Special 26 Box Office Prediction

February 8, 2013 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Producers: Wide Frame Films, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and A Friday Filmworks

Writer: Neeraj Pandey

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, Manoj Bajpayee, Jimmy Shergill, Kishore Kadam, Rajesh Singh, Divya Dutta, Kajal Agarwal

Music: M M Kreem and Himesh Reshammiya

Genre: Thriller

Release Date: February 8, 2013

Analysis:

Star Value: Akshay Kumar is one of the biggest superstars ever in Hindi cinema. This fact, coupled with the presence of class performers like Anupam Kher and Manoj Bajpayee ensures that the star value for Special 26 is high.

Hype: The promos of the movie have created good excitement and eagerness to see the film. The issue about real versus fake CBI officers has gone down well with the audience along with the fact that the film is based on an unreported crime of the 1987 era. And since this is Neeraj Pandey’s first film after the classic A Wednesday has added on to the hype.

Music: There is no scope for music in such genre of films. ‘Dhar Pakad’ is the only song that is somewhat known.

Prediction:

Special 26 will get a good opening at the box office. However, unlike most Akshay starrers of recent years, this film won’t get a rocket start at the ticket window due to the genre. Hence, it won’t rely on the collections of the first weekend. This is one of those content based films which slowly climb up the box office ladder due to positive word of mouth. Of course, this would happen only if it manages to impress with the content in the initial days. Its chances rely both in single screens and multiplexes.

Mah. Govt. has no money to celebrate Vivekananda Anniversary

February 3, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

The fact that Swami Vivekananda’s 150^th Birth Anniversary is one of the most important occasions for the country can be seen from the numerous celebrations and enlightenment programs taking place not only all over India but world over. However, when every state in India celebrated the historic event, government of Maharashtra gave a cold shoulder to it citing lack of funds!

Swami Sarvalokananda addressing the audience

As shocking and shameful as it sounds, the incident was revealed by Swami Sarvalokananda (Adhyaksha, Ramkrishna Math Mumbai) during the 151^st Janma Tithi celebrations of Swami Vivekananda at Ramkrishna Math and Mission Mumbai on Sunday. “I personally approached Maharashtra Government. They asked us to prepare a budget for it. We did the hard work of preparing it and submitted it to them. But for six months we didn’t hear anything from them,” he said.

He further says that he again approached them but they just received fake assurances for several months. “Then I was told that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have rejected the proposal citing shortage of funds,” he says. Naturally, the people gathered at the venue started exclaiming “Shame, shame.”

According to him, along with several others, this is a matter of shame when governments from several states in India have celebrated the event and spread the message of Swami Vivekananda. This is more ironical when we take into account that the great patriot monk had visited Mumbai (then Bombay) thrice in his lifetime. “The city is blessed thrice by Swamiji. In fact, he left for the historic Parliament of Religions in Chicago from Mumbai’s naval port,” said Swami Sarvalokananda.

Leader of opposition Vinod Tawde, who was the chief guest at the event, revealed how he too tried in vain to persuade the government in doing something for the event. “I called the Chief Minister regarding this but he always kept delaying it,” said Tawde during his electrifying and enlightening address to the people gathered in large numbers.

Earlier in the day, Tawde, Swami Sarvalokananda and other prominent personalities unveiled the opening of Swami Vivekananda Chowk, just outside the lane of the Math. The day was also celebrated in various ways at the Mumbai Math and all over India.

Inauguration of Swami Vivekananda Chowk

Swami Vivekananda statue at Ramakrishna Math Mumbai

Premachi Goshta (Marathi Movie) Review

February 3, 2013 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

By: Keyur Seta

Director: Satish Rajwade

Producers: Mirah Entertainment

Writers: Satish Rajwade and Chinmay Kelkar

Cast: Atul Kulkarni, Sagarika Ghatge, Sulekha Talwalkar, Rohini Hattangadi, Satish Rajwade, Mira Velankar

Music: Avinash Joshi and Vishwajit Joshi

Genre: Romance/ Drama

Rating: * * * *

Story Outline: Due to a sheer co-incidence, complete strangers Prem (Atul Kulkarni) and Sonal (Sagarika Ghatge) bump into each other at a marriage counselor’s office as they both are going through a troubled marriage with their respective spouses. Sonal is happily willing to divorce her husband but Prem is hoping against hope to reconcile with his wife. Circumstances bring Prem and Sonal closer and their friendship soon transforms into love. But are Prem and Sonal meant to be together?(For more reviews, news and information on Marathi cinema, click HERE) (To follow us on Facebook, click HERE.)

Review: Good love stories make you smile but great love stories make you fall in love with love. Satish Rajwade’s Premachi Goshta surely falls in the second category for it redefines love by presenting it in the simplest form and at the same time keeping the entertainment quotient alive throughout. In fact, the film also has the potential to appeal to those who shy away from the genre.

We have seen uncountable films where a man and a woman meet and they fall in love. Although the same happens here, the events by no means can be labeled unreal or filmi. The nature of the two characters, their meeting, interactions and the development of their relation appear highly believable and straight out of reality. It is vital in such genre of films to make sure the audience feels for the two characters. It happens here very convincingly!

Different theories and philosophical aspects of love are smartly included in the dialogues. This doesn’t become preachy whatsoever since the story continuously moves ahead with it. Talking further about the dialogues, the film is a shining example of how simple and realistic situations can create plenty of humorous moments.

In the movie, Kulkarni’s character is seen stressing on the fact that cinema is nothing but what we see around. Once while talking about film narration, he also asks, “Why can’t we keep it simple?” Rajwade’s interpretation of the story clearly matches with the thought process of his protagonist.

The filmmaker has also brought a novel concept of showing characters’ mobile screen to the audience every time his or her phone rings. This makes us recall how he experimented with black and white images in his last film Badam Rani Gulam Chor. Also in BRGC, the situation of the three characters is reflected in the parallel story of two rival politicians. Over here, the scenario is intelligently depicted in the film script the couple is shown writing.

Apart from the many ups there are few downs. A change of heart of a supporting character isn’t entirely convincing. There also comes a period in the second half where the story appears stretched. Lastly, there are some minute errors in the end which cannot be revealed to avoid spoilers. But thankfully, a heartwarming and, most importantly, simple conclusion makes sure that you really don’t mind about these points.

The lovable track ‘Olya Sanjveli’ plays a role in storytelling and continues to play in your mind long after the film gets over. ‘Haravto Sukhacha’ also suits the proceedings. The nature of the subject and the situations don’t give much scope for the cinematographer to showcase his skills. But Suhas Gujrathi does a good job in keeping the simplicity intact. The same can be said for the background score and editing.

The film wouldn’t have been this impressive without some quality performances from the lead pair. Atul Kulkarni perfectly gets into the skin of the character and provides an outstanding act! He once again proves why he is one of the finest actors around. Sagarika Ghatge makes a confident debut in Marathi cinema. Apart from some tiny errors in pronunciation, she is perfect.

Satish Rajwade is wonderful as Kulkarni’s friend. After a point of time, you anticipate humor every time he comes on screen. Sulekha Talwalkar fits the bill while Mira Velankar is impressive. On her return to Marathi cinema, Rohini Hattangadi gives a mature and sensible performance. Ajay Purkar in a brief role is not bad.

Overall, Premachi Goshta’s redefinition of love deserves to be seen. The film should enjoy good returns at the ticket window, mostly due to the positive word-of-mouth.

Vishwaroop/ Vishwaroopam Review

February 2, 2013 by Keyur Seta 4 Comments

Director: Kamal Haasan

Producers: Raajkamal Films International and P.V.P Cinema

Writer: Kamal Haasan

Cast: Kamal Haasan, Rahul Bose, Andrea Jeremiah, Pooja Kumar

Music: Shankar Ehsan Loy

Genre: Action

Rating: * * * ½

Plot: Nirupama (Pooja Kumar) marries an elderly Kathak dancer Vishwanath (Kamal Haasan) not because she loves him but only to get a green card and complete her PhD. After fulfilling her motive, she needs a reason to separate from Vishwanath. Hence, she hires a detective to keep a look on Vishwanath as she doubts him having an affair. But since the tactic goes horribly wrong, Nirupama realizes the mystery behind her husband’s actual profession!

Review: There are good films been made every now and then but there are very few which can be described as landmark films of Indian cinema. Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroop (Hindi dubbing of Vishwaroopam) is certainly one of the rare films that deserve such distinction for various reasons despite the fact that it falls short of being a classic. In fact, it also won’t be an overstatement to say that India finally has its own action flick of international standards.

Talking about the shoddy controversy surrounding the film, there is not a single frame that can be termed even close to offensive to any community. The ones who are up in arms against Vishwaroop are either too dumb or too evil!

Every great film has a solid base in the form of a watertight story and Vishwaroop is no exception. The movie tells a fascinating tale about terrorism from the point of view of a mysterious central character. In the initial moments, you are hugely surprised to find only light humorous moments.

But once the plot point is introduced, you are in for an intriguing roller coaster ride. It starts from Haasan’s sudden fight scene which can be described as one of the best seeti-bajao moments in recent years! You are also left amazed by the realistic portrayal of Afghanistan. Truly an example of brilliant set designing! Haasan has also shown some experimentation in the form of abrupt freeze framing and replays of some scenes which works very well!

As mentioned at the start, the film isn’t entirely superlative. The story doesn’t quite take off in the second half, although this doesn’t give rise to boredom in any way. Haasan also misses out on including more clap worthy moments which was surely possible due to the subject and the central character’s heroism. Such a moment was definitely needed in the climax which doesn’t provide the punch that one expected. But this in no way turns you off due to the memorable moments earlier and the fact that the makers reveal their plan of making a sequel.

A word of caution for the weak hearted: The film would have done without so much of gory violence. Although it deals with terrorism, there was no need to show hands being chopped off and a body half cut off in an explosion in such a mass oriented film.

The movie wouldn’t have become what it is without Sanu Varghese’s brilliant camerawork. The same amount of praise should be given to the background score and editing. Music wise, the powerful title song rightly suits the film and Haasan’s character. Apart from this, the track ‘Jung Hai’ is worth mentioning.

Kamal Haasan carries the film on his strong shoulders and how! He is brilliant and completely believable as a secret agent. Getting into the psyche of a character is what is shown by him. He also plays a completely opposite character of a Kathak teacher and is remarkable even in that! Rahul Bose stuns with one of his career best performances despite Haasan’s constant presence.

Andrea Jeremiah lends perfect support to Haasan and so does Shekhar Kapur. After Gangs of Wasseypur, Jaideep Ahlawat once again impresses. Pooja Kumar, the foreigner male in Haasan’s team and the rest of the actors are likable too.

Overall, Vishwaroop is a memorable cinematic experience which shouldn’t be missed. Given its content, it should do well at the box office even in Mumbai and north India.

Phalke’s magic recreated on big screen!

January 30, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Indian cinema took birth a hundred years ago when Dhundiraj Govind Phalke’s Raja Harishchandra was released in May 1913 at Mumbai’s (then Bombay) Coronation Theater. The film was a result of some painstaking efforts by Dadasaheb Phalke, due to which he acquired the title – Father of Indian Cinema. Now, almost a hundred years later, the magic of Phalke’s earliest films was recreated on the big screen recently at Mumbai’s National Center for Performing Arts (NCPA).

A group of audience that had gathered was bestowed with a memorable experience of watching Phalke’s Raja Harishchandra (1917), Kaliya Mardan (1919), Lanka Dahan (1917), Shri Krishna Janma (1918) and a documentary on him named Dream Takes Wings (1970). Composer Rahul Ranade’s background score was added to the films to make viewing more pleasurable for people of today’s era who aren’t used to watching silent films. The screening was made possible by the National Film Archives of India (NFAI) based in Pune. The event was a part of NCPA Flashback Series which is started to celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema.

Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benagal, who was the guest of honor at the event, seemed pretty excited for the screenings. “It’s a pleasure to see Phalke’s films. His (Raja Harishchandra) was the first film to be made completely in India. So it is Phalke who is responsible for spreading cinema in India,” he said. Benegal also revealed how quickly cinema got acceptance in India. “After the introduction of sound (talkies), Indian cinema just took off as if it was invented here.”

By going back to the pre-independence time, Benegal also criticized the need for films to be censored. “British Government used to ban films that had nationalist sentiments. Unfortunately, even 66 years after independence, films are still censored, which, I think, is ridiculous in a democracy.”

Director of NFA Prashant Pathrabe shared some good news for the audience. He said screening of more of such classic films under NCPA Flashback Series would take place at the end of every month at NCPA for the next year. “We would love to take our association with NCPA forward,” he said.

Some of the films that would be shown in the upcoming NCPA Flashback Series include Sant Tukaram (Marathi, 1936), Sikandar (Hindi, 1941), Achhut Kanya (Hindi, 1936), Manthan (Hindi, 1976), Devdas (Bengali, 1935), Chandralekha (Tamil, 1948), etc.

So if you are lover of quality cinema, you know where you should be heading at the end of each month!

To receive updates on the upcoming screenings, visit – http://www.ncpamumbai.com/
Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/NCPAMumbai
Twitter page – https://twitter.com/ncpamumbai

Race 2 Review

January 25, 2013 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

Direction: Abbas-Mustan

Producers: Tips Music Films and UTV Motion Pictures

Writers: Shiraz Ahmed and Kiran Kotrial

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amisha Patel

Music: Pritam

Genre: Thriller

Rating: * ½

Story Outline: After amassing abnormal amount of wealth through crook, multi-millionaire Arman Malik (John Abraham) is enjoying the luxuries of Europe with his step sister Alina (Deepika Padukone) and girlfriend Onisha (Jacqueline Fernandez). This is when Ranvir Singh (Saif Ali Khan) enters his life. Through some illegal ideas, Ranvir helps Arman add up to his already colossal wealth. But why is Ranvir doing such favors on Arman? Meanwhile, cop-turned-casino-owner Robert D’Costa provides all the support to Ranvir but is he really on his side?

Review: Abbas-Mustan’s Race 2 reminded me of the old phrase ‘Jana Tha Japan Pohoch Gaye Cheen (China)’. Although the intention of the makers might have been to make a sequel to the impressive thrilling ride Race (2008) but knowingly or unknowingly the director duo ends up making a sequel to their last film Players (2012). Second movie in the line of Players… Need I say more?

Race 2 has almost everything needed for a racy thriller – mind-blowing action sequences, exotic locations, thrilling chases, twists and turns, lots of style, expensive cars, choppers and some foot-tapping music. So what went wrong? Well, I did mention the word ‘almost’ in the second last sentence which was used for the most important thing – s-c-r-i-p-t!

The problem with the writing is that the story doesn’t unfold at a good pace as a lot of footage is given to some unconvincing, lame sequences and, of course, lots of glamour (read: cleavage and thighs). And when the story does move forward, it mostly produces twists that are not only predictable miles back, but also unintentionally hilarious. An example of just taking the genre and the audience for granted! The disgustingly cheap conversations between Anil and Ameesha’s characters truly deserve special mention!

To its credit, the film does have few things going though. Some chase sequences and stunts are out of the ordinary. The camerawork (Ravi Yadav), background score and some super-stylish editing also deserve praise. Pritam has come up with some good tracks (hoping they are original), although the songs are forcibly placed!

Saif Ali Khan pulls of the character of Ranvir Singh quite well but this time he isn’t as convincing and powerful as he was in the 2008 movie. John Abraham shows a lot of style but acting-wise, he is pretty average. A talented as well as experienced actor like Anil Kapoor is simply wasted! It was also disturbing to see his character indulge in such cheapness!

Deepika Padukone and Jacqueline Fernandez are just used to expose their toned bodies forcefully! Although, acting-wise, the former is okay, the latter is simply poor! Lastly, there is Ameesha Patel who gives one of the most irritating performances in recent years!

Overall, while the two main characters in Race 2 are constantly trying to fool each other, it is the audience which ultimately gets fooled. Due to some hype, the film might get a decent opening but it will struggle at the box office once the word spreads.

Akaash Vani Box Office Prediction

January 24, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Direction: Luv Ranjan

Producers: Wide Frame Pictures

Writer: Luv Ranjan

Cast: Kartik Tiwari, Nushrat Bharucha

Music: Hitesh Sonic

Genre: Romance

Release Date: January 25, 2013

Analysis:

Star Value: As the lead actors of Akaash Vani Kartik Tiwari and Nushrat Bharucha are just one film old, there is no star value in the movie. However, the fact that the full team of the well appreciated Pyaar Ka Punchnama has returned can be considered its star value.

Hype: The promos of the movie have garnered a decent response, if not very good. The promotions and marketing hasn’t been bad. Overall, the hype and excitement for Akaash Vani is above average.

Music: The film has good, melodious numbers but apart from ‘Rumani’ no other song is much known to the masses. The music has a better chance if the film succeeds at the box-office.

Prediction:

Akaash Vani will get an average opening at the box office. Its chances rely more in the multiplexes of the metros. It will struggle in the single screens and smaller centers. The fact that it will be released alongside a hardcore commercial film like Race 2 will surely affect its business. Hence, it is vital for Akaash Vani to get very positive initial reports.

But one should also note that this is a kind of film which doesn’t rely on the collections of the first three days. If it manages to impress the audience initially, especially the youngsters, it can even pick up during the weekdays and the next weekend as there is no major release next week.

Race 2 Box Office Prediction

January 24, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Direction: Abbas-Mustan

Producers: Tips Music Films and UTV Motion Pictures

Writers: Shiraz Ahmed and Kiran Kotrial

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, Amisha Patel

Music: Pritam

Genre: Thriller

Release Date: January 25, 2013

Analysis:

Star Value: With a host of well-known actors like Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Anil Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the star value for Race 2 is obviously high.

Hype: The thrilling and exciting promos have gone well with the audience. The makers have also promoted and marketed the film well. So there is a good amount of hype for Race 2 but it is not as high as the makers would have expected.

Music: The songs ‘Allah Duhai’, ‘Party On My Mind’ and ‘Lat Lag Gayi’ have slowly become popular. The music of Race 2 has played a good role in popularizing the film.

Prediction:

Although not excellent, Race 2 will get a decent to good opening at the box office. Being a western or modern flick, it will fare well in the metros both in single screens and multiplexes, provided it gets good initial response, but its chances are doubtful in the smaller centers.

Although the film will face some mild opposition from Akaash Vani (also releasing on Jan 25), the big advantage it has is that there is no major release next week. However, it will struggle if it doesn’t manage to impress at the onset. And scoring Rs 100 crore, dream of every hardcore commercial product these days, looks doubtful for Race 2.

Pune 52 (Marathi Movie) Review

January 19, 2013 by Keyur Seta 3 Comments

By: Keyur Seta

Director: Nikhil Mahajan

Producers: IME Motion Pictures and Arbhaat Nirmitee

Writer: Nikhil Mahajan

Cast: Girish Kulkarni, Sonali Kulkarni, Sai Tamhankar

Music: Atif Afzal

Genre: Dramatic Thriller

Rating: * * ½

Story Outline: Working as a private detective in the early 90s, Amar Apte (Girish Kulkarni) struggles to make a living which becomes a reason for his wife Prachi’s (Sonali Kulkarni) constant nagging. Like most of the private detectives, Amar often gets into trouble due to his profession. His life takes an unexpected turn when the beautiful Neha (Sai Tamhankar) offers him the task of unraveling her husband’s extra-marital affair. Unknowingly, Amar gets into the nasty world of seduction and deceit.

(For more reviews, news and information on Marathi cinema, click HERE) (To join us on Facebook, click HERE)

Review: Unconventional cinema can be a welcome break from the usual run-of-the-mill or tried and tested formulas. But there is also a danger of getting carried away by the genre. This is exactly the issue with Nikhil Mahajan’s Pune 52. The film surely has a number of praiseworthy moments to its credit but in trying to be too unconventional, the end result turns out to be not what we expected from it. One should also note that the film suits more to those interested in the film noir genre than the usual masses.

During the initial moments, the unhurried narration (Mahajan) works as it helps the audience get involved in the interesting yet unusual world of Amar, his working style and the issues in his life including his ever-taunting wife. What strikes you instantly is the characterization of Amar which is just like any other common, middle class man rather than a conventional or heroic detective. There is a high degree of smartness shown in the linking of few scenes and some witty dialogues.

Despite his first movie, Mahajan matches international standards in filming some extraordinary scenes. He should also be lauded for daring to try such a bold subject in Marathi cinema. However, the reason for setting the story in the early 90s is not clearly known.

Later on in the first half, the pace drops down after creating interest. Fortunately, there is an interesting turn in the pre-interval portion and some engaging and humorous moments in the second half. A shocking twist, the most defining moment in this half, raises your expectations for a thrilling culmination but this is where the film starts going downhill. Not only do the events from here on appear unconvincing and confusing, but also the slow pace starts testing your patience. Lastly, the sudden climax doesn’t satisfy you and leaves some important questions unanswered.

The film receives tremendous support from the technical department. Jeremy Reagan, cinematographer from New Zealand, has brilliantly captured the film according to its subject. He even shows his class in his first feature film in the scenes where a hand held camera was required. The same brilliance is acquired by Hyun-jung Shim’s impactful background score. Although the editing (Abhijeet Deshpande) is sleek and sharp, it should have shortened the length of the film. The song ‘Jag Sare Badle’ suits the subject.

The performance of the lead trio is a big plus point. Girish Kulkarni once again proves his versatility by playing a difficult character exceedingly well. He not only succeeds in speaking through his expressions but also impresses in the scenes where he has to shout out of anger. Sonali Kulkarni shows her class as a nagging, middle class housewife.

Sai Tamhankar is remarkable. She produces the subtle sensuality and mystery needed by her character with ease. Bharti Achrekar, Kiran Karmarkar, Shrikant Yadav, Swanand Kirkire and G P Deshpande play their supporting parts well.

Overall, Pune 52 is a bold attempt which could have been much better but for the writing. As the film suits more for the festival audience, its chances at the box-office rely only in the first week due to the hype.

Inkaar Box Office Prediction

January 18, 2013 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Director: Sudhir Mishra

Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Tipping Point Films

Writers: Manoj Tyagi and Sudhir Mishra

Cast: Arjun Rampal, Chitrangada Singh, Deepti Naval, Vipin Sharma, Shivani Tanksale, Rehana Sultan

Music: Shantanu Moitra

Genre: Drama

Release Date: January 18, 2013

Analysis:

Star Value: Arjun Rampal and Chitrangada Singh are not superstars but they are famous enough to push a section of the audience to the theaters. The former has improved his acting skills in recent years while the latter has always given impressive performances.

Hype: The hype for Inkaar is quite good, although only among the urban population due to its subject. The promos have not only impressed the audience but also helped in creating a mystery as to who among the two characters is guilty.

Music: ‘Maula Tu Malik’ has become popular while the other songs, which are also impressive, might slowly find takers if the film becomes a hit.

Prediction:

Inkaar will get an average to decent opening at the box office. Due to the subject and the modern corporate world in which the story is based, it has a chance only in the multiplexes of the metros. It will struggle in single screens and smaller centers. It has only a week to earn as both Race 2 and Akaash Vani are hitting the screens next Friday. Hence, Inkaar has to impress at the onset else it will be difficult for it to succeed at the box office.

Picture Courtesy – Inkaar Facebook page