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Maximum (Hindi Movie) Box-Office Prediction

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Director: Kabeer Kaushik

Producer(s): Vainteya Films

Writer(s): Kabeer Kaushik

Cast: Sonu Sood, Naseeruddin Shah, Vinay Pathak, Amit Sadh, Mohan Agashe, Neha Dhupia, Swanand Kirkire, Rajendra Gupta

Music: Amjad Nadeem, Devi Shri Prasad

Analysis:

Star Value: Maximum is blessed by some quality performers like Naseeruddin Shah, Sonu Sood and Vinay Pathak. However, there is no star value as these actors don’t have the capacity to draw audiences to theatres.

Hype: There is just no hype for the movie as promos have not managed to impress that much. The way they have been crafted might be the reason for it not making heads turn. The makers have failed to promote and market the movie properly.

Music: The scope for music isn’t much in such films. The item number ‘Aa Ante Amlapuram’ is somewhat known but it has not impressed the audience.

Prediction:

Maximum will get a low opening at the box-office. Even if the film manages to impress a lot initially, it won’t have much effect on its performance. With Rohit Shetty’s Bol Bachchan releasing next Friday, it looks like Kabeer Kaushik’s cop drama might be a one-week wonder.

Gangs Of Wasseypur Review

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Director: Anurag Kashyap

Producer(s): Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Writer(s): Zeishan Quadri, Sachin Ladia and Anurag Kashyap

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

Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

Rating: * * ½

Plot: Set in the lawless land of Wasseypur in Dhanbad, the film narrates the tale of Sardar Khan (Manoj Bajpayee) who is hell-bent to avenge his father Shahid Khan’s (Jaideep Ahlawat) death. Shahid was killed by Ramadhir Singh (Tigmanshu Dhulia) in a battle to lead the coal mafia.

Review: Anurag Kashyap started the genre of unconventionally dark films in Bollywood. Irrespective of whether his films score at the box office, he has always been adamant in sticking to the genre. His latest offering Gangs Of Wasseypur follows the legacy of typical Kashyap films. Its promos triggered high expectations. But thanks to the off-track writing and the filmmaker’s desperate attempt to showcase his unusual style, the final product turns out to be an average fair with few wonderfully conceived moments and great performances.

The director and the writer should be lauded though for some creatively intelligent scenes in the first half. The idea of jumping to the flashback after the initial encounter works very well. A good foundation is laid by the way the story and the warring saga between Sardar Khan and Ramadhir Singh are built up. Some historical events are also smartly woven in the tale. Manoj Bajpayee’s entry adds fuel to the proceedings for it gives rise to a good number of thrilling as well as dark humorous moments. Despite some dullness, the first half provides descent satisfaction.

The post-interval portion maintains stability but soon loses focus. A number of sub-plots and too many characters create complication as well as confusion since they have nothing or very little to do with the main story. In addition, Kashyap’s over-indulgence of his unconventional style further hampers the narration. Obviously, this makes the film painfully lengthy. Although the climax creates some excitement for the second part of the movie, it is not entirely convincing.

But it is difficult to understand why a simple revenge saga needs to be told in five hours (this movie plus it’s sequel)? Considering that the second half of GOW Part 1 has hardly any story to tell, it looks like an adamant decision.

It is necessary to mention that the film is not for the fainthearted. The violence and gore presented is rarely seen before in an Indian film. This can be disturbing and depressing for many, especially since it is used unnecessarily at times.

Sneha Khanwalkar’s music fits the nature of the film perfectly although there was no need for these many songs. ‘Keh Ke Loonga’ and ‘Womaniya’ are the tracks that go well with the narration and bring a smile. Cinematography (Rajeev Ravi) is flawless except in few portions where the hand-held camera gives a documentary-like feel. Editing (Shweta Venkat Matthew) should have been tighter. The witty dialogues and the background score deserve special mention for they keep you engrossed when the script is going haywire.

It can be said that Gangs Of Wasseypur is Manoj Bajpayee’s return to the big league. He brilliantly carries the film on his shoulders as he plays an unusual character in an applaud-worthy manner. Easily one of his best acts till date! But it is Tigmanshu Dhulia who turns out to be the surprise element. The filmmaker, who is making his acting debut, gives a thoroughly mature performance as Ramadhir Singh. He should surely continue acting! Richa Chadda’s amazing act will prove to be a turning point in her career.

Piyush Mishra portrays his flawless acting skills. Reemma Sen showcases the oomph that was necessary and provides a descent act. With a realistically mature performance, Nawazuddin Siddiqui once again proves he is one of the finest young character actors currently. Due to his powerful act, Jaideep Ahlawat is remembered despite the small length of his character. The rest of the supporting actors (Mukesh Chhabra, Rajkumar Yadav, Jameel Khan, Vipin Sharma, Zeishan Quadri and many more!) play their parts with perfection.

Overall, despite being high on performance, Gangs Of Wasseypur suffers from over-indulgence. At the box-office, the film has a chance at the urban metros mostly.

Teri Meri Kahaani Box-Office Prediction

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Director: Kunal Kohli

Producer(s): Kunal Kohli Productions, Eros International

Writer(s): Kunal Kohli (Story, Screenplay and Dialogues) and Robin Bhatt (Screenplay)

Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Neha Sharma, Prachi Desai

Music: Sajid-Wajid

Release Date: June 22, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: Despite acting in some successful films and being a young heartthrob, Shahid Kapoor’s star power has somewhat decreased due to the failure of his last few films. Priyanka Chopra on the other hand is one of the most successful and admired young actresses currently. Since both young actors are cast opposite each other after their alleged real-life break-up, the star value of Teri Meri Kahaani is high.

Hype: The promos of the movie have garnered just an average response. And despite a large number of promotional activities, the hype is not as high as expected. This is very surprising for a Shahid-Priyanka starrer.

Music: Although the film has some decent numbers like ‘Mukhtasar’ and ‘Humse Pyar Kar Le Tu’, the music of the movie hasn’t become that famous.

Prediction:

Teri Meri Kahaani will get an average opening, which is surely below expectations. It is very important for the movie to get a very positive initial response if it has to be a winner at the box-office. If it doesn’t, no need to mention its fate. It will also face a firm opposition from Gangs Of Wasseypur, which has managed some pre-release excitement.

Gangs Of Wasseypur Box-Office Prediction

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Director: Anurag Kashyap

Producer(s): Viacom 18 Motion Pictures

Writer(s): Zeishan Quadri, Sachin Ladia and Anurag Kashyap

Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Piyush Mishra, Reema Sen, Jaideep Ahlawat, Richa Chadda

Music: Sneha Khanwalkar

Release Date: June 22, 2012

Analysis:

Star Value: Although Manoj Bajpayee is remarkable performer, he isn’t the kind of a star who could pull audience to theatrse. Considering the rest of the cast, we can say the star value for Gangs Of Wasseypur is low.

Hype: The quirky promo with witty humour has been appreciated by the audience. The makers have done well in promotions and marketing. This has created good hype for the movie.

Music: Unusually rebellious songs like ‘Jiya Tu’, ‘Womaniya’ and ‘Hunter’ have managed to impress and have helped in publicizing the film.

Prediction:

Gangs Of Wasseypur will surely get a descent to good opening. If the film manages to impress initially, it will once again bring Manoj Bajpayee in the big league. It has a chance at metros as well as small centers. It will face some opposition from Teri Meri Kahaani but that won’t bother the producers much as there is not much hype for the Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra starrer.

Ferrari Ki Sawaari Box-Office Prediction & Review

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(The prediction of this movie was written before its release. But since this website was down for some days, it wasn’t possible to publish it then. Thank you.)

Director: Rajesh Mapuskar

Producer(s): Vidhu Vinod Chopra Productions

Writer(s): Vidhu Vinod Chopra-Rajesh Mapuskar (Screenplay) and Rajkumar Hirani (Dialogues)

Cast: Sharman Joshi, Ritwik Sahore, Boman Irani, Seema Pahwa, Satyadeep Misra

Music: Pritam

Analysis:

Star Value: Sharman Joshi is a famous name, especially after his act in 3 Idiots. But since this is his first solo hero film, the producers can’t rely on him to get a very good opening. Apart from him, Boman Irani is the only known name. Hence, the star value for Ferrari Ki Sawaari is low.

Hype: The hype for the film has been descent. Although there isn’t too much of pre-release excitement, there is surely some eagerness among the masses to watch the film.

Music: Since Ferrari Ki Sawaari doesn’t have much scope for songs, its music hasn’t been famous. Vidya Balan’s item number ‘Mala Jau De’, the title song and ‘Mara Re Sixer’ are somewhat known.

Prediction:

Ferrari Ki Sawari will get an average opening. It will be the kind of film which, if appreciated initially, will slowly climb the ladder at the box-office. Made at a budget of Rs 20 crore, it should make the producers happy if that happens.

Movie Review:

Rating: * * *

Over the last few years, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner has been highly successful in churning out heartwarming films with good humour. Their latest offering Ferrari Ki Sawari, which, although not as superior as their two mega hits Munna Bhai films and 3 Idiots, is surely another heart-warmer from the banner that surely deserves a watch for its simplicity, both in the story and treatment.

The film has a number of scenes that move as well as delight. Watch out for the scene where Sharman pays a fine for crossing red signal. The brisk pace of the narration is another plus point. But what stops Rajesh Mapuskar’s debut from being an outstanding effort is the way the story gets complicated when it nears the climax.

First time as a solo hero, Sharman Joshi gives an outstanding performance. Debutant child actor Ritwik Sahore amazes with a mature act while Boman Irani is brilliant. The film is wonderfully supported by the rest of the supporting cast.

Overall, Ferrari Ki Sawaari proves that if a meaningful story is narrated in an honest and simple manner, you don’t need the so-called big stars.

(As I reviewed Ferrari Ki Sawaari for a magazine, I can’t post the same on my blog. Hence, I came up with this shortened review.)

Shanghai Review

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Direction: Dibakar Banerjee

Production: PVR Pictures

Cast: Emran Hashmi, Abhay Deol, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Kalki Koechlin, Farookh Sheikh, Pitobash,

Writer(s): Vassilis Vassilikos (story), Urmi Juvekar and Dibakar Banerjee (screenplay)

Music: Vishal-Shekhar

Rating: * * * ½

Plot: Leader of a political party (Kiran Karmarkar) supports the project of International Business Park as he, along with his party, considers it as a sign of development of an Indian city. However, social activist Dr. Ahmedi (Prosenjit Chatterjee) is against the project as it will make the poor further helpless.

One day after giving a speech, Admedi gets smashed by a moving tempo. Was this a method used by the political party to deal with Ahmedi? His student and admirer Shalini Sahay (Kalki Koechlin) certainly thinks so. Jogi Parmar (Emran Hashmi), a video shooter drags himself in the issue as he has a vital proof in the form of a video footage. The whole case is handled by IAS officer T A Krishnan (Abhay Deol), who has to play his cards carefully.

Review: Dibakar Banerjee is just four films old but in all of his films he has tried subjects that are utterly different from each other and has also managed to succeed each time. But all of his celluloid efforts have one big similarity: they follow an unconventional method of storytelling making them examples of new age cinema. His latest offering Shanghai is no different, both in execution and result, although the product suits more to the classes.

Being an unconventional film, the story doesn’t unfold in the way you normally see in Bollywood movies. Banerjee uses a unique style of jumping from one sub-plot and set of characters to the other and combining them nicely when the story takes a major turn in the first half. Even the conversation between the characters is short and out of real life but at the same time very interesting and witty. Example – Jogi, while trying to identify a dead body on a dark road, tells the cop, “Kuchh dikh nahin raha. Light nahin hai.” The cop responds, “Jahan light thi wahan marna tha isko.”

The method works well in the second half too. But after a point of time, one realizes there was a scope for few dramatic moments considering the powerful story with good twists. Even the climax would have looked more appealing if the visual medium was used more to conclude instead of making the audience read the text on screen. However, that doesn’t take away Banerjee’s efforts in creating a new age political thriller with maturity.

Nikos Andritsakis’ contribution as a cinematographer is also a major plus point. He has also used a hand held camera in some scenes which adds to the realism. The background score (Michael McCarthy) is purposely not used much. Nevertheless, whenever it is used, it creates a terrific impact, especially in one of the scenes in the finale. Vishal-Shekar’s tracks suit the film aptly. ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ is one song that stands out. The rest are used intelligently in the background.

With every film, Emran Hashmi keeps proving he is one of the finest young actors in Bollywood. He does the same here while playing an unusual character. He creates the right mannerisms, gestures and dialogue styles that were needed. Abhay Deol, playing a sophisticated IAS officer impresses too. He does very well in underplaying his character. Most importantly, he scores well in speaking Hindi with a south Indian accent.

Prosenjit Chatterjee is considered a superstar in Bengal. He displays his terrific acting prowess in a small but substantial role. Kalki Koechlin does well playing an American returned, although she sounds awkward few times. Veteran actor Farooq Sheikh provides a mature act. He should do more films. Pitobash does the same what he did in Shor In The City but one has to appreciate his comic skills. Supriya Pathak and Kiran Karmarkar shine in cameos while Anant Jog plays his part well.

Overall, Shanghai is a well made modern political thriller which had a chance of being superlative. At the box-office, the film has a chance at the metros. It will have a tough time at single-screens and small centers. In the second week, it will have to deal with Ferrari Ki Sawari.

Shanghai Box-Office Prediction

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Direction: Dibakar Banerjee

Production: PVR Pictures

Cast: Emran Hashmi, Abhay Deol, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Kalki Koechlin, Farookh Sheikh, Pitobash,

Writer(s): Vassilis Vassilikos (story), Urmi Juvekar and Dibakar Banerjee (screenplay)

Music: Vishal-Shekhar

Analysis

Star Value: Emran Hashmi has a way with the masses. Abhay Deol is known for his good acts in unconventional films. Even Kalki Koechlin is a known name. There is also the Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee. Due to this, we can say the star value for Shanghai is decent.

Hype: Although there is descent hype for Shanghai, it isn’t enough to get the film a very good opening. The promos are well received.

Music: Although music doesn’t have a scope in such films, the song ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ has struck a chord with the audience. It has become the theme song for Shangai, helping in its popularity. ‘Imported Kamariya’ is somewhat known.

Prediction:

Shanghai will get an average to good opening at multiplexes of metros. It will struggle at smaller centers and single screens. But since it is made at a reasonable budget, it won’t have any problem in recovering its money.

Rowdy Rathore Box-Office Prediction

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Direction: Prabhudeva

Production: SLB Films, Hari Om Entertainment, UTV Motion Pictures

Writer(s): Shiraz Ahmed (Dialogues)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Sonakshi Sinha, Nasser

Music: Sajid-Wajid

Analysis:

Star Value: Akshay Kumar is one of the biggest stars of Bollywood. He has been most successful in out and out commercial films. Due to these two points, one can say the star value for Rowdy Rathore is very high. Despite acting in just one film and that too not in a full-fledged role, Sonakshi Sinha has become a known name. This has added to the film’s star value.

Hype: Although Rowdy Rathore hasn’t taken the audience by storm before its release, the promos and the songs have surely created a strong hype for it. And for being an utterly commercial product with big names, it becomes easier for such a film to create hype:

Music: Peppy numbers ‘Chintata Chinta’ and ‘Dhadhang Dhang’ have become popular and have contributed to the film’s popularity. ‘Chammak Challo’ has also become known.

Prediction:

Due to the above mentioned factors, it’s needless to say that Rowdy Rathore will score a very good opening at the box-office. It won’t hurt the producers even if the film fails to impress as it is more or less certain that they will earn huge bucks from their masala potboiler.

Department Movie Review

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Direction: Ram Gopal Varma

Production: Ram Gopal Varma Productions, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Uberoi Line Productions

Writer: Nilesh Girkar (Story, Screenplay and Dialogues)

Cast: Amitabh Bachchcan, Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh, Madhu Shalini, Vijay Raaz, Laxmi Manchu, Deepak Tijori

Music: Dharam Sandeep, Bappi Lahiri, Vikram Nagi

Rating: * ½

Plot: The increasing underworld activities and gang wars forces the Home Minister of Maharashtra to start a secret organization called Department, headed by encounter specialist Mahadev Bhosle (Sanjay Dutt). The aim of the Department is to finish off the underworld members one by one. Bhosle includes suspended encounter specialist Shivnarayan (Rana Daggubati) in his squad.

Shivnarayan and Bhosle share a brother-like bond. But their relationship starts becoming shaky once the gangster-turned-politician Sarjerao Gaikwad (Amitabh Bachchan) enters the scene.

Review: Underworld movies are done to death in Bollywood. Still, if a filmmaker wishes to make a film on the subject, he needs to be doubly sure that the story which he has selected to narrate has something novel. Ram Gopal Varma’s Department not only lacks the novel factor but also suffers from a weak script which also goes haywire in the second half.

Forming of the secret department was supposed to be the main point that takes the story forward. But that hardly happens as the two characters continue to do the same thing which they used to do before it was formed – killing criminals. Some tried and tested encounters between the police and the underworld fail to either amuse or entertain, especially the forced Yerwada encounter.

(Review continued after picture.)

Situation is further aggravated by the inclusion of some dance numbers. From these, Nathalia Kaur’s item song turns out to be an exhibition of private parts and her horrible expressions. There was also no need to give too much footage to the dreary conversation between Vijay Raaz, Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh and Madhu Shalini’s characters. But the proceedings do become a bit interesting after the arrival of Amitabh Bachchan, who makes sure the first half ends in a watchable manner.

The post-interval part is peppered with twists and turns. The writer makes a juvenile use of them by including a series of lengthy trigger-happy scenes. Due to this, you desperately wait for something different to happen. However, when it does, you are left confused as you wonder who’s on whose side? After going through such ordeal, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the climax turns out to be an illogical and unconvincing one!

If the script wasn’t enough, the audience also has to deal and adjust themselves to RGV’s over-creative and mostly weird camera angles, which trigger irritation!

As hinted earlier, the songs (Bappa Lahiri, Dharam Sandeep and Vikram Nagi) are forced into the narrative. ‘Thodi Si Jo Pi Lee’ is the only bearable track. The background score is average while the editing needed to be sharper.

Although not very impressive, Amitabh Bachchan manages to put forth a decent act, mostly while showing his comic side. Sanjay Dutt doesn’t rise to the expectations and is strictly average. He is out-performed by Rana Daggubati, who is impressive as an honest cop. Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh does well although he is capable of much more. But the writing is to be blamed for his character not being much powerful.

Mostly over the top, Vijay Raaz turns out to be just average. Madhu Shalini is the surprise package! She is terrific as a lady gang member with lots of attitude. A sure lookout for the future! Anjana Sukhani and Laxmi Manchu provide good support. Deepak Tijori is hardly there!

Overall, Department is a major disappointment. The film has no chance at the box-office!

Department Box-Office Prediction

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Direction: Ram Gopal Varma

Production: Ram Gopal Varma Productions, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Uberoi Line Productions

Cast: Amitabh Bachchcan, Sanjay Dutt, Rana Daggubati, Deepak Tijori, Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh, Laxmi Manchu

Music: Dharam Sandeep, Bappi Lahiri, Vikram Nagi

Release Date: May 18, 2012

Star Value: Apart from the biggest superstar of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan, Department also has Sanjay Dutt. These two names ensure that the star value of the movie is very high. Good performers like Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh and Rana Daggubati also fill in the ranks.

Hype: The hype for Department is low. This is highly surprising considering the big names in the star cast and a well-known director. This can be due to the fact that the promo, which although created a buzz, was unable to create much excitement. Even Nathalia Kaur’s item number didn’t manage to turn too many heads. Due to this, one can say the makers have failed to promote their film properly.

Music: Due to the nature of the film and the type of genre in which Varma believes, there is hardly any scope for music. The remake of Sharabi’s hit number ‘Thodi Si Jo Pee Li Hai’ is somewhat known.

Prediction: Department will get an average to descent response, which is much below expectations. The makers would be hoping that it manages to super impress initially because that’s the only way they can recover their money. If it doesn’t, it will have a very tough time at the box-office.