Profits finally catching up with the losses

Energetic openings to Bollywood's four recent releases - "New York", "Kambakkht Ishq", "Love Aaj Kal" and "Kaminey" - have succeeded in getting the business perk up. Wounded by a long strike earlier this year, the film industry is perhaps on a self-healing path now, say trade pundits.

The two-month-long stand-off between the producers-distributors and multiplex owners over revenue sharing, which was resolved on June 5, led to a whopping Rs.300 crore (Rs.3 billion) loss to the Hindi film industry.

The dry spell was broken by Kabir Khan's "New York" that released on June 26 followed by the other three films - "Kambakkht Ishq" that came on July 3, "Love Aaj Kal" on July 31 and "Kaminey" on Aug 14 - raking in a net profit close to almost half the losses so far this year.

"These four films will do a net business of Rs.150 crore (Rs.1.5 billion) put together," revealed an industry insider.

Said trade analyst Taran Adarsh: "The industry is definitely on a recovery path... it is getting better now, but we do need a big number of hits to follow as even an A-list movie like 'Luck' bombed.

"Every movie has a luck of its own. For example, a small-budget film like 'A Wednesday' had a moderate release last year but proved to be a dark horse. At the end of the day it's the content that will win."

Film critic Omar Qureshi had something similar to say.

"The industry is healing. Everyone was deprived of movies. There was a desperation to watch films and the audiences couldn't handle it. So they took multiplexes by storm once good movies hit the screens and the result is worth watching," said Qureshi.

"But that doesn't mean mediocre movies will win the race too... it'll only take big-budget and big-banner movies with a good story to make up for the losses and bring in footfalls," he added.

The stand-off between producers-distributors and multiplex owners started in February over revenue-sharing. While the producers demanded a flat 50 percent share of all film revenues irrespective of the stars, budget and box-office collection, the exhibitors stressed on sharing profits based on the movie's earnings.

As a result the producers declared a strike from April 4 onwards, which saw no big Bollywood releases in multiplexes across the country.

Now all eyes are set on an array of big releases after the lull.

The line-up includes Shahid Kapur-Rani Mukerji starrer "Dil Bole Hadippa", three movies of Salman Khan - "Wanted", "Main Aur Mrs Khanna" and "London Dreams" - two Ranbir Kapoor-starrers "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani" and "Rocket Singh - Salesman of The Year", and Aamir Khan's "3 Idiots".

Apart from these, there are also Hrithik Roshan's much-talked-about action thriller "Kites", Priyanka Chopra's "What's Your Raashee?", two movies starring Amitabh Bachchan - "Aladdin" and "Pa" - Akshay Kumar's "De Dana Dan", Govinda's "Hook Ya Crook" and Neil Nitin Mukesh's "Jail".

Labels: Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq, Kaminey, Love Aaj Kal, New York

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Saif’s film is very close to Kareena’s heart

Her recent release "Kambakkht Ishq" has seen the best opening of 2009 so far. But Kareena Kapoor wants boyfriend Saif Ali Khan's "Love Aaj Kal" to even surpass her film's record and enjoy phenomenal success at the box office.

"I really want 'Love Aaj Kal' to break all box-office records. Yes, 'Kambakkht Ishq' is my film but then so is 'Love Aaj Kal'. For both Saif and me 'Love Aaj Kal' is a not just a prestigious project but also something which is very close to our hearts", Kareena told IANS.

Releasing on July 31, "Love Aaj Kal" is Saif's first production venture. Tell her that expectations are huge from the movie as well as Saif and she nods in agreement.

"Yes, I'm aware about the huge expectations and I also know that 'Love Aaj Kal' has turned out to be a lovely film. The good part is that the film has generated all around positive vibes and everyone expects good things from the film," she said.

With Saif playing two characters - Jai Vardhan Singh and Veer Singh (the younger version of Rishi Kapoor) - "Love Aaj Kal" touches upon the universal essence of love.

According to director Imtiaz Ali, "the process of relationship might be different in different eras, but the experience of being in love remains the same".

Another factor that makes "Love Aaj Kal" a special film for Kareena is the fact that it has Imtiaz at the driving seat.

"I have worked with Imtiaz in 'Jab We Met' and ever since then we all expect so much from him. He has great sensibilities of a storyteller and can't set a foot wrong. I really hope and pray that 'Love Aaj Kal' manages to strike a chord with audiences in the same way as 'Jab We Met'," she said.

Remembering her stint in "Jab We Met", Kareena agrees that it was an extraordinary experience.

"To play a character like 'Geet' (her screen name in 'Jab We Met') doesn't happen all the time; it just happens. When you begin working on a film, you of course know about the story and your character. However, no one knows how audiences would eventually react to it. 'Geet' did strike a chord with the audiences and became a household name," she said.

One expects something similar from "Love Aaj Kal" as well that also stars Deepika Padukone. Apart from them, Rishi Kapoor and Rahul Khanna will also be seen in pivotal roles with Neetu Singh in a guest appearance.

Labels: Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor, Love Aaj Kal, Saif Ali Khan

0 komentar

Share This Post :

But Saif keeps her ‘happy and smiling’

Kareena Kapoor admits she gets upset when uncharitable remarks are made about her or her performance. Though the actress doesn't mind healthy criticism, she isn't amused when comments are made without any provocation or reason.

"I have realised over a period of time that the higher you go, more and more people will try to pull you down. I used to hear about this from my sister (Karisma) but am experiencing this first hand now. It isn't really funny actually," Kareena told IANS.

Kareena was obviously referring to a section of the media coming down heavily on her since the release of "Kambakkht Ishq" (pictured left).

"Well, the movie has released, done well and it's time to move on to newer things. Critics had things to say about the film and it's okay if they didn't like the film. In any case, audiences had their own take on the film and they made the film a success. It's all balanced out at the end of the day," she said.

Some critics did feel that the "Kambakkht Ishq" content was too abusive at places.

"That continues to beat me," she said in an amused tone. "Come on, it was just a movie. We were not developing any rocket science there. However, I guess some people did take it all personally and equated 'Kambakkht Ishq' to World War III," said Kareena.

She can't be immune to criticism though, isn't it?

"Yes, I do tend to get upset and depressed when people try to pull me down. Sometimes it just comes from nowhere and you end up feeling that what did you really do so wrong to be facing such criticism.

"But then I understand that there could be a phase in one's life when you get attacked from all corners. It's fine because I know it will pass," said the actress who is looking forward to the release of "Qurbaan" before year-end.

She is happy though that she has a loyal set of friends, family members and supporters around her who help her keep her chin up.

"And then of course there is Saif," she perked up. "He has been around for so long and keeps me happy and smiling. Yes, there are detractors, but then there are supporters as well. After seeing Bollywood business closely for so long, I try not to take things too seriously."

Her "Tashan" didn't do well at the box office, but Kareena has had impressive releases over the last few years like "Omkara", "Jab We Met", "Golmaal Returns" and now "Kambakkht Ishq" doing well at the box office. In between, she also had a special appearance in another box office winner "Don - The Chase Begins Again".

"Yes, thankfully it has been a nice run. I'm now really looking forward to 'Qurbaan', 'Main Aur Mrs. Khanna' and '3 Idiots'."

Labels: Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor

0 komentar

Share This Post :

He’s happy living and dying being where he is

"Kambakkht Ishq" has hit the bull's eye at the box office by grossing Rs.100 crore (Rs. 1 billion) in the first week despite unfavourable reviews - and Akshay Kumar is having the last laugh. But he insists that he has no inclination of being the 'king' of Bollywood and is content playing a 'clown' for his audiences.

"Really, ever since the time it became loud and clear that 'Kambakkht Ishq' had succeeded amongst the audiences, I'm being asked if I'm marching towards the top again. My reply to them is that I'm happy living and dying being where I am and that's anywhere but on top," Akshay told IANS in an interview.

"See, I'm a clown and not a king. Once a clown, always a clown! I belong in the ring, not on the podium," said Akshay, who was deeply hurt that many of his contemporaries from the industry have been apparently trying to pull him down.

Before "Kambakkht Ishq", the 41-year-old saw a twin setback in the form of "Chandni Chowk To China" and "8X10 Tasveer". It was just apt that he announced his presence in a big way with the action-romance flick.

Eros International, the distributors of "Kambakkht Ishq", declared that the film had grossed about Rs.100 crores (Rs.1 billion) worldwide in the first week, making it one of the most successful openings in Indian cinema.

The film has grossed Rs.70 crores (Rs.700 million) in India and Rs.21 crores (Rs.210 million) overseas. And the music and digital rights of the movie have fetched Rs.10 crores (Rs.100 million) - No wonder Akshay comes down on the critics who had a field day ripping apart the film.

"Well, critics to us are like how the tax man is to everyone. We all wish they didn't exist, but they do. It's up to the people if they want someone else to make decisions for them," he said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Talking about the naysayers, he said: "I know they definitely had a whale of a time with this one, didn't they? What to do? I can't force them to be nice to me and I'm not the type to put a gun to anyone's head; so let them be.

"I have faith that my audience will come and prove my work's worth. And this time they surely have and I love them for it."

Has he himself never been influenced by critics for films that feature someone else?

"Honestly speaking for myself, if I want to see a movie I will, even if all my friends say it's crap. In fact, it will only make me want to see it even more. We all don't like sugar in our tea; so why would we all like the same movies? it's simple. Trust your own judgement and not someone else's. That's all I can say," he said.

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Says ‘she is pathetic’ in ‘Kambakkht Ishq’

Twitter is indeed very popular in Bollywood. Now producer and veteran journalist Pritish Nandy has used the online messaging service to blast Kareena Kapoor, terming her work in the film “Kambakkht Ishq” as a joke.

Kareena went on to slam Pritish Nandy by saying he seems to have too much time to comment on blogs and through other medium about others, rather than concentrating on his own work.

A furious Bebo even advised Nandy to be more focused on his production activities and not interfere in other people’s lives.

And Nandy is not regretting a bit of what he said on Twitter. "She is pathetic! I am of course not referring to Kareena as a person but the character she has portrayed in the film. If Kareena chooses to put out such priceless acts in movie after movie, the audience won't take much time to switch loyalties. If this is the beginning for Kareena, then this is the beginning of the end," Nandy has said.

Meanwhile, the gallant Saif Ali Khan has jumped to Kareena’s defence, and has blasted Nandy too for talking about a woman in a demeaning manner.

Labels: Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor, Pritish Nandy

0 komentar

Share This Post :

No, we aren't saying that! It's Chameli's producer Pritish Nandy venting his anger at her glamourous role in Kambakkht Ishq.

On his Twitter account, Pritish Nandy wrote: "Why don't you see what she looked like in Chameli and compare it with KI (Kambakkht Ishq). Chameli was a real woman, a beautiful woman. She was stunning. Kareena looked like a dream in those days. Today she is a joke."

Though Kambakkht Ishq has made more than enough moolah, it has got some awful reviews and is being hailed by film critics as one of the worst movies of recent times, in the league of Tashan, Chandni Chown to China, etc. Kareena Kapoor has had to defend the film and her reputation as an actress once again.

She said rather diplomatically, "Everyone is entitled to their individual opinion. I will always maintain that I have great pride in being part of varied films like Chameli and Kambakkht Ishq. I can proudly say that I have never been stuck in just the glam doll image or just wanted to do path-breaking roles," she says. "It's my career and I am not doing it for everybody to like me. If the producer is making loads of money, that's about it."

If it was Chameli she were defending her comments would have been about experimenting with cinema and expanding her acting abilities. But Kambakkht Ishq neither helped her expand her talent (unless showing skin can be counted as one) nor is it anywhere in the vicinity of good cinema.

In her trademark style, she remarked. "Some people have too much time to blog and talk about others so much. I don't even have time to check my computer for my e-mails. I am constantly working -- that just goes to show that I am more focused on my career," she says, with a dry laugh. "I am not the kind who would do boring two songs and two scenes like a lot of others do, just for the heck of it. I hope people realise that even if you are playing a role like mine (in KI), it takes a lot of effort. Why can't people just watch the film for what it is -- an illogical fun movie, rather than go on and on?"

Bebo, darling, if you hadn't done the film in the first place, you wouldn't have to waste your precious time defending it. You looked like a million bucks but it isn't a role like Geet in Jab We Met or that of Chameli that no one could have done it better than you. Any other bimbette would have filled in your YSL stillettos. We feel bad for all the flak a talented actress like you is dealing with You are capable of doing so much better than Kambakkht Ishq. Illogical it is but we have our doubts on the 'fun' quotient as those type of movies went out with the 90s. It's more of a headache in 2009. Good luck for Qurbaan, 3 Idiots, Stepmom and Main Aur Mrs Khanna!

Labels: Bollywood News, Chameli, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Eros International has announced a record opening of Sajid Nadiadwala's KAMBAKKHT ISHQ. The film has grossed Rs. 100 crores worldwide in its first week, making it one of the most successful openings in Indian cinema.

KAMBAKKHT ISHQ has grossed Rs. 70 crores in India (Rs. 42 crores nett) and Rs. 21 crores overseas with music & digital platforms grossing Rs. 10 crores. The film has been produced at a cost of Rs. 62 crores, including print and advertisement cost.

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Bollywood News, Eros International, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala, Trade

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Events, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala, Salman Khan

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Voice modulation and languages were earlier considered Akshay Kumar's weak points as an actor. But he is determined to change all that.

Akshay recently visited the Spanish-speaking countries Honduras and Puerto Rico and picked up a smattering of Spanish terms and phrases which he uses generously on his family, much to their amusement and annoyance.

"I like connecting with foreigners, understanding their language. It's not enough for me any more to speak Hindi, Punjabi, Marathi and English. I want to know foreign languages. The only way for me to grow as an actor is to broaden my horizon," Akshay, who is basking in the success of his just released "Kambakkht Ishq", told IANS.

More than the cuisine or the touristic sights, Akshay is fascinated by the language of the countries he visits. Often wife Twinkle would be seen shopping during the just-concluded vacation while Akshay would strike up a conversation with strangers.

So does Akshay intend to be as good with languages as he's with kissing? His "Kambhakkht Ishq" co-star Denise Richards has described him as a good kisser.

"Yeah, I heard about that. Hmmm...It's not as if I travelled to the moon or achieved something to be proud of. But anyway I'm happy. Good action hero, good comic actor, and now a good kisser. Maybe people will start calling me a good actor soon. I'm working on it," he said.

About matching paces with Sylvester Stallone in "Kambhakkht Ishq", Akshay joked: "It's only because I take Chyawanprash. But don't tell Stallone about it. I don't want him to start taking it also."

On a more serious note, he said: "When I was working as cook in Bangkok, I had three posters on my wall. Bruce Lee, Sridevi and Sylvester Stallone. The first of my idols I couldn't work with. But I've been lucky enough to work with Sridevi and Stallone."

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Do you think Kambakkht Ishq (KI) will please audiences?
People are hungry to be entertained. But they see a movie
because they want to, not because they have to. 8x10 was the last movie to release before the strike started, yet that didn’t make the crowds fall in. It’s totally up to what they see is right in the ingredients that make a movie.

KI is reportedly a remake of the Tamil film Pammal K Sambandam ...
How can it be a remake? When I first saw the movie I thought I’d never seen an Indian film like it. Not only was the script well written, but also most of the screenplay was spontaneous madness. I’m sorry you can’t take this film away from any of its artistes. This is Sabir Khan’s and Anvita Dutt’s little baby.

In real life, you are not an MCP, but where women are concerned, your charm and sex appeal cut across age groups.
Believe me, I’m not that irresistible. It’s all because of my father that I know how to treat women. It’s been one of my biggest blessings in life. Women like me, adore the honest gentleman in me who makes them laugh and feel wanted and comfortable. I don’t throw my weight around. I only throw my arms around (laughs). As for my sex appeal, I don’t know where that lies. I can’t answer that. Most women like menwho take care of themselves. I’m worried my wife will leave me the day I let myself go!

You’re often dragged into controversies. Does this come with the territory?
I’m fully aware people like to voice their opinions and make themselves heard. Fair enough, it’s their choice. Do you think complaining about it is going to make them stop? Hell, no! So, all I say is, if people think it’s important enough to cry about, then one must be important enough to cry over, don’t you think? I remember the days when no one gave a toss about what I said. Now, they pay attention to every word I say. Don’t know which is worse!

Are you going to take them on?
Oh, I never play them at their own games. I don’t need to stoop so low to get somewhere in life. But if you play with fire, you’ve to be prepared to get burnt. But I don’t agree with messing with people’s careers or families, no matter what ...

First Kylie Minogue, then WWE star Kane. What makes your place such a hot destination?
I have a good cook and feel these people need to be fed! When people show an interest in my work or in my industry, I like them to taste true Indian hospitality and give them something to take back.I open my doors to everyone with good intentions. Plus, I’m proud of the home my wife has created. What’s wrong with a few luncheons here and there?

Denise Richards endorsed your smooching skills...
Well if you don’t smooch, you lose! Like I said earlier, I know how to treat the ladies. You’ve to make them feel special. Women really aren’t that difficult, you just give them what they want and you’ll be fine. They deserve it for just being women, I think.

After parkour, what’s your latest craze?
The Hula Hoop ... When there’s no gym for miles around, I whip out my Hula Hoop and Hula until I can Hula no more.

Aarav, a chip off the old block?
Yeah, he takes after me in the crazy department, for sure. Give him a wall he’ll jump off it, hold out your arm and he’ll punch it. Twinkle loves this adventurous streak in him. Even my sister’s daughter is as action packed as my son Aarav. Danger seems to run thicker than blood in my family.

Trisha is doing Khatta Meetta with you...
Yeah, she’s definitely signed for our movie. Kind of looking forward to working with Priyadarsan, who has a different take on Indian cinema. It was Priyadarsan’s idea to have her. And what he says goes, and it works every time ...

What’s the riskiest thing you’ve done so far?
Get married! It was the biggest jump of my life. But what I love is, is that this jump will never end. It’s a thrill I get to enjoy forever. All my other stunts are over in a flash.

What gets AK so high in life?
I know where the ground is!

Your elixir of youth ...
Live life like a child. Our bodies are our temples. Keep your temple clean and cared for and you’ll look as young as the Chinese ...

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Interviews, Kambakkht Ishq

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Sajid Nadiadwala and the team of Kambakkht Ishq will party at a suburban five-star hotel night club tonight.

Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Sajid will raise a toast to their film, and it's super duper opening at the box-office. Also, it is Sajid's wife Wardha's birthday today, so it's a double celebration.

Akshay, who is a close friend of Sajid, is helping organise the bash, as the producer is feeling under the weather. Almost the entire industry is being invited along with Sajid's best friend Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, to all of Akshay's heroines including Deepika Padukone with her beau Ranbir Kapoor, Lara Dutta and Karisma Kapoor."

Akshay affirms, "It's a party to celebrate the success of Kambakkht Ishq. Kareena, Sajid and I are hosting it together. But it's not just a celebration for the film but also for our film industry which suffered losses worth Rs 250 crore because of the multiplex strike. It's good that films like New York and Kambakkht Ishq are doing well. It's great news for our industry."

Sajid is not deterred by the poor reviews. "I am thrilled with the great opening. Out of the seven films I've produced, all except Jaan-E-Mann, went on to become blockbusters in spite of getting poor reviews. Jaan-E-Mann, which got four stars, didn't do well. Kambakkht Ishq has grossed Rs 30 crore in the first three days! Akshay has been organising the party as I haven't been keeping too well."

Is Sajid's best friend Salman Khan coming? Sajid says, "I have invited Salman and I hope he joins me in our celebration. It would mean a lot to me."

Kareena Kapoor says, "I am excited about the collections of Kambakkht Ishq. I have heard that it is doing much better than New York. I am happy to host a party with Akki and Sajid. I will invite my colleagues personally. After the release of Love Aaj Kal, if it's a hit, Saif and I might throw a party."

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala

0 komentar

Share This Post :

How would you like it if Kareena Kapoor offered to shake a leg with you? Well, the bunch of 400 men present at a special screening for ‘men only’ of her latest film Kambakkht Ishq sure loved the idea.

As Kareena plays a hard-to-get woman in the film, she decided that attending a screening of the film just with boys would be a lot of fun. So on Friday afternoon she set out to implement her crazy idea.

A source close to Kareena says, “When Bebo shared the idea with a few of us, we seemed unsure whether she actually should do it or not. A theatre packed with guys and Bebo in the middle of it sounded risky.”

Well, the screening went smoothly... until Kareena offered to dance with a guy who performed the best to her song, ‘Bebo mein Bebo’. Our source reveals, “That’s when all hell broke loose. It was unbelievable how the entire pack broke into a jig to seek Kareena’s attention. Imagine 400 guys dancing for Kareena, all at the same time.”

With the pandemonium that followed, Kareena was whisked away to safety soon. The actress says, “It was great fun. If the clamour got at bit out of hand, well, so be it.”

Labels: Bollywood News, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor

0 komentar

Share This Post :

Believe it or not, a KAMBAKKHT ISHQ mania has swept across the nation. The film has opened to an overwhelming response and at the end of Day 1, it was clear that the film would surpass the opening weekend business of SINGH IS KINNG and at places, would be at par with GHAJINI, especially in North India. In fact, the film could well turn out to be Akshay's biggest opener so far. While the industry response is mixed [like always… what's new about it?], the audience feedback is very positive.

Labels: Akshay Kumar, Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala, Trade

0 komentar

Share This Post :