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Movie Review: KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK by FENIL SETA
Feb 27th
The successful jodi of Farhan Akhtar-Ritesh Sidhwani is back. Their banner have consistently come up with fine qualitative films like Dil Chahta Hai, Lakshya, Don, Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd, ‘Rock On!!’ and Luck By Chance. Hence, the expectations from their next, Karthik Calling Karthik were naturally high. However, the mixed and negative reviews that appeared in the last 24 hours did upset me a bit. However, all my disappointment went out of the window after watching the film. Karthik Calling Karthik is a wonderful, innovative flick which is stylishly presented and most importantly, has a completely unpredictable suspense!
The story of the movie: Karthik (Farhan Akhtar) lives in Mumbai alone. Although he’s a topper as a student, he is damn shy, introvert and not-so-confident which never allowed him to rise higher professionally. His boss (Ram Kapoor) ill-treats him every day. He’s in love with Shonali (Deepika Padukone) who works in office since years but he never got the courage to go and say even ‘Hi’ to her. His life was thus miserable. One fine early morning, he receives a call from, believe it or not, none other than himself! The caller, who also claimed to be Karthik, became his guide, mentor and his friend. He gave him the push to stand and face the world bravely. Slowly, thanks to the caller, Karthik’s life takes a bright turn. He also finds Shonali getting drawn towards him. Everything was going perfect. But at this point, problem arises in Karthik’s life.
Karthik Calling Karthik hooks you even before the first scene with the innovative presentation of titles. And as soon the scenes start rolling, we immediately get drawn to ‘loser life’ of Karthik. Director Vijay Lalwani allots adequate screen time to show Karthik and his ‘loser’ attitude. Obviously, things brighten up when Karthik gets the mysterious call for the first time. Things get even better when Karthik turns confident and shows everyone around his worth. Watch out here for the scene when he gets back to his boss-it was brilliant and easily the best part in the 1st half! The Farhan-Deepika love story was sweet and the goings-on, their conversations and Deepika’s past bad experiences seemed very real.
The post-interval portions were a little dry and one begins to wonder whether the film is going off-track. But it’s at this juncture that the whole mystery gets unveiled and it comes like a bolt from the blue. I guarantee that no one would be able to guess the suspense fully! And it’s because of this unpredictability factor that Karthik Calling Karthik works big big time! The climax came sudden but seemed totally justified!
This is a complete Farhan Akhtar film. He carries most of the film on his shoulders and comes out with flying colours. He amazes by the way he plays the role of a shy guy and later of a confident youth so effortlessly. First Rock On followed by Luck By Chance and now Karthik Calling Karthik-in each film he has scored! Great going FA!
Deepika Padukone like everytime looks charming and gives a confident and natural performance. Nice to see that she’ll be seen in 4 more films in the next 12 months! Ram Kapoor is simply amazing! He should shift base to films rather than anchoring Swayamvar seasons! Vipin Sharma as the landlord was funny. Vivaan Bhatena as Ashish was perfect in his supporting role. Shifaali Shah (why the hell has Shefali Shah changed her name’s spelling?) was awesome as the psychiatrist. Others did a good job too.
Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s music is breezy. Uff Teri Ada is already a sensation and is a treat to watch in the film too. Hey Ya is nicely placed and the title song that comes during the opening credits was brilliant! Midivial Punditz and Karsh Kale’s background score was lilting. Sanu Varghese’s cinematography was eye-catching especially in the Kerela scenes. Babylon Fonseca’s background score was effective. Aarti Bajaj’s editing was slick.
Finally, debutant Vijay Lalwani scores full marks as the dialogue/story/screenplay writer and as a director! Dialogues were sharp and very witty at times. Story was unusual and very original (although you might be reminded of similar films in this genre at some point). Screenplay and direction was amazing. Vijay knew his job well and hence was able to deliver a class product! Most importantly, he wins because of the unpredictability of the film. At several points, you feel you know what shall happen next but the unexpected occurs! Great work Lalwani and looking forward to your next film!
Some of the best scenes of the film:
1. All scenes of Karthik and his boss
2. Karthik getting the first call from Karthik!
3. Karthik teaches his landlord a lesson
4. Karthik and Shonali’s first date
5. All songs (very well picturised)
6. The intermission point
7. Psychiatrist at Karthik’s house at 5 am (awesome scene!)
8. Shonali at Karthik’s house at 5 am (even better one!)
9. Karthik’s strange journey
10. The last 15 minutes
11. The last scene
On the whole, Karthik Calling Karthik is a fabulous thriller that’s cleverly made and wonderfully performed! Watch it for some hatke experience!
My rating-**** out of 5!
Multiplexes in Mumbai stop MNIK bookings
Feb 10th
Despite halls being vandalised, and threat of Sena protests, Shah Rukh and Karan Johar say… Khan WILL release this week
By Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 10, 2010)
With the Shiv Sena going on the rampage against the theatres screening My Name Is Khan, the sudden and violent change of stance after indicating a truce has shocked the film industry.
Several Sena dominated pockets of the city including Mulund, Kanjurmarg, Ghatkopar and Chembur witnessed attacks on theatres planning to screen My Name Is Khan. Huma Adlabs, Shreyas, Ashish and Metro were among the theatres attacked.
Yesterday, the film’s producer Karan Johar met up with Police Commissioner D Sivanandan to discuss the situation. While the police has warned of strict action against troublemakers and over 200 arrests were made on Tuesday, the situation remains volatile. And bearing the brunt are the theatres.
“We are waiting to hear from the distributors (Fox Cinemas) to take an official stand on whether or not to go ahead with the release of My Name Is Khan. It is as much their decision as ours,” said Shunali Shroff of Fame Big Cinemas, adding, “Hopefully, by Wednesday morning, things should get resolved.”
Devang Sampat, GM Marketing, Cinemax said, “We are yet to take a call on this. I have still to speak to the operation team since this is more of an operation call.”
Meanwhile, in an interview to a television channel, Shah Rukh Khan said that while he has had a warm relationship with Bal Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, he didn’t feel there was anything he had said which he should apologise for. He also said that he had not sought any appointment with them to sort out the issue.
It may be recalled that the Shiv Senas had taken an objection to Shah Rukh’s comment that Pakistani cricket players should be allowed to play in the IPL.
At the time of going to press, representatives from all the multiplexes were in a meeting with Chief Minister Ashok Chavan to find a solution to the impasse.
INSIDE STORY: How MNIK managed to get a release in Mumbai
Feb 13th
Posted by Fenil Seta in Bollywood News
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The State Government has claimed that My Name is Khan was screened at 13 multiplexes and single screen theatres. Sena claims its protest was successful. While Shah Rukh Khan claims he has stood his ground.
How did an impasse that did not look resolvable any time soon and threatened to throw the city out of gear, end on a truce within a day? According to sources, it took some massive backroom negotiations and a little bit of arm twisting by the government to achieve that.
It was a matter of political prestige and the Democratic Front government had to put in all its might. Multiplex chains and theatre owners were threatened that if despite all security assurances they did not screen the SRK-starrer, the tax rebates they enjoy currently would be withdrawn.
Shiv Sena was allegedly cajoled to an understanding that it had had enough time in the sun and it was in the best interest of the party that it ceded ground.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan’s office assured that the government would provide Sena an environment to claim a successful protest. A bit of pressure in the form a threat to treat arrested Shiv Sainiks as criminals and not political workers sealed the deal.
As for Shah Rukh, he was reportedly asked to send another tweet regretting his comments that may have hurt sentiments without changing his stand.
The impasse all through was closely monitored by the Congress High Command in Delhi.
Backroom tactics
According to sources in the establishment and the theatre industry, when on Thursday evening it appeared that despite heavy force deployment theatre owners were reluctant to release the film, the government decided to take a strong step.
An exhibitor told Mumbai Mirror, “On Thursday evening a message was sent to all the exhibitors from the government that they could lose their tax benefits if the film was not released. It was reiterated on Friday.”
Similarly backroom negotiations with Sena were held. A senior functionary in the establishment said, “The Sena was told that it had had its protests and now it was a question of the government’s prestige.
If agitations were not stopped, it would take unprecedented harsh action against Sena workers. So it was in the best interest of Sena to withdraw the agitation and the government would let it claim success.”
By Friday afternoon, SRK too was instructed to subtly apologise and so the tweet of regret: “If I have said anything wittingly or unwittingly, have disturbed any sentiments, I express wholehearted regret.” Even though he later said this was meant only for his fans.
The result: kudos for CM Chavan from the Congress high command. Rajiv Shukla, Congress Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra said, “If at all, full credit goes to the Chief Minister who handled the situation firmly.”
Elsewhere, the Sena issued a statement, claiming a successful agitation. “We never insisted Shah Rukh to apologise to Sena. Our stand was that he should apologise to the nation. The country is bigger (than anybody). We stood up against Khan out of patriotic fervour,” said a press statement.
What happened on the ground
However, the government had to move a lot of things on the ground as well to make the backroom negotiations successful.
To ensure minimal damage to the theatres, some 48,000 policemen were on the streets as it had become a prestige issue for Chief Minister Ashok Chavan who was seen struggling with the political juggernaut coming his way in the last two-three days.
The CM, who appeared fighting his personal battle with no Congress minister except Narayan Rane and Minister of State for Home Ramesh Bagwe speaking on his side, got some respite with Home Minister R R Patil coming in for help.
Sources said, Patil asked senior police officers to speak to the theatre owners and assure them of state protection even after the release of the movie. That made a significant difference, as it is the Home Department and the police that handles issue of the cinema licences.
To restore the confidence of the theatre owners, CM Chavan, Patil and Bagwe visited a few cinema houses on Friday afternoon. MP Sanjay Nirupam went along with his supporters to watch the movie at Fun Cinemas in Andheri.
When contacted by this newspaper, the CM refused to elaborate on his plans for the release of the movie. “The government has made every effort to protect the theatres and the viewers who wanted to enjoy the movie,” he said. Though he did not speak much, he seemed a much relieved man as a non-release would have had an adverse effect on his chair.
Patil told this newspaper that the movie was released in almost 13 multiplexes and single screen theatres. “Our policemen have taken every care to stall any effort to disrupt the screening,” he said.
According to police sources, the movie released at Fun (Andheri), Inox (Nariman Point), PVR (Goregaon), Fame (Malad), Cinemax (Ghatkopar and Kandivali), Big (Wadala), Regal (Colaba), Ashish (Chembur), Kalpana (Kurla), Shreyas (Ghatkopar), Premier (Dongri and Parel).