Fenil and Bollywood

Deepika Padukone with JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh. Pic/Twitter

Even as #BoycottChhapaak trends online, Bollywood peers Swara Bhasker, Nikkhil Advani laud Deepika Padukone for throwing her weight behind JNU students
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 9, 2020)

She may have not issued a media statement during her visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday evening, but as she stood behind JNU Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, Deepika Padukone sent out the message, loud and clear — she was one with the students. In one swift move, the actor showed that she was not willing to be part of Bollywood biggies' systematically cultivated culture of silence.

JNU alumnus Swara Bhasker, who — along with Anurag Kashyap, Anubhav Sinha, Dia Mirza, Zoya Akhtar, Richa Chadha and Sayani Gupta, among others — has been relentlessly condemning the attacks in the university, applauds the actor's courage. Bhasker says, "It's a huge perception win not just for the protesting JNU students, but also for students across the country, peaceful protesters and political dissenters in India, who have been termed 'anti-national', 'Tukde Tukde gang' and 'urban Naxal'. India's biggest female star put her credibility behind the dissenters. When people like Richa, [Mohammed] Zeeshan Ayyub and me were speaking up for this movement, we were called all sorts of names and slurs. Will they dare to call Deepika Padukone an urban Naxal now?"

As love from the industry and fans poured in for Padukone, so did the hatred. By Tuesday night, #BoycottChhapaak was trending on Twitter as BJP member Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga asked followers to boycott her upcoming drama. If, on one hand, Kashyap lauded the actor for having "negated the fear" in the country, on the other, vitriolic comments flooded Padukone's social media feed.

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who was among the first to mobilise a rally against Citizenship (Amendment) Act, lauds the first-time producer for standing with JNU when she could have hosted a premiere and basked in the glory of her film. "What Deepika did was truly courageous. I respect everyone who has taken a stand, and those who are silent as in the end, it's a personal choice." Ask him if her stand will adversely affect Chhapaak, and he says, "People are free to watch it or boycott it. We live in a democracy."

Chunky Panday on his actress-daughter being trolled online and playing role model to Saif Ali Khan in their upcoming film
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 9, 2020)

After Saaho and Housefull 4 in 2019, Chunky Panday is gearing up for Jawaani Jaaneman, which features Saif Ali Khan and Tabu, and marks the acting debut of Pooja Bedi’s daughter, Alaia F. In the coming-ofage story, Chunky plays an old man who refuses to act his age.

“It was difficult for me because mentally, I am like a five-year-old. Here, I had to play a 50-something man pretending to be a 25-year-old,” he jokes, adding that his character serves as a role model to Saif’s. Questions about reuniting with his Bullett Raja (The Tigmanshu Dhulia-directed 2013 gangster film) co-star send him down the memory lane. “Saif and I are like a house on fire on the sets. It was better with this film as I play the owner of a nightclub that his character frequents. The shoot was crazy. The only problem was that the crowd and the alcohol weren’t real,” Chunky confesses.

Chunky has worked with Pooja in the 1993 film Lootere. Now, he shares screen space with her daughter. “I see Pooja’s lovely eyes in Alaia F. She is a fabulous actor and it felt like I had my own daughter on the set. She is like a package of fire,” he beams.

The actor believes that he is in the golden age of his career, and it all began with Housefull. “The birth of Pasta is almost like a James Bond series. He has a licence to kill, I have a licence to thrill. But Daniel Craig wants to leave his series after five films, while I would never do that with mine,” he chuckles. He is even more kicked about playing negative characters. “They are getting the beast out of me, not just the best,” he quips.

Ask him about Ananya’s success and the proud father gloats. “Last year, my films did well, but the performance of my daughter’s films is even more exciting,” he says. Ananya was recently trolled for comparing his absence from Karan Johar’s chat show as a sign of struggle. It makes Chunky laugh. “The two times she really got trolled was when she called me Tony Stark and the second was this episode. I want to tell her to stop taking my name,” he confesses.

Being a star kid, Ananya’s love life is always in the news. How does he, as a father, handle that kind of chatter? “She’s 21, it would be abnormal if she didn’t have a boyfriend,” he reasons, adding, “I have been through this in my time, so I know how much of it is true. You’re ready for these things as an insider,” he signs off.

Fresh off their respective vacations, lead pair of a horror-comedy shot for a special number recently
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 9, 2020)

After wrapping up a major part of shooting for their upcoming horror-comedy, the Raghava Lawrence-directed Laxmmi Bomb, in Mumbai, Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani recently reunited in Dubai to film a special dance number.

According to a source close to the development, the song is titled “Burj Khalifa” and is a peppy dance number choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. “Akshay and Kiara sport several looks in the song which has been shot across Dubai in places like Burj Khalifa, Meydan Bridge, Jumeihra Beach and Marina City,” the source informed, adding that the song was shot on a huge scale with 100s of background dancers.

In one of his looks, Akshay will be seen wearing a heavy gold chain and orange coloured dungaree. “There’s a section that features him and Kiara doing some hip-hop moves,” the source added. Shooting for the Dubai schedule commenced on January 6, with the crew arriving much in advance to set up. “Akshay, who brought in the New Year in Cape Town with family, came to Dubai directly from there. He shot the song for three days and will get back to Mumbai today to resume the shoot of his period film,” informed the source.

Following the Dubai schedule of the Fox Star Studios, Shabinaa Khan and Tusshar Kapoor production, the team will reunite for another 15-day shoot in Mumbai in February to wrap up the Eid 2020 release.

Laxmmi Bomb is the official remake of Muni 2: Kanchana, in which the protagonist is possessed by a transgender ghost, leading to comic situations. The film, which went on the floors in April last year with another song called “Bismillah” picturised on Akshay and Kiara, also features Sharad Kelkar as the antagonist. This is Akshay’s second collaboration with Kiara after their recently-released comedy, Good Newwz. While the actor played Kareena Kapoor’s husband and Kiara was Diljit Dosanjh’s wife in the Christmas release, this time around, the two are romantically paired.

Good Newwz Box Office Collection Day 13: अक्षय कुमार की 'गुड न्यूज'ने 13वें दिन भी मचाया तहलका, कमाए इतने करोड़

Box Office India Trade Network

GOOD NEWWZ maintained steady collections on its second Tuesday collecting around 4.50 crore nett. The total so far for the film is 168 crore nett. The second week is heading for 50-51 crore nett total which will be third best second week total of the year behind KABIR SINGH and URI. It will beat the numbers of HOUSEFULL 4, MISSION MANGAL and WAR.

The film has a grossed a huge 42 crore in Delhi/UP and East Punjab stands at 23 crore nett. It has crossed KESARI in East Punjab and will cross WAR by the end of the week to stand as the second highest grossing film of 2019 in the circuit. Then it should go on and cross the 25.75 crore nett of KABIR SINGH to be the top grosser in the circuit of 2019. In Delhi/UP it will be third best after KABIR SINGH and WAR. The performance in Mumbai is less as Gujarat/Saurashtra in average; it has collected around 45 crore nett in Mumbai so far.

The collections of GOOD NEWWZ till date are as follows.
Week One - 1,24,94,00,000 apprx
Friday - 8,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 11,50,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 14,00,00,000 apprx
Monday - 5,00,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 4,50,00,000 apprx
Second Week - 43,00,00,000 apprx (5 days)
TOTAL - 1,67,94,00,000 apprx

Image result for mission mangal kesari housefull 4 good newwz"

Box Office India Trade Network

Akshay Kumar has had a historic year which and is by far the star of the year with no other actor even in sight. The records have tumbled in 2019 with a cumulative total of the for Akshay Kumar starrers to be in the region of 750 crore nett and worldwide it will be the first time ever that an actor will cross 1000 crore.

It does not stop there as the domination continued on satellite as HOUSEFULL 4, 2.0 (Hindi) and KESARI all took openings which placed them in the top ten of all time on release. HOUSEFULL 4 became that very rare film to top 2 crore impressions on first screening.

There have been many times that an actor has givev 3 hits in a year but there is a big difference between 3 and 4 as that 4 is a rarity in history. Today most actors cant even manage to have four releases let alone 4 HITS. This is where most actors get it wrong as the fact is there are no MUGHAL-E-AZAM, SHOLAY or BAAHUBALIs being made in the Hindi film industry which need 200 or 300 days to shoot. So its very difficult to understand how actors have just one or two release a year. Hardly any Hindi films have any real cinematic value today and on average are 50-60 days shoots and there are 365 days in a year.

This is where Akshay Kumar has scored over all the other actors in recent times as most of the others have gone into that zone of less work which puts pressure on the films for big numbers. But as Akshay Kumar has more films, there is not the pressure of doing 200 crore nett or 300 crore nett each time and he can even get away with a 100 crore nett film as long as the others do the better numbers.

There is no actor even in sight in 2019 after Akshay Kumar as the gap is so big. The next best is probably Hrithik Roshan but even there WAR was a two hero film and the credit goes 50-50 with Tiger Shroff. But the edge for the year has gone to Hrithik Roshan as his other release SUPER 30 did better than Tiger Shroff's other release STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2.

The other actor in contention for second spot is Ayushmann Khurana with two solo SUPER HIT films DREAM GIRL and BALA. But its actually a fight for 11th spot between Hrithik Roshan and Ayushmann Khurana as Akshay Kumar is actually 1-10 as far as 2019 goes. The records for Akshay Kumar in 2019 are as follows.

India Theatrical
Kesari - 151.87 crore
Mission Mangal - 192.67 crore
Housefull 4 - 205.60 crore
Good Newwz - 200 crore (expected)
TOTAL - 750.14 crore (The previous best was 510 crore by Salman Khan in 2015)

Worldwide Theatrical
Kesari - 203 crore
Mission Mangal - 277 crore
Housefull 4 - 293 crore
Good Newwz - 305 crore (expected)
TOTAL - 1078 crore (The first time that the 1000 crore mark has been broken and its unlikely to be broken many times. The previous best was 968 crore by Salman Khan in 2015)

Actors To Give 4 or more HITS In A Year
Dharmendra (1966, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1987)
Rajesh Khanna (1970, 1971)
Amitabh Bachchan (1977, 1978, 1981)
Akshay Kumar (1994, 2019)
Not much to say here as the other names means you are with the greats of all time and its very unlikely any contemporary of Akshay Kumar or a younger actor will join this elite list while Akshay Kumar may add another year. As mentioned above 3 HITS in a year happens but 4 is a rarity.

Television Ratings
2.0 (Hindi) - 1,65,13,000
Kesari - 1,56,66,000
Mission Mangal - 56,96,000
Housefull 4 - 2,15,42,000
TOTAL - 5,94,17,000 (Almost 6 crore impressions in television premieres in one year which is an insane number and could have been higher if Mission Mangal worked on television. Despite this it will be a huge record for anyone to break.)

The figures say it all and its a phenomenal year from all angles and there will be chances of a repeat next year

2020’S FIRST CLASH IS HERE!

The unimpressive first week of January is about to get over. It was riddled with small releases, all of which flopped badly. The flow of big and important films begin from tomorrow, and that too with a clash. My analysis on the two films releasing tomorrow:

TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR: It is a war drama based on the life of the unsung hero Tanaji Malusare, who was a brave warrior in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Ajay Devgn plays the lead role along with Kajol as his wife. Saif Ali Khan plays the antagonist in this film, which is directed by Om Raut. The trailer is interesting and the makers have picked up a great story. Hardly anyone knows about this brave man outside Maharashtra. Moreover, the film is in 3D and that would add to the impact. Ajay looks in form while the war scenes seem entertaining. The film however has challenges. Songs haven’t worked much. Saif looks menacing but his act reminds one of Ranveer Singh in Padmaavat. Also, it comes at a time when audiences have already seen so many similar kind of period films like Manikarnika – The Queen Of Jhansi, Kesari and Panipat. Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior also follows the same template in a way as even here, the ending is tragic, just like the other three films. The not-so-huge buzz in fact prompted the makers to release a second theatrical trailer. And not just that, they even came up with 15-16 dialogue promo videos. Many complained that the makers have divulged too much content of the film already. Nevertheless, since it’s a massy, star-studded film, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior will have an opening of around Rs. 10 crore. Also, since it’s Maharashtra-centric, it can have a great run in the state. If word of mouth is positive, it can emerge as the first Rs. 100 crore film of 2020, since next week there’s no competition.

CHHAPAAK: It is directed by the much respected Meghna Gulzar and stars an unrecognizable Deepika Padukone. She plays an acid attack survivor, inspired from the life of Laxmi Agarwal. The film has generated curiosity ever since Deepika’s look was revealed by the makers when the shoot was going on. Her transformation was unbelievable and added to the hype. The trailer was released last month and was well received. The content however is a bit niche. Hence, one can’t expect a record opening or 100 crore plus collections. Even then, the film can open at around Rs. 6 crore, with chances of it even crossing the Rs. 7 crore mark if viewers come out in big numbers in the evening. A section of people feel that Deepika’s visit to the JNU campus to protest against the violence on students will backfire and affect the film greatly. However, that won’t happen at all and the film can score big time, if content clicks.

WHICH FILM WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!

Chhapaak focuses on the burning topic of acid attacks, the legal complications faced by the survivors apart from the acceptance from society and a lot more. A few scenes are quite moving and hard-hitting and it’s shocking to see the extent of acid-related incidents in the country. The courtroom and flashback scenes keep the interest going the most. On the flipside, the film doesn’t really go on a high. It’s needlessly dry and also the execution is inconsistent. It’s shocking that someone like Meghna Gulzar, who handled the difficult film like Talvar and also the thrilling Raazi, couldn’t do justice to the subject in hand. Deepika Padukone underplays her part well and in a few scenes, she really shines. Her make-up and prosthetic is very authentic. But in few scenes, she’s seems expressionless and maybe, it was intentional. But there’s a lot she could have done here, without going overboard. Vikrant Massey has a terrific screen presence and does a very fine job. Sadly, his track is weak and he’s let down by the writing. Madhurjeet Sarghi is an actor to watch out and she deserves to be seen more. Vishal Dahiya is superb as the attacker Basheer Shaikh. Delzad Hivale has an interesting part but doesn’t get enough screen time. All in all, Chhapaak is a one-time watch. Keep your expectations in check and you’ll be satisfied by the film!

My rating - *** out of 5!

Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is a paisa vasool entertainer that works despite some minor blemishes. The film begins on a rocking note and both Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan’s entry scenes are clapworthy. The film then lacks drama and action but keeps one engaged nevertheless. Things thankfully get better in the second half. The climax is seen to be believed – it is totally massy and you won’t be able to stop yourself from clapping/whistling/hooting! Ajay Devgn is apt for the part and delivers a splendid performance. He’s on another level in the climax. Saif Ali Khan’s performance stands out and doesn’t really remind one of Khilji in Padmaavat. He adds his own quirk and menace and just like Ajay, even he shines in the climax. Sharad Kelkar is terrific as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It’s a crucial role and that too of one of the iconic heroes of India. And Sharad with his performance and baritone voice does full justice. Kajol is endearing in a supporting role. Luke Kenny is superb as Emperor Aurangzeb and one wishes he had more screen time. Neha Sharma is fine in a small part. Padmavathi Rao and others also do well. All in all, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior definitely deserves to be seen, that too in 3D! And lastly, massive respect for Ajay Devgn for believing in this project and putting it together so well! Not a single frame looks tacky, in terms of technicalities and even the grandeur is there but is not needlessly done. Kudos to this brilliant actor-producer who’s always striving to give the best to the viewers!

My rating - *** ½ out of 5!

Shraddha Kapoor is excited to be in two franchises this year and the extensive prep they entailed
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 11, 2020)

In 2020, Shraddha Kapoor returns to familiar territory with two franchises—Street Dancer 3D, in which she faces off with Varun Dhawan and Nora Fatehi, and Baaghi 3, opposite Tiger Shroff. “I love learning different forms of dance and it made the experience of working on Street Dancer even more enriching. You will see me dance my heart out in the film,” she gushes.

The dance flick, which releases on the Republic Day weekend—a first for the actress—has a patriotic angle to it. Quiz her about it and she says, “It is an interesting story built around a healthy competition between two teams from two countries. We all know that public interest is at its peak even during an India-Pakistan cricket match, so I am really excited about our film.”

In Baaghi 3, Shraddha reunites with Tiger after playing the female lead in the first instalment. This time, she is reportedly upping the ante with stylised stunts. Elaborating on the extensive physical prep that both of her upcoming films entailed, Shraddha shares, “For Street Dancer, I had to train in a lot of dance forms, and for Baaghi 3, I trained in Judo and mixed martial arts. I am just happy that I got trained by the best in the industry.”

Unaffected by comparisons made with Ranveer Singh’s Khilji, Bollywood’s quintessential cool guy, Saif Ali Khan, is excited about his maiden historical role of Udaybhan Singh Rathod
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 11, 2020)

Saif Ali Khan is ready to embark on a new chapter of his life in 2020, and that’s not only because he is turning 50 this year, but also due to the diverse projects he has lined up. In an interview, the actor excitedly opens up on his first-ever historical role, his reunion with Ajay Devgn and how he looks back at his 27-year-long career. Excerpts:

The antagonist’s role in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior is your first role as a historic character. How did you prepare?
I sat with director Om Raut and worked on understanding the character and got the right look. But, the real work was to deliver the theatrical performance. It was new for me. We wanted the acting to look natural, but the process to develop it was mechanical. At times, I gave 15 to 20 takes to get the scenes right. Underplaying a character is simple, but playing a larger-than-life character is tough. It is one of the most difficult forms of acting. As an artiste, it was a discovery. What drew me to the film was the chance to do a big costume drama, a CG heavy 3D film.

After the promos released, there were comparisons between your character and Ranveer Singh’s role in Padmaavat (2018) as Khilji. What’s your take on that?
It wasn’t on my mind, when I started playing this role. But I appreciate that Ranveer has set the bar high for essaying a historical character in Hindi films. The roles I play are usually original, and I’ve never had to take inspiration from anyone, nor have I found my work being compared to anyone else’s. I’m happy to be compared with another actor’s performance. I feel people will realise that both the roles are completely different once they watch the film.

How was the experience of reuniting with Ajay Devgn on-screen, after Kachche Dhaage (1999) and Omkara (2006)?
I have a few scenes with Ajay in the film and a massive fight sequence in the climax with sword fighting. We got trained under German technicians for that. Ajay is a talented action hero, and to do fight scenes with him and do it well, means that I’ve grown as an actor. He is a cool person, a relaxed actor, and a generous producer. I enjoyed working with him. On one level, nothing much has changed between us. Today, we are more responsible and have other things to worry about. During Kachche Dhaage, we were simple. The films made in the ’90s were amazing. We had beautiful locations, good friends, and lots of fun. Films like Kachche Dhaage were what being in the industry was all about. But, today, films are more stressful and Tanhaji is a big film with a lot of responsibility. Ajay and I didn’t reminisce much, as we were focussed on getting things done.

You will hit 50 this year. How do you look at your career now?
I’m enjoying my personal and professional life now. I feel well balanced in life. I’ve worked quite hard to get to this stage. I will be 50 this year and I’m in a good place. I’m looking forward to the rest of it. I have become better at my craft. I like the kind of offers that are coming my way. One has to know what you want and you have to know how to live. For some reason, these things have always been clear to me. I know how to be, and I am really happy in life whether it is on a set, or what people call a holiday, I call it living my life.

Fatima Sana Shaikh, who turns 28 today, on why she travelled widely in 2019 and bonding with co-star Rajkummar Rao
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 11, 2020)

Fatima Sana Shaikh is glad to be working today, her 28th birthday. The actress is shooting for her next with Manoj Bajpayee in the city but has made sure to keep the day low-key. “Every year, my friends come over at midnight to wish me, but this time I’ve warned them not to as I have to work the next day and I need rest,” she laughs.

After a relatively laidback 2019, Fatima is gearing up for the new year with three films, including Anurag Basu’s Ludo and the horror-comedy, Bhoot Police. She is to start shooting for a new film soon but “can’t delve into it right now”.

“It wasn’t a conscious decision,” she says about her no-release 2019, adding that she spent the time travelling and reading “My life was limited to a specific area while growing up. We, as a family, never had travel plans. The most we’d do was travel once in four-five years to our native place. It was always an aspiration for me to see the world and I can afford to explore now,” she beams.

Fatima is excited to foray into the comedy genre with her Bajpayee co-starrer, Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. She is also looking forward to Anurag Basu’s anthology film Ludo, in which she is paired with Rajkummar Rao. “He is a sweetheart, a very professional and giving actor. I loved working with him and Basu sir. All of us have a bad sense of humour, so we would crack lame jokes and laugh together,” she shares.

The actress is also ecstatic about revisiting the ’90s with Ludo. “As a ’90s child, I have seen the change and shift in technology and lifestyle, and I am getting a chance to go back in that world,” she smiles.

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 11, 2020)

Her last release was Thugs of Hindostan in 2018, and since then Fatima Sana Shaikh has been absent from the big screen. However, the actor during this period was busy shooting for films that will hit the theatres this year beginning with Anurag Basu’s ensemble cast film, Ludo.

“This year is good for me. Bhoot Police got pushed but I got Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. I started shooting for the film with Manoj Bajpayee and Diljit Dosanjh, this year. Also, my other projects will be out, which includes Ludo and also a short film. I’m hoping that Suraj... will also release this year. Other than that, I’ll be working on other projects. I’m having a lot of fun shooting for this film,” shares Fatima.

The actor, who turns 28 today, is going to have a working birthday as she is currently filming Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari. But Fatima is not complaining. “As a kid, I used to eagerly wait for surprises. But, now, I just don’t want anyone to give me any surprises. I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better way to celebrate my birthday. The greatest gift that an actor can ever get is ki kaam mil raha hai. I want to work and I’m happy doing that,” says Fatima, who started her acting career as a child with Chachi 420 (1997). It was in 2016 that she re-entered Bollywood as an adult with Aamir Khan’s Dangal.

Fatima may not have any grand birthday celebration plans, but the actor does have a birthday wish. “I want to be on a film set every day of my life. I just want to keep getting more and more work,” she says.

The actor also has one more unfulfilled wish and that is to work with Shah Rukh Khan. And if reports are to be believed, then this dream might come true soon. However, Fatima says she has not signed a film with Khan yet. “I don’t know that something like this is on the cards. Working with Shah Rukh is my biggest dream. If I do get to work with him, main tyag doongi har cheez. That’s it for me. All the dreams that I have with films will get fulfilled when that happens. As of now, I don’t know anything about it, but I would love to work with him,” says Fatima.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; January 11, 2020)

Last year, Uri: The Surgical Strike released in the theatres on January 11. The film bagged many popular awards and also won four National Awards. Celebrating the first anniversary of its release, and marking the start of their next project, Ashwatthama, the film’s team — producer Ronnie Screwvala, director Aditya Dhar and actors Vicky Kaushal and Yami Gautam chat with BT about how the film impacted their lives and their plans ahead. Excerpts:

Today, a year after the release of Uri: The Surgical Strike, how’s the josh?
Aditya: Very high! (laughs with the rest of the team!)
Yami: We had our first screening on January 9, 2019. After the Delhi promotions, we landed in Mumbai for it. We had booked five screens and were surprised to see that they were all packed, and more people were waiting. So, we had to book two more shows. Also, the film changed so much for me. Uri gave me that chance to display the depth that I can bring to a character.
Ronnie: I had the highest level of confidence among all of us because I sort of knew where we were headed with this, and a year later, the josh is even higher. The response to this film was tremendous, and war films have a different definition now. Uri impacted people and inspired many youngsters to join the Armed Forces. That is where a movie gets out of the skin of being a mere film.
Vicky: I had seen the film during the edit, but I didn’t know if I liked it because I was in it, or because it had those sentiments. I always asked Aditya, ‘Yaar, log dekhne toh aayenge na?’ I hoped they would come, the rest depended on destiny. We were not prepared for the overwhelming response that Uri got. People just took the film home.

Aditya, you had mentioned that the film faced hurdles, including budget issues. Today, it has bagged many awards, including four National Awards. Have all the struggles been worth it?
Ronnie: That was just to keep everyone on their toes. With our next, Ashwatthama, they will have to dig their heels in and no puns intended here. Yes, Uri was an ambitious project and the team came around incredibly well. Passion overtook everything else.
Aditya: The pressure from Ronnie made us think of ingenious things that we would not have thought about otherwise. It taught me to make things look grand in a tight budget. We prepared a book with pictures of how a scene would look, and we made extensive and detailed storyboards. That knowledge will come in handy now, when we start working on Ashwatthama.

While Aditya was making his debut as a director with the film, Ronnie, you were returning to the film business after a seven-year hiatus. Would you say the risk paid off?
Aditya: I don’t think anyone can ask for a better debut than this. The response to the film made me understand that I have immense responsibility on my shoulders. Uri has given me the confidence to attempt a challenging project like Ashwatthama.
Ronnie: I had stepped out of media for seven years and this was a comeback of sorts. If you stick to your convictions, you will get around fine. It was life-changing to get the reaffirmation from the public we cater to. Uri was a precursor to something bigger that we have been planning.

After Uri, the three of you (Vicky, Aditya and Ronnie) are collaborating on another ambitious project, Ashwatthama. Are you ready for the challenge?
Vicky: As an actor, if the script affects me, I plunge into it and give it my best. What a film can do for my career is not in my hands. Uri was a good film, and so people felt that I could shoulder a movie on my own. This happens when a film hits a home run. I’m very excited to start work on Ashwatthama. It’s a great script and it’s scaring me in a good way.
Aditya: We start the pre-production on our ambitious superhero film Ashwathtama today. We’ve taken an Indian story and are attempting to give it a global appeal, so that people around the world can enjoy it. It’s more than a straight-jacketed superhero outing. It takes a leaf out of Ashwatthama’s character from Mahabharat. We will start shooting in 2021.
Ronnie: Launching a satellite may seem possible by just pressing a button after the countdown. However, the real effort goes into creating the platform, rocket and mechanism, so that it can reach its destination. That takes time and a lot of meticulous planning. That’s how we see Ashwatthama shaping up and that’s the reason it will roll out only when the groundwork is completely done.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 11, 2020)

Mirror has learnt that after nearly two years of dating, Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar, are ready to take their relationship to the next level.

A source informs that the couple is set to tie the knot this year. “The plan is to get married towards the year-end, after the release of Farhan’s next, Toofan. But they might spring a surprise by tying the knot earlier than that. The final date is yet to be decided but Farhan and Shibani have begun preparations for the big day,” the source informs.

On January 9, Farhan and Shibani rang in his 46th with the latter’s sister, Anusha Dandekar, who shares her birthday with the actor. Shibani marked the day by referring to Farhan as her “better half”. “Thank you for all the magic, laughter and love you have brought to my life. You are one of the most beautiful souls I have ever met, and the world really needs more like you! I’ve never met anyone as kind, as attentive, as selfless, as brave and as focused as you, just being around you has taught me so much (mainly patience). You inspire me! Thank you for including me in every part of your life, for making me feel so special and for always making time for ‘us’!” she exclaimed.

After keeping a low profile initially, Shibani teased her Instagram followers with a picture of her holding hands with a mystery man on September 1, 2018. While speculation flew around that it was Farhan, the actor confirmed it by sharing the same picture over a month later with a heart emoji. It was followed by a steady inflow of PDA-laden posts from both handles.

In March last year, Shibani sent a recorded message for Farhan on the show Tape Cast, jokingly asking if they were getting married in April or May. “Can you please let me know because I am very confused,” she had added. “She is having a lot of fun with lots of news that is going around currently about us looking for wedding planners,” Farhan had laughed.

Despite several phone calls and texts, Farhan and Shibani chose not to respond.

Actor had to get stitches after a leather ball hit him in the face during the shoot of his next; 40-day schedule on hold
Hiten Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 11, 2020)

Shahid Kapoor’s next, the Hindi remake of the 2019 Telugu hit, Jersey, went on the floors in early December last year in Chandigarh. The first schedule wrapped up before New Year’s Eve. On Thursday, the team returned to the city for the second schedule, this time for 40 days. However, the shoot came to an abrupt halt just a day later, when Shahid, who plays a Ranji cricketer in the Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial, got hit by a leather ball in the face while shooting for some portions on the cricket field. According to a source from the film’s set, the actor has been advised rest for the next four-five days.

“During a shot, the ball came too fast and hit his lower lip, cutting it wide open. It was bleeding profusely while the chin is swollen up, too. A doctor was immediately rushed to the location and Shahid received stitches to close the wound,” informs the source, adding that Shahid will not be able to shoot till the swelling subsides and the wound heals enough for him to emote freely. “The next course of action will be determined only after checking how the injury is healing, after five days.”

At the time of going to press, Shahid was still in Chandigarh and may return to Mumbai today or tomorrow. After mostly indoor and conversational scenes in the first schedule, the actor has cricket portions in the second one. Mrunal Thakur, who plays his leading lady, shot with him in December and is slated to join the second spell next month.

Kangana Ranaut draws comparison between JNU violence and college gang wars, says perpetrators should be ‘given four slaps each’
MID-DAY (January 11, 2020)

Kangana Ranaut has opened about the campus violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University ( JNU) in Delhi, saying the incident should not be turned into a national or political issue. “The attack on students in JNU is currently being investigated. It’s understood that there are two sides, namely JNU and ABVP, two different unions, in the university,” said Ranaut, while speaking to the media on the sidelines of the promotion of her upcoming film, Panga.

Ranaut recalled a gang war she had witnessed during her college days in Chandigarh. “Gang war is quite common during college life. I used to stay at a girls’ hostel alongside a boys’ hostel, where people were followed and murdered in broad daylight. A boy once jumped into our hostel and was about to get killed by a mob, but our hostel manager saved him,” she said.

The actor added that the police should take the perpetrators into custody. “I would like to say that these gang wars are managed by powerful and dangerous people, which leaves both the sides hurt. Such things should not be made into a national issue. Police should take perpetrators into custody and give them four slaps each. Such people are found everywhere, in every street and college, and they should not be made national issue because they don’t deserve it,” she added.

On January 5, a masked mob entered JNU campus and thrashed students and teachers with wooden and metal rods. At least 20 students were admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) with severe injuries, including Students’ Union President Aishe Ghosh, who was reportedly hit over the eye with an iron rod.

Shikara director Vidhu Vinod Chopra ropes in Kashmiri Pandits to lend authenticity to film revolving around 1990s exodus from the Valley
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; January 11, 2020)

For his return to direction after 13 years with Shikara, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra has chosen a subject that stems from a chapter of his life — the movie revolves around the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the 1990s. To lend authenticity to the real-life episode, the director decided to rope in Kashmir-born Aadil Khan and Sadia as the leads, while zeroing in on several Kashmiri Pandits for the principal cast.

Explaining his decision, Chopra says, "If I were to cast artistes from Mumbai to play the refugees, the film would lose its authenticity. It was generous of the inhabitants of the Jagti refugee camp [in Jammu] to agree to be part of this movie. We held auditions in Jammu, following which those shortlisted were flown down to Mumbai. Here, they had to undergo several rounds of auditions."

Interestingly, Sadia, who was studying in Jammu, was helping casting director Indu Sharma in roping in locals for the ensemble cast. "Indu felt that Sadia would be the perfect fit [for the female lead]. However, her family had their own set of inhibitions [about her being part of a movie]. I had to make long video calls to convince her family. It helped immensely that I spoke in Kashmiri," laughs the filmmaker. Since the cast primarily included real-life people who had no acting background, Chopra reveals they were made to undertake several workshops over two years to hone their skills.

Though he has written the story with Rahul Pandita and Abhijat Joshi, the filmmaker describes the project as a "recreation of his life". "It is inspired by my mother's story — she had come to Mumbai, with only one suitcase, for Parinda's [his film] premiere in 1990. But she could not return to Kashmir until almost a decade later."

As he brings Syed Abdul Rahim's story to celluloid with Maidaan, Ajay Devgn recounts meeting his protege, former football star P K Banerjee
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; January 11, 2020)

It's raining biopics for Ajay Devgn — even as his latest offering, Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, hit screens yesterday, the actor is busy giving shape to the story of late football coach Syed Abdul Rahim in Maidaan. The Amit Ravindernath Sharma-directed venture trains the spotlight on Rahim, who coached India to victory at the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962. "Our team was known as the Brazil of Asia then," beams Devgn, admitting that he has gotten increasingly fascinated with his muse as he learnt more about him while shooting for the sports drama.

"Like Tanaji [Malusare], he is an unsung hero. The story needs to be told because when the makers approached me, I wasn't aware of him. So, it will be more interesting to [introduce him to] today's generation who genuinely love the sport," says the star, who recently wrapped up the Kolkata schedule.

The actor had the opportunity to meet former Indian football star P K Banerjee — who played under Rahim — during his Kolkata stay. "It was an emotional experience. He is frail and has difficulty talking due to his age, but he's one of the greats to have played the game. I admire people like him who took our country to greater heights."

In 2020, Devgn will also be seen in Bhuj: The Pride Of India, in which he slips into the role of Indian Air Force squadron leader Vijay Karnik. Point out how his three releases have him essaying real-life characters back-to-back, and he terms it a coincidence. "Real-life characters fascinate me. As an actor, I try to analyse what might have been going on in the person's mind [during the episode that the film focuses on]; it allows me to be creative," he explains, before adding that he will soon give biopics a rest. "I am doing Golmaal Five after these films."

Syed Abdul Rahim amd PK Banerjee

Syed Abdul Rahim and PK Banerjee

Dabangg 3 Box Office Collection Day 20: तीसरे हफ्ते में भी जारी है सलमान खान की 'दबंग 3'का जलवा, कमाए इतने करोड़

Box Office India Trade Network

DABANGG 3 collected under 4 crore nett in its third week which takes it three week total to 135.50 crore nett and that will be it for the film as it will only bring in another 0.5-1 crore nett as its out of most theaters now. It will be 136-137 crore nett finish for the film.

The business of the film is actually better in Overseas due to the period. The film is not really for Overseas markets but is looking to close at around $7.75 million which is comparatively a better number than its India number. The numbers in Australia are better than Bharat while US/Canada will finish in the same range. The worldwide finish for the film is looking to be in the 215-220 crore range.

The business of DABANGG 3 till date is as follows.
Week One - 1,12,53,00,000
Week Two - 19,24,00,000
Friday - 50,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 75,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 1,25,00,000 apprx
Monday - 40,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 35,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 35,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 25,00,000 apprx
Third Week - 3,85,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 1,35,52,00,000 apprx

Good Newwz Box Office Collection Day 9: अक्षय कुमार की 'गुड न्यूज'का वीकेंड पर छाया जादू, कमा डाले इतने करोड़

Box Office India Trade Network

GOOD NEWWZ had a super strong second week of 51 crore nett apprx though it did see the first noticeable drop of its run on the second Thursday. But it has come on the 14th day; so, it hardly matters. The drop in the second week is just a little under 60% which is strong trending. The week numbers for the film are 176 crore nett apprx.

The second week collections of the film are the third highest for 2019 after KABIR SINGH and URI and these three films are only ones to cross 50 crore nett in week two. The film could become the highest NETT grosser of Akshay Kumar depending on the holds over the next two weeks. The GROSS numbers is not likely to reach as it is far less in Gujarat and Maharashtra where there is state levy and a higher service charge respectively. The film is a BLOCKBUSTER HIT in East Punjab and Delhi NCR. The collections in Delhi city from just under 47 theatres stand at a crazy 20 crore nett apprx after two weeks.

The collections of GOOD NEWWZ till date are as follows.
Week One - 1,24,94,00,000 apprx
Friday - 8,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 11,50,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 14,00,00,000 apprx
Monday - 5,00,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 4,50,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 4,25,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 3,50,00,000 apprx
Second Week - 50,75,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 1,75,96,00,000 apprx

Will they dare to call Deepika Padukone an urban Naxal now?-Swara Bhasker

I want to tell Ananya to stop taking my name-Chunky Panday

Image: Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani shoot for a song in Dubai for Laxmmi Bomb

Good Newwz collects 167.94 cr in 12 days

Here's why Akshay Kumar had a historic year in 2019

Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 603

(Crisp) Movie Review: CHHAPAAK by FENIL SETA

(Crisp) Movie Review: TANHAJI: THE UNSUNG WARRIOR by FENIL SETA

You will see me dance my heart out in Street Dancer-Shraddha Kapoor

I appreciate that Ranveer Singh has set the bar high for essaying a historical character-Saif Ali Khan

I can afford to explore the world now-Fatima Sana Shaikh

If I do get to work with Shah Rukh Khan, main tyag doongi har cheez-Fatima Sana Shaikh

Uri was a precursor to something bigger that we have been planning, says the film's team on 1st anniversary

Wedding bells for Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar in 2020?

Shahid Kapoor injured on the sets of Jersey in Chandigarh

JNU violence should not be made into a national issue-Kangana Ranaut

If I were to cast artistes from Mumbai to play the refugees, Shikara would lose its authenticity-Vidhu Vinod Chopra

I admire people like P K Banerjee who took our country to greater heights-Ajay Devgn

Dabangg 3 collects 135.52 cr in 3 weeks

Good Newwz collects 175.96 cr in 2 weeks