Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged 3 IDIOTS
I don’t know if it’s Aamir or Shah Rukh-Rajkumar Hirani
Jul 27th
Bollywood’s number one director Rajkumar Hirani won’t reveal who his next leading man is
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; July 27, 2010)
Rajkumar Hirani is generous to a fault. At his office in Bandra, he is busy distributing books to the people around him. Having just returned from New York after a heavy-duty scripting session, the filmmaker is in a gregarious mood. Filmfare has chosen him the top-ranking director. And the trade is waiting with bated breath to know what Raju will make next, especially since his 3 Idiots is the biggest hit in Bollywood history.
Raju dismisses speculation about making a movie called Hey Bhagwan on 300 Gods. “We have 33 crore Gods,’’ he says, “Why would I choose 300 of those? Unless of course, people think that in three hours I can only accommodate 300. Anyway the important issue here is that I will be making a movie on religion. But media reports saying it deals with 300 Gods is wrong. My writer Abhijat Joshi is here. And we have just got a fix on the idea. The script itself is still to be written. I’m also writing Munnabhai.’’
Asked whether he was flattered to be voted the number one director, Raju says, “My parents will be happy for sure. I will mail them a copy of the latest Filmfare. However, I don’t want to fall into this trap of numbers. I believe that today I’m on top because of 3 Idiots. Tomorrow there may be no film or there could be a film that has not done very well. This can happen. So why fall into this trap? I believe that each film is my first film and I give it all I have. Just because I have three good films behind me, it doesn’t make me allpowerful. I have to still strive to give my best to whatever I undertake. A filmmaker is only as good as his last film.’’
He also dismisses constant media speculation on whether he will make his next with Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh Khan. Says he, “I have worked with the best — Aamir. However, I can’t say who the leading man in my next film is unless I have a ready script. I don’t write films keeping an actor in mind. It goes the other way around.’’
Raju believes that Bollywood is going through the best phase. “While ten years ago we only made love stories with the song-dance fix, now we have makers like Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Kashyap and Imtiaz Ali doing different work. Each has his own style and strength. And Hindi cinema is certainly poised for a great take-off.’’ And finally is the world really his oyster? “Yes it is… but I can’t eat it all as the phrase says. I must still be content with eating only a small morsel. In other words, I will continue to make one film in two years. If I get greedy, I will fall flat on my face.’’
Hirani’s next called ‘Hey Bhagwan!’?
Jul 24th
Superstar director Raju Hirani’s next is about 300 gods; called Hey Bhagwan!
Sonal Chawla and Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 24, 2010)
After creating box-office history in Bollywood, Raju Hirani seems to be aiming at even loftier heights, the realm of the divine in fact.
If the grapevine is to be believed, Raju’s next film will be titled Hey Bhagwan! Raju has just finished his first draft and will think of an apt cast once the script is fully done.
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| Raju Hirani |
Our source said, “Raju had met Abhijat Joshi a couple of months back in US and discussed the idea with him. Abhijat is Raju’s most trusted associate and he loved the idea; they started working on the script. Raju is already ready with his rough first draft.
The film deals with the issue of our multi-deity culture in India and how there are different gods for different problems. The film will be molded in a typical Raju Hirani format, with humour and an underlying message.”
After 3 Idiots, speculation has been rife about what Bollywood’s hottest director will make next. Hirani’s films are usually popular for their zany plots that strike a chord with all demographics of movie-going audiences.
Raju Hirani denied the story.
Apart from this film, Hirani is also working on Munnabhai Chale Amrika, a sequel to the massively successful Munnabhai series.
Rani comes out for Aamir
Jul 17th
The much talked about music launch of Aamir Khan’s next production saw the star make a rare public appearance
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 15, 2010)
The recent music launch of Peepli Live was buzzing with the crème-de-la-crème of Bollywood but all heads turned when Rani walked through the door. With her freshly crimped hair and a beige dress to compliment her figure, the kohl-eyed Bong-shell had all eyes turn to her in no time.
While the launch saw most of the 3 Idiots team members, including Raju Hirani, Sharman Joshi, Ashutosh Gowariker and Prasoon Joshi, Rani was occasionally seen hobnobbing with Karan Johar and Kiran Rao. But most importantly, for the entire 20 minutes that Rani was present at the launch, she spent most of the night chatting with close friend Aamir, who would lend his chivalrous arm to her every now and then and listen patiently to what she was saying.
Who says Rani Mukerji is a recluse? Her shocking appearance at the music launch proves otherwise. Though she turned up just before the event got over, it was a pleasant surprise for those who believe that she shies away from making such public appearances. For one, the actress likes to socialise. Plus, she’s fond of music.
A source present there said, “Rani came just a few minutes before the event got over. Aamir gave her a low-down on what all happened and was overheard asking her why she was late. Rani replied that she was stuck in the traffic and was apologetic about being late. Rani was seen chilling with Karan Johar also who is extremely close to her and both of them left together from the party.”
Calling Rani an extrovert, a source close to the actress said, “Rani has never cut off ties with anybody as reported by the media. She doesn’t attend all events but she is known to make an exception for Aamir because they happen to be very thick.”
As for her friendship with Aamir, Rani has always made it a point to be present at each and every event that he organises.
Ever since she worked with him in Ghulam, she has been one of Aamir’s closest friends and he too has remained in touch with her over the years. The source added, “Be it Aamir’s Diwali party or his birthday bash, Rani makes sure to be with him if she is in town. She is also among the few trusted friends of Aamir who makes it a point to show his films and his first trials to her for critique. The close friendship between the two has rarely been public though.”
Not after this music launch.
Producer of Aisha speaks
Jul 11th
First time producer Rhea Kapoor wears her star genes like an overcoat over her easy confidence
Mitali Parekh (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 11, 2010)
You don’t need reminding that Rhea Kapoor is Anil Kapoor’s daughter. Even if you don’t connect the dimpled chin and lush lashes, you can’t miss the actor as he hovers over the photographer telling him which angle is good and then bullies him into deleting the ones he disapproves - his tenor, bombastic game show host-cross-over-actor-like. Not to be confused with the tapori Anil Kapoor of Hifazat and Laadla.
“I don’t know how it feels not to be Anil Kapoor’s daughter,” says the middle offspring, lounging over a couch, head on her hand. “I was born this way,” Rhea says with a laugh.
At the helm of the Anil Kapoor Films, she’s the producer behind the Emma adaptation Aisha, starring elder sister Sonam and Abhay Deol.
For a first-time producer and at 23, she’s mellow and sharp; and at ease with comparisons with famous family members - glancing at a picture taken at a low angle she exclaims, “I look like Sanjay Kapoor! Delete that!”
“Isn’t the dream to take over the family business?” she asks. “This is my family business! People tell me I have it easy because Anil Kapoor is my father. I say, ‘If your father ran a steel mill, wouldn’t you run it too?’” A self-confessed papa’s girl, she recounts many a birthday when she would refuse to cut the cake unless her father was present.
“In so many birthday pictures, you’ll see dad in make-up and costume, having rushed from a shooting,” she guffaws. “He wasn’t around so much when we were growing up. He’s done a hundred films you know.
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Lately, he’s realised he hasn’t spent enough time with us and is trying to catch up. And we have to tell him to go away!”
Life’s been an easy transition so far. She’s from the first batch of Dhirubhai Ambani School, and followed it up with theatre in New York University.
In New York she caught the vintage bug, shopping at thrift stores, and passed it on to her family. Conversation with these Kapoor sisters cannot veer far from fashion.
As the team discussed the characters of Aisha, they drew up mood boards, visualising what each person’s wardrobe that would define their character. And then Rhea went shopping to New York.
“Aisha (Sonam) is a mix between Audrey Hepburn and American socialite Olivia Palermo,” she explains. “Pinky Bose (Ira Dubey) is the Manish Arora girl - she celebrates fashion and doesn’t think twice before wearing really outrageous pieces. Abhay is a preppy (Christian) Dior boy.”
The understanding of the synthesis of costume and character is very integral to both the girls. So much so that she roped in the fashion house of Christian Dior to be a part of the project.
Shouldn’t acting be on the cards? “My brother is a complete hero,” she says speaking of Harshvardhan. “He loves taking photographs and all that. I can’t imagine sitting for hours in the make-up chair or waiting for the shot to get ready. This is it for me, for the time being. As a producer, I can’t pass the blame of a bad film on to anyone else.
And yet I have to not interrupt the creative flow. It’s easy to get involved in the minutiae of the film and try to control everything. But then I have to step back and look at the big picture and see whether fighting over a tiny detail is going to affect it.”
She’s very clear that she’s not looking to make heavy, intellectual movies that vie for international acclaim. “Even fun, commercial films can have a soul. Look at 3 Idiots. I want to make films that have a soul,” she says.
Brownie points for not saying, “Hatke.”
Why does Bollywood thrive on distorting facts?
Jul 11th
Meena Iyer | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 11, 2010)
Director Anubhav Sinha (known for the super dud Cash) must have felt like King for exactly a day when rumour mills said that his Ra.One with Shah Rukh Khan was sold for Rs.175 crores. But a segment of Bollywood saw red. “How can a Anubhav-SRK project get Rs 175 croreswhen a SRK-Farhan Akhtar (Farhan’s box office record is much better than Anubhav’s) combination be negotiated for Rs 125 crores,’’ asked a trade guru. He added, “While neither the price of Don-2 is Rs 125 crores nor can Ra.One ever fetch Rs 175 crores (in these economically challenged times) it is ridiculous for vested interests to spread these stories.’’
Trade expert Taran Adarsh said, “Bollywood is going through a correction process. Now, more than ever, there is arithmetic attached to the acquisition process. And the price of a film is based on the combined equity of the director and the star. If Shah Rukh Khan and Raju Hirani were to come into the market with a project and you hear figures like Rs 125 crores being bandied about, it may seem more likely. Both are hot at the box office. But just to float random figures will once again be Bollywood’s biggest folly. ’’
It is said that after disasters like Raavan and Kites (both of which crossed the Rs 100 crore marks leaving their investors near bankrupt), the Hindi film industry is very sceptical about acquisition prices. Exaggerated reports say that reeling under the impact of huge disasters like Drona, Blue, Kites and Raavan, there are film corporations who are unable to float their own IPOs (initial public offerings). An insider said, “Some corporations have tightened their purse strings and are even keeping a count of how many cups of tea are being served each day in their offices. So where is the question of them acquiring movies for ridiculous prices?’’
Trade consultant Amod Mehra also warned that one irresponsible number can have a domino effect on the whole system. “Stars and makers will again start believing in their own supremacy theory. And if they make ridiculous demands, then the trade that is just about raising its head with correct pricing (as in the case of I Hate Luv Storys) will fall prey to its own greed.’’ However, he felt that the biggest superstars (Aamir Khan, SRK) and sensible filmmakers are very aware of the trade machinations. “And it is just a few ill-informed people who end up spreading rumours of crazy prices when the reality is something else,’’ said Amod.
While corporations conveniently keep saying “company policy doesn’t allow us to talk figures,’’ it is hinted that the deal for Don-2 will close at Rs 81 crores; Golmaal-3 is being negotiated for a similar amount; Akshay Kumar’s Tees Maar Khan will sell for Rs 55 crores despite the unbeatable combination of Farah Khan (whose last hit Om Shanti Om was huge) and Katrina Kaif (10 hits in a row); Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Guzaarish with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also reportedly closed at Rs 81 crores. “This itself is a very big price to recover,’’ said a broker. It is hinted that SLB (whose Saawariya was a washout) has allegedly been paid Rs 30 crores for this film, and so has his hero Hrithik. But these are definitely the biggest deals as far as the current scenario goes. And even these may prove fatal for Bollywood. Ideally films that are in the Rs 55-70 crore bracket are the safe bets.
“Producers be warned. A 3-Idiots that grossed something to the tune of Rs 375 crores is a once-in-a-blue-moon phenomenon,” said Taran.
Omi Vaidya in The Italian Job remake
Jul 10th
The actor has bagged a lead role with Abhishek Bachchan in Abbas-Mustan’s remake of the hit movie The Italian Job
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 10, 2010)
This time, it’s actually a chamatkaar. After bagging a significant role in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Dil To Bachcha Hai Jee, Omi Vaidya will now be playing the lead part alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Neil Nitin Mukesh in Abbas-Mustan’s The Italian Job. This too happens to be a comic role. But you have to admit it, the man’s good at what he does.
Confirming this development, Abbas says, “The role needed an actor who could be funny and amusing. It’s a comic role. But it isn’t a comedian’s role. It’s one of he leads. We were really impressed by Omi in 3 Idiots.”
Apparently Govinda was the first choice for the comic-hero’s part. Interestingly, Omi Vaidya is now being seen as the new-age Govinda. In fact, his role in Dil To Bachcha Hai Jee is partly inspired by Govinda’s on-screen persona.
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| (L): Omi (R): Abhishek Bachchan | |
Meanwhile, the Raavan experience has made Abhishek Bachchan cautious. He has started giving a lot of importance to the film script now. But while working on Raavan, Abhishek had put all his faith in Mani Ratnam, who he trusts completely. Apparently, despite the fact that Mani kept changing the situations, dialogues and script in almost every sequence in Raavan, Abhishek was fine with it.
The rules have changed now. Abhishek has decided to sign a film only after a complete narration and a full hardbound script has been given to him. And Abhishek has chosen to put his rules to test in Abbas-Mustan’s The Italian Job.
The film has been in the news for its scripting and casting issues for more than a year now. The directorial duo, Abbas-Mustan confirms that Abhishek Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh have been signed. However another source close to the project reveals that Abhishek will give a final nod to the project only when he hears a full narration next week.
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| Abbas Mustan |
Abbas confirms that he and his brother have no problems in narrating the script to Abhishek. Abbas says, “We’ve worked really hard on the subject for more than a year. In fact we’ve been keeping quiet only because we didn’t want to say anything about the project until we were ready. Now we can move ahead.”
According to Abbas the film needs three other very prominent leading men. “So far we only have Abhishek and Neil. Among the girls we’ve finalized Katrina only. The role of the other leading lady is still undecided “Because it does not suit Priyanka Chopra,” adds Abbas, “We’ll think of which other leading lady to cast only after the heroes are all in place.”
Shooting for the film will begin in Goa in November and it will then be shot in Russia and New Zealand.
B.O. update: Youth luves ‘Luv Storys’, film starts with a bang
Jul 3rd
- By Taran Adarsh, July 3, 2010 – 08:10 IST 
The second half of 2010 has begun with a bang, with the first release of July, I HATE LUV STORYS, fetching a fantabulous start. The film took off in a big way from the morning shows itself, with big city multiplexes opening to 80% to 90% response. At places, the occupancy was 100% as well. At plexes of relatively smaller centres, the opening was in 60% to 70% range, while single screens, expectedly, were not strong. The opening at some single screens was good [it picked up at big centres during the course of the day], but at smaller centres, it was below average, in 30% to 40% range.
Looking at the tremendous response from the youth, several plexes decided to add more shows on Friday itself. Also, at several plexes, the film fetched one of the biggest starts of the year. The opening day figures at several plexes were at par with 3 IDIOTS and RAAJNEETI.
Imran’s second release, KIDNAP, which came right after the smash hit JAANE TU YA JAANE NA, had fetched approx. Rs. 4.85 cr. nett on Day 1 [Thursday; National Holiday], while LUCK had fetched approx. Rs. 3.5 cr. nett on Day 1. I HATE LUV STORYS, Imran’s fourth release after KIDNAP and LUCK sank at the box-office, is expected to fetch approx. Rs. 7 cr. on its opening day, which is fabulous.
The brand Karan Johar + fresh pairing + excellent music + terrific promotion have lured the youth in hordes, while the audience feedback ranges from good to excellent [the youth is loving it].
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
Money, money Maddy!
Jul 2nd
R Madhavan is back on TV with a new game show
Roshni K Olivera | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 1, 2010)
He was this sweet, cool, ever-smiling anchor on TV hosting Tol Mol Ke Bol years ago. Not much has changed, except that he’s more popular today with the masses.
R Madhavan, after his recent Hindi films 13B and 3 Idiots, has an altogether different connect with people as we saw on the sets of Imagine’s new game show Big Money, produced by Big Synergy, starting July 10, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm.
It’s a show featuring questions about all things on TV right from popular soaps to reality shows, from advertisements to cartoons, cricket and news! And Madhavan’s not surprised to see the level of telly knowledge among people. “TV is huge and people are absolutely well-versed with everything,” he says.
As a host, is he more confident today compared to 15 years ago? “No, in fact I was more relaxed then because there was no pressure on me. I had nothing at stake at that time. With success comes pressure because the expectations are higher,” he says, ready for the big game.
His USP as an anchor, he believes, is being himself with no pretences. “That helps me connect better with the contestants and audiences. After a point I believe in letting the intensity of the game take over,” says Maddy, as he’s fondly known in the industry and on the sets here too.
The show doesn’t have questions that test one’s general knowledge, mathematical ability or analytical skills, it basically gives TV addicts a golden opportunity to make use of all the hours spent watching the small screen! And it’s not just individuals, but the entire family that plays the game to win the ultimate cash prize of Rs 1 crore. “The family that plays together, stays together!’ smiles Maddy. “I love the idea of the whole family coming together in an attempt to earn ‘big money’ by combining their knowledge and strengths,” he says.
Big Money is a multi-level show where each level features a series of questions and every member of the family needs to answer at least one question correctly to move into the next round.
Aamir has little choice on Twitter
Jun 25th
Nishtha Arora | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; June 25, 2010)
Here’s one problem Amitabh Bachchan, that master tweeter, cannot solve for Aamir Khan. The two met in London over dinner where the Big B convinced the reclusive Aamir to join the miocroblogging site. Aamir, who took some convincing, finally agreed and said he would start his account on July 1. Bachchan immediately posted on his account, “At dinner with Aamir… coaxing him to come on Twitter. Success come to those that dare and act! Convinced the inconvincible Aamir…”
Then, Aamir’s dilemma. The existing Twitter handles in his name don’t leave the Bollywood superstar with much choice. With all possible permutations and combinations of his name already floating on the microblogging site, what handle does Aamir Khan use?
BT asked the public at large to help the 3 Idiots hero come up with an appropriate handle. Clearly there aren’t many names (based on the combinations of his initials, his birth date, films, banner, etc) left. We give him a few options, based on various aspects of his life, that he could possibly use as his Twitter handle. Twitter or no Twitter, it seems that if you announce your arrival too soon, toh naam gum jayega!
Alternatives for Aamir
• IdiotAamir or AamirIdiot – After 3 Idiots
• GhajiniAamir or Aamirghajni – For his Ghajini look
• Beingaamir – As in Being Salman Khan
• AamirLive – As in Peepli Live
• PerfectionistAamir – That, of course, he is
• Kirankaaamir – As in Kiran Rao’s husband Aamir
• Aamirthesuperstar – After Aamir announced he is the new No 1
Existing handles
amir_khan, ammirkhan, khanamir, AmirsKhan, IammAmirKhan, meamir, imamirkhan, amirkhan, amirkkhan, amirkhanmumbai, i_am_amir, Amir__Khan, amirkhanonline1, Iamamirkha, aamir_khan, iaamirkhan, Aam1rkhan, iaamirk, Aamirkhanh, ikhanaamir, TheAamirKhan, aamirrkhan, AamirKhan65, aaamirkhan, a_amirkhn, aamir_khan1403, Aaam1r, aamir007khan, Aamir1965, mail2aamir, aamirkhanhusain, aamiraamiraamir, khanaamirkhan, aamirrr, iam_amir
Raavan is an intelligent film…-Amitabh Bachchan
Jun 23rd
Five things Amitabh Bachchan did not tweet or blog about in response to the criticism Raavan has faced…
TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; June 23, 2010)
1 If there have been rabid remarks on Raavan then that is what the people who made these observations have felt. When you are in the public arena, you will always be vulnerable to adverse comment and accusation. You will also be the idol of several, loved and admired equally. You cannot have it good all the time. You must learn to live with it or stop being a member of the celebrity club. Take it on the chin and smile. If you are right, get up and prove it. If you are wrong, acknowledge and accept it.
2 Mani Ratnam is an exceptional talent, even his so called ‘worst’ is a million times better than many so called ‘bests’. When one sets such high standards of credibility, you garner high expectation also. And when the audience feels that the standard has been even minutely compromised, it expresses disappointment. Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan may have disappointed you in Mela and Paheli, respectively. But that never stopped you from loving them for box office excellence in 3 Idiots and Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna.
3 The film is an astonishing mix of mythology and politics put out in ethereal poetry. It is an intelligent film that the ticket-paying audience and the box office pundits are not necessarily impressed with. Hence, the adverse reactions. Fair enough. It is Mani’s vision. We may not like his creativity, but we do not have the right to tell him not to create, as has been most harshly expressed by some.
4 Abhishek and Aishwarya have come in for flak. There is diverse opinion. Two critics from two different prestigious print mediums have on the same day tabulated two exactly opposite reactions! One says ‘Abhishek has hammed his way through the film’ and the other expresses that ‘This is Abhishek’s best performance to date’. One castigates Aishwarya’s ‘silent and stone presence’ in film, the other gushes that the most endearing quality of the film is her ‘stunning performance, never seen before’. Whom do you believe?
5 Abhishek and Aishwarya will perform according to what the director demands. Critics have an onerous and difficult task. They have to be producer, director, actor, screenplay writer, dialogue writer, musician, playback singer, stunt coordinator all in one, and some more — they need to have the ability to assimilate all of this in an opinion and put it down against time lines within 500-600 words. It’s a tough ask. Commenting on their credibility would unnecessarily stir up sensationalised ‘breaking news’ bulletins for a hungry and starved
idiot box ogre. So I shall refrain. But personally, I liked both their performances.
As told to Subhash K Jha
