The ‘Gerua’ song from Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale has crossed the 100 million mark on Youtube. The song, shot in the stunning locales of Iceland, was the most popular song of 2015. Featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the song was sung by Arijit Singh and Antara Mitra. The pre-release expectations of ‘Gerua’ becoming the ‘Sooraj Hua Madham’ of the current decade were fulfilled.
Category - Bollywood
Milan Luthria confirms final cast of Baadshaho, Ajay – Emraan reunite
Director Milan Luthria has managed to reunite the much-loved lead cast of his 2010 film ‘Once Upon A Time In...
Didn’t want to repeat mistake that I did after ‘Kaminey’: Shahid Kapoor
Actor Shahid Kapoor, who has delivered several top-notch performances, but struggled when it comes to box office...
Mohenjo Daro Trailer: Trade, Audience Response and IndicineFBO
One of the most anticipated trailers of the year was launched yesterday. There was no launch event or media interaction, but the makers decided to launch the trailer on the Star TV Network, followed by the internet (both at 8:57 PM yesterday). The response, like every other ’much-awaited biggie’, was mixed. When the expectations are high, the chances of disappointing the audience is higher – and that seems to be the case with Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Mohenjo Daro too.
Bollywood Stars celebrate Yoga Day
Udta Punjab holds well on Monday
Udta Punjab has performed fairly well on its first weekday, just about passing the ‘Monday test’. The film...
To err is human, to forgive is divine: Salim Khan apologises
Veteran writer Salim Khan has apologised on behalf of his son Salman Khan, for the controversial ‘raped woman’ remark. In a series of tweets, Salim said: “Undoubtedly what Salman said is wrong, the simili, example and the context. The intention was not wrong”
Salman Khan’s ‘Raped Woman’ comment lands him in yet another controversy
Salman Khan has made yet another controversial statement that has resulted in yet another major outrage on social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. A section of the media and fans of the actor have said that Salman was ‘misquoted’. But the truth of the matter is, Salman wasn’t ‘misquoted’, he did say “felt like a raped woman” but he also said ”I shouldn’t have said that” almost immediately.
Trailer of Mohenjo Daro reaches more than 30 million people worldwide
The theatrical trailer of Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Mohenjo Daro’ had a massive launch on Monday. The makers decided not to hold a press screening of the trailer and instead opted to release it on the Star TV network – which reaches out to a huge section of the audience.
Mohenjo Daro Trailer
One of the most awaited trailers of 2016 is out. Featuring Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde in the...
Akira Poster: Featuring Sonakshi Sinha, A.R. Murugadoss film
The first poster of Akira starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead is out. The film has been directed by ‘Ghajini’ and ‘Holiday’ director A.R. Murugadoss. The film will release in theatres on 2nd September 2016. The decision on the release date comes soon after the announcement that ‘M.S. Dhoni’ biopic has been pushed ahead to September 30.
Sultan Trailer crosses 20 million views
Salman Khan’s Sultan has become one of the few trailers of Hindi films to cross the 20 million view mark on...
No release for Udta Punjab in Pakistan due to abusive language
The Bombay High Court cleared Abhishek Chaubey’s ‘Udta Punjab’ with just one cut, but the film is struggling to get a release in the neighbouring country Pakistan, after the Censor Board refused to pass the film due to abusive language.
Udta Punjab Weekend Box Office Collections
Udta Punjab has done well in its first weekend at the box office, as the film was running at high occupancy throughout...
Salman on Arijit Singh controversy: Producer and director decide singer
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has spoken for the first time about the controversy involving singer Arijit Singh, who...
I fear losing stardom, that love and respect from audience: Salman Khan
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who is currently at the very peak of his glorious career, has said that the fear of losing stardom bothers him. The actor also said the fear is not just about losing stardom, but the love and respect that fans have for him. “Everyone is scared of losing stardom. I would be lying if I say no. It’s not just the stardom… It’s that love, it’s that respect… Suddenly, it all gets over… That is one quality you are working so hard for and suddenly something happens and you are not the liked person any more… That bothers everyone.”
Which actor can beat Salman’s 100 crore distributor share record?
Q. Can Anyone beat Salman’s 3 back to back 100 crore distributor share record (which would become 4 back to back after Sultan). And what will be the opening of Sultan on Holiday? A. Records are meant to be broken. About 3-4 years ago, 100 crore (net) was a massive achievement. Now, it’s no big deal. With increase in the number of multiplex screens and ticket prices, 175 – 200 crore will be more easily achievable in the near future. So 3 back-to-back 100 crore distributor’s share, shouldn’t be difficult to achieve in a few years from now. Aamir might achieve the same record with the release of Dangal. He already has two back-to-back 100 crore domestic share films (Dhoom 3 and PK). As for Sultan releasing on Eid holiday (certain now, otherwise YRF would’ve announced a final date if they were not targeting Eid holiday), it should record the highest single-day and opening day collections. The target would be 45 crore plus, but a total of more than 40 crore looks certain. This question was answered as part of ‘AskIndicine – Live QnA’ dated 19 June
AskIndicine: Live Now
Q. Can Anyone beat Salman’s 3 back to back 100 crore distributor share record (which would become 4 back to back after Sultan). And what will be the opening of Sultan on Holiday? A. Records are meant to be broken. About 3-4 years ago, 100 crore (net) was a massive achievement. Now, it’s no big deal. With increase in the number of multiplex screens and ticket prices, 175 – 200 crore will be more easily achievable in the near future. So 3 back-to-back 100 crore distributor’s share, shouldn’t be difficult to achieve. Aamir might achieve the same record with the release of Dangal. He already has two back-to-back 100 crore domestic share films (Dhoom 3 and PK). As for Sultan releasing on Eid holiday (certain now, otherwise YRF would’ve announced a final date if they were not targeting Eid holiday), it should record the highest single-day and opening day collections. Q. Any details regarding SRK - Aditya film? Is it true that SRK will play the role of a warrior? A. This is what SRK tweeted yesterday “I am a Warrior, a Dwarf & a Guide.I am not wot I ought to, want or hope to be…I am all that & I am wot I am. My 2 bits on my upcoming ‘roles'” That’s confirmation from the man himself. It’s about time he did varied roles too, that’s the only way to bring the audience back to theatres. Not just the weekend fanbase, but the section of the audience that watch well-appreciated films. The chances of ‘mindless’ commercial entertainers failing is higher in today’s times. There are a lot of rumours about SRK – Adi film, but a YRF source has said it’ll be unlike any Aditya Chopra film (Befikre included). It’ll go on floors fall 2017. Q. Which movie has highest footfalls in the history of Bollywood, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Gadar:Ek Prem Katha, Dilwaley Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge or Sholay? Please give me top 10 list? A. Out of those, Sholay. Some people in the trade say, the film sold over 25 crore tickets. The footfalls (number of tickets sold) of some of Amitabh Bachchan’s blockbusters is said to be 2-3x of the most watched films in today’s times. It’s unfair to compare too, because there were very few entertainment options in those days. Ticket prices were relatively cheaper, even after inflation is adjusted. There was no piracy, no entertainment on television, no Youtube or mobile phones either. The 2000 – 2009 decade belonged to Gadar. Current decade Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the most watched film. Q. What is the official production budget of Mohenjo Daro? A. Official figure hasn’t been released and they may never reveal it. There have been reports that Hrithik was paid Rs 68 crore for the film, which is more than the production cost of 90% Hindi films. It’s a very big film. Easily over 100 and closer to 150 crore. More accurate numbers close to release. Q. You are predicting Sultan’s opening day & lifetime collections in your indicine lbo & indicine fbo respectively, but these are domestic collections can you please tell me how will Sultan fare internationally, i.e., Sultan’s overseas collections. A. The opening will be earth shattering in UAE-GCC and Pakistan. North America should open well too. YRF has promoted the movie well overseas, so the worldwide gross in the first 3 days ‘should’ cross the 200 crore mark. Q. Which is your favourite Akshay – Katrina movie among Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, Welcome, Namastey London, Tees Mar Khan and Singh is King? A. Namastey London and Welcome. Q. Who is the most successful actor in the history of Bollywood, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan or Salman Khan? Can you please give me list of Top 10 most successful actors in the history of Bollywood. A. It depends on your definition of successful. If it’s success ratio, then Shah Rukh Khan tops. Among actors who’ve been in the industry for 20 or more years and done 50 or more films, he’s probably the only lead actor to have a 50% or better success ratio. Anything over 45% is very good, but 55% or better over a long career falls in the extraordinary category. Q. When is the Mohenjo Daro trailer expected to release? How has been the response to the First look posters and First motion Teaser? Any chance of clash with Rustom getting averted? A. It’s expected this week and the internal reports are phenomenal. The response to the first look of Hrithik and the first motion poster was excellent, but mixed for the Pooja Hegde poster. About the clash with Rustom, both films will have a better chance of doing well if they release separately. If the trailer of Mohenjo Daro gets a very good response, it will definitely make the makers of Rustom think. Q. With Kaminey, Haider, now Udta Punjab & hopefully Rangoon, do you think Shahid Kapoor is leaving behind a legacy where aspiring/contemporary actors would be covetous? Because let’s be honest he’s progressing & coming into his own now. Notwithstanding, minor glitches here & there like Shandaar! A. There is absolutely no doubt that Shahid Kapoor is a terrific actor. He has everything it takes to become a top star, but the problem is, the ‘glitches’ that you talk about haven’t really been minor. For a career that began in 2003, he’s had very few commercially successful films. His success ratio is 26% and hit-ratio is very poor at 17%. In other words, that means just one in 6 films are hits and only one in 4 films recover costs. That’s a very poor record for an actor as talented as him. Even his successful films haven’t been huge hits. Actors who made their debuts years after him – Ranbir, Varun, Arjun, Ranveer.. now have one or more 100 crore grossers to their credit. Shahid’s best has been 70 crore. Even Tiger Shroff has bettered that in two films. To add to that, his films struggle for a good initial. So his career has been disappointing so far. Yes, there have been films like Haider and Kaminey, but they are only watched by a tiny section of the audience in 5-10 cities at best. He needs a couple of commercial films to do well. Why does he miss on out doing films like 2 States, Half Girlfriend or even a ABCD 3 or Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania? Films that work beyond those 5-10 cities? He needs to grow his fanbase and do films that also appeal to audience in smaller towns and cities. He’s still known for Vivah and most would probably not even know that he’s still doing films. His choice of directors is what has probably held him back. Q. Who is the highest paid actor and actress in Bollywood. Please write about Top 5 highest paid actor and actress? A. The Top 5 actors – Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Kumar – are also the Top 5 highest paid actors. Since their salary can be a burden on the film, they take share of the profit and some of their get the satellite fee too. Market value wise Aamir would probably command the highest because he does very few films and they go on to be major grossers too. In terms of outright salary, Hrithik Roshan is the highest paid. Q. Do the makers show the film to distributors (who buy the films) before selling them? If yes why cant the distributors judge before hand the collection s that the movie may land up with? I mean if you guys can have so much accuracy in your FBO and LBO, why cant distributors with all their experience judge the final collections. This would enable them to minimise their losses and also push the makers to control their budgets? Your views? A. There are way too many factors involved and the fate of films is very difficult to predict. Whether a distributor watches a film or not, also depends from film to film. For example, Rakesh Roshan sold the rights of Krrish 3 to individual distributors even before the film went on floors and all of them made a lot of money – even though they had to wait for 2 years for the film to release. So it also depends on the trust a director or actors involved command. For our LBO predictions, we can achieve higher accuracy by analysing the trends of films. But as things stands today, we have Mohenjo Daro at 190 crore plus and Rustom at 70 crore plus. This is what we call ‘trade expectation’ which are made based on the track record of actors, directors and also the appeal of the genre and period of release. But when the film eventually releases in theatres, it could also go in the opposite direction like we have seen with films like Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani. Dilwale was sold for exorbitant rates and there was huge demand – Chennai Express was the highest grosser, SRK – Kajol, Rohit Shetty, Varun Dhawan – all big names and the film was expected to easily cross the 200-225 crore mark in India, even in the worst case scenario. But the end result was Bajirao pretty much thrashed it in India. Box office is almost impossible to accurately predict. Who’d have thought a film like Udta Punjab would open at 10 crore plus and 33 crore plus weekend? Film business is pretty much like a lottery or a jackpot, when you win, you win big. There are always more chances of losing money, but they try and take calculated risks. Q. Is it possible to achieve 200 crore on non-holiday release in near future? A. Definitely. If Tanu Weds Manu Returns could do 150 crore plus and The Jungle Book could do 190 crore inspite of competition from FAN, bigger films can obviously do a lot more if content clicks. Q. What will you say about the Contribution of KHAN’s to Bollywood? Had there been no Khan’s what would have been our position? A. Unimaginably huge. The industry has sustained and grown because of them. In the last 16 years (2000 – 2015), the three Khans have delivered the highest grosser of the year 12 times. Three of the other non-Khans films belong to Hrithik Roshan (KNPH 2000, KMG 2003, Dhoom 2 2006) and the other highest grosser was Gadar – Ek Prem Katha. So they not only dominated the box office in the 90s, but have also continued to deliver along with Hrithik and Akshay after 2000. With the threat of Hollywood looming on the Hindi film industry, we need them to continue to deliver for the next 3-4 years at the very least, before the younger stars grow their fanbase and hope to match the Khans when it comes to star power. Bollywood is a star-driven industry, we need big stars. We do not have the kind of budget or the quality of technicians (including writers / directors) that Hollywood has. Most of our audience come to watch movies because they like a particular star – which is exactly why most of our ‘lesser-star’ films don’t even get a decent initial. Q. How is the response of Masti 3 trailer in public? Can it give 15 cr opening? A. Quite liked the trailer to be honest. They have stuck to the formula that made the first two films successful. It should be a more entertaining film than both Kya Kool Hai Hum 3 and Mastizaade. Opening that we are currently looking at is 13-14 crore. Q. Rajni Craze at 65 is unimaginable? Can Salman have the same at 60+? A. Good looks are probably much more important for the national audience (Hindi movie watching public) as compared to the audience in the south. Rajnikanth has also spaced out his films – he releases one film every 2-3 years. His most successful films in recent times have been with director Shankar, who is probably the top director in the Tamil film industry. His other films like Kochadaiyaan and Lingaa were major disasters. So even Rajni needs good director to deliver the big grossers. As long as Salman can maintain his looks, space out his films and find commercial roles that suit his age – he will be able to sustain his standing. Finding leading ladies will be a concern in the next few years, if it isn’t already. Right now, he’s unstoppable, but one or two films that don’t do as well as expected, can suddenly change the perception. Q. Any news on what Aamir is doing next as a full fledged lead role? Secret Superstar seems to be confirmed but that’d be more in the capacity of a producer and as support cast. A. Aamir hasn’t signed any full-fledged role after Dangal. He’s said to be keen on doing the biopic on the life of Kishore Kumar. But like we all know, he does take a long time to sign films – the script has to be absolutely convince him. Once the shoot of Dangal is wrapped up, he might sign his next major film. Q. How much is the Distributor Share of Airlift, Housefull 3 (Expected), Fan & Baaghi? A. Airlift was 67 crore, Housefull 3 should be around 56 crore, FAN was 45 crore and Baaghi was 42 crore. Q. Who according to you is the bigger star, Akshay Kumar or Ajay Devgn? Both have equal Rs 100 cr grossers, infarct Ajay’s highest grossing film (Singham Returns – 141cr) has collected more than Akshay’s highest grossing film (Rowdy Rathore – 131cr). Please give the reason for your choice. A. Akshay Kumar is the bigger star. He’s been much more consistent as far as the opening of his films is concerned. Q. Looking at the fantastic performance of conjuring 2, don’t you think a Bollywood pure horror (not horror+sex) can also do great if it has A Listers and not regular boring this genre actors like Emraan Hashmi and Bipasha? A. The market for horror films is extremely small and the risk of not getting it right is too high. Sex is included because it helps sell the film to a larger section of the mass audience. Even the Raaz series wouldn’t work without sex and good music. Q. How has SULTAN shaped up?Any inside reports?plz answer this time. A. We can only answer if there is something that’s doing the rounds in the industry and we know someone who’s watched the film. About a week before release is a good time to ask such questions. Q. Don’t you think it will be a massive disadvantage for both Rustom/Mohenjadaro to release on the same day. They both can be a potential blockbuster A. Both films will lose money. Mohenjo Daro is the risker film because of its huge budget. Even if Rustom doesn’t find appreciation, it’ll still affect the business of Mohenjo Daro. The reason for this is fewer shows in Week 1. When two films release on the same day, the bigger film of the two, which would otherwise get 15 shows at a 3-screen multiplex, would get 8 – 9 shows. So even with good word-of-mouth, about 20-30% of business will be lost. The distributor’s share at multiplexes is much higher in Week 1 as compared to Week 2 – this is exactly the reason why Aamir Khan has decided to release his film ‘Dangal’ on 23rd December this year. When the share is lower, the advantage of the Christmas holiday reduces for the investors. Exhibitors (theatre owners) benefit more than the producers. So it’s yet again a wise decision from Aamir to release his film during the Christmas week – because 60-65% of business would anyway come in the first week. Rustom will also be affected and it would still need content to work, but the risk is way lower. Some quick answers: Q. What will the probable release date of SRK Imtiaz Ali next?? A. No confirmed release date. Second half of 2017. Q. What is Housefull 3’s verdict? A. Hit. Q. Will Varun beat Ranbir if Dishoom collects 100 cr at box office? A. Varun is already ahead of Ranbir. Q. When was the Raees movie releasing? Don’t u think that better date to release on Bakri Eid? A. There is no point discussing this now. Too late. Movie has already been postponed to 2017. Q. You have predicted 192 crore for Mohenjo Daro with clash and 72 crs for Rustom, so you must be expecting nothing short of a masterpiece from Mohenjo Daro, isn’t it? A. That’s what we’ve been hearing. It’s a massive film and the audience is liking period magnum opuses. Bajirao Mastani and Baahubali. Mohenjo Daro also has a director capable enough to direct such films. The scale of the film is huge too. So expectations, for obvious reasons, are very high. Rustom is more like Airlift. How much would Airlift do if it clashed with Mohenjo Daro? Probably 7-8 crore opening and 90 cr lifetime. So 72 crore isn’t a very low early prediction for Rustom. It’ll change after the trailers of the two films are released. Q. How much should MD earn for Hrithik to topple Shahrukh from no.3 position? A. If you’re asking about our Top Actors ranking, then Mohenjo Daro would need to collect 145 crore or more. It was also mentioned in that article – Top 15 Actors (April 2016) Q. Is it true that Mohenjo Daro cracks 60 cr deal by selling it’s satellite and music rights …if yes then how much it will benefit the movie ? A. Yes, but there is always a box office clause. It’ll make recovery easier. Q. Can we expect almost 1000 cr collections from Salman next 3 upcoming movies till December 2017? A. An astrologer would be more qualified to answer such questions. An average of 333.33 crore per movie needs content. We’ll have to wait for the movie to release to know. Q. Why don’t actors like SRK, Ajay, Hrithik, Akshay and Salman work with each other…??? A. Producers can’t afford one of them, two will completely mess up the economics. There needs to be a script too and both need to get equal roles, else why will they do the film? Q. Recently Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam completed 17 years say something about it? A. One of Bhansali’s best films. Terrific chemistry between Aishwarya and Salman. We’ll never get to see them together onscreen ever again. Q. Do people outside social media know if something like “Rustom” exists? I mean how is the buzz and hype for Rustom right now? A. They do. Hype and buzz, for most films, is generated after the launch of the theatrical trailer. Q. Which movie has received the best words of mouth so far in 2016? A. The Jungle Book. Q. How much do you like 3 khans? A. Three much. Q. When will the trailer of MohenjoDaro release? How are the response from those who have already watched it? A. This week. Terrific. Q. Who is the best action hero in Bollywood? A. Always liked Akshay in action. One of our favourite articles here is this – Action superstar Akshay Kumar and the Khiladi series Q. Best movie of Sunny Leone according to you? A. Can’t disclose here. Q. Varun Dhawan in Dishoom playing supporting or parallel or lead role? A. A lot of people have been asking this question. It certainly looks like John is playing the lead from the trailer, but Varun is the lead. Q. If you had to rate the best performance of Aamir, SRK, Salman, Akshay and Ajay. Then what would they be. Name only one of each of them ? A. Aamir – PK. SRK – Chak De India. Salman – Tere Naam. Ajay – The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Akshay – He’s been good in a lot of films, can’t pick one. Q. Is Udta Punjab a turning point for Shahid Kapoor as it is performing excellently for such genre? A. Hopefully, it will be a turning point for him. But the movie opened well because of the censor board controversy. That ends the QnA session for today. Thank you for joining us.
Udta Punjab Saturday Box Office Collections and Sunday Update
Udta Punjab has collected Rs 11.25 crore on Saturday, which is excellent growth because the film had opened well on...
Priyanka Chopra on Maxim Magazine Cover
Check out the super-stunning Priyanka Chopra on the cover of Maxim for the month of July 2016.
Udta Punjab Box Office Collections on Friday (Day 1)
Udta Punjab has performed very well on its opening day at the box office. The film has collected Rs 10.05 crore on...
Bollywood Trailers in 2016: Trade, Audience and Our Rating
The theatrical trailer has now become the single biggest deciding factor for the audience. While the decision on whether to watch a film or not, can change post-release if a film falls in the ‘highly recommended’ category (also known as ‘positive word of mouth’), it’s the trailer that generates interest around a film.
‘Neruppu Da’ song teaser gets 2 million two million views
The hype that Rajnikanth’s ‘Kabali’ has created is quite unprecedented. The teaser has garnered nearly 23 million views, which is more than the teasers of all Hindi films. A teaser of the song ‘Neruppu Da’ has also taken the internet by storm, as it has received nearly 2 million views in less than 24 hours.
Udta Punjab Reviews by Critics
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Average Rating of All ‘Udta Punjab’ Review – 3.5 stars” style=”rounded” bg_color=”#1e73be” txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””] Udta Punjab Review by Indicine Rating: Abhishek Chaubey has masterfully addressed the menace of drugs in Punjab with a sense of realism and urgency that has never been achieved in a mainstream form. His victory lies in the fact that he manages to show us a world which we are not used to seeing, but keeps it entertaining throughout. That’s how a good director takes a good story in the written form to a good movie in the cinematic form. The screenplay does get a big prosaic in the second half, but by then all is forgiven as Abhishek has already managed to win us over by then. Another one of Udta Punjab’s victories is how the story seems rooted to the ground because it is so well brought together by all the departments. The production design and the costume design get full marks for their consistency and effort. The editing is quite fast, moves along really well and makes the film a brisk ride. The music by Amit Trivedi suits the nature of the film. The title song, Ik Kudi, Da Da Dasse all take the film to the next juncture without making the songs seem unnecessary. Udta Punjab Review by Bollywood Hungama Rating: First things first – UDTA PUNJAB is a dark and serious film. Also the film’s screenplay (Sudip Sharma, Abhishek Chaubey) jumps through multiple stories at the same time making it complicated. Abhishek Chaubey, who gave a glimpse of his supreme directorial abilities with his previous films like ISHQIYA and DEDH ISHQIYA faces a challenge to narrate the dark story of UDTA PUNJAB and does manage to do so. As the film progresses however, it does seem to slip in parts, especially in the second half. In an attempt to narrate multiple parallel stories, Abhishek Chaubey struggles to keep it engaging in the latter half of the film. As for the performances, it is the biggest of USP of UDTA PUNJAB. One has to give it to the actors to take up such challenging parts which are completely out of their comfort zone. Shahid Kapoor and his never-before-attempted ‘rockstar’ look had created a huge buzz, curiosity and excitement amongst his fans. He manages to pull off his role well while bringing in much needed humour in this otherwise serious film. He is strongly supported by the talented Satish Kaushik in the film. Alia Bhatt, on the other hand, goes totally de-glam for her role. She for sure has tried her best to portray a Bihari character in the film and does complete justice to her part. Kareena Kapoor Khan is good in her part. UDTA PUNJAB also sees the presence of Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh, who makes an impressive debut in Bollywood. If UDTA PUNJAB is a mere glimpse of what he is capable of, then Diljit is definitely a name to watch out for in Bollywood. Rest of the actors help the film move forward. Udta Punjab Review by Sreeju Sudhakaran on Bollywood Life Rating: While the first half is nearly spot on, the second half meanders here and there thanks to a few forced romantic subplots. There is a lot of lagging in these portions, and whenever the film switches from Shahid – Alia’s track to Diljit – Kareena’s, the result is very clunky to watch. This makes us feel that if these tracks have been made into separate films it would have worked better. Tommy Singh’s reasons for redemption and later his intent to save Alia’s character may look reasonable but is not very convincing. Unlike Chaubey’s more brilliant but very under-rated Dedh Ishqiya, the director is not able to balance the black comedy of the writing to the dark themes in the film this time. This is especially obvious in the climax, which is the weakest sequence in the film. Kareena’s character doesn’t have a definitive arc unlike the other three protagonists, though she does provide the catalyst to the finale. Udta Punjab Review by Manjusha Radhakrishnan on Gulfnews Rating: Credit is due to Chaubey for taking a grim subject and making it interesting. There are a few dull moments in the second half, but the climax packs a punch. The way the worlds of a cop, a heroin addict, a rock star and a doctor intersect is cleverly shown. Be sure to give Udta Punjab a shot. Udta Punjab Review by Lokesh Dharmani on Masala Rating: The performances of Udta Punjab are equally brilliant. Shahid and Alia anyway play characters with unique quirks. There is a lot to play with and they both do a decent job. It’s funny how dumb Alia jokes went viral where as she is the brightest, the smartest girl amongst the young crop of actors. Her film choices are proof enough of her intelligence. It takes a great deal of courage to pick a role like this and an equal deal of talent to pull it off. There is one particular scene where she reveals her story. I felt her pain. She is brilliant. Kareena Kapoor Khan is efficient except strangely Geet from Jab We Met keeps popping up every now and then in an otherwise consistently good performance. Diljit Dosanjh nails it in his debut. He gives such a balanced performance, feeling just the right amount of romance or grief, never dramatising it, never overdoing it. Udta Punjab Review by Meena Iyer on The Times Of India Rating: Chaubey uses a part-documentary-part-mainstream approach here. Post interval, the film is sometimes too indulgent and sluggish. Also this is not your sunny-side up cinema. It is stark and makes you cringe. However, its victory lies in making you empathise with its characters. As Alia and Shahid, both victims of drug and physical abuse fight their demons and destinies, you shed a silent tear. Shahid has got his act pat but Alia beats everyone hollow. Kareena and Diljit are adept. This review also doffs a hat to the nuanced performances of Satish Kaushik, Prabhjyot Singh and Manav Vij. Udta Punjab Review by Raja Sen on Rediff Rating: The film is trying to open our eyes to the drug menace, but the first half of the film seems confused about where it is pitched — dark comedy or preachy drama — and, as a result, feels a bit long in the tooth. It doesn’t help that the editing appears too abrupt: We cut from scene to scene (from a packet of brown sugar tossed in the air to a cleaver coming down to chop meat for a quirkily named dog) too rapidly, almost as if the filmmakers self-consciously want to rush through these uneven bits. It is in the second half, after the preachiness has made way for plot, that Chaubey’s finesse comes to the fore and the film gleams with originality. The leaps forward are unexpected, the narrative choices brave, and the detailing exquisite. Review by Jaidev Hemmady on Movietalkies Rating: Moreover, the second half stretches on and on and one wishes the makers could have done some sharp editing to keep the narrative in check. Shahid Kapoor has played the quirky Tommy quite well, but he does tend to get carried away at times. However, one cannot deny that it is indeed entertaining to watch his antics. Kareena doesn’t lend depth to her character, though she is a good actress and had got a meaty role she could have done wonders with. Diljit, who makes his Bollywood debut with this film, impresses with his restrained performance as the cop facing a moral dilemma while Alia Bhatt, who has always played the modern urban girl, simply wows you with her role as the Bihari migrant and comes up with a heart-breaking performance. The supporting actors, like Satish Kaushik and Manav Vij, who plays Sartaj’s elder brother, have done great work in their short roles. Review by Mehul S Thakkar on Deccan Chronicle Rating: Abhishek’s arresting narrative that ties Punjab’s drug crisis with its politics, gives enough space to all the characters to grow on you. A very smooth and engaging screenplay by Sudip Sharma ensures there is never a dull moment in a film that runs for around 2 hour 20 minutes. Abhishek flawlessly brings out the best in his leading cast by pulling them out of their comfort zones. Shahid breaks all barriers in bringing a drug-induced rockstar to life. Kareena delivers a strong and hard hitting performance with such ease. Although this is Diljit’s first Hindi film, his sincere performance will strike a chord. Alia Bhatt comes out in flying colours with her perfect Bihari accent and a performance that will leave you in tears. Review by Sarita A Tanwar on DNA India Rating: Udta Punjab, with all the hype, could’ve been the true crossover film. It falters big time because it leaves you feeling unfulfilled with a tepid screenplay. And that is why none of the things that the director tries to shock you with (expletives, references, crudity et al) create any impact. After the first 30 minutes, the boredom sets in already. When the film’s first half ends, you expect something new coming up. But nothing happens. Like most directors of this specific genre, Chaubey also succumbs to creative indulgences at the cost of the film. The excessive use of Punjabi language will alienate those who don’t speak the language. The biggest disappointment is that the character fail to connect. Tommy Singh ends up being a caricature. Sartaj Singh and Preet remain one-dimensional. And her own performance restricts Alia Bhatt’s Bihari girl act. Despite the grimy appearance and the continuous usage of cusswords, Alia fails to breathe into her character. Even her breakdown scene (as if added for impact) cannot save the awkwardness. That’s what one can say about the entire film actually – it just tries too hard. Review by Shubha Shetty Saha on Mid-Day India Rating: Shahid Kapoor has proved his mettle earlier but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this his best performance till date. A badass with a good heart, Shahid plays this complex character with an admirable ease. From someone who foolishly thinks he conquers the world to a frightful realisation of the truth, he goes through a transformation with an absolute conviction. Diljit’s charm is used to the fullest here, and he does a good job. Even though Kareena Kapoor Khan doesn’t get as much screen space as one would have liked, she leaves her stamp with her honest and natural performance. Walking out of the theatre, one is grateful that the filmmakers fought for this film. This had to be served undistilled, and untouched by people who don’t see or choose not to see the gravity of the situation. Review by Vishal Verma on Glamsham Rating: Strangely, UDTA PUNJAB offered better opportunity in its premise to motivate the director spread its reach as drugs is a big problem but Abhishek fails to capitalize on it. The self indulgence of black humour and influence of Anurag Kashyap in adding radical quotient is clearly visible. The romanticisms between Shahid and Alia is completely unconvincing and the black humour inspired ending fails to add the required jolt. The makers try to cover it with a feel good softness just before the end credits but that’s not enough. Review by Rohit Vats on Hindustan Times Rating: What begins as a satirical retort to Punjab’s social situation slowly turns into a thriller. Tommy and his gang’s antics amuse and ease us into this darker zone. He can’t control his actions. In fact, he is long past that now. He is only a mocking representation of our transformed musical sensibilities. You hesitate to laugh when he blames his fans for taking his verbal diarrhea as creativity. Every bit of a cynical singing sensation, Shahid Kapoor is a treat to watch. Alia Bhatt, the show stealer, carries no baggage and delivers the performance of a life time. From accent to body language, she has got almost all of it right. Diljit Dosanjh is nuanced and likeable and carries his questionable morality with ease. Satish Kaushik deserves a special mention here. As Tommy’s manager, he knows how to ace the game. Witty and humorous, Udta Punjab works mostly because of its tone and stand against drugs, though the second half is no match for the first. Sometimes though, it appears like an opportunity lost as the narrative keeps dragging in search of closure. Review by Shubhra Gupta on Indian Express Rating: A bit of laxness comes from Shahid’s Tommy, who looks just perfect for his part — the strutting and the thrusting on stage, the tangled hair, the constant flashing of the V sign, the self-absorption are done just right. It’s what goes on inside of him that we don’t really see enough of, and what there is, is more tell than show — he should have been written better. He does have a few terrific scenes, though, and proves that he has a great line in swearing. But the two actors who make this thing sing are Diljit and Alia. The former, a huge star in Punjab making his Bollywood debut here, is very good. He adds enormously to the authenticity and heft of the film. The latter falters a little with her Bihari accent, but the way she channels the pain and the incredible strength of a young woman stuck in a terrible place, is searing. She soars. Review by Saibal Chatterjee on NDTVMovies Rating: At two-and-a-half hours, Udta Punjab is an overlong film, but almost every scene, jointly written by Sudip Sharma and director Abhishek Chaubey, demands attention and propels the story forward. The dialogues, mostly in Punjabi (written by Sudip Sharma), are earthy and rooted in the soil, which augments the authenticity of the story and the characters that people it. Review by Devarsi Ghosh on India Today Rating: Kudos to the bravehearts at Phantom and Balaji who have made Udta Punjab possible. Udta Punjab is both an entertaining film (though one would be reluctant to admit that he/she was entertained by the relentless tragedy on screen) and an effective one. If starting a popular and public discourse about the Punjab drug menace was the objective of director Abhishek Chaubey and writer Sudip Sharma (whose crackling, detail-heavy screenplay brings to mind Stephen Gaghan’s Syriana script which explored the America and Middle east’s geopolitics surrounding oil), then they have been very, very successful. Review by Rajeev Masand on News18 Rating: The film is also elevated by its terrific performances, especially from Alia Bhatt, who pours desperation, innocence and ultimately strength into her character. She blows you away with her acting. The surprise package is Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh, who has undeniable presence, and a sincerity that makes you root for his character. In addition, he brings an authenticity to the film. The tentative chemistry he shares with Kareena Kapoor is particularly charming, and it’s a sheer joy to watch the actress sink her teeth into a role that does justice to her talent. It’s not a showy part, but Kareena brings Preet to life with her easy, natural performance. Shahid Kapoor, meanwhile, although perfectly cast as the self-absorbed, swaggering rockstar, plays the part a little too on-the-nose. He plays Tommy for laughs mostly, and nails those bits. But you wish he’d give us a deeper sense of the emptiness gnawing away at his insides. Nevertheless, Tommy and his entourage, including a terrific Satish Kaushik as his manager-uncle, keep the absurd humor coming. A scene in which his hangers-on forget to bring him his Diet Coke is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Review by Kunal Guha on Mumbai Mirror Rating: Conversely, for all its aspirations towards hip-dom, the film takes a preachy stance in repeatedly conveying the debilitating life of addicts. It adopts a Films Division documentary approach in a tedious sequence that explains the supply chain operation of various drugs. A scene in the film epitomises the experience of watching it: in attempting to escape, Alia Bhatt’s character pulls a blanket over her assailant’s face and in a continuous thumping motion stabs him in his face. Yes, we have watched Trainspotting, but can’t spot the sense in enduring this derivative trainwreck. Review by Sonia Chopra on Sify Rating: Since the film essentially showcases how subtly and effectively drugs destruct people and families, you wonder what was making the CBFC so antsy and uncomfortable. I’ve yet to see a better film about the topic. Yes, it’s gritty, but it is the other leave-your -brains-at-home “family entertainers” that one should be more careful of. This is a film to be encouraged, not silenced. Not only do I recommend Udta Punjab as mandatory viewing, I also urge that the film be made tax-free. Very few films touch a cord such that they can actually make a difference. The question is, do we want a difference? Udta Punjab Review by Indiaglitz Rating: ‘Udta Punjab’ is much above all the controversies and hypes. It’s a must watch for all those who love hard-hitting realistic type of films. The length might end up being a party popper along with the over usage of Punjabi language, but besides that there is a lot more to see and cherish in this film. Review by Manisha Lakhe on Nowrunning Rating: The violence in the words may not be what the big city coffee shop crowd tweets about, but then the big city coffee shop crowds are also dealing with uber urban recreational drugs. The story is the same. The vituperative language is so natural, you know the expletives belong there. They have not been added to make silly women giggle and go, ‘Haw!’ The movie is so claustrophobic at times, you begin to look at the Goa billboard with the same need for release. The events that hasten the end even I couldn’t have predicted. And when the credits roll, you begin to breathe. Review by Subhash K Jha on Bollyspice Rating: Udta Punjab is replete with encounters where strangers meet and strike up a rapport that changes their lives. Understandably this is a film that changes the audiences’ life too. No sensitive rational viewer can come away from this experience without in some way feeling transformed. Feral Frenetic, riveting, hypnotic, hallucinogenic and altogether incredible we’ve never seen anything quite like Udta Punjab before. Review by Dhriti Sharma on Zeenews Rating: ‘Udta Punjab’ lay bare the peril so monstrous, for all to ponder upon and open their half shut eyes and kick drugs’ butt. Lead performances will give you goosebumps and keep you wanting for more, only to complement further, supporting actor Satish Kaushik has yet again proved his talent through his on-screen character. ‘Udta Punjab’ is not hypothetical, fiction or a far sighted imagination, it is the root of our society that is flaring up and blazing into flames to kill itself and the surroundings with large diameters. Instead of being the pigeon with shut eyes thinking the cat won’t eat him, time calls for a roaring unison to recognise and burn down to earth, the ‘rotten future’ gifted by drugs. Best Rated Films in 2016 Neerja – 4 stars The Jungle Book – 3.8 stars Airlift – 3.7 stars Kapoor & Sons – 3.7 stars Fan – 3.5 stars Phobia – 3.3 stars Waiting – 3.3 stars Sarbjit – 3 stars TE3N – 2.8 stars Dear Dad – 2.7 stars Azhar – 2.6 stars Traffic – 2.6 stars Laal Rang – 2.5 stars Ki & Ka – 2.5 stars Jai Gangaajal – 2.3 stars Fitoor – 2.3 stars Housefull 3 – 2.2 stars Veerappan – 2.2 stars Baaghi – 2.2 stars Rocky Handsome – 2.1 stars Do Lafzon Ki Kahani – 1.7 stars
Dhanak Reviews by Critics
[mks_button size=”medium” title=”Average Rating of All ‘Dhanak’ Review – 3.3 stars” style=”rounded” bg_color=”#1e73be” txt_color=”#FFFFFF” icon=”” icon_type=””] Dhanak Review by Saibal Chatterjee on NDTVMovies Rating: Kukunoor enhances the magic of the parable by throwing in delightfully quirky encounters that veer into the heart of fairy-tale terrain without ever losing a sense of reality. Dhanak paints a portrait of hope in which the magic of popular Hindi cinema — Pari and Chotu are engaged in constant banter over who is more puissant, Shah Rukh or Salman — and the power of a child’s unbridled imagination merge in a marvellously infectious manner. The screenplay is the star in Dhanak. With Hetal Gada and Krrish Chhabria drawing the audience effortlessly into the tale, it takes on magical dimensions. And, of course, it is impossible not to mention the ever-dependable Vipin Sharma in the role of the deeply concerned but powerless guardian whose own dreams are no less touched by benign madness. Dhanak Review by Rohit Vats on Hindustan Times Rating: Director Nagesh Kukunoor explored Rajasthan in Dor like never before, and the same style of cinematography and character placement can be seen in Dhanak. Long shots capture sand sliding like water with minimal props. The frames rarely look crowded as enough space is allotted to the background. The secondary characters could have been given more depth though. Dhanak Review by Mohar Basu on The Times Of India Rating: We all need a li’l bit of sparkle and rainbow in our lives. Director Nagesh Kukunoor’s Dhanak reminds us of the small joys of life and teaches us a lesson in dealing with our sorrows. Who better to learn this from, than kids? Nagesh’s keen understanding of human emotions comes handy as he makes the young Pari his protagonist. Her world revolves around two things – her baby brother and her love for Shah Rukh Khan. Dhanak Review by Moumita Bhattacharjee on Bollywood Life Rating: There is hardly anything wrong with the film except perhaps for the second half which drags a bit. The psychic bit might come across as far-fetched too but that doesn’t dilute the fun. Again, there will be some who would call it a convenient turn of events but then life is not always cruel. At times, it surprises too. But in a bit to keep it as real as possible, the filmmaker has incorporated a few human vices in it which threaten to derail the proceedings. Thankfully, it doesn’t. Dhanak Review by IANS on Zeenews Rating: Hetal Gada as Pari and Krrish Chabria as Chotu steal your heart with their flawless rendition of their characters. They are natural and completely at ease before the camera. They are aptly supported by other actors in one scene roles, namely; Suresh Menon as the, “naata bhala aadmi” (a short good man) who helps them during their time of need, Bharti Achrekar as the gypsy clairvoyant, Ninad Kamat as the tout who makes money by fooling people, Vibha Chibber as Mata Sheera Wali, and Chet Dixon as the foreigner walking through the globe for peace. On the technical front, the film is colourful, vibrant and appealing. DOP (Director of Photography) Chitranjan Das’s camera work is remarkable. He captures the locales — which include the sets designed by Production Designer Devika Bahudhanam, the costumes designed by Aparna Shah and the finer nuances of the actors — with precision. Dhanak Review by Indiaglitz Rating: Sadly, the second half starts to go on a repetitive mode with few unwanted scenes like the foreigner track followed by Bharti Achrekar’s unconvincing track. Suresh Menon’s part is sweet but, lacks the intensity. The finale is good but should have been better and impactful. The narrative part in the second half is a bit slow due to which the screenplay is inconsistent as, after one good track there is dull and low moment followed by another good track and then again the dull moment. This works fine till the first half but in the second half, it dilutes the impact of the film.The later part of the film drags a bit with lack of reality and hardship in it. If these minor points would have been taken care of, the movie would have ended up being one among Nagesh’s finest films. Review by Manjusha Radhakrishnan on Gulfnews Rating: Credit is due to Kukunoor for resisting the temptation to use disability to extract sympathy from viewers and to manipulate them emotionally. Young actors Gada and Chhabria do an outstanding job of playing the spirited siblings. While the first half is entertaining and feel-good, the second meanders and would have benefited from crisper editing. But don’t give up on Dhanak. Stay with Pari and Chhotu, There’s definitely a dhanak (rainbow) at the end of it all. Review by Jaidev Hemmady on Movietalkies Rating: The beauty of the film lies in Kukunoor’s talent in weaving a story, which is not only a feel-good fare, but also contains a sense of adventure as the two intrepid kids set out on their ‘mission’. Nagesh deserves kudos for coming up with lovely characters and making them utterly believable and real. The final half hour of the film is somewhat incredible, but by that time, you have fallen in love with the characters to an extent to forgive anything. Review by Namrata Thakker on Rediff Rating: Hetal Gada and Krrish Chhabria deliver terrific performances. Their innocence, and their maturity, will warm your hearts. Nothing has been done overtly and all the characters lend good support to the story. From cinematography to performances to music, everything syncs in perfectly and quite effortlessly. However, the second half did seem a bit slow in comparison to the first. Also, the back story of how Chotu loses his eyesight is hard to understand. The makers could have worked more in that area. But these elements do not hamper the flow of the story or its magic. To have a movie revolve around just two characters is hard but Kukunoor does it and how! He proves yet again why he is a filmmaker to reckon with. Review by Asira Tarannum on Deccan Chronicle Rating: The kids, with their crackling camaraderie are a delight to watch, especially when they weave fictitious story about Shah Rukh and Salman. Their journey through the picturesque scenes of Rajasthan, coupled with soulful music make the film an enchanting watch. The film gets slightly repetitive towards the second half when the kids keep meeting one too many good Samaritans. Despite this, it still manages to hold your interest with its perfect ensemble cast. Review by Shubha Shetty Saha on Mid-Day India Rating: The film largely works for the little tender moments between the two siblings. The unconditional love that Pari displays towards her brother through their everyday dealings and simple dialogues (thankfully, unlike a lot of other films, the kids are not made to do adult-speak) warms the cockles of one’s heart through this two-hour movie. Add to it, this part fairy taleish, part adventurous feel that the narration provides enhances the allure of the film. However, there are certain sequences, like the one involving veteran actress Bharati Achrekar as a blind visionary, that seem too contrived and convoluted. A lot of credit for making this film so endearing goes to the child actors’ performances. While Krrish with his childlike charm steals your heart, it is Hetal who stands out with a stunningly natural performer. The rest of the cast provide good support. Music is fabulous too. Review by Kunal Guha on Mumbai Mirror Rating: This film portrays Rajasthan as the land of the forever happy – where breaking into a song doesn’t warrant an excuse and ghevar is the national sweet and acceptable main course. The film’s one-dimensional storyline desperately seeks conflict but only ends up straying from uncertainties, much like Ram Gopal Varma films evade a steady camera. Review by Vishal Verma on Glamsham Rating: Anyhow, the ‘real’ problem with Nagesh Kukunoor’s DHANAK is the evaporation of the real world in the second half to make way for a predictable fairy tale that restricts the lead characters personal growth in the journey that fails to create the lasting magic that it should have earned. In the end, DHANAK may not be as lasting as Nagesh’s IQBAL and DOR but certainly this feel good road trip is worth taking a ride with your family. go for it. Review by Manisha Lakhe on Nowrunning Rating: I know this film has been made for those with a surplus of the milk of human kindness, but it made me hanker for something more. Cuteness can carve out only a part of the heart. I still remember Hyderabad Blues and Iqbal. And this movie is too shiny bright, too glossy (why don’t we make Children of Heaven? Had me bawling like a breaking dam!) and tries too hard to be cute. Despite the name of the movie, there is no longing, no space in your heart to sing, ‘Somewhere over the rainbow!’. Review by Shubhra Gupta on Indian Express Rating: Chhotu keeps the rhythm going. And the best tune comes from Hetal, who is an amazing little performer, displaying just the right beats, who doesn’t keep a foot wrong. She is the real star of this enterprise. And, yes, there is a rainbow at the end. Review by Devarsi Ghosh on India Today Rating: Dhanak’s success lies in its simplicity. The story of this brother-daughter duo will bring to mind Satyajit Ray’s stripped-down, matter-of-fact treatment of Pather Panchali. Pari and Chotu, in their journey, traverse through a Rajasthan that is curiously but understandably removed from its politics. Dhanak’s Rajasthan is almost dreamlike and carnivalesque, thanks to the colourful cast of characters they meet on their way. Review by Rajeev Masand on News18 Rating: Chhotu is a smart-mouthed tyke with a short fuse and lots of bravado. He may be blind but he’s full of spirit, and Chhabria plays him like an absolute natural, making it impossible not to root for him from the moment in. Chhotu’s strength is his sister Pari, and Gada plays her beautifully, as protective and loving, but also ready with a tongue-lashing when his appetite gets the better of him. Their fanaticism and bickering over their rival heroes will have you bursting into laughter. Best Rated Films in 2016 Neerja – 4 stars The Jungle Book – 3.8 stars Airlift – 3.7 stars Kapoor & Sons – 3.7 stars Fan – 3.5 stars Phobia – 3.3 stars Waiting – 3.3 stars Sarbjit – 3 stars TE3N – 2.8 stars Dear Dad – 2.7 stars Azhar – 2.6 stars Traffic – 2.6 stars Laal Rang – 2.5 stars Ki & Ka – 2.5 stars Jai Gangaajal – 2.3 stars Fitoor – 2.3 stars Housefull 3 – 2.2 stars Veerappan – 2.2 stars Baaghi – 2.2 stars Rocky Handsome – 2.1 stars Do Lafzon Ki Kahani – 1.7 stars