Raksha Bandhan released on August 11 and reviews have been dropping in for the film already. Fans have called it the best performance of Akshay Kumar in his career.
HIGHLIGHTS
Raksha Bandhan released on August 11.
Twitter reviews are in for the Akshay Kumar-starrer.
Fans have lauded the actor’s performance.
Raksha Bandhan is finally here! We are talking about Akshay Kumar’s film which released in the theatres on August 11. It was one of the most anticipated films of the year, and it clashes with Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha. Also starring Bhumi Pednekar in the lead role, Raksha Bandhan’s Twitter reviews are out. Fans have only good things to say about the film.
ABOUT RAKSHA BANDHAN
Directed by Aanand L Rai, Raksha Bandhan stars Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar. It also features Sadia Khateeb, Sahejmeen Kaur, Smrithi Srikanth and Deepika Khanna. The movie clashes with Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha in theatres today, August 11. The film is produced by Zee Studios, Colour Yellow Productions and Cape of Good Films and jointly written by Himanshu Sharma and Kanika Dhillon. The storyline follows Lala Kedarnath, the eldest and only brother of four sisters, who runs a chaat shop that was started by his father. Lala promises his frail mother on her deathbed that he will get married only after he fulfills the responsibility of marrying his sisters into suitable homes first. What follows is Lala’s relentless efforts of getting his sisters married while upholding his family values.
Aamir Khan’s film Laal Singh Chaddha has taken a slow start at the box office.
HIGHLIGHTS
Laal Singh Chaddha stars Aamir Khan in the lead role.
The film has taken a slow start at the Indian box office.
Laal Singh Chaddha also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mona Singh in pivotal roles.
Aamir Khan starrer Laal Singh Chaddha has hit the theatres and has opened to a mixed response. The film, also starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mona Singh, is an official adaptation of Forrest Gump. As per early estimates released by Box Office India, the film has taken a slow start. The morning shows have reportedly seen a 15-20% occupancy, which is a worrying figure for an Aamir Khan film. The opening day figures are pegged to be between 10-15 crore, with the maximum buzz coming from metro cities.
LAAL SINGH CHADDHA TAKES A SLOW START
The film was written by Atul Kulkarni and directed by Advait Chandan. Laal Singh Chaddha is reportedly performing better in Delhi NCR and South on Day one. Mumbai, West Bengal and East Punjab too have seen a positive occupancy rate. The buzz is picking up in Punjab given that Aamir plays Sardar in the movie. However, the mass belts which includes UP and Bihar is relatively dull. The recently released Ek Villain Returns showed better buzz in these areas, as per BO reports.
ABOUT LAAL SINGH CHADDHA
Laal Singh Chaddha faced a lot of controversy even before its release. There was a Twitter trend on boycotting the film, over statements made by Aamir and Kareena in the past. Aamir has even apologised to the audience and requested them to watch the film in the theatres.
As per the initial audience reaction, the film got divided reviews. While a action is all praise for the film and its heartwarming story, another section can’t seem to enjoy Aamir’s performance.
Shabaash Mithu is off to a slow start at the box office. The film stars Taapsee Pannu in the lead role as Mithali Raj.
HIGHLIGHTS
Taapsee Pannu plays the role of former Indian’s women cricket team captain Mithali Raj in Shabaash Mithu.
Shabaash Mithu is off to a slow start at the box office on Day 1.
The film has been directed by Srijit Mukherji.
Taapsee Pannu is seen playing the role of former Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj in Shabaash Mithu. The film was released in theatres on July 15, 2022. Shabaash Mithu has garnered a lot of positive reviews from the audience. However, the movie failed to witness a huge footfall in cinema halls. Directed by filmmaker Srijit Mukherji and written by Priya Aven, Shabaash Mithu is a coming-of-age story of women’s cricket in India through the lenses of Mithali.
SHABAASH MITHU BOX OFFICE COLLECTION
As per early estimates, Shabaash Mithu collected less than a crore on day 1 of its release. The first-day collection for the film stands at around 0.80 crore, which is less than Hit: The First Case starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra. Both the films were released on the same day.
TAAPSEE TOOK INSPIRATION FROM CHAK DE
Earlier, during an interview, Taapsee Pannu mentioned that she took inspiration from Shah Rukh Khan’s Chak De for Shabaash Mithu. ” For Shabaash Mithu especially, there were so many times I used to tell my colleagues, the girls who were acting with me, that we should watch Chak De before we started filming our climax to get into that zone. That really helps,” she told IndiaToday.in, in an exclusive chat.
Hit: The First Case stars Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra. The film has garnered a positive response. However, it is off to a poor start at the box office.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hit: The First Case stars Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra.
The film is a Hindi remake of a Telugu film by the same name.
The first day box office collection for Hit: The First Case has been poor.
Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra star together for the first time in Hit: The First Case. The film hit the theatres on July 15, 2022. The crime-thriller has received a mixed response from the audience. Despite this, the movie is off to a poor box office start, as per early estimates. Hit: The First Case is directed by Sailesh Kolanu. HIT THE FIRST CASE BOX OFFICE COLLECTION
As per the early records available from trade analysts, the Rajkummar Rao starrer had an opening day of Rs. 1.40 crore (approx). The figure is less than Rajkummar’s last release, Badhaai Do [also starring Bhumi Pednekar], which collected approximately Rs 1.60 crore on day 1 of its release. However, the film has done better business than Taapsee Pannu’s Shabaash Mithu.
ABOUT HIT THE FIRST CASE
The film is an official Hindi remake of a 2020 Telugu language film of the same name. The Telugu film was produced by Prashanti Tipirneni and starred Vishwak Sen and Ruhani Sharma. The Hindi remake has been produced by T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar, Dil Raju, Krishan Kumar, and Kuldeep Rathore. The Telugu film will see a second part soon.
In Hit: The First Case, Rajkummar plays the role of a police officer who suffers from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The actor has been garnering a lot of praise for his performance. About performing scenes involving PTSD, Rajkummar told IndiaToday.in that it took a mental toll on him. He shared, “it did get mentally very taxing, and physically also, because there were scenes which were pretty long. And you can’t just be like doing ‘ha ha hee hee’, and then action and you’re in that zone. So for me, especially while shooting such scenes, I need to prepare.
Fans are loving Akshay Kumar’s Samrat Prithviraj. Twitterati have shared their first review of the film and have declared it a blockbuster.
HIGHLIGHTS
Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chillar’s Samrat Prithviraj was released on June 3.
Fans are sharing raving reviews of the film.
Many have declared it a blockbuster.
The day is finally here! Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chillar’s Samrat Prithviraj releases today, June 3 and the first reviews are out. Loyal fans took to Twitter and shared that they absolutely loved the film. The Akshay-starrer narrates the life story of legendary warrior king Prithviraj Chauhan.
SAMRAT PRITHVIRAJ TWITTER REVIEW
Fans have taken to Twitter and lauded Akshay Kumar’s Samrat Prithviraj. While Akshay essays the role of the legendary warrior who fought courageously against Muhammad of Ghor. Manushi Chhillar plays King Prithviraj Chauhan’s beloved, Sanyogita.
SAMRAT PRITHVIRAJ GOES TAX-FREE IN UP, MP, UTTARAKHAND
Ahead of the film’s release, Akshay Kumar arranged a special screening for Home Minister Amit Shah, who praised the film. On June 2, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has watched the film and has declared it tax-free in the state. A special screening of the film was held by Akshay and Manushi Chillar in Lucknow. Soon after the UP CM’s announcement, Samrat Prithviraj was also declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani’s film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, is going strong at the box office. According to trade reports, it has minted more than Rs 98.57 crore in just eight days.
Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani-starrer Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 has attracted crowds to cinema halls. After a not-so impressive performances of some Bollywood films, this horror-comedy has managed to impress the audience finally. The film has been declared a hit. Directed by Aneez Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 opened to raving reviews on May 20. According to trade reports, the film has collected more than Rs 98 crore in eight days.
BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2 BOX OFFICE COLLECTION
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 had a record-breaking first day at thhe box office. The film opened to good reviews, and it is going strong after a week of its release. According to a report in boxofficeindia.com, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 collected more than Rs 6 crore nett at the box office. There was a drop in the morning collection but it saw a rise post the afternoon shows,as the film continues to do excellent business in the Hindi belts.
The Anees bamee-directorial is about to cross the Rs 100-crore mark now.
ABOUT BHOOL BHULAIYAA 2
Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 features Kartik Aaryan, Tabu, Kiara Advani and Rajpal Yadav in key roles. The film has been co-produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Murad Khetani and Anjum Khetani. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 released in cinemas on May 20, 2022. The storyline follows Ruhan, a fraud psychic who is brought in to deal with the return of Manjulika in the Thakur palace. However, he unintentionally aggravates problems. The first part of the film featured Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan in key roles and was a huge hit. Initially set for July 31, 2020, release, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was delayed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
John Abraham’s Attack is moving at a slow pace at the box office. The actioner also stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh.
Attack starring John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Rakul Preet Singh released in theatres on April 1. Directed by Lakshya Raj Anand, the film tells the story of India’s first super soldier. The film is struggling to pull audiences into theatres.
ATTACK: DAY 2 COLLECTION
John Abraham’s Attack had a slow start at the box office on the first day of its theatrical release and crossed just Rs 3 crore. For a commercial film of such production value, the only hope is if the business picks up over the weekend. But, due to competition from SS Rajamouli’s RRR and Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files, Attack is struggling. As per box office reports, the movie minted between Rs 3 to 5 crore on Saturday, April 2.
ABOUT ATTACK PART 1
Attack is an action thriller inspired by true events. Sharing the trailer of Attack Part 1, John Abraham wrote, “INDIA’S FIRST SUPER SOLDIER is here to save the nation! #ATTACKtrailer out now: link in bio #Attack – Part 1 releasing in cinemas worldwide on 1.04.22
Badhaai Do is miles away from its predecessor Badhaai Ho, says our review. The Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar-starrer released today, February 11, in theatres.
Movie Name: Badhaai Do
Cast: Bhumi Pednekar, Rajkummar Rao
Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni
The patriarchal setup of society affects men and women equally. We seldom speak of the former. If a woman is expected to be fair-skinned and adept at handling ghar-grahasti, the man has to assume the role of the provider – strong and all things ‘manly’. In this, a lesbian woman and gay man do not have enough foot space to stand tall – hiding their identity and natural inclinations to fit in. Badhaai Do gives us two such characters, Shardul (Rajkummar Rao) and Sumi (Bhumi Pednekar), and tries to weave a story about how these two ‘misfits’ fit in with the help of each other. Almost like a ball and socket joint.
Bhumi’s Sumi is a PE teacher and a lesbian. Rajkummar as Shardul is a police officer, and gay. She gets sunaoed for taking up a ladko wala profession jiski tuition bhi nahi hoti, and he lives under the constant fear of being exposed. A gay man in uniform is a sitting duck, he will be teased, taunted, humiliated. And as Onir’s ongoing fight will tell you, doesn’t even exist! Their worlds collide when a boy, posing as a woman on a same-sex dating app, meets with Sumi and confidently asks ‘aapne kabhi ladko se try ne kiya? Karlo humare saath, girlfriend banne ko nahi bol raha hoon.’
As a cisgender woman watching these piercing humiliations being thrown at our protagonist, I squirm. And perhaps that’s what director Harshavardhan Kulkarni was going for. More than the protagonists of the story, he wanted to bring to the fore the jibes, insults and humiliations we throw, knowingly or unknowingly, at another human being just for being slightly different from our world view. And in the process, sensitise us. But he doesn’t succeed all the way.
Like a leech, Bollywood sometimes holds on to certain themes and just doesn’t want to let go. Of course, we’ve come a long way from Dostana or even Student Of The Year, but then there’re films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan or Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh, already at our disposal. Harshavardhan Kulkarni introduces the concept of ‘marriage of convenience’ into the mix, which is what gives the film something fresh.
Humour is always the go-to weapon when telling such off-beat stories targeted at the aam janta. The argument is that ‘we want to make people aware while we entertain them’. Humour, satire and sarcasm all came into existence at a time when talking straight would cost you your head. After September 2018, when homosexuality was decriminalised in India, humour shouldn’t have been Bollywood’s stand. It need not hide behind the garb of jokes to tell these stories and instead should have gone head-on to portray them as a slice-of-life film. But it is still, and that will always remain problematic.
In fact, Shardul, a gay man himself, calls himself ‘Homo Cop’, a reference to RoboCop. At his most vulnerable moment, him saying this is him expressing his deepest pain, we get it. But somewhere it makes us squirm again. Similarly, when he assumes the ‘manly’ role even in his make-belief marriage with Sumi. What are we trying to awaken if we’re gulping sleeping pills simultaneously?
And sometimes, in the hearty laugh that the audience is served, the message gets lost. And we feel that’s what happened with Badhaai Do. Alright, you can say ‘those who understood, understood’, but then if that were the case, why take the massy entertainer route?
In terms of performances, there’s little to fault in Rajkummar Rao. He is sheer brilliance on screen. Bhumi Pednekar also does her part. But somewhere remains stuck in the box Bollywood has boxed her in – a feisty woman with a soft core, from Dum Laga Ke Haisha to Toilet: Ek Prem Katha to Shubh Mangal Saavdhan.
Gulshan Devaiah remains a surprise package in Badhaai Do, and in his rather short role, he shines brighter than the sun in the film.
Parting thought? Not that Badhaai Do is bad. It has its heart in the right place, and gives us a real feel-good ending, which is what most movie-going junta hopes for. But did it bring about any change? Even stir something in your heart? We doubt it.
Dhanush, Sara Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar play the lead role in Aanand L Rai’s Atrangi Re. The film is currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.
Movie Name: Atrangi Re
Director: Aanand L Rai
Aanand L Rai is the master of weaving simple emotions into larger-than-life-aspirational storylines. Be it the journey of the free-spirited Tanu in Tanu Weds Manu or Kundan and Zoya’s odd love story in Raanjhana, Rai has always given emotion precedence over any other element in his films. So, it comes as no surprise when he decided to experiment with a new subject and give it his unique layered treatment in his latest offering, Atrangi Re, currently streaming on Disney+Hotstar.
In Atrangi Re, Rai stays true to the title and creates characters and situations that are extremely atrangi – odd. Rinku (Sara Ali Khan) has a habit of running away from her home in search of her lover Sajjad (Akshay Kumar). She believes that he’s waiting for her and the only way to manifest his love is to elope and marry him. Nothing wrong with the idea right? But hold on, Rinky’s family has other plans. They decide to forcefully marry her off to a Tamil Brahmin Vishnu (Dhanush) to basically get rid of her and ensure she never returns.
What follows is a love triangle between Rinky-Sajjad-Vishnu, unlike anything you could imagine. And yes, imagination has a very big place in Atrangi Re’s very tricky premise. There is a massive twist that Rai brings to the table, which turns out to be a pivotal turning point in the narrative.
Atrangi Re is a risk on many accounts. For one, it pairs two veteran actors, Dhanush and Akshay, known for their acting chops, opposite Sara Ali Khan, seemingly still struggling to carve her own niche. It is not so much of a risk for Sara as it is for Akshay. He takes on a character that many A-list actors in his age group would have simply refused (and we’ve heard that a few actually did politely pass on the role.
Akshay’s Sajjad is a quirky, comical, jester, a mad man who conjures up tricks from his circus hat and changes weather with a click of his fingers. Polar opposite to him is the modest Vishnu who is unknowingly caught in a drama he never signed up for. Dhanush is perfectly cast for this part and his performance is easily the strongest point of the film. Sara Ali Khan’s Rinku seems like a part written for the actress. Very similar to her ‘namaskar darshakon’ Instagram series, Rinku too has verbal diarrhoea, a lot of spunk and seems like a time bomb waiting to explode.
Sara walks a very tight rope in trying to balance the garish over-the-top Rinku with her almost childlike vulnerability. It definitely is one of the toughest characters to crack and Sara shines in many scenes where she lets go of the pressures of being in the frame with her seniors or wanting to play to the gallery with the colourful dialogues. The only trick she needs to master as an actor is – a lot of times – less is actually more.
Rai’s screenplay has always been his biggest strength. His characters bring life to even the dullest dialogue. However, in Atrangi Re, the entire film oscillates between the three pillars – Sara, Akshay and Dhanush. It would have been interesting to see supporting characters add more flavour to the storyline. Also, scenes involving Sara’s character and how Dhanush’s Vishnu reacts to her big revelation can feel a bit misconstrued. Watch the film to know why we say so.
Love is the common thread that binds these three characters, but there are several moments where logic and reason are tossed out of the premise for the benefit of adding some melodrama. Also, the pace of the film, especially in the second half, does test your patience immensely.
Atrangi Re is a story of love, loss, grief, trauma and how a person navigates through all this and copes with what life has to offer. The film doesn’t present a linear or singular point of view but lets the audience decide what to make of the choices these characters make in the last 20 minutes of the film. Atrangi Re is Aanand L Rai’s bravest attempt in storytelling, even braver than Zero, given the subject it deals with. It is heartening to see a director show passion about breaking new ground and experimenting with format and style, yet stick to his core belief in filmmaking. Atrangi Re deserves a watch for attempting something new. It is risky but also a welcome step in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to embrace the new.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone-starrer 83 has released in theaters today, December 24. Celebs including Alia Bhatt and Karan Johar have shared their review of the film.
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s 83 is the talk of the town. The film, which was earlier scheduled to release in 2020, has been released in the theaters today, December 24. While fans have been busy booking tickets to watch the film, celebrities have already given their review. From Alia Bhatt to Karan Johar, celebs have shared their reviews for Ranveer’s 83.
ALIA, KARAN AND MORE CELEBS LOVE 83
Alia Bhatt loved Ranveer’s performance in 83 and took to Instagram to appreciate it. She wrote, “Phew! 83! Kabir Sir, I have so much to say and still, I have no words. It’s not a movie that can be boxed into a post along with a few adjectives! It’s an experience- a part of history that’s nothing short of magic! There were so many moments when I wanted to clap scream cry and dance at the same time! Pride, joy, unity, friendship, inspiration, I mean the list can go on. You walk out a different person after watching this beautiful beautiful film.
Talking about Ranveer’s performance, she said, “What to say I mean? What are you? Some sort of genius mixture wrapped in with some loaded feeling peppered with magic every few seconds. I’ve said this to you before- your eyes changes!!!!! You don’t act, you live the character! Can’t do can’t do- please go to sleep for years so we can all catch up with your brilliance! Actor to Actor- Thank you for you. To the entire team, Producers, technicians, coaches. Congratulations!!!!! You’ll have created and contributed to what will be a milestone in Hindi cinema.
Suniel Shetty appreciated Ranveer’s transformation and wrote, “Went to watch RanveerOfficial in #83. Couldn’t spot him. There was only #KapilDev on screen. Incredible transformation. I am stunned beyond. A team cast that could’ve walked off Lords. Got gooseflesh like I was reliving ‘83. Still shaken & teary-eyed at the artistry & emotions.
83 stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Jiiva, Pankaj Tripathi, Ammy Virk, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Jatin Sarna, Chirag Patil, Dinker Sharma, Saqib Saleem Nishant Dahiya, Harrdy Sandhu, Sahil Khattar, Ammy Virk, Adinath Kothare, Dhairya Karwa and R Badree. The film is directed by Kabir Khan.
