(From our issue dated 30th April, 1994)
SAAJAN KA GHAR
Roopvati Productions’ Saajan Ka Ghar, remake of the Marathi super-hit Maherchi Saadi (which itself was inspired from hits in other languages), is an emotional family drama. It is the story of a girl whose father refuses to even see her face right from the time she is born because he considers her unlucky. But, in fact, she spells luck wherever she goes. Finally, the girl sacrifices her life for the sake of the happiness of her mother-in law, and when her father yearns to see his dead daughter’s face, nature comes in the way. The first half is a tear-jerker and has plenty of emotions for ladies. The film becomes a bit dull after interval and the sentiments then do not manifest them selves as effectively. Dialogues (Adesh K. Arjun) are excellent and some are extremely touching. Comedy track is quite entertaining but it does not have any connection with the story. Climax is effective.
Juhi Chawla is the life of the film and gives a praiseworthy performance as the suffering girl. Rishi Kapoor has less scope but does full justice to his role. Deepak Tijori, as Juhi’s step-brother, plays the sympathetic rebellion with complete conviction and wins the audience’s hearts. Anupam Kher is okay. Bindu is effective and so is Shubha Khote. Farheen does an average job. Kader Khan and Johny Lever entertain to some extent. Aloknath, Mohnish Bahl, Anjana Mumtaz, Beena, Tej Sapru and others support adequately.
Direction is quite good. Had the focus been equally, if not more, on father-daughter as on sister-brother, it would have been better. The ‘bidaai’ song,’ ‘Apni bhi zindagi’, ‘Saawan aaya’ and ‘Nazar jidhar jidhar jaye’ are musically appealing numbers. ‘Dard sahenge’ is good. Song picturisations (Raju Khan and Farah Khan) are eye-catching. Action is appropriate. Photography and other technical values are of good standard. Background music serves to accentuate the emotional impact in the film.
On the whole, Saajan Ka Ghar is a slow starter (except in Bombay) but will pick up by word of mouth, on the strength of ladies audience to prove a paying film.
Released on 29-4-’94 at Minerva and 15 other cinemas of Bombay thru Shringar Films. Publicity: excellent. Opening: very good (1st day Minerva full, Chitra 13,175/-, Bandra Talkies full, Pinky 20,506/-, Kasturba full, Jaya 17,174/-, Kalpana 14,867/-). …….Also released all over.
LATESTPOSITION
Vacation period is aiding the box-office. On the other hand, summer heat is taking its toll.
Anjaam has not been appreciated. Collections started falling after a very good start…..
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Jurassic Park (dubbed) continues to do roaring business. 2nd week Bombay 10,40,055 (78.46%) from 6 cinemas (9 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 3,11,810 from 5 cinemas, Baroda 1,03,507 (89.60%), re cord, 1st week Jamnagar (7 shows) 22,000; 2nd week Kolhapur 60,414 (96.54%), Solapur (14 shows) 38,388, Satara 68,459, Nasik Road 91,874, Malegaon 42,903; Delhi 14,39,098 from 7 cinemas; 1st week Lucknow 1,54,903, 2nd Agra 99,980, Aligarh (shifting) 73,810; 1st week Calcutta 73,794 (98.74%); 2nd Nagpur 1,89,310 from 2 cinemas, Jabalpur 1,00,615, record, Amravati 84,384, Akola 46,500, 1st week Bhilai 1,48,018 from 2 cinemas, 2nd week Chandrapur 45,442 (1st 69,510), 1st week Bilaspur (27 shows) 62,146, record; 2nd Indore (31 shows) 86,400 (100%), theatre record, Bhopal 1,25,453 from 2 cinemas; Jaipur 1,86,948, 1st week Ajmer (29 shows) 68,919, Kota 86,035; 2nd Hyderabad 4,39,928 from 4 cinemas.
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Jurassic Park (English) 2nd week Sterling, Bombay 2,71,530 (100%); Ahmedabad (last) 33,876, Surat 40,260, Baroda 57,970 (76.34%); Kolhapur 24,848 (38.22%), Solapur 29,951, Nasik 51,000; Nagpur 50,397, 1st week Raipur 45,730; 2nd Vijayawada 2,84,124 from 2 cinemas, Visakhapatnam 2,26,336, Rajahmundry 66,742.
DO YOU KNOW?
* ANJAAM has created a theatre record by collecting 1,16,049/- (against 1,25,780/-) in 1st week at Vihar, Baroda.
* ANJAAM has created a theatre record by collecting 68,970/- in 1st week at Rajlaxmi, Amravati.
* JURASSIC PARK (Hindi) has created a theatre record by collecting 1,03,507/- (against a capacity of 1,15,521/-) in 2nd week at Sadhana, Baroda.
* JURASSIC PARK (Hindi) has created a theatre record by collecting 1,45,374/- in 2nd week at Smruti, Nagpur. 1st week was 1,49,905/-.
* JURASSIC PARK (Hindi) has created a theatre record by collecting 50,103/- in 1st week at Rajkamal, Dhulia.
* JURASSIC PARK (Hindi) is the first film to have collected over a lakh (1,00,165/-) in 2nd week at Anand, Jabalpur. Total for 2 weeks: 2,02,050/-, all-time theatre record.
* JURASSIC PARK (Hindi) has created a theatre record by collecting 86,400/- in 2nd week (31 shows) at Sapna, Indore. All shows were full. The cinema was forced to conduct 6 shows on Saturday owing to huge family crowds. Incidentally, the C.I. distributor, in the press publicity of the film, advertises the names of the cinemas as ‘Disneyland’ with the actual name in brackets!
* ANDAZ has created a theatre record by yielding a distributor’s share of 1,70,000/- in 3 weeks at Pratap, Baroda. 3 weeks’ collections:- 1st 87411/-, 2nd 78,292/-, 3rd 65,820/-.
YOU ASKED IT
So many films are exempted from payment of entertainment tax these days. What do you think about it?
– We need complete abolition of entertainment tax.
Which Hindi film has taken the longest time in the making? And which, the shortest?
– LOVE AND GOD took the longest time – more than two decades – in the making. M. Maroof’s MOHABBAT KA MASIHA took the shortest time – 48 hours – and this has qualified it to be entered in the Guinness Book of World Records.
G.P. SIPPY BEREAVED
Sunita J. Uttamsingh, daughter of producer G.P. Sippy, expired in London on 28th April. She was 42. The production and distribution offices of the Sippys remained closed on 29th.
‘TEJASVINI TAX-FREE IN MAHARASHTRA
N. Chandra’s Tejasvini has been granted tax exemption in Maharashtra, for a period of one year. The film is running at tax-free rates from 29th April.
ISHRAT ALI WEDS
Marriage of actor Ishrat Ali with Nigar Sultan was solemnised on April 24 in Bombay. A reception to celebrate the wedding was held the same evening at Vile Parle Club, Juhu. It was well-attended by film personalities.
LALCHAND JANIANI’S SON TO WED
Wedding reception of Harish, son of Lalchandji Janiani of Prem Films, Indore, with Lata will be held on May 6 at Yesh want Club Ground, Indore.
AMRUTA ASSAULTS JOURNALIST
Amrita Singh allegedly attacked film journalist Kanan Divecha on 27th April at the Star & Style office at Juhu, Bombay. Amrita had gone to the office alongwith her husband, Saif Ali Khan, and their secretary, Bhupendra.
The magazine’s editor, Uma Rao, called a press conference on 29th at the Press Club and stated that the apparent provocation for the attack was a story written by Kanan Divecha in Star & Style two years ago, on an “embarrassing encounter” between Amitabh Bachchan and Amrita Singh. According to Uma, Amrita and Saif had sought a meeting with her in the presence of Kanan to clear a recent misunderstanding. While the meeting was on at the office, Amrita suddenly “pounced on Kanan and began strangling her and beating her all over”. Uma added that Saif and Bhupendra were mere spectators to the drama.
Uma tried to set Kanan free from Amrita’s grip and it was only when she failed that Saif and Bhupendra pulled her away from Amrita. It is alleged that later Saif became aggressive.
Both the parties have lodged complaints against each other and a case has been registered in the Santacruz police station.
MISSED THE BUS
Producer Ashok Thakeria has proved unlucky twice in the last eight months. And both the times, with dubbed films!
His distributor-friend, Tolu Bajaj, had suggested that the two of them distribute Roja in partnership in Delhi-U.P. Somehow, the deal did not materialise; Roja went on to become a hit. (It was distributed by another distributor.)
The second time, it was the Hindi dubbed version of Jurassic Park. Once again, Tolu and Ashok decided to buy the film in partnership. And once again, it was not to be. But this time, Tolu Bajaj’s luck favoured him. He bought the film without Thakeria’s partnership. Jurassic Park, needless to add, is a blockbuster.
Moral of the story: If it’s a dubbed film now, and if the offer is from Tolu Bajaj, Thakeria must simply nod in agreement.
‘Krantiveer’ Complete
The entire shooting of Mehul Movies P. Ltd.’s Krantiveer, a Dinesh Gandhi presentation, produced and directed by Mehul Kumar, has been completed following a 22-day marathon schedule which concluded on April 27. The last schedule was held at R.K. Studios, Chandivali, Filmistan, Natraj and Kamaal Amrohi Studios and at Convent Villa, where the remaining dramatic, action and preclimax scenes were picturised featuring the entire cast. Nana Patekar and Dimple Kapadia head the cast of the film starring Atul Agnihotri, Mamta Kulkarni, Paresh Rawal, Bindu, Farida Jalal, Tinnu Anand, Ishrat Ali, Mukesh Rawal, Rakesh Bedi, Mahesh Anand, Mushtaq Khan, Zubair Khan, K.K. Raaj, Anu Dhawan, Ghanshyam Nayak, Devendra Pandit, Ankush Mohit and Danny Denzongpa. Written by K.K. Singh, it has music by Anand Milind and lyrics by Sameer. Cinematography: Rusi Billimoria. Editing: Yusuf Shaikh. Action: Mansoor. Art: Sunil Singh. The film’s post-production work commences on May 5 with dubbing session.
GENERAL MEETING OF PRODUCERS TOMORROW
The Film Makers Combine has convened a general meeting of all the producers on 1st May at 5.30 p.m. at ISKCON, Juhu, Bombay.
The meeting will discuss the matter pertaining to the video release of feature films vis-à-vis the stand taken by the Film Distributors’ Council. The meeting will also take for consideration other matters affecting the production sector due to the various decisions taken by the FDC.
A.P. GOVT. PLAYING HIDE-N-SEEK WITH FILM INDUSTRY
The Andhra Pradesh government has still not announced the measures it would take to assuage the grievances of the film industry in the state, although it had promised to do so on 11th April, the day the Nandi awards function was to be held. But the function itself was postponed to 30th April. It has been further postponed now and, therefore, the government’s decision on the memorandum of demands submitted by the industry is still not known.
It may be recalled here that the industry had postponed its proposed strike from 1st April, 1994 only due to the assurance given by the government that action would be taken on 11th April.
Garma-Garam
** The set erected at the entrance of Film City for Tutu Sharma’s Raaj kumar is indeed majestic. It must’ve cost Tutu and Vinod Doshi (who presents the film) a huge packet but the encomiums being showered on the castle set by all those who’ve seen the heavenly creation are worth more than the hefty cost. When Tutu invited me to see his set a few weeks back, saying that it was one of the finest sets erected, I thought, he was talking like a typical producer who finds everything he does, the best. But when I saw the set for myself, I had to believe what Tutu said. Art director Nitesh Roy (yes, he had created that talked-about set for 1942 A Love Story, too, at Film City) has done a marvellous job and reportedly, it took him two-and-a-half months and the efforts of 400 workers to build the castle – not in the air, of course! According to me, it is a must-see for everyone in the industry.
** After Khal-nayak, Sanjay Dutt will appear as Nayak. That’s the title of Ramgopal Varma’s new film starring Sanjay. Another film of Varma is titled Rangeela.
** Now that Jurassic Park (Hindi) has become a hit, there must be several distributors who must be cursing themselves. These distributors are those who were offered JP for distribution but refused the offer on one ground or the other. The main fear was that it was an experiment, and not many wanted to take the risk. Those who did take the risk are having the last laugh. Suresh Sikchi (of Anurag Films, Amravati) bought its distribution rights for C.P.C.I. Rajasthan. He then ventured to sell the rights for C.I. and Rajasthan but nobody came forward. He must’ve been nervous for having to release it in the entire circuit but his nervousness has given way to smiles. Tolu Bajaj was undecided till the eleventh hour about whether he should or should not buy it for Delhi-U.P. It was kabhi haan kabhi naa for him. Finally, he clinched the deal and, in the bargain, got a jackpot. Bombay distributor Sharad Doshi was the first to strike a deal with Paramount Pictures. There was no buyer for Bengal, and Sharad Doshi acquired it for part of that territory after seeing the first week’s collections!
** The general meeting of producers, convened by the Film Makers Combine on 1st May, is not a day too early. The FDC’s unilateral decisions about video releases and clearance for new films are creating a lot of confusion in the minds of producers. Besides a solution to the problem, the general meeting can be expected to at least clear the confusion.
3-E
Education-Entertainment-Englightenment
Rishi & Juhi Film Festivals
It’s going to be a virtual Rishi Kapoor film festival beginning this week. Saajan Ka Ghar is the inaugural film followed by Pehla Pehla Pyar next week and Mohabbat Ki Arzoo on 13th May. Close on the heels of these films will come Ghar Ki Izzat, Rishta Ho To Aisa and Premyog. Juhi Chawla’s film festival started with Andaz. Her second film in the festival was Paramaatma, followed by Saajan Ka Ghar this week. Ghar Ki Izzat and Rishta Ho To Aisa will come next.
Ladies First…… And Last
Shringar Films, the Bombay distributors of Saajan Ka Ghar, held free opening shows of the film for ladies only, at various places. Gentlemen were prohibited in such shows, held at Bombay (Minerva and Ashish-Chembur), Kolhapur, Pune, Nasik, Ahmedabad and Surat. The ladies show at Minerva, the main cinema of Bombay, was formally inaugurated by the Mayor of Bombay, Nirmala Samant-Prabha valkar. What’s more, handkerchieves were also distributed free among the ladies audience in these shows. …..At Ashish-Chembur, the crowd of ladies in the special show was so much that they compelled the management to allow them to see the film, sitting on the floor. At Minerva, questionnaires were distributed among the audience for their views on the film. At Kolhapur, a crowd of 5,000 ladies had gathered for the special show (for which tickets were distributed at the ticket-window by a leading corporator) and police had to be summoned to control them.
The Great Studio Project
Producer-director Sanjay Khan is so enamoured of JodhPur that he is game for investing upto Rs.130 crore in a studio project he has in mind, to be built in this picturesque city of Rajasthan. This was revealed by the Khan who was shooting the battle of Panipat for his TV serial, The Great Maratha, at Mandalnath Hills near Jodhpur recently. He said, the studio would cost Rs. 500 crore and he was ready to invest 26% of the project cost if the Rajasthan government provided land at concessional rate, and the financial institutions provided loan at low interest and easy repayment facility. The maker added that he was sure not only of regional film producers of Rajasthan wanting to shoot at the studio, besides those of nearby states of M.P., U.P. and Bihar but also Bollywood producers because the city had wonderful locations and of different kinds.
