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Ravi Chopra to produce Rahul Dholakia’s next
Aug 8th
By Subhash K. Jha, August 7, 2010 – 13:34 IST
After Lamhaa and the almost-completed social satire Society, Rahul Dholakia is all set to direct a film for Ravi Chopra, again based on a “burning” issue.
But this time the issue that Dholakia who made films on the Gujarat communal riots (Parzania) and Kashmir, is not political. It’s about the loopholes in the legal system.
Ironically, the Chopras got themselves into a legal budge over the copyright of their latest film Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai which was an adaptation of the Hollywood film My Cousin Vinny.
Apparently, Dholakia’s film is inspired by the Chopras’ encounter with legal issues.
Says Dholakia, “Right now it’s slightly early to talk about the project. But yes it tackles legal issues. I can’t comment on whether Mr. Bachchan is in the film. It is every director’s dream to direct him.”
Rahul Dholakia’s telescopic look at the militancy and Kashmir in Lamhaa has earned him a staunch fan-following in the Valley. Though the film couldn’t be released in Kashmir because of the violence, pirated DVDs of Lamhaa have flooded the Valley.
Apparently, some top Kashmiri leaders have watched the film on an illegal cable channel and have now invited him to come to the Valley to address the question of militancy. Dholakia can’t reveal their names for the fear that the politicians would be pulled up for viewing Lamhaa illegally.
Sometime ago, a huge hue and cry was raised when BJP members had watched a pirated copy of Raajneeti in Rajasthan.
Says Dholakia, “Though prominent politicians and ordinary Kashmiris have watched Lamhaa on spurious DVDs, I’m grateful they saw the film. Front-page articles are being written in Kashmir’s papers. And I’ve been invited to visit the Valley.”
Unfortunately, Dholakia’s father is ailing. “My parents who are US-based flew down to Mumbai for the release of Lamhaa. My father who is 82 is unwell. I am now torn between looking after him and visiting Kashmir. As soon as my father is well, I am off to Kashmir.”
BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM
I am shocked with Lamhaa’s failure-producer
Jul 29th
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 29, 2010)
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| A still from Lamhaa |
All the fanfare and controversy around Lamhaa turned out to be a flash in the pan eventually. At least for producer Bunty Walia. And he has no qualms in admitting it and that too, quite vociferously.
“I don’t know why I’m confessing but people didn’t turn up to watch Lamhaa,” sighs Bunty. “I am shocked. Despite the strong line of stars and the relevant subject of Kashmir, the film didn’t get any eyeballs. It is clear that Indians are not interested in what is happening in their country.”
Turns out, Bunty isn’t the only one lamenting. Lead actors Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor, have not been paid.
While Walia doesn’t deny this, he says, “But how can I pay them fully when I haven’t got a single paisa from this film? I have lost Rs 30 crore. Lamhaa has taken my life back by 10 years.”
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| Bunty Walia |
Despite the loss, the producer stands up for director Rahul Dholakia and the actors. “They all did a fine job,” says Bunty, “I have no complaints with their work.”
Now that Walia is done rummaging for the silver lining, he’s starting afresh. He says, “I will definitely continue to make films but no issue-based ones hereafter.” Bunty and Karan Johar should probably catch up.
Bips not yet paid 55 lakhs by Lamhaa makers
Jul 19th
Kunal M Shah (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 19, 2010)
Endorphins from her workout schedules are surely keeping Bipasha Basu happy, because not being paid Rs55 lakh for a film you’ve finished working on isn’t a pleasant situation to be in.
Producer Bunty Walia’s Lamhaa has released but Bips is yet to be paid Rs 55 lakh for the film. But instead of complaining, she’s trying to solve the problem by being positive about it.
Our source said, “Bipasha was signed for around Rs one crore for the film but she is yet to be paid around Rs 55 lakh. Bunty Walia has assured her that she will be paid but so far there has been nothing.”
Bipasha is looking for silver linings. When contacted, she said, “Yes we have balances left and we are working out a way. There are no grievances from Lamhaa. It has turned out to be an expensive film and there were delays.
What matters most is that we have achieved a lot from the film. And I see it as getting an opportunity to work with Rahul Dholakia. I am happy I have been appreciated, which has happened to me only after Corporate.”
As for the pending lakhs, she said, “I am not someone who will discuss remuneration. We are trying to work out a solution. Lamhaa is a complete positive for me.”
Movie Review: LAMHAA by FENIL SETA
Jul 18th
The Kashmir issue is the most persistent and complicated issue ever since India got independence, especially after 1989. Naturally any crisis catches the eyes of filmmakers and Kashmir problem was no exception. However, many films failed to give a true account of the problem and at such a point, Rahul Dholakia comes up with Lamhaa which promises to present the ‘untold story of Kashmir’. To an extent, the storyline is untold at least on celluloid but those closely or even remotely following the problems of the valley, Lamhaa offers nothing new. Still, a good direction would have helped but very unfortunately, Lamhaa is badly executed. A great chance gone totally waste!
The story of the movie: Vikram (Sanjay Dutt) is sent to Kashmir by the Military Intelligence to investigate the possible destructive plan that is likely to create havoc in the state. After reaching Srinagar, he assumes the identity of Gul Jehangir. On the same day, Haji (Anupam Kher), a popular separatist leader, survives attack by a suicide bomber but his close aide, Shabbir is killed. Aziza (Bipasha Basu), Haji’s aggressive and fierce protégé wants to know who is behind the blast and sets on a trial. Vikram aka Gul realizes that there might be a link between the blast and the possible destruction and starts investigating. Since both Gul and Aziza were aiming for the same goal, they team up. Soon, Gul finds out that the entire conspiracy is far deeper than expected and a lot of top politicians, powerbrokers, cops and ISI agents are just playing with feelings of lakhs of Kashmiris and are soon going to do something destructive.
There is no doubt that Lamhaa has a great story to tell. However, Lamhaa disappoints simply because it tries to pack too much in 2 hours. There are lots of characters, conflicts and sub-plots. The narrative is extremely fast-paced which doesn’t help as viewers don’t get gripped and absorbed into the story totally. What stays after leaving the theatre are just a few well-shot individualistic scenes.
The relevation of the destructive attack ever on Kashmir was lame. The climax should have been nail-biting for such a film but it wasn’t. Also showing Sanjay Dutt retired and drunk towards the end wasn’t justified at all.
Every actor gives an impressive performance. The script might be the worst but even in such situations, Sanjay Dutt never disappoint. The same happens here! The actor gives a convincing performance and he looked brilliant in his rugged look. Bipasha Basu comes up with one of the finest performances of her career. It is evident that she has worked and was completely in her character. Same goes for Kunal Kapoor who gives a terrific performance. He has a natural Kashmiri look that aided him to give a convincing performance. It is really sad that such a fine actor isn’t getting enough roles. Shernaz Patel was the best performer of the film although she had a miniscule role. Hers was the only track that actually moves you. Anupam Kher as usual was excellent. Murli Sharma (Dhruv Raina) and Rajesh Khera (Parvez) leaves a mark. Yuri was good as the ISI guy. Vipin Sharma, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Ehsaan Khan, Mahesh Manjrekar and the rest play their part well.
Mithoon’s music was soulful. Madhno and Salaam Zindagi were the most beautiful songs. Sanjoy Chowdhury’s background score was brilliant and lifts many scenes. James Fowlds’ cinematography was miserable. The constant shaking of camera even in non-confrontational scenes doesn’t work. Wonder why the makers opted for a foreign cinematographer when our desi DOPs do such a great job! However, the locations were terrific and it was great to see a film on Kashmir actually being shot in the valley (unlike the rest which are shot in Manali and its surroundings)! Jaaved-Aejaz’ action scenes were topnotch. Ashmith Kunder and Akshay Mohan’s editing made the film crispier than required.
Sai Kabir and Ashwath Bhatt’s dialogues were sharp. Raghav Dhar and Rahul Dholakia write a script that was simply a letdown. With such a fantastic plot in hand, they could have come up with a brilliant film. Moreover, Dholakia’s direction worsened things. Hence, the film, inspite of dealing with a hard-hitting issue fails to create an impact. It is shocking that a person who did a great job with Parzania disappointed in such a manner with Lamhaa! Mr Dholakia, hope to see you back in form in your next flick, Society!
Some of the best scenes:
1. Attempt to kill Haji
2. Aziza’s entry in the narrative
3. Gul and Aziza’s first and second meeting
4. Gul finds the truth about the blast
5. All scenes of Parveena (Shernaz Patel)
6. Aatif (Kunal Kapoor) enters the narrative
7. Aatif addressing a rally
8. Aziza attacked by women workers (watch out for Bipasha here)
On the whole, Lamhaa is a letdown. Although boasting of a great plot, the haphazard execution spoils the show. What a waste of a golden chance!
My rating-** out of 5!
Lamhaa-Bonding with Kashmir
Jul 17th
Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor have come back with stories from the beautiful valley
Sharin Wader Butani | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 16, 2010)
Sanjay Dutt has formed a strong bond with Kashmir. He had shot his first film Rocky there and now after three decades, PVR Pictures and GS Entertainment’s Lamhaa, took him back to the valley. The actor says his Kashmiri wife Maanyata has strengthened his bond with the place even more. “Everything about Kashmir has always fascinated me right from my childhood and now being married to a Kashmiri, draws me closer to the valley,” said the actor, who plays the main protagonist of the film which tells the story of real people living in a war-ridden state but who spread the message of peace and harmony.
If Sanjay could identify with the place, Bipasha Basu could relate to her character — a strong-willed, fiery woman named Aziza who’s a revolutionary. But Bips had a hurdle to overcome. “Initially I was not sure whether I could fit the role of a Kashmiri girl because I have a Bengali face. But after director Rahul Dholakia showed me pictures of present day Kashmiri women — the way they cover their heads, the attire they wear — I was certain that I could play the role. I am an actress, my job is to get into the skin of the character,” said Bips, who had many sessions with designer Rocky S to get the perfect look.
“Rahul and the Director of Photography, Jamie, were clear of what colours and tones they wanted to see on me. They wanted a simple, no make-up look with just a thin line of kajal to be used. When you watch the film, you will be seeing Aziza and not Bipasha. I have donned various looks for my films, but this simple look is one of my favourites,” she said. Kunal Kapoor went through some trying times too while shooting for Lamhaa. “This was my first experience shooting in Kashmir, and though the circumstances were difficult, my character in the film was so challenging, that it seemed effortless.”
As for Rahul, he says the journey of Lamhaa will always remain etched in his mind. “I hope the audiences draw a connect with what Kashmir is going through today.” Lamhaa hits the theatres today.
shar...@timesgroup.com
Movie Review: LAMHAA by TARAN ADARSH
Jul 16th
By Taran Adarsh, July 16, 2010 – 11:00 IST
During the showcasing of LAMHAA at the recently held I.I.F.A. in Sri Lanka, I was compelled to ask director Rahul Dholakia about the catch line of the film: ‘The untold story of Kashmir’. Obviously, I was curious. What was Dholakia going to narrate that we, the viewers, hadn’t witnessed in films earlier or read in newspapers or watched on news channels? Dholakia gave a convincing response, justifying the catch line, but obviously not revealing much about the film.
As LAMHAA unfolds, you realize that Dholakia may’ve borrowed a few incidents from life, but as it moves forward, it comes across as a typical Bollywood enterprise that harps on being real, but ends up being a masala film that we have witnessed over and over again. The catch line, in my individualistic opinion, is quite misleading.
| BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COM |
Dholakia seems to have researched extensively on the issue and LAMHAA does boast of some razor-sharp moments, but the viewer is keen to have an insider’s viewpoint on Kashmir, something that we haven’t read/seen [on news channels/films] earlier, which LAMHAA just doesn’t provide.
Just one word for this film: Disappointing!
The Military Intelligence gets a whiff of a plot that is likely to disrupt and possibly paralyze Kashmir. Vikram [Sanjay Dutt] is sent to investigate this highly confidential mission and he assumes the identity of Gul Jehangir. The same day that he lands in the valley, Haji [Anupam Kher], a top separatist leader, survives a blast. Is there a connection between the blast and the operation?
To solve this conundrum, Vikram teams up with Aziza [Bipasha Basu], Haji’s young, aggressive and outspoken protégé. The intensity of their beliefs and their will to survive against all odds creates a special bond between them. They embark together on a journey to uncover the truth.
First things first! LAMHAA has been filmed in Kashmir and you’re awe-struck by its beauty, with DoP James Fowlds doing a splendid job in capturing the scenic locales on celluloid. The constant shaking of the camera also gives a real feel. Unfortunately, LAMHAA, though controversial in nature, merely touches the tip of the issue, instead of going all-out and narrating a story that offers reasons and perhaps, a solution to the crisis.
The problem clearly lies in its scripting, the written material [screenplay: Raghav Dhar, Rahul Dholakia]. Like I pointed out earlier, Dholakia should’ve stuck to realism, instead of trying to strike a balance between realism and make-believe. The viewer is told at the very outset, and also at regular intervals, that ‘something big [read destructive] is going to occur’. But the entire conspiracy comes across as too trivial during the final moments of the film and therefore, the impact is missing.
Honestly, LAMHAA comes across as a disjointed effort, in terms of writing. It’s more of a collage of several isolated incidents, which explains why the screenplay lacks the power to keep you engaged. Sure, a few sequences are attention grabbing, but showing the heroic side of Sanjay Dutt [rescuing Bipasha all the while - from the cops, from Rajesh Khera's henchmen, from a lecherous Yashpal Sharma] appears very filmy. Even the finale – Sanju busting the conspiracy – comes across as child’s play.
One expects a lot from Dholakia, but he lets you down completely in LAMHAA. The politicians wanting a bigger piece of pie or children getting trained for jehad or their bodies being stuffed with bombs is not an eye-opener anymore. What one is keen to know is the mindset of Kashmiris, which, frankly, this film doesn’t really project. In the end, if you recall the visuals, not the content, it means something is seriously wrong with the film and LAMHAA, sadly, is right intentions gone wrong. Even the dialogue [Sai Kabir, Ashwath Bhatt], like the screenplay writing, tries to strike a balance between real and filmy. Mithoon’s music is easy on the ears, but acts as a speed breaker in the narrative.
Sanjay Dutt tries hard to look the character, but I just couldn’t connect with it. The rugged look, the sunglasses and the trendy attire made me feel that Sanju had strolled into the sets from an ad film shoot. Bipasha, again, doesn’t look her part, although I must add that she has put in a lot of effort to stay true to her character. The sequence when she’s attacked by the women workers of Anupam Kher’s political party is simply brilliant.
Kunal Kapoor is royally sidelined in the first hour, but has a few interesting scenes in the second half. His speech in the finale is flat and devoid of the required emotions. Anupam Kher is the lone actor who actually looks the character he has been assigned to portray.
Mahesh Manjrekar is wasted. Ditto for Yashpal Sharma. Vipin Sharma is effective. Jyoti Dogra stands out. Murli Sharma is perfect. Shernaz Patel is decent. Rajesh Khera, Yuri Suri, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Asif Basra, Denzil Smith and Ehsaan Khan are okay in their respective parts.
On the whole, LAMHAA just doesn’t work.
Big B cool about slur against Ash in Lamhaa
Jul 10th
Subhash K Jha | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 10, 2010)
Sanjay Dutt is taking no chances. In Lamhaa, there is a scene where Anupam Kher (playing a character based on separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani who is known for his volatile dialogue) sarcastically refers to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. This when lashing out at the media for focusing on Bollywood glamour while Kashmir burned. Anupam’s character says, “When Aishwarya Rai is unable to see the moon it makes news. But why doesn’t the media report the plight of those thousands of Kashmiri wives who haven’t seen their husbands for years?” Director Rahul Dholakia, aware that Anupam is close to the Bachchan parivaar, feared a Big B backlash to this dialogue. So Dutt took the trailer of Lamhaa to the Bachchans and sought their approval for this reference against their bahu. A relieved Dholakia said, “Mr Bachchan understood that Aishwarya’s reference is a metaphor for glamour and celebrity. Also, that dialogue was not born out of thin air. A Kashmiri separatist leader had actually said those words.”
I want peace in the valley-Sanjay Dutt
Jul 10th
…says Sanjay Dutt, whose new film is too close to what’s really happening in Kashmir
Nimisha Tiwari | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 10, 2010)
Just when you thought peace had finally returned to the Valley, separatist violence has broken out again, the Army is out for the first time in two decades, and curfew has been declared in Srinagar. This is for real. It’s not a scene from Rahul Dholakia’s Lamhaa that’s being released by GS Entertainment and PVR Pictures on July 16.
The film, not strangely, is based entirely on life and events in Kashmir, with Sanjay Dutt playing a deadly para-military commando out to expose the ugly truth of the corrupt nexus between politicians, military and intelligence. With terrorism and the plight of the Kashmiri people caught in this terrifying scenario being the backdrop of the film.
Dutt, who has come a long way from playing underworld dons and the endearing Munnabhai, teams up with Bengali bombshell Bipasha Basu in Lamhaa. The macho actor has a deep connection with Kashmir since he shot his debut here for Bollywood with Rocky in 1980 and then did Mission Kashmir in 2000. Through a script of danger and betrayal in his new film, Dutt speaks out vehemently against injustice and loopholes in the political system.
Talking to BT, the actor hoped his character reaches out as the voice of the common man on a mission to fight the system. Said Dutt, “It is a fact that Lamhaa is about the reality of Kashmir, but it is also very strongly about hope, peace and harmony. I have a very strong connect with Kashmir and the wonderful people that live there and it gave me immense satisfaction to be part of this film.”
Lamhaa’s Srinagar premiere cancelled
Jul 7th
The Jammu & Kashmir government called off the premiere, fearing a protest from separatists
Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 07, 2010)
Producer Bunty Walia is shocked at the recent turn of events. Not in his wildest dreams had he expected that his film Lamhaa would not be allowed to premiere in Srinagar. A large part of the film has been shot in Kashmir and stars Sanjay Dutt and Bipasha Basu amongst others.
According to a source, the film has been denied this permission by the J & K government, who fear that the separatists may object to holding any functions in aid of Lamhaa, a film about the plight of Kashmiris caught in midst of the paramilitary forces and the separatists.”
When contacted, Walia confirmed the news and said, “Yes, I was told by the J & K officials that they could not allow me to hold a premiere of Lamhaa in Srinagar as they expected a backlash from the separatists.”
Walia had made all the arrangements for a grand premiere at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar on July 15. The cast and the crew of Lamhaa were told to pack their bags and get ready for the event. Walia was so keen that he should have the premiere of Lamhaa in Srinagar since a large part of the film has been shot in the Kashmir valley. The producer had also invited the crème-de-la-crème of Bollywood to attend the premiere.
An angry Walia is aghast at the fact that the J & K officials took very little time to inform them that the premiere had been cancelled there. Also, he is doubly upset with the irony of the situation and says, “The director of Lamhaa, Rahul Dholakia, stayed in Srinagar for six months to work on this film. It is sad that we are not allowed to kickstart our film in Srinagar, which is a part of India. My beard has grown white while making this film. It has been an uphill task. This is definitely not done.”
Lamhaa-Braving it all…
Jul 6th
- Kamal Gianchandani and Bunty Walia
Shooting for Bunty Walia’s film in Kashmir was quite a challenge for Sanjay Dutt, Bipasha Basu and Kunal Kapoor
Deepali Dhingra | TNN (BOMBAY TIMES; July 6, 2010)
They say friendships that grow out of hardships, are the strongest. It’s been a decade of knowing each other and evolving for producer Bunty Walia and Sanjay Dutt, but their friendship strengthened the most during the shooting of GS Entertainment’s Lamhaa. The many hours spent shooting in extreme conditions in Kashmir and the challenges they faced together, has made them see each other in a new light.
Says Bunty, “The best thing an actor can do in circumstances when shooting is difficult, is to be supportive. When it came to shooting in the extreme cold of Kashmir, or the extreme heat of Mumbai, Sanju was most cooperative. Even when it came to promotions, he was always there.”
The producer adds that they have gone through many trials and tribulations through the making of this film. “His complete faith in me as a producer and Lamhaa has led to the successful fruition of this film. We have received tremendous support and encouragement from PVR Pictures as well and I appreciate this assistance,” Bunty says.
Sanjay too is happy with the way the film has shaped up. “The premise of Lamhaa is very hard-hitting and interesting. Many congratulations to my friend Bunty for having had the courage and conviction to make a mammoth film like this,” he says.
On his part Kamal Gianchandani, President, PVR Pictures, says, “It’s a brave film, a fine exhibition of Rahul Dholakia’s exceptional story-telling talent and Bunty and Juspreet Singh Walia’s never-say-die leadership. We are looking forward to the film’s release worldwide on July 16.”
Bunty and Juspreet’s production house has had a long standing association with Sanjay and now, they are strengthening the bond even further by joining hands with Sanjay Dutt Productions SDP for a film called Bihaad. “It will be a very different film,” promises Bunty. To be shot in the ravines of Chambal Valley, the film will be about the dacoits in that area. While this alliance hopes to get stronger, both companies will continue to support new and underrepresented filmmakers from around the world to make successful cinema. Here’s to friendship and good films!
