Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged commercial success
UTV-Back with a Bang!
Apr 12th
From thrillers, romance, comedy to animation films, UTV has something for all in 2010-11
SHARIN WADER BUTANI Times News Network (BOMBAY TIMES; April 11, 2010)
This is the year of not just sports lovers, but also film buffs. And UTV Motion Pictures has a rocking entertainment plan for 2010-11, starting with Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti based on characters from the Mahabharata. Jha, whose film releases on June 4, says, “They have an understanding team grooved into creative man management, scripting and everything else.” Even Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Aamir Khan’s Aamir Khan Productions have signed up. “We are excited about I Hate Luv Storys starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor that’s releasing on July 2,” says Karan, “Their vision, infrastructure and passion for movies makes them flag bearers for many exciting cinematic possibilities.” While Aamir, who has two co-productions with them in Peepli Live and Delhi Belly, adds, “I have had a long and happy association with UTV in different capacities. It is wonderful to work with them once again.”
The acclaimed Vishal Bhardwaj, who’s also reunites with the production house in Saat Khoon Maaf, admits, “They have the vision to produce films like Dev. D, Kaminey, A Wednesday, Mumbai Meri Jaan and are willing to take a chance on interesting subjects.” Even John Owen is grateful to Ronnie Screwvala and his amazing team of Vikas Bahl and Manish Hariprasad for believing in his project Peter Gaya Kaam Se. UTV has something for kids too. Chillar Party is the work of debutant directors Nitesh Tiwari and Vikas Bahl. Then there’s Paan Singh Tomar — the true story of an athlete who turns into a dacoit. “I think they are a visionary production house. They even funded my research for this film,” says director Tigmanshu Dhulia. Besides the biopic there are two animation films in the pipeline: Arnab Chaudhari’s Arjun: The Warrior Prince, an action-filled mythological saga; and, Soumitra Ranade’s Alibaba Aur 41 Chor which has dialogue by John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra. Ronnie and Sanjay Leela Bhansali also collaborate with Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in that most anticipated film of the year, Guzaarish. Then there’s No One Killed Jessica, starring Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan. “This is my second film with them. They are one of the best producers in terms of marketing, promotion, distribution, publicity of a film,” says director Rajkumar Gupta. Farah Khan joins the bandwagon with her Christmas release Tees Maar Khan, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. Then there’s also Deven Khote’s comedy Phillum City starring John Abraham. Akshay Kumar will once again be seen in Thank You, directed by Anees Bazmee. “Unlike other corporates who put in the money and forget about the project, UTV is involved in the entire process,” says Anees. His film also stars Bobby Deol, Irrfan Khan, Suniel Shetty, Sonam Kapoor, Rimi Sen and Celina Jaitly.
Commenting on the bullish slate, Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures, says, “We have produced some cult and trendsetting films in the past decade and are delighted to be associated with some of the best names to deliver movies that entertain viewers of all ages. We are confident our content will enjoy commercial success and critical acclaim. Hats off to the cast and crew of all our productions, and to our brilliant team that put such a wonderful slate together.”
Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 87
Feb 11th
THE KING ARRIVES TOMORROW!
In less than 24 hours, My Name Is Khan (MNIK), one of the biggest and most awaited Hindi film of 2010 will be running in theatres. The feeling is euphoric as almost all moviegoers are anticipating the release of this flick ever since it was announced way back in 2008. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol and directed by Karan Johar, MNIK is to be released worldwide by Fox Star Studios.
The film’s promotion, I feel, hasn’t been upto the mark. Music hasn’t managed to excite that much like previous KJo flicks. However, the film has created considerable hype and tremendous curiosity. Everybody is yearning to know what SRK-Kajol-Johar combo has come up with this time. So inspite of its non-entertaining theme, the film is expected to take an earth-shattering opening, on the lines of 3 Idiots.
However, on the flipside, there are some doubts surrounding MNIK too. The film is helmed by Karan Johar whose last production Kurbaan, based on terrorism, was not well handled and had a long list of flaws. There is fear among some sections of audience that KJo might once again create a mockery of sensitive issues that MNIK deals with.
But on the other hand, the privileged few who got a golden chance to attend the exclusive screening of MNIK last weekend can’t stop raving about the film and SRK’s performance. Thus, the positive word of mouth has spread even a week before the film’s release. Hence, the film should turn out to be a commercial success.
The biggest block now is the Shiv Sena which are hell bent on stopping this film’s release in Mumbai and Maharashtra. Last weekend, the issue had died down and it seemed the film would get a peaceful release. But shockingly, the Sena’s goons attacked few theatres of Mumbai where MNIK’s advance booking had commenced on Tuesday. Immediately, the rest of theatres stopped selling MNIK show tickets. Police Commissioner D Sivanandan has assured of complete protection to all theatres screening this film. But with exhibitors scared, the film’s release in Mumbai and Maharashtra might be delayed which will be detrimental to its box office collections. Still 24 hours are left and hopefully, the issue will be resolved. My only advice to the theatre owners-the more you’ll feel scared of such cheap political parties, the more they’ll be encouraged to resort to such gimmicks in future!
AND LET ME YOUR VIEWS ON MY NAME IS KHAN AND ITS CONTROVERSY!
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TICKET RATES INCREASED FOR MNIK AS WELL?
1 ½ month back, moviegoers were in for a shock when almost all theatres increased their ticket rates for 3 Idiots. The rates came down in the 2nd or 3rd week of the film. But now many theatres have upped the prices once again, this time for MNIK. Again, knowing that people are very keen to watch MNIK, the rates have inflated. Starcity at Mumbai usually charges 60 and 80 bucks for morning shows. But for 10am show of MNIK, the rates are doubled-120 and 150 bucks! Other theatres have followed suit! I am not sure if the same strategy is applied in other regions as well. But if it is the case or even if it’s not, please do let me know!
The rates will come down to normal 14 days later. But it seems theatre owners are going to adopt this idea for almost all biggies that are releasing in 2010 like Kites, Raajneeti, Tees Maar Khan etc! Start saving!
Karan Johar signs Rensil for next film with UTV
Dec 1st
By Joginder Tuteja, December 1, 2009 – 11:50 IST
Notwithstanding the box office failure of Kurbaan, Karan Johar, Rensil D’Silva and UTV Motion Pictures would be making another movie together. In fact, work has already begun on the scripting of the film and Karan has declared that the trio has a point to prove this time around.
“At Dharma Productions, one of the prime virtues is that of loyalty. Our track record shows that. I have never doubted Rensil’s capability even though the film hasn’t worked at the box office. This doesn’t stop me from having him direct another film for my production house. Similarly, our association with UTV has been great too. I am thrilled with the kind of support they gave to Wake Up Sid and Kurbaan. This is why it is imperative that we all come together again”, says Karan Johar.
After Kurbaan, Karan admits that quite a few lessons have been learnt and he is sure that they won’t be repeated.
He comments, “With our next outing together, we have to prove to one and all that we can come up with not just a critically acclaimed film but also a commercial success. I have in fact already told Rensil to go ahead with his next film. I am sure he would be rocking again and come up with a quality outing.”
Kurbaan, although a well made film, saw some brickbats coming it’s way due to it’s serious theme and stark execution. Looking at the film’s fate, is the team of Karan, Rensil and UTV looking at playing safe and coming up with an out and out commercial outing? Or are they still going to follow an offbeat route?
“It is not in Rensil’s DNA to play to the gallery”, smiles Karan, “He is not into quintessential routine Hindi cinema. Yes, he would be making something unique this time around too though the bottom line would be to keep things commercially viable for sure.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
1-800-Disconnected
Nov 12th
By Sonal Chawla (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 12, 2009)
For all you know, you may not have the opportunity to dial the toll free line to love. 1-800-LOVE will not be the title of the film if producer Madhu Mantena manages to get his way. Director Abbas Tyrewala and Madhu are having constant fights over the title of the film.
Our source reveals, “Madhu Mantena is dissatisfied with the title and is adamant on changing it. He has had several arguments with the director and wants to change the title because he feels that the Indian audience will not be able to understand and connect to 1-800-LOVE. They have had their fair share of heated arguments in the past over locations too. Recently, at the film’s wrap-up party, Madhu walked out after another one of their tiffs over the title.” Lead actor John Abraham had to then smooth things out between the two.
Madhu explains, “We rarely use toll free numbers in India. It is very important that the audience also connects to the film’s name for commercial success.” But isn’t it too late to realise this as the title 1-800-LOVE is already registered in people’s minds, we ask him. “We have ample amount of time to change and promote it, even though 1-800-LOVE has gained popularity. I love this film and Abbas too much to let this mistake happen.”
Abbas, firm about the current title, says, “For the longest time, I wanted 1-800-LOVE as my title. But Madhu wants a different one now. As Madhu says, it does happen that people refer to it as ‘One thousand eight hundred love’, which is not what the film is about. But I thought people will understand it. Madhu and I had a conflict and I understand his point, but need something more convincing.”
Laughing off his walk-out from the wrap-up party, Madhu says, “Abbas and I are very close friends and feel passionately about the film. We make it a point to show off our aggression. I am sure we’ll settle with a final title soon. And yes, on the other hand, John likes another title.”
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| Madhu Mantena | Abbas Tyrewala |
