TRIPLE CELEBRATIONS IN MEMORY OF L.V. PRASAD

A statue of celebrated filmmaker late L.V. Prasad will be unveiled today (17th January) at Jubilee Hills check post, traffic island in Hyderabad at the hands of Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandra Babu Naidu. The road no. 2 on Banjara Hills will also be renamed as L.V. Prasad Marg today. The honours will be done by B. Satyanarayana Murthy, minister for municipal administration.

A stereo recording theatre will be inaugurated today at Prasad Film Laboratories, Hyderabad, at the hands of A. Madhava Reddy (minister for home and cinematography) and Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

GANESH JAIN’S DAUGHTER TO WED

Rekha, daughter of Ganesh Jain of Venus Record & Tapes, will wed Sidharth on 1st February at CCI East Lawns, Churchgate, Bombay.

SHAMBHU SEN DEAD

Music director Shambhu Sen Jamal Sen, brother of music director Dilip Sen and father of music director Sameer Sen, expired on 13th January in Bombay due to brain haemmorhage. He was 65 and is survived by his wife, three sons (Sameer, Sanjeev and Lalit Sen), two daughters and five brothers (Madan, Tansen, Inder, Nihal and Dilip Sen).

Shambhu Sen had scored music in Mrig Trishna and Banno.

NEW CINEMA

A new air-conditioned cinema, Saaz, will open at Bhandup, a distant Bombay suburb, in March or April ’98. It is controlled jointly by VIP Exhibitors and H.K. Shah.

SHAHID BIJNORI DEAD

Actor Shahid Bijnori, father of actress Shagufta Ali, expired on 10th January in Bombay. He was 57 and had worked in over 100 films including Bahu Begum. He is survived by his wife and Shagufta.

LAXMINARAYAN KAPOOR BEREAVED

Hukumchand Kapoor, son of Laxminarayan Kapoor of Bharti Film Distributors, Indore, expired on 13th January in Indore.

SWAPNALOK, UDAIPUR MAY CLOSE DOWN

The management of Swapnalok cinema, Udaipur, has decided to close the cinema due to non-payment of dues to distributors by the cinema controllers, Mutha Films, Jodhpur. The management has decided to keep the cinema closed till all the dues are paid and no-dues certificates, presented to it.

MARATHI FILM PRODUCERS QUEUE UP FOR AID

About 43 producers of Marathi films have applied to the Maharashtra government for assistance under the new policy of Rs. 15 lakh aid. In an attempt to revive the dying Marathi film industry, the cultural affairs department of the state government abolished entertainment tax on Marathi films last November and also evolved a scheme for grant of aid of Rs. 15 lakh each to 15 producers every year.

A high-level committee comprising nine Marathi film personalities was recently set up to select the 15 good quality scripts. This committee is expected to finalise the 15 names within a month, and financial aid to produce films based on the approved scripts will be disbursed before 31st March, 1998.

The committee comprises Raj Dutt, Sulochana, Vasant Kanekar, Rohini Hattangady, Charudutt Sarpotdar, D.M. Mirasdar, S.N. Navre, Vijaya Mehta and Mohan Agashe, besides cultural affairs secretary Chitkala Zutshi. It has a 3-year term and has the powers to chalk out the criteria for a ‘good film’.

The 43 producers who’ve applied for the aid have all submitted their scripts to the committee for scrutiny. Cultural affairs minister of Maharashtra, Pramod Navalkar, in the meantime, appealed to Marathi film producers and actors who have switched over to Hindi films, to return to Marathi cinema.

YOU ASKED IT

Will Zor and Banarasi Babu be released on 30th January?

– Yes, they can come on Idd. Work is on on a war-footing on the front of both the films. Insiders, however, reveal that at least one of the two will make it on 30th January.

Why did producer Vashu Bhagnani start his Biwi No. 1 without any fanfare?

– One presumes, Vashu did not have a launch party because his close friend, Ramesh Taurani, is under arrest. Vashu is proving to be a friend no. 1.

Why does the audio cassette of ABCL’s Saat Rang Ke Sapne not mention the name of the music director?

– ABCL’s audio cassettes are manufactured and marketed by Gulshan Kumar’s Super Cassettes. Since the music of SAAT RANG KE SAPNE is scored by Nadeem Shravan and in view of the case against Nadeem vis-
à-vis Gulshan Kumar’s murder, the company has preferred not to mention the names of Nadeem Shravan on the inlay cards.

ANNOUNCEMENT & LAUNCHING

Priyadarshan Directs Akshay, Sunil, Tabu In A.G. Nadiadwala’s Film

Producer A.G. Nadiadwala has signed Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty and Tabu to play the lead roles in A.G. Films (P.) Ltd.’s Prod. No. 21, tentatively titled Raftaar. It will be directed by Priyadarshan. The film went on the sets on Jan. 15 with a 10-day shooting schedule. Two songs have also been recorded. They were penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri and set to tune by Anu Malik. Written by Neeraj Vora, the film has in its supporting cast Pran, Asrani, Gulshan Grover, Rakesh Bedi, Sharat Saxena and Paresh Rawal. Cinematographer: Jeeva. Art: Sabu Cyril.

‘Love Today’ Rolls

Producer Mansoor Ahmed Siddiqui launched Anas Films’ Love Today on Jan. 15 at Gemini Studios, Bombay. The launching is being followed by a week-long shooting schedule. Being directed by Rajat Rawail from his own story, the film stars Jackie Shroff, Govinda (special appearance), Raveena Tandon (special appearance), Priya Gill, Vinay Anand, Sadashiv Amarapurkar, Asha Sachdev, Rajoo Shreshtha, Rakesh Bedi, Javed Khan, Maya Alagh, Neeraj Vora, Razzak Khan and Kiran Kumar. Screenplay: Raju Saigal, S.M. Ahale and Sandeep Bhaumick. Dialogues: Javed Siddiqi. Cinematographer: Nirmal Jani. Action: Hanif. Choreographer: Raju Khan. Art: Sunil Singh. Sound: Vinod Potdar. Lyrics: Sameer. Music: Uttam Singh.

DO YOU KNOW?

* ZOR has been offered a fantastic MG for a small station — Adipur — of Saurashtra. The exhibitor has made an offer of Rs. 25,000 more than the total share of GUPT from two nearby small stations viz. Gandhidham and Anjar!

* HMV has devised a different marketing plan for its BADA DIN due for release in Bombay and Calcutta next week. The plan will rely on tremendous participation from students and other prospective viewers. This is being generated by press campaigns, telemarketing and one-to-one interactions at college campuses. The music (Jatin Lalit) of BADA DIN, it must be added, is gaining in popularity day by day.

* Two internationally renowned singers, Boy George and Apache Indian, will appear in two different songs of Bappi Lahiri’s LOVE STORY ’98. Boy George has already recorded an English song in his own voice and even participated in its picturisation in the recent 10-day shooting schedule in London. Apache Indian will participate in a song picturisation in Bombay.

* NFDC’s CHAR ADHYAY may not be able to stick to its scheduled screenings at the ongoing IFFI in New Delhi as it has not been cleared by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. The CBFC objected to a single key scene in the film which is based on Rabindranath Tagore’s 1934 novel. The CBFC cut off a portion of the scene depicting the murder of a woman, because it showed bare flesh, albeit in a flash. Kumar Shahani, the film’s director, also seems to have got into a controversy with the Vishwa Bharati Board which owns the copyrights of all Tagore’s writings and songs. The Board has obtained a stay on the film’s screening on the ground that Kumar Shahani had violated all terms they had agreed upon, barring the financial one. These include okaying the translation of the script by an expert from Vishwa Bharati, having its expert present during the film’s shooting, and obtaining a fresh permission when the film was not completed within the stipulated period of one year. Jaya Bachchan, who has dubbed for heroine Nandini Ghoshal in the film, has urged the registrar of the Vishwa Bharati to withdraw the injunction against the film’s release. She has also resigned as a member of the Vishwa Bharati’s disputes committee.

* Popular television actor Nitish Bharadwaj will be fielded by the BJP from a constituency other than Jamshedpur (from where he won last time) in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. BJP general secretary Pramod Mahajan said in a statement in Bombay that a false impression had been created that Nitish was being denied a BJP nomination.

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Film With Saraswati, Laxmi For The Other

The Zor dispute relating to East Punjab territory has been settled. The film had reportedly been sold to two distributors, Desh Raj and Saraswati Pictures. One hears, Desh Raj has been given Rs. 8 lakh profit. Laxmi for relinquishing the rights!

Signs Of Revival

Mysore circuit has been a dull circuit as far as deals for Hindi films are concerned ever since the Karnataka government abolished the slab system of taxation and introduced 110% entertainment tax for non-Kannada films. In September last year, entertainment tax was brought down to 70% but this reduction didn’t really help distributors because exhibitors proportionately hiked their rents and, consequently, most of the benefit didn’t reach the distributors. Recently, veteran Mysore distributor R.N. Mandre mustered courage and acquired three films at 10% of the major territory’s price. The films are N.N. Sippy’s Silsila Hai Pyar Ka, J. Om Prakash’s next, to be directed by David Dhawan, and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Karisma Kapoor, and Glamour Films’ untitled under-production venture, starring Jackie Shroff, Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, and being directed by K. Sashilal Nair. Let’s hope, these three deals prompt producers to be more reasonable in their prices, and distributors to be more enterprising.

1998: The Year Of Anupam Kher?

1998 may well be an eventful year for Anupam Kher who hasn’t had too many releases in the past two years. To start with, he has Zor and Saat Rang Ke Sapne to look forward to. In Saat Rang Ke Sapne, Anupam is the third angle of the love triangle, the other two being Arvind Swamy and Juhi Chawla. As the year progresses, the audience will see Anupam in Salaakhen (“a lovely film, better than Ziddi,” is how Kher describes it), Jhoot Bole Kauva Katay, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Tips’ Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Tips’ film, directed by Kundan Shah, and, of course, Feroz Khan’s Prem Aggan.

Lucky Day

It is a matter of joy that both the Gujarati films released last week have not only done very well in the first week but have also been appreciated by the audience. Both, Govindbhai Patel’s Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya and Amubhai Patel’s Pardesi Maniyaro are raking in good money at the ticket counters. Yet another regional language film, B.S. Shaad’s Laali (Punjab), is also doing very well in Punjab. Laali, too was released last week. Which means, January 9 was a propitious day for regional language films.

ANNOUNCEMENT & LAUNCHING

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ Goes On Sets

Producer-director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was launched recently in Bombay with an initial 13-day shooting schedule. A song was picturised on Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai. A Jhamu Sughand presentation, the film is being made under the banner of Bhansali Productions and stars Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Aishwarya Rai, Zohra Sehgal, Vikram Gokhale, Smita Jayakar, Rekha Rao, Kenny Desai and Rajeev Verma. Other credits include cinematography by Anil Mehta, art by Nitin Desai, editing by Bela Segal, story by Pratap Karvat and Sanjay Leela Bhansali, screenplay by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Kenneth Philips, music by Ismail Darbar, lyrics by Mehboob, dialogues by Amrik Gill, sound by Jitendra Chaudhary, choreography by Bhushan Lakhandri, Ganesh Hegde and Vaibhavi, action by Sham Kaushal, and costumes by Neeta Lulla and Shabina Khan. Vikram R. Bangera is the executive producer.

RAM B.C. NO MORE

Bombay exhibitor Ram B.C. passed away in his sleep on 6th January at his residence in Bombay. He was 67 and was cremated the same day.

Several years ago, Ram B.C. used to be a leading Bombay distributor and exhibitor with his brother, Shankar B.C. His concerns, Deluxe Pictures and Bombay Pictures Circuit, used to be well-known distribution concerns. In 1963, he started a distribution office in Delhi with Mere Mehboob. The Bombay distribution business was started in 1959 with Yahudi. Among the films distributed by Shankar and Ram B.C. in Bombay and Delhi-U.P. were Amardeep, Dil Ek Mandir, Gunga Jumna, Aradhana, Kati Patang, Upkaar, Shor, Purab Aur Pachhim, Dus Numbri, Sanyasi, Raja Jani, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Talash, Dushmun, Dost and Majboor. The B.C. brothers had also produced Laila Majnu, Chhoti Bahu, Pyar Hi Pyar and Lahu Ke Do Rang. They used to also finance films.

Ram B.C. was born on September 22, 1930. He started his film career in 1948 as a representative. In 1952, he became the manager of Sippy Films. He started exhibition business in 1956 with Broadway cinema, Bombay. At one time, he and his brother controlled as many as 20 to 24 cinemas like Liberty (Bombay), Rupam (Sion, Bombay), Rupam (Ahmedabad), Deepali (Ahmedabad), Prakash (Ahmedabad) and Moti (Bombay) etc. He branched out into the hotel industry in 1969 and owned Hotel Hilltop at the time of his death. He was actively involved in social work and was also a member of the Telephone Advisory Committee.

His funeral on 6th was largely attended by the film trade. Marka on 8th at Warden Road was also very largely attended.

SAHADEV SHAH DEAD

Sahadev Shah, owner of Deepak Talkies, Delisle Road, Bombay, expired on 5th January in Bombay due to heart failure. He was 57.

He was on the advisory panel of the Central Board of Film Certification for many years. He was also a member of the Telephone Advisory Committee. Shah had been a member of the executive committee of the Theatre Owners’ Association. Shah was also associated with a number of other registered trade bodies in various capacities. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

TUTU SHARMA BEREAVED

Jagan Prasad Sharma, father of producer Pradeep (Tutu) Sharma, passed away in a hospital in Jaipur on 3rd January. He had not been well since a fortnight. He was 72 and is survived by his wife, son Tutu, daughter-in-law Padmini (Kolhapure), daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.

Jagan Prasad Sharma had produced a film in 1961. Titled Char Diwari, it introduced Shashi Kapoor as a hero. He was the president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association and was popular in social circles. Rajasthan chief minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, reacting to the demise, said that the passing away of Jagan Prasad Sharma was a personal loss to him.

NASEERUDDIN SHAH BEREAVED

Farrukh Sultan Begum, mother of Naseeruddin Shah, passed away in the early hours of 7th January in Bombay. She was 84 and is survived by three sons, Zaheeruddin, Zamiruddin and Naseeruddin Shah.

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Ramzan Rush!

Releases during Ramzan are usually few. But this Ramzan month, there’s a spate of releases — almost all of which are small films. For such small films, it is a choice between the devil and the deep sea. Either they come in opposition of big films or avoid oppositions and come during the dull Ramzan period when big films are generally not released. Many of the small film producers have opted for avoiding big film oppositions and, therefore, are getting their films during the lax Ramzan month. Have a look at the ‘Releases’ column in this issue and you will agree with us.

Trailer Tattle

There are at least five trailers being currently aired on the various satellite channels, which are catching the fancy of viewers. The trailer of Vicky Kumar and Sanjay Tolani’s Zor makes a zordaar impact, and shows Sunny Deol breathing fire. Salman Khan, Kajol and Arbaaz Khan come as a whiff of fresh air in the musical trailer of Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (the song goes thus: Od lee chunariya maine tere naam ki). The trailer of ABCL’s Saat Rang Ke Sapne is as colourful as colourful can be. The rural atmosphere has been created beautifully. Suspense is the catchword in the trailer of 2001 which, incidentally, boasts of very good music. Ravi Dewan’s maiden directorial venture, Vinashak, gives a ‘good first impression’ through its trailers. And on radio, it is the songs of K.C. Bokadia’s Lal Badshah, which are being liked by listeners.

Happy Shooting Year

While many might consider 1st January a day for relaxation (after the New Year’s eve party?), Karisma Kapoor is pretty superstitious about the first day of the year. She makes it a point to shoot on the New Year’s day every year, whatever the situation, because she considers it to be a good omen for the rest of the year. This year, it was the shooting schedule of N.N. Sippy’s Silsila Hai Pyar Ka which she was participating in from the last week of December, and she requested Sippy to ensure that she faced the camera at least for one shot on 1st January. In 1997, Karisma shot for Dil To Pagal Hai on 1st January. And on 1st January 1996, she shot for Raja Hindustani.

Canteen 420?

The contractor running the canteen at Eros cinema, Bombay, needs to put a check on a couple of his canteenwallahs. For, they don’t hesitate in fleecing the gullible customers who rush for snacks and cold-drinks during interval. As it happened earlier this week with one of the family members of Film Information. He had gone to see Chachi 420 at Eros alongwith his family and ventured (in the crowded foyer) to buy a packet each of vegetable samosas (Rs. 10) and Uncle Chipps (Rs. 15). On giving a Rs. 50 note, he was returned Rs. 20. Not a word was uttered by the guy who gave him the snacks and returned the change. What’s more, the guy had even started attending to other customers. The Information person was about to move from there when he realised, he had got Rs. 5 less. He checked the rates (displayed on a board in the canteen) and again checked the change he had got from the canteenwallah and only then asked him for the balance Rs. 5. It is then that the guy on the counter told him that he didn’t have Rs. 5 change and asked him if he had Rs. 5 so that he could take that and return Rs. 10. Why did the man not say this earlier? Why did he have to wait for the customer to ask for the balance Rs. 5? Your guess is as good as ours. Since Eros has a large clientele of affluent people, there are many who don’t even count the change before putting it into their pockets. It’s really sad that such an incident should have taken place at a prestigious cinema like Eros.

While on Eros, its air-conditioning plant was not working even that day. It’s been in a non-working condition for quite a few days now. Considering that the balcony ticket rate is Rs. 75, isn’t it too much for the air-conditioner to remain switched off — for whatever reasons — for days together?

Political Parodies

Come elections and it’s time for the politicians to use the latest hit film songs to woo voters and to run down their opponents. This time, even hit pop songs are being used by the BJP to poke fun at the Congress. Political parties usually make special audio cassettes of these parodies of hit numbers and distribute them free of charge among voters. The BJP this time is using Altaf Raja’s super-hit qawwali, Tum to thehre pardesi from the album of the same name, to tease Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The parody goes thus: Tum to thehre pardesi/Saath kya nibhaaoge/Pehli flight se Italy chale jaaoge. Another BJP song that’s tipped to be an instant hit (like the film from which it has been inspired) is Dilli to pagal hai.

How’s This Title?

And this one to keep you smiling through the week.

Govinda’s pet name, as everybody knows, is Chi Chi. It is also common knowledge that Govinda’s Aunty No. 1 is inspired from Mrs. Doubtfire, on which is also based Chachi 420. So what should have been the title of Aunty No. 1?

Rattle your brains for a while. If you can’t think of the answer, read this last line:

It should be Chi Chi 420. Howzatt?!?

CLASSIFICATION: 1997
(Total 120 films, including 28 dubbed films)

AAA
(Super-Duper Hit)

BORDER

AA
(Super Hit)

DIL TO PAGAL HAI (‘AAA’ in Bombay, East Punjab & West Bengal)

A1

JUDAAI
HERO NO. 1
ZIDDI

A

VIRASAT (‘A1’ in Bombay)
ISHQ
CHACHI 420 (‘AA’ in Bombay, C.P. Berar)

BB

PARDES (‘A1’ in Bombay)
DEEWANA MASTANA (‘A1’ in Bombay)
JUDWAA (‘A’ in Bombay)
YESHWANT (‘A’ in Bombay)
ANACONDA (dubbed)

B1 to BB

GUPT (‘A1’ in Bombay & Tamilnadu-Kerala; average in some circuits)
BHAI (‘A’ in Delhi-U.P.)
ASTHA

B1

JODIDAR
THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK (dubbed)

B to B1

YES BOSS (‘A’ in Bombay & Nizam)
KAALIA
JUDGE MUJRIM
QAHAR
SHAPATH
KOYLA (‘BB’ in Nizam)
AUZAAR (‘BB’ in Nizam)
DAADAGIRI

B

CHUDAIL (‘BB’ in some circuits)
SURAJ
GHULAM-E-MUSTHAFA (‘BB’ in Bombay & C.P. Berar)

THE REST

……….

AT A GLANCE

FILM INFORMATION’S
Bests Of 1997

Best Film
BORDER

Best Producer
J.P. DUTTA
(BORDER)

Best Director
PRIYADARSHAN
(VIRASAT)

Best Actor
KAMAL HAASAN
(CHACHI 420)

Best Actress
TABU
(VIRASAT)

Best Character Actor
AMRISH PURI
(VIRASAT)

Special Award
KIRON KHER
(DARMIYAAN & SARDARI BEGUM)

Best Villain
ASHISH VIDYARTHI
(ZIDDI)

Best Comedian
OM PURI
(CHACHI 420)

Best Story
KAMAL HAASAN
(VIRASAT)

Best Screenplay
KAMAL HAASAN
(CHACHI 420)

Best Dialogues
GULZAR
(CHACHI 420)

Best Music Director
UTTAM SINGH
(DIL TO PAGAL HAI)

Best Lyricist
JAVED AKHTAR
(‘Sandese Aate Hain‘ – BORDER)

Best Song
SANDESE AATE HAIN
(BORDER)

Best Background Music
VIJU SHAH
(GUPT)

Best Choreographer
SHIAMAK DAVAR
(DIL TO PAGAL HAI)

Best Playback Singer (Male)
UDIT NARAYAN
(DIL TO PAGAL HAI)

Best Playback Singer (Female)
LATA MANGESHKAR
(DIL TO PAGAL HAI)

Best Editor
N.P. SATISH
(CHACHI 420)

Best Action Director
TINNU VERMA
(ZIDDI)

Best Cinematographer
K. RAVICHANDRAN
(VIRASAT)

Best Art Director
BIJON DASGUPTA
(GUPT)

Best Male Newcomer
AKSHAYE KHANNA

Best Female Newcomer
AISHWARYA RAI

Film Weather: 1997

120 RELEASES

A total of 120 films were released in 1997, of which 28 were dubbed. As compared to this, 125 films (96 original and 29 dubbed) were released in 1996.

HIT & MISSES

Of the 120 films released, 18 proved successful — including hits, super-hits, blockbusters and above average. Another 11 were average or just about earners, and the remaining proved either losers, flops, debacles or disasters.

WHITHER PUBLICITY

Film publicity acquired gigantic dimensions. There was an emergence of vinyl (back-lit) displays and surfeit of promos on satellite channels to serve as potential boosters. The publicity costs zoomed from Rs. 10-15 lakh to even a crore for the big ones. They were all worth the expenses if the film clicked. But if it didn’t, the publicity just proved sasti murgi mahenga masala as in the case of Daud and Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi.

SUCCESSES ALL

The biggest hit of the year was J.P. Dutta’s Border, followed by Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai. Judaai, Hero No. 1, Ishq, Ziddi, Deewana Mastana, Judwaa, Virasat, Pardes, Chachi 420 and Yeshwant were the other notable successes of 1997, ranging from hit to overflow.

AUTONOMY TO DD, AIR

The United Front government granted autonomy to Doordarshan and All India Radio by constituting the Prasar Bharati Board on 23rd November by issuing an ordinance. The Board has ten members with Nikhil Chakravarty being its chairman and S.S. Gill, the chief executive officer. The constitution of the Board has not been ratified by Parliament as it was dissolved before the ratification could take place. Thus, the fate of the Board, which has already started working actively to give a new life to DD and AIR, itself hangs in balance.

BOOST TO MARATHI FILMS

The Maharashtra revenue minister, Narayan Rane, granted 100% exemption from entertainment tax to Marathi films. Subsidy to Marathi films was also increased during the year.

COME FRIDAY

Distributors of C.I. decided to release new films on Fridays instead of on Thursdays in deference to the CCCA’s directive. Distributors of C.P. Berar have been given an option to release their films either on Thursdays or on Fridays.

NEW FILMLAND MPs

Shabana Azmi and Mrinal Sen were two film personalities who made it to Parliament in 1997. The industry can hope for some governmental support with two more representatives in the Rajya Sabha now.

MISERABLE CRISIS

A pall of gloom was cast on the industry after the heinous murder of Gulshan Kumar in August. Added to the gloomy atmosphere was the threatening telephone calls received by many industry people from extortionists and the underworld. This made finance so dear that film shootings dropped down by over 50%. Financiers simply did not show interest in being associated with film projects, and the industry faced the worst ever crisis in many, many years. Studio floors wore a deserted look, recording rooms were silent for days together, artistes, who had no time to eat and sleep, found themselves sitting at home or holidaying abroad, busybee choreographers had no one to dance to their steps, action directors had forgotten, so to say, how to fight, equipment hirers found their otherwise money-making equipments a burden, paint and property suppliers found that they had nobody coming to them. In short, the film industry was almost paralysed.

Added to this was the spate of flops in August, September and October. And since the prices of films, which bombed, were high, the losses too were very big. For this reason too, the rotation of money, in a way, stopped.

Things started looking up only in November and December as shootings and recordings gained momentum and Dil To Pagal Hai and Ishq also clicked.

THE NEW BRIGADE

Five new faces made a mark on the film firmament in 1997. Akshaye Khanna’s was the most sensational debut in many years, in dad Vinod Khanna’s maiden production venture, Himalay Putra. Although the film did not do well, Akshaye was hailed as a star. In the super-hit Border, he was loved, and in Mohabbat, he was again immensely liked even though the film itself did not make it. Aishwarya Rai mesmerised the audience with her beauty, and proved that talent can also go hand-in-hand with beauty, in …Aur Pyar Ho Gaya. The film, however, flopped. Mahima Chaudhary came out a winner with a promising performance in Subhash Ghai’s Pardes, and so did Apoorva Agnihotri in the same film. Pooja Batra made a flying start in the all-round successful Virasat but didn’t impress half as much in her next two films, Vishwa Vidhaata and Bhai.

PRICES STABILISING

Although much has been said and written about film prices as well as star prices, it is, perhaps, for the first time in so many years that both, producers and stars, have woken up to the need to rationalise the price structures of films as well as themselves (stars). In this, it is the distributors who have played a good role by refusing to run after proposals priced crazily. They have shown restraint and, therefore, prices of films, generally speaking, have at least stabilised in the recent past. Stars also have stopped hiking their prices after every hit.

The Central Circuit Cine Association, the strongest body in the film industry, has even gone to the extent of fixing an upper limit on film prices, for its members and their circuits viz. C.P., C.I. and Rajasthan. Of course, although this price ceiling has no chance of succeeding due to two reasons — one, the upper limit is unrealistically low, and two, buying and selling is a free trade and cannot be restricted — the ceiling, nevertheless, is a pointer to the fact that film pricing has become as unrealistic as it could.

BACHCHANS BACK

1997 marked the comeback of Amitabh Bachchan (Mrityudaata was released this year). Jaya too staged a comeback with Govind Nihalani’s Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa which is yet to be commercially released.

CENSOR CENSURE

The censors were as usual hard to please but were a little liberal this year. Yet, there were some Hindi feature films which had a difficult time before they could pass through. Purna Satya, Bhai, Dhaal and Train To Pakistan managed to be cleared through the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal although after a lot of deliberations.

Mira Nair’s Kama Sutra: A Tale Of Love was offered ‘A’ certificate with as many as eight cuts which were not accepted by the producer. The producer moved court and it was cleared.

AWARD WINNERS

Bappi Lahiri’s Bengali film, Lal Darja, bagged the National Award (Swarn Kamal) for the best film. Kamal Haasan and Tabu won the National Awards for the best actor and actress for their roles in Indian (Tamil) and Maachis respectively. Sivaji Ganesan was awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award.

For the first time, an India actor, Dilip Kumar, was named the recipient of the Pakistan government’s ‘Nishan-E-Imtiaz’ award. Lata Mangeshkar won the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana award as well as the Maharashtra Bhushan award of the Maharashtra government. B.R. Chopra received the Pearl award for lifetime achievement, at the first East Asian Film & Festival held in Malaysia.

COULD NOT MAKE IT

The year also saw many a heartbreak and many distributors also breaking their backs. Debacles and disasters were many in number but what was more astonishing than the quantity of flops were the magnitude of losses in each of the flops and debacles. Prices of films were sky-high and when such films bombed, the losses were, obviously, nerve-shattering. Among the major and notable flops of the year that went by were …Aur Pyar Ho Gaya, Hameshaa, Ghoonghat, Lav Kush, Himalay Putra, Mrityudaata, Salma Pe Dil Aagaya, Daud, Lahoo Ke Do Rang, Insaaf, Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Itihaas, Kaun Sachcha Kaun Jhootha, Sapnay, Aar Ya Paar, Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Betaabi, Vishwa Vidhaata, Udaan, Aflatoon, Daava and Zameer. Many of these films were high-priced and some were even astronomically priced!

BLOW HOT BLOW COLD

The Overseas market turned a haven for big star-cast films, as proved by the runaway successes of films like Dil To Pagal Hai, Judaai, Koyla, Ishq, Gupt and Pardes. But it turned otherwise for the ‘smallies’.

YEAR OF TRAGEDIES

1997 was a tragic year for the industry. No year has witnessed so many tragedies as the year gone by. On 13th June, the day of release of Border, a massive fire broke out at Uphaar cinema in New Delhi, which was screening the film. A total of 49 people died, and it raised a whole controversy of safety regulations in cinema halls. Licences of several cinemas, mostly in the capital city, were suspended after this catastrophe, for violation of safety rules and regulations. On 12th August, Gulshan Kumar was gunned down, and music director Nadeem has been named the prime suspect in the case. Nadeem was and is still in London, and proceedings to extradite him are on. Ramesh Taurani has also been arrested in the same case.

Extortionists made attempts on the lives of Rajiv Rai and Subhash Ghai but, fortunately, both had Providential escapes.

IMPORT VALUE

Dubbed films usually meant films dubbed from films of South Indian languages until a couple of years back. But the scenario has undergone a drastic change now. Out of 28 dubbed films released in 1997, over 50% were dubbed versions of English films. But only two of them clicked, viz. Anaconda and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, both of which had creatures to provide the chills and thrills. So, the success ratio has hardly been 15 per cent.

FILM FESTIVALS

The 28th International Film Festival of India in Thiruvanathapuram from January 10 to 20, 1997, was boycotted by the film industry because of the controversy in the selection of the chief guest for the festival. A kind of parallel Panorama was also held by Amol Palekar, Gulzar and Aparna Sen there, and their films — Daayra, Maachis and Yugant — were screened.

Bombay’s first festival, called Festival Of Films, Mumbai, was held from November 24 to 30 at Chavan Auditorium and Tata Theatre in Bombay. Dev Anand received a lifetime achievement award at this Festival, and filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan was honoured for completing 25 years in the film industry on his own terms. FIPRESCI awards were started in India in this festival, and the first two recipients for the best films were Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s Kathapurushan (Malayalam) and Rituparno Ghosh’s Dahan (Bengali).

STATE OF CINEMAS

With the installation of ultra modern acoustics such as DTS Dolby, Ultra and digital sound, the maintenance of cinemas improved vastly all over. In the days to come, many small-capacity cinemas will come up with state-of-the-art technology. One such cinema, Cinemax, opened at Goregaon, Bombay in December ’97.

DELIVERY TRAUMA

The tables turned against producers in 1997 when distributors in several cases simply refused to take deliveries of the films at the time of release. For some years before this, it was the distributor who had to succumb to pressures at the eleventh hour and hike the price at the time of delivery. But the cases of Insaaf, Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, Mohabbat and Hameshaa in 1997 were different. At least one or more distributor(s) of these films put his/their foot down and opted for not taking delivery rather than taking it at an enhanced price or even at the contracted price.

ENT. TAX DRAMA IN MAHARASHTRA

Act 1: Cinemas in Maharashtra closed down ‘indefinitely’ from Jan. 1, 1997 in protest against the state government’s failure to continue the concession of 50% entertainment tax beyond 31st December, 1996. The call for the bandh was given jointly by CEAI, the TOA, the CCCA, the IMPDA and the Kinematograph Renters Society (KRS) after the tax rate was increased to 100%.

Act 2: The cinemas reopened on January 30/31 following an unconditional withdrawal of the bandh by the action committee of the film industry. The government promised reliefs from April 1.

Act 3: The revised tax rate came into effect from May 1 following a promulgation of an Ordinance signed by the governor. The new tax rate was scaled down to 60% from the earlier 100%.

NO MORE

The year saw some really noteworthy names depart from this world. Among those who died were Chetan Anand, Gulshan Kumar, Mukul S. Anand, Basu Bhattacharya, Anjaan, Indeevar, R.R. Khajanchi, Mukesh Duggal, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Krishnan (of the Krishnan-Panju director duo), Anoop Kumar, Urmila Bhatt, Mehtab, Murad, Ranjitraaj, Chandu Parkhi, Narayan Rajgor, Chandrakant Sangani and Yeshwant Dutt.

YOU ASKED IT

With so many shootings having been cancelled after August ’97, is there a likelihood of the flow of releases in 1998 being affected?

– Definitely. There will be fewer releases in the latter part of 1998 because the progress of films has slowed down following the cancellations of shootings.

Why have more and more producers started shooting their songs abroad?

– For one, film budgets today are much higher and so are profit margins. And when margins are so high, producers don’t mind spending heavily to add gloss to their films because they are, after all, spending part of their profits. Besides, a lot of work is done a lot faster in foreign schedules, where there’s no disturbance.

Aren’t more comedy films being made now than, say, four or five years ago?

– Yes, because comedies are now universally accepted rather than in a circuit or two (like Bombay and South), some years back.

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Accent On Non-Action

Action took a backseat in the films that proved successful in 1997. Light entertainers or love stories made it at the box-office more than action films. As against Border and Ziddi, there were at least eight successes/hits/super-hits that either had no action or very limited of it. Dil To Pagal Hai, Judaai, Ishq, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana and Chachi 420 were all devoid of action. Pardes and Gupt had action but not too much of it. Yeshwant had a fairly good dose of fiery dialogues and action. All of which means that action is not the only thing which sells.

‘Major’ Change

With ABCL’s Major Saab, director Tinnu Anand has decided to effect a major change. And the change is not pertaining to the film’s shooting (or reshooting, as is the buzz in the rumour mills). The actor-director has now decided to call himself Virender Raaj Anand! By the way, there will now be two Raaj Anands in the credits of the film: director Virender Raaj Anand and music director Anand Raaj Anand.

PRODUCTION NEWS

‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya’ Dubbing Starts

Dubbing of G.S. Entertainment’s Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya commenced at Ketnav on Dec. 22 with Arbaaz Khan. The film also stars Dharmendra, Salman Khan, Kajol, Anjala Zaveri, Kiran Kumar, Asif Sheikh, Kunika, Ashok Saraf, Ashish Balram Nagpal, Tiku Talsania, Anand Balraaj, Dinesh Hingoo, Nirmal Pandey and Abu Malik. It is directed by Sohail Khan who also produces it jointly with Bunty Walia. Music: Jatin Lalit. Vashu Bhagnani presents it.

LATEST POSITION

Despite severe cold and even rains (in some parts of the country), CHACHI 420 has done very well after a dull start because it picked up in many places due to mouth publicity. ISHQ and DTPH are also doing well.

Chachi 420, as expected, picked up at many places as the week progressed. 1st week Bombay 34,63,408 (89.29%) from 10 cinemas (10 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 4,02,103 from 3 cinemas (1 in daily 1 show), Baroda 1,84,976, Jamnagar (21 shows) 93,492; Pune 5,23,666 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee), Kolhapur 2,38,454, Solapur almost 1,50,000 (99.80%), Satara 1,20,587 (84.63%); Belgaum 1,47,238; Delhi 30,82,848 (81.39%) from 7 cinemas; Kanpur 1,61,708, very good in Lucknow, Varanasi 1,03,234, Allahabad 85,500, Gorakhpur 56,000; Calcutta 12,72,190 from 11 cinemas; Nagpur 4,44,249 (98.31%) from 3 cinemas, Amravati (6 days) 1,85,796, Akola 1,38,949, Dhule 96,443, theatre record, Bilaspur 1,15,113; Indore 2,65,871, Bhopal 3,42,886 from 2 cinemas; opened in Jaipur on 25th, 1st day 64,459 from 2 cinemas; 1st week Hyderabad 11,15,274 from 5 cinemas (1 in noon).

Aflatoon is dull. 1st week Bombay 29,02,383 (68.36%) from 10 cinemas (11 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 6,75,942 from 6 cinemas (1 in daily 1 show), Vapi 2,78,656, Baroda 1,13,763, Bharuch (gross) 2,28,210, Rajkot 1,83,432 from 3 cinemas (1 in matinee), Jamnagar 93,072; Pune 6,81,466 from 5 cinemas (2 in matinee); Hubli 1,23,845; Delhi 29,61,599 (57.58%) from 11 cinemas (4 on F.H.); Kanpur 2,71,995 from 2 cinemas, Varanasi 1,17,929, Allahabad 1,07,000, Gorakhpur 1,05,000; Rohtak 25,742; Calcutta 6,17,987 from 7 cinemas; Nagpur 4,16,559 from 5 cinemas (2nd week 1st day 3,001 in 1 cinema), Jabalpur 1,18,587, Amravati 1,01,448, Akola 99,051 (2nd week 1st day 8,500); Bhopal 2,67,525 from 3 cinemas; opened in Jaipur on 25th (1st day 1,21,228 from 5 cinemas); 1st week Hyderabad 25,15,704 from 16 cinemas (1 in noon).

……

Ishq 4th week Bombay 29,22,117 from 8 cinemas (4 on F.H.); Sapna, Vasai 76,571, H.M. Deluxe, Bhayandar 1,29,827; Ahmedabad 7,09,630 from 4 cinemas, Vapi 2,12,556, total 14,17,363, 1st week Rajpipla 98,968, city record, 4th week Rajkot 1,60,000, Jamnagar (28 shows) 96,284; Pune 9,76,333 from 5 cinemas (1 in mat.), Kolhapur 1,23,671, Satara 1,14,787 from 2 cinemas (1 in mat.); Hubli 1,39,368, Belgaum 1,13,876, Dharwad 54,316, Bijapur 57,508; Delhi 14,92,391 from 7 cinemas (1 unrecd., 1 on F.H.); Kanpur 2,14,915 from 2 cinemas, Varanasi 1,29,240, Allahabad 1,17,000, Meerut 1,61,778, Gorakhpur 76,000; Nagpur 4,07,236 from 3 cinemas, Jabalpur (6 days) 1,30,013 (3rd week 1,66,124), Amravati (6 days) 1,32,597, Akola 1,19,650, total 6,86,000, 3rd week Durg (6 days) 57,957, 2nd Jalgaon 1,32,144; 4th week Bhopal 2,48,807 from 2 cinemas; Jaipur 3,11,847 from 2 cinemas (1 cinema 6 days), Bikaner 26,000.

Dil To Pagal Hai 8th week Bombay 25,66,922 (75.98%) from 7 cinemas (7 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 3,26,904 from 3 cinemas, Baroda 1,67,692, Rajkot (mat.) 27,900, Jamnagar (noon) 22,409; Pune 7,35,017 from 3 cinemas (1 in mat.), Kolhapur 1,83,234, Satara (mat.) 37,073; 1st week Gadag 68,567, Bijapur 1,34,570 (full); 8th week Delhi 8,04,060 from 3 cinemas; Kanpur 85,733, Varanasi 77,167, Allahabad 35,000; Rohtak 7,198; Calcutta 7,29,887 from 4 cinemas; Nagpur 1,41,707 from 2 cinemas, Jabalpur (6 days) 1,02,207 (7th week 1,30,108), total 12,06,668, Amravati 1,12,455, Akola 82,861 (7th week 79,788), total 10,63,600, Jalgaon 52,011, Gondia (gross) 3 weeks’ total 3,02,338; 8th week Bhopal 87,668; Jaipur 3,98,889; Hyderabad 6,23,053 from 3 cinemas (2 in noon).

A.G. VARTAK’S DAUGHTER WEDS

Dr. Samata, daughter of eminent exhibitor and distributor of Bombay, A.G. Vartak, got married to Dr. Shrikant on 25th December at Vasai, Bombay.

SILVER JUBILEE

Gupt has completed silver jubilee (25 weeks) runs at Vivek and Kalyan cinemas of Delhi.

YOU ASKED IT

When it is said that a good initial is half the battle won, how do you explain films like Chachi 420 which pick up by mouth publicity?

– Films like CHACHI 420, JUDAAI and BANDIT QUEEN are few and far between. The saying that a good initial is half the battle won is general.

With one more Akshay-starrer, Aflatoon, flopping, what is the future of Akshay Kumar and his starrers in the making?

– Akshay Kumar needs to pull up his socks before it is too late. A handful of films with top makers is what he needs to sign — and sign fast!

How would you describe 1997?

– The worst ever year for the film industry — a year of calamities and catastrophes, fears and failures.

DO YOU KNOW?

* One Ramarao Jadhav of Sangli has become a crazy fan of the Marathi film SARKARNAMA, running at the local Anand cinema. He sees it day after day in the 6 p.m. show and has now been permitted (by the local film representative) to see it free of cost. What’s more, he has also been presented an audio cassette of the film. When asked why he liked the film so much, he replied that he liked the usage of the word satkar in the film to describe the kidnapping and murder of persons by the politician. He also said, he liked the jugalbandi of the chief minister and the cultural affairs minister in the film.

* The cinemas of Ujjain have screened the following numbers of films in 1997: Nirmal Sagar 13, Metro 14, Prakash 24, Trimurti 25, Narendra 30, Kamal 33, Swarg 49, Bhatwal 50, Sunderam 51, Ashok 54, and Mohan 55.

* To take advantage of the tax-exemption policy of the Maharashtra government for Marathi films, Dada Kondke has been reviving his old Marathi hits one after the other. This week, he has revived SASARCHA DHOTAR in Pune, and RAM RAM GANGARAM in Bombay.

Not Worth Their Price

No star is worth his price today. Consequently, most of the films are also not worth their prices. It is surprising, therefore, how distributors continue to buy films at exorbitant prices. Or are they paying hefty prices at all now? Equally confusing is the fact that producers are running after stars who act pricey.

The first week’s figures of some star-cast films should serve to be eye-openers for all concerned — producers, distributors and the stars themselves. The last-named section of the industry badly needs to wake up to the bad realities of the film business today. For, if they realise that they are being unreasonable in their demands, they will appreciate the need to bring down their prices.

Shapath, starring Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff, collected 76.67% in Bombay and 69.42% in Delhi. Akshay Kumar fared equally badly with Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi collecting 75.38% in Bombay and 79.71% in Delhi. Akshay’s position deteriorated further with Aflatoon which closed its first week at 68.36% in Bombay and 57.58% in Delhi. Qahar may have boasted of such names as Sunny Deol and Sunil Shetty in its cast but did it manage to draw in the initial crowds? The first week figures for Bombay and Delhi were 70% and 75.27% respectively. Nana Patekar’s Ghulam-E-Musthafa may have reaped the benefit of Diwali in Bombay and barely managed a face-saving 87.55%, but in Delhi, the first week closed at 65.87% only. Even a two-hero (Anil Kapoor and Govinda) film like Deewana Mastana could collect just 92.06% in Bombay, and 89.45% in Delhi. When such is the position of star-studded films, cases of Vishwa Vidhaata (Jackie Shroff and Sharad Kapoor) and Bhai Bhai (Samrat and Manek Bedi) are absolutely pathetic. The former’s first week was 38.94% in Bombay and 33.85% in Delhi, while the latter’s corresponding figures were 56.05% and 29.58% (despite tax-exemption)! Dhaal, starring Vinod Khanna and Sunil Shetty, closed at 50.90% in Bombay and 37.77% in Delhi.

If these terrible figures can’t put the artistes to shame, what will? If these pathetic collections cannot serve as an eye-opener for producers, what will? If this sorry state of affairs cannot awaken the distributors, whatever will? And the aforestated statistics may be relating to the films of just a few stars but the position of almost all the artistes is the same. Barring a couple of heroes, nobody’s film is able to draw in the initial audience. And even those stars, whose films command a bumper opening, have to depend on the support of a good banner, a brilliant director, hit music — in other words, it is the entire set-up which matters.

The star prices and film prices are unrealistic, unjustified and completely wrong. And wrong economics cannot last forever. It has to be set right. If not corrected by a concerted attempt, the correction process can spell disaster. A disaster that can be averted!

– Komal Nahta

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Urmila Replaces Karisma

Karisma Kapoor had replaced Urmila Matondkar in Dil To Pagal Hai. It’s now Urmila’s turn to replace Karisma. Miss Matondkar has stepped into the shoes of Miss Kapoor in Sunny Deol’s London. Reportedly, it is the rescheduling of the film’s shooting because of which Karisma couldn’t allot all the required fresh dates that prompted her to opt out of the project. In London, Urmila is paired with the two Deol brothers, Sunny and Bobby.

Five Million Dollars For Getting Pregnant!

Some of the court judgements in the US are truly interesting — as interesting as the court cases. One such recent case and judgement involves US actress Hunter Tylo. She has been awarded 5 million dollars after she was fired from Melrose Place for being pregnant and, therefore, not attractive enough for her role as a seductress. The Los Angeles superior court jury on 22nd December held that pregnancy was no bar to remain seductive. To make her point that she could be both, pregnant and sexy, at the same time, Tylo, who is now in the eighth month of pregnancy, wore tight mini skirts to court each day. What’s more, the jury even remarked that Tylo looked very attractive to the court.

Missed The Train

Pehle aap, pehle aap is a phrase that goes well with the nawabs of Lucknow who are said to have missed a train because of their etiquettes. But what happened in a Lucknow train the other day would change the phrase to Pehle main, sirf main! Unconfirmed reports say that filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, his wife and daughter were thrown out of a moving Lucknow Mail heading for Delhi on 21st December. Although Ali has not lodged any complaint, eye-witnesses have said that it was indeed Muzaffar Ali and his family who were pushed out of the first class air-conditioned compartment by the henchmen of a politician. The GRP has also confirmed that the filmmaker was thrown out of the train at Lucknow station as soon as it began to move. It is learnt that the security personnel and attendants of the politician dumped a few bags and suitcases of Ali on the platform. It was then Muzaffar Ali and his family’s chance to be practically thrown out!

CHACHI 420

Raajkamal Films International’s Chachi 420 is the story of a man who is forced to divorce his wife. The wife gets the custody of their only girl-child. Since the guy loves his wife and child too much and is desperate to be with them, he transforms himself into a woman so that he can apply for the job of an ayah for his daughter. The ayah is selected and from there begins a laugh-a-minute comedy. How two middle-aged men fall in love with the man-turned-woman, how he tries to escape their advances and how he wins back his wife’s love are all narrated in a hilarious manner.

The film is inspired by the English film, Mrs. Doubtfire, and is a remake of the same banner’s Tamil film, Avvai Shanmughi. The story is quite novel, and screenplay writer Kamal Haasan has come up with excellent comedy situations. Gulzar’s dialogues complement the comic scenes marvellously.

But by its very nature, the film assumes the character of a film for the class audience. Although the subject is a family drama, many of the comedy punches have elitist appeal because there’s humour in the words more than in the actions. Another drawback which comes in the way of the drama appealing to the masses too, is the weak music. While ‘Chupdi chupdi chachi’ and ‘Dauda dauda bhaagaa bhaagaa sa’ are entertaining numbers in the film, the audio value of the songs is very limited. No song has the hummable quality about it.

Performances of all the artistes are first-rate. Kamal Haasan is par excellence in the role of a lady. His gait, his style of talking and walking, his make-up, facial expressions and mannerisms are all brilliant. Undoubtedly, he is one of the greatest actors of the Indian screen. Even as the humiliated husband, Kamal acts with a rare maturity. His action stunts are a treat to watch. In short, this is an award-winning performance from the master actor. Tabu has lesser scope and does well. She looks really beautiful. Amrish Puri, as Tabu’s father, is fantastic and not once does he go overboard. Om Puri is the surprise packet and delivers a mind-blowing performance in a comic role. Paresh Rawal, too, is hilarious and deserves distinction marks for the ease with which he gets into the skin of the character. Johnny Walker and Nasser lend terrific support. Ayesha Julka hardly gets any scope but in the couple of scenes in which she appears, she is cute. Baby Sana is wonderful and lovable. Raj Zutshi, Madan Bob, Atul Agnihotri, Ritu Shivpuri and the others provide the required support.

Kamal Haasan’s direction is praiseworthy but it must also be said that he has erred in making the film one-track. Except for comedy and few emotions, there isn’t much else. In fact, had the emotions been more pronounced, the results would’ve been far better. Vishal’s music, as said above, is not up to the mark. Editing (N.P. Satish) is very good. Jehangir Choudhry’s camerawork is top class. Action scenes (Vikram Dharma) are very well composed. Art direction (Boban) deserves special mention as the sets look so real. Production and other technical values are appropriate. Background score is very nice.

On the whole, high-priced Chachi 420 will neither be a universal success nor a universal flop. It is a good entertainer for the city audience only. Although it has not opened well, it will pick up by mouth publicity. Even then, its business will be the best in Bombay, Maharashtra and the South and in major cities of North India. Thanks to its high price (in some circuits), it may find it difficult to even reach the average mark there.

Released on 19-12-’97 at Eros and 15 other cinemas of Bombay by Friends India thru Shringar Films. Publicity: extraordinary. Opening: quite good. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor almost everywhere outside Bombay and Maharashtra.

AFLATOON

Tridev Arts’ Aflatoon (UA) is the story of two guys who look alike. While one is a harmless and happy-go-lucky good-for-nothing guy, the other is a crook whose profession is to blackmail rich men and thereby make his booty. The good-for-nothing guy has dreams of hooking some millionaire’s only daughter so that he can enjoy life thereafter. To achieve this aim, he tries to come close to a college girl and in so doing, the two get emotionally involved. The girl’s father is shocked to see his daughter’s boyfriend because the look-alike has also been blackmailing him (father) since years. The son-in-law-to-be then takes it upon himself to catch hold of his look-alike and put him in his place. How he operates in accomplishing his mission and how the two similar-looking guys try to get each other in trouble forms the latter part of the film.

The story is not very new but the presentation is quite different. Making the villain a dancer and singer has a charm of its own but one which will be appreciated more by the class audience. The first half is ordinary and, except for a couple of songs, it really doesn’t impress much. The real drama starts after interval and from that point, the film succeeds in keeping the audience somewhat interested though not completely involved. What it lacks in are emotions and comedy. Another drawback is that several things in the film just happen without proper justification. Dialogues are fair.

Akshay Kumar does well in a double role. His dance movement in tense situations is unusual and, therefore, arrests attention. Urmila Matondkar looks pretty, dresses up gorgeously and acts and dances very ably. Anupam Kher is alright. Shazia Malik delivers a good performance. Farida Jalal, Rajesh Joshi, Tiku Talsania, Harish Patel, Subbiraj, Sonia Sahni, Brahmachari, Puneet, Charlie, John, Dinesh Anand and the rest lend average support.

Guddu Dhanoa’s direction is fair. Of the songs (Dilip Sen Sameer Sen), ‘Yeh khabar chhapwa do’ is immensely likeable. ‘Oui maa’ and the title song are eye-filling, thanks to the choreography, locations, sets and colourful costumes. But the dance styles are now becoming routine. Raam Shetty’s action scenes are well-composed. The car blasts are especially good but do not generate the desired tension at all. Camerawork (Sripad Natu) is of a good standard. Production and technical values are very nice.

On the whole, Aflatoon, which has taken an ordinary start in many circuits, doesn’t have enough substance to warrant a phenomenal pick-up and will, therefore, find it difficult to touch the average mark in several territories.

Released on 19-12-’97 at Novelty and 20 other cinemas of Bombay thru ABC Pictures Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: good. Opening: fair. …….Also released all over. Opening was good in Delhi-U.P. but not up to the mark in most of the other circuits.

CINEMAX INAUGURATED

The swanky Cinemax Theatre at Goregaon, a Western suburb of Bombay, was inaugurated on 18th December with the premiere show of Chachi 420. The 640-seater cinema has Dolby digital and DTS sound system,cushioned seats with upholstery, is air-conditioned and has reverse slope seats in the stalls.

Built by the Kanakias where once stood Samrat cinema, ultra-modern Cinemax is controlled by Shringar Cinemas, a division of Shringar Films. It has Christie projectors and Xenon lamps.

Cinemax has three classes — Stalls, Dress Circle and Balcony — with admission rates of Rs. 40, 55 and 70 respectively. Patrons have the facility of booking tickets for the cinema on telephone, and tickets, if desired, will also be delivered home.

Seats in the cinema have popcorn packet/cold drink bottle holders. Service to the patrons is expected to be of high quality as patrons can even order for a snack tray at the start of the film itself.

ENT. TAX RAIDS RAISE A STORM IN JUNAGADH

The mamlatdar of entertainment tax, division Junagadh, carried out surprise checking of Pradip and Ajanta Talkies, Junagadh on 12th December and recovered duplicate tickets there. It was also found that accounts were not being properly maintained. The licences of both the cinemas were suspended for three days each, by the Junagadh Collector.

Following the raids and suspension of licences, the cinemas of Junagadh and the Cine Association of Junagadh gave a call for strike against the action taken by the authorities. Due to this, all cinemas of Junagadh remained closed.

In the meantime, the matter was taken to the court, and Judge Sheikh has fixed the case for hearing today (20th December).

A meeting of the Saurashtra Circuit Cine Association was also convened under the presidentship of Rashmibhai Patel in connection with the entertainment tax raids. It was decided to strongly represent before the state government and bring up the issue of harassment of cinemas by government offices with regard to entertainment tax. It was also decided that if no steps were taken by the government, stern action would be taken by the cinemas.

Meanwhile, the strike has been called off.

DEV ANAND ORDERED TO RE PRESENT IN COURT

Dev Anand has been directed by metropolitan magistrate B.A. Shelar to remain present at the Bandra (Bombay) court on January 13, 1998, when the case between producer M. Harwani (Pyaar Ka Tarana) and Dev Anand will be heard. Harwani had filed a cheating case against Dev Anand who had directed the film and was also its co-producer.

The case was orginally filed (four years ago) in the Andheri court and then transferred to the Bandra court. Dev Anand had filed a writ petition in the Bombay high court for quashing the proceedings in the criminal case but the court rejected it, holding prima facie case against the accused (Dev Anand) for commission of offence as well as a case of civil nature.

In October last, an application had been made on behalf of Dev Anand for exempting him from appearing in court, citing several rulings of high courts and the supreme court, and also pleading that Dev Anand was a senior citizen and a well-known film star and producer, but the prosecution opposed it on the ground that he was healthy to conduct his business and also because the charges against him were serious. The exemption matter will be decided in the next hearing on January 13, 1998.

10 DELHI CINEMAS CLOSED FOR NON-PAYMENT OF ENT. TAX

Licences of ten cinemas of Delhi were not renewed and the Delhi police’s licensing branch issued closure orders of them from 15th December for non-payment of entertainment tax dues in the government treasury.

Show-cause notices had been issued to 18 cinemas on 5th December by the licensing branch of the Delhi police for depositing the entertainment tax collected by them, with the entertainment tax department by 15th December and for obtaining NOCs from the department, failing which their licences would be cancelled. Of the 18 cinemas, only 8 complied but ten failed to get the no-objection certificates. As a result, licences of those 10 cinemas — Batra, Alpana, Akash, Ritz, Chand, Novelty, Swarn, Jagat, West End and Excelsior — were refused renewal.

FILMS SELECTED FOR IFFI MAINSTREAM SECTION

The Film Federation of India has selected the following films for screening in the mainstream section of the forthcoming International Film Festival of India to be held in New Delhi from January 10 to 20, 1998:

Pardes, Raja Hindustani, Sarkarnama (Marathi), Lathi (Bengali), Suryavamsam (Tamil), Avvai Shanmughi (Tamil), Osey Ramulamma (Telugu), Annamayya (Telugu), Janumada Jodi (Kannada), Amruthavarshini (Kannada), Chandralekha (Malayalam) and Aniyethipravu (Malayalam).

Supran Sen, secretary of Film Federation of India, will coordinate the film industry activities in connection with IFFI ’98 as per the notification issued by the I & B ministry.

AMPTPP URGES GOVT. TO APPOINT FILM PEOPLE ON PRASAR BHARATI BOARD

The Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers (AMPTPP) has written to the prime minister and the I & B minister, expressing surprise that nobody from the film and television industry had been appointed on the Prasar Bharati Board. The letter states that this is the industry directly involved and which may be able to give valuable advice or guidance for the proper functioning of the Board.

The AMPTPP has urged the ministers to take steps to include members from the film and TV industries on the Board.

PRAKASH MEHRA’S SON TO WED

Sumeet, son of Prakash Mehra, will wed Martha on 27th December. A reception to celebrate the wedding will be held the same evening at Hotel Centaur, Juhu, Bombay.

SANTOSH SINGH JAIN ELECTED FFI PRESIDENT

Santosh Singh Jain was unanimously elected president of the Film Federation of India at the first meeting of its newly elected executive committee, held on 19th December soon after its annual general meeting at Shalimar Hotel, Bombay. K.G. Dossani, Sultan Ahmed, Sv. Rm. Ramanathan and Vijay Narain Seth were elected vice presidents, and K.D. Shorey, hon. general secretary. N.N. Sippy was elected hon. treasurer. Supran Sen is the FFI secretary.

PYARELAL’S SON WEDS

Gautam, son of music director Pyarelal, will wed Rashmee today (20th December). A reception to celebrate the marriage will be held this evening at SNDT College Grounds, Juhu, Bombay.

GREAT-GRANDSON FOR SANTOSH SINGH JAIN

CCCA president Santosh Singh Jain was blessed with a great-grandson on 6th December when his grandson, Chirag’s wife gave birth to a baby boy in Raipur.

RANJITRAAJ NO MORE

Gujarati film actor Ranjitraaj expired on the midnight of 17th December at Nanavati Hospital, Santacruz, Bombay, due to cardiac arrest. He was 47.

He had started his career with R.J. Films’ Sonbai Ni Chundadi and played the hero in many films of the banner, like Sona No Suraj, Lanka Ni Laadi Ghogha No Var, Ramayan, Sati Madalsa, Kalja No Katko, Mahisagar Ne Aare etc.

He had also acted in Prem Na Bandhan, Naag Padamini, Saajan Ne Sathware, Okha Haran, Maadi Tara Aghor Nagara Vaage, Khodal Taro Khamkharo, etc.

Ranjitraaj had also acted in two Hindi films, Pyar Ho Gaya (produced by R.J. Films) and Sainik (with Akshay Kumar).

A condolence meeting will be held on Monday, December 22, at Gurukul High School, ISKCON, Juhu, Bombay between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

LAKSHMAN DAS DEAD

Lakshman Das, proprietor/licensee of Indralok Picture Palace and Menka Theatre, Gorakhpur, expired on 27th November at Gorakhpur after a prolonged illness.

All the four shows of both the cinemas were cancelled on 27th. The other cinemas of Gorakhpur suspended their noon shows.

HASAN BHIMANI DEAD

Hasan G. Bhimani (Hasubhai), partner in Diamond Talkies, Borivli, Bombay, expired on 14th December in Bombay due to heart failure. He was 45 and is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

G.S. KHANDEKAR NO MORE

G.S. Khandekar alias Baburao, former secretary of the CCCA, Bhusawal, expired on 13th December at his Dhantoli residence. He was 91.

WALT DISNEY’S WIDOW DEAD

Lillian, widow of legendary animator and filmmaker Walt Disney, has died, reportedly from complications following a recent stroke. She was 98.

Three years after the death of Walt Disney in December 1966, Lillian married John Truyens. She was widowed again in 1981.

SPECIAL SHOWS OF ‘THE JOURNEY’, ‘HYDERABAD BLUES’ FOR DISTRIBUTORS

Two special shows of each of the two English films, The Journey (directed by Harish Saluja) and Hyderabad Blues (directed by Nagesh Kukunoor) have been arranged exclusively for distributors of India by Krishna Shah, world rights controller of the films. The shows will be held on Sunday, December 28 (3 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.) and Monday, December 29 (6 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.) at Eros cinema, Bombay.

IFPDA GENERAL SECRETARY

Producer Anil Lahiri has been selected general secretary of the Indian Film Producer & Director’s Association for the Bombay and U.P. region. Girija Shankar Agarwal is the president.

‘Vaastaav’ Launched In Style

The muhurt of Vaastaav (The Reality), being written and directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, at The Leela on 14th December was a beautifully planned and well-executed one. The huge hall of The Leela was done up to represent a film set. The stage itself, on which the muhurt shot was enacted, was one on wheels and represented the interior of a middle-class house.

Sanjay Dutt, who plays the hero in the film, is shown as treading the wrong path in life — one which makes a person easy-rich but gives him the label of a criminal. With gold chains around his neck and a revolver in his hand, Sanjay enacted to pre-recorded dialogues as his bewildered and disgusted parents alongwith his friend watched him helplessly. Sanjay Dutt mocked at his mother and made fun of his father but they didn’t so much as chide him. At the end, four guys, dressed in black and representing the evil forces, surrounded Sanjay and took him captive as he finally collapsed.

Javed Akhtar and politician Gurdas Kamat lit the traditional lamp before the muhurt shot for which Sunil Dutt sounded the clapper-board. Jackie Shroff switched on the camera.

The muhurt shot was followed by thunderous applause. The muhurt event was managed by Wizcraft.

Sanjay’s parents are being played by Shivaji Satam and Reema. Deepak Tijori enacts the role of the friend. Others in the cast are Paresh Rawal, Raghubir Yadav, Mohnish Bahl and Mohan Joshi. A leading lady is being finalised.

Vaastaav is being produced under the banner of Adishakti Films & Visions Pvt. Ltd. The men behind the project are Balagiri and Gopi Malaya. Music by Jatin Lalit, lyrics by Javed Akhtar, story-screenplay by Mahesh Manjrekar, dialogues by Imtiaz Hussain, cinematography by Vijay Arora, and art by Sudhakar Manjrekar are the other major credits.

YOU ASKED IT

If a good opening of a film is ‘half the battle won’, what does a poor opening denote?

– A poor opening means ‘75% of the battle lost’, except, perhaps, if the film is novel and has chances of picking up by word of mouth.

When hardly a couple of Hollywood films dubbed in Hindi really run, why do they dub so many films?

– When hardly 20% of the Hindi films made really click at the box-office, why are so many films made every year?

Why is R. Mohan’s Kabhi Na Kabhi not being released?

– Reportedly, R. Mohan wants to release KAMA SUTRA before KABHI NA KABHI. First, the film (KABHI NA KABHI) was delayed because of some changes in the script, then due to date adjustments of the artistes, and later, because of music director A.R. Rahman. And now, after completion too, the delay hasn’t stopped.

MIX MASALA

TIME FOR REALITY

Mahesh Manjrekar, who is directing Vaastaav for a group of friends who are backing the project and for whom this is the first brush with the film industry, sent out cute clocks alongwith the invitations for the muhurt on 14th December. To justify the clock-invitation, the caption on the invitation card read: ‘It’s time to face reality’. Vaastaav means ‘reality’.

NO MEAN SCORE, THIS!

For Nizam distributor Ravi Machhar, the year 1997 must’ve been one hell of a year. His concern, Sahyog Films, has released a total of 14 films in the 12 months. Among the 14 are films like Judaai, Ishq, Virasat, Yes Boss, Deewana Mastana, Ziddi and this week’s Aflatoon.

TOLANIS TOGETHER

Will 30th January ’98 be a Tolani day in the industry? At least as of now, it seems so. For, two Tolani films are scheduled to hit the screens that day. The films — Vicky’s Zor which is presented by Sanjay Tolani, and Nandu Tolani’s Banarasi Babu. It may be mentioned here that the two Tolanis are cousins.

DO YOU KNOW?

* Telugu film actors Giri Babu and Prasad Babu have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and are likely to campaign for it in the forthcoming elections.

* Four major television software producing companies were raided by income-tax authorities on 15th December. The houses of Jeetendra and Shekhar Suman (one of the highest paid actors of television) were also raided.

* PARDES (tax-free) completed a record 19 weeks’ run at Sona, Borivli, Bombay. It fetched a share of 15 lakh in its total run. The previous record was held by RAJA HINDUSTANI which ran at the same cinema for 12 weeks and yielded a share of 10.5 lakh.

* Music director Vijay Davda, who is a struggler even after scoring music in four Hindi films and 11 Gujarati films (including the super-hit MAHIYAR NI CHUNDADI), besides some TV serials and under-production Hindi films, will be featured in the popular ‘Surabhi’ programme on DD1 on 21st December. In the programme, host Siddharth Kak has asked Vijay Davda the reason for the industry sidelining a talent like him. It may be mentioned here that Raj Kapoor had, in an interview many years ago, mentioned that Vijay Davda would soon be a music director to reckon with.

Who’s The Boss? Not The Secretary!

Have you ever realised that very often, it is the star secretaries who behave more like stars than their bosses themselves behave? Many of our star secretaries need lessons in basic manners and in dealing with people. There are some secretaries who are genuine and honest to their job, but most of them are not so. As if star tantrums are not enough, the poor producer has also to contend with secretaries with starry airs who will give dates of their stars if they (secretaries) feel like, cancel their dates if they so desire, inform the producer of a change if they are in a mood to do so, and just keep the producer on tenterhooks for the sadistic pleasure of it.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that most of the producers butter up the star secretaries, trying to please them in every possible manner because they want to remain in their good books so that their dates aren’t cancelled, the stars come on their sets on time and remain in a good mood while shooting. Even stars are aware of the starry behaviour of their secretaries but, more often than not, they will not correct them. There are two reasons for this: one, stars themselves are so insecure that they fear, their secretary will leave them if they try to check his excesses, and secondly, the general I-couldn’t-care-less attitude of the stars!

What the hell! Why are producers so scared of secretaries? After all, producers have signed the stars, not their secretaries. There’s no reason why secretaries should be given the status of stars by producers. Not giving undue importance to secretaries, of course, would be possible only if producers became more organised in their work, took dates in writing, would not try to cancel others’ dates to squeeze in their shooting, not resort to hanky-panky, in short, remain above board in all their dealings with stars and star secretaries. For, one wrong move from the producer, and the secretary would take advantage of it for all times to come. Why let such a time come in the first place?

It is not rare for producers to ‘bribe’ the secretaries with costly gifts such as gold chains or electronic equipments for their homes so that they are given preference in the allotment of dates or are accommodated out of turn. But producers must understand that if they can have their way by throwing money, so can other producers. Therefore, a ‘helpful’ secretary of today can become the most ‘destructive’ secretary tomorrow.

The star secretaries, too, need to do some soul-searching. By resorting to cheap gimmicks as above, they are only degrading their profession. Honesty in their work is a long-term approach which and only which will keep them in good stead. Otherwise, they may enjoy the status of a star today but can’t be sure that the star won’t fall down from the sky tomorrow.

After all, if the real stars of the industry lose their shine and sparkle on a Friday morning even before they know it, who are their secretaries? And if they think, Fridays don’t affect them, they are only fooling themselves. For, they are what they are because of their stars. And if their stars are governed by the stars of the galaxy, so are they.

– Komal Nahta

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Queen’s English V/s. Artistes’ English

The press release of the Cine Artistes’ Association to condemn the attack on its member, Pooja Batra, by anti-social elements on 10th December, makes interesting reading, not because it condemns the act but for the errors in language. We reproduce the same hereunder so that you, too, can do what we did — laugh! The brackets are ours.

“The CINE & TV ARTISTES ASSOCIATION strongly condemns the cowardly an (read and) unsocial behaviour of the hoodlums, as per the press report, boozing near the Filmalaya Studio Canteen, on our members Ms. Pooja Batra, her brother Shri Chiraag and her Secretary, Ms. Swarna, in the late hours of Wednesday, the 10th Dec. 1997, when shooting got packedup at 10.30 P.M. without any rhyme and reason (the without any rhyme and reason is, obviously, for the unsocial behaviour although it seems to be for the packup!). Again as per the press report, Ms. Pooja Batra had to face vulgure (is that vulgar’s feminine form?) and abuse language by drunkards and later on Mr. Chiraag and Ms. Swarna were thrashed throughly (read thoroughly) when they tried to intervine (read intervene) in the matter. It look quite a time when police reached and the situation was brought under control but it was shocking that niether (new spelling of neither?) the Studio staff and Securities (we’ve heard of stocks and securities, not staff and securities) nor other unit members, for whom Ms. Batra was shooting could come forward to give security or protection to Ms. Batra because again as per the press news the hoodlums were armed with lethal choppers. An unlawful entry & attack by a Professor on TV Artist, Ms. Phalguni Parikh’s family members is another fresh incident.

“Under these circumstances at any location be it Filmalaya, Film City or Mud (read Madh) Island, where our popular artistes often go for shooting can give a sincere and genuine performance having in their subconcious (read subconscious) mind their safety and security. This is high time the Studio Owners and the Bunglow (read bungalow) Owners where shooting take place should have very strict and effecient (read efficient) security guards.

“Over and above atmosphere of safety and security should be created by the police beats very often freequently (is the double ‘e’ to stress on the frequency; if it is, it’s really sweeeet; and what does ‘often freequently’ mean?) visiting such places which was very emphetically (read emphatically) assured to the film personalities in high level meeting at Holiday Inn.

“We would very humbly request our guardians and protectors i.e. State Government in general and our Home Department in particular to take some very concrete, effective and long lasting steps to avoid the repitition (read repetition) of Ms. Batra harassement (an extra ‘e’ here too) case. It would not be out of the way if we adress (there’s a ‘d’ missing in the address, dear) and seek the attention of the women activists of Maharashtra and Mumabai (we know, people call this city Bombay or Mumbai, but Mumabai?!?) to openly condemned (now we must condemn the English in general and the tenses in particular) such inhuman and cowardly actions towards the honour of the women of India all over the country.”

The press release, we may add here, is signed by Ram Mohan, hon. general secretary.

Surely, the CAA can do with a good office secretary with a good knowledge of just simple English. Otherwise, you knows, it beecomes verys difficulty to understood the import of a press releege or any others communicashun! Gosh, what’s going wrong with ours Engleesh and spelleengs now!

One Of A Kind

The Kanakia brothers, who’ve built Cinemax theatre, which opened on 18th December, and Bombay distributor Shravan Shroff, whose company is the controller of the cinema, need kudos for their efforts. The cinema is indeed beautifully made, tastefully done up and gives the impression that it will be immaculately maintained. The sound system (DTS) is of top quality and the seats, comfortable. At last then, those living in the Western suburbs of Bombay have a cinema which they can look forward to visit. Of course, this is not to say that all the cinemas in the suburbs are below the mark. No, there are some well-maintained ones too, but Cinemax is indeed one of a kind.

Spate Of Releases

Are Govinda and Akshay Kumar going the Mithun Chakraborty way, as far as the releases of their starrers are concerned? Seems so, if the lists of forthcoming films of the two artistes are any indication. To be released in the coming four to five months are the following Govinda starrers: Aunty No. 1, Banarasi Babu, Pardesi Babu, Naseeb, Achaanak, Dulhe Raja, etc. Similarly, Akshay Kumar’s line-up of releases in the near future comprises Barood, Vidroh, Angaaray, Keemat, Zulmi etc.

SHAPATH

Aabha Films’ Shapath (A) is one more tale of good versus evil. A commando and a police officer, who are sworn enemies first, unite to eliminate the evil men of society, including a police commissioner and an arms smuggler. There is also an element of suspense in the drama. The story and screenplay (Sanjay Kumar) have a number of turns and twists to keep the audience interest alive, but the presentation leaves something to be desired. Dialogues, except at a couple of places, are routine. Emotions fail to touch the heart.

Both, Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff, go through their roles mechanically. Ramya Krishna is average and so is Vinita in a small role. Harish does not get much scope. His dance is good as usual. Gulshan Grover does a fine job. Kader Khan is alright. Raza Murad and Deepak Shirke are okay. Salim Ghouse fails to impress. Karina Grover, Ranjeet, Rami Reddy, Guddi Maruti and Achyut Potdar lend average support. Shakti Kapoor’s comedy will appeal to the front-benchers.

Rajiv Babbar’s debut direction is functional. He leaves several loose ends and unanswered queries. On the music side, the qawwali of Altaf Raja is very good and its picturisation is appropriate. ‘Chuski’ and ‘Choom le’ are also quite appealing numbers. Camerawork is fair. Action is of the kind which will go down well with front-benchers. Production values are alright.

On the whole, Shapath is an average fare for ‘B’ and ‘C’ class centres only.

Released on 12-12-’97 at Alankar and 17 other cinemas of Bombay by Hum Films thru Balaji Enterprises. Publicity: good. Opening: quite good. …….Also released all over.

LATEST POSITION

Heavy rains in different parts of the country as also severe cold are adversely affecting collections.

Qahar is excellent in U.P. and quite good in other circuits except in Gujarat where it dropped badly from 4th/5th day. 1st week Bombay 32,81,726 (70%) from 14 cinemas (11 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 7,26,097 from 8 cinemas, Bharuch (gross) 2,33,032, Rajkot 1,95,690 from 2 cinemas, Jamnagar 1,18,764 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee); Pune 9,26,275 from 7 cinemas (1 in matinee), Kolhapur 1,89,063; Delhi 31,81,798 (75.27%) from 11 cinemas (3 on F.H.); Kanpur 3,64,888 from 2 cinemas, Varanasi 2,13,326, Meerut 1,98,320, Bareilly 1,56,450 (78.70%), Gorakhpur 1,48,000, Hardwar 90,366; very good in East Punjab; Calcutta 15,77,702 from 14 cinemas; Nagpur 4,19,089 from 5 cinemas, Jabalpur (6 days) 1,19,175, Amravati 1,68,611, Akola 1,43,561, Raipur (6 days) 1,10,811, Bhilai (6 days) 86,841, Khandwa 1,07,913; Indore 2,83,579 from 2 cinemas (3 on F.H.), Bhopal 1,63,243 (2 on F.H.); Jaipur 6,66,018 from 4 cinemas, Bikaner (5 days) 1,91,495; Hyderabad 19,79,364 from 12 cinemas (1 in noon).

Face/Off (Badalte/Chehre, dubbed) is poor. 1st week Bombay 4,06,526 (22.95%) from 4 cinemas (2 unrecd.). Its original English version is good.

Ishq 2nd week Bombay 40,52,630 (90.72%) from 10 cinemas (4 on F.H.), K.T. Vision, Vasai, Bombay (gross) 3,23,822, Meghraj, Vasai, Bombay 2,58,165; Ahmedabad 9,70,199 from 4 cinemas, Padra 1,68,043, Rajkot (matinee) 70,983 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee & 1 in daily 1 show), Jamnagar 1,17,602; Pune 13,04,282 from 6 cinemas, Kolhapur 1,52,000; Delhi 40,49,800 from 11 cinemas (1 on F.H.); Kanpur 3,37,705 from 2 cinemas, Varanasi 1,62,419, Meerut 2,07,578, Bareilly (26 shows) 1,18,940 (56.90%), Dehradun 1,65,000, Gorakhpur 1,27,000, Hardwar 45,000; Calcutta 16,05,569 from 13 cinemas; Nagpur 5,53,066 from 3 cinemas, Jabalpur (6 days) 1,63,497, Amravati 2,05,149, Akola (27 shows) 1,71,684, total 4,25,912, Raipur (6 days) 1,38,278, Bhilai (6 days) 1,15,400, Durg 1,09,429, Chandrapur 1,64,591, total 4,19,692; Bhopal 3,35,955 from 2 cinemas; Jaipur 4,59,964 from 2 cinemas, Ajmer (gross) 2,07,391 (1st week 30 shows 2,80,446), Bikaner 3,03,390; extraordinary in Hyderabad.

………

KULWANT KOHLI IS BOMBAY SHERIFF

Film financier and erstwhile Bombay distributor Kulwant Singh Kohli will be the new sheriff of Bombay. He will be sworn in today (13th December) at Raj Bhavan. Apart from being a hotelier, 64-year old Kohli had financed films like Pakeezah and Ladies Tailor, besides distributing a number of films including Pakeezah.

‘CHACHI 420’ PREMIERE AT CINEMAX, BOMBAY

Shringar Films, Bombay, will hold a premiere show of Chachi 420 on 18th December at the new Cinemax theatre which will open with this film. Shringar is the distributor of Chachi 420 in Bombay and also controls the new cinema.

RAMESH SIPPY TO COMPLETE ‘DUS’

Ramesh Sippy has been finalised to complete Neha-MAD Films Combine’s Dus. The film was being directed by Mukul S. Anand who passed away in September this year.

It stars Vinod Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan.

POOJA BATRA ASSAULTED AT FILMALAYA

Pooja Batra and her brother, who was escorting her, were beaten up by hoodlums in the Filmalaya Studios premises on the night of 10th December while they were leaving the studio after completing work for Ashok Ghai’s Sham-Ghansham. Three hoodlums, who were seen consuming liquor in the studio canteen, passed abusive comments when Pooja and her brother were leaving the studio. When her brother objected to the language used, there was a scuffle in which the members of the film’s unit roughed up the three miscreants who had sneaked into the studio without any apparent work.

One of the three hoodlums then fetched a chopper from a food stall near the studio and threatened the Batras as well as the unit hands. Another scuffle followed in which Pooja and her brother were thrown to the ground and beaten up by the miscreants who fled after the actress and the unit members ran for cover.

Pooja Batra has trained in karate and tried to defend herself but was instead roughed up.

While the security guard of the studio was sacked following the incident, the D.N. Nagar police station on 11th arrested two of the three miscreants. The third is still absconding. Wireless police vans have been asked to patrol the area of the studio periodically.

AMITABH BECOMES GRANDPA

Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan became grandfather and grandmother respectively when their daughter, Shweta, gave birth to a baby girl on 6th December in Bombay at Breach Candy Hospital.

COMMUNAL CONTROVERSY AVERTED

A major controversy was set to rest on 8th December when the Film Makers Combine and the Association of Motion Picture & TV Programme Producers accepted the apology of Mehboob Studios for disallowing producer Yash Johar from holding a muhurt pooja in the studio premises for the film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai last month. The film is being directed by Yash Johar’s son, Karan.

The film’s first schedule was to take place at Mehboob Studios and, as is customary in the industry, Yash Johar wanted to start the shooting with a pooja ceremony. But the Mehboob Studios authorities objected to the ceremony, before the scheduled date.

FWA ENROLS WRITER MAHASWETADEVI AS LIFE MEMBER

Jnanpith and Magsaysay award winner Mahaswetadevi, the writer of over 100 novels and more than 300 short stories and poems, was enrolled as a life member of The Film Writers’ Association last week. She was in the city to attend the Mumbai Film Festival which opened with Govind Nihalani’s Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa, based on her acclaimed novel.

She was felicitated on 28th November by The FWA at actor Chandrashekhar’s residence. The felicitation function was largely attended. Actress Nimmi presented a shawl to Mahaswetadevi, on behalf of FWA. President Ali Raza garlanded her, and Dr. Achla Nagar presented her flowers. Chandrashekhar presented her with an emblem of Goddess Laxmi.

The felicitation function was followed by snacks prepared by Mrs. Chandrashekhar.

SULTAN AHMED TO CONTEST LOK SABHA ELECTIONS

IMPPA president Sultan Ahmed has announced that he will contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections to be held early next year. He will contest as an independent candidate either from a constituency in Bombay or Rajasthan.

CINEMA OWNER DEAD

Ghanshyamdas Agarwal, proprietor of Prabha Theatre, Bareilly, expired on the night of 10th December.

STUNTMAN YUSUF FALLS TO DEATH

Bombay-based stuntman Sayeed Yusuf died when he jumped from a high tower while shooting for HMV’s God Mother at Morvi near Rajkot on 7th December. Twenty-eight-year-old Yusuf received a head injury and was rushed to the Morvi civil hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The film is being directed by Vinay Shukla and stars Shabana Azmi.

SHIRKE HEADS CHAMPP

G.P. Shirke was re-elected president of the Chamber of Motion Picture Producers for the sixth consecutive term in its annual general meeting held on 6th December at Citizen Hotel, Juhu, Bombay. Sultan Ahmed was elected vice president, and Pranlal Mehta and Mahavir Jain, hon. treasurers.

KISHORE KALA’S DAUGHTER TO WED

Marriage of Monika, daughter of Rajasthan distributor Kishore Kala (Vinayak Films, Jaipur), with Puneet will be solemnised on 25th December in Indore at Hotel Crown Palace.

YOU ASKED IT

What is the potential of business in the Overseas circuit today?

– It’s great for big films, and bad for small films. Stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Anil Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Sunny Deol are hot in Overseas.

Don’t you think, the ratios of the various circuits need redefining in view of the wide disparity in business of films in the different territories?

– Yes, business in Bombay circuit is far more than in Delhi-U.P. and Bengal. Soon, distributors of Delhi-U.P. and Bengal will not be willing to pay more than 75% of the price for Bombay. In other words, Bombay will be the only major circuit.

Has the panic situation in the industry, which had cast a spell of gloom from August, got over?

– Yes, it is almost over but the finance position is still tight. And that’s also a cause for panic!

DO YOU KNOW?

* Subhash Ghai is remixing the songs of PARDES, and the remix album will be marketed from 24th December under the label of ‘PARDES 98’. It will be released thru Tips but under the Mukta Audio Co. label. Tips will also release the instrumental music of Subhash Ghai’s films, from KARZ to PARDES, on audio cassettes. It was first released on CDs only and they were given as complimentary with PARDES CDs.

* Chiranjeevi’s MASTER (Telugu) is running in its 11th week all over Andhra and is all set to complete 100 days at a number of centres. It is the first Telugu film in DTS sound.

* Of the 229 cinemas equipped with 6-track sound system in India, 142 are in the four Southern states alone.

* So impressed was Jackie Shroff with his co-artiste, 7-year old Mazhar, while shooting a stunt for USTADON KE USTAD in Ooty recently that he asked producer D.N. Joshi to gift the child Rs. 25,000, and deduct the same from his (Jackie’s) remuneration.

PEOPLE
Are talking about

** The Mithun film festival that’s begun this week with Shapath. Among his soon-to-be-released starrers are Krantikari (dubbed), Saazish, Military Raaj, Hatyara, Sher-E-Hindustan, Hitler, Ustadon Ke Ustad…

** Whether Akshay Kumar’s position will improve with Aflatoon. The Poster chhapwa do song from the film has gained so much in popularity that one expects Aflatoon to have a much better opening than the recent Akshay starrers.

PEOPLE
Are speculating on

** Who will be the three heroines of Rajshri’s Hum Saath Saath Hain. Although the Barjatyas haven’t announced the names of their heroes, word has spread like wild fire that the three male leads will be played by Mohnish Bahl (eldest brother), Salman Khan (middle brother) and Saif Ali Khan (youngest brother).

** When the Lok Sabha elections will be held because on that will depend many a release schedules of forthcoming films.

IN & OUT OF BOMBAY

Producer Boney Kapoor is back from Madras and Ooty.

Mr. Sanjay Khandelwal of Vijayshree Pictures, Patna, is at ISKCON (620-6860).

Music director Anandji and baby Suhani (compere of ‘Little Wonders’ stage-show) will leave for Gandhidham today (13th December) for a charity programme there, and will return on 16th.

Producer Tutu Sharma is in Jaipur to look after his father who has been admitted in the ICU following a heart attack.

Producer-director Indra Kumar and producer Ashok Thakeria are in Ooty.

Mr. Ravi Machhar of Sahyog Films, Secunderabad, and Abhinay cinema, Aurangabad, is expected in town today (13th).

MIX MASALA

NOT YASH CHOPRA

The new ad film on Dabur Amla hair oil has been directed by Arjun Sablok and not Yash Chopra, as reported in a section of the press. Karisma Kaporor has modelled for the oil in the advertisement film.

GOOD FEELING

Remember our Graffiti in our issue dated 29th November about Dilli To Pagal Hai? Well, hoardings of Amul Butter have now sprung up all over the city with the same caption: Dilli To Pagal Hai. Feels nice.

Let’s Look Ahead

The assault on Pooja Batra inside a studio earlier this week is a pointer to the lax security in our studios. How three people, not connected with the film industry, were allowed entry into the premises of Filmalaya Studios remains an unanswered question even 60 hours after the ugly incident took place. Today it is Pooja Batra, tomorrow it could be someone else. And what if Pooja had been seriously injured? Producers should now stop simply condemning the act and move on to taking steps to prevent such crimes from being committed in future.

*                *                *

In fact, the incident I’ve referred to above also points out to the need for insurance in the film industry. So does the accident of the young stuntman at Morvi (near Rajkot) this week which cost him his life. The boy jumped from a height while performing a stunt for God Mother. As in Hollywood, films, film stars, junior artistes and stuntmen in Bollywood too should be insured. Bombay distributor Vimal Agarwal, I am told, is contemplating getting the insurance culture in the Indian film industry. Welcome him with open arms.

*                *                *

Unconfirmed reports say that ABCL is cash-rich now. The Sahara group has pumped in several crores. If the news is true, good for ABCL.

*                *                *

With the stakes in production and distribution being so high, it is only logical that the concept of script doctors, as they exist in Hollywood, also comes to Bollywood. Script doctors or consultants analyse and dissect film scripts and can help in preventing errors/blunders in films. A lot of money can be saved with the help of such script doctors, and they can lend a scientific approach to this highly speculative industry. I’d be happy to get feedback from our leading producers, directors and writers on what they feel about the concept.

*                *                *

The Tamil Film Producers Council’s (TFPC) move to not give film clippings, songs and trailers to the various satellite channels from 1st January is intelligent. Not only are box-office collections very adversely affected due to television, producers are also paid a pittance for each song sequence or clipping. Will the Bombay industry follow the South example?

*                *                *

Like her first film, Pardes, Mahima Chaudhry’s career is also a slow starter. But four months after the release of Pardes, Mahima has three or four good assignments on hand, including a film each with Raj Kanwar, Priyadarshan (for Sajid Nadiadwala) and Polygram. The girl looked pretty the other day at the sixth birthday party of Raj Kanwar’s son, Karan.

*                *                *

And finally this quiz for you guys.
Q: What would have been a more appropriate title for Yash Chopra’s telefilm, Humko Ishq Ne Maara, after the performance of DTPH?
A: Humko ISHQ Ne Nahin Maara!

– Komal Nahta

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Magic Of Super-Hit Music

Although this piece of news has reached us a month later, it merits mention.

It happened on 4th November at Gautam cinema, Allahabad, which was screening Dil To Pagal Hai. As soon as the film started, a group of boys got excited and began to dance on their seats. When the rest of the audience objected to the disturbance, the management had to call in the police who had to use muscle-power to pacify the excited dancers.

After some time, when a song came on the screen, the same boys started showering coins on the screen and began to dance and whistle once again. In the Bholi si soorat, young boys and even girls got up from their seats and started to dance. Once again, the police had to be called in to restore normalcy. Then came the title song and, for the fourth time, the youngsters went wild. This time, the other viewers couldn’t help but enjoy their dance and even they started to clap and whistle in excitement. Why, the sober audience also began to shower coins on the screen. Finally, the dance mania took over the youthful audience for the fifth time in the Dholna song. By this time, even the police had given up. Maybe, they had begun to dance outside the auditorium. Anyway, this is surely reason for Yash Chopra and music director Uttam Singh to dance!

Rupee Devaluation Hits Industry

With the rupee tumbling against the dollar, producers and distributors are now having to pay more for raw stock. On a rough estimate, one has to pay Rs. 200 more for every 1,000 feet of positive raw stock, and Rs. 1,000 more for every 1,000 feet of negative raw stock. Since raw stock is imported from abroad, the importers have to pay more in terms of rupees for every dollar-worth of purchase. And knowing the film industry, where prices can go up but never come down, it isn’t likely that raw stock prices will decline even if the rupee value goes up.

Perhaps, the only ones who are smiling because of the devaluation of the rupee are film exporters.

QAHAR

Shanker Movies’ Qahar (A) is an out-and-out action drama with a story fitted into the action fare. Two young men, whose mission is to protect the needy and poor, join hands to finish the evil men who torture and even kill the poor and rape girls. A young upright police inspector at first becomes an obstacle in their way as he thinks that they are taking the law into their hands. But he later realises that the two young men are not the enemies of law but rather of the evil elements who treat law as a toy to be played with. It then turns out that one of the two young men-with-a-mission and the police inspector are brothers. There is drama towards the end before some have to lay down their lives and the evil forces are eliminated.

The film makes no pretensions about being a story-value drama and as the reels unfold, it becomes clear that action is the catchword. There’s violence at the drop of a hat. The sentimental drama after an action-ridden first half comes as a welcome change although it doesn’t really move the audience to tears. The screenplay is one of convenience and quite a few liberties have been taken. Dialogues are fair.

Arman Kohli does a good job in the role of the protector of the poor and the needy. His physique looks formidable. Sunny Deol, in a special appearance, breathes fire as the other protector of the poor. Sunil Shetty, also in a special appearance, impresses with a restrained performance. All the three heroes are good in stunts. The three heroines — Rambha, Sonali Bendre and Deepti Bhatnagar — get limited scope. Rambha leaves a mark in dances. Sonali and Deepti are fair. Gulshan Grover is very good and his ‘tel lagaa ke’ dialogue will go down very well with the masses. Paresh Rawal is effective and so is Kiran Kumar. Raj Babbar is good. Aroona Irani acts with sincerity. Rohini Hattangady also performs well but she looks too fat in the Maharashtrian attire. Raza Murad leaves a mark. Isha Gupta, Gavin and the rest pass muster.

Direction is okay. Action and stunts will appeal to the masses. Anand Milind’s music is good. The ‘Kabutar’ and ‘Bichhoo’ songs are mass-appealing numbers. ‘Maine dil se ye poochha’ and ‘Rab ke saamne’ are also well tuned. Camerawork is alright. Production values are okay.

On the whole, reasonably-priced Qahar, which has opened very well at most of the places, will do well in ‘B’ and ‘C’ class centres mainly and will definitely keep its distributors satisfied. It should fetch overflow from Delhi-U.P., East Punjab, Bihar and C.P.C.I. Business may not be as encouraging in the South.

Released on 5-12-’97 at Dreamland and 24 other cinemas of Bombay thru Nobel Film Distributors. Publicity: good. Opening: quite good. …….Also released all over. Opening was fantastic in U.P., East Punjab, Bihar and C.P.C.I. Rajasthan. 1st day Ahmedabad about 70%.

JUGALKISHORE RATHI’S SON TO WED

Marriage of Harish, son of C.P. Berar distributor Jugalkishore Rathi, with Taruna will be solemnised on 8th December in Amravati. A reception to celebrate the wedding will be held on 9th at Shree Maheshwari Bhavan, Dhanraj Lane, Amravati.

NO MORE

Kaushik Thakar, an assistant sound recordist, died in a train accident at Wadi, near Solapur, on 1st December. He was returning to Bombay from a shooting in Hyderabad. He was 36 years old and the only son of his parents. He is survived by his parents, wife and two daughters. Chautha ceremony was held on 5th at his residence at Pawan Baug, Malad, Bombay.

RAMAN B. DESAI DEAD

Veteran producer-director Raman B. Desai expired on 2nd December in a hospital at Vile Parle, Bombay. He was 80.

He had produced Waman Avtar, Nagmani, Amarjyoti and Hari Darshan and had directed silver jubilee hit Nagpanchmi, Chakradhari, Chandi Puja and several other Hindi films.

He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

Incidentally, late Raman Desai’s younger brother, Nattubhai Desai, is working as controller of production for Harish Shah Productions and other producers.

BHUSAWAL GENERAL MANAGER OF RAJSHRI DEAD

M.S. Kulkarni, general manager of Rajshri Pictures (P.) Ltd., Bhusawal, expired on 3rd December at Railway Hospital, Bhusawal. He had been working with Rajshri since 30 years. He was 71 and is survived by his wife, four sons and a daughter. His funeral was largely attended by the C.P. trade.

BENGALI FILM PRODUCER BIMAL DEY DEAD

Noted Bengali film producer Bimal Dey, who produced Charulata (directed by Satyajit Ray) and Mahanagar, died in Calcutta on 1st December after a prolonged illness. He was 79 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

PREMNARAYAN CHOWKSEY NO MORE

Premnarayan Chowksey, proprietor of Chitra Talkies, Burhanpur, expired on 5th December at Burhanpur due to a heart attack.

SANTOSH SINGH JAIN’S GRANDSON WEDS

Marriage of Siddhartha, grandson of Santosh Singh Jain and son of Padam Sacheti, with Shalini was solemnised in Jaipur on 3rd December. A reception to celebrate the wedding was held on 5th in Bombay at the RWITC, Mahalaxmi.

VAKIL SINGH’S SON TO WED

Amrik Singh, son of leading East Punjab distributor Vakil Singh, will wed Harminder Kaur on 12th December in Jalandhar.

KAMAL MUKUT’S SON TO WED

Marriage of Hemant, son of Rajasthan distributor Kamal Mukut, with Ekta will be solemnised on 12th December in Jaipur at Hotel Raj Mahal Palace.

LARGE ATTENDANCE AT WEDDING OF RAIKER’S DAUGHTER

Nita, architect-daughter of leading Karnataka distributor and exhibitor Ramesh Raiker, got married to Indrajit, also an architect and son of leading architect of Karnataka, Sharad Kembavi, on 4th December in Hubli at Raiker guest house. The wedding reception was held the same day. It was largely attended by film trade people of Hubli as well as Bombay and also industrialists and other top personalities of Hubli.

SRIDEVI IN AURANGABAD AT WOMEN’S CONVENTION

Sridevi and novelist Shobha De were the chief guests at the opening ceremony of a two-day convention of the Association of Women Entrepreneurs/industrialists of Maharashtra, held on 1st December in Aurangabad at Rama International Hotel. In her address, Sridevi said that today, women were no less than men in any field. Anuradha Paudwal, Kavita Paudwal and Sudesh Bhosle were also present. They were in Aurangabad for the Anuradha Paudwal musical nite organised by exhibitor-distributor Jugal Kishor Tapadiya and Dilip Chitlange in celebration of 100 days of the eveninger ‘Saanjhwarta’.

DTS SOUND AT VIJAYAWADA’S ANNAPURNA THEATRE

Annapurna Theatre, Vijayawada, has installed DTS sound system with 6 tracks. The system, including stage, sub-woofer (electro voice), surround (JBL) speakers etc., has been shipped directly from the USA.

‘Qahar’: Out-Of-Court Settlement Of Nail-Biting Title Drama

The title of producer-director Rajkumar Kohli’s film, Qahar, was almost changed to Qahar Hi Qahar on the day of release (4th December). This followed a stay order obtained by producer Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal from the Delhi high court on 2nd December in suit no. 2494 of 1997, restraining Kohli from releasing his film with the title Qahar.

Rajesh Aggarwal’s censored but unreleased film is also titled Qaher. Despite this, Kohli was allotted the title Qahar by the IMPPA, for his film which he made and was to release it as such. But Rajesh Aggarwal moved the court, seeking a stay on the release of Kohli’s film under the said title. After hearing both the sides, the Delhi high court restrained Kolhi from releasing his film with the title Qahar or Qaher till the date of next hearing. Rajkumar Kohli was granted liberty by the court to release his film by adopting another title.

Kohli then changed the title to Qahar Hi Qahar in the prints which were in his possession, but the prints which had been delivered to the distributors of the various circuits had the title Qahar.

An out-of-court settlement took place on Thursday (4th) night and Rajkumar Kohli reportedly paid Aggarwal a few lakhs to be allowed to release his film as Qahar.

The case was withdrawn from the court on Friday, 5th December.

Rajkumar Kohli, commenting on the title drama, told Information, “The monetary loss apart, the mental torture I’ve had to go through in the last three-four days has been killing. Had I known that a film by the name of Qaher has been censored and not yet released, I would have never used the same title. IMPPA should have exercised more caution before allotting the title to me.”

YOU ASKED IT

Why, according to you, did Ishq not take a bumper opening?

– Why, according to you, should it have taken a bumper opening? It was a love story unaided by super-hit music which, in the case of a love story, is a must for bumper opening. All the same, the opening was good in many circuits.

Has Subhash Ghai finalised the cast of his next film?

– When he hasn’t finalised the script, how can he sign the artistes for it?

Is it more advisable to remake an old hit or rework on an old flop?

– Reworking on an old flop can prove beneficial sometimes if one is able to rid it of its weak points and defects.

DO YOU KNOW?

* So sure is Bihar distributor Dr. Sunil (Vijay-Laxmi Pictures, Patna) of QAHAR going into overflow that he sent an advance overflow cheque of Rs. 1 lakh to producer-director Rajkumar Kohli at the time of delivery itself. “This is a token overflow amount and I’m sure, I’ll send more overflow,” says Dr. Sunil.

* Some star secretaries have formed a pool and will be sharing their earnings.

* A main cinema like Dreamland in Bombay does not switch on the air-conditioning plant for the comfort of its patrons. Some people, who had gone to see BHAI this week at the cinema, complained, it was too hot! Arre bhai, yeh kya ho raha hai?

* Delhi-U.P. distributor G.D. Mehta must be holding the record for releasing the maximum Sunil Shetty starrers from his office (Bobby Art International). QAHAR is the seventh film of Sunil Shetty to be released from his office, the earlier six being BALWAAN, SURAKSHAA, GADDAR, TAKKAR, VISHWASGHAT and BHAI.

* Raiker Entertainment, Hubli, has started a scheme of booking of tickets at its cinemas on telephone. Under the scheme, cinegoers are offered membership on a deposit of Rs. 250 which entitles them to five tickets a day in advance and at no extra cost. Over 500 cinegoers enrolled themselves as members within a couple of days of starting the scheme.

* Ramanand Sagar’s SHRI KRISHNA is the serial which earned maximum income for Doordarshan in 1996-97. This information was furnished by the I & B minister in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha during question hour on 20th November. Sagar’s RAMAYAN was also the highest revenue grosser when it was on air.

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Copyright Chor

A Bengali film, released some weeks ago, is doing good business in Bengal. Titled Sedin Chaitra Mash, this film is the remake of Rajshri’s Chitchor. But since the producer of the Bengal remake did not buy the remaking rights from Rajshri, the latter has gone to court under the Copyright Act. Reportedly, a court receiver has been appointed on the box-office takings of this remake of Chitchor.

From Secretary To Distributor To Producer

Sunil Gaud, secretary to Om Puri and Sanjay Kapoor, has decided to diversify. He already has a distribution office in West Bengal (he recently released Virasat and Aastha there). He will now venture into film production too. Sunil will produce a Bengali film and has acquired the remaking rights of Anari (starring Raj Kapoor and Nutan and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee) from negative rights holder Narendra Hirawat.

Heroine-Hunting

Rumours were rife in the Bombay trade that Sooraj Barjatya had gone to see Bhai at a cinema in Bombay as he wanted to sign Sunil Shetty for his new film. Although one part of the rumour is true, the other is incorrect. Sooraj did go to see Bhai with dad Rajkumar Barjatya. But not to see Sunil Shetty’s work. Rather, they wanted to see the performances of the two heroines, Sonali Bendre and Pooja Batra. While the three heroes in the film (Hum Saath-Saath Hain) have already been finalised, the girls opposite them are yet to be decided. Who will be the lucky ones?

Double Ramzan?

Now that mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha have been declared, film release schedules are bound to be affected. The month of January will have minimum releases due to Ramzan. With elections scheduled to take place in February-end or early-March, there may not be any major releases around that time. To quote O.P. Bansal, “We might have a repeat Ramzan (period of no major releases) in February/March.”

Sound Research To Avoid Unsound Investment

K.C. Surana of Raj Mandir cinema, Jaipur, is in Bombay for the wedding reception of Santosh Singh Jain’s grandson, which was held yesterday (5th December). He made the most of his trip and saw Dil To Pagal Hai at Bombay’s Liberty cinema alongwith Rajasthan distributor-exhibitor O.P. Bansal. Surana wanted to check the sound quality of the Dolby DTS print as he is contemplating installing either Dolby SR or Dolby digital or DTS sound system at his cinema too. In the alternative, he might go in for a new sound system of Sony. Anyway, not the type to rush in for a new sound system “just because other cinemas are installing it”, Kushal Chand-ji wanted to see the difference between the sound and decide thereafter. In a chat with Information, he said, “If I am going to spend 40 to 50 lakh, I might as well know what I am spending on. Our sound system is already of such impeccable quality that installing Dolby DTS sound system may not add to our revenues at all. But still, looking to the prestige of the cinema and with a view to providing better facilities to our patrons, I am game for installing a new sound system but only after I am convinced of its worth.” Interestingly, Surana was frank enough to admit (something which not many would have the courage to do) that he did not find much difference in mono sound and Dolby sound of Liberty. Incidentally, since there was some problem in the DTS sound at Liberty, the management switched over to Dolby SR sound. It may surprise many to know that Yashraj Films had already changed three or four prints at Liberty because the quality wears off after a couple of weeks. There is reportedly a technical snag in the DTS prints made in India!

No Laughing Matter, This!

The tendency of some distributors to take out 20 and 30 prints of a film for a 25% territory is making many laugh at them. But this is no laughing matter. While it is alright for such distributors to say that they take such an excessive number of prints to take advantage of the initial craze, it is also a fact that these very distributors, after a couple of weeks, sell most of the prints in the no. 2 market. So whom is their over-enthusiasm affecting adversely? The producer and the distributors of the other circuits, obviously. It is strange that producers should permit such distributors to take so many prints. Even if they do grant permission, they should insist on taking physical stock of the prints after, say, a month or two. Producers’ associations also need to take up this matter because it has serious repercussions on the trade at large.

ISHQ

Baba Films’ Ishq (UA) is, as the title suggests, a love story. Two boys — one, filthy rich (Ajay Devgan), and the other, poor (Aamir Khan) — are the best of friends. Two girls — again, one extremely rich (Juhi Chawla), and the other, poor (Kajol) — are great pals. The four meet, and the rich boy falls in love with the poor girl, and the poor boy falls in love with the rich girl. The two rich fathers (Sadashiv Amarapurkar and Dalip Tahhil) are against these alliances and they hatch a conspiracy to separate the lovers by creating misunderstandings between them. Their aim is to get the rich boy married to the rich girl so that the poor boy and girl are out of the scene. They almost succeed in their evil designs but better sense prevails over the rich boy and rich girl (courtesy Johny Lever who plays the sensible uncle of the rich boy). The rich boy and girl are shocked to learn of their fathers’ dirty games although they have earlier been shown as being victims of their games.

The first half is simply a laugh-riot. Almost every scene is hilarious and keeps the audience in splits. The best part is that many of the comedy punches are fresh and novel. Among the scenes which bring the house down with laughter are the nude statue (of a lady) scene, Aamir Khan’s pipe-walking scene, the first meeting of the two boys and two girls, the bank scene, Johny Lever’s scenes with Sadashiv Amarapurkar etc. The film changes tracks soon after interval and then, there is melodrama at its peak. An attempt is made to make the audience cry but the emotions are not half as effective as the comedy before interval. For one, the base of the misunderstandings is not too strong, and secondly, the misunderstandings get too complicated and compounded. The starting point of the climax, where the misunderstanding is sought to be resolved, is not exciting enough to evoke thunderous applause from the audience. It should have been so. Harping on brother-sister relations between Aamir Khan and Kajol, showing a deglamourised Kajol, and an Ajay Devgan who surrenders to fate/circumstances rather than fighting back (as is his image) also dilute the impact of the drama. Climax is routine and one misses Aamir Khan in it. What a love story of this kind needed was a super-hit music score, at least one memorable song. But while the film’s music (Anu Malik) is very good, that hit score is missing and its absence is sorely felt.

Aamir Khan is extraordinary in all the comedy scenes in the first half. His sense of timing is absolutely fantastic. He endears himself to the viewers so much in the light role that despite an equally able performance after interval, he somehow does not create the same impact in the serious role. Juhi Chawla is superb — she looks gorgeous and acts with great aplomb, especially in comic scenes. Ajay Devgan acts with all the sincerity and comes out with flying colours. But his fans may miss his action, and not appreciate his crying. Kajol gets more scope in the second half and lives her serious role with a praiseworthy performance, especially in emotional scenes. Sadashiv Amarapurkar and Dalip Tahhil are effective. Johny Lever has several good punches and he makes the most of them, leaving a mark whenever he appears on the scene. Deepak Shirke, Tiku Talsania and Anant Mahadevan lend very good support. Shweta Menon looks sexy in a song-dance. Mohan Joshi, Sunil Dhawan, Razak Khan and the rest are fair.

Indra Kumar is in his elements in the light first half and deserves more than distinction marks for that. But he falls short of that in the drama portion where he takes recourse to too many cinematic liberties and seems to have run out of ideas.

As said above, Anu Malik’s music is very nice but the absence of a super-hit/haunting number is a sore point. ‘Mr. Lova Lova’, ‘Ishq hua’, ‘Neend churayee meri’ and ‘Humko tujhse pyar hai’ are well-tuned. Song picturisations should have been much more eye-filling. ‘Mr. Lova Lova’ is the best picturised number. Camerawork is good. Production values are very nice. Action scenes have been well composed. Dialogues are of a good standard.

On the whole, Ishq should keep its distributors smiling on the strength of an extraordinary and entertaining first half and despite an ordinary second half. Business in Bombay, Maharashtra and South should be the best, and in Bihar, comparatively lesser.

Released on 28-11-’97 at New Excelsior, Plaza and 17 other cinemas of Bombay thru Devgan’s Entertainment. Publicity & opening: excellent. …….Also released all over. Opening was not up to the mark in C.I. and a few stations in other circuits.

DHAAL

Rohitasha Movies’ Dhaal (A) is a purposeful film asking the hands of law — police and lawyers — to work in tandem to protect the people and the nation. An honest police officer gets disheartened due to the machinations of a reputed criminal lawyer who specialises in fighting in court, for criminals, and who succeeds in getting every criminal booked by the police inspector, released by the court. The lawyer is none other than the inspector’s brother-in-law and he has, as his biggest client, the topmost underworld don of the city. The lawyer hates his police officer brother-in-law because of his poverty. A friend of the police officer, who is studying law to become a defence lawyer, changes his mind and decides to become a public prosecutor instead, to work against the defence and to support honest police officers like his friend. But both the friends are put behind bars due to foul play of the don and his lawyer. The lawyer-friend escapes from jail to save the innocent police inspector and plans in such a way that the world can witness the don’s confession. The don is ultimately also prevented from fleeing. The defence lawyer is made to feel guilty for his wrongs.

A usual story is complemented by a routine screenplay and a slow-moving, dull drama. Except for one clapworthy scene before interval (when the friend helps the police officer in the court and embarrasses the defence lawyer), there isn’t much to look forward to. Some action scenes in the climax are thrilling. Comedy scenes entertain at places. Dialogues are simple.

Vinod Khanna is very good as the police inspector. Sunil Shetty excels in the climax action and in a jail fight scene. He is fair in dramatic scenes but ill-at-ease in song-dances. Gauthami is alright. Anjali Jathar does an average job. Danny Denzongpa is good. Amrish Puri lives the don’s role. Laxmikant Berde is entertaining, Kunika, Arun Govil, Sanjay Shah, Ramesh Goel, Pinky and the others lend ordinary support.

Sameer Malkan’s direction is ordinary. His selection of a routine script and even a climax that’s not new limit his chances all the more. The film has taken quite a long time in the making. Songs and their picturisations are average. Camerawork and other technical values are okay.

On the whole, Dhaal is a dull fare with its low price being the only real advantage.

Released on 28-11-’97 at Novelty and 22 other cinemas of Bombay thru Tridev Movies. Publicity & opening: dull. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor at most of the places.

ONE KILLED IN COLLAPSE OF SET

A carpenter, Hari Shankar Singh, was killed on 23rd November when the set of producer Nazir Ahmed’s untitled film he was working on at Bandra Reclamation, Bombay, collapsed. Nine others were injured and were rushed to Bhabha Hospital and are out of danger.

The police on 24th arrested producer Nazir Ahmed, art director Nitin Desai, assistant director Ashok Kadam and production manager Brij Chopra for the collapse and charged them with negligence while constructing a film set, which resulted in the death of the person on the spot and injury to nine others. They were later released on bail.

The set of police headquarters was a two-storeyed structure which was nearing completion on 23rd. It suddenly caved in in the evening.

FRIDAY RELEASES IN C.P. TOO

Distributors of C.P. Berar have also informally decided to release films on Fridays instead of Thursdays, as at present. But unlike in C.I., where it has been made compulsory to open films on Fridays only, in C.P., it has so far been left to the discretion of the distributor concerned. He is free to release his film on Thursday or Friday, as he desires.

The release day of new films is being changed in the circuits following pressure from producers to have a uniform release day in all the circuits.

Ishq opened in C.P. Berar (as also in C.I.) on Friday this week. Dhaal, however, opened on Thursday in C.P.

SC CANCELS BAIL OF RAMESH TAURANI

The Supreme Court on 26th November cancelled the bail granted by the Bombay high court to Ramesh Taurani, a prime accused in the Gulshan Kumar murder case. Taurani has been directed by the apex court to surrender before the police by 3rd December, and he will be remanded to judicial custody.

A bench of Justice M.K. Mukherjee and Justice K.T. Thomas passed the order after hearing arguments from both sides. If Ramesh Taurani does not surrender, the Maharashtra government has been directed to take necessary steps to take him into custody.

The court earlier rejected the arguments of Taurani’s counsel that the involvement of his client in the murder, as alleged by the Bombay police, was at the behest of the family members of Gulshan Kumar. The Maharashtra government’s counsel, Kapil Sibal, contended that the high court action in granting Taurani bail on October 25 had created a “dangerous situation”.

TOP BRASS ATTEND WEDDING OF SUBHASH CHANDRA’S SON

The attendance at the wedding of Punit, son of Subhash Chandra of Essel group, with Shreyasi on 25th November in Delhi was phenomenal. All top political dignitaries and socialites of Delhi rubbed shoulders with one another. The reception in Bombay on 28th at the RWITC was also a crowded and very classy affair.

MUSIC INFORMATION

Udit Narayan’s First Private Album

Udit Narayan’s first private album, ‘I Love You’, will be released by Wings Music Co. on 1st December which is Udit’s birthday too, at Ramada Inn Palm Grove.

YOU ASKED IT

Is it the opportune time to make a film with newcomers?

– Attempt it only if the lack of face value can be compensated by either extraordinary music or a brilliant story-line or excellent screenplay.

How many films with Dolby/DTS sound are likely to be released in 1998?

– Around 40 or 45.

Who is the busiest actor today?

– Mithun Chakraborty. He has about 12 films on the sets, and another 12 in the pipeline!

DO YOU KNOW?

* Ram Gopal Varma’s new film, SATYA, starring Urmila Matodkar and a new boy, is almost complete. It went on the sets after the release of Varma’s DAUD.

* Dresses of Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor in DIL TO PAGAL HAI have become quite a craze among ladies and young girls. There are reports of some ladies repeating DTPH for the costumes. Manish Malhotra is the dress designer of the two heroines.

* Except for Smita Thackeray’s HASEENA MAAN JAYEGI, Anu Malik is saying “no” to producers of Nadeem Shravan’s films, who approach him to step into the duo’s shoes.

* Story sittings are on for Rakesh Roshan’s new film. Dad Rakesh and son Hrithik (who will be launched in the film) are “not available” on telephone from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. every day because that’s the time they have their sittings. And it has been going on like that since the last six months now.

* The management of Natwar Talkies, Jalgaon, permitted free admission to ladies in their cinema in all the shows on 26th, 27th and 28th November for GHULAM-E-MUSTHAFA.

* Savoy cinema in Sri Lanka is screening Mira Nair’s KAMA SUTRA (English) for ladies only in some shows. Womenfolk are patronising the film in these shows meant only for them, in a big way.

TIPS TO STARS

** Shilpa Shetty needs to do something about her costumes in films. Generally, her clothes leave a lot to be desired.

** Sharad Kapoor should pull up his socks as far as his acting and dialogue delivery go. He was the pits in Vishwa Vidhaata.

** Pooja Batra has not been half as impressive in her latter films as she was in her debut-making Virasat. Because of her lean and very tall structure, Pooja should be extremely careful about how she dresses up for the camera.

** Sonali Bendre needs to be particular about her dialogue delivery. If she improves her dubbing, her career will start looking up.

** If what people say about Govinda reporting on time for shootings these days is true, it’s really good. But it will be better if Govinda makes this (coming on time) a rule rather than keeping it an exception.

** Mamta Kulkarni should speak her dialogues slowly and clearly. She talks like a super-fast train, thereby losing out on expressions in her dialogues.

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Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Indra Kumars In News

Friday, the 28th day of November, saw Indra Kumars in the limelight. Film industry’s Indra Kumar had a prestigious release — Ishq — on Friday. India’s prime minister, Inder Kumar Gujral, resigned from his post the same day.

What A Comeback!

Rarely does such a thing happen but it has happened twice in 1997. Two superstars, who were down and out, struck back with hits in 1997. Sridevi’s career was moving in one direction — downwards — and one thought, she’d never again give a hit, but came along Judaai. More exciting has been Madhuri Dixit’s comeback, if one may use the term. Every film of Madhuri Dixit, after HAHK..!, flopped and fell like nine pins. But the girl struck back with a vengeance in Dil To Pagal Hai, silencing all her critics with her looks and performance alike. The coincidence is that in both the films, there was a second heroine whose contribution to the films’ success was not small. Urmila Matondkar was Sridevi and Anil Kapoor’s co-star in Judaai, and Karisma Kapoor was Madhuri and Shah Rukh Khan’s in DTPH.

Double Release

It is indeed a coincidence that two star-cast films released on the same day have story and screenplay written by the same team. Rajiv Kaul and Praful Parekh are the story-screenplay writers of both this week’s releases, Ishq and Dhaal. Both the films also have music by the same music director — Anu Malik.

HI-TECH HUNDRED DAYS’ CELEBRATION OF ‘PARDES’ IN DELHI

The 100 days of Pardes in Delhi was celebrated at The Hotel Surya. Writer-producer-director Subhash Ghai inaugurated Mirage, the most sophisticated discotheque in India, amidst a 500-strong crowd comprising the Who’s Who of New Delhi, all applauding him.

The 3-D holographic effects and the specially flown DJ from London served to make the event more memorable. Mahima Chaudhary and Apoorva Agnihotri were also present and were mobbed by the young and old alike. Amrish Puri was the guest of honour.

A live rendition by singers Sonu Nigam and Hema Sardesai swept the crowd off their feet.

Nine cinemas in Delhi are screening Pardes in its 16th week. Odeon cinema had a special show (which the unit of Pardes attended) in aid of The Heart Care Foundation.

CINEMA OWNER DEAD

Pentta Reddy, partner of Venkatadri 70mm cinema, Hyderabad, passed away suddenly this week in Hyderabad.

‘RAJA HINDUSTANI’ GOLDEN JUBILEE

Cineyug’s Raja Hindustani is celebrating combined golden jubilee at Super, Bombay this week. It celebrated golden jubilee all over four weeks back. The film, presented by Tips Films Pvt. Ltd. and written and directed by Dharmesh Darshan, stars Aamir Khan, Karisma Kapoor, Suresh Oberoi, Johny Lever, Navneet Nishan, Veeru Krishan, Kunal Kemmu, Farida Jalal, Tiku Talsania, Archna Pooran Singh, Pramod Moutho and Mohnish Bahl. Producers: Karim Morani, Bunty Soorma and Aly Morani. Music: Nadeem Shravan.

ILLEGAL PRINT OF ‘MR. & MRS. KHILADI’ SEIZED AT NIPHAD

An illegal print of Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi was seized in a raid at Laxmi Touring Talkies, Niphad, district Nasik on 11th November. The raid was conducted by Dr. Sunil Patil, proprietor of Shriram Talkies, Akluj and V.N. Films, Miraj-Shrirampur, the sub-distributor of Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, with the help of the police. The police took the owner of the cinema, Balasaheb Keshavseth Sonawane, and his operator into custody along with the print, for further investigations.

According to Dr. Sunil Patil, the business of illegal prints is going on in full swing in Shrirampur-Malegaon-Nasik areas, due to which sub-distributors of the area are adversely affected.

Earlier, in April 1997, an illegal print of Judwaa was seized at Satyam Talkies, Taharabad in Nasik district.

SEMINAR ON HUNDRED YEARS OF CINEMA — GAINS & LOSSES

The Indian Organisation of Mass Communication (IOMC) has organised a seminar, ‘Hundred Years Of Cinema — Gains & Losses’, on 26th November at 4 p.m. in the lecture hall of Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Centre, Worli, Bombay. The panel of speakers includes author and journalist Firoze Rangoonwalla, J. Om Prakash and K.D. Shorey. IMPPA president Sultan Ahmed will be the chief guest while Dr. Sushila Rani Patel, famous classical singer, will preside over the seminar. The guests of honour at the seminar will be WIFPA president G.P. Shirke, AMPTPP president Pahlaj Nihalani and Chandru Punjabi of Prakash Builders. Dinkar Chowdhary is the chairman of the IOMC.

CINEMA LICENCE SUSPENDED

The licence of Babulal Talkies, Raipur, was suspended from 19th November by the district authorities due to irregularities.

As Indra Kumar, ABCL Part Ways
INDRA KUMAR TO START FILM FOR MARUTI

Indra Kumar will not be directing ABCL’s film, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Aamir Khan. It is learnt that ABCL and Indra Kumar have amicably parted ways.

It may me recalled that ABCL had launched Indra Kumar’s film at a grand party two years back at The Leela Hotel. This film, as yet untitled, was to have been Amitabh Bachchan’s comback film. But Amitabh thereafter signed other films and got busy in their shootings as Indra Kumar continued to be busy with his Ishq.

News now comes in that the project has been called off. It is believed that Indra Kumar will now direct a film for Maruti International, the joint banner of himself and Ashok Thakeria.

Mohan Babu Hurt, Master Tarun & TV Crew Killed In Bomb Explosion

At least 24 persons including Telugu film child artiste Master Tarun were killed and 29 others including Telugu film hero and MP Mohan Babu and MLA and ex-minister Paritala Ravi were injured in a powerful bomb explosion near D. Rama Naidu Studios in Hyderabad on the noon of 19th November.

The blast occurred when Mohan Babu and Ravi were returning from the studio after attending the muhurt of Ravi’s first film.

Mohan Babu was admitted to Apollo Hospital with minor injuries on the chin and right leg. A television team crew of Eenadu TV, comprising six members, was also killed on the spot. The blast is believed to have been caused by high-intensity gelatine sticks and detonators kept in a Fiat car and triggered by a remote-controlled device. The real culprits are not yet known.

Master Tarun sustained severe injuries in the bomb explosion and died in a private hospital later that day. He was the son of noted film actress Roja Ramani and Hari Bhagvan of Asian Films, Secunderabad. Master Tarun had acted in several Telugu films including Aditya 369. He was also anchoring a television programme for school children, Master Minds, on Eenadu Television.

The Hyderabad Sate Film Chamber of Commerce on 20th deplored the wanton acts of barbarism indulged in by anti-social elements. The Chamber conveyed its condolences to the bereaved and its heartfelt sympathies to the injured. All film offices remained closed on 20th.

‘ISHQ’
Price Fix Hua, Kaise Hua?
Achha Hua, Jaise Hua!

The distributors of producer Gordhan Tanwani’s Ishq are singing his praises even though his film has gone grossly over-budget. For, Tanwani has done what very, very few producers would dare to do.

Rather than put the entire burden of the increased cost (which could be anything between Rs. 50 and Rs. 75 lakh per major territory!) on his all India distributors (who, in any case, were willing to hike the ratio from the earlier ratio of Rs. 1.5 crore), Gordhan Tanwani has asked them to pay the increased amount only later!

While taking an additional 15 to 20 lakh per major territory from his distributors towards the price for delaying the video release of the film, Tanwani has not altered his MG royalty at all. Instead, he has asked his distributors to pay the additional price after recovery of their MG royalty, print cost, publicity cost and commission. That is to say, distributors will have to shell out the enhanced part of the revised MG royalty only if and when the film goes into overflow calculated at the current MG royalty.

This speaks volumes for Gordhan Tanwani’s caring attitude towards his distributors, besides his utmost faith in his film. For, he has put his Rs. 1.5 to 2 crore at stake this way. Littler wonder then that his distributors like Tolu Bajaj (Delhi-U.P.) and Ravi Machhar (Nizam) are all praise for him.

YOU ASKED IT

Are Rajkumar Santoshi and Rahul Rawail being considered to direct Dus?

– No. DUS will be completed by Nitin Manmohan.

Have you seen Ishq? What are its reports?

– ISHQ is carrying extraordinary reports. We are yet to see the film but those who’ve seen it, feel, it can do great business.

What is Rakesh Roshan’s next? When will it start?

– Rakesh Roshan might launch his son, Hrithik Roshan, as hero in his next. Nothing has been finalised so far.

Which film in the near future can be expected to take a bumper opening?

– ISHQ should take a fantastic opening next week. Rajkumar Kohli’s QAHAR also seems to be a mass-oriented film which can take a good initial.

PRODUCTION NEWS

‘Mother’ 90% Complete

The unit of Saawan Kumar Productions’ Mother returned from Mauritius on Nov. 18 after picturising many scenes and six songs. The film is now 90% complete. Being written, produced and directed by Saawan Kumar, it stars Rekha, Jeetendra, Randhir Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, Prabha Sinha, Navni Parihar, Nishigandha, Asrani, Shubha Khote, Mushtaq Khan, Shashikala, Rahat Khan and Sanober Kabir. Screenplay: Ravi Kapoor. Dialogues: Anwar Khan. Choreographer: Chinni Prakash. Lyrics: Sameer. Music: Dilip Sen Sameer Sen.

‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ 15-Day Spell Complete

Director David Dhawan completed a 15-day shooting schedule of Epic Enterprises’ Bade Miyan Chote Miyan last week in Hyderabad. Songs, action and other scenes were picturised at Ramoji Rao Studios and Annapurna Studios as well as on locations. All the artistes participated. The film, being produced by Sheetal Jain and Vashu Bhagnani, stars Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Raveena Tandon, Ramya, Paresh Rawal, Satish Kaushik, Sharat Saxena and Anupam Kher. Writer: Rumi Jafri. Music: Viju Shah. Cinematographer: K.S. Prakash Rao.

MUSIC INFORMATION

Super’s Tribute To Raj Kapoor, Indian Independence

Super Cassettes has released ‘A Tribute To Raj Kapoor’ in two volumes. It has also brought out a 5-cassette pack, ‘Golden 50 Musical Years’.

IN & OUT OF BOMBAY

Writer-producer-director Subhash Ghai is in Delhi and will return to Bombay on 26th November.

Mr. Vijay Khajanchi of Khajanchi Film Exchange, Amravati, is in town (493-0645) and will return to Amravati on 26th November.

Mr. Manojkumar Seksaria of Milgrey Optical Centre and Ramnord Lab left for New York on 18th November to attend the 139th SMPTE Technical Conference and Exhibit, being held from Nov. 21 to 24. He will also visit the UK before returning to India.

Mr. Vinod Malhotra of Jyoti Pictures, Indore, is expected in town on 24th November and will stay at Hotel Linkway (649-6008).

Mr. J.P. Chowksey of Prachi Films, Indore, is expected in town on 24th November.

DO YOU KNOW?

* There are 42 cinemas in Andhra Pradesh alone, which have installed Dolby DTS sound, according to the commercial manager of Real Image Pvt. Ltd., Madras.

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Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

‘Ishq’ Set to Create New Records

Overseas distributor Mohan Chhabria is all set to create a new record in the U.K. He plans to release Ishq with 30 prints. The record so far is held by Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai which opened with 19 prints.

Nearer home, Nizam distributor Ravi Machhar will be releasing Ishq in 17 or 18 cinemas of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, which also is a record. Machhar is publicising the film extensively in the circuit and will put up standies of the four lead artistes at important cinemas of Hyderabad-Secunderabad.

Sorry, No Songs

Rajkumar Santoshi’s China Gate will be a songless film. Revealing this, Santoshi explained the other day how his financier Bharat Shah had, without a hitch, left it to him to decide whether there should or shouldn’t be any songs in the film. Three or four songs have been recorded but Santoshi feels, songs aren’t necessary in the film. Rajkumar Santoshi said, he was touched by Bharatbhai’s gesture and his (Shah’s) confidence in his conviction. Incidentally, Santoshi will start his Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan starrer on Aamir’s birthday, that is, on March 14. No, he has not promised to release it on Shah Rukh’s birthday which falls in November!

Little Wonderful Show

One has heard a lot about Kalyanji Anandji’s ‘Little Wonders’ programme but one has to see it to believe it. A two-and-a-half-hour variety entertainment show, it has performances by only kids — the youngest kid being 3½ years old, and the oldest, about 12½! Even the compere of the show is young and energetic Mini Tabassum who goes by the name of Baby Suhani for this show. Whether it is film songs or mimicry, instrumental recital or dance, the performances are all brilliant. Kalyanji Anandji’s Kalavir Academy deserves kudos for giving a platform to whizkids to expose their talents. Little wonder then that ‘Little Wonders’ has completed 250 shows in various cities of India and also abroad. And it is poised to complete many, many more shows.

Mohan Babu Left In Lurch

Mohan Babu, Dasari Narayana Rao and actress Vijayashanthi were to tour parts of Andhra Pradesh earlier this week to gather people’s support for Mohan Babu’s new party which he is planning to form after withdrawing support to Andhra chief minister Chandrababu Naidu. But before the tour could start, Vijayashanthi left for Delhi to meet BJP chief L.K. Advani. She is likely to support the BJP. Dasari reportedly was in no mood to accompany star-MP Mohan Babu as his (Dasari’s) latest release has met with a cold audience response. All this prompted Mohan Babu to call off his tour.

No Smoking Zone

Cigarette and bidi lovers will have to sacrifice puffing at the smokey thing if they want to watch a film at Shaan cinema at Vile Parle, a Bombay suburb. Well, at least for the three hours they are in the cinema premises. For, Shaan, which has been centrally air-conditioned, will henceforth not permit smoking in its premises. Not just inside the auditorium, people will not be allowed to smoke even in the cinema foyer. Shaan has been completely renovated. Already equipped with Dolby DTS sound, it will screen Ishq from 28th November.

VISHWA VIDHAATA

Shazeen Films International’s Vishwa Vidhaata (A) is an unusual story presented in a pathetic manner. An honest youth gets involved with traitors but refuses to join hands with them and, instead, revolts against them. The leader of the traitors orders his killing and to escape the inevitable death, the youth goes in for a face change by plastic surgery. He gets married to his old love but does not reveal his true identity to anybody (even though he has done no wrong). The couple gets a baby boy who grows up to become a police officer and who is a replica of his father before the face change operation. Very conveniently, while the police force as well as the villains smell a rat and set out to solve the mystery (of how the young police officer resembles the honest youth of yesteryears, who was dubbed a traitor), the officer’s mother is oblivious to the similarity in looks between her son and her beloved before marriage! Misunderstandings follow — the son first suspects his mother and later, on learning of his father’s face-change operation, suspects that he was a traitor. Finally, all misunderstandings are cleared but the police officer loses both, his father and mother.

The plot is of the kind which would confuse the viewer more than entertaining him. The concept of plastic surgery is not yet too well-known in India. Further, the pace of the film is so slow that the viewer loses all interest soon after it starts. Cinematic liberties have been taken liberally. For instance, the police records are shown to have video clippings of the actual bomb explosion operation of the traitors. If the police could videograph the operation, why did they not arrest the traitors? The writer and director seem to have been bitten by the bug to be different and, therefore, come up with strange and unpalatable twists and turns in the story. Many of the misunderstandings in the drama could have been avoided simply if the honest youth had confided in his wife, about his surgery. No explicable reason for his not doing so has been provided. Confrontation scenes between father and son and between hero and villain are dull. Emotions fail to touch the heart. The traitors seem to be only interested in exploding bombs all over the place without rhyme or reason.

Jackie Shroff is fair. Ayesha Julka does quite well but does not look like Sharad Kapoor’s mother. Sharad Kapoor gives a sorry account of himself. He needs to improve a lot on his dialogue delivery, voice modulation as well as acting. Pooja Batra is not one bit impressive in the brief role she has. Being so lean and tall, she needs to take great care of her costumes, some of which are rather bad in the film. Ashish Vidyarthi is okay. Vishwajeet Pradhan, Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Shehzad Khan, Mushtaq Khan, Avtar Gill, Jatin Kanakia, Vikas Anand and the rest lend adequate support.

Direction is dull. Muisic is very slow and although two songs — ‘Kal nahin tha’ and ‘Kaliyon si palkein hain’ — are melodious, they are so slow and their picturisations, so routine that they will not appeal to the viewer. Action scenes are good. Photography is so-so. Editing leaves a lot to be desired. Production values are appropriate.

On the whole, Vishwa Vidhaata is a lesson in how not to make a film. It will prove to be a total loss at the box-office.

Released on 14-11-’97 at Alankar and 18 other cinemas of Bombay thru Dilsa Distributors Combine. Publicity: very good. Opening: average. …….Also released all over.

LATEST POSITION

DIL TO PAGAL HAI is continuing its victory march and has recorded extraordinary collections in 2nd week everywhere. Is ‘AA’ in Bombay.

Dil To Pagal Hai 2nd week Bombay 39,73,792 (99.64%) from 8 cinemas (6 on F.H.), Chandan, Juhu, Bombay 7,72,516; Ahmedabad 13,49,403 from 4 cinemas, Baroda 2,46,001, Padra (gross) 2,56,831, Rajkot 2,10,833, Jamnagar 1,52,507 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee); Pune 8,27,648 from 3 cinemas (1 in matinee), Kolhapur 1,92,332 (100%), Solapur 1,91,850 (100%), Satara 2,01,073 (98.64%) from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee), Sangli 1,82,035 (100%); Hubli 2,75,199 from 2 cinemas (1 in noon), Belgaum 1,55,344 (100%); Delhi (6 days) 40,29,144 from 11 cinemas (1 unrecd., 1 on F.H.); Kanpur 4,48,696 from 2 cinemas, Lucknow 3,50,635, Agra 2,31,677, Allahabad 1,60,100, Meerut (6 days) 1,70,214, Bareilly (6 days) 1,40,146, Dehradun 1,65,000 (1st 1,99,901), Gorakhpur 1,29,000, Hardwar 60,000; Calcutta 19,70,138 from 13 cinemas (1 unrecd.); Nagpur 7,63,239 from 4 cinemas, Jabalpur 2,02,142, total 4,15,214, Amravati 2,23,073, total 4,76,996, Akola (27 shows) 1,75,685 (100%), Raipur (6 days) 1,79,123, Bhilai (6 days) 1,42,169, Jalgaon 1,67,160; Indore 3,18,000, Bhopal 4,59,240 from 3 cinemas; Jaipur 7,94,777 from 2 cinemas, Jodhpur 2,55,000, Ajmer 1,34,766, 1st week Bikaner 1,65,000, Bharatpur (3 days) 54,000, 2nd week Udaipur 2,95,972; Hyderabad 13,74,862 from 5 cinemas (2 in noon).

Ghulam-E-Musthafa 2nd week Bombay (6 days) 20,06,737 (63.37%) from 12 cinemas (5 on F.H.), now tax-free in Bombay and other parts of Maharashtra; Ahmedabad 4,06,207 from 5 cinemas (2 unrecd.), Jamnagar (matinee) 12,545 (1 in regular unrecd.); Pune 6,38,908 from 4 cinemas, Kolhapur 1,08,276, Solapur (matinee) 44,527 (1 in regular unrecd.); Belgaum 100%; Delhi (6 days) 12,92,361 from 8 cinemas (1 on F.H.); Kanpur 1,75,913 from 2 cinemas, Lucknow 1,70,726, Agra 1,35,629, Allahabad 99,500, Varanasi 1,39,590, Bareilly (6 days) 53,224, Dehradun 65,000 (1st 1,25,000), Gorakhpur 92,000, Hardwar 32,718; Calcutta 7,86,935 from 7 cinemas; Nagpur 3,55,078 from 4 cinemas, Jabalpur (6 days) 1,05,855, Amravati (6 days) 1,11,177, Akola 95,309, Raipur (6 days) 69,660, Bhilai (6 days) 69,360, Wardha 62,416, 1st week Yavatmal 1,05,675; 2nd Indore 82,134, Bhopal 2,06,162 from 3 cinemas; Jaipur 1,94,792, Jodhpur 1,00,000, Bikaner 37,972; Hyderabad 6,04,948 from 4 cinemas.

Bhai dropped at many places. 2nd week Bombay 28,39,632 (69.75%) from 13 cinemas (6 on F.H.); Ahmedabad 7,37,106 from 6 cinemas (1 unrecd.), Rajkot 1,16,413 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee), Jamnagar 86,000; Pune 3,15,590 from 3 cinemas (1 in matinee), Solapur 1,41,179 from 2 cinemas (1 in matinee), 1st week Satara 1,53,142; 2nd week Delhi (6 days) 14,23,548 from 8 cinemas (2 on F.H.); Kanpur 2,05,551 from 2 cinemas, Lucknow 1,69,912, Allahabad 76,500, Varanasi 1,40,500, Meerut (6 days) 1,25,868, Bareilly (6 days) 66,227, Gorakhpur 1,15,000, 1st week Hardwar about 80,000; Calcutta 20,18,044 from 19 cinemas (6 on F.H.); Jabalpur (6 days) 70,358, 2nd Amravati (6 days) 1,24,393, Akola 69,032, Raipur (6 days) 1,01,705, Bhilai (6 days) 53,732, Jalgaon 1,34,070, Yavatmal 77,148 (1st 1,68,410); Indore 49,441, Bhopal 1,10,345 from 2 cinemas; Jaipur 2,40,741 from 2 cinemas, 1st week Ajmer (29 shows, gross) 2,20,117, Bharatpur (gross) 1,59,550; 1st week Hyderabad 16,76,975 from 9 cinemas (5 on F.H., 1 in noon), share, including fixed fire cinemas, 11,00,000.

……….

BABY BOYS

Ajay Chudasama, partner in Rajshri cinema, Gandhinagar and Rajshri cinema, Bhavnagar, was blessed with a baby boy on 14th November at Gandhinagar. His brother, Dharmendra (Dharam) Chudasama, was also blessed with a baby boy on 8th.

Earlier, on 7th, a son was born to Manish Yagnik of Rajshri, Gandhinagar. These are the first issues of all the three.

‘VIRASAT’ SILVER JUBILEE

Mushir-Riaz’s Virasat is celebrating silver jubilee this week all over. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film stars Anil Kapoor, Tabu, Pooja Batra, Milind Gunaji, Govind Namdeo, Tiku Talsania, Neeraj Vora, Satyen Kappu, Dilip Dhawan, Sulbha Deshpande, Anjana, Reena, Ajay Ratnam, Ajit Kumar, Dev Sharma and Amrish Puri. Dialogues: Vinay Shukla. Music: Anu Malik. Lyrics: Javed Akhtar. Art: Sabu Cyril. Dances: Farah Khan. Action: Tyagarajan. Editor: N. Gopalakrishnan. Cinematographer. Ravi K. Chandran. Associate producers: Tanvir & Tauqir.

ADVANCED DOLBY SOUND AT JYOTI, JALANDHAR

The latest Dobly digital sound system has been installed at Jyoti cinema, Jalandhar. It has the unique advantage of giving Dolby results even in mono prints, which is not available anywhere in India as yet.

GETTING BACK LOST GLORY

Asha Talkies, Miraj, which once upon a time used to be sought-after for Marathi films but had later come to be known as a cinema for sexy English films, is trying to get back its lost glory. Its booking was taken over by S.A. Bagwan of Kolhapur recently and since then, the cinema is seriously being given a change of image. Besides, its maintenance has improved too. This has also resulted in collections going up because people have started frequenting the cinema. The Marathi film, Durga Aali Ghara, is running in its third week there and despite low admission rates, it has yielded a share of Rs. 26,000 in 2 weeks.

‘LAL DARJA’ NOT NOMINATED FOR OSCAR AWARDS

Bappi Lahiri’s Bengali film, Lal Darja, has not been nominated for the Oscar awards, as claimed by the producer and reported in our issue last week. Error is regretted.

‘PARDES’ CELEBRATES 100 DAYS AT 49 CENTRES

Subhash Ghai’s Pardes is celebrating 100 days of its run today (15th November) at 49 centres in India and abroad. It stars Shah Rukh Khan, Mahima Chaudhry, Apoorva Agnihotri and Amrish Puri. Music: Nadeem Shravan. Lyrics: Anand Bakshi. Camerawork: Kabir Lal.

BABY BOY FOR SHAH RUKH KHAN

Shah Rukh Khan’s wife, Gauri, gave birth to a baby boy on 12th November at Breach Candy Hospital in Bombay. This is the couple’s first child and he has been named Aryan.

GULSHAN KUMAR’S FAMILY SEEKS TO BECOME PARTY IN NADEEM CASE

Family members of slain music baron Gulshan Kumar have sought to be arraigned in the extradition proceedings of the main suspect, music director Nadeem, which was to have come up for hearing in the London court of the Bow Street magistrate on 3rd November but has been postponed by three weeks, to November 24. The postponement had been necessitated because the Bombay police did not record the evidences of the various key witnesses in front of a magistrate. Evidence not recorded before a magistrate is not admissible in the London court. The Bombay police has since recorded them in order.

Gulshan Kumar’s family has written to the British crown prosecution office, which is handling the extradition of Nadeem on behalf of the Indian authorities, seeking to hire an eminent British lawyer to represent them in the extradition case, as a third party.

In the meantime, the British crown prosecution office has given its written opinion to the Indian authorities that they had found a prima facie case for extradition in the evidence placed before them by the Maharashtra government.

Meanwhile, the police have appealed to the Supreme Court against the bail order of Tips owner Ramesh Taurani.

INDORE DISTRIBUTORS DECIDE ON FRIDAY RELEASE

There will henceforth be no new releases on Thursday in C.I. All films will now be released on Fridays, as in most of the other circuits. This decision has been taken by the Indore Distributors Forum.

In keeping with the Forum’s decision as also because Pahlaj Nihalani so desired, his Bhai Bhai was released on Friday this week in C.I. So, films will now be released on Thursdays in C.P. and U.P. only.

YASHWANT DUTT DEAD

Noted theatre and film actor Yashwant Dutt died of a heart attack at his residence at Malad, Bombay on the morning of 11th November. He was 52 and is survived by his wife and son.

He had returned home around 4 a.m. that day after reshooting the ending for the recently released Marathi film, Sarkarnama. His sister found him dead in his flat at 10.30 a.m.

Top Marathi film personalities, including Nana Patekar and cameraman Debu Deodhar, reached his residence on hearing the news of his death.

MAHARANA, BHILWARA GOLDEN JUBILEE

Maharana Talkies, Bhilwara (Rajasthan) entered its 50th year on 9th March this year. To mark the golden jubilee, celebrations were held on Diwali. Huge display advertisements of the cinema were issued in all newspapers of Rajasthan and Bhilwara district, where glowing tributes were paid to all those who were responsible for the birth of the cinema. Tributes were also paid to 18 employees who are no more but whose services to the cinema and its patrons are memorable.

Sweets were distributed among cinema-goers in the evening show of Diwali day. A lottery was also held for the audience. Silver coins were awarded to the entire staff.

The cinema building was beautifully lit up on Diwali. Incidentally, the cinema won the first prize in three lighting competitions of Bhilwara during Diwali.

CCCA Puts Ceiling On Film Prices
C.P.C.I. Rajasthan Price Limit Is 72 Lakh

The new executive committee of the Central Circuit Cine Association has taken an important decision on film prices and put an upper ceiling of Rs. 72 lakh for the circuit — 20 lakh for C.I., 20 lakh for Rajasthan, and 32 lakh for C.P. Berar. This resolution of price ceiling will apply to films which are launched after 1st January, 1998. This information was given by CCCA president Santosh Singh Jain at a press conference on 12th November in Indore.

Jain observed that stars were not only ruling the film industry and devouring all the income of producers, distributors and exhibitors (which they weren’t investing again in the industry) but also ruining the industry. Producers and stars, he said, quoted examples of successful films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Border to fix the prices of their films and themselves in crores although 90% of the films which are made, flop, putting distributors in trouble. This was also adversely affecting the lot of producers, he added. Santosh Singh Jain lamented that stars diverted their monies earned from films, in real estate and other properties instead of investing at least a part in the industry.

Jain said that the film industry was in deep crisis and this ceiling was, therefore, a necessary weapon, like the CCCA’s earlier ceiling on stars’ assignments. This ceiling, he explained, would help in reducing film prices and star prices. Films would then be made within reasonable and affordable budgets, and it would also result in increase in number of productions.

Jain informed that the new Film Bhawan (extension) being constructed in Indore at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh would fetch an income of Rs. 20 lakh every year, which would be utilised in the services of distributors and exhibitors.

H.S.P. Rao, CCCA hon. secretary S.K. Surana, and hon. treasurer Ramesh Sureka were also present at the press conference.

Sound Tracks In India

Following is the content of the letter written by Mr. Tony Spath of Dolby Laboratories Inc., England, to Subhash Ghai. Although it deals with Ghai’s Pardes, it also talks of sound in Indian films. It is being reproduced hereunder so that our technicians, directors and laboratories may take tips from it.

Mr. Ghai,

Following our phone conversation, and my seeing Pardes, here are some of my personal comments on soundtrack.

In general, sound in India is getting more recognition as filmmakers like yourself go to new lengths in order to use and make use of sound quality in the soundtrack.

Dialogues are loud by Western standards but this is how people like to hear films in India. They are at least cleaner dialogues than were typically, say, two years back, but even so, little use is made of audio perspective on dialogues: by which I mean, treating the voice so that it sounds as if it comes from the distance/ambience that is shown on the screen. I must say that Pardes does make some use of some varying levels to suit different scenes.

Music recording has also improved. However, there is a tendency for there to be distortion at high levels, particularly on voices. Recordists need to be aware that once a voice is recorded in a distorted way, firstly, it won’t get any louder in the process, and secondly, it is distorted forever after. The music in Pardes I liked — ethnic with a hard edge and clean drums and percussion.

One of the biggest differences between a Western soundtrack and a Hindi one is in the amount and use of atmospheres. A good stereo atmosphere sets the scene and really adds to the “feeling” the image is conveying. If there was one thing I would suggest to you for the future, it is to make sure, your recordist makes stereo atmosphere recordings on each location, and to use these as the main atmosphere ingredient in each scene. Where it doesn’t work, use someone else’s (there are plenty available from CD).

Soundtrack printing and negative processing is still some way behind what we would call ideal. Some labs try to do a good job and monitor their quality but others just do not because they see no financial benefit in doing so — typically, their customers are long-standing producers who have always printed at their lab and won’t go elsewhere, so there is not the usual market-led incentive that if they don’t do a good job, they will not get the next film. This is our biggest problem at present — finding any way to make these particular labs take an interest in quality. The result — of their lack of quality control — is that analogue prints sound different reel to reel, occasionally very sibilant and “spitty” on the dialogues, sometimes dull by comparison. Dolby Digital prints with no proper quality control will be fine — until the reader cannot cope with the number of errors on the track, at which point, it reverts to analogue. We have equipment we supply, which will make it easy for labs to monitor their Dolby Digital sound track printing: we will supply these at a good price to labs. Do you have any ideas on how we can get them to understand the need to adopt quality control?

Well, these are my thoughts. I hope, they are useful. As always, it was a pleasure to talk to you when I was over there two weeks back. I have passed the plans of your studio on to one of our UK film sound consultants, who will be in touch with you to comment.

– Tony Spath

YOU ASKED IT

To what do you attribute the non-success of Ghulam-E-Musthafa outside Maharashtra?

– There are several reasons, the main being Nana Patekar’s character which was very different from his image of mouthing fiery dialogues and swear words. Too Muslim a title also kept a large chunk of the non-Muslim audience away.

When is Yash Johar’s Duplicate due for release?

– Rather than rush with the post-production work, Yash Johar has decided to go slow on it and get the film in April-end or early May.

Who is the most in-demand music director today?

– Anu Malik.

DO YOU KNOW?

* Sunny Deol made a touching gesture when, despite his busy schedule, he agreed to make a special appearance in a song-dance for Raju Mavani’s ISKI TOPI USKE SARR. He enthusiastically participated in the song picturisation in a 6-day spell in Hyderabad last week.

* Producer Salim was scheduled to shoot his MEHNDI in Jaipur but he did not get permission to shoot there in the nights due to a tourist festival. So he put off his Jaipur trip and instead had Jaipur recreated at Madh Island in Bombay where he is currently shooting for the film. A huge set of a haveli and a village has been created.

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Mithun ‘Hottest’ And Shah Rukh ‘Coolest’ Star

Mithun Chakraborty is the hottest star today. Shah Rukh Khan is the least hot! Sorry, sorry! Mithun is the hottest donkey and Shah Rukh is the lowest priced donkey!! Surprised? Shocked? There’s no need for that. There’s the biggest ever Donkey Fair which began in Ujjain on Kartik Poornima day (14th November). Donkeys from all corners of India are brought to this fair by their owners. They (donkeys — not their owners) are, for the fun of it, nicknamed after famous Bollywood stars. So we have donkeys nicknamed Mithun, Shah Rukh, Sunny, Madhuri, Juhi, Akshay, Sunil, Anil etc. At this year’s fair, the donkey named Mithun fetched the highest bid — of over Rs. 5,000! The price range of other donkeys named Govinda, Sunny, Dharmendra and Akshay was between one and two thousand. The lowest offer was for the donkey called Shah Rukh.

‘Jeans’ Junction

Director Shankar (of Tamil films) should be feeling thrilled with himself. For, no less people than Bharat Shah, Subhash Ghai, Tolu Bajaj, Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria have, under the umbrella of Metro Films, Bombay, acquired the all-India rights of the Hindi dubbed version of his under-production film, Jeans. Yes, the office of Metro Films is the new Jeans junction! Shankar is making this Prabhu Deva and Aishwarya Rai starrer in Tamil, and dubbing the same in Hindi and Telugu. The three versions are being planned to be released simultaneously and if that happens, it will be the first time that a dubbed Hindi film will be released at the same time as its original version.