uunchai, is a delightful feeling. Though I feel I’ve survived for 38 years because of the kind of actor I am and the roles I’ve done, this year proves that box office is now a bigger barometer than acting and performance.
Though each film must have been instrumental in your career, The Kashmir Files would be extra special, also because it took you back to your roots. Isn’t it?
The Kashmir Files is a turning point in Indian cinema. When 30 or 40 years later, we’ll talk about Indian cinema and its growth, people will say, ‘Cinema before The Kashmir Files and after The Kashmir Files’. As a film, it’s cinematic brilliance, something India should be proud of. Also, the subject of exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is close to my heart. We’ve been talking about this for the last 32 years, but people weren’t believing it. The film made people realise the truth. Also, besides its heart-touching story, people also embraced the film because of the guilt.
Despite being made on a low budget, it turned out to be one of the most profitable films of 2022. Is it all because of the audience?
Audiences have always been intelligent. We only underestimate them due to our insecurities. A good film either does well commercially or becomes cult after a few years. With all the propaganda and opposition, the film collected more than Rs. 75 crore overseas.
You also did a Telugu film, Karthikeya 2, which got rave reviews. How was working on the project like?
I only have two scenes in the film, but I liked the concept. Interestingly, just before I was to give my first shot, I asked the director (Chandoo Mondeti), ‘What if I say the lines as a blind man?’ It was a last-minute thing, but he was kind enough, and that worked. When I watched the film in the theatre, I couldn’t hear any dialogue, as people were whistling, screaming and shouting. Every dialogue was getting so much applause. It was fascinating.
Uunchai also got positive reviews. At this stage of your career, how important was the film? And do you think it would have worked if it released 15 years ago?
This film would have worked any day. Also, my personal philosophy of life matched the philosophy of the film, which is: Life starts at 60 and all of us have a Mount Everest in our hearts and we need to conquer that. The movie was endearing because we had all gone through so much in the last two years [of the pandemic], and we were all trying to find our strength, hope, compassion and dreams. Uunchai gave us that.
What is in store for 2023?
My upcoming releases are IB 71, Kaagaz 2, The Signature and Emergency. These are very fascinating and different kind of films. 2022 was a great year because these non-clichéd films worked. Next year, I may not have this kinds of success, but life is beautiful.
Multiplexes gear up for a blockbuster second half of FY23 after a muted first half
8:08 AM
Rajesh Naidu (ECONOMIC TIMES; December 8, 2022)
ET Intelligence Group: The business outlook for the multiplex companies has turned favourable over the past month following a slew of box office hits including Kantara, Drishyam 2, Uunchai, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Rating agency ICRA in a recent report has revised its business outlook for the exhibition sector to 'Stable' from 'Negative'.
Several factors have played in favour of the sector. First, the increase in the number of weeks to eight from earlier four weeks for which films should be exhibited at theatres before releasing on streaming platforms was a timely move. The cumulative box office collection of Hindi films released in November 2022 was Rs 293 crore compared with Rs 286 crore in September and Rs 211 crore in October.
The other factor is a recovery in the in-cinema advertising, which has a higher profit margin. Third, increase in prices of food items in tandem with inflation and expansion in the food menu also boosted revenue of multiplexes.
Given these factors, ICRA expects multiplexes to improve profitability. It estimates that multiplex companies will record 16-18% margins in the second half of FY23 compared with 12-13% in the first half. For FY23, margins are expected to be between 14 and 16%.
A strong line-up of releases in the second half of FY23 offers hope. Star studded films such as Cirkus, A Man Called Otto, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Adipurush and Pathan are expected to draw viewers to theatres.
For FY23, ICRA estimates that the multiplex industry's revenues will exceed pre-pandemic revenue in FY20 by 6-8% driven by 10-15% higher average ticket prices and 30-35% growth spend per person.
In the past month, stocks of PVR and Inox Leisure have gained 4.2% and 6.9% compared with 2.7% gain in the benchmark Nifty 50 index. After incurring losses for two consecutive fiscals, analysts estimate that multiplexes will turn profitable in FY23. For FY24, analysts estimate that earnings per share (EPS) of PVR and Inox Leisure may jump two-three times.
Salman Khan is easily the most family oriented person I know-Sooraj Barjatya
8:53 AM
Weeks after Khan announced their next, Barjatya on how superstar enjoys playing mellow characters in his family dramas despite his bad-boy image
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 26, 2022)
Two things are constant in Sooraj Barjatya movies — family values, and Salman Khan aka Prem. His last directorial venture Uunchai, however, did not feature his favourite character. At the film’s premiere earlier this month, much to the delight of fans, Khan announced that he would reprise his much-loved character Prem in Barjatya’s next. “I will begin working on the script after my son Avnish’s directorial debut is [wrapped up],” begins the filmmaker.
Barjatya is arguably the only one who brings Khan’s mellow side to the screen. In his universe, the superstar’s Prem is an obedient, soft-spoken and family-loving man — a persona that is at odds with the actor’s controversial, bad-boy image off screen.
“Simplicity and goodness are [qualities] I would connect with Salman. He keeps telling me, ‘Sooraj babu, bahar toh main sab roles karta hoon. Yahan wohi karte hai, jo humne pehle kiya hai.’ With me, he wants to do films that reflect simple lives where you sit with family and friends, and chat. Salman is easily the most family-oriented person I know.”
Over the past four decades, the two have given us many family dramas — from Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) to Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), from Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999) to Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). Their next will be a family entertainer with a difference, promises the director, agreeing that there has been a shift in his perspective since Uunchai.
“I have made only seven films so far. Now, it’s time to offer movies that [come] from my soul, rather than trying to make what sells.”
Interestingly, Barjatya, in the capacity of a friend, had bounced Uunchai’s idea off Khan. “Salman said he’d put on some weight, and play the role. [But] I told him that with him, comes his image. Everyone knows that he is so fit, he can climb Mount Everest [easily]. I wanted older actors for the film. With Salman, it has never been that we cannot work with other people. It’s all about wishing well for each other.”
I have started respecting writers much more after working with Amitabh Bachchan-Sooraj Barjatya
2:43 PM
With Uunchai marking his first collaboration with Bachchan, Barjatya on how shooting with the megastar has been a rich learning experience
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 12, 2022)
When two stalwarts join forces, it’s bound to generate much interest. Uunchai marks the maiden collaboration of Amitabh Bachchan and filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya For the director, the friendship drama is a departure from his previous offerings that have been “moment-oriented”. “I pick up happy moments in life and create happy surroundings around them. This is the first time I had a clear story and layered characters,” he reflects.
Uunchai — which has a stellar cast, comprising Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Neena Gupta, Sarika, Danny Denzongpa and Parineeti Chopra — revolves around three sexagenarians who trek to the Himalayas to fulfil their friend’s dying wish. Bachchan was the first to come on board.
“Bachchan sir was the first name that came to my mind because he is the epitome of courage. I approached him in 2020. I sent him the script, and then we had a narration over Zoom. It’s not easy to narrate to him because he listens attentively. After the narration, he said, ‘I liked your thought that we all have our personal Everest to climb. Who else is working with us?’ As soon as he said that, my day was made, as it meant he was on board.”
Working with the senior actors was a learning experience for Barjatya. “We used to have 9 am to 6 pm shifts, but there have been days when we packed up at 11.30 am as all the actors were punctual and knew their lines by heart. I will cherish the hours spent with Bachchan sir in his vanity van because he taught me about life, poetry, and filmmaking. The one thing that stands out about him is his respect for writers. I have started respecting writers much more after working with him.”
They say an artiste is never bigger than the film. The senior actors believed in the maxim, putting Uunchai above all else. The director cites an example. “It is their confidence as an actor that doesn’t allow them to [invade] a co-actor’s space. There was an important scene where Bachchan sir had to deliver some lines. A day before the shoot, I told him that I would like to give these lines to Anupam ji and Boman sir. He agreed, stating that it made more sense. In that entire scene, he has only one dialogue: Chalo.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: UUNCHAI by FENIL SETA
5:16 PM
Uunchai, directed by the legendary filmmaker Sooraj R Barjatya, is a story of three old-aged friends who head to the Everest Base Camp, for the sake of their dead friend. Being a Rajshri film, Uunchai is filled with emotional moments and sweet and simple fun. The Nepal trek scenes are beautifully shot and it’s great to see Sooraj R Bajartya going out of his comfort zone and not making a typical film about a family. At the same time, he executes the film in an old-school style. Besides the principal track, there’s a lot that happens in the film and it gives viewers a wholesome, cinematic experience. The intermission point is too funny while the climax is exhilarating. Sadly, the film is too long (run time: 169 minutes). The music is poor while the long length and slow pace hamper the impact. Speaking of performances, Amitabh Bachchan is in top form as expected. Anupam Kher delivers yet another fine performance after The Kashmir Files. Boman Irani is dependable as always. Neena Gupta is adorable while Parineeti Chopra puts up an impressive act. Sarika has a crucial part and does well. Danny Dezongpa gives a fine performance while Nafisa Ali Sodhi is decent in a cameo. Sheen Dass (Heeba), Abhishek Pathania (Valli) and Raju Kher (Guddu bhaiyya) are okay. All in all, Uunchai deserves to be seen for the wonderful cinematic experience it provides. Despite its minuses, hats off to Sooraj R Barjatya for going ahead with its conviction and making a film he believes in, without falling prey to corporate demands. Here’s hoping the audiences give this film a chance in cinemas and that it emerges as a surprise success.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 751
10:47 AM
MARVEL FILM AND AMITABH BACHCHAN-STARRER TO DOMINATE BOX OFFICE THIS WEEK
As expected, the three releases of last week – Phone Bhoot, Mili and Double XL – failed at the box office. Now, all eyes are on the next three weeks of November as it is expected that the collections will improve since some very promising films are up for release. Here’s an analysis of the films releasing tomorrow, that is, November 11.
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER: It is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has a huge following all over the world, including in India. There’s a curiosity to see the film as the one who played Black Panther till now, Chadwick Boseman, is no more and the film is going to play on this factor. This is the second Black Panther film; the first part was released in 2018 and opened at just Rs. 5.25 crores. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, however, can open in the range of Rs. 10-14 crores. If the word of mouth is positive, it can grow over the weekend and then sustain on the weekdays. However, if India reaches the T20 World Cup final, the Sunday collections will be affected though it might also mean that on Saturday, the collections will be better as viewers will watch the film on the second day instead of the third.
A double digit opening will be good news for the industry since films nowadays are struggling to open well. For the Marvel brand, however, this can be a little worrying since the first-day collections are dropping with each film. Spider-Man: No Way Home opened at a huge Rs. 32.75 crores. The next film, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, also had a great opening at Rs. 28 crores. The last Marvel film, Thor: Love And Thunder, opened at Rs. 18.25 crores. And now Black Panther will open at less than Rs. 15 crores, as per the estimates. One might reason that Black Panther is not that popular among moviegoers and hence, it’ll take such an opening. But then, even Doctor Strange wasn’t that popular ever but it got the goodwill of Spider-Man’s super-success. Nevertheless, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever makers don’t have much to worry about, especially since the reports from the West are very positive.
UUNCHAI: It is directed by blockbuster director Sooraj Barjatya, who’s known for making films about families. This time, however, he has made a film which celebrates friendship. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani and Danny Denzongpa along with Neena Gupta and Sarika. The trailers and songs have generated minimal hype. The makers have gone for a very tight release, in less than 500 screens, and are hoping to increase prints once the demand rises. It’ll open in the range of Rs. 1-2 crores.
ROCKET GANG: It marks the directorial debut of choreographer Bosco Martis. It stars Aditya Seal and Nikita Dutta and is a unique horror-comedy-dance film. However, the hype is negligible and it’ll have a poor opening.
THAI MASSAGE: It stars Gajraj Rao and Divyenndu and is produced by Imtiaz Ali. Again, the awareness is low and it seems that the makers have shown too much in the trailers. Just like Rocket Gang, Thai Massage will also have an opening of less than Rs. 30 lakhs.
YASHODA: It stars Samantha and is originally a Tamil film. The dubbed Hindi version will get a limited release. Many are not even aware of this film. But the trailer is promising and if the word of mouth is positive, it can surprise like many South films have this year.
As expected, the three releases of last week – Phone Bhoot, Mili and Double XL – failed at the box office. Now, all eyes are on the next three weeks of November as it is expected that the collections will improve since some very promising films are up for release. Here’s an analysis of the films releasing tomorrow, that is, November 11.
BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER: It is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has a huge following all over the world, including in India. There’s a curiosity to see the film as the one who played Black Panther till now, Chadwick Boseman, is no more and the film is going to play on this factor. This is the second Black Panther film; the first part was released in 2018 and opened at just Rs. 5.25 crores. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, however, can open in the range of Rs. 10-14 crores. If the word of mouth is positive, it can grow over the weekend and then sustain on the weekdays. However, if India reaches the T20 World Cup final, the Sunday collections will be affected though it might also mean that on Saturday, the collections will be better as viewers will watch the film on the second day instead of the third.
A double digit opening will be good news for the industry since films nowadays are struggling to open well. For the Marvel brand, however, this can be a little worrying since the first-day collections are dropping with each film. Spider-Man: No Way Home opened at a huge Rs. 32.75 crores. The next film, Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, also had a great opening at Rs. 28 crores. The last Marvel film, Thor: Love And Thunder, opened at Rs. 18.25 crores. And now Black Panther will open at less than Rs. 15 crores, as per the estimates. One might reason that Black Panther is not that popular among moviegoers and hence, it’ll take such an opening. But then, even Doctor Strange wasn’t that popular ever but it got the goodwill of Spider-Man’s super-success. Nevertheless, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever makers don’t have much to worry about, especially since the reports from the West are very positive.
UUNCHAI: It is directed by blockbuster director Sooraj Barjatya, who’s known for making films about families. This time, however, he has made a film which celebrates friendship. It stars Amitabh Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani and Danny Denzongpa along with Neena Gupta and Sarika. The trailers and songs have generated minimal hype. The makers have gone for a very tight release, in less than 500 screens, and are hoping to increase prints once the demand rises. It’ll open in the range of Rs. 1-2 crores.
ROCKET GANG: It marks the directorial debut of choreographer Bosco Martis. It stars Aditya Seal and Nikita Dutta and is a unique horror-comedy-dance film. However, the hype is negligible and it’ll have a poor opening.
THAI MASSAGE: It stars Gajraj Rao and Divyenndu and is produced by Imtiaz Ali. Again, the awareness is low and it seems that the makers have shown too much in the trailers. Just like Rocket Gang, Thai Massage will also have an opening of less than Rs. 30 lakhs.
YASHODA: It stars Samantha and is originally a Tamil film. The dubbed Hindi version will get a limited release. Many are not even aware of this film. But the trailer is promising and if the word of mouth is positive, it can surprise like many South films have this year.
Even though Ayushmann Khurrana is younger than me, his choices inspire me-Gajraj Rao
8:14 AM
Even as he refutes talk that erectile dysfunction drama Thai Massage is similar to Khurrana’s Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Gajraj applauds actor’s selection of scripts
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; November 9, 2022)
The past few years have marked a turnaround for Gajraj Rao, as he was a part of fascinating offerings, including Badhaai Ho (2018) and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020). In his upcoming movie Thai Massage, the senior actor plays 70-year-old Atmaram Dubey, who suffers from erectile dysfunction. The theme might be strikingly similar to that of Ayushmann Khurrana-led Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017), but Rao insists the commonalities end there.
“Atmaram has led most of his life for others. There comes a time when he feels lonely and [wants to explore his] desires,” he says. The story follows the protagonist as he shares his dilemma with Santulan Kumar, essayed by Divyenndu.
Handling the delicate subject is no cakewalk. The senior actor says director Mangesh Hadawale’s sensitivity shines through in the film’s treatment. “If you’ve seen Mangesh’s Marathi film, Tingya (2008), you will know his sensibilities are right. There is nothing cheap in our narrative.”
The Imtiaz Ali-produced film will lock horns with Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani and Neena Gupta-starrer Uunchai. Interestingly, both films focus on the joys and sorrows of old age. “I hope the audiences appreciate both films,” smiles Rao.
It’s evident that he is enjoying the current phase, picking and choosing from the novel stories that are being told. In some ways, he says that Badhaai Ho co-star Khurrana’s choices influence him.
“Ayushmann could have it easy, opting for the routine commercial fare. But he takes risks with newer subjects, knowing that perhaps four or five out of the 10 films may not achieve commercial success. Even though he is younger than me, his choices inspire me.”
When Sooraj Barjatya narrated the script, I wasn’t even listening as I was honoured that he had a role for me-Neena Gupta
8:33 AM
Neena Gupta, who plays a key role in Amitabh Bachchan-led Uunchai, feels ‘honoured’ to be a part of Sooraj Barjatya’s on-screen world
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; November 8, 2022)
Most actors will tell you that working with Sooraj Barjatya ranks high on their wish-list. Neena Gupta is no exception. Four decades and countless films later, the senior actor has manifested her long-standing wish. To her, Uunchai is a personal milestone rather than a professional one. “When Sooraj narrated the script, I probably wasn’t even listening because I was so honoured that he had a role for me. I couldn’t believe it was happening,” beams Gupta.
She joins Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Danny Denzongpa, Sarika and Parineeti Chopra in the drama that is centred on three sexagenarians who trek to the Himalayas to fulfil their friend’s dying wish. Gupta believes that through the movie, Barjatya beautifully depicts that friendship is among the most unconditional forms of love.
“Long ago, a friend had told me, ‘Dosti budhape ka khazana hota hai.’ As you get older, kids grow up and move on, and you tend to feel lonely. It’s always your friends who come to your side at this stage. Today, I cherish my friendships.”
In the November 11 offering, the actor plays Shabina, a devoted homemaker whose life revolves around her family. Asked whether she identifies with the character, she notes that every person — in real-life or on reel — is the product of circumstances. “People should read my book to know who I am. [People] tell me, ‘You live by your own rules’, but I have not always done what I wanted to do. Everybody has to succumb to the circumstances. That said, I have made the most of what [came my way].”
Right now, we have so many good actors, but good scripts are limited-Sarika
8:08 AM
Having gone missing from big screen since 2016, Sarika says her wait for worthy roles spanned years until Modern Love and Uunchai came her way
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 3, 2022)
How does it feel to return to a production house after almost 47 years? A lot like home, says Sarika, who had led Rajshri Productions’ Geet Gaata Chal in 1975. Today, she is a part of Sooraj Barjatya’s Uunchai that stars Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Boman Irani, and Parineeti Chopra.
“While I would be happy to do any project for Rajshri Productions as it completes a circle for me, Uunchai felt different from everything I have done before,” begins the actor.
The November 11 offering is centred on three sexagenarians who go on a trek to the Himalayas to fulfil the dying wish of their friend, essayed by Danny Denzongpa. Sarika plays Mala, who joins them on the expedition. “Mala doesn’t speak much in the movie. I was happy because I don’t like to deliver too many dialogues. That said, you have to work harder to make the character’s presence felt.”
She, however, was assured of her character’s impact as she was guided by an able director in Barjatya. “Sooraj ji makes it a point to connect with everybody — from actors to technicians — before the shoot begins every day. He’d come to the vanity van daily, and go through the scene with me. In the beginning, I used to wonder why he did so. On the fourth day, I realized that he did this to maintain my character’s emotional continuity.”
After Baar Baar Dekho (2016), the National Award-winning actor went missing from the big screen. It was a delight to see her in Modern Love: Mumbai earlier this year. Asked about the break, Sarika says, “If you are lucky to get a good director like Alankrita [Shrivastava] or Sooraj ji, then it’s a wonderful journey. I wasn’t getting good scripts. Right now, we have so many good actors, but good scripts are limited. I kept waiting for substantial roles. Since I am an adventurous person, I took a break in 2016, and took up backstage theatre production. I enjoyed it so much that I ended up doing it for five years.”
When Sooraj Barjatya is happy with the shot, he smiles and does this little, involuntary jump-Amitabh Bachchan
11:31 PM
Teaming up with Barjatya for the first time on Uunchai, Amitabh Bachchan shares how the director has a unique way of appreciating his actors
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; October 30, 2022)
Having a Sooraj Barjatya film is a matter of pride for an actor. Anyone who has worked with Barjatya will tell you that the soft-spoken director is a man of few words, keeping his praise and critique to the bare minimum. This often left the cast of Uunchai—comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, Parineeti Chopra, Neena Gupta, Sarika and Nafisa Ali—in a quandary, as they wouldn’t understand whether the director was happy with their shot or not. However, as filming progressed, the actors realised that he had a unique, and almost involuntary, way of expressing his appreciation.
A source reveals, “During shoots, Sooraj is quiet and almost poker-faced, and does not react at all. Since many of these actors were collaborating with him for the first time, they used to look to him for feedback on their shots. But soon, they realised he has a habit of doing a small jump whenever a shot has turned out perfectly.” The source adds that on the last day of filming, Bachchan, Kher and Irani mimicked Barjatya’s jump to show him how much they enjoyed collaborating with him. At a recent promotional event, the senior actors repeated the act, leaving the filmmaker in splits.
Reflecting on his first association with Barjatya, Bachchan shares that it was a delight to discover his quirky way of appreciation. “When Sooraj is happy with the shot, he smiles and does this little, involuntary jump. Then, we all know we have done well,” beams the megastar. Irani adds that the director has a distinct way of expressing his dislike as well. “When Sooraj is not happy, he lets out this little sound, and says, ‘It was a nice shot, but the camera was out. So let us take another shot.’”
For Barjatya, Uunchai—which revolves around three senior friends who trek to the Himalayas to fulfil their deceased friend’s last wish—is a special project. The director says that teaming up with the veteran actors has enriched him. “Amit ji teaches us discipline and to shoot at one go. Anupam ji is someone I go to when I need advice. He can connect with the technicians, crew and everyone. Boman ji’s sense of humour puts everyone at ease. Neena ji and Sarika ji are wonderful artistes. Working with them was a learning experience.”
When a director says, ‘Yeh role aap aasani se kar lengi’, I decline that film-Parineeti Chopra
11:30 PM
Building a 2.0 version of herself with Uunchai and Chamkila, Parineeti says she wants to be cast against type and shock the audience with her movies
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 31, 2022)
In her head, a 2.0 version of Parineeti Chopra has taken shape. The actor says her upcoming movies — be it Sooraj Barjatya’s Uunchai, or Imtiaz Ali’s Chamkila — are her attempt to reimagine her career. “The 2.0 version started with The Girl On The Train [2021], Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar [2021] and Saina [2021]. I wanted to get past the plateau that I had reached in my head. [The films’] fate doesn’t matter. I want people to expect differently of me. I want to shock the audiences. When a director says, ‘Yeh role aap aasani se kar lengi’, I decline that film. I don’t want to be the obvious casting choice,” she says.
It’s evident that she is actively choosing projects that add to her creative growth. Uunchai sees her learn from seasoned actors Amitabh Bachchan, Neena Gupta and Anupam Kher on screen, and from director Sooraj Barjatya off it.
Asked why she felt she had hit a plateau before the pandemic, she says, “Life happens. It’s unpredictable. For instance, my most loved film Meri Pyaari Bindu [2017] didn’t do well because it released alongside Baahubali. Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar is a [critical] success that didn’t do well at the box office. I have an Imtiaz Ali film and a Sooraj Barjatya movie because of that. Success by definition has changed, and I feel revamping is the new way to achieve it.”
Chopra notes that her personal shift coincides with the film industry’s evolution as it embraces newer mediums and braver stories.
But shaking things up comes with its own risks. The actor’s last offering, Code Name Tiranga, didn’t make an impact at the box office. How does she deal with the failure? “My DNA is such that I want to excel in what I do. I live to the fullest, [I fully experience] even my failures. I am motivated by my failures, and talk about them easily. Life is bigger than that one moment where something worked or didn’t work.”
Increased film shoots in Lucknow gets the moolah rolling in
8:28 AM
Increased venue and local artistes prices and also number of shoots has led to the city getting a good revenue from shoots of films, web shows and television serials in the past year
Iti Shree Misra (LUCKNOW TIMES; October 9, 2022)
Cameras are back in motion in Lucknow as films, web series and television shows shootings are in full swing in the city that continues to be a hot favourite destination for the film makers. Post Coronavirus pandemic, as various sectors are back to work, so is the movie business. After a hiatus of two years, shoots are back in Lucknow with a bang, feel the stakeholders of the industry.
“Although the pandemic was a very dull phase for us work-wise as no shootings were taking place and those which had been planned also were postponed, yet the past year has been a very busy one for us,” says Aroon Singh Dicky, line producer in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh who’s worked on projects like the web show Mirzapur with Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Rangbaaz with Vineet Singh, films Uunchai with Sooraj Barjatya, Amitabh Bachchan and Bawaal with Varun Dhawan and Jahnvi Kapoor in recent times.
“It’s been a hectic year for us shoot wise,” says Ashish Jain, another line producer in Lucknow who’s managed shooting of Chhatriwali in the city.
With several projects being shot simultaneously, the tribe of line producers in the city has also increased. “Now it is not just films but also regional films, web series and television shows that are being shot in not just Lucknow but across the state. And because of that there is more demand for line producers and technicians in UP. That has led to a lot many people taking up the work of line producers,” says Yogesh Tripathi who has worked on projects like Kanjoos Makkhi Choos with Kunal Kemmu, Gadar 2 with Sunny Deol.
The increase in the number of shoots has also led to an increase in the revenue earned by the city from production houses. “There has been a marked increase in the prices of private properties that we shoot in,” says Ashish Jain. “Although the government has not increased its fees, private players have hiked the amount they charge from production houses,” says Dicky.
If earlier the fees charged for a single day shoot at a house in Lucknow was 20-30 thousand per day, it has increased to around 50,000 per day, depending on the project and the production house, say line producers.
“The fees of the local artistes has also increased in the past couple of years,” says Ashish. “Local actors can now charge anything from Rs. 3000 to 15,000 these day and the fees for a crowd for each person can range from anywhere between Rs. 800-1500,” he adds.
PROMINENT FILMS AND SHOWS SHOT IN LUCKNOW
- Bhaukal 2
- Khuda Haafiz 2
- Jamtara 2
- Bheed
- Chhatriwali
- Mirzapur 3
- Bawaal
- Rangbaaz 3
- Vikram Vedha
- Chhatriwali
- Gadar 2
- Jahan Chaar Yaar
- Dasvi
- Bhool Bhulaiya 2
Sooraj Barjatya to wrap up Uunchai with a three-day song and patchwork shoot in Mumbai
4:43 PM
Sources say Barjatya to wrap up Big B-led Uunchai with a three-day song and patchwork shoot in Mumbai
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 9, 2022)
With Uunchai, filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has fulfilled his long-cherished wish of collaborating with megastar Amitabh Bachchan. The actor-director duo — along with cast members Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Sarika, Boman Irani, Nafisa Ali and Parineeti Chopra — began filming the friendship saga late last year, with a chunk shot in Nepal.
We hear the film has almost reached the finish line, save for a song and patch shoot that will be conducted in Mumbai from tomorrow.
A source tells us that a set has been put up at Mehboob Studios in Bandra. “The studio has been booked for three days. Beginning tomorrow, Sooraj will first shoot a song that will see most of the cast, including Parineeti and Danny Denzongpa who have pivotal roles, come together. The filmmaker will also complete the patch shoot, following which it will be a wrap on the movie. He will then dive into post-production to meet the November 11 release date,” says the source.
In early August, Bachchan had shared the film’s first look that saw Kher, Irani and his characters trekking on a snow-capped mountain.
My competition is not with the people of my age, it’s with the youngsters-Anupam Kher
8:41 AM
Anupam Kher feels discipline and focus can help him stay fit for a long inning as an artiste
Deep Saxena (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 9, 2022)
Actor Anupam Kher believes in pushing his limits, whether it’s for his powerful performances or physical transformation, which has earned a lot of attention of late. “Unless you make yourself uncomfortable, how will you inspire yourself and others? Age is just a number. Today, everything is possible; you just need to discipline yourself and stay focused. So, I decided to work on my fitness. My competition is not with the people of my age, it’s with the youngsters,” says the 67-year-old.
The actor, last seen in The Kashmir Files, continues, “I remember when my father retired at the age of 58, he had retirement depression for three years. Thankfully, we are in a profession where we don’t retire. I have a long inning to play and for that, I need to stay fit.”
Kher, who is shooting for his upcoming films — The Signature and Kaagaz 2 — in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), says that he’s just reached mid-way in his acting career. “I started at 28 and played a 65-year-old man’s role. Now that I am in my mid-60s, I feel I’ve just reached the interval of my career. I still have 20-25 years of work [left], if all goes well with my health and memory. That’s the joy of being in this profession,” he says.
Besides working on his fitness, Kher has also been trying to take on roles that challenge him as an actor. He feels that one needs to make their job difficult so that the results are better. He shares, “Having done so much work, I have understood what the nuances of acting can be. Now, I am only choosing those projects that I want to do. I completed (filmmaker) Sooraj Barjatya’s Unnchai with Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan (actor) and Boman (Irani; actor), wrapped up (director) Sankalp Reddy’s IB 71 with (actor) Vidyut Jammwal, completed a Tamil film and now I am working on two Hindi films.”
In my early days, I used to go to Rajshri Studios often to meet Sooraj Barjatya’s managers-Neena Gupta
8:08 AM
Neena, who wished to work with Barjatya since the ’90s, on realising her dream with Uunchai
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; May 27, 2022)
From playing key roles in hits such as Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020) and Panchayat, to having a popular web series inspired by her and her designer daughter’s life, Neena Gupta is enjoying a golden phase in her career. Is there anything more she could ask for? A Rajshri film, as it turns out. The senior actor admits that she aspired to work with Sooraj Barjatya since her early days, which is why Uunchai holds pride of place in her career.
“In my early days, I used to go to Rajshri Studios often to meet Sooraj’s managers. So, I was overwhelmed when I received a call from Rajshri Productions [after so many years],” says Gupta, who joins Amitabh Bachchan, Parineeti Chopra, Anupam Kher, Sarika and Boman Irani in the upcoming drama.
Uunchai, centred on friendship, was among the many films that couldn’t go on floors as scheduled due to the pandemic. “After the pandemic struck, I used to message [Barjatya] again and again, asking when we would start work on the film. It was worth the wait. Being in Barjatya’s world is a different experience. I am living my dream now,” she smiles.
The film was wrapped up earlier this year after an extensive schedule in Nepal. If the director’s soft-spoken nature and clarity of vision has impressed her, Gupta considers herself fortunate to work with Bachchan. “One can’t praise Mr Bachchan enough. Despite being a legend, the commitment he has towards his profession is a lesson for everyone. Work gives him happiness. We all used to just watch him on the set.”
Check out Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani and Anupam Kher in action in Delhi for Uunchai
8:34 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; April 22, 2022)
Delhi may be in the grip of a searing heat wave, but that didn’t stop Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, and Anupam Kher from showing off their action chops while shooting for Sooraj R Barjatya’s Uunchai under the burning sun at Humayun’s Tomb in the capital.
“Work done in the sweltering heat of the day...mostly in training coincidentally for physical conditions...and they were strenuous and demanding,” wrote Big B on his blog, posting pictures from the film’s shoot.
After days of shooting at multiple locations across Delhi, like old Delhi, Daryaganj and Greater Kailash, the film’s production team says they managed to secure permission to shoot at Humayun’s Tomb at the last minute.
A source tells us, “We had been visiting the ASI office for weeks to get the permission, with no luck. Finally, it did happen at the last minute.”
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