Showing posts with label Vinod Bachchan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vinod Bachchan. Show all posts
Ameesha Patel, Sunny Leone respond to non-payment of dues issue
8:19 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 31, 2023)
Actors Ameesha Patel and Sunny Leone were summoned on July 25 by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) on an issue of non-payment of dues. The actors failed to appear and IMPPA has given them seven days to repay the entire amount. Ameesha had taken Rs. 65 lakh from producer Haresh Patel and Sunny was paid Rs. 21 lakh by producer Vinod Bachchan for a movie.
Spokesperson, Sunny’s legal team:
With the highest regard for IMPPA, we want to clarify that this is a miscommunication. We had informed them of the postponement [in Sunny’s appearance] with proof that, for the last six months, IMPPA was postponing the case. This was the first time we postponed it and notified them of our prior schedule. We have all the documents to prove we are not at fault.
Vinod Bachchan, Producer:
Yeh case kaafi time se chal raha hai but woh (Sunny) meeting me nahin aa rahe hai. Bahut baar humne try kiya hai. Now IMPPA is looking into the matter.
Kunal Goomer, Ameesha’s representative:
There is no truth to the news. I don’t know what IMPPA is and what they do in Bollywood other than make news.
Haresh Patel, Producer:
I didn’t want to take the legal route, but this has been going on for seven years. Ameesha and Kunal asked for more time as they said she was going through a tough time. I even asked to be paid back in instalments. They have returned Rs. 14-15 lakh till now. When I met Kunal, he gave me a letter saying they will clear all the dues by March 2022 but they blocked me. Kunal has misbehaved with me as well. I have now filed criminal charges against Ameesha in Gujarat.
Abhay Kumar Sinha, President, IMPPA:
Sunny Leone’s husband (Daniel Weber) responded to our query, saying they’ve already given back Rs. 18 lakh. We’ve asked for more details. Ameesha Patel’s team said their legal team would talk to us. If the actors fail to appear before IMPPA or pay back the amount, they won’t be allowed to shoot anywhere as per IMPPA laws.
OTT no longer a haven for small films, say experts
2:40 PM
As theatres make a post-pandemic recovery, makers shed light on whether content still triumphs over big budgets on OTT
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 12, 2022)
Content does all the talking on OTT — this is the popular notion that has been attached to the medium for some time now. The OTT boom that was witnessed during the pandemic further strengthened this belief as a barrage of fresh and unique content flooded the web space. However, is the scenario still the same, now that theatres have become operational again? Is it still easy for small films, which are driven by good content, to get an OTT release? Experts weigh in.
‘OTT IS NOT A MESSIAH’
Recently, Manoj Bajpayee told us in an interview that it’s a struggle to release films regardless of the medium. He said, “What I have gone through in getting films like Aligarh (2016) and Bhonsle (2020) to cinema halls, and then OTT, has been quite a journey. One gets tired.” Attesting to the same, Devashish Makhija, director of Bhonsle, recalls, “Originally, we wanted a theatrical run, no matter how limited. But when Covid-19 hit, there was no scope for it. That’s when we got in talks with some OTT platforms.”
Makhija says the expectation for OTT to be a messiah for smaller films shouldn’t exist in the first place. “It’s filmmakers like us, who ascribe a lot of value to alternative mediums. I don’t remember OTT saying, ‘We are here to champion independent films’,” he says, and adds that they just got lucky as a newly-launched platform took a chance with them with Bhonsle. “Today, a big platform turns away original voices. They say, ‘We want to make money, we’re answerable to our bosses’,” he adds.
Echoing similar sentiments, Vinod Bachchan, who produced Jahaan Chaar Yaar, starring Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, says he is yet to find an OTT platform for his film. “Sirf content criteria nahin hota. Many OTT platforms have grouped together. They don’t care whether the content is good or bad, but focus on stars,” he says.
NOT ALL OTT
However, there are also some makers, who have had a good experience on the medium in the recent times. Director Ratnaa Sinha, who created Middle-Class Love, starring newcomers Eisha Singh and Prit Kamani, says the journey becomes easier for a small film when a production house owning a streaming platform, gets on board. “It is really difficult to make a film with new faces. Very few people believed that we could actually pull it off. Once we got a producer on board, however, it was fine. They gave us a good theatrical release, and since they own an OTT platform, we will get a release there automatically,” she says.
Palash Muchhal, director of the film Ardh, says the trick for him was to not approach any OTT platform, but to instead produce the film and then present it to the web teams: “We decided that we will sell the rights to the first platform that approaches us. I produced the film by selling off my car, but made back double profit.”
BOX OFFICE MATTERS
How a film performs at the box office is also a parameter now for OTTs. Trade expert Atul Mohan says films, which failed to attract footfall, were let go of by streamers. “During Covid-19, majboori thi OTT platforms ki as there was a lot of demand. Later, they realised yeh film jiske liye humne Rs. 20 crores diye, yeh toh Rs. 10 crores ke layak nahin thi. The journey is difficult for small films,” he says. Tara Vs Bilal was one such film whose OTT deal fell through after a dismal box-office run, a source reveals.
Actor Vineet Kumar Singh, whose film Siya got a theatrical release recently, says, “Things are changing fast. I’ve heard from people that streamers say, ‘Release in theatres first, we’ll take your film after that’.”
I won’t work with stars again; they want three vans, 25 bodyguards-Vinod Bachchan
11:25 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2022)
Producer Vinod Bachchan, known for exploring the heartland of India in his projects, reveals that after Zila Ghaziabad (2013), which starred Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vivek Oberoi and Paresh Rawal, he decided to “never work with stars again”. “Wo kahani kehni chaiye, jo Hindustan ka kona-kona sochta hai. But stars do not let you do that,” says Bachchan.
The producer of Tanu Weds Manu (2011) explains, “Stars want big banners, three vanity vans, 25 bodyguards, but I don’t want that. I would rather invest that money in making my film.”
Bachchan says this is one of the reasons why he looks for new directors and actors for every film. “If I fail to share my message with the society through my cinema, mera cinema banaane ka koi matlab nahin. I want to work with people who could present my ideas in the way I want,” he says, adding, “As a producer, my priority is to look for a director who can be on the same page as me. I want a director who can help me create a socially relevant film.”
Unsurprisingly, the film’s plot is the most important aspect for him, not the stars. “A star can pull audiences to theatres on Fridays, but it’s only a star script that works in the long run. So, I don’t worry about finding actors. Jo bhi acche actors milte hain, main unke saath dedication ke saath film banaata hoon,” he concludes.
It was my heartfelt desire that Kareena Kapoor play the role that Swara Bhasker does now in Jahan Chaar Yaar-Vinod Bachchan
8:23 AM
Producer of Jahan Chaar Yaar, frontlined by Swara Bhasker, says top female actors turned down film offer because it isn’t a “solo-heroine” project
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 11, 2022)
Even as producer Vinod Bachchan is set to present his women-centric drama, 'Jahan Chaar Yaar', fronted by Swara Bhasker, Meher Vij, Shikha Talsania, and Pooja Chopra, he makes a rather interesting revelation. Bachchan says he was keen to have Kareena Kapoor Khan be the face of his film, but opines that the actor turned it down because top female actors “want solo-heroine movies, and don’t want to play the part of a mother”.
Bachchan, who also approached other female actors before knocking on Bhasker’s door, says, “[It was my] heartfelt desire that Kareena play the role that Swara does now. We sent the script to her talent management agency, but didn’t get any response. Some were unhappy that the director was new, but I have always delivered super-hit movies with new directors. Aanand L Rai, who directed Tanu Weds Manu, was my discovery.”
He points out that in this day and age, a movie script may be turned down in the meeting room of the artiste’s talent management agency, before it can even reach the hands of the actor. For this film, he was in search of a bunch of actors who could share a certain camaraderie.
“Meher, Shikha, and Pooja came on board after the narration, while Swara was the last one to be cast. But today, which heroine wants to play the role of a mother to an 11-year-old child? Swara is a brilliant actress, and has performed the part so well. The moment she heard the script, she loved it. The four characters are married women from small towns of North India, so, the actors had to pull off their roles with maturity. I realised that for this film, I didn’t need a top star but a talented performer, and Swara fit that role.”
While Bachchan had faith in the actors’ abilities, he had to “hire a tutor for Pooja for two months to teach her the language”.
“She also stayed with a Muslim family in Pune for a day or two. To arrive at the right on-screen chemistry, the four characters took part in workshops and visited cafes.”
Jahaan Chaar Yaar producer Vinod Bachchan calls off Goa shoot after Meher Vij tests positive for Coronavirus
8:13 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 16, 2021)
Work on Swara Bhasker’s Jahaan Chaar Yaar, also starring Meher Vij, Shikha Talsania and Pooja Chopra, was progressing swiftly until the unit hit the Goa leg late last week. Two days into the filming of the all-women project in the beach state, director Kamal Pandey had to halt the shoot as Vij came down with the infection. A production hand recounts, “As per protocol, the entire team was tested before they left from Mumbai last Friday. The shoot began that very day.”
Producer Vinod Bachchan confirms the development, adding that the unit promptly took action. “Meher showed Coronavirus symptoms on day two of the shoot. The filming was immediately suspended, and the entire team was made to quarantine in their respective rooms. Fortunately, everyone, except Meher, tested negative,” he states.
Considering the story is centred on four friends who feel trapped in their monotonous lives until a chance vacation changes their lives, most sequences lined up required the presence of the four actors. While the makers were initially contemplating canning the solo portions, Bachchan and Pandey had a change of heart. The producer says, “Looking at the rising cases across the country, we have decided to postpone the shoot.”
The cast and crew, barring Vij, returned to Mumbai on Wednesday.
Swara Bhasker, Shikha Talsania, Meher Vij and Pooja Chopra bag Jahaan Chaar Yaar
8:24 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (March 1, 2021)
The film follows the story of four friends, who are trapped in the rut of hapless monotony. With children who are grown up and emotionally-distant husbands, they have nothing to look forward to in their middle-class lives, until a getaway to Goa turns into a thrilling, roller-coaster ride that they had never bargained for. Their journey from demure housewives to daring dames forms the crux of the movie.
Producer Vinod Bachchan says, “As cinemas open their doors again, it is a matter of time till the audience opens its hearts again. We just need to welcome them back with a rocking film. Jahaan Chaar Yaar is an empowering tale of friendship filled with engaging twists and turns. I am sure it will reignite the glory of big-screen entertainment.”
The maker behind hits like Tanu Weds Manu, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana and Ginny Weds Sunny, Vinod adds, “I am overjoyed to be crafting a fresh story with a solid script. Our team can’t wait to make this wonderful film.”
The movie also marks the directorial debut of writer Kamal Pandey, who has penned films like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Shagird and dialogues for Shakthi: The Power. Scheduled to be shot in the rustic locales of Uttar Pradesh as well as the beautiful beaches of Goa, the film is touted to be a rollicking adventure.
Jahaan Chaar Yaar, a Soundrya Productions film, produced by Vinod Bachchan, will go on floors from March 5.
Yami Gautam & Vikrant Massey portrayed Ginny & Sunny better than how they were on paper-Vinod Bachchan
8:00 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; October 29, 2020)
Vinod, who has previously produced films like Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Tanu Weds Manu and Zila Ghaziabad under his banner, Soundrya Productions, says, “We were getting a good response from the industry, but I always value the audience’s feedback more. I gauged the audience’s reaction to Tanu Weds Manu. The songs, chemistry between the actors and script were applauded by viewers, so I have tried to retain the same essence in my other films, too.”
The producer enjoys backing films based around weddings with a fresh pairing and unique content at its core. Besides the performances, the music of Ginny Weds Sunny has proved to be a hit with music lovers. “All the songs blended with the script perfectly, I just brought in the right voices and gave them a platform to express. I am glad that the entire soundtrack has been loved by people,” he says.
Talking about his lead pair — Yami and Vikrant — he shares, “Versatile and natural actors like these make work easier for producers. Yami and Vikrant have portrayed Ginny and Sunny better than how they were written on paper, and I couldn’t have asked for more.” Vinod, who looks at spreading “love and joy” through his cinema, promises to make more films that would resonate with the audience.
Interestingly, he has been a producer, who’s been working with big names in his projects without the backing of any studios. “I hire the best people and provide them everything they ask for it. I have always believed in supporting fresh talent, too. I feel that when we have a task at hand, it should be given the best treatment. I aim to keep entertaining people with many movies, which have different flavour, and most importantly, connect with the audience,” he signs off.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 642
9:33 AM
WILL GINNY WEDS SUNNY BE A FUN-FILLED RIDE LIKE TANU WEDS MANU?
Producer Vinod Bachchan is not a prominent name for many. But he has a major contribution as he was the producer of Tanu Weds Manu. He was the one who gave a new lease of life to director Aanand L Rai and also in a way gave the much-needed hit and author-backed role to Kangana Ranaut at a time when she was not getting her due in films. The producer, however, then slipped with back-to-back flops like Zila Ghaziabad and Jigariyaa. His last film was Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana which was a theatrical flop but managed to do well on television.
And now he’s back with Ginny Weds Sunny. The name of the film obviously reminds one of Tanu Weds Manu. However, Tanu Weds Manu had a lot more buzz despite being a small budget flick. Ginny Weds Sunny, meanwhile, stars Yami Gautam and Vikrant Massey. The trailer is fun and can make for a nice, North-Indian based romcom. Dialogues especially seem witty. The film has got noticed thanks to the remix of the song ‘Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag’ which also features Badshah, Mika Singh and Neha Kakkar.
Ginny Weds Sunny would release on Netflix tomorrow. The decision has been a good one for Vinod Bachchan as reportedly, he has not only recovered the investment, but also made a neat profit. If it had released in cinemas, it might have bombed badly. That’s because the trailer, though nice, is not that exciting. Vikrant Massey is a fine actor but is sadly not a crowd puller. Same goes for Yami Gautam. Hence, the decision to release it on a streaming giant makes sense for the makers. If it manages to get audiences and make it to the top 10 trending list over the weekend, the job would be done for the film.
Producer Vinod Bachchan is not a prominent name for many. But he has a major contribution as he was the producer of Tanu Weds Manu. He was the one who gave a new lease of life to director Aanand L Rai and also in a way gave the much-needed hit and author-backed role to Kangana Ranaut at a time when she was not getting her due in films. The producer, however, then slipped with back-to-back flops like Zila Ghaziabad and Jigariyaa. His last film was Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana which was a theatrical flop but managed to do well on television.
And now he’s back with Ginny Weds Sunny. The name of the film obviously reminds one of Tanu Weds Manu. However, Tanu Weds Manu had a lot more buzz despite being a small budget flick. Ginny Weds Sunny, meanwhile, stars Yami Gautam and Vikrant Massey. The trailer is fun and can make for a nice, North-Indian based romcom. Dialogues especially seem witty. The film has got noticed thanks to the remix of the song ‘Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag’ which also features Badshah, Mika Singh and Neha Kakkar.
Ginny Weds Sunny would release on Netflix tomorrow. The decision has been a good one for Vinod Bachchan as reportedly, he has not only recovered the investment, but also made a neat profit. If it had released in cinemas, it might have bombed badly. That’s because the trailer, though nice, is not that exciting. Vikrant Massey is a fine actor but is sadly not a crowd puller. Same goes for Yami Gautam. Hence, the decision to release it on a streaming giant makes sense for the makers. If it manages to get audiences and make it to the top 10 trending list over the weekend, the job would be done for the film.
Yami Gautam and Vikrant Massey to star in the romcom Ginny Weds Sunny
8:13 AM
BOMBAY TIMES (July 11, 2019)
The romcom, Ginny Weds Sunny, brings together Yami Gautam and Vikrant Massey for the first time. In the film, Shobha wants her daughter Ginni to tie the knot with Sunny. The story unfolds when Ginni and Sunny get to know each other, but she rejects him. However, Sunny teams up with the mother, who becomes his love guru, and they together try to woo Ginny. The movie will be shot in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Manali, over a span of 50 days and will be helmed by debutant director Puneet Khanna.The film is produced by Vinod Bachchan under the banner of Soundrya Production, which has previously made films like Tanu Weds Manu and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana. The story is written by Sumit Arora, who has previously written Stree and is now writing Dostana 2, and Navjot Gulati, who is co-writing Dostana 2, and will also direct a film with Luv Ranjan.
Producer Vinod Bachchan says, “We are excited to collaborate with Vikrant and Yami as well as director Puneet Khanna for this romcom. I have been wanting to work with this trio, and am happy to be able to have them on board.”
Vikrant adds, “We’ve been wanting to do something together, and I’m glad we found the right script for it. I’m sure the audiences will find it equally entertaining. This is a great opportunity for me; I have never done anything like this before.”
Talking about the film, Yami says, “The script is very quirky and a completely unexplored space for me! I am really excited to be working with Puneet Khanna, who has been working really hard on his first directorial venture. Vikrant is an extremely talented actor and it would be really interesting to work with him.”
Presented and produced by Vinod Bachchan, Ginny Weds Sunny goes on floors on September 1.
UP government refuses to grant subsidy to Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana makers due to Rajkummar Rao's injury
8:05 AM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 6, 2017)
The makers of Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana will not be able to avail subsidy from the Uttar Pradesh government because promotions for the film can’t take place in the state.
A source tells mid-day, “The entire movie has been shot in Lucknow and Allahabad. As per the subsidy norms of the state’s film policy, the subsidy is given when the final product is ready. Film promotions in prime cities are a major part of the process. The Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana team had planned promotions in Lucknow this week, but they had to be cancelled after Rajkummar suffered a leg injury on the set of a reality show.”
Adds the source, “Until Saturday, director Ratnaa Sinha was certain that they would be able to pull off promotions in Lucknow, but it looks unlikely now due to time constraints. Ratnaa doesn’t see any sense in putting everyone through the hassle [because of Rao’s injury].”
When contacted, producer Vinod Bachchan tells mid-day that his lead actor’s well-being is his topmost priority: “Raj has been advised complete rest by the doctors. He is pushing himself as much as possible. He will be promoting the film in Delhi, but Lucknow and Allahabad won’t be possible. As far as subsidy goes, we don’t make movies to earn benefits. This film is made from the heart and the actors are our priority.”
Now IAS officer pens a break-up song, for Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
7:47 AM
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2017)
Former Director of the
Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) and IAS officer Gaurav Krishna
Bansal insists that it's time for Pritam's “Break up“ song from Karan
Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM) to move over so the quirky heartbreak
track, “Thukra Ke Dil Mera Intekaam Dekhegi“, that he has penned for
Ratna Sinha's romcom, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, can set feet tapping and
fingers snapping.
“It's much better than the other breakup song - a Majrooh Sultanpuri-styled track with Urdu lyrics. The hero who is dumped because he has failed to make it big, is back with a vengeance, telling his dushman-lover that she will now yearn for his dosti,“ says Gaurav.
The bureaucrat, who got a chance to meet the film's leads, Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda, is delighted that Ratna and producer Vinod Bachchan, after going through his poems thought this one would make for a potential chartbuster. “I did two drafts, but eventually everyone loved the end result,“ he reminisces.
An active member of the Government of India's North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), the debutant lyricist is determined to prove that officers are not stone hearted, but brimming with liter ary talent which usually doesn't find an audience. “Afsar ka bhi dil hota hai!“ he asserts, hoping that other government officials find a complementary career in mainstream cinema.
“It's much better than the other breakup song - a Majrooh Sultanpuri-styled track with Urdu lyrics. The hero who is dumped because he has failed to make it big, is back with a vengeance, telling his dushman-lover that she will now yearn for his dosti,“ says Gaurav.
The bureaucrat, who got a chance to meet the film's leads, Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda, is delighted that Ratna and producer Vinod Bachchan, after going through his poems thought this one would make for a potential chartbuster. “I did two drafts, but eventually everyone loved the end result,“ he reminisces.
An active member of the Government of India's North Central Zone Cultural Centre (NCZCC), the debutant lyricist is determined to prove that officers are not stone hearted, but brimming with liter ary talent which usually doesn't find an audience. “Afsar ka bhi dil hota hai!“ he asserts, hoping that other government officials find a complementary career in mainstream cinema.
Rs 2 crore spent on Rajkummar Rao's reel wedding in Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
2:52 PM
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 4, 2017)
If you thought Rajkummar Rao has a penchant for indie/arthouse films made on a shoestring budget, this will change your mind. The makers of his next film, 'Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana', have spent Rs 2 crore on creating an elaborate set fitting a lavish wedding.
A source close to the production team says, "Money wasn't a consideration for the makers, but they had limited time to build the set. Art director Arup Adikari along with set designer Shabiul Haasan, and their team created magic in three days. The biggest challenge was to make the wedding scene look completely different from what one has seen in earlier Bollywood films."
Confirming the news, producer Vinod Bachchan says, "Since it's a wedding sequence, we wanted to create an elaborate set to resemble a lavish ceremony."
Ratna Sinha, wife of filmmaker Anubhav Sinha, is making her directorial debut with this rom-com, which will be shot in Allahabad, Lucknow and Kanpur. The film, which pairs Rajkummar with Kriti Kharbanda, is a journey of a commoner, who becomes a top-level government official after being jilted in love.
Sunny Leone bags Vinod Bachchan's Yaaron Ki Baaraat?
2:56 PM
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 8, 2015)
After Nasir Hussain's 1973 action-drama, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, which revolved around three brothers separated by fate, played by Dharmendra, Vijay Arora and Tariq Khan, we now have a Yaaron Ki Baaraat revolving around three friends who are yet to be cast. But Vinod Bachchan roped in Sunny Leone a fortnight ago for his comic caper which will mark the directorial debut of Ikram Akhtar who has penned the Salman Khan-starrer, Ready, and Akshay Kumar's Thank You.
"Sunny plays a Punjabi girl who even though has studied abroad, sports a traditional wardrobe and her dialogue will be sprinkled with some Punjabi tadka," says a source close to the development, adding tongue-in-cheek that despite the "sanskari" image Sunny will steam up the imagination of the three dosts and also the male audience. "Shooting begins in March." Beware of the ides of March, then? Et tu Sunny.
Sanjay Gupta challenges non-cooperation directive issued against him by Vinod Bachchan
7:48 AM
Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; May 29, 2015)
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has moved the Bombay High Court challenging a non-cooperation directive recently issued against him. This pertains to a complaint filed by producer Vinod Bachchan with the Federation Of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) seeking refund of the signing amount for a project.
Sources say Bachchan had approached Sanjay for a project titled Delhi Ka Thug and after it was shelved, the duo agreed that Sanjay should retain the token amount of Rs 45.9 lakh as he had devoted time developing the script. But after Jazbaa — Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s comeback vehicle — started rolling, the producer sent him a legal notice claiming that the token amount was to be used for that film.
Sanjay filed a case against Bachchan for extortion and defamation with the Versova police. The latter approached the FWICE, which ruled in his favour. Bachchan says, “I am happy with the judgment. I have all the proof with me and Sanjay never turned up whenever he was summoned by the federation. I don’t have any personal agenda against him; I just want my money back.”
On his part, Sanjay has filed a case against Bachchan for fraud and extortion, suing him for Rs 4.5 crore. The hearing of the case will commence soon. Says the filmmaker, “I have filed this suit on behalf of all directors who are wrongfully cornered by scheming producers and their bully associations. We work hard and when they fail to get their project going, they ask for a refund. I am fighting to stop this nonsense once and for all. My directors’ association is standing by me. I haven’t received any directive from FWICE. In fact, I am getting threat calls from some of the members about going ahead with Jazbaa’s shoot.”
Bachchan, however, says, “As far as legal actions are concerned, I am prepared. The federation is also on my side.”
Documents related to the case are in mid-day ’s possession.
Sanjay Gupta sues Vinod Bachchan for alleged harassment, extortion
8:41 AM
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 9, 2015)
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has filed a case against producer Vinod Bachchan for alleged harassment and extortion. He has accused Bachchan of sending him a ‘fake’ legal notice demanding refund of Rs 50 lakh which was his compensation for a project that failed to take off.
His lawyer Madhu Chaudhary says, “Sanjay has filed a case against Vinod Bachchan for extortion, defamation and cheating. The token amount given by him in April 2014 was Rs 49.5 lakh. A case has been registered with the Versova police.”
Sources say Bachchan had approached Sanjay through one Shyam Purohit for a project titled Delhi Ka Thug. “They wanted Sanjay to be the writer-director and cast Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood and Boman Irani. But after he had worked on the script, the two couldn’t arrange for finances or lock the cast. Every time he asked to be compensated for his time, he was given false assurances,” adds a source.
Last December, Bachchan and Purohit informed Sanjay about the project being shelved. But the duo agreed that Sanjay should retain the token amount of Rs 49.5 lakh as he had devoted time developing the script and not taken up other work, say sources. However, after Sanjay’s film Jazbaa — billed as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's comeback vehicle — started rolling, the producer sent a legal notice to him. He has claimed that though the token amount was paid for another project, it was agreed upon to be used for Jazbaa. Bachchan wants credit as the producer of this film.
Bachchan refused to comment on the issue.
Tanu Weds Manu 2 dispute settled after a lump sum amount was paid to Vinod Bachchan
7:39 AM
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; November 22, 2014)
The five month-long legal dispute between director Aanand L Rai and producer Vinod Bachchan over the rights of Tanu Weds Manu sequel has finally ended.
Bachchan, who holds a 51 per cent share in the original film starring Kangana Ranaut and R Madhavan, had slapped a legal notice on Rai for announcing the second instalment without his consent. A source says the matter has now been resolved with Eros International, which is collaborating with the director for the sequel, apparently having offered a whopping amount to Bachchan to compromise.
Krishika Lulla of Eros confirms the news, stating: “It’s all sorted now”. Asked her about the monetary settlement, she says, “I don’t know how much I can talk about it.”
Bachchan, too, refrained from disclosing the amount. He says, “Of course they must have given me some money. Otherwise, how is a settlement possible? The film was very close to my heart but I got involved with the wrong person. I am confident of making many more films like Tanu Weds Manu though.”
The first schedule of the film, which stars Kangana in a double role, has been completed in Lucknow.
Vinod Bachchan not afraid of launching newcomers in Jigariyaa
7:42 AM
MID-DAY (September 19, 2014)
It is perhaps not wrong to say that nothing sells in Bollywood like a love
story. Producer Vinod Bachchan, for one, would agree. Post the success
of his films such as Tanu Weds Manu (2011) and Zila Gaziabad (2013),
Bachchan is now ready to release his next film, Jigariyaa, which is
essentially a love story.
The film, however, doesn’t rely on renowned names; instead, Bachchan has cast a new set of actors with Harshavardhan Deo and Cherry Mardia in the lead roles. Bachchan says that the first look of the film has already garnered a positive response, thus reinstating his faith in them.
“I am not worried about challenges; Sajid Nadiadwala launched Tiger Shroff while Siddharth Roy Kapur launched three new actors in Kai Po Che!. Of course, they have corporate backing and are not worried about losses, but I am a lone producer who’s launching rank newcomers in Jigariyaa. For me, making a good film within a limited budget is a challenge. I am thankful to producer Raju Chadha for showing confidence.”
Jigariyaa has been directed by Raj Purohit and it is being produced by Raju Chadha and Vinod Bachchan; it is slated to release on October 10.
Vinod Bachchan to now file criminal complaint against Tanu Weds Manu 2 makers
8:23 AM
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 5, 2014)
The producers of Tanu Weds Manu sequel have been slapped with a legal notice by Vinod Bachchan, who collaborated with Sanjay Singh and Shailesh R Singh on the original. Bachchan claims that director Aanand L Rai and the studio backing him, Eros International, have no right to go ahead with Part 2 since the rights officially belong to him.
Rai however shrugs off the notice, saying, "The studio has all the papers in place to take the project forward. Besides, Vinod was just one of the producers of the original film. Let him do what he wants."
Surprisingly, Shailesh is not siding Vinod either. Says Shailesh, "Vinod doesnt have any rights to the film."
The studio in question had issued a statement in 2011 stating that it was producing Tanu Weds Manu 2. When contacted, the company's official spokesperson then had confirmed that studio was on board. But this time they chose not to respond to our text.
While Vinod remained unavailable for comment, his lawyer Raja Thakur said: "I'm shocked that neither Rai nor the studio has responded to our notice so far. We will now be filing a criminal complaint on Tuesday."
Tanu Weds Manu 2 row: Now Sanjay Singh slaps legal notice on Aanand
7:50 AM
Rachana Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 22, 2014)
While director Aanand L Rai hunts for a Kangana look-alike for his, Tanu Weds Manu sequel, the film has hit a roadblock.
Reportedly, Aanand has been slapped with a legal notice by Sanjay Singh, one of the three producers of Tanu Weds Manu, the other two being Vinod Bachchan and Shailesh R Singh. The supposed legal notice states that the director doesn't have the rights to make a sequel without their consent.
Aanand L Rai counters these reports, saying "Vinod, Shailesh and Sanjay only have rights over the first film. They don't have the rights to sequels and prequels. So, why can't I make a sequel to Tanu Weds Manu?" questioned Aanand, adding, "Eros International is the producer of the sequel. They have all the papers in place to take this project forward. And I've already started work on the film. As for their legal notice, I'm yet to receive one from any of them. I can only comment on it after I have seen it."
When contacted, Vinod furiously retorted, "Shailesh, Sanjay and I are the producers of the first film and are keen to make a sequel. My legal notice is being drafted right now while Sanjay has already sent a notice from his end. Aanand is trying to damage our brand. If he was so keen to make the sequel, why didn't he seek our permission or choose to work with us?" he rants, adding, "If he was so keen to work with Eros International, why didn't he start a sequel to Raanjhanaa or his first film Strangers? We have our papers in place."
Eros International had issued a press statement back in 2011 stating that they were producing Tanu Weds Manu 2. When contacted, the company's official spokesperson confirmed they are still on board as the producers of the film.
When informed about this, Vinod insisted that the sequel cannot be made without the consent of his co-producers and him.
When we last checked, Aanand hadn't received a legal notice from Sanjay or any of the other co-producers. Aanand said, "If Vinod, Shailesh and Sanjay can prove they have the rights to make the sequel and/or a prequel, I will direct it for them. In any case, their legal notice should be addressed to Eros, not me."
How can Aanand make Tanu Weds Manu 2, without my consent?-Vinod Bachchan
8:14 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 21, 2014)
History seems to be repeating itself with Tanu
Weds Manu. After the original, the film's sequel is also running
into legal troubles.However, unlike the 2011 movie, which was disputed among its co-producers, Tanu Weds Manu 2 has got embroiled in a legal tangle between director Aanand L Rai and the producers, after Rai announced the project.
Producer Vinod Bachchan, who had gone to
court over the sale of rights of the first movie - he now holds 51%
share after the settlement -is preparing to send a notice to Rai.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Singh, who holds 24.5% share via his agreement with
co-producer Shailesh Singh (who holds 24.5% share), sent a notice (of
which Bombay Times has a copy) to Rai on Tuesday.Says Bachchan, "Aanand is just the director. Tanu Weds Manu is my property . How can he make my film's sequel without my consent?" Sanjay adds, "Aanand is aware of my contract with Shailesh. He knows we are equal owners of the IPR of Tanu Weds Manu. Four months ago, he had tried to negotiate with me, but it was inconclusive. How can he talk about a sequel? I've sent a notice to him."
After several calls and text messages, Rai finally sent us an SMS saying he was “in a narration“. He didn't clarify his side till the time of going to press.
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