NAYAK
Sri Surya Movies’ Nayak is a political thriller and a crusade against corruption, with a novel concept of a one-day chief minister. A simpleton TV news reporter, in the course of his job, interviews the chief minister of his state who challenges him (reporter) to take over as the CM for a day and show what he can achieve. The reporter accepts the challenge and, during his one-day stint as the chief minister, not only dismisses the corrupt in the government, but also manages to collect a grandiose amount as sales tax in a single day. In the end, he also gets the corrupt chief minister and other ministers arrested. The people of the state see a hero in the one-day CM.
As the government of the corrupt CM falls, mid-term polls are announced and the one-day hero is forced by the public to contest elections. He relents after a lot of persuasion, and is elected the new chief minister. He continues his crusade to expose the corrupt and bring them to book but has to face a lot of hurdles in the way, including the murder of his parents. Ultimately, he masterminds a plan to bring to book the ex-chief minister who has made life miserable for him.
The film, a remake of Tamil blockbuster Mudhalvan, has novelty for the audience but the drama has been handled in so simplistic a manner that although it gives thrill when it is happening, it looks rather unbelievable once it is over. Firstly, to show that a CM can achieve so much in a single day is far-fetched and unrealistic. Even if that were taken as a cinematic liberty, the CM issuing dismissal orders to all and sundry raises the obvious questions: who will fill the vacant posts and what is the guarantee that the new incumbents will not become corrupt? So while the entire drama of dismissing the corrupt is extremely enjoyable, the film offers no permanent solution to the problem of corruption. Had the punishment for corruption been shown to be frighteningly severe, it would have made a more dramatic impact on the viewer. Mere dismissal looks too minor a punishment in the scheme of things.
After the TV hero becomes the elected chief minister, the only worthwhile new thing he does is the putting up of complaint boxes in every area, a scheme that becomes very successful. Although he continues his fight against corruption, the impact then is far lesser and less exciting than what it was when he was the CM for a day. In that sense, the crescendo has been reached in the first half while the latter half pales in comparison. The second part of the film becomes a personal vendetta drama more than a fight against corruption which the film professes to be.
This is not to say that the film has no positive points. On the plus side are: The concept and scenes of the one-day CM; the sequence showing the dilemma of the one-day CM when he is approached for contesting elections and the (excellent) final resolution of the dilemma; his elevation almost to the status of God (his abhishek — people bathing him with milk because there’s no water at hand); his parents’ death in a bomb explosion and his emotional outburst thereafter. Several scenes are worthy of evoking claps from the audience. But it is also a fact that while the first half is very enjoyable, the second half has several dull moments.
Coming to individual sequences, one of the most important sequences in the film — the live interview of the CM — could have been handled more artistically. Politicians are adept at handling difficult questions smartly and this CM also does so, but after giving himself out completely. While all this can be explained as exaggerated reactions, they gel less with the mood of the film because the issue is too serious to be treated with such frivolity. Yet another unbelievable aspect is that the TV reporter manages to get sound bytes of the CM so easily — sound bytes which any reporter would die to get! Furthermore, to expect the CM to be so naive as to openly reveal his evil designs to the conscientious police commissioner during the chakka jaam sequence is rather strange. More so because on the one hand, the CM is shown to be terribly corrupt (he has assets worth Rs. 500 crore) and on the other, he is shown to be almost an idiot! No shrewd and corrupt guy can be so idiotic.
The film’s biggest drawback is, therefore, that while some things are too realistic, others are just as unrealistic and unbelievable. So, while the film claims to present reality and tackle real issues, it takes too many liberties wherever and whenever convenient.
Climax is abrupt and the lack of action in it is jarring. Dialogues are fantastic at places.
Anil Kapoor does a splendid job as the reporter-turned-chief minister. He looks every inch the character he plays and shines in emotional and dramatic scenes. Rani Mukerji acts ably but has a small role. Amrish Puri makes an effective villain but he too gets limited scope. Paresh Rawal is superb. His simplicity is his biggest asset. His dialogues are very effective. Johny Lever’s comedy entertains till it becomes repetitive. Saurabh Shukla does a fair job. Shivaji Satam is natural. Pooja Batra has no scope. Neena Kulkarni is fabulous as Anil’s mother and so is Anil’s father. Sushmita Sen and Ahmed Khan impress in a dance. The rest of the cast lends admirable support.
Shankar’s direction could have been better at places. His inept handling at times becomes conspicuous as unrealistic and unbelievable things happen in this serious issue-based drama. Music (A.R. Rahman) is a major minus point of the film. Except for ‘Mitwa’ and ‘Shakalaka’ songs, the other numbers are too boring to be true. Although song picturisations, especially ‘Saiyyan’ and ‘Tu achchha lagta hai’, are heavenly and also novel, the impact is half-lost due to the boring tunes. Both the songs can easily be cut to half their size. Action scenes (Kanal Kannan) are well composed and look rich. The mud fight has special appeal. Computer graphics are superb. K.V. Anand’s camerawork is marvellous. Background score is effective. Production values are just too grand. Editing is loose at places. The film could do with deletion of at least 10 to 15 minutes’ length. Other technical values are of a good standard.
On the whole, Nayak will score in Bombay (excellent), Maharashtra, U.P. and Bihar on the strength of mass patronage mainly. But in the other parts, especially in Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, C.P. Berar (Madhya Pradesh part), C.I. and Rajasthan, it may not do the trick even if it picks up after the average start since it does not have enough entertainment value for everyone (ladies and families). Considering the high price at which it has been sold, it will put many of its distributors to losses. The lack of political awareness and disinterest in politics among the general public will further mar its prospects.
Released on 7-9-2001 at Novelty and 21 other cinemas of Bombay thru Raksha Distributors. Publicity: excellent. Opening: very good. …….Also released all over. Opening was very good in U.P., Bihar, parts of C.P. Berar and South, but below the mark in Gujarat, Delhi, Bengal, C.I. and Rajasthan (also affected adversely due to change in show-timings, forced by shuttling of prints which were in short supply).
LATEST POSITION
Lajja has done well initially in parts of Maharashtra, U.P., East Punjab and Bihar and in Rajasthan but is not up to the mark in other circuits. 1st week Bombay 67,97,678 (78.59%) from 12 cinemas (9 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 21,28,018 from 6 cinemas (3 unrecd.), Vapi 7,75,624 from 2 cinemas, Rajkot 3,25,061 (1 in matinee unrecd.), Jamnagar 1,37,964 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee); Pune 16,06,753 from 5 cinemas (1 in matinee), Solapur 2,71,653 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee); Delhi 83,11,476 (66.74%) from 14 cinemas; Kanpur 6,33,072 from 2 cinemas, Lucknow 9,65,025 from 2 cinemas, Agra 4,04,090, Allahabad 3,10,000, Bareilly (6 days) 1,77,063; Calcutta 27,57,371 from 11 cinemas; Nagpur 9,39,069 from 4 cinemas, Jabalpur 2,50,251, Amravati 3,14,406, Akola 2,46,250, Raipur (6 days, gross) 3,23,975, Durg 1,25,322, Jalgaon 2,36,279, Wardha 1,33,496, Rajnandgaon (6 days) 1,15,877, Yavatmal 1,37,721; Indore 2,35,465 (3 on F.H.); Jaipur 12,67,669 (63.17%) from 3 cinemas, Ajmer (29 shows) 1,41,114, Bikaner 2,08,352; Hyderabad (gross) 34,98,143 from 10 cinemas. Total 3,37,74,237 from 91 cinemas.
………….
Dil Chahta Hai continues its victory march in cities of Bombay circuit. 4th week Bombay 56,41,564 (80.14%) from 15 cinemas (7 on F.H.), total for 4 weeks 2,48,80,160; Pune 15,50,492 from 3 cinemas, Solapur 93,218; Delhi 30,27,892 from 9 cinemas (1 on F.H.); Kanpur (6 days) 93,316 from 2 cinemas, Lucknow 3,68,023, Agra 1,60,000, Allahabad 62,500; Calcutta 2,52,034; Nagpur 31,887, Jabalpur (6 days) 31,447, Amravati 63,026, Akola 34,418, total 2,78,902, Raipur (6 days) 50,617, 2nd week Yavatmal 40,806; Bhopal 80,468 (1 unrecd.); Jaipur 1,04,879 (17.36%); Hyderabad (gross) 5,81,398 from 3 cinemas (1 in noon).
Gadar Ek Prem Katha 12th week Bombay 14,14,270 (55.21%) from 7 cinemas (10 on F.H.), total for 12 weeks 5,79,54,996; Ahmedabad 1,64,915 from 3 cinemas, Vapi 1,02,736, Rajkot 80,580 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee); Pune 6,20,125 from 4 cinemas, Solapur (matinee) 42,660; Delhi (TF) 34,35,408 from 14 cinemas (1 on F.H.); Kanpur (6 days) 1,37,555 from 2 cinemas, Lucknow 2,02,749, Agra 1,55,000, Allahabad 59,700, Bareilly 80,895; 11th week Calcutta 56,302; 12th week Nagpur 70,842, Jabalpur (6 days) 72,971, 4th week Kamptee 46,540, total 3,23,128, 12th week Amravati 55,738, Akola 77,223, total 18,90,090, share 14,66,140, Raipur (6 days) 49,418, Jalgaon 71,990, total 22,50,205, Chandrapur 45,081, total 17,78,484, share 13,00,000; Indore 95,471, Bhopal 1,05,600; Jaipur 1,32,285 (22.61%), Ajmer (gross) 1,05,737.
50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAXMI, BHOPAL
The 50th anniversary of Laxmi Talkies, Bhopal was celebrated this week by its managing director, Jaikishan Lalchandani. Mayor of Bhopal, Bibha Patel, was the chief guest. She lit the traditional lamp to inaugurate the function and was assisted by Congress leader Rajkumar Patel. The last show of the day of Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai was thrown open to the public for free. The film’s print was supplied by J.P. Chowksey.
BHAPPI SONIE PASSES AWAY
Well-known Hindi film producer and director Bhappi Sonie passed away on 5th September in Bombay. At the time of his death, he was on the operation table, undergoing a heart bypass surgery at Nanavati Hospital. He was 73 and is survived by his wife, son Shakti and daughters Sagarika and Malvika.
Bhappi Sonie made his directorial debut in 1960 with the Sunil Dutt – Waheeda Rehman starrer, Ek Phool Char Kante. His notable films include Janwar (1965), Brahmachari, Jheel Ke Us Paar, Pyar Hi Pyar, Tum Haseen Main Jawan, Bade Dil Wala (1984), Sasti Dulhan Mahenga Dulha, Khoon Ka Karz and Nishchaiy. The last two named films were only produced by him. His last film, Tere Pyar Ki Kasam, starring Sanjay Dutt and Sunil Shetty, is currently under production. It is being directed by Mahesh Manjrekar.
His chautha is being held this evening (8th September) between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Arya Samaj, Linking Road, Santacruz (West), Bombay.
SURINDER KAPOOR FINE
Producer Surinder Kapoor, who had been recently discharged from hospital, was admitted to Nanavati Hospital in Bombay again, earlier this week. He was discharged on 6th and is recovering at home. His test reports are normal.
IMPAA AGM, ELECTIONS
The annual general meeting of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association will be held on 21st September in Bombay. At the conclusion of the AGM, a new executive committee will be elected. Sixteen members will be elected in the Ordinary Class while 5 members will be elected in the Associate Class-I. The nominees, numbering 22, in the Ordinary Class are A. Krishnamurti, Anil Ganguly, B.S. Shaad, Dimppy Ramdayal, Jyotin Goel, K.D. Shorey, Kulwant Jaani, Madan Mohla, Mahendra Bohra, N.R. Pachisia, Pawan Kumar, Priti Sapru, Rono Mukerji, Saawan Kumar Tak, Sayed Waris Ali Rizvi, Sharukh Mirza, Shiv Kumar, Shiv Kumar (Lala) Damani, Smita Thackeray, Thakur Tapssvi, Vinay Kumar Sinha and Vinod Kumar Verma. The nominees in the Associate Class-I (total 12) are Anand Girdhar, Dara Singh, Darshan Sabharwal, Dimppy Ramdayal, Johny Bakshi, Kant Kumar, Nilu Gavankar, Saakshi Thakur, Satish Khanna, Shakti Samanta, Surjit Aujla and Sushama Shiromanee.
Dimppy Ramdayal will contest either from the Ordinary Class or the Associate Class-I. He will withdraw his nomination from the Class from which he will not contest.
NO CUSTOMS DUTY ON EXPOSED NEGATIVE
Following a representation made by the AMPTPP, the union finance ministry has, vide notification dated 3rd September, abolished customs duty on (i) cinematographic films, exposed but not developed, and (ii) recorded magnetic films used for producing TV serials, with retrospective effect from 1st March, 2001. It may be recalled that Bombay customs had been levying customs duty on exposed film brought back by Indian units after shooting abroad.
Those who’ve paid the duty can claim refund under the said notification.
CINEMA RE-BUILT
Huma Talkies at Kanjur Marg, Bombay reopened on 7th September with Nayak. The cinema has been completely re-built. The new seating capacity is 150 and the admission rate is Rs. 50.
Two more cinemas are likely to come up in the same complex in the near future.
VINOD KHANNA APPOINTED SHIPPING BOARD CHAIRMAN
Vinod Khanna has been appointed chairman of the Shipping Board by prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. The post has the status of a minister of state.
YOU ASKED IT
Do you think, Kamal Haasan’s Abhay will get a good opening? The film’s advertisements in newspapers look attractive?
– If the audience is as observant as you are, the film should take a good initial!
Hema Malini, Rekha and Jaya Prada from South India made the Bombay film industry their main work station. But now, Hindi film heroines are in demand in the South. Any specific reason?
– The world is becoming a much smaller place and exchange between states is common. It is just a coincidence that a South Indian actress is not making it in Bombay filmdom, but Aishwarya Rai is a South Indian.
How has a religious film like Shirdi Sai Baba been released during the shraddh period considered inauspicious?
– Only Sai Baba can answer that question!
MIX MASALA
SLEEPLESS!
Over the past two weeks, one has heard nothing but distributors complaining of losing sleep. And not because they have lost heavily in their recent releases of the last 90 days — that’s a nightmare that comes later. The reason that is turning the distributors into owls at night is the delivery hassles that the past two weeks’ releases have run into. Some of the distributors of Lajja were last week stationed in Hyderabad to take delivery from Rainbow Lab and could not sleep for two nights due to the tension. This week, some prints of Nayak were not ready and the affected distributors had to spend at least two sleepless nights! Said one harassed distributor, “Meri to bilkul neend hi haraam ho gayee hai. Ab yeh delivery ho jaaye to bas aesa sounga ki 18-20 ghante uthoonga hi nahin!” Yawn!
DO YOU KNOW?
* GADAR collected 73,662/- in 1st week at Galaxy cinema, Naroda (Ahmedabad) after running for 10 weeks in the nearby Anand cinema. It collected 33,846/- in 10th last week at Anand, Naroda. The handsome collection at Galaxy, which is at a walking distance of just 5 minutes from Anand, was, perhaps, because the cinema is air-conditioned and has a good sound system.
3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment
Delivery: The Real Pain
As if the delivery hassles for distributors of Lajja last week weren’t enough, distributors of Nayak, too, had to face problems this week. The trouble this time arose not because of any fault of the producer or laboratory but because the quantity of prints that had to be made was increased at the last moment, thanks to demand for more prints from distributors of the various circuits. Prasad Laboratory in Madras was not geared up for this sudden order for additional prints, totally numbering over 40. The positive stock also was not available in Madras at short notice. To compound matters, the printing machine in the laboratory developed a snag. All this led to the cancellation of the film’s release in several cinemas on Friday (7th September). Some cinemas managed with shuttling of prints. Most of the cinemas, which did not get the prints, will now start screening Nayak from Sunday (9th). West Bengal distributor Sanjay Roy flew to Madras with Boney Kapoor (who helped sort out matters, having been the person who looked after the business of Nayak) and was there on Friday too, waiting for his prints, unlike the other distributors who were not in Madras but who were, all the same, waiting for their prints.
Sanjay Roy — The Real Hero
Sanjay Roy must have created a record of sorts this week. All the three films released on 7th September have been distributed in West Bengal by Roy. While Nayak and Shirdi Sai Baba opened in his circuit on Friday, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya is due in West Bengal next week. After the stupendous success of his Gadar Ek Prem Katha, Sanjay Roy is the hottest buyer for West Bengal. Of course, the three aforesaid films were all prior commitments.
The Roshan Show
Rakesh Roshan completed 52 years of age on 6th September and he celebrated his birthday with a grand party at Athena. The invitees were all close friends and must say, the attendance was fabulous. The birthday boy, his wife, son Hrithik and daughter-in-law Sussane played perfect hosts, looking after the guests who had a ball of a time, wining, dining and dancing.
Javed ‘Wins’ A Home
Javed Akhtar is not just a good writer and lyricist, he is also an exceptionally wonderful speaker. With his honest speech last week in Bhopal, the man of words moved the people of Bhopal to tears! Javed, who had his college education in the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, had been invited by the people of Bhopal and felicitated there recently. In the course of his speech, he recounted his years in college and confessed that he didn’t have a home to live in in those days in Bhopal. So emotional was his narration that several in the audience had tears rolling down their cheeks. MP chief minister Digvijay Singh, who was present at the felicitation function, was moved in a different way. After Javed Akhtar’s emotional speech, the chief minister offered him a house anywhere he desired in Bhopal. That was Digvijay Singh’s way of repaying Javed for having brought fame to Bhopal and also of making good Javed’s feeling of homelessness then. Needless to add, while the chief minister made this announcement, it was the writer’s turn to become emotional.