Showing posts with label Ved. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ved. Show all posts
We have never revealed our films’ budgets. It isn’t anyone’s business-Riteish Deshmukh
3:51 PM
Actor-director Riteish Deshmukh opens up on Raja Shivaji’s box office pressure, wearing multiple hats on the film, and why audiences should focus on the cinematic experience, not the numbers
Sonal Kalra (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 9, 2026)
Riteish Deshmukh is a relieved man, physically, mentally and emotionally. His latest labour of love, Raja Shivaji, has worked at the box office, especially in Maharashtra. His craft as a director, apart from acting, too has found praise. Speaking on The Right Angle show, he spills the beans on everything, from the obsession with numbers to politics and the paparazzi:
Raja Shivaji is touted to be the most expensive Marathi film ever made. Do you feel that the moment the public comes to know the budget, it creates pressure that the film needs to open that big?
About the figures floating around regarding Raja Shivaji’s budget, only the producers know the real budget. The last thing we need to do as filmmakers is discuss a film’s budget because it doesn’t affect anything. Budget se kya lena dena hai? If someone asks me the budget, I ask them, ‘How much are you paying for a ticket to watch it?’ They say ‘Rs. 100’ or ‘Rs. 250-300’, and I reply that’s the budget, it should just be worth your time. One should stop talking about it. Let it be magical, you just go and experience the film. When I would go to watch Amitabh Bachchan ji’s films like Sholay in my childhood, I would never think, ‘Iska budget kya hai?’ I just wanted the big-screen entertainment. We would never know how much it collected. Unfortunately, that’s the game today. People wonder how much actors charge for films… it’s our mistake, we feed these numbers. Those who feel this is right, it’s okay. We have made seven Marathi films under our production house, and we have never revealed our films’ budgets. It isn’t anyone’s business.
You have worn multiple hats on Raja Shivaji. How nervous were you before the release?
You have so much work at hand that you don’t really get the time to be nervous. I can be nervous about a film where someone else is doing all this work. But when you are the one making it and ensuring that the film reaches people on time, so much time goes into it… you can’t even think about what people will say about it.
To be a director, the lead actor and co-producer at the same time on a mega-budget film like this is a humongous task. Which of these three roles has been the most stressful for you?
Genelia (Deshmukh, wife-actor) and I are a team, of course, but most of the heavy lifting was done by Genelia. This is a production-heavy film. The heavy lifting was not on my shoulders, so it became easier. As for the subject, you can make a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from any angle, you just have to decide the narrative. We understand the connection he has with people. The biggest pressure, hence, is how do you write the right things when making a film on him? I would ask all such questions to myself. The prep as an actor for such a role was as long as the prep for being a director on it.
We saw you and Genelia getting emotional at the film’s trailer launch. You had been trying to make Raja Shivaji since 2016. How did this dream come about?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj hamare liye bhagwaan hain. He is the first superhero whose tales you hear right from childhood. As you grow older, you start understanding the depth behind his decisions and actions. I first tried making this film with director Ravi Jadhav in 2016, but it fizzled out. I tried again in 2019 with filmmaker Nagraj Manjule, but then Covid struck and it again didn’t materialize. In 2023, after directing Ved, Genelia suggested that I direct this film myself. I wasn’t sure because it was too big a personality. She told me, ‘You’ve been dreaming this for a very long time. Just start writing the film.’ After a year or so, I gained confidence.
How did you convince your son Rahyl to also act in the film?
We had not thought about it. There was a part that required childlike curiosity and innocence because the character is only asking questions. Rahyl isn’t trained as an actor, but I wanted that innocence. If it hadn’t worked, we would have cast someone else.
Now that the film has released and received such a response, do you miss your father, late politician Vilasrao Deshmukh, wishing he could see this?
I do miss him. I missed him when I made my Marathi film debut in 2014 too. In Hindi films, my name appears as Riteish Deshmukh, but in Marathi films, it appears as Riteish Vilasrao Deshmukh. I carry him with me in Marathi cinema. Just like he was my childhood hero, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was his hero too, like he is for all of Maharashtra. I truly wish he was alive to see this film.
You and Genelia are often called a green-flag couple on social media. Is there pressure to live up to the image of a ‘perfect relationship’?
Not really. We are not trying to paint a picture of being a perfect couple. Of course, we support each other and are deeply in love, that’s the strength of our relationship. But we also maintain limits and respect each other as well as the people we meet.
Your children greeting paparazzi with a namaste has become a signature thing. Maybe your family really is just like that…
I have seen the pap culture grow. When we debuted, it wasn’t like this. Earlier, you would only get clicked at functions. Now there are photographers everywhere, chasing pictures. I feel the kind of effort they put in to earn money should be respected. I once asked a pap, ‘Ek photo ke kitne milte hain?’ He said, ‘Exclusive ho toh Rs. 1,000.’ I realised if their livelihood depends on pictures and I can contribute to that, why not? Till date, I have never refused a pap picture.
What’s the harshest thing you have read about yourself on social media?
Nothing really. If you are smiling when people praise you, then you should also be able to embrace criticism. But when comments become personal and abusive, I don’t bother. If I engage, I give it value.
When you are with your brothers, politicians Amit and Dhiraj Deshmukh, is it politics or films that dominate conversations?
Their knowledge of my films is much better than my knowledge of politics...I have watched politics closely, but they are the ones executing it on the ground. An election war room is a completely different ball game.
Raja Shivaji has cameos by stars like Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan and Salman Khan. You seem blessed with strong friendships in the industry…
These relationships are my real earning from 23 years in films. If I go to Abhishek Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt or Akshay Kumar and they agree to be part of my film, that’s a relationship I have earned. A Marathi film commercially cannot afford these stars. But when they lend support without burdening the film financially, it becomes special. We all came together to see if we could push this film beyond regional boundaries.
What’s the story behind you and Akshay Kumar calling each other ‘Sundi’?
This is all Akshay. Me, Akshay and Sajid Khan started giving each other funny names. We used to call Akshay ‘Jagtap’ because of a character named Jaadugar Jagtap, and he started calling me Sundi with love. It just stayed.
What is one life lesson you would like to give people who look up to you?
I once read a beautiful line: ‘If you are on time, you are already late.’ If you want to earn respect, you have to respect people’s time. You can waste your own time, not someone else’s. You should learn this from Akshay Kumar. He comes on time, delivers, and look at the longevity he has had. My father once told me something beautiful about respect. He shaved every morning and would ask me to shave too. I once asked him why. He said, ‘You don’t do it for yourself. You do it because when someone comes to meet you, you should look nice and clean as a mark of respect for them’.
Riteish Deshmukh begins second schedule of Raja Shivaji, builds Raigad fort replica in Mumbai
8:51 AM
Sources say Riteish Deshmukh, who is helming andstarring in Raja Shivaji, is shooting in Film City; Raigad Fort set built to depict the emperor’s coronation ceremony
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 10, 2025)
Historical dramas seem to have caught the attention of many filmmakers. Months after Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava gave Bollywood the year’s first blockbuster, Riteish Deshmukh is giving shape to Raja Shivaji, a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The actor, who will direct and star in the ambitious period drama, took it on floors in February. Now, Deshmukh has called action on the second schedule that is being conducted at Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai.
Raja Shivaji, which will be released in Marathi and Hindi, marks his second directorial venture after Ved (2022). While Mahesh Manjrekar plays a key role in the period drama, Bhagyashree steps into the role of Shivaji’s mother, Rajmata Jijabai. Sources tell us that the ongoing schedule will cover many crucial chapters of the Maratha warrior king’s reign.
“The film will chronicle his life, from his young warrior days to him becoming the founder of the Maratha Empire. Riteish began the second leg by shooting the scene where Shivaji meets his wife, Rani Saibai. Going ahead, the team will shoot Shivaji’s coronation ceremony that had taken place in Raigad Fort. A massive set depicting portions of the fort has been constructed in Film City. Additionally, a major battle sequence has been lined up for this stint that will go on till mid-April,” reveals a source.
In February 2024, on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, Deshmukh had announced the magnum opus. He had apparently long harboured the ambition of bringing the biggest Maratha king’s story to the screen. “Riteish was working on the project over the past five years. But he couldn’t shoot it during the pandemic because logistically, it’s a demanding film. So, he helmed Ved instead at that point,” says another source.
Deshmukh’s passion project finally rolled this February. “The team started with the early years of Shivaji. A set of Shivneri Fort was constructed at Film City for that leg.”
National Award winner Santosh Sivan is serving as the cinematographer. Deshmukh is said to have approached his actor-friends Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan and Fardeen Khan for key roles.
Production is a thankless job; you feel like puraani filmon mein main ladki ka baap-Riteish Deshmukh
7:55 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 22, 2025)
Along with acting, Riteish Deshmukh is enjoying his role as a filmmaker. The actor, who produced and directed the Marathi film Ved (2022), believes that though being behind the camera isn’t easy, it is rewarding as you own the film in totality. In a chat with us, he talks about his perspective on filmmaking and venturing into directing Marathi films. Excerpts:
‘Working with different directors reshaped my perspective on cinema’
Ask Riteish about his decision to turn director with the Marathi film Ved (2022), and he replies, “The most difficult decision for an actor is to decide he wants to direct. You always end up dilly-dallying. Stepping out of your comfort zone and moving behind the camera isn’t easy. On top of that, I am not a film student; I’ve learnt everything on the job. Working with different directors reshaped my perspective on cinema.”
‘My next directorial is a bilingual film in Hindi and Marathi’
The idea of directing first struck him nearly eight years ago, but it was his wife, actress Genelia Deshmukh, who gave him the final push.
He recalls, “While we were working on Ved three years ago, Genelia encouraged me to take the leap. She told me, ‘If you keep waiting, you’ll never do it. Just do it.’ That’s how I took the plunge. Now, I am eagerly waiting for the audience to watch my next directorial, Raja Shivaji, which is a bilingual film in Hindi and Marathi.”
‘Production is a thankless job’
Riteish, who continues to be busy with his acting projects, feels direction broadens one’s horizons. He explains, “Once you turn producer, you definitely have more respect for producers because you realize production is a thankless job. It’s like puraani filmon mein main ladki ka baap hoon and you ask others ki aap bataao main kya kar sakta hoon (laughs!). You have to manage everything, be cordial with everyone, and ensure the work gets done. As an actor, you can own a part of the film with your performance, but as a producer or a director, you own the film in totality.”
‘The success of recent Marathi films is a positive sign for the industry’
The evolving landscape of Indian cinema has put content-driven films in the spotlight, but Riteish believes this shift comes with unique challenges for Marathi cinema.
He explains, “In Hindi cinema if you have star power paired with strong content, it usually works. However, in Maharashtra, unlike Southern states, regional cinema isn’t the first choice. Here, Hindi films are the first preference. Add a good Hollywood release or a big-dubbed film, and Marathi cinema is pushed further down the list. This hierarchy makes it tough for Marathi filmmakers. To combat this, content-driven films are essential – they bring credibility. However, if they don’t perform at the box office, it’s all in vain. One has to find a blend where you deliver impactful stories and get the audience back to the cinema. Thankfully, this is starting to happen. The success of recent Marathi films is a positive sign for the industry.”
People in India see medicine and mandir ka prasad in the same light-Riteish Deshmukh
8:07 AM
Trading his funnyman image to front the medical thriller Pill, Riteish says he seeks ‘thehrav’ in his work today as an actor-director
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; July 11, 2024)
It’s not easy to shed the image you’ve built over years, but Riteish Deshmukh is steadily doing it. The actor, who shines in comedies, has chosen a hard-hitting thriller, Pill, for his web series debut. Did his desire to steer away from comedies draw him to the Jio Cinema offering? Not at all. What appealed to him was how director Raj Kumar Gupta trained his lens on the healthcare industry.
“People in India see medicine and mandir ka prasad in the same light. We’ve all read about [unethical practices in the pharmaceutical industry], and most companies will pay people to keep it hidden. I’m glad that Raj and Ronnie Screwvala [producer] thought it is important to reflect on this issue,” he says.
Be it No one Killed Jessica (2011) or Raid (2018), Gupta often marries real-life events and fiction. The actor says that here too, the director has blended elements of a thriller and courtroom drama to weave a fictional tale of a deputy medicine controller, who raises his voice against a pharma giant and his seniors for rolling out a drug with grave side-effects.
“Raj [doesn’t just] give you a thriller; he also shows you the process. In Raid, he depicted the entire process of how a raid is conducted. Similarly, here, he shows the way in which my character and his team [expose the nexus]. We are used to exaggerated drama, but we’ve kept it as real as possible.”
Working with the director took him back to his school days, he jokes. “The climax was a 10- to 12-page scene. [Prepping for it] reminded me of school days when I’d stay up nights [to study]. In the morning, I gave the shot in one take,” he smiles.
With a 21-year career behind him, Deshmukh is more assured of what he wants as an artiste today. While he ventured into direction with Ved (2022), he maintains that acting is his top priority. He finds joy in exploring different genres and refining his craft.
“I want a bit of thehrav in whatever I do. Comedy needs timing, but I want to explore different facets. Earlier, I would rush into comedy, but I don’t do that now. After my directorial venture, I have only worked on two projects.”
Now that he is a director, I see a totally different side to Riteish-Genelia Deshmukh
8:48 AM
Praising actor-husband Riteish’s judgment of scripts, Genelia says he nudged her to front Trial Period
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; July 29, 2023)
Sometimes, we all require a nudge before we follow our heart. Genelia Deshmukh remembers being fairly certain that she wanted to be a part of Trial Period when she finished reading the script. But that nudge to follow her instinct and make her digital debut with the film came from actor-husband Riteish Deshmukh. “Riteish played a big role in my signing the project,” shares the actor.
“We often discuss our scripts, and are each other’s bouncing boards. After I read Trial Period, the next person I gave the script to was Riteish. He has a better sense of scripts than I do. Now that he is a director, I see a totally different side to him. We both saw Trial Period as a sweet family film.”
Aleya Sen’s directorial venture has Genelia playing a single mother who gives in to her son’s demand and brings him a father, essayed by Manav Kaul, on a 30-day trial period. One of the reasons the Jio Cinema offering is special to her is that her sons, Riaan and Rahyl, loved it.
“My boys hardly see any of our films. But since Trial Period was an OTT release, it was a nice experience watching it at home with my family,” she smiles.
Last year, Genelia returned to the movies after a decade-long break with the Marathi blockbuster, Ved. Now, the actor is looking forward to doing more projects. To her, the medium is secondary; what matters is the story.
“Having played bubbly, girl-next-door roles, now I am keen to do something darker and stronger, like Gone Girl [2014]. When I was on a break, one of the series I loved was Delhi Crime. It made me want to come back to acting because it had an amazing character [leading it], and Shefali Shah carried it on her shoulders.”
Is another collaboration with Riteish on the cards, after Ved? The two are quite popular on Instagram, thanks to their quirky reels. Genelia reveals that they have been offered quite a few projects, owing to their reels.
“Many [filmmakers and creators] have been offering us rom-coms, situational comedies and the chance to host our own shows. If something has to shape up, we’d be happy to be part of it.”
When you take a 10-year break, you think, ‘Do I matter on screen?’-Genelia Deshmukh
8:14 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 20, 2023)
Genelia Deshmukh has been away from the limelight for a while now, focusing her energies on family and other aspects of life. Now, the actor has broken her 10-year screen hiatus with her maiden Marathi venture, Ved. “The feedback has been amazing,” says Genelia, who stars in it alongside actor-husband Riteish Deshmukh. The film also marks the latter’s directorial debut.
“When you take a 10-year break, there are moments when you think, ‘Do I really matter on screen?’. When it is appreciated, it is a great feeling. I’m enjoying it till it lasts,” she adds.
Though she did cameos in Jai Ho (2014) and Force 2 (2016), Ved is Genelia’s first full-fledged role since the 2012 Telugu film Naa Ishtam. The actor reveals she took a step back from films to focus on her sons, Riaan and Rahyl.
“I wanted to do it for myself. I wanted to start a family. I didn’t feel confident of doing these various things while being a part of films. It was a decision I took and I enjoyed it. Playing the roles of a homemaker, wife and mum in real life has shaped my personality. I also have a production house, music company and another venture. These aspects developed only because I had the time to think about them,” she says, confessing that if it wasn’t for Riteish, she would have “taken a longer break” from acting.
She has returned to showbiz, but Genelia has no plans to go on a signing spree. “I don’t mind hanging on for something I want to do. If I do it, I will do it wholeheartedly within the time frame that I give to it,” she wraps up.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 761
10:48 PM
FIRST RELEASE OF 2023 FLOPS; PATHAAN’S ADVANCE GIVES HOPE; CINEMA LOVER’S DAY TO BOOST FOOTFALLS
Not much was expected from Kuttey, the first major Bollywood release of 2023. Yet, its dismal opening and lack of jump in collections did give a shock. The word of mouth was extremely mixed and moreover, it looked like a niche product. As a result, it’ll collect only around Rs. 3-3.25 crores in Week 1. Though the coming weekend is open, it’ll not be advantageous for the film.
The South films – Varisu and Thunivu – meanwhile did very well though due to the clash, the collections got affected for both. Varisu also saw a release in Hindi and the collections were underwhelming but it's better than that of Kuttey. It is set to collect Rs. 6 crores in Week 1 and its lifetime collections will be around Rs. 10 crores.
Tomorrow, two major films will be released. One is Akhanda’s Hindi version. The original Telugu version was released on December 2, 2021, and emerged as a smashing hit as its word of mouth was supremely positive. However, just like most South dubbed films, it is releasing with very minimal awareness. The hope is that it’ll grow with positive word of mouth and even sustain the Pathaan wave. The first day collections should be around Rs. 50-75 lakhs and might cross the Rs. 1 crore mark. If Hindi audiences also love the film, the film can see a huge jump on Saturday.
The other release is the Hollywood animated film, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. Due to limited films in cinemas, it has got a very wide release. The collections can be strong in certain cities during the weekend.
Meanwhile, the collections on Friday, January 20, are expected to be encouraging as all theatres are celebrating Cinema Lovers Day. As part of the celebrations, prices of all shows would be just Rs. 99. The IMAX tickets are priced in the range of Rs. 199 and Rs. 299. Films like Avatar: The Way Of Water and the Marathi film Ved, starring Riteish Deshmukh, have got maximum bookings followed by Puss In Boots: The Last Wish and the Marathi film Vaalvi.
Lastly, the advance booking of Pathaan has taken a flying start. It has already sold 1 lakh tickets for the opening day. If all goes well, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer will emerge as one of the biggest openers of all time. We’ll discuss this aspect in detail in the next edition of Bollywood Talk.
Not much was expected from Kuttey, the first major Bollywood release of 2023. Yet, its dismal opening and lack of jump in collections did give a shock. The word of mouth was extremely mixed and moreover, it looked like a niche product. As a result, it’ll collect only around Rs. 3-3.25 crores in Week 1. Though the coming weekend is open, it’ll not be advantageous for the film.
The South films – Varisu and Thunivu – meanwhile did very well though due to the clash, the collections got affected for both. Varisu also saw a release in Hindi and the collections were underwhelming but it's better than that of Kuttey. It is set to collect Rs. 6 crores in Week 1 and its lifetime collections will be around Rs. 10 crores.
Tomorrow, two major films will be released. One is Akhanda’s Hindi version. The original Telugu version was released on December 2, 2021, and emerged as a smashing hit as its word of mouth was supremely positive. However, just like most South dubbed films, it is releasing with very minimal awareness. The hope is that it’ll grow with positive word of mouth and even sustain the Pathaan wave. The first day collections should be around Rs. 50-75 lakhs and might cross the Rs. 1 crore mark. If Hindi audiences also love the film, the film can see a huge jump on Saturday.
The other release is the Hollywood animated film, Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. Due to limited films in cinemas, it has got a very wide release. The collections can be strong in certain cities during the weekend.
Meanwhile, the collections on Friday, January 20, are expected to be encouraging as all theatres are celebrating Cinema Lovers Day. As part of the celebrations, prices of all shows would be just Rs. 99. The IMAX tickets are priced in the range of Rs. 199 and Rs. 299. Films like Avatar: The Way Of Water and the Marathi film Ved, starring Riteish Deshmukh, have got maximum bookings followed by Puss In Boots: The Last Wish and the Marathi film Vaalvi.
Lastly, the advance booking of Pathaan has taken a flying start. It has already sold 1 lakh tickets for the opening day. If all goes well, the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer will emerge as one of the biggest openers of all time. We’ll discuss this aspect in detail in the next edition of Bollywood Talk.
I wondered if audience wanted to see me again-Genelia Deshmukh
8:37 AM
As she ends her 10-year hiatus with Marathi hit Ved, Genelia on the faith and fears that influenced her decision
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 10, 2023)
It couldn’t have been a happier start to the new year for Genelia Deshmukh, whose latest offering Ved has set the cash registers ringing. The romantic drama, which also marks the directorial debut of actor-husband Riteish Deshmukh, has become one of the biggest grossers in Marathi cinema in recent years. Genelia, who is also attached as a producer on the film, beams with joy as she says,
“Usually, you have to fight for shows, but with Ved, more shows are being added. I feel fortunate that people are taking these characters home. The last time this happened to me was during Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na [2008].”
Ved’s success has reiterated that regional cinema is finally getting the love and respect that it always deserved, but seldom got. Who knows it better than Genelia, having juggled Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films? “I have been a part of different industries, and never have I ever given priority to one industry over another. That should [have] happened [across the board]. It didn’t then, but I am glad it is happening now.”
The film is a personal milestone for the actor. After 'Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya' (2012), she had taken a break from movies, only making cameo appearances once in a while. Even as she focused on marriage and motherhood over the past 10 years, she knew that she would return to a movie set some day. “I missed acting. But I knew I would come back,” she smiles. Ending a hiatus, however, is easier said than done.
As she began working on 'Ved', Genelia admits that her head was filled with questions. “I wondered, ‘Will people like me? Will the audience even want to see me again? Have they moved on?’ But this break gave me a new perspective. [It made me understand] the roles I want to do. I cannot do an Aditi [from Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na] today, but I can do a Shravani [her character in Ved]. That way, I can connect with the girl who grew up from Aditi to Shravani, with me.”
(Crisp) Movie Review: VED by FENIL SETA
2:48 PM
Ved is a Marathi movie, starring Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh. It also marks Riteish’s debut as a director. An official remake of the Telugu film Majili, it starts on a rocking note. The love story, in the first half, though clichéd, is engaging. The use of flashback makes for a good watch, as it keeps viewers intrigued about what must have led to the present circumstances. This is all the more evident at the intermission point. Post-interval, there are some lovely and touching scenes which keep the interest going. Riteish has given the film the much-needed scale and this is surely an impressive directorial debut. However, there are too many silly moments. Also, a few aspects are never properly explained. The villain track is quite weak. Speaking of acting, Riteish Deshmukh delivers the finest performance of his career. He never goes over the top in scenes where he is in a drunken state and gets his act just right. It is also heartening to see viewers whistling at his entry scene. Genelia Deshmukh makes a fine comeback. She gets to play a well-written and novel character and puts her heart and soul into it. Jiya Shankar has a great screen presence and gives a worthy performance. Ashok Saraf is adorable. Khushi Hajare steals the show. Vidyadhar Joshi is decent. Raviraj Kande is okay as the villain and his background music is quite menacing. Salman Khan is too good in the cameo. The songs by Ajay-Atul are well-tuned, especially ‘Ved Tujha’ and ‘Besuri’. All in all, Ved is a fine effort, despite minuses. It has come at the right time and can work in cinemas due to the hype and also because it's a complete family entertainer.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 758
4:15 PM
2022 ENDS ON A SAD NOTE AS CIRKUS FLOPS
A lot was expected from Cirkus, the last big release of 2022. In last week’s edition, we informed readers that the advance booking of the film is not upto the mark. Yet, it seemed like the film will open in the range of Rs. 10-13 crores. We had mentioned that if it opens in single digits, it’ll be a shocker.
Sadly, the worst fears came true as the spot bookings didn’t pick up and Cirkus ended up with the first day collections of just Rs. 6.50 crores. The reports were bad and hence, it saw a drop on Saturday, when it collected Rs. 6.25 crores. On Sunday, due to the big Christmas holiday, the collections jumped to Rs. 8 crores, which was not enough. The weekend collections, hence, were just Rs. 20.75 crores and this ideally should have been its first day earnings.
On Monday, Avatar: The Way Of Water and Drishyam 2 picked up but Cirkus had more than a 50% drop as compared to Friday. On its fourth day, it collected Rs. 2.75 crores. The collections in the next three days remained steady. This was a surprise as usually, a rejected film keeps falling with each passing day. Cirkus, however, is probably having an advantage of the holiday season. Hence, it might have some sort of respectable collections in the coming weekend, with the big January 1 holiday falling on Sunday. From Monday, January 2, however, it will have a major drop. While the first week's collections will be in the range of Rs. 30 crores, it now remains to be seen if it's able to cross the Rs. 40 crores mark in its lifetime.
2022 has not been a good year for the Hindi film industry as several biggies flopped. Drishyam 2’s surprise blockbuster success had given hope and all eyes were on Cirkus. What’s worse is that there’s no major release till Republic Day, when Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan arrives in cinemas. Fortunately, the theatres are safe as they’ll be playing Avatar: The Way Of Water. It held very well in the second week and by Thursday, it would have collected Rs. 285 crores at the Indian box office. It is expected to see another jump in the festive weekend when it’ll enter the Rs. 300 crores club.
Meanwhile, a Marathi film, Ved, will release tomorrow in Maharashtra and a few other centres. It marks the directorial debut of Riteish Deshmukh. The film also features him as an actor and his wife Genelia Deshmukh along with Jiya Shankar. Riteish and Genelia have also produced the movie. It is the remake of the 2019 Telugu film Majili, starring Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The film has got decent advances and it can grow big time if the word of mouth is positive. Due to the debacle of Cirkus, it has got additional shows. A highlight of the film is the cameo of Salman Khan in the song ‘Ved Lavlay’.
A lot was expected from Cirkus, the last big release of 2022. In last week’s edition, we informed readers that the advance booking of the film is not upto the mark. Yet, it seemed like the film will open in the range of Rs. 10-13 crores. We had mentioned that if it opens in single digits, it’ll be a shocker.
Sadly, the worst fears came true as the spot bookings didn’t pick up and Cirkus ended up with the first day collections of just Rs. 6.50 crores. The reports were bad and hence, it saw a drop on Saturday, when it collected Rs. 6.25 crores. On Sunday, due to the big Christmas holiday, the collections jumped to Rs. 8 crores, which was not enough. The weekend collections, hence, were just Rs. 20.75 crores and this ideally should have been its first day earnings.
On Monday, Avatar: The Way Of Water and Drishyam 2 picked up but Cirkus had more than a 50% drop as compared to Friday. On its fourth day, it collected Rs. 2.75 crores. The collections in the next three days remained steady. This was a surprise as usually, a rejected film keeps falling with each passing day. Cirkus, however, is probably having an advantage of the holiday season. Hence, it might have some sort of respectable collections in the coming weekend, with the big January 1 holiday falling on Sunday. From Monday, January 2, however, it will have a major drop. While the first week's collections will be in the range of Rs. 30 crores, it now remains to be seen if it's able to cross the Rs. 40 crores mark in its lifetime.
2022 has not been a good year for the Hindi film industry as several biggies flopped. Drishyam 2’s surprise blockbuster success had given hope and all eyes were on Cirkus. What’s worse is that there’s no major release till Republic Day, when Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan arrives in cinemas. Fortunately, the theatres are safe as they’ll be playing Avatar: The Way Of Water. It held very well in the second week and by Thursday, it would have collected Rs. 285 crores at the Indian box office. It is expected to see another jump in the festive weekend when it’ll enter the Rs. 300 crores club.
Meanwhile, a Marathi film, Ved, will release tomorrow in Maharashtra and a few other centres. It marks the directorial debut of Riteish Deshmukh. The film also features him as an actor and his wife Genelia Deshmukh along with Jiya Shankar. Riteish and Genelia have also produced the movie. It is the remake of the 2019 Telugu film Majili, starring Naga Chaitanya and Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The film has got decent advances and it can grow big time if the word of mouth is positive. Due to the debacle of Cirkus, it has got additional shows. A highlight of the film is the cameo of Salman Khan in the song ‘Ved Lavlay’.
Salman Khan agreed to do the song in Ved, without hearing any details-Riteish Deshmukh
8:42 AM
Riteish Deshmukh, who turns director with Ved, on how Khan readily joined him for a special dance number in the Marathi film
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 25, 2022)
Little can match the excitement of one’s maiden directorial venture. Riteish Deshmukh, who turns director with Ved, says that the film is a professional and personal milestone for him. That Salman Khan agreed to make a special appearance in the Marathi film makes it all the more cherished. Khan was the only actor who came to Deshmukh’s mind when he conceptualized the dance number, Ved lavlay.
“We wanted a fun song where the protagonist is complaining to his bhau about the woman in love with him. Yet, his complaints are [full of praise]. He says that she is so nice and perfect that he can’t handle it,” grins the actor-director.
Always happy to help his close friends, Khan is known to make cameo appearances in their projects. All it took was one phone call to get the superstar on board, says Deshmukh. “The song required an A-lister to grace it. So, one day, I called Salman bhai. I didn’t even have to say anything; he agreed to do the song, without hearing any details. I told him that I needed to meet him [to share the details of my] request, but he said it wasn’t necessary. His graciousness leaves me speechless. I have never done a dance number with him before. This is his first Marathi song, and the fact that he is a part of my first directorial venture, makes it more special.”
The track has been composed by Ajay-Atul, and sung by Vishal Dadlani.
Ved lavlay was shot over two days at a set in Mumbai. Praising Khan’s dedication, the actor-director says, “After he arrived on the set, he didn’t go to his van; he remained throughout on the set. When you are shooting, you have to value people’s time. He does that. After pack-up, he told me, ‘I can shoot more if you require more shots.’”
Performing to a Marathi song wasn’t tough for the superstar whose mother Salma is a Maharashtrian. “He speaks Marathi fluently,” adds Deshmukh.
Ved, a musical drama, also stars Genelia Deshmukh and Ashok Saraf.
Images: Salman Khan and Riteish Deshmukh reunite for a Marathi film
11:03 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 12, 2022)
Eight years ago, Marathi viewers witnessed a masaledar treat in the form of Riteish Deshmukh’s debut in the industry with Lai Bhaari. However, apart from Riteish’s debut, the Nishikant Kamat film was also talked about for the multiple cameos in it. One such cameo came from Salman Khan, and the audience went berserk. That was 2014.
Come 2022 and Riteish and Salman are reuniting again, this time for Riteish’s directorial debut, the Marathi film Ved. While details about Salman’s role in the film haven’t been revealed yet, photos from the sets, with the duo, have surfaced. In a statement, Riteish said, “We have completed shooting the film and are now embarking on the journey that will culminate with its release. During such times, it's important to have support from the people close to you and one such person is Salman Khan. He was with me in Lai Bhaari and we are reuniting for Ved now. ”
Appreciating Salman’s support, Riteish added, “Thank you Bhau. Love you. ”
The film has been in the news ever since its announcement. It will also mark Genelia Deshmukh’s first full-fledged Marathi role (she, too, had a cameo in Lai Bhaari). Besides these, the film also features Ashok Saraf, Shubhankar Tawade and Jiya Shankar in pivotal roles.
— Inputs by Mihir Bhanage
Genelia Deshmukh to make her Marathi film debut with Riteish’s first directorial venture Ved
8:29 AM
MID-DAY (December 9, 2021)
Actor-producer Riteish Deshmukh announced that he will be making his debut as a director with a Marathi movie titled Ved.
The actor took to social media to announce his directorial debut, which will also mark wife Genelia Deshmukh’s foray into Marathi cinema. Besides her, the film stars actor Jiya Shankar. “After being in front of the camera for 20 years, I take a big leap to stand behind it for the first time. As I direct my first Marathi film, I humbly ask you [to] be a part of this journey, be a part of this madness,” Riteish wrote.
Genelia, who returns to acting after a decade, shared a series of posts on Instagram, expressing her excitement for the film. She said after acting in Bollywood and South movies, she wanted to feature in a Marathi film. “Being born in Maharashtra, my heart yearned to do a film in Marathi for years and was hoping there would be a script where I could just say this is it... And then this happened,” she said, sharing a behind-the-scene clip from the sets of Ved.
“Coming back to acting after 10 long years and being part of a dream where my husband Riteish Deshmukh directs for the first time and I get to share space with a beautiful co-actor Jiya Shankar who gets introduced under our production house MFC,” said the actor who has acted with Riteish in Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003), Masti (2004) and Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya (2012). Noted musician duo Ajay-Atul will score the music for the film, which is set to release on August 12, 2022.
Riteish is also set to make his digital debut with a quirky coming-of-age Netflix film Plan A Plan B and will also feature in filmmaker Sanjay Gupta’s home production movie Visfot.
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