The Common Man Speaks

Ek Tha Tiger to break Ra.One’s first day record

by 1 Comment

At the start of the year, Dharma Productions’ Agneepath took a grand opening at the box-office due to some heavy advance booking, which is a rare occurrence in Bollywood these days. But the advance booking of Yash Raj Films’ Ek Tha Tiger has been even crazier. Ever since the booking started last weekend, the response has been unprecedented. This brings back memories of the good old days when advance booking was a norm for every big budget movie.

Judging by the crazy response for the Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer, it is certain that the film will break Ra.One‘s record of earning Rs 25 crore in one day. At that time, Ra.One had broken the record of Salman’s Bodyguard which had earned Rs 21 crore in one day. Now that Ek Tha Tiger is all set to break Ra.One‘s record and SRK’s next releasing later this year, it looks like the see-saw battle of the two Khans is going to continue for a long time.

Coming back to Ek Tha Tiger, it won’t be surprising if it becomes the first film to earn Rs 30 crore in a single day and the second film after 3 Idiots to cross Rs 200 crore overall.Having said that, let’s  hope the film also manages to impress with its content, unless Ra.One and Bodyguard.

 

 

Ek Tha Tiger Box Office Prediction

by Leave a Comment

Director: Kabir Khan

Producer: Yash Raj Films

Writers: Aditya Chopra (Story), Neelesh Misra and Kabir Khan (Screenplay and Dialogues)

Cast: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Karnad,

Music: Sohail Sen and Sajid-Wajid

Release Date: August 15, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: If a film has Salman Khan in the lead, nobody can disagree that its star value is supremely high! Since Ek Tha Tiger also has one of the most famous actresses Katrina Kaif, its star value becomes the highest.

Hype: These days, a Salman movie creates hype right from the time it is announced. The same was the case with Ek Tha Tiger. And as the promos and songs released, they created tremendous excitement, as expected.

Music: The music of the movie has added to the euphoria surrounding the movie. Songs ‘Mashallah’ and ‘Laapata’ have received thumbs up from the audience. The rest of the tracks too are gaining popularity.

Prediction:

If an unimpressive Salman movie like Bodyguard can create box office history, predicting the outcome of Ek Tha Tiger is a child’s play. The actor’s presence coupled by the hype will fetch the movie an earth-shattering opening at the box office, both in the metros as well as the smaller centers.

There is no doubt that the film will be the biggest hit of the year so far, regardless of the level of content. Don’t be surprised if Ek Tha Tiger becomes just the second movie after 3 Idiots to cross the Rs 200 crore mark. It is also certain that the film will break Ra.One‘s record of earning Rs 25 crore on the first day, which is highest collections for a movie on a single day. There are speculations that the Salman and Katrina starrer might even be the first film to earn Rs 30 crore on the first day.

Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 Review

by Leave a Comment

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Writers: Zeishan Quadri, Sachin Ladia and Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Zeishan Ahmed, Richa Chadda, Rajkumar Yadav, Pankaj Tripathi, Piyush Mishra, Reema Sen

Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

Rating: * * * *

Plot: At the end of the first part, Sultan Khan (Manoj Bajpayee) fails to avenge his father’s death as he is killed by the same person who killed his father – political mafia Ramadhir Singh (Tigmanshu Dhulia). Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 is an account of how Sultan’s son Faisal Khan (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) transforms into a dreaded don in order to avenge his grandfather and father’s death.

Review: Gangs Of Wasseypur (first part) promised a bloody revenge saga but ended up going nowhere due to a weak script and narration in the second half. Director Anurag Kashyap and his team, however, fulfill the promise in Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 by presenting a thriller which is engaging, gripping, humorous and above all, entertaining. The film can also be a ticket to stardom for Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who gives a masterful act.

In terms of writing, GOW 2 is almost the opposite of the first part. Over here, interesting events unfold at a fast pace right from the start. The most vital event of Faisal Khan’s transformation is very intelligently presented. The writers also make sure that Faisal’s love track with Mohsina (Huma Qureshi) doesn’t hamper the narration at all. It continues from their ‘parmisan’ scene from the first part and provides lots of laughter. Inclusion of characters Perpendicular and Definite (Zeishan Ahmed) along with their crazy antics add to the humor.

Although Faisal doesn’t straightaway go about taking revenge, the above mentioned events coupled with some deadly twists make sure that the audience is highly engaged and entertained. A chase scene in the second half (which brings back memories of a similar scene from Kashyap’s Black Friday) and a silly telephonic conversation about food items, vegetables and fruits between Faisal’s gang members deserve special mention.

One might feel that the story is stretched a bit after the completion of the warring scene, which started the first part of the movie. Plus, Piyush Mishra’s fast paced narration and too many twists in the end can confuse a section of viewers. However, these points don’t act as a turn offs, especially after witnessing the brilliantly filmed climax. There is more blood and gore here but it certainly isn’t as disturbing as it was in the first part.

Sneha Khanwalkar continues her great work from the first part. Every track complements the narration perfectly. ‘Chhi Chha Ledar’ of course is the best of the lot. ‘Moora’ with its unusual use of English words is funny and amusing. A number of other songs (‘Electric Piya’, ‘Kala Re’, ‘Taar Bijli’, etc) are impressive too. The creative cinematography (Rajeev Ravi) and powerful background score give a boost to the proceedings, just like they did in the first part.

Each and every actor rises to the occasion. Nawazuddin Siddiqui gets into the skin of his character with perfection and produces an earth-shattering act. He shows dedication and class while displaying every emotion. Courtesy this performance, it won’t be an overstatement that he enters the list of India’s most talented actors. Huma Qureshi, while displaying cuteness, gives a thoroughly mature act too. Tigmanshu Dhulia is once again brilliant as Ramadhir Singh. He should continue his acting stint further.

Debutant Zeishan Ahmed (who is also a co-writer of the movie) is outstanding as Definite. Aditya Kumar, another debutant who plays Perpendicular, provides an amusing act. He will become a known name in the days to come. Richa Chadda played a young housewife in the first part. She transforms herself as a middle aged woman here and gets into the skin of her character with perfection. Similar aging transformation is seen by Piyush Mishra, who speaks through his eyes and expressions brilliantly. Pankaj Tripathi and Rajkumar Yadav too are commendable. Reemma Sen, Anurita Jha, Vineet Singh, Jameel Khan, Yashpal Sharma and the rest of the supporting cast play their part well.

Overall, with Gangs Of Wasseypur 2, Anurag Kashyap proves himself as one of the most talented new age filmmakers of India. At the box office, the film will do good business in the metros. Its collections will surely be affected after Salman Khan’s desperately awaietd Ek Tha Tiger releases after a week.

Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 Box-Office Prediction

by Leave a Comment

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Producers: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Writers: Zeishan Quadri, Sachin Ladia and Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Manoj Bajpayee, Richa Chadda, Piyush Mishra, Reema Sen, Jaideep Ahlawat

Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

Release Date: August 8, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: As actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Huma Qureshi are playing main leads in Gangs Of Wasseypur 2, the star value for the film isn’t high. But it is the Wasseypur brand that will be the drive audience to the theatres, after the appreciation the first part of the movie received.

Hype: The manner in which the first part ended created a lot of eagerness and anticipation for the second part. The exciting promos have also been welcomed by the audience. Putting up posters that look exactly like real-life posters of politicians added to the excitement.

Music: The unusual song ‘Chhi Chha Ledar’ has become a rage among a section of the audience. That song has played a big role in popularizing the movie. ‘Electric Piya’ is another track which is quite known.

Prediction:

Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 will get a decent to good opening at the box-office but only in metros. Like the first part, it caters more to the multiplex audience from big cities. One can’t rule out the fact that the film will mostly be seen only by those who have seen the first part. It is unlikely that someone, who hasn’t seen the first part of the story, will queue for the next part. Although it is unlikely, it’s not impossible.

The first part gathered steady collections even after the first week. However, the same won’t happen with Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 as Salman Khan’s hugely awaited Ek Tha Tiger is releasing on August 15. I am not saying that GOW 2 doesn’t stand a chance after August 15. It is just that the film has mostly one week to collect the moolah. If the film attains high success, Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be the next big thing in Bollywood!

Jism 2 Review

by Leave a Comment

Director: Pooja Bhatt

Producers: Clockwork Films and Fisheye Network

Writers: Mahesh Bhatt and Shagufta Rafique

Cast: Sunny Leone, Randeep Hooda, Arunoday Singh, Arif Zakaria

Music: Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Mithoon, Rushk and Abdul Baasith Saeed

Rating: * *

Plot: Secret Indian Intelligence officer Ayaan (Arunoday Singh) approaches pornstar Izna (Sunny Leone) for a secret mission. Izna’s mission is to act as a honeytrap for a dreaded terrorist Kabir (Randeep Hooda) in order to destroy him and his terror outfit. Things become complicated due to the fact that Izna and Kabir are ex-lovers.

Review: Jism 2 is in news ever since the Bhatts decided to cast pornstar Sunny Leone in the movie, which was touted to be the boldest film from Bollywood. But thanks to our Censor Board and the ineffective writing, the film fails to please both section of audiences – the ones expecting to see a sensible, intense thriller and the ones interested due to ‘other’ reasons.

The unconvincing factor hovers around for almost the entire film. Ayaan’s meeting with Izna, her casual commitment to a hugely dangerous mission and, later, the consequences of the mission fail to involve the audience due to the absence of an intelligent script. In the end, even the final culmination, which is very similar to Gangster, doesn’t appear convincing. Ironically, scenes which provide unintentional laughs act as a saving grace.

The plus points include few creatively shot scenes, especially in the first half. The thrill at the end of the first half is by far the best moment of the movie. Some of the dialogues are very impressive and witty, although on some occasions they appear silly. But it is the music which turns out to be the biggest plus points. It is a rarity these days to have an album full of impressive songs.

The film scores well in the technical departments too. Nigam Bomzan shows his brilliance in his creative camerawork. The makers should be lauded for selecting such unexplored yet beautiful locations in Sri Lanka.

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Sunny Leone was cast as the main lead. The decision, however, turns out to be well made one as the debutant chips in with the right emotions and expressions. One can’t comment on her dialogue delivery as her voice is dubbed. Randeep Hooda once again shines with a mature act in the role of a crazy assassin. The actor is improving film after film.

Arunoday Singh is mostly average as he struggles during intensely emotional scenes. Arif Zakaria once again proves why he is one of the best character artists. Sumeet Nijhavan is average.

Overall, Jism 2 suffers due to faulty writing. At the box office, the film has a chance of clicking in the metros. It will be largely helped by the section of audience queuing up to see Sunny Leone.

Jism 2 Box-Office Prediction

by Leave a Comment

Director: Pooja Bhatt

Producers: Clockwork Films and Fisheye Network

Writers: Mahesh Bhatt and Shagufta Rafique

Cast: Sunny Leone, Randeep Hooda, Arunoday Singh, Arif Zakaria

Music: Arko Pravo Mukherjee, Mithoon, Rushk and Abdul Baasith Saeed

Release Date: August 3, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: Perhaps for the first time in the history of Indian cinema, a female debutant has added plenty of star value to the movie way before its release. The fact that she is a porn star with killer looks is the reason for this, apart from her stint in the television show Bigg Boss. The Sunny euphoria coupled with the presence of known faces of good performers like Randeep Hooda and Arunoday Singh, brings high star value for Jism 2.

Hype: The hype for Jism 2 started ever since Mahesh Bhatt decided to cast Sunny in the film. The hype, which kept on increasing as the shoot neared completion, reached the maximum after the promos and posters of the movie were released. Due to this, a large section of audience will queue up for the movie for obvious reasons. But apart from the hot factor, the promos also promise an intense thrill ride.

Music: The title song ‘Yeh Jism Hai To Kya’ has managed to impress. Other songs like ‘Abhi Abhi’ and ‘Yeh Kasoor’ are also well received. The music has also helped in creating excitement for the movie.

Prediction:

Jism 2 will get a good to very good opening at the box-office, largely due to the Sunny Leone factor. Although the movie has a chance of clicking both in single screens as well as multiplexes, it will score more in the latter as it is a metro product.

What will affect the film’s collections is that the keenly anticipated Gangs Of Wasseypur 2 and the hugely awaited Ek Tha Tiger are slated to release on August 8 and 15 respectively. Hence, it is vital for the film to impress initially and earn as much as possible in the first five days. All in all, Jism 2 is a safe bet due to its low budget.

 

Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum Box-Office Prediction

by Leave a Comment

Director: Sachin Yardi

Producers: Balaji Telefilms Ltd and Alt Entertainment

Writers: Sachin Yardi

Cast: Riteish Deshmukh, Tusshar Kapoor, Sarah Jane Dias, Neha Sharma, Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey

Music: Sachin-Jigar, Shankar Ehsaan Loy and Anjjan – Meet Bros

Release Date: July 27, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: With lead actors like Riteish Deshmukh and Tusshar Kapoor, the star value for Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum is low. But it is the brand of this adult comedy (after its first in 2009) that is the real star for the movie.

Hype: The movie has generated decent hype but only among the college students mostly. The promos have impressed that section of the audience due to the weird acts of the lead actors.

Music: ‘Dil Garden Garden Ho Gaya’ has become quite known among the youth. ‘Shirt Da Button’ is also slowly becoming popular. The rest of the songs aren’t much known.

Prediction:

Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum will at the most get a decent opening at the box-office. It has good prospects only in the metros. The collections might be affected by last week’s The Dark Knight Rises. It is vital for the film to impress initially in order to have a long run at the ticket window.

“Anand Mara Nahin, Anand Marte Nahin”

by 4 Comments

Being born in the 80s, I was exposed to the cinema of the 90s during my growing up days. Due to this, I wasn’t interested in watching movies of the 60s or 70s or listening to songs from that era. But a chance encounter with the song ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’ and few Rajesh Khanna films made me realize the beauty of that period. Thus, it won’t be wrong to state that it was largely due to Khanna that I started respecting the songs and movies of the yesteryears.

What amazed me was the ease with which the actor had an impressive effect on the audience, even while mouthing the simplest of lines. And talking about the songs he featured in, his special dancing technique made them extra-special. No wonder, he is considered the first superstar of Bollywood. Naturally, when an artist of that caliber leaves us forever, it saddens me to say the least, more so since he was the one who got me exposed to the Golden Era of Indian cinema.

Like all movie buffs, his death brings to memory the climax scene of his evergreen movie Anand. The very last line of the scene and the film acts as a fitting tribute to Kaka – Anand Mara Nahin. Anand Marte Nahin. Rest In Peace Rajesh Khananji!

Have a look at that scene: –

 

 

Liberty Cinema: Standing tall against odds!

by 2 Comments

Understandably, an unsatisfactory movie makes us feel our money and time got unnecessarily wasted. However, an unsatisfactory movie at Liberty Cinema doesn’t make me feel so. The beauty of the place makes even a bad movie a paisa vasool experience! The simple yet beautifully interiors, comfortable seating, artistic ceiling designs, royal staircase (especially the ones which lead on to the balcony) and a perfect sound system have been more than a treat for cinema lovers since over six decades (see pictures).

But what makes it further special is that the cost has always been pocket-friendly. This allows the middle-class and the lower middle-class to relish the memorable experience unlike those multiplexes charging Rs 300 or more for a single ticket and Rs 60 plus for a tea that doesn’t taste like one! This fact generates tremendous respect for the single screen theatre from my side.

Recently, however, my respect for Liberty grew ten folds further when I read in a newspaper that the owner Mr Nazir Hossein is in no mood to convert the historical theatre into a swanky multiplex, despite the collections not being as high during its heydays.

(Article continued after picture.)

(All picture courtesy – Liberty Cinema Facebook page)

Since last decade or so, destruction of old buildings and monuments in the name of so-called development is on the rise in Mumbai. Naturally, some of the famous theatres of Mumbai have been demolished too to make way for multiplexes. In other words, owners of Mumbai’s famous architectural heritages themselves didn’t blink an eye before demolishing it.

(Click to enlarge.)

Metro Cinema, a stone-throw away from Liberty, is a classic example of this fact. A theatre which was once thronged by people from all classes of society now caters only to the elite classes. There is no sign of the common middle class public courtesy some abnormal ticket rates.

It would have been very easy to give in to the temptation when almost the whole of Mumbai is marching towards redevelopment. It takes a big heart and a strong will like Hossein to keep the flame alive. In order to survive the reducing numbers, the owner is now thinking of also bringing art shows, music concerts, etc to the theatre. This is an example of how a strong business sense can be applied to keep traditions alive. Of course, this doesn’t guarantee for the cash registers to keep ringing but for few people like Hossein, pride comes first.

Since the theater was built during the time of India’s independence in 1947, it was named Liberty, which means freedom. The name is apt as the place is free… free from the clutches of business-like attitude! All thanks to Hossein sir for retaining the feeling of the old, simple and uncomplicated Bombay!

To be a part of this proud historical figure of Mumbai and to keep yourself informed about various events at this place, join the Facebook page of Liberty Cinema by clicking here – https://www.facebook.com/libertycinema2012

Have a look at some more of the majestic pictures of Liberty Cinema: –

(Click to enlarge.)

(Click to enlarge.)

(Click to enlarge.)

(Click to enlarge.)

(Click to enlarge.)

Cocktail Box-Office Prediction

by Leave a Comment

Director: Homi Adajania

Producers: Eros International and Illuminati Films

Writer: Imtiaz Ali

Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty, Dimple Kapadia, Boman Irani

Music: Pritam

Release Date: July 13, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: Although Saif Ali Khan is not one of the biggest crowd-pullers of Bollywood, he is a well-known star. On the other hand, Deepika Padukone stands out as one of the most famous young actresses currently. The debutant Diana Penty has also managed to make heads turn. Due to these factors, the star value of Cocktail is high.

Hype: The hype has been good if not remarkable. The songs and the promos have received thumbs up from youngsters, mostly the college-going crowd.

Songs: ‘Tumhi Ho Bandhu’ has got a tremendous response from the youngsters. Other songs like ‘Daru Desi’ and ‘Second Hand Jawani’ have become well-known too. In short, the music has played the biggest role in creating excitement for the movie.

Prediction:

Cocktail will certainly get a good opening first-up in the metros. Since it is a content-driven film, it is important for it to impress first up if it has to succeed at the box-office. The major hurdle for the film is that its content suits only to the urban multiplex audience. Due to this, the film won’t get a good response at smaller centers. Plus, the fact that last week’s Bol Bachchan is still going very strong might also affect its box-office collections. But the good news is that there are no major Bollywood releases next week.