VASHU BHAGNANI BREAKS HIS WORD!
At last! The producer v/s multiplex battle ended after nine long weeks. There was a flurry of activities as soon as the feud ended. Release dates of many forthcoming films were announced. The first biggie to arrive post-strike is Kal Kissne Dekha (KKD). Releasing tomorrow, the film directed by Bhoothnath’s director Vivek Sharma is a launch pad for newcomers Jackky Bhagnaniand Vaishali Desai. Vaishali is Manmohan Desai’s daughter while Jackky is the son of Vashu Bhagnani who’s also the producer of KKD. The film looks youthful and peppy. It has been aggressively promoted but still, it’s not going to be enough for the film to take a huge opening.
Reasons are many. The promos don’t look exciting at all. Songs are good, but have failed to arouse curiosity. And most importantly, the newcomers, Jackky and Vaishali have miserably failed to create a fan following. Both look cool and smart in the film’s hoardings but unfortunately, didn’t manage to impress the young moviegoing crowd. Compare this to the craze created by Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor during Saawariya. Or for that matter, even Imran Khan during Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na!
Also, the film has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons! There were reports that some producers were unhappy with Bhagnani promoting KKD even when the strike is on. Then rumours came that Bhagnani might side with multiplexes and release his film. And now a week ago another ‘hot news’ appeared that director Vivek Sharma has moved the court against Bhagnani for non-payment of dues. Vivek claims that he has been paid Rs. 51 lakhs only and Bhagnani is not paying him the balance payment of 40 lakhs! But according to Bhagnani, Vivek was to be paid total 61 lakhs and only 10 lakhs was due. He also proclaimed that he’s made some 30 films and would not pay around a crore to a ‘flop’ director even in his wildest dreams. The matter is now in the court but there’s no buzz regarding its verdict.
This also reminds me of Bhagnani’s shocking announcement in mid-March that he won’t be promoting KKD at all! Speaking to BollywoodHungama.com, he said “The song CD is out and the tracks can also be heard and bought online. Apart from this, there won't be any other way that Kal Kissne Dekha will be exposed to audience before its release. There will be hoardings though but even that would be controlled. But if you are asking me about television promos then there would be none. Also, there won't be any radio promotion either.” I had also highlighted about this in my talk no. 41. But better sense prevailed and Bhagnani started promoting the film everywhere! Maybe, Bhagnani felt that no-promotion would endanger his film…after all, KAL KISSNE DEKHA hai!
So I predict that the film would get an average opening and would not manage to attract audiences even during the weekend. I read in a TOI article 4 days back that Bhagnani has spent Rs.35 crores on this film. If this figure is true, then very sorry to say that the film is a sure-shot flop! But still, all my best wishes to the entire team of KKD, including the newcomers Jackky and Vaishali!
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HABIB TANVIR PASSED AWAY
All those who have seen last year’s Subhash Ghai flick Black & White will easily recollect this old adorable man who played the role of Qazi Saab, an octogenarian poet. Unfortunately, Habib Tanvir is no more now. He passed away on June 8 at Bhopal. Tanvir was one of the pioneers of Indian dramatics. He formed his own drama group, Naya Theatre, and went on to give fantastic plays. He even roped in tribals to play a role in his plays. His most famous piece was Agra Bazaar which was first staged in 1954. The play was then staged for 5 decades at different places! Tanvir also acted in films like Mangal Pandey, Gandhi and the recent Black & White. His approach was novel and innovative and he was never scared to experiment. A salaam to this wonderful person and deepest condolences…may his Soul rest in peace!
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SOME MORE NEWS:
Aa Dekhen Zara which had released only in single screens, will now release in multiplexes tomorrow. Those who had missed it earlier can catch the film now!
Aamir Khan’s 20 yr old film, Raakh, which was to hit the screens tomorrow, has been indefinitely postponed or maybe shelved!
(AND CHECK OUT THE PROMO OF IMTIAZ ALI’S LOVE AAJ KAL BELOW; *ING SAIF ALI KHAN AND DEEPIKA PADUKONE!)
