We ask experts about the feasibility of OTT-to-theatre releases
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 27, 2020)

When will theatres reopen is the big question on everyone’s mind in the film industry. Shoots have resumed, actors are ready, but what about the venue that showcases their work? Many filmmakers have opted to release their ready films on OTT platforms instead — Gulabo Sitabo, Shakuntala Devi, Gunjan Saxena - The Kargil Girl, to name a few. While speculation is rife that September might see theatres getting back to business, makers are likely to remain apprehensive about theatrical releases, considering the audience might be scared to venture out. Could these OTT releases be used again to test waters?

Divided opinions
Shibasish Sarkar, CEO, Reliance Entertainment, says it depends on the choice of the platforms. “When a producer has sold the rights of his movies, they lie with the OTT platforms. If they want to release, they may... Unless it’s not in the contract, it’s not the producer’s choice,” he tells us.

Earlier this year, Baaghi 3 had just released when the Coronavirus outbreak hit the country and theatres had to be closed. Actor Tiger Shroff had told us then that they were hoping to come back to theatres, even after it came on an OTT platform. “The bigger picture is the safety of people... Let’s see once the situation settles; perhaps we may re-release,” he had said.

Meanwhile, producer Anand Pandit, who has decided to release his film The Big Bull on OTT, says he is up for re-release of such films theatrically. “Why not? It depends on the contract you have, and also whether it’s viable... But you have to do your analysis. If your films is more B- and C- centric, single screen type, then it is a good thing to consider; they might not have seen it on OTT,” he reasons, adding, “Producers could also buy back the rights, but not at the same price.”

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia, whose film Yaara released directly on a digital platform recently, says chances look slim. “It depends on when theatres will open, and how much content is there to exhibit... There might be some chance of these OTT films releasing, but it’s slim. So much money will have to be put on marketing,” he says.

Theatre owners, on the other hand, are apprehensive if OTT-to-theatre releases would work. Manoj Desai, executive director of G7 Multiplex and Maratha Mandir cinema, Mumbai, says, “If people are getting to watch films in their bedrooms, why would they come to theatres? The public won’t come to theatres in the beginning when theatres reopen as everyone is scared. Also, we don’t know what kind of [social distancing] guidelines we’d get, like seat people keeping one vacant in between. How will a couple sit? They would prefer to watch it comfortably on digital... I have three theatres with a capacity for 1,000 people; it will come down to 450. How will I accommodate everyone? I will have to incur charges on air conditioning and maintenance, too.”

With Avrodh depicting the 2016 surgical strikes, Amit Sadh says he is unfazed by comparisons with Vicky Kaushal's Uri
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; August 4, 2020)

It has been a busy month for Amit Sadh. After Breathe -  Into The Shadows, the actor had three more releases — Shakuntala Devi, Yaara and Avrodh: The Siege Within — all in a span of four weeks. "When I didn't have work, people complained that they don't get to see me. So, I'm sure my fans will be thrilled to see my work back-to-back. All I did was to submit to the masterplan that the universe had for me," grins the actor.

His latest series on Sony LIV, Avrodh, a retelling of the 2016 surgical strikes, is based on a chapter from Shiv Aroor and Rahul Singh's book, India's Most Fearless. The nine-part series, which was conceptualised after eight months of research, was ready since late last year. "I was offered this role when I was lean and weighed about 72 kilos, and was filming my cameo in Super 30. The director [Raj Acharya] gave me pictures of men in Special Forces who had big builds. That is when I took the challenge [of bulking up]. My brother, who is in the Indian Army, introduced me to someone in the Special Force units. Their training protocol, manner of functioning, orders and responses are quite different from regular armed forces."

Before facing the camera as a Special Force officer, Sadh read India's Most Fearless as part of his prep. "I have read both their books [in the series]. Their research in the books has been accepted by the army chief, and several others in the armed forces." The actor reveals arrangements are underway for a screening of the series for the army personnel.

The 2016 Uri attacks has already been depicted on the big screen with the much acclaimed Uri: The Surgical Strikes. Comparisons with the Vicky Kaushal-starrer do not bother Sadh. "I am like Arjun with my eyes trained on the target. We didn't make Avrodh keeping such comparisons in mind. Uri was a great film and I am a fan of Vicky's work. I will be thrilled if Vicky watches the series," he says.

While Abhishek Bachchan-fronted Breathe 2 has its share of fans, the series was panned by critics for its contrived storytelling. Says Sadh, "I have only read the audience's reviews, and they have loved it. I only consider the views expressed by the audience, my director, and the studio. With due respect, I will not [pay heed] to criticism by five people, who are doing the job of giving star ratings. I prefer to know whether my fans liked my work or not."

Naseeruddin Shah's nephew, Yaara actor Mohommed Ali Shah makes light of how veteran would react if he used his name to gain attention
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; July 31, 2020)

In an industry where star kids often hark back at their relationships with veterans to find an inroad into Bollywood, Major Mohommed Ali Shah has been slowly and quietly climbing the ranks. Naseeruddin Shah's nephew has been part of films like Agent Vinod (2012), Haider (2014), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Vodka Diaries (2017) and Raagdesh (2017), and features in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Yaara, which dropped digitally on Thursday.

Vidyut Jammwal and Shruti Haasan's offering sees him as a Sikh police officer, a role that he earned after the director saw his Army major act in Haider. "My character of Jasjit Singh ages over two decades. The film sees me play a young IPS officer, and then as the joint director of CBI who is on the verge of retirement," says Shah.

While actors who frontline films go to great lengths to do justice to their role, Shah, who plays a supporting role, also left no stone unturned to play this part. He grew his hair, learnt to tie a turban, stopped smoking, read the Guru Granth Sahib and spent time at the Golden Temple. "I come from a theatre background, and want to be a master craftsman of the trade," says Shah, who shared screen space with his legendary uncle in Vivek Agnihotri's The Tashkent Files (2019) in a role that was eventually edited.

His training to be a commando during his stint at the Short Service Commission came to his aid. Apart from being posted at the Indo-Pak border for a while, the IIM Calcutta alumnus spent time at a corporate job before turning to acting.

Praising his acting chops, Naseeruddin once told Mohommed's father: "he is good". But the young actor never dropped his uncle's name during auditions or while meeting filmmakers. "My uncle will give me a kick and tell me make it on my own. One film has led to another and now, I hope, Yaara does the same."

5 FILMS TO CLASH ON OTT THIS WEEKEND!

2 weeks back, we had informed you that as many as 4 films are going to release on the internet this week. But now it has emerged that one more film has joined the race! This makes it 5 films to premiere this weekend. My analysis on these films:

1. SHAKUNTALA DEVI (Amazon Prime): It is based on the world famous mathematician Shakuntala Devi and her relationship with her daughter. It stars Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra, Amit Sadh and Jisshu Sengupta and is directed by Anu Menon, who co-directed Four More Shots Please. The trailer looks vibrant and entertaining with Vidya in full form. Not many know about Shakuntala Devi’s life story and hence, the film has that advantage. However, it seems an attempt has been made to show the character as quite outgoing and dramatic, which the real Shakuntala was not in real life. Also, the mother-daughter bond seems tricky and if not handled well, the film can fall like a pack of cards.

2. LOOTCASE (Disney+ Hotstar): It is a comic caper starring Kunal Kemmu, Rasika Dugal, Vijay Raaz, Gajraj Rao and Ranvir Shorey. It was to release last year on October 11 in cinemas but then reports came that it’ll arrive on Netflix. The makers a few weeks later clarified that the film will come in cinemas but it won’t make it on October 11. Instead, it’ll arrive on April 10, 2020. This date raised eyebrows as it was the same day when one of the biggest films of the year, ’83, was to release. Lootcase is a small film and would have got crushed in front of a juggernaut like ’83. But when lockdown came in force, the makers still waited and were hoping that Lootcase would be the first film to release in cinemas once cinemas reopen. However, with the lockdown going on and on, the makers then took the decision to once again put it on OTT, this time however on Disney+ Hotstar. The film looks like a nice, clean laugh riot. Kunal suits his part and even the supporting cast seem apt.

3. RAAT AKELI HAI (Netflix): It marks the directorial debut of casting director Honey Trehan and has an ensemble cast comprising of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Shweta Tripathi, Shivani Raghuvanshi, Nishant Dahiya, Ila Arun, Swanand Kirkire and Aditya Srivastava. It is a story of a cop investigating the mysterious death of a powerful local politician in Uttar Pradesh. The trailer failed to make an impact. But with so many great actors and the setting being interesting as well, Raat Akeli Hai can make for a nice watch, especially if it’s well-made.

4. YAARA (Zee5): This is a long-delayed film, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia. It stars Vidyut Jammwal, Amit Sadh and Shruti Haasan and is about a group of friends who are criminals. The story focuses on their 20-year-long association. The trailer is decent but the fact that it was delayed for so long makes one wonder if there’s anything wrong with the film. This is the only film out of the 5 films which releases today, that is, July 30, and not on July 31.

5. MY CLIENT'S WIFE (ShemarooMe): It is one of the first or the first original film on the ShemarooMe. It stars Abhimanyu Singh, Anjali Patil and Sharib Hashmi and is about a man convicted of physically assaulting his wife. His lawyer gets shocked as some uncomfortable details tumble out about both the man and wife during the course of his investigation. The trailer is intriguing but the direction seems average. Also, the suspense has to be shocking in such films and if it’s not, it can prove disastrous. The biggest problem however with the film is that it’s coming on a platform which many people have not even heard of. Hence, it’ll get ignored by majority of audiences. If it’s well made, it might find audiences later on when the platform becomes popular.

Shruti Haasan on how father Kamal Haasan shared tips to perfect her act of a 50-year-old woman in Yaara
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 30, 2020)

Four years since it was conceived, Tigmanshu Dhulia's Yaara is set to premiere on ZEE5 today. Shruti Haasan is thrilled that the movie is finally seeing the light of day. "I am glad that the film looks fresh. The story is set in 1975, and hence, does not run the risk of looking dated," says the actor, who stars alongside Vidyut Jammwal, Amit Sadh and Vijay Varma in the drama.

An adaptation of the French film Les Lyonnais (2011), the story traces four friends as they navigate life from their early 20s to 50s. While portraying a 20-something came easy to Shruti, she found herself groping in the dark when it came to depicting the older portions and turned to father Kamal Haasan for advice.

The veteran pointed out that besides an understated performance, make-up plays a crucial role in convincingly ageing on screen. "My dad suggested I pull out a picture of my mother [Sarika] and him when they were in their 50s. He said, 'Study how our faces look and use that as reference'. So, we didn't go overboard with the make-up. That's probably the only time my dad helped me [professionally]," says the actor.

Stating that Irrfan Khan was the first choice for Yaara, director Tigmanshu Dhulia reveals why he had to zero in on younger actors
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 29, 2020)

They have made some memorable films together, including Paan Singh Tomar (2012) that helped Irrfan realise his long-cherished dream of winning the National Award. It is not surprising then that Tigmanshu Dhulia had originally envisioned his upcoming film, Yaara, with the late actor in the lead.

"When we were casting, I had approached Irrfan to play the role that has now been essayed by Vidyut [Jammwal]. Irrfan was excited when I narrated the script to him, but we couldn't take it forward," recounts Dhulia, whose directorial debut Haasil (2003) featured the actor.

The problem arose in the form of the script that narrates the story of four friends, who enter the world of organised crime, through four decades. "I had to show the characters' journeys from their early 20s to their 50s. We realised it would be impossible to depict Irrfan in his 20s. It is easy to make young actors look old, but doing the reverse is difficult," says the director, who then zeroed in on Jammwal, Amit Sadh, Vijay Varma and Kenny Basumatary.

Set to drop on ZEE5, Yaara is an official adaptation of the French movie, Les Lyonnais (2011). "I have never made remakes because I believe there is no dearth of good stories. But when I watched this film, I immediately fell in love with the story and decided to adapt it to the Indian setting." As he gears up for the movie's digital premiere, Dhulia feels that the transition to OTT platforms is advantageous to filmmakers. "We no longer have to stress about getting a certain number of screens, or box-office numbers. Viewers can watch the film any time they want, and movies, in turn, will enjoy a long shelf life."

As his films gear up for a digital premiere, Vidyut Jammwal on reigniting insider-versus-outsider debate after getting snubbed at OTT presser
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 23, 2020)

The industry's toxic star system was made evident last month when Disney+ Hotstar invited Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt and Abhishek Bachchan, among others, to announce its slate of films and conveniently left Vidyut Jammwal and Kunal Kemmu out of the picture — this, when their movies Khuda Haafiz and Lootcase respectively were part of the roster. Jammwal called out the platform's elitist attitude as he tweeted, "Seven films scheduled for release but only five are deemed worthy of representation. Two films receive no invitation or intimation. It's a long road ahead. The cycle continues. (sic)"

With fans rallying behind the actor, the episode reignited the insider-versus-outsider debate. Looking back at the incident, the actor states, "In a way, the message was for me because [on seeing the line-up of actors], I asked myself, 'Why am I not here?' Without thinking much, I posted the tweet; it came straight from the heart. I am glad I did because people respected my stand. I have my share of fans since Force [2011]. People felt what I said was right and supported me."

As his films Khuda Haafiz and ZEE5's Yaara gear up for a digital premiere, Jammwal says the platform switch will bring about a shift in the movie business. "As an actor, [this shift] is liberating. Now, the country — including the masses in villages and small towns — will determine the films they like and the actors who [they deem fit to be] their chosen hero. The critics will no longer be able to [sway public opinion] with their reviews."

With four films up for release on July 31, for first time in Bollywood, mid-day examines if there's such a thing as a box office clash in OTT world
Mohar Basu, Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 20, 2020)

After Bollywood began exploring digital premiere of films since June, it was only a matter of time before we would witness a clash of movies. Come July 31, four films will compete for viewers' attention — while Vidya Balan's Shakuntala Devi drops on Amazon Prime Video, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte-starrer Raat Akeli Hai and Kunal Kemmu's Lootcase will stream on Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar respectively. They will have a rival in Vidyut Jammwal's Yaara that will have dropped 24 hours earlier on ZEE5. With factors such as screen count and opening weekend collections no longer coming into play, how will a four-way clash pan out in the digital world?

Honey Trehan, who has helmed the Netflix outing, believes the beauty of the OTT world lies in the freedom it offers from box-office numbers. "There is no concept of a clash on OTT platforms. A viewer no longer needs to buy four tickets for four films; he has the subscription to the platforms."

Aparna Acharekar, programming head, ZEE5 India, notes movies no longer have the pressure of making money within a week before the next release hits the screens. "Also, each service has its loyal audience, which is the digital [equivalent of the] first day, first show viewer. Now, people can watch two to three movies [over one weekend]."

Considering streaming giants do not reveal the viewership figures of their projects, it is difficult to determine if a film bested its rivals. However, Varun Gupta, founder-director, Max Marketing, which handles digital promotion, says there is a method to the madness. "It's a clash of the platforms, with each aiming to widen its subscription base. So, it will boil down to which film got you new subscriptions."

He predicts that the OTT world will have its own version of a clash once the honeymoon period is over. "Eventually, direct-to-web releases will move to a pay-per-view model."

CLASHES MIGHT BECOME PASSÉ AT TICKET WINDOW AND COMMONPLACE ON OTT!

One of the biggest banes of Bollywood in the pre-lockdown era was clashes, that is, two films of the same size releasing together. The problem used to increase manifold especially when two big films used to release on the same day and then try to usurp maximum screens. It used to divide audiences and also give a hard time to the exhibitors who had to suffer blackmail at the hands of distributors. Many experts and even industry people requested that this trend be stopped but no one listened.

In the post-lockdown era, however, this practice will be kept on the backburner, at least for a year. The industry has suffered a loss due to no films releasing. Also, many films have gone on the OTT platform. As a result, there’ll be very few films that will come out once things normalize. In such a scenario, clashes will be out of question as there would be plenty of release dates available.

On the other hand, the web is booming like anything. Just 10 days back, Disney+ Hotstar made a grand announcement of 7 films that they’ll premiere on their platform, including big films like Akshay Kumar’s horror comedy Laxmmi Bomb and Ajay Devgn’s war drama Bhuj: The Pride Of India. Amazon Prime has already released Gulabo Sitabo, acquired Shakuntala Devi and is expected to make an announcement on more films that will come on its platform. Netflix today is expected to make the mother of announcements, comprising of more than 13-14 films/web series. Many of these ventures will start arriving from July end. And amusingly, some of these films will clash.

For instance, Shakuntala Devi, starring Vidya Balan will release on July 31 on Amazon Prime. The same day, Disney+ Hotstar will present the comic caper Lootcase, starring Kunal Kemmu, Rasika Dugal, Vijay Raaz, Rasika Dugal and Ranvir Shorey. That’s not all. Now, Shemaroo has announced that it is also launching a OTT-style platform and the first film on this portal will release on July 31! The name of the movie is My Client’s Wife and stars Sharib Hashmi, Anjali Patil and Abhimanyu Singh. Lastly, Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Yaara starring Vidyut Jammwal and Amit Sadh will premiere on Zee5, but on July 30.

Most of the new films or series often arrive in the weekends on OTT so that viewers will be free then and can catch it up immediately. However, many films take time to grow. And the web allows that to happen. There’s no pressure on this platform for a strong weekend to sustain. Yet, it is strange that these platforms are not planning among themselves and going for clashes. Moreover, they let many Fridays go waste and now they are trying to arrive in the same weekend. For instance, tomorrow, July 17, is also a Friday but no film is releasing tomorrow. Hence, one of the films could have come on the 17th.

Nevertheless, such web clashes are not expected to cause problems is what many are assuring. Only time will tell if such decisions prove detrimental for these streaming giants.

Even as he is glad that Yaara is seeing the light of day, director Tigmanshu Dhulia rues movie was designed for the big screen
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; July 6, 2020)

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia has mixed feelings about the digital premiere of his film, Yaara. While he is relieved that the Vidyut Jammwal and Shruti Haasan-starrer is finally seeing the light of day after being stuck in the cans for over three years, the director admits he had hoped for a big-screen release.

"Only the producer can answer why the film was stuck all this while. I believe we have no option but to release our films on OTT platforms amid the Coronavirus pandemic. I am thrilled that people will be able to watch this film finally. Despite the delay, it will not look dated because the story is set in a certain period," he states.

Yaara is an official adaptation of the 2011 French film, Les Lyonnais. The movie, also featuring Amit Sadh and Vijay Varma, revolves around four friends who enter the world of organised crime. Even as several big-ticket films are seeking a digital release, Dhulia acknowledges that he had envisioned his story unfolding on the 70mm screen. "I feel bad [about the direct-to-web release] of Yaara because it was made for a theatrical release. It is not a concept-driven film. It was mounted on a big scale and shot across nine locations, including Bhopal, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Mumbai, Dehradun, Kathmandu and Romania," he says.

The director adds that the medium plays a crucial role in determining narrative style. "I would have made Yaara differently [for the digital platform] because OTT is a mix of films and television. In that case, the writing, blocking of scenes and the treatment of the script would have changed drastically."

P Sangeetha (BOMBAY TIMES; October 23, 2017)

Actress Shruti Haasan told us she is not big on Deepavali, which was why, perhaps, she worked right around the festivities. Shruti was in Coimbatore recently and said she was not into noisy fire crackers. "One of my best friends just had a baby and it's tough for her to put the baby to sleep. There are animals that are petrified and old people who can't take the noise pollution. I definitely hope we reduce noise pollution as the years go by. But I personally love sparklers," the actress tells us.

Shruti is currently working on dad Kamal Haasan's upcoming multi-lingual comedy, Sabhash Kundu. So, how is the experience? "It has been really good. I have learnt a lot not just because he is my dad, but because there is so much to learn from a man like him. His diligence, his passion is cinema, and for him, creating that is the ultimate goal. He had to take over the direction of the film last minute, but the grace and the clarity with which he did it is very inspiring."

She adds, "As a director, one of the things I like about him is how much he lets his actors discover and know their own strengths. He lets you grow and gives you utmost freedom. Of course, he is gently moulding you into the character he has already envisaged in his mind, and yet, makes you feel so connected with the process of creating the character." Would she like to team up with mother, actress Sarika and sister Akshara for a film? "I would love to. It depends on the film," quips Shruti

In the meantime, Shruti is awaiting the release of the much-delayed Hindi flick Yaara. "It's still in the post-production stage. It's one of the films I have enjoyed the most being a part of. Working with Tigmanshu Dhulia (director) has been a highlight of my career. He is fantastic to work with. What I love about the character is that it spans a period of time. It's not just one character and the growth is very much like life. It's one of the most realistic films I have done in terms of my character." So, when is the film expected to hit screens? "You should ask the producer about it," she says. But at the moment, Shruti says, "I am doing a lot of collaborations. Independent music is something that I have shifted my attention back to."

When quizzed about her father's tryst with politics, Shruti says, "I will support him in his endeavours. I am not very politically aware or motivated. Most of the times, I don't even know what's happening. I am not the most politically informed person, to be honest. But my father is, and has always been a very conscientious citizen. He is someone who has an understanding of society on various levels. I wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do. At this stage in his life, this is the path that he has chosen."

On his birthday today, Amit Sadh talks about putting on weight and losing it, medical issues and other things
Sneha Mahadevan (DNA; June 5, 2015)

Amit Sadh is currently shooting for A R Murugadoss’s Akira with Sonakshi Sinha. While he has to sport a chiselled body for this film, he had to put on 22 kilos for his film Yaara with Tigmanshu Dhulia. In three months, he had to knock off all those extra pounds that took a toll on his health. This episode rings a bell? Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan has also gained 22 kilos to play a wrestler in Dangal. Read on to know more similarities...

Drastic weight gain, loss
Amit says, “I gained 22 kilos for Tigmanshu Sir’s film. I have to lose some more weight now. I was 75 initially, I became 68, shot for the younger portions that is set in 1975 and then I gained 22 kilos. Then I weighed 90. Yes, I would do it again. Russell Crowe said this many years ago when he was shooting for Cinderella. “When I hear a story, the first thing I try to become is the physicality of the character”. You have to become the character physically and that in turn, has an effect on you internally. Then you get into the psychosis of the character ” What’s interesting is that Aamir too weighed 68 kilos before he gained 22 kilos and now he weighs 90 kgs.

Six-packs
Aamir sported an eight-pack abs in A R Murugadoss’s Ghajini and now Amit is going to be sporting one in the same director’s next Akira. Amit says that though he did build one, it’s not possible to sustain the same body for a long time. “It’s not easy and it is not even possible to keep it 24x7. It is not healthy to stay that way. There are only 20 people — super human beings in the world who are blessed with a frame like that. Who at the age of 24 and 25 sport six-packs? Even they don’t sport it for 12 months. If there is a role, that requires, you build it but a lot goes into it. Also, the selling point is not your abs. Sometime later, you want to see the face. A little later you want to hear the person talk as well. We have just overrated six-pack abs. In America, every third guy has a six-pack. Even in our gyms, most boys have six-packs. Can you make a hero out of all of them?”

Medical issues
While Aamir took about a year off to put on all that weight and will take another six months to lose it all, Amit lost all his weight in less than 12 weeks. Recently, Aamir revealed that he had difficulty breathing and that he would get tired very easily. Amit too faced a lot of health issues. “I had a problem while losing weight. Every third day I was in the hospital. Maybe, next time I will monitor it well. I am aware of my body and know a lot about fitness, but I had to start Akira and I didn’t want to look big in it. I have a great trainer, Viraj who helped me a lot. But then again, from weighing 68 to 90 — you eat 6000 calories and then you bring it down in an instant, it does affect your body. I wish I had the luxury to lose weight over six months and not do a film. I took about 12 weeks to lose the weight. Aamir Khan can afford not doing a film. I can’t afford to sit at home and not do films.”

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 30, 2015)

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 15, 2014)

Irrfan Khan and Tigmanshu Dhulia's planned collaboration in Yaara fell through following the decision of the filmmakers that the younger actors, Vidyut Jammwal and Amit Sadh, should play the older parts too (Mirror, September 27). But the actor will now team up with his Paan Singh Tomar director for a different film, Bade Bhaisaahb, which will go on the floors next year.

A source told Mirror, "Unlike most of Tigmanshu's films, this one will not be set in the Northern hinterland but in Mumbai. It's an urban social-drama which Tigmanshu has been working on for a while now."

Confirming this Tigmanshu said, "Yes, it has a unique character for Irrfan. He plays a common man who wants to make a difference to society and be remembered. It also explores the theme of urban angst amongst the contemporary youth."

When asked if this film is a compensatory gift for Irrfan, he laughed, "Irrfan is a dear friend, we didn't have a fight over Yaara. Earlier, the characters essayed by Vidyut and Amit were to age into their late 70s but the script changed and we felt it'd be best if they played their older selves too."

Yaara wraps up in February next year and Tigmanshu's next Milan Talkies will roll in May. Then he will write Madam X, to be directed by Anurag Kashyap and then focus on Bade Bhaisaahb later in 2015.

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 27, 2014)

Mirror (February 27) was the first to report that Tigmanshu Dhulia is making a film on friendship, love and betrayal titled Yaara, featuring Irrfan Khan, Vidyut Jammwal, Amit Sadh, and Shruti Haasan. The film is an official remake of Les Lyonnais, a 2011 French drama directed by Olivier Marchal.

After initially denying the news, Tigmanshu confirmed that it was a story of two friends and their relationship over a period of 35 years. He also revealed that Manoj Bajpayee and Irrfan Khan will be playing the older buddies while Amit Sadh and Vidyut Jamwal would be seen as their younger avatars. Explaining why he had opted for two sets of actors, Tigmanshu reasoned that the audience will not accept Manoj and Irrfan as 25-year-olds or Amit and Vidyut as 50-year-olds.

Eventually Manoj dropped out of the film and Tigmashu decided to step into his shoes.

Now, buzz is, even Irrfan has opted out of the film and Amit and Vidyut will play both the roles. When Mirror contacted the actor, he insisted that he was still "open to the project" and was waiting for Tigmanshu to return from the second schedule to get clarity on his role. "I'm okay with the idea but I have no clue how they have developed my track," he said.

However, Sunir Kheterpal, who is co-producing the film with Tigmanshu, was categorical that Irrfan was no longer a part of the cast. He informed that the lead protagonists, Vidyut, Amit and Shruti, are playing characters who are in their mid-20s and mid-40s.

"Before starting the first schedule in Dehradun in June, the makers took the call to cast the same actors to play different ages as it would have a better connect with the audience. A 20-year age gap does not warrant casting different actors for the same characters," he argued.

When Mirror updated Irrfan on the same, he sounded surprised by the developments. He graciously added: "If Tishu is going with another actor he must have strong reasons for doing so. The decision will not come in the way of our friendship. It's not a given that I have to work in every film he does or vice versa. We have never commercialised our friendship."

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; June 16, 2014)

Sources say that Amit Sadh was so busy shooting for his film, Guddu Rangeela that he forgot about renewing his lease agreement. As a result, the owner of his Bandra apartment has asked him to vacate it immediately.

A friend of the actor says, “A few months ago, Amit injured his leg, and a lot of his dates got wasted. Due to this, he was concentrating on finishing his shoot as soon as possible. He did back-to-back outdoor shoots and did not realise that his rent agreement had expired last month. When he returned from his outdoor schedule a few days ago, the owner of his flat asked him to move out in the next two days leaving the actor homeless.”

The actor is now expected to fly to Mussoorie to begin shooting for Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Yaara. “Amit now wants to move into another house. Since he is familiar with the Bandra locality, he wants to rent a place in the same area. He is currently staying at a friend’s place and has shortlisted three apartments, including one that belongs to Farhan and Adhuna Akhtar. It is a nice flat and he wants to do it up properly. In the next two days, he has to finalise a place and complete the formalities, so he is bit hassled right now.” The actor was not available for comment.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 21, 2014)

Mirror was the first to break the news that Tigmanshu Dhulia is making a film on friendship, love and betrayal called Yaara, featuring Irrfan Khan, Vidyut Jammwal, Amit Sadh, and Shruti Haasan in the lead. Now, we've learnt that the film isn't based on an original screenplay but an official remake of Les Lyonnais, a 2011 French drama directed by Olivier Marchal.

Revealed a source, "The cast and the crew have already been sent DVDs of the film. Tigmanshu has bought the film's rights but has reworked the story to suit the Indian milieu and desi sensibilities."

Les Lyonnais (A Gang Story is its English title), is the story of two friends who get into organised crime and become notoriously popular before one of them retires to live a quiet family life. Trouble brews when the other friend returns.

When contacted, Tigmanshu, who is on a family holiday, confirmed the news, "Yes, Yaara is an official adaptation of Les Lyonnais," he said.

Tigmanshu who plays the older avatar of Amit Sadh in the film, however refused to discuss the changes. he has worked into the script.

Subhash K Jha (DNA; May 17, 2014)

Rape accused composer-singer Ankit Tiwari has found support in Tigmanshu Dhulia, who launched him as a composer in Sahib Bibi Aur Gangster. Not only has the filmmaker come forward in the beleaguered musician’s defence, he has also signed Ankit to do the music of his new film.

Speaking in defence of the incarcerated young musician, Dhulia says, “This is very strange. This isn’t the Ankit I know. He has been accused of violating a lady under the influence of alcohol. Ankit doesn’t doesn’t touch alcohol. He doesn’t smoke, and is a strict vegetarian. He is from a conservative cultured family, well-behaved and very talented. Everyone knows Ankit was in a relationship with the lady. Just how and when their relationship became susceptible to rape charges is something I can’t explain. I can only feel extreme regret to think that Ankit is locked away when he should be working and building his career after Aashiqui 2.”

This isn’t the first time that Tigmanshu has spoken up in defence of a personality from the entertainment business accused of sexual misconduct. He was earlier vocal about the sexual harassment charges against filmmaker Subhash Kapoor. “What happened to the charges the girl had made against Subhash? It’s very frightening to know that any person can go to jail if accused of rape. The truth may be otherwise. But by the time the picture becomes clear the accused’s reputation is already damaged,” he says.

Tigmanshu has signed Ankit to do the music of Yaara featuring Irrfan Khan, Amit Sadh, Vidyut Jamwal, Shruti Haasan and the director himself. “Yes, Ankit will do the music of Yaara. I had introduced him as a composer and singer. Hopefully he will be out soon. Even if he is not out, he will work for me,” the filmmaker says.

Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 2, 2014)

He played the lead in Commando and then Vidyut Jammwal surprised with a special appearance in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Bullett Raja hoping for a second collaboration with the filmmaker. And Tigmanshu approached him for his next, Yaara, an ambitious period drama which spans over half a century and traces the life of two friends, from birth till they are 55. It’s a story of friendship, honour and betrayal and much to his joy, Vidyut will play the younger version of the character which Irrfan Khan will eventually essay.

“I’m a huge Irrfan fan. Haasil is a favourite and The Namesake left me speechless. Having lived in Kolkata and grown up around Bengalis, I could appreciate that he played Ashoke Ganguly so correctly, down to the accent and mannerisms,” says Vidyut who’s looking forward to conversations on their shared roles, even though Irrfan and he don’t have scenes together.

Since his character lives in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Vidyut is planning to get himself a new hairstyle and a wardrobe. “It’ll be really cool,” he insists. He’s also designing some death-defying stunts for a combat scene and to prep himself, Vidyut has added Anti Gravity Yoga and Suspension TRX to his intense workout regime, along with the martial art Kalaripayattu.

Tigmanshu asked him to choreograph his action scenes in Bullett Raja and even gave him credit as the action director. This time along with his stunt team, Vidyut will be designing a sequence which will see him leaping from a great height during a guerrilla-style attack. To ensure greater ease with the stunts, he’s training in Anti Gravity or Supported Yoga that has asanas done while suspended. Suspension-based TRX training uses one’s body weight and gravity as resistance when suspended from rings, ropes, harnesses, hammocks and trapeze bars.

“I’m an actor trained in martial arts. I’ll never resort to any kind of special effects or computer graphics. What I do for real is what you see on screen,” Vidyut asserts, adding that this time he will use his body weight, core strength and muscles to shock and awe. “Words like Anti Gravity Yoga and Suspension-based TRX training will be the buzz words in six months.”

Shruti Haasan is the only girl in Yaara but there’s no love rivalry over her with buddy Amit Sadh, whose older version will be played by Tigmanshu. “Tigmanshu is a fab actor, he plans to lose 15-20 kgs before we roll in June and has asked me to help,”says Vidyut who has an action-romance on the lines of 300 also coming up with Ram Madhvani as the director.

“Ram is a perfectionist. For someone like him, I can wait a long time,” adds the actor who’s in no hurry to rush his career. “I bagged a Filmfare Award for Best Villain in Force but people have accepted me as a hero in Commando. In small places up North, they think I’m awesome,” he grins.

So why did he turn down the offer to play Salman Khan’s chhota bhai in Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo? “I met Sooraj and he didn’t even give me a script narration because the dates he wanted were clashing with Yaara,” he sighs.

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; April 25, 2014)

Tigmanshu Dhulia has replaced Manoj Bajpayee in his own directorial venture, Yaara. The film, that also stars Irrfan, will go on the floors in June.


Tigmanshu tells hitlist , “Yes, I will be playing the role that Manoj was supposed to do. We wanted him to be a part of the film, but he couldn’t give us his dates. So now I will essay that role.” Interestingly, this was going to be Manoj and Irrfan’s first celluloid outing together after a gap of around 14 years. But it looks like the two won’t be teaming up anytime soon.

Tigmanshu, on the other hand, has quite a few acting assignments on his plate. He plays Shammi Kapoor’s character in the remake of Hero. This apart, he also has a pivotal role to play in filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s TV series that stars Amitabh Bachchan.

His film, Yaara, is a period drama that traces the story of two friends from 1979 to 2014. And while Manoj Bajpayee has missed an opportunity to star in the film, some of the other names likely to star in this film are Vidyut Jammwal, Amit Sadh and Shruti Haasan. The film will be shot in several locations such as Delhi, Nepal, and Uttarakhand, and Georgia.