Showing posts with label Valimai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valimai. Show all posts
I’d love to do a spin-off of my female cop character in Valimai-Huma Qureshi
11:36 AM
Logesh Balachandran (CHENNAI TIMES; June 23, 2023)
Huma Qureshi was in the city recently and spoke to us about her association with Tamil cinema, her approach to scripts and the kind of films she wants to do. Huma states that she’s always open to doing films in Tamil. “If there is something good and exciting, I’ll jump at the chance to take up the offer. Even if it’s a small film, without big stars like Rajinikanth or Ajith, I would love to take it up,” she says.
‘I’D LOVE TO DO A SPIN-OFF OF MY CHARACTER IN VALIMAI’
I love Tamil cinema, and I want to work here more often, but it all depends on the right opportunities and the availability of dates. It was a great honour to work with Rajini sir (Kaala) and Ajith (Valimai). I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time and these wonderful films fell into my lap. I’d love to do a spin-off of my female cop character in Valimai. I should probably tell my producer, Boney Kapoor, about this idea.
‘I LIKE TO DO FILMS THAT MAKE PEOPLE SEE THINGS IN A BETTER WAY’
My approach to scripts is simple: choose the best that is offered to you. I was an outsider, and it wasn’t an easy journey, but I love my work. So, I wake up every day with a lot of fire in my belly, go in front of the camera, and deliver my best. I like to do films that educate people and have a message for the viewer, not necessarily political films, but those that make people see things in a better way.
‘I ENJOY MY VISITS TO CHENNAI’
Even though it is a little hot, I enjoy my Chennai visits a lot. That said, these days, it is hot almost everywhere. I love shopping and spending time in the city. Especially, as another festival season is approaching, it’s a good time to buy things for you and your family. I do like to pick things myself.
I didn’t come here to play a doll. I came here to be an actor-Huma Qureshi
8:08 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 1, 2022)
Huma Qureshi recently clocked a decade in Bollywood. She had stepped into the industry with Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1, which had released in June 2012. Today, even as she’s busy completing movies and shows at breakneck speed, she believes she has learned to strike the perfect work-life balance. In a conversation with BT, she talks about working non-stop and how the narrative for women and women-led stories has changed in the industry in the decade that she has been a part of this field. Excerpts:
The last two years have turned out to be interesting for you career-wise. At a time when there was so much uncertainty around us, you shot for a couple of projects between the two lockdowns. You were seen in Bellbottom and Zac Snyder’s Army Of The Dead and were appreciated for your performance in the web show Maharani. How do you plan to sustain that momentum for the rest of this year?
Opportunities and hopes come at the most unlikely times and from the most unheard of places. The two years, 2020 and 2021, were the pandemic years in public memory. Theatrical releases had virtually stopped and content on the OTT platforms was dictating the entertainment space. In that phase, I was clear that I won’t let this bog me down. I wanted to go out there and put out something great for people to see. When Bellbottom came to me, I eagerly took it up because it was the first film that went on floors post the global slowdown. The part was great, and it was an experience worth the risk we took. Subhash Kapoor’s narration for his web show (Maharani) had blown me away. I was certain that I wanted to do it. We shot it between two lockdowns amid so much uncertainty. What if this was my last piece of work? That thought ignited an entirely different passion in me. It liberated me in so many ways. And that is the thought with which I have surged into 2022. I’m trying out newer things, playing characters that are completely different from who I am.
You recently completed a decade in Bollywood. In these years, you have seldom played the conventional heroine — something that wasn’t the norm when you started out. What do you think helped you get this far?
I just do things that I naturally gravitate towards. At the outset, I didn’t have the luxury of choosing projects, neither was I launched on a grand scale nor have directors chasing me. I went through an entirely different journey where I auditioned to get work, I got replaced on numerous occasions and went through a grind, something that I wear like a badge of honour. I am proud of everything I endured to get this far. All that I have today has been earned with a lot of hard work and patience. It didn’t come to me. If you find my repertoire full of unconventional projects, it’s also because those were the choices I made from all that came my way. It was about choosing a role where I could not really see myself easily. I have never tried playing myself. The greatest compliment for me was to be told that I played an uneducated Bihari housewife like I belonged there, although I am a South Delhi girl. That is the fun of being an actor. I didn’t come here to play a doll. I came here to be an actor. I will do what it takes to play a part effectively. In the last year alone, I have worked with different directors and in content across various genres. Do I love songs and dances? Yes, I do, but I don’t want to do just that. I have a lot more to offer that goes beyond it. I don’t know what the new conventional norms are, but with our choices, if we have been able to redefine how a woman should be seen in a movie, we’re getting somewhere and exploring so many of her other facets.
A decade ago, it was a big deal for a heroine to shoulder a film on her own. Today, plenty of leading ladies, including yourself, are carrying films as well as web shows on their own. That’s a huge transition, don’t you think?
Yes, and it hasn’t come in easily. I can talk for myself. After I worked with Deepa Mehta on the show Leila, my perspective changed in a big way. It was such a turning point. Khoon chakh liya maine! The joy of leading a project is scary and empowering in the same breath. And she gave me that. Deepa made me believe that I can carry an entire show and be in every frame without boring the audience. She made me believe that I had it in me. When an opportunity presents itself, you rise to the occasion. The show opened doors for me to work with Hollywood bigwigs like Zack Snyder. It got me several good projects. Maharani was one of them. I am now leading a lot of stories which have a female perspective. This is Huma Qureshi 2.0. I want to call it that without sounding vain about it. I am not the same person I was back in the day. I am trying to do things differently. As an actor, the more fearless you get, the more this industry and the audience rewards you. I like reading and watching content. A few years ago, people had an issue with the phrase, web-series. I had seen that not only was it brimming with international talent, but it was also gearing up to take India by storm. The writing and the production standards were superlative. These are opportunities that have to be grabbed when they come to you. Doing my first show has hence, been a big turning point. Sometimes, merely doing things you like can have a domino effect on your life. It benefitted me in a big way.
Lastly, the film industry in India is gradually moving towards becoming one cohesive workspace that ropes in talent from film industries across the country. As someone who has worked in two films down South, do you find a change in the manner in which people now perceive actors who work across industries?
I think the change here is phenomenal. People have realised that there is a lot to learn from them. Industries like Tamil and Telugu are not talking down to their audience. In fact, they are pushing their boundaries. The stories are contextual, they pride themselves in the cultural references, they are deeply personal, nuanced and have a massive scale. The southern industries have done this repeatedly. The way things are going, multilingual projects are the in thing. For every actor and talent involved, the audience base increases. I feel thrilled that I did my second Tamil film, Valimai. I have learned so much by sharing screen space with Thala Ajith and Rajinikanth sir. Not just as an actor, but also as an audience member, I am excited about these big pan-India films. Why should we have so many boundaries within our country anyway? We need to shake things up a bit in these seminal times.
Except Pushpa, RRR and KGF - Chapter 2, rest of the South films see a disaster fate in Hindi
8:33 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
There was this South bandwagon going on through the pandemic developed by the media mainly to put Hindi cinema down as within the digital world, that was the need of the hour to get views or likes. Now post the pandemic, there has been a record number of dubbed releases from the South and most of them have met their disaster fate.
The bigger thing than the final fate is that there are just no takers of South films from the first day as shows get cancelled. These films open to such limited audiences that even if there is some likeability in a region where South films are more appealing, it will still not get much collections due to the no show on the first day.
There will be the branded films like KGF - CHAPTER 2 and RRR which either have value from a previous film or the director has some value due to his previous film which you know have great chances to score. Then there will be a PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 type of a film which comes along and surprises but even that will always be a rarity. Also PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 had a budget and scale which also gives it a chance. But the sort of releases which we have been seeing are basically tack fests and met their deserved fate.
Some of the bigger Telugu releases which are probably the best bets did not even bother with a dubbed version as they knew the likely results. The box office collections of South films released in Hindi in 2022 are as follows and the fate outside KGF - CHAPTER 2 and RRR is a total disaster. Anything can be written to paint a certain picture but numbers never lie.
Khiladi - 1.4 crore
Valimai - 2.1 crore
ET - 6 lakhs
Radhe Shyam - 17.41 crore
James - 50k
RRR - 275 crore
KGF - Chapter 2 - 427 crore
Raw (Beast) - 2.3 crore
Major - 9.6 crore (2 weeks)
Vikram: Hitlist - 6 crore (2 weeks) (Note - This film has not done well but has held at those low levels. The film started with a 25 lakh first day and may well end up with around 10 crore nett lifetime driven by Mumbai circuit as third week should be better than second due to lack of releases)
777 Charlie - 1.65 crore (1 week)
There are going to be many more South dubbed releases this year or are being planned to be released and the disasters will continue to pile up.
Gangubali Kathiawadi is set to beat its Southern counterparts, Valimai and Bheemla Nayak
3:32 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
The Hindi film industry has seen huge negativity towards it through the pandemic through digital media and social media and it was being said that South films is what the audience to wants to see and not films from the Hindi film industry as South films are better. At the end of the day it does not cost to open your mouth so crap will come out.
The stars had negativity towards them but the ground realities were always different. The stars remained stars and hugely popular with the audience and South dubbed films barring an exception here or there were always going to bite the dust and that is what has happened. Akshay Kumar and Alia Bhatt probably had negativity towards of them through the pandemic for some reason or another as it was the fashion but with cinemas open its business as usual and both delivered HITS.
On the other side no doubt Pushpa (Hindi) gave 83 a huge beating but there will be exceptions to the general rule and here if '83 was not a poor product, then PUSHPA: THE RISE - PART 01 (Hindi) would been left well behind. This week saw big films in the South release but at the end of the day GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI will leave them behind despite their huge openings in their respective markets as the Alia Bhatt starrer has turned out to be a better for its audience than the South films for their audience.
If we look at the all India figures on Monday, then GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI is doing double of Tamil film VALIMAI. Though BHEEMLA NAYAK is similar, that will not last and from here on its all about GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI.
The totals so far are with Monday numbers in brackets are as follows.
Gangubai Kathiawadi - 45.50 crore (8 cr)
Bheemla Nayak - 86 crore (8.25 cr)
Valimai - 77 crore (4 cr) (5 Days)
There is still this Pan India thing which is a bit of joke within the industry as even the likes of URI does almost 50 crore nett in South without being DUBBED but that does not make it a pan India film. A DANGAL does even more and there will be others with more but they are still not pan India films. The only films that have potential to be pan India on a regular basis are Hollywood films as they can reach mass in the south and Hindi circuits.
At the moment if a South film releases in Hindi circuits its called a pan India film when its actual reach is not even as much as BADHAAI DO as far as most of India is concerned. A BADHAAI DO will clock up similar business in the South as VALIMAI or KHILADI does in its Hindi dubbed version. It is being said that BHEEMLA NAYAK is releasing this week but the question is will it actually release and how many exhibitors who have theatres which collect will release it. The multiplexes will hardly give shows to BHEEMLA NAYAK even in smaller centres.
The collections of VALIMAI in Hindi were pretty embarrassing over the weekend and on Monday there was no audience. The South has basically believed in the negativity for the Hindi film industry and tried to get a foot in. They will understand soon enough the market is there only for select films and most of their films may be mass for films for their respective markets but they are not mass films for the Hindi audience.
This dubbed films releasing will die out soon enough as to release regularly in Hindi you have to cater to the audience and when you do this you have to concentrate on this. This can lose you some of the potential in the home markets which are in reality is the first priority or should be first priority as core audience comes first because it is made you what you are.
A sort of example is this that the Tamil film industry has around 22 or 23 All TIME BLOCKBUSTER films from the first CHANDRALEKHA (1948) till the last ENTHIRAN in 2010. Around 15 or 16 of these belong to Rajinikath but when he was concentrating on Hindi films for around 4-5 years in the early 80's there was no historic blockbuster in sight for him. Then after wrapping up the Hindi films in the mid 80's, the megahits in Tamil flowed again. At the end of the day, the importance of core markets is of huge magnitude and eventually it all comes back to that and the faster you realise the better it is.
(Crisp) Movie Review: VALIMAI (Hindi) by FENIL SETA
10:32 PM
Valimai (Hindi) has a great story and it could have been in the league of Dhoom and other memorable films in this space. Ajith Kumar’s entry is splendid and a few scenes in the first half are excellent and clapworthy. However, the script is weak and the film is too long. After a point, the film ceases to be interesting. A few scenes are laughable and the villains are caricatures. Ajith Kumar’s performance is great and adds to the film’s star power. Kartikeya Gummakonda is over the top. Huma Qureshi, Bani J and Pearle Maaney are fine. The others are strictly okay. All in all, Valimai (Hindi) is a disappointment.
My rating - ** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 714
10:52 AM
THE FIRST BIG FILM OF 2022 RELEASES TOMORROW!
Tomorrow, Gangubai Kathiawadi is all set to release and it kickstarts the season of the release of big films in cinemas. The film stars Alia Bhatt in the lead role and is based in a red-light area of Mumbai in the 1950s. Besides Alia Bhatt, the film also stars Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz and Jim Sarbh with Ajay Devgn in a dynamic special appearance. The film is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He’s one of the rare filmmakers who can attract viewers through his name. Hence, the buzz for the film is there. Moreover, Alia enjoys a lot of popularity among audiences of all ages. As a result, this actress-director combo has helped the film earn hype though it’s not a conventional entertainer.
Gangubai Kathiawadi, however, faces a few hurdles. The hype is there but is not tremendous, as one would expect from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. A big problem is that the music hasn’t worked at all. After Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela, it has become a norm that the songs of his film would be on the chartbusters prior to the release. Something of this sort hasn’t happened with Gangubai Kathiawadi. Moreover, certain sections also have reservations about Alia’s casting. While they feel her performance is spot-on, as evident from the trailer, however, she seems too young. It all depends on what the age of Gangubai is depicted in the film. If the character is shown to be in her early or mid-30s, it’ll look convincing. If she is 40+, it might not work.
Gangubai Kathiawadi’s opening is expected to be around Rs. 7-8 crore. It can collect Rs. 10 crore+ on Saturday as well as Sunday, provided it gets a good response from the public. There’s Women’s Day in the second week, on Tuesday, March 8. The collections on this day can also be huge and thus, it can give the film a minor boost.
The other release of the week is Valimai. It’s a Tamil film starring Ajith and is also releasing in Hindi, like Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01. The trailer is exciting and it looks like a complete masala entertainer. The Tamil version was released today in the morning and the opening is outstanding, as expected. The Hindi version will be released in the evening today. The buzz is very limited. Hence, the opening won’t be great but as shown by Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01, Valimai can grow significantly if audiences accept it whole-heartedly.
You can call this the beginning of a pan-India release for Ajith’s films, says Valimai producer Boney Kapoor
8:36 AM
M Suganth (BOMBAY TIMES; February 13, 2022)
After several delays due to Coronavirus, Boney Kapoor’s Valimai, starring Ajith Kumar, will be releasing nationwide on February 24, and the producer says that backing a big-budget action drama like this one during the pandemic comes with its own risks.
“There were big setbacks, both in terms of finance and time. But I had the determination to help the director get what he wanted. In fact, I also had four other projects — the Tamil remakes of Badhaai Ho and Article 15, and the Hindi films, Maidaan and Mili — on floors during this time. These are challenges which every producer must be ready to face,” he states.
Quiz him if he ever mulled taking the OTT route and he says, “OTT is now part of our revenue stream and helps us reach wider audiences. But certain films, like this one, are made for the big screen and I believe in making films for the big screen.” Boney's association with Ajith began when the actor played a cameo in Sridevi’s English Vinglish.
“My wife was very keen that we do films in south Indian languages, too, as she had begun her journey with Tamil and Telugu films. My first south film as a full-fledged producer, Nerkonda Paarvai, was with Ajith. We were both very satisfied with the response, and began working on Valimai. We felt comfortable working with each other and we are now going to do our third film together.”
Now, along with the Tamil version, the producer is releasing the film in Telugu, Hindi and Kannada as well. “The film has family drama, fantastic action and also something for the audiences to take home. So, it has the potential to work everywhere. You can call this the beginning of a pan-India release for Ajith’s films,” he signs off.
Cinemas bet big on Alia Bhatt and Sanjay Leela Bhansali
8:04 AM
After the lull brought on by the third wave, exhibitors hope to bounce back in action with Alia’s Gangubai Kathiawadi; optimistic that back-to-back massy entertainers will lure audience to theatres
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; February 9, 2022)
The exhibition sector, which was slowly getting back on its feet in late 2021, was dealt another blow by the third wave of the pandemic. Amid a surge in cases in late December, cinemas in Delhi were shut while night curfews were imposed in Mumbai, leaving the theatrical business bleeding again. But now, with the case count declining significantly, trade analysts believe the big movies lined up for February will be a shot in the arm for the sector.
While Badhaai Do opens on February 11, cinema owners have their eyes peeled for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi that hits screens a fortnight later. Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 multiplex and Maratha Mandir, says, “When Pushpa [2021] had released, all our night shows were house-full [at 50 per cent occupancy]. But when the night curfew was imposed, we suffered terribly. Now that the night curfew has been lifted, fresh films are the need of the hour. The plot of Badhaai Do may not appeal to [a wide audience], but Gangubai Kathiawadi will hopefully spin some magic. For us, it’s the most-awaited film.”
Distributor Akshaye Rathi is confident that Badhaai Do will strike a chord with the urban audiences, luring them back to the theatres. “It’s the sequel of a successful film. It is an interesting premise that caters to an evolved audience,” he reasons.
However, Rathi notes that the box-office performance of the Alia Bhatt-starrer will be the litmus test. “Gangubai Kathiawadi has the biggest female star on screen. With Bhansali’s craft and vision, and Ajay Devgn’s presence, the film will pull more than just respectable numbers. Couple that with Ajith’s Valimai, and it will be a weekend to watch out for.”
He points out that there is an air of optimism in the exhibition sector. Filmmakers, on their part, are putting their money where their mouth is by lining up massy entertainers back-to-back. “There is a massy flick in Khiladi [Telugu]. After that, Gangubai and Valimai will hit the screens. With Bachchan Pandey, Radhe Shyam and RRR, we will end the financial year on a significant high. This is an important season at the box-office.”
Will South films pose a threat to Bollywood?
10:31 PM
As Pushpa touches Rs. 100 crore in India, experts says Hindi cinema may need to buckle up
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 6, 2022)
After making waves at the box office, the Hindi version of Pushpa: The Rise (2021) recently set a new milestone by breaking the Rs. 100-crore barrier. As a slew of pan-Indian productions prepare to hit theatres, questions about whether multilingual films will compete with Hindi films have resurfaced.
Manish Shah, who holds the Hindi rights of the Allu Arjun starrer says, “South films are going to pose a big threat to Hindi films. The former has been doing much better than Hindi films on satellite. An extension of that is now being reflected in the box office.”
Producer of Ajith-starrer Valimai, Boney Kapoor says, “Their films are high on heroism laced with action, drama and comedy. This helps them reach out to masses.”
Trade analyst Ramesh Bala agrees: “In the last few years, Bollywood has moved towards niche films. Very few movies are made for tier two and three cities, barring the ones headlined by (actors) Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn. While (actor) Aamir Khan makes films for the multiplex audience, (actors) Taapsee Pannu, Rajkummar Rao and Ayushmann Khurrana have a limited reach and their films won’t collect ₹300 crore.”
He adds, “Films like KGF, the Baahubali series, and now Pushpa struck a chord with the Hindi belt as they catered to the mass audience.”
Actor Shruti Haasan says it’s about time “South cinema is accepted as part of the business” and adds, “I saw my dad’s (actor-politician Kamal Haasan) film Indian (1996) and (actor) Rajinikanth sir’s Robot (2010) cut across [borders].”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 711
11:21 PM
RESTRICTIONS EASE; RELEASE DATES OF NUMEROUS FILMS ANNOUNCED
Last week, we informed readers that Badhaai Do would release on February 11, 2022. It is the first Hindi film to hit cinemas since December 24, 2021. Thanks to the third wave of the pandemic, all the films scheduled for release in January got pushed ahead. Soon, it became clear that the cases dropped as quickly as it increased and that the numerous states would ease restrictions and allow cinemas to reopen or function till late at night in February. With this assumption, the makers of Gangubai Kathiawadi announced on Friday, January 28, that their film would release on February 25.
The Akshay Kumar-starrer Bachchan Pandey was already announced for a March 18 release two weeks back. In no time, all the rest of the Fridays in March were taken over as Mumbai lifted night curfew and other states also gave or are expected to give relaxations in the next 10 days. The Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Jhund would be the first release in March, and will arrive on the 4th. On March 11, Prabhas-Pooja Hegde starrer Radhe Shyam would hit the theatres. The much-awaited period saga, RRR, would release on March 25. And that’s not all. Ajith’s Tamil film, Valimai, would release widely in Hindi on February 24, that is, a day before Gangubai Kathiawadi.
The historic clash is about to take place on April 14 when the Aamir Khan-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha and the Kannada film dubbed in Hindi, KGF 2, would arrive in theatres. The release dates of both films were announced long back. Unlike other films, these two films have not been pushed. The month of May, too, would see the release of films like Anek, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, etc with a couple of more films expected to release. All eyes are also on Jersey, the film that was supposed to release in theatres on December 31, 2021. It is said that it might make it to cinemas either in February or March.
In short, the industry would come back to life this month and in March, the box office would be on fire.
Cinema shutdown in Delhi will impact major Bollywood releases, say stakeholders
8:28 AM
Industry stakeholders say the move will lead to ‘irreparable losses’, and urge the govt to instead introduce safety measures such as allowing only double vaccinated audiences
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; December 30, 2021)
The Delhi government’s order on Tuesday shutting down cinema theatres and multiplexes, in view of the sharp rise in omicron cases in the city, has come as a big jolt to the industry that was just getting back on its feet. An exhibitor says, “We have seen packed theatres this month for films like Spider-Man: No Way Home. The last week of the year is when people prefer going out and watching films. This will be a huge revenue loss for cinemas. ”
‘CINEMA SHUTDOWN COMES AT THE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR’
Theatres in the rest of the country, including other parts of NCR and Mumbai, remain open for now. However, with Coronavirus cases rising across the country, exhibitors fear more cities will soon introduce restrictions and lockdown measures.
Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “This is the holiday season, when kids are on winter break, and business is robust across the sectors, including cinemas. It’s unfortunate that a sector is being closed at this specific time of the year, especially taking into account the scenario in the last one-and-a-half years when cinemas were closed for months. Be it Delhi, or other state governments who are contemplating lockdown, authorities need to find a more pragmatic approach. For example, only allowing double vaccinated audiences to enter cinemas, and other such measures.”
Girish Johar, a producer and film business expert, asks, “Why only cinemas? Cinemas are not being treated as a business. After Sooryavanshi opened big, people were coming back to the cinema. We have seen how Spider-Man: No Way Home changed everything and is now clocking around 200 crores at the Indian box office, which is a big deal. So, what now? Thoda gire, thoda uthe, phir se ye chot. We really hope Delhi gives some relaxation to cinemas.”
Rajendra Singh Jyala, Chief Programming Officer, INOX Pvt Ltd, adds, “Whether it was Spider-Man or '83, theatres had good occupancy, and moviegoers came out to watch these films because they found cinemas to be safe. We’ve worked so hard to gain this confidence. This year-end week is one of the busiest weekends for cinemas. In fact, even on Monday-Tuesday, we had over 50% occupancy in cinemas across NCR, which is a good number for weekday occupancy. We had almost 100% occupancy last weekend. While a few moviegoers may go to watch films in Noida and Gurgaon as Delhi cinemas are closed, this shutdown will adversely affect not just the business of films which are currently running, but upcoming releases, too.”
CONSIDER DOUBLE VACCINATION, REINTRODUCE 50% CAPACITY, BUT RETHINK SHUTDOWN: MULTIPLEX ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
The Multiplex Association of India has urged the Delhi government to consider introducing a double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas, instead of a complete shutdown. Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India, said in a statement, “The Delhi Government’s decision to shut down cinemas in Delhi while enforcing the ‘yellow’ alert of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has caused massive uncertainty and could lead to irreparable damage for the Indian film industry. After being allowed to reopen, cinemas have already demonstrated an ability to operate safely for the public and employees via usage of enhanced ventilation systems, hygiene, and other safety protocols. Not a single outbreak of COVID-19 anywhere around the world has been traced to a cinema. While we fully understand the need at the government’s end to take necessary preventive measures, we’d request that cinemas should get equal treatment with comparable industries and institutions.”
“Instead of closing the cinemas, we’d urge the Delhi government to consider introducing a double vaccination requirement to enter cinemas, as is the case in some of the other states (including Maharashtra). Alternatively, the seating capacity restriction of 50% can be reintroduced at cinemas. We call on the government to recognise the unique social, cultural and economic value of the Indian film industry, and to provide the support it so desperately needs to survive this unprecedented period,” the statement added.
DELHI’S THE SECOND-BIGGEST MARKET FOR BOLLYWOOD; THIS WILL IMPACT FUTURE RELEASES: INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Producer and film business expert Girish Johar says that the closure of cinemas in Delhi can have a ripple effect. “The reason is that Delhi is one of the top two cities from the revenue point of view of Bollywood films. I don’t think that producers will release films when they are on tenterhooks.”
Akshaye Rathi, director, Aashirwad Theatres, and an industry expert, says, “The biggest territory for Bollywood films is Maharashtra, which is already operating at 50% capacity. Now, with the second biggest market – Delhi – shutting down, it is too much of a compromise revenue-wise for producers to continue releasing films, especially films which do well in Hindi-speaking markets. For a film like Valimai, there may not be that big of an impact because its main market is Tamil Nadu, but for an RRR or Prithviraj, it is a very tricky situation.”
Makers of Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jersey, have already postponed its release while upcoming films like Prithviraj and John Abraham’s Attack may also be impacted.
It’s a wrap: Ajith completes action-packed climax schedule of Boney Kapoor’s Valimai
8:29 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 5, 2021)
Almost a year-and-a-half in the making, Ajith’s action drama Valimai has finally been wrapped up, with the crew canning some high-octane action sequences in Moscow. The initial plan to film in Spain was deferred due to the ongoing pandemic. The crew of the Boney Kapoor film then shifted base to Russia to wrap up the last schedule.
The climax and opening sequences were shot in the ancient city of Kolomna of Moscow Oblast, informs a source from the unit. “Ajith and Kartikeya [Gummakonda] shot bike-based stunts and chase scenes along with local Russian stuntmen on the streets of Kolomna, which boasts of architectural splendours, including the Kolomna Cathedral, the Kolomna Kremlin, and the Church of John the Baptist,” says the source, adding that post the camera-work people of Kolomna showered their love on Ajith with gifts and memorabilia. “One of the drivers, Alex, who often drove technicians and the local crew to the location, gifted Ajith chocolates and a T-shirt.”
With the shooting wrapped up, Kapoor and writer-director H Vinoth are now concentrating on the post-production of Valimai. “Boney hopes to announce the release date of the film by mid-September, once he gauges the time required for the post-production work,” says the source. The film also features Huma Qureshi in a pivotal role.
I am extremely excited to bring my (new) films to the big screen-Boney Kapoor
8:13 AM
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 22, 2020)
It goes without saying that the Coronavirus lockdown has badly impacted the economy, including the movie business. That’s why, many filmmakers have decided to skip the theatrical release of their films, and go straight to OTT platforms. Although, Boney Kapoor realises that these are “extraordinary times”, the veteran producer plans to stick to the ‘big screen’ for his three new films.“In my 40-year-long career (as a film producer), I’ve made over 35 films, and all of them have released in theatres. Going by my experience, I can confidently say that all kinds of platforms — be it OTT, cinema halls or televison — will co-exist, and thrive,” says Kapoor, who has Ajay Devgn-starrer Maidaan, Valimai (Tamil actioner starring Ajith Kumar) and Pawan Kalyan-starrer Vakeel Saab (Telugu remake of Pink) in his kitty.
“I strongly believe there are certain films, which are meant for the larger-than-life, theatrical experience, and so, they should go to cinema halls first. As for me, I am extremely excited to bring my (new) films to the big screen,” says Kapoor, who is yet to complete work on all his three films, including the ambitious sports-drama, Maidaan, which recounts the story of the ‘golden era of Indian football (1952-1962).’
But what’s his take on a few filmmakers choosing OTT players over big screen? “See, these are extraordinary times (due to Covid-19 pandemic) that none of us have witnessed before. Talking about movies, if a certain producer is ready with his/her film and can’t afford to wait (for theatres to reopen) then OTT platforms can be a big blessing for them as they can easily recover their investments,” he says.
At the same time, Kapoor is aware that “exhibitors and distributors are not happy about films going straight” to OTT platforms. “But they should understand the overall, situation and look at things practically. I am sure there will be enough and more content once theatres reopen. We are in it together, and will come out with flying colours,” he says.
Triply whammy for Boney Kapoor as his three films are stuck in production
9:05 AM
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 5, 2020)
It’s not really a secret that the Coronavirus lockdown has dealt a major blow to filmmakers, and showbiz in general. Boney Kapoor, too, is no different. In fact, the producer has three films that are stuck in various stages of production — Ajay Devgn-starrer Maidaan, a Telugu film titled Vakeel Saab featuring Pawan Kalyan (the remake of Shoojit Sircar’s Pink; 2016) and Ajith-starrer Tamil actioner, Valimai.
While Vakeel Saab is 10-15 shoot days away from completion, Valimai is nearly 50% complete. On the other hand, around a month-long shoot is still left for Maidaan’s completion. In fact, a few days back, Kapoor and his partners took a call to dismantle the massive set of the film spread over 16 acres before “monsoons arrive in Mumbai”. Now, the “massive set” will be rebuilt in September, and Kapoor is hopeful that the shoot can commence around November.
“It goes without saying that it has resulted in a huge loss for the team. Thankfully, however, we had already shot all the indoor and also some outdoor portions of the film [in Lucknow and Kolkata]. But now, we will have to wait for the set to come up again to shoot the Olympic games of Helsinki, Rome, Melbourne and Jakarta Asian Games,” says Kapoor.
Not just Maidaan, the Wanted (2009) maker was cruising along with the shoot of his Telugu film, Vakeel Saab along with Valimai when the shutdown came into force. “In all likelihood, we would have completed the films by now had there been no lockdown. But what can you do in such an extraordinary situation? Now, we hope to finish work on all the films at the earliest, whenever work restarts. Sometimes, I feel I must be the only producer, who has three big films –— from different film industries of the country — stuck at various stages,” says Kapoor with a smile.
I started this list to spread love and positivity-Huma Qureshi
8:09 AM
Huma Qureshi on her 21 to-dos in lockdown, which include meditating, journaling, working out and giving up all junk
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 7, 2020)
The three-week national lockdown due to Coronavirus starting March 25, has made people put on their thinking caps to make staying indoors fun. With her peers documenting their brainwave on the social media, Huma S Qureshi recently made a list of 21 things to do till April 14, when the lockdown is scheduled to end. It included meditating, journaling, working out and giving up “sugar, refined starch, alcohol and all junk”.
According to the actress, the list was spurred by the popular belief that it takes 21 days to form a habit. It features things that she had wanted to do but kept putting off. “I used to meditate, but it was on and off. I started the list with the intention of spreading some positivity and love around,” she shares, adding that even “Earth makes us realise that maybe our normal is not good”. She further says, “We have to become more reasonable in how we lead our lives, we have to give back. Maybe in some way, it’s nature’s way of getting back at us. We must rethink our lifestyles.”
The actress feels that staying in and adapting to a new routine can also serve as an opportunity to grow as a person. “There’s no point in complaining. Instead, we can focus on important things that we keep putting off, like cleaning the house, sorting out clothes to donate, spending time with family. The members of our fraternity get so much love from the audience. If in these times, we can keep their morale high, it would be good,” Huma avers.
She goes on to inform that she has been cooking a lot more than she used to. “Since I was busy, I would always have someone cook for me. Now, I cook for the family with a lot of care and love,” she says, adding that a beetroot sabzi that an aunt had introduced her to is one of the things she cooked for the first time recently. “My aunt treats me like her own child. She used to make it with mustard seeds and curry patta. I think of her whenever I make it.”
Last year, Huma shot for Hollywood filmmaker Zack Snyder’s zombie thriller Army Of The Dead in Los Angeles. There’s also talk that she learnt bike-riding for the Tamil film Valimai opposite Ajith. Bring this up and the actress says she’s not up to talk work right now. “I don’t think it’s the right time. Once this (the outbreak) is over and everyone has moved on, we will talk about it at length. I agree that we are entertainers and our job is to entertain people, but right now, what is important is that everyone gets food, medicines, remains healthy and stays with family. As I said, we’re all in this together and we need to come out of it stronger,” she asserts.
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