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Diwali and ‘Sooryavanshi’ Promise Revival, Exhibitors Willing

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3 years ago

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There is a great sigh of relief in film exhibition circles as well as the film trade in general. With the green signal from the Maharashtra government to the cinemas to reopen from October 22 onwards, it is back to business for the film distribution and exhibition trade.

The cinemas in almost all states in the country were allowed to open up gradually, except in the state of Maharashtra. For the Bombay circuit, Mumbai city and suburbs contribute a big share to the box office. Besides, the city is also the heart of everything in Hindi films. No wise man with stakes in crores would want to release a film till the cinema lockdown is lifted in Maharashtra. Now that the new films are releasing in cinema halls, it is back to business for the film trade; back to business alright but, it is not yet back to business as usual.

Two new films released on October 22, the day cinemas reopened for the public, “Bhavai” and “Babloo Bachelor”. There is not much of a public response yet. I think the reopening as well as the opening features were not publicized enough or, rather, not at all. Was the flocking of crowds taken for granted? The reason to say so is that, had “Bhavai” released on OTT, it would have definitely received a much better response. And, that is because Pratik Gandhi, who plays the pivotal role in “Bhavai”, has established himself as a performing star material with “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story”. And, people would have wanted to watch “Bhavai” for his sake at least (which, they may eventually do).

Since, this is about cinemas reopening, the films released on October 22 were not even expected to draw crowds. Traditionally, pre Diwali fortnight has always been considered a dull period for film business. People’s priority is to plan for the Diwali celebrations, spend money towards that end and not on watching a movie.

Unfortunately, the new generation corporate honchos have neither been taught about traditions nor have they learnt from experience. Consumer goods or even luxury items may sell during this period (the period is all about adding comfort to your family and life). Even Diwali day won’t get you the desired footfalls except in some metros. So it has never been wise to release a new film on the eve of Diwali. Diwali is a family and social festival, outings happen thereafter. It is a wise decision to release “Sooryavanshi” on November 5, a day after Diwali.

The cinemas, especially some of the multiplex managements, did try to attract viewers with schemes for their opening fare, “Bhavai” and “Babloo Bachelor”. The schemes proved to be a bonus for the few who came and not a lure for others. It is not yet time for the cinema owners to rejoice even if the long awaited “Sooryavanshi”, which stars three (these kinds of multi-starrers have not been seen since the 1970s) top actors, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh. To add to that, it is a Rohit Shetty directorial film and he believes in delivering thorough entertainers.

“Sooryavanshi” is a high budget film and would need full capacity cinema screens to make its mark, for even if it collects between 90 per cent and 100 per cent, the real figures would amount to only half of that. And, this is because many states have allowed the cinemas to function but with the restrictions of filling only 50 per cent of the full capacity and that is not conducive to a good business for a film like “Sooryavanshi”.

But, the multiplexes, especially the top few chains, which call the shots, are acting pricey. Having come out of the year-and-a-half of lockdown, they have started dictating terms again with the makers of “Sooryavanshi”, the film which was held back for the same amount of time for the cinema release instead of going for the OTT! The multiplexes want “Sooryavanshi” to share the play time and screens 50:50 with the Hollywood release, “Eternals”. The multiplex managements’ contention is that Hollywood keeps them supplied all year long while a Hindi filmmaker gives just one film a year! Is the Hindi industry made of just one producer and one film a year?

The haggling has already started but this will definitely be a bad experience for the filmmakers. The market for Hollywood films has grown tremendously in India and their various dubbed versions in the regional languages has broadened the market for them. But, it makes little sense to sacrifice the potential of a major film like “Sooryavanshi”, that too during the Diwali festival, for a Hollywood film. It is rather selfish of cinema managements. The audience for “Eternal” is not going anywhere. The release of “Sooryavanshi” will also be the post Covid-19 pandemic test for the cinema business, it will determine if the people have come out of the pandemic fear. The film’s stay and the business at the box office will decide if the people are ready to take to cinema going, yet.

Least that is needed to boost people’s confidence some more is for the governments all over India, including and mainly Maharashtra, to allow the cinemas to function at 100 per cent occupancy as a Diwali bonus (the Delhi administration has done so this week.). Not only cinemas, all the trades will stand to gain. People have been thronging the local markets, and crowded transport services, restricting cinema occupancy to 50 per cent makes no sense, really.

Even as they start dictating terms, the exhibitors should understand that while they were facing a lockdown, a major alternate entertainment source had not only taken root but had also grown by leaps and bounds. And, that is a horde of OTT platforms with their huge repertoire from all over the world even as they go on adding the original Indian content. The OTT platforms have a lot of advantages when compared to cinemas in options, rates, comfort, sharing with family and friends and so on. The OTT needs a mention here because it brings back to mind when a Sunday evening telecast of a feature film on Doordarhan was a cause of noticeable drop in box office collections. Who could one complain to after all? Films telecast on Doordarhan were supplied by the filmmakers’ own brethren, all for Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh (middleman’s commission not excluded for nothing here worked without agents!) per telecast. If a Sunday telecast of an old film on Doordarshan affected collections, OTT is certainly going to be a bigger competition for the exhibition trade.

The OTT has managed to create its own star system (besides giving a chance to many out of work actors to showcase their talent and earn whose films would not get a fair playtime at cinemas). While the cinemas dig big star films, thinking that is their survival model, OTT don’t care for the lot. They seek content and have been successful to some extent. So far, all films had their only outlet in cinema screens. The cinemas played hard to get for small films though without them it would be hard for cinemas to fill up their 52-week playtime. After all, how many big films release a year, 6 or 12? These small films now make their films for and opt for OTT as the outlet. So, even while the exhibition trade may celebrate the reopening, they face new challenges and a rethink.

Cinema was called opium of the masses and the masses have long been driven away with the advent of multiplex and high admission rate exhibition trade. “Sooryavanshi” is expected to make the miracle happen if the exhibitors know what is good for them.

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Aamir Khan on ‘Laapataa Ladies’ Oscar Exit: This is not the end but a step forward

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5 days ago

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December 18, 2024

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Mumbai, Dec 18: The producers of “Laapataa Ladies,” Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions, have expressed their reactions following the film’s exit from the Oscars 2025 race.

As India’s official entry in the Best Foreign Feature Film category, Laapataa Ladies held high hopes but unfortunately did not make it to the top 15 shortlist. While the producers admitted to being disappointed by the outcome, they remain proud of the film’s journey and the recognition it garnered along the way.

In a statement, Aamir Khan Productions said, “Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) did not make it to the Academy Awards shortlist this year, and we are of course disappointed, but equally we are immensely grateful for the incredible support and belief we’ve received throughout this journey. We at Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Productions extend our gratitude to the Academy members and the FFI jury for considering our film.”

“To be included in this prestigious process alongside some of the finest films from across the world is an honor in itself. Our heartfelt thanks to all the audiences around the world who have expressed their love and support for our film. We congratulate the teams of all the top 15 shortlisted films and wish them the very best in the next stages of the awards. For us, this is not the end but a step forward. We remain committed to bringing more powerful stories to life and sharing them with the world. Thank you for being part of this journey,” the statement further read.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. Unfortunately, India’s official submission, Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), did not make the cut.

Directed by Kiran Rao, the film had been unanimously chosen by the Film Federation of India (FFI) as the country’s entry, but its selection stirred debate. Many critics argued that Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” would have been a more competitive choice for the prestigious category.

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‘Pushpa 2’ fever grips Akshay Kumar

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6 days ago

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December 17, 2024

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Mumbai, Dec 17: As “Pushpa 2” fever continues to take over, Akshay Kumar has joined in on the excitement by recreating the film’s most iconic dialogue, “Wildfire hu.”

In a video circulating on the internet, Akshay is seen delivering Allu Arjun’s iconic line, “Wildfire hu.” Soon after the video surfaced online, fans couldn’t help but gush over Khiladi Kumar. One netizen commented, “Wow, amazing @akshaykumar sir, wildfire pose of mega superstar @alluarjun from #Pushpa2TheRule, great!” Another said, “I remember he supported Pushpa 1 also.”

Not to forget, in 2021, Akshay had penned a congratulatory note for Allu Arjun after the success of “Pushpa: The Rise.”

The ‘Airlift’ actor had written, “Congratulations @alluarjun on the massive response you have received from all over India for #PushpaTheRise, another big win for our industry… planning to watch it real soon. @GTelefilms.” In response, Allu Arjun replied, “Thank you very much, Akshay ji. Nice of you to send your warm wishes. Congratulations to you too. Glad people are coming back to theatres & the Indian film industry is shining again.”

“Pushpa 2: The Rule,” directed by Sukumar, features Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil. Released in theatres on December 5, the movie has crossed a remarkable Rs 1000 crore globally within just seven days. The sequel to the 2021 hit has reportedly earned Rs 902 crore at the India box office. It also became the first Hindi film to collect over Rs 100 crore in its second weekend.

Recently, Allu Arjun was arrested in connection with the death of a fan at the premiere of “Pushpa 2.” He was released from jail, with several stars visiting his residence afterward.

In a statement, the actor revealed that his legal team has advised him not to meet anyone or visit his family at this time.

In his note, the actor wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about young Sri Tej, who is under constant medical care after the unfortunate incident.”

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Zakir Hussain: Film industry veterans mourn the demise of the legend

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7 days ago

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December 16, 2024

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Mumbai, Dec 16: The tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain left for the heavenly abode on December 15, leaving a huge void in India’s music. With his excellence and humility, the Ustad touched many lives, young and old, people in positions of power and the common man. Such is the impact of one of the greatest tabla players that his demise feels like a personal loss to many.

Several members of the film fraternity like Kamal Haasan, Akshay Kumar, A. R. Rahman, Mohanlal, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Hansal Mehta, and others shared their condolences on his demise.

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar took to his social media and shared an image of Zakir Hussain. He wrote, “Very pained to know about the sad demise of Ustad Zakir Hussain Sahab. He was truly a treasure for our country’s musical heritage. Om Shanti”.

Veteran Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan took to his X, formerly Twitter and shared an old image in which Zakir Hussain could be seen giving the taal to the actor as the latter plays tabla. He wrote, “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and Thank you”.

Oscar and Grammy-winning music composer A. R. Rahman called Zakir an inspiration and expressed his regret for not collaborating with him in recent years. He wrote, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together. You shall be truly missed.

May his family and his countless students worldwide find the strength to bear this immense loss”. Veteran Malayalam superstar Mohanlal wrote on his X, “Ustad Zakir Hussain’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of music. His rhythms united hearts across borders. My deepest condolences to his family and admirers”.

Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, who was recently seen along with Akshay Kumar in ‘Singham Again’, also paid tribute to the legendary musician with a heartfelt image that featured her alongside Zakir Hussain and her father, Randhir Kapoor. She wrote, “Maestro forever”.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who recently directed Kareena in ‘The Buckingham Murders’ also took to his X, and wrote, “The maestro who made so many sleepless nights at Hindustani classical concerts memorable. The man who knew how to engage with an audience through his artistry. The Ustad who made the tabla sexy. Goodbye Ustad Zakir Hussain”.

Playback singer Sonu Nigam expressed his shock at the demise of the late musician, as he took to his Instagram, and wrote, “Zakir bhai… What is this?”.

Actress Nimrat Kaur recalled the last time she saw Ustad Zakir Hussain perform live earlier this year. She took to her Instagram, and shared a picture and a video of the late musician. She wrote in the caption, “On Feb 28th, ’24, when I last watched Ustad Zakir Hussain live at Prithvi Theatre, I recall my heart beating to the beats of the sheer flawless genius of his talent. His international superstardom and the zenith of his achievements are forever here to inspire and energize us”.

“As a human being, to remain the most humble, gracious, and generous through his incomparable life journey is what remains etched as a life goal in my heart. Your kind eyes and mystical being shall outlive generations…rest in glory Ustad ji. Never shall there be another”, she added.

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