Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Box Office Prediction
By: Keyur Seta
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Producers: Dharma Productions and UTV Motion Pictures
Writers: Ayan Mukerji and Hussain Dalal
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, Kunal Roy Kapur, Kalki Koechlin
Music: Pritam
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: May 31, 2013
Analysis:
Star Value: There is no doubt that Ranbir Kapoor is not only one of the biggest superstars but the most talented young actor currently. Due to this, he has a huge fan following not just in India but abroad as well. Plus, the film also stars Deepika Padukone. So naturally, the star value for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is very high!
Hype: The trailers and promotional campaigns have built a lot of excitement, which is continuing to grow as the film nears its release.
Music: The song ‘Badtameez Dil’ has become an instant rage. Other songs like ‘Balam Pichkari’, ‘Dilli Wali Girlfriend’ and ‘Ghagra’, which features Madhuri Dixit, have also added to the publicity.
Prediction:
There is no doubt that Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani will get a very good opening at the box office. The genre and its appeal are such that it will score well in both single screen theatres and multiplexes. In fact, even if the film receives negative initial response, it will still sail through due to Ranbir’s presence and the commercial appeal. And if it gets thumbs up at the onset, the film will surely be one of the biggest hits of 2013. All in all, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks like a very safe bet at the box office.
Dialogues: Shootout At Wadala
By: Keyur Seta
Although Sanjay Gupta’s Shootout At Wadala fails to impress much (read the review here), the movie can boast some of its creatively witty dialogues by Milap Zaveri. Of course, there are loads of cringe-worthy cheap lines and gaalis but in between, there is some praiseworthy stuff as well which is worth sharing.
- Gunehgar maa ke pet mein nahin, police station mein bante hain.
- Aadmi ko insaan ban ne se pehle, jaanwar ban na padta hai.
- Police se zyada morale hijadon ka hai. Woh toh phir bhi kudrat ke mare hain, aapka kya bahana hai?
- Jail se aane ke baad tu sudhar sakta tha, lekin jo maza bigadne mein hai woh sudharne mein kahan?
- Sabko hero ban na hai. Amitabh Bachchan ne sabki ma t*** di hai.
- Yahan suhagraat manane ke liye shaadi nahin karni padti.
- Jo maut dost ki umar badhaye, woh maut sar aankhon par.
- (BEST of all) Baadshah ki gali mein aake uska pata nahin poochhte. Ghulamo ke jhuke hue sar khud ba khud raasta bata dete hain.
(For Chashme Baddoor dialogues, click HERE.)
Shootout At Wadala Review
By: Keyur Seta
Director: Sanjay Gupta
Producers: White Feather Films and Balaji Motion Pictures
Writers: S Hussain Zaidi, Sanjay Gupta and Milap Zaveri
Cast: John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Manoj Bajpayee, Tusshar Kapoor, Ronit Roy, Kangna Ranaut
Music: Anu Malik
Genre: Action/ Drama
Rating: * *
Story Outline: Based on a chapter from S Hussain Zaidi’s book Dongri To Dubai, the film is about an honest, lower-middle class man from Mumbai called Manohar Surve (John Abraham). After being wrongly framed for a murder, an innocent Manohar transforms as the dangerous gangster Manya Surve.
Review: Distorting facts from real accounts while making a commercial caper is alright if the end product turns out to be a convincing as well as gripping affair. Sadly, that doesn’t happen with Sanjay Gupta’s Shootout At Wadala due to its age old gangster story, weak narration and some unforgivable vulgarity in various forms. The film can best be enjoyed if you are a part of a rowdy crowd.
First, the positives. The film has some extra-ordinarily written witty lines by Milap Zaveri. There are a number of praiseworthy and seeti-bajao moments for hardcore masses. The action scenes are also a treat on some occasions as they are smartly captured and presented.
These positives are certainly not enough to overshadow the various negatives. The film has the tiresome, tried and tested gangster story with the same kinds of gang wars that have done the rounds of Hindi cinema innumerable times ever since Ram Gopal Varma’s Satya released. On top of that, the screenplay just lacks proper focus and its long length just makes things worse.
Anybody who has read Manya’s chapter in Dongri To Dubai will realize the too much distortion of facts. As mentioned earlier, it is completely fine in a mass oriented feature film but over here, it looks unconvincing and at times, silly. For instance, the Pathan Gang is called Haji Mastan’s gang while the character of Haji Mastan is called Haji Maqsood. Even the fiction added in the climax appears questionable. (Purposely not mentioning various other points to avoid spoilers.)
But what hurts the most is the level of cheapness that the film crosses. The regular flow of cuss words and vulgar references get onto your nerves. Although violence is necessary in such films but over here, there is just an overdose of gore that make you cringe regularly. They have even gone onto show a rape scene in a disturbing manner.
There is more vulgarity in store in the form of two item numbers (out of three). This film will trigger more amount of wrath against Hindi cinema for portraying women as sexual objects and it definitely should! The industry surely needs a reality check when it comes to portrayal of women!
The technical areas (cinematography, background score, editing and action) can hold their heads high. From Anu Malik’s music, only ‘Aala Re Aala’ turns out to be decent. The rest of the songs just add up to the length. Having as many as three item numbers is a terrible idea!
John Abraham has the perfect physique and attitude needed to play Manya Surve but he certainly lags behind when it comes to acting. At the most, he is just average. An actor with more acting talent was the need of the hour. Anil Kapoor’s act is the saving grace. The veteran actor still doesn’t appear as a veteran.
Tusshar Kapoor doesn’t suit as Munir Sheikh at all! He even turns out to be a laughing stock on few occasions. Kangna Ranaut falters with her dialogue delivery yet again. The supporting cast - Mahesh Manjrekar, Ronit Roy, Siddhant Kapoor and Karan Patel – give decent performances.
Overall, Shootout At Wadala turns out to be unimpressive due to various reasons. It is sad that such a film released on the day when Indian Cinema completed 100 years! The initial hype and the fact that it is a hardcore commercial product will help the film at the box office in the first week.
Shootout At Wadala Box Office Prediction
By: Keyur Seta
Director: Sanjay Gupta
Producers: White Feather Films and Balaji Motion Pictures
Writers: S Hussain Zaidi, Sanjay Gupta and Milap Zaveri
Cast: John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Manoj Bajpayee, Tusshar Kapoor, Ronit Roy, Kangna Ranaut
Music: Anu Malik
Genre: Action/ Drama
Release Date: May 3, 2013
Analysis:
Star Value: With an ensemble star cast of John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Sonu Sood, Manoj Bajpayee and Kangna Ranaut, it is needless to say that Shootout At Wadala is high on star value.
Hype: There has been a very good amount of hype for the movie ever since its first promo was released. It is the character of Manya Surve that created ripples among the masses. Later on, some smart promotional strategy and including Sunny Leone for a song has only helped increase the excitement.
Music: The song ‘Aala Re Aala, Manya Aala’ has helped in popularizing the movie and creating further excitement. The track ‘Laila’ has also managed to make heads turn due to Leone.
Prediction:
Shootout At Wadala will surely get a very good opening at the box office. Being a hardcore commercial product, it will set the cash registers ringing at the single screen theatres. But it also has a chance of opening well at multiplexes.
If the initial response turns out to be positive, there is no doubt that the film’s name will be included in the blockbusters of 2013 and it might also earn Rs 100 crore. If it doesn’t impress initially, Shootout At Wadala will still garner average returns due to the genre and the hype.
Ek Thi Daayan Box Office Prediction
By: Keyur Seta
Director: Kannan Iyer
Producers: Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures Pvt. Ltd. and Balaji Telefilms
Writers: Vishal Bhardwaj and Mukul Sharma
Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Huma Qureshi, Konkana Sen Sharma, Kalki Koechlin, Annu Kapoor
Music: Vishal Bhardwaj
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Release Date: April 19, 2013
Analysis:
Star Value: Emraan Hashmi has, over the years, successfully acquired an image of a quality performer, than just a serial-kisser. Hence, his presence surely adds star value to a film. Ek Thi Daayan not only has another quality performer in Konkana Sen Sharma, it also features Huma Qureshi, who is slowly earning name as a brilliant actor after Gangs of Wasseypur. Therefore, the star value for Ek Thi Daayan is high.
Hype: The first eerie promo of the movie created a good amount of hype. But as the film has neared its release, the excitement hasn’t gone to higher levels, although it is surely there.
Music: The track ‘Yaaram’ is slowly becoming famous and giving a good amount of publicity to the film. The rest of the songs aren’t that known, although they are good melodious numbers by Bhardwaj. It seems the songs will gain popularity if the film attains high success.
Prediction:
Due to the dark subject, Ek Thi Daayan will get a decent to good opening at the box office but only in metros. The film will struggle at the smaller centers and single screens, although its chances are not that negative.
It is very vital for the film to receive thumbs up initially if it has to succeed at the ticket window, else it will struggle to make the producers happy. This will largely depend on the suspense of the climax. If it manages to shock and convince the audience, it is expected to have a good run. The good thing for Ek Thi Daayan is that the big release next week is Aashiqui 2, which shouldn’t be a threat.
Chashme Baddoor Dialogues (2013)
By: Keyur Seta
The biggest reason for the success of David Dhawan’s Chashme Baddoor is the dialogues. The writer duo Sajid-Farhad has continued their good work after, like they have been doing so consistently since last few years. A large majority of funny lines are given to the character of Omi played so very well by Divyendu Sharma. Here are some outrageously funny lines from the film.
Lines rendered by Omi’s character:
Toh Arz Kiya Hai,
Bhari Mehfil Mein Maine Sher Mara
Bhari Mehfil Mein Maine Sher Mara
Toh Sherni Vidhwa Ho Gayi
Toh Arz Kiya Hai,
Aurat Hoti Hi Aisi Hai,
Kuchh Kaho Toh Mooh Fula Deti Hai,
Kuchh Karo Toh Pet Fula Deti Hai
Toh Arz Kiya Hai,
When You Can’t Change The Girl, Change The Girl
Toh Arz Kiya Hai,
Kashmir Na Koi Le Sakta Hai,
Kashmir Na Koi De Sakta Hai,
Kashmir Mein Toh Sirf Do Raat Aur Teen Din Ka Honeymoon Package Ho Sakta Hai
Agar Tum Safed Sari Mein Lal Bindi Lagakar Aa Jao, Toh Ma Kasam Ambulance Lagogi
Patni Ne Poochha Pati Se Ki Tum Mere Alawa Aur Kitnon Ke Saath Soye Ho,
Pati Bola Soya Sirf Tumhare Saath Hoon, Bakiyon Ke Saath Poori Raat Jaga Hoon
Mere Dost Yeh Woh Seema Hai Jiski Koi Seema Nahin,
Aur Jiske Character Ka Koi Beema Nahin
More lines by other characters:
Ali Zafar: Agar Pyar Pant Hai Toh Dosti Chaddi Hai. Pant Agar Phat Bhi Jaye Toh Chaddi Izzat Bachati Hai. Buddies, You Are My Chaddies.
Siddharth: Bade Buzurg Keh Gaye Hai Ki Paapon Ka Prayashchit Karna Chahiye.
Divyendu Sharma: Lekin Uske Pehle, Paap Toh Kar Le
Siddharth: Main Jay. Sholay Wala Nahin, Bas Naam Aur Personality Wohi Hai.
Rishi Kapoor: Agar Agle Hafte Tak Kiraya Nahin Diya Toh Tere Kapde Utaar Doonga.
Ali Zafar: Chillana Hai Toh Chillao Na, Romantic Kyun Ho Rahe Ho?
Nautanki Saala! Box Office Prediction
Director: Rohan Sippy
Producers: Ramesh Sippy Entertainment and T-Series Super Cassettes Industries Ltd.
Writers: Nipun Dharmadhikari, Rohan Sippy and Charu Dutt Acharya
Cast: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Evelyn Sharma, Pooja Salvi, Gaelyn Mendonca
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Release Date: April 12, 2013
Analysis:
Star Value: Due to his lovable act in his debut movie Vicky Donor, Ayushmann Khurrana is a known name while Kunaal Roy Kapur is also not a stranger due to the appreciation he received in Delhi Belly. Hence, the star value for Nautanki Saala! is moderate.
Hype: The promos of the film garnered a good response due to the humor. There is some excitement for the film’s release but it is not as high as one expected.
Music: The outrageous ‘Dhak Dhak’ remix is a known number. Even the ‘Draamebaaz’ song featuring Abhishek Bachchan has managed to get heads turn.
Prediction:
Nautanki Saala! is expected to get only an average to decent opening at the box office. But due to its genre, its chances rely more in the multiplexes of the metros. It will struggle at the single screen theatres, especially in the smaller towns and villages. Since it is a content oriented film, it is vital for it to get a positive initial response in order to have a good run at the box office. If that happens, there are chances for the producers to be happy.
Chashme Baddoor Review
Director: David Dhawan
Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Writers: Sajid-Farhad and Renuka Kunzru
Cast: Ali Zafar, Divyendu Sharma, Siddharth, Taapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher, Rishi Kapoor, Lillete Dubey
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Genre: Comedy
Rating: * * * ½
Story Outline: Siddharth (Ali Zafar), Omi (Divyendu Sharma) and Jay (Siddharth) are the best of friends living as paying guests in Goa. Omi and Jay once set their eyes on a beautiful young girl Seema (Taapsee Pannu) and fall head over heels. Both are determined to win her heart but they both fail miserably. They feel pangs of jealousy when Siddarth later on gets involved with her.
Review: Remakes are best enjoyed if they aren’t compared with the original classic. At least, I am a firm believer in this theory. If you manage to do that with David Dhawan’s Chashme Baddoor, remake of Sai Paranjpe’s Chashme Buddoor, you are set for a rib-tickling joy ride. The high doses of laughter will also ensure that you turn a blind eye on few questionable instances.
Writer duo of Sajid-Farhad, who has penned lines for numerous successful comedies, is once again in terrific form. If crazy, mindless humor is your taste, you will find non-stop hilarity for the entire duration, even when the story turns serious. Its large contribution comes from the crazy shayaris rendered by Omi’s character. In fact, after a point of time, you will start giggling every time he is about to start a new one with, “Toh Arz Kiya Hai…”
In between such funny moments, Renuka Kunzru (screenplay) has developed the story and added the twists properly with the interval point deserving special mention. The all-important final culmination is convincing too. All in all, it is heartening to see Dhawan regaining his touch. With this film, we can say that Bollywood’s fun machine is back!
(Review continued after picture.)
There are moments where the humorous moments appear forceful, especially during Omi and Jai’s first encounter with Seema. Chashme Baddoor also suffers from some amount of vulgarity by objectifying the leading lady. It wouldn’t have reduced the entertainment or humor if it was avoided. Off late, Bollywood is accused of portraying women in questionable manners and rightly so.
Sajid-Wajid’s composed tracks go well with the film and add on to the entertainment even though the famous ‘Har Ek Friend Kamina Hota Hai’ comes in the end. The title song (Early Morning) is super-satisfying too. The technical departments are adequate.
It was vital for the trio to shine in their performances and that, fortunately, happens here. Ali Zafar does a pleasant, decent job, except on occasions where he sounds awkward. Siddharth is very good as a youngster obsessed with movies. He pulls off those crazy moments appropriately. But it is Divyendu Sharma who is the scene stealer with a super hilarious act. He is also largely helped by the writers.
Taapsee Pannu makes a confident debut in Hindi films. Apart from the looks, she, more importantly, impresses with her acting skills. Rishi Kapoor enacts a crazy character with ease while Lillete Dubey is lovable once again. Anupam Kher and Bharti Acharekar chip in with good supporting acts.
Overall, Chashme Baddoor is a laugh riot that will please the masses. Despite the absence of big names, the film will succeed in climbing the box office ladder.
Chashme Baddoor Box Office Prediction
Director: David Dhawan
Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Writers: Sai Paranjpe, Renuka Kunzru and Sajid-Farhad
Cast: Ali Zafar, Siddharth, Divyendu Sharma, Tapsee Pannu, Rishi Kapoor, Juhi Chawla
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: April 5, 2013
Analysis:
Star Value: Despite not being a crowd puller, Siddharth is the only known face from the movie due to his Rang De Basanti act. Ali Zafar and Divyendu Sharma are also not strangers when it comes to the masses but there is no such star value in the movie.
Hype: Although the promos of Chashme Baddoor made heads turn, they didn’t impress much. However, the hype has slowly started building due to the youthful subject and some good promotional strategy.
Music: ‘Har Ek Friend Kamina Hota Hai’ has become an instant rage and has immensely helped the film gain publicity. The title song too is becoming known.
Prediction:
Chashme Baddoor (remake of the classic Chashme Buddoor) will get an average to decent opening. Due to the urban, modern subject, it has a greater chance of earning in the multiplexes of the metros. But that doesn’t mean it has no chance in smaller centers. However, it is very vital for the film to impress at the onset else the above mentioned chances will hold no value. The film will also be helped by the fact that there are no major releases next week.
“Forgive him, he’s a superstar!”
By: Keyur Seta
The phenomenon of hero worshipping is very old among Hindi cinema lovers. There is nothing wrong with it since these actors have entertained us and helped us escape from our stressful routine. But when hero worshipping goes onto a level that people turn a blind eye to the high level of crime their onscreen ‘hero’ commits, be rest assured we are living in dangerous times.
Picture Source - Mail.com
I have always found it questionable and even disturbing to see people demanding forgiveness for Sanjay Dutt despite him being convicted in an utterly dangerous crime of storing arms in connection with the 1993 bomb blasts. But my disturbance scaled higher levels recently when I saw the actor being surrounded and cheered by his fans when he was about to surrender at the Tada Jail. It’s so funny to see people supporting a criminal just because he is a big Bollywood superstar!
All these disturbing scenes have given rise to a single question in my mind – Suppose if a common man like me was convicted under the arms act in connection to a crime as serious as 1993 bomb blasts, how many people would have supported me and demanded forgiveness for me? Nobody would have simply because I am not a superstar! The public would have burnt my effigies in fact! So how can the law be different for a common man and a filmstar?
It is been argued that Dutt has already spent some time in jail but is it enough for a crime as serious as this? His supporters are also raising the point that he deeply regrets what he did. So suppose if I commit a similar serious crime and then repent my acts, will people demand for my forgiveness too?
In the midst of this madness, Nana Patekar’s brave and bold statement on the issue has come as a pleasant surprise. The fearless way in which Nana has expressed no mercy for Dutt has increased my respect for him manifolds. Perhaps, he is the only one from the film fraternity to have spoken about equality in law.
As for the rest from the industry, they scream about honesty, truth and justice only in their films. Their fans whistle and clap whenever their favorite actors speak about these three issues. In real life, both parties will go all out in supporting a criminal activity.
Watch Nana Patekar giving a fearless opinion against Sanjay Dutt's mercy: