HASEENA MAAN JAAYEGI

Rahul Productions’ Haseena Maan Jaayegi is a comedy about two carefree sons of a rich businessman. The two guys hate to work but love to flirt. They individually hook a girl each, and it turns out that the two girls are sisters. One brother impersonates the other’s uncle to impress the girls’ father about their position in society. The two brothers — or, if you please, the uncle and nephew — stay in the house of the girls. To finalise his own marriage with the other girl, the brother-turned-uncle plays a double role, sometimes appearing as the uncle, and, at other times, as the brother. How they generally fool the whole world to get their work done forms the major part of the film. It is inspired by Pyar Kiye Jaa.

The film has a weak story and a screenplay that cares more for convenience than logic. However, what still makes the film watchable and even enjoyable at several places are the performances and the witty dialogues (Rumi Jafri). There is no freshness in the story and it looks like a rehash of four or five earlier hits. But the comedy punches are quite enjoyable at several places.

Sanjay Dutt does fairly well in an out-and-out comic role. Govinda is just too brilliant in the role of the brother-cum-uncle. His sense of timing and performance are extraordinary. He is the life of the film and lifts even ordinary scenes to greater heights with his sheer acting prowess. His dances are a delight to watch. Karisma Kapoor, unfortunately, gets little scope for acting. She excels in dances. Pooja Batra does an average job in a minuscule role. Satish Kaushik is superb as the P.A. to the businessman-father of the two boys. His poker-faced comedy is wonderful, to say the least. Kader Khan also shines as the rich businessman. Anupam Kher repeats his previous act and, therefore, doesn’t really stand out except in a couple of scenes. Paresh Rawal plays the Nepali watchman with aplomb and evokes laughter at several places. Aroona Irani’s comedy is entertaining and credit for it goes as much to the writers as to the actress. Ashish Vidyarthi and Razzak Khan are effective. Mohan Joshi and Aasif Sheikh provide average support. Bindu and Asrani’s comedy episode is quite good.

David Dhawan’s direction is good, as usual. Music (Anu Malik) is appealing. ‘I love you bol dal’, ‘What is mobile number’ and the title song are the best. The other numbers also have racy tunes. All the songs have been imaginatively picturised and choreography is very good, but a major flaw is that most of the songs pop up without proper situations. Camerawork (K.S. Prakash Rao) is good. Editing is sharp. Production and technical values are of a good standard. Climax is different but effective only in parts.

On the whole, Haseena Maan Jaayegi has a fair dose of comedy, although without a cohesive story, and will, therefore, remain an average fare in some circuits and above-average in other circuits (where comedies are more patronised).

Released on 25-6-’99 at Minerva and 20 other cinemas of Bombay thru V.I.P. Enterprises. Publicity: very good. Opening: excellent. …….Also released all over. Opening was very good everywhere.

PYAAR MEIN KABHI KABHI…

Tyger Productions’ Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi… is a youthful film about love and campus life. It gets philosophical at times and remains plain comical at other times. While the comedy in the first half is enjoyable and holds appeal for the class audience, the philosophical part gets boring. The post-interval portion, especially, is rather dull.

A college girl falls in love with her college pal but he loves another girl. A common friend does all he can to see that the two of them come together because he sincerely believes, they are made for each other. Much later, it is revealed that he, too, loves the same girl but, of course, he sacrifices his love for his friend’s sake.

The subject has been handled in a way which will appeal only to the youth among the elite and city audience. Many jokes are of the kind which will not be understood at all by audience outside those in metropolitan cities. Another drawback is that the film has no face value whatsoever. Except for two songs — ‘Mussu Mussu’ and ‘Woh pehli baar’ — the others pass muster. Considering that the film is a romantic tale, there should’ve been at least three or four really good numbers. But only ‘Mussu Mussu’ qualifies to be called a hit.

Performances of the entire cast are good. Although the lead artistes do not have the traditional requisites of hero/heroine, they have done well in this film. Rinke Khanna looks cute and does a natural job. Dino Morea is very effective and restrained. Sanjay Suri, as their good friend, does a fine job. Aakash Saigal, Manoj Dhanwani and Akash Karnatiki lend very good support. Shveta Salve, Melody Decunha and Tora Khasgir are alright. Longines Fernandes is okay. Mohan Kapur, Patrick Biswas and the rest are fair.

Raj Kaushal’s direction is good but of the kind which makes the film a fare for a very, very limited audience. Music should have been far better. The ‘Mussu Mussu’ song is, of course, excellent and its picturisation is also cute. Camerawork is alright. Production and technical values are fair.

On the whole, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi… is for the class audience among youth only. It has some chances in only a handful of cinemas in the entire country, but for the rest, it will meet with a disastrous fate.

Released on 25-6-’99 at New Empire and 7 other cinemas of Bombay thru SPE Films P. Ltd. Publicity: very good. Opening: fair. …….Also released in Delhi-U.P., East Punjab, Bengal, C.P. Berar and Nizam.

MANOHAR MUDKATTE NO MORE

Legal advisor Manohar Mudkatte passed away on 25th June in Bombay at S.L. Raheja Hospital following renal failure. He was 72. He was cremated the same day. He is survived by four daughters and a son.

Mudkatte had been hospitalised a month-and-a-half back. His condition deteriorated on 25th and he breathed his last at 11.35 a.m.

Manohar Mudkatte used to specialise in legal matters pertaining to the production sector. Many years back, he used to be the distribution manager of Rajshri Pictures P. Ltd., Bombay. He was extremely good at figures and used to remember shares to the last rupee. He also owned a telecine transfer unit.

YOU ASKED IT

What is the ratio of Mann? And of Taal?

– The ratio of MANN is 3 crore. That of TAAL is under finalisation.

What is ‘concept cinema’, as is being used by its makers to describe this week’s release, Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi…?

– ‘Concept cinema’ is a term coined to describe films that are positioned to appeal to a specified target audience. In the case of PMKK…, the primary target audience is youngsters, particularly females, between 13 and 21 years of age, and the secondary target audience is adults, particularly females again, between 21 and 30 years of age. The film, according to its makers, has been made to appeal to the aforesaid target audience.

How many successes/hits/super-hits has David Dhawan given so far?

– A total of 13 so far — SWARG, SHOLA AUR SHABNAM, AANKHEN, RAJA BABU, BOL RADHA BOL, COOLIE NO. 1, JUDWAA, SAAJAN CHALE SASURAL, LOAFER, HERO NO. 1, DEEWANA MASTANA, BADE MIYAN CHOTE MIYAN, BIWI NO. 1! This week’s HASEENA MAAN JAAYEGI too has started well.

PRODUCTION NEWS

‘Champion’ 40-Day Marathon Schedule

The unit of Shree Shiv Bhakti Films’ Champion left for Hyderabad today (June 26) for a 40-day marathon shooting schedule at Ramoji Rao Studios. Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala, Kashmira Shah, Deepak Parasher, Surendra Pal, Tom Alter, Johny Lever, Dina Pathak, Krishna Mishra, Charlie, A.K. Hangal, Anil Nagrath, Abhishek and Vikram Gokhale will participate. The fourth song will be recorded shortly in Bombay by music director Anu Malik. The film is being produced by Sujit Kumar and directed by Padam Kumar. Screenplay: N.K. Mahajan. Dialogues: Sanjay Masoom. Lyrics: Javed Akhtar. Cinematography: Thiru. Action: Tinnu Verma. Choreography: Ahmed Khan and Raju Sundaram. Editor: Chandan. Art: Raghavan.

‘Hindustan Ki Kasam’ First Copy Out

The first print of Devgan Films’ Hindustan Ki Kasam came out on June 23 from Prasad Lab. The film, produced and directed by Veeru Devgan, stars Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Manisha Koirala, Sushmita Sen, Prem Chopra, Gulshan Grover, Shahbaaz Khan, Farida Jalal, Johny Lever, Goga Kapoor, Salim, Navin, Bawa, Mallika, Shakti Kapoor and Kader Khan. Dialogues: Tanveer Khan. Lyrics: Anand Bakshi. Music: Sukhwindara Singh. Cinematography: Ishwar Bidri. Dances: Raju Khan. Action: Jay Singh and Norman Kent (from Hollywood). Art: Bijon Dasgupta. Sound: Rakesh Ranjan. Editor: Suresh Chaturvedi. Bharat Shah presents the film.

‘Badal’ In Simla

A 20-day shooting spell of Aftab Music Industries’ Badal began on June 20 in Simla. Bobby Deol, Rani Mukerji, Mayuri Kango, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Ashish Vidyarthi, Vishwajeet Pradhan, Harish Patel, Neena Kulkarni, Mushtaq Khan, Razzak Khan, Upasna Singh, Dinesh Anand, baby Sana, Ashutosh Rana, Johny Lever, Amrish Puri and Mink (special appearance) are participating. The film is being produced by Salim. Story writer & director: Raj Kanwar. Screenplay: Robin Bhatt and Sutanu Gupta. Dialogues: Santosh Saroj. Lyrics: Sameer. Music: Anu Malik. Action: Bhiku Verma. Art: R. Verman. Dances: B.H. Tharun Kumar and Chinni Prakash. Editor: Waman Bhosle. Masuda H.M. Ishaque presents the film.

3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment

Khans Ka Mela

Will Diwali ’99 be a test of strength for the Khan stars? Seems so. For, as of now, the three films being announced for release on Diwali (5th November) are all Khan starrers. Rajshri’s Hum Saath Saath Hain stars Salman Khan, Venus’ Mela has Aamir Khan, and Aziz Mirza’s Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani is not just Shah Rukh Khan’s home production but it also has him in the lead. But while all the three films have been announced for release this Diwali, the question being asked in trade circles is: will the other two films come in opposition of Hum Saath Saath Hain? Well, if they do, at least the Khan heroes can well proclaim “Hum saath saath hain!”

Mast Music

Seven songs and all of them racy and foot-tapping. Well, that’s the music of Ram Gopal Varma’s new film, Mast. The film is composer Sandeep Chowta’s first full-fledged Hindi venture and, must say, all the seven songs of the film are really appealing. Like songs, like picturisations. Ram Gopal is leaving no stone unturned to make the songs a delight on the screen too. Mast, incidentally, will be released in late September or early October. A new handsome boy, Aftab, will be introduced in the lead in this film. He makes his debut opposite Urmila Matondkar.

Hit Gayee Or Pit Gayee?

Overheard the following conversation:

Producer to cinema owner where his film has opened. “What’s the report of my film?”

Cinema owner: “Public is not moving. It is glued to the seats. There’s pin-drop silence.”

Producer: “Wow! Does that mean that people are liking my film? It’s a hit?”

Cinema owner: “No, it only means that the audience is fast asleep. Your film is dead boring.”

BRIEF ENCOUNTER

“Hum Saath Saath Hain has not been inspired from any film — whether ours or somebody else’s. It has been Raj Babu’s concept right from the start.”

– KAMAL KUMAR BARJATYA

The shooting of HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN having now been completed, when should we expect the first copy of the film to be out?

It is true that the shooting phase of Hum Saath Saath Hain is complete and, at the moment, its dubbing is in progress. However, there has been a slight delay as we have had to find matching dates of 10 to 15 artistes for dubbing at a time. Fortunately, we have procured the required dates from the artistes and expect dubbing to be complete by mid-July. For this, we must take this opportunity to thank all our artistes who have been co-operation personified.

We will begin working on the background score by 21st July. Right now, however, we are completely concentrating on the dubbing. When that is over, we will have everything under our control to start planning to complete and release the film. We have scheduled to complete all post-production and other work in time for the first copy to be out in the first week of September. The film is slated for release during Diwali this year (5th November ’99).

So when shall we expect the music release of HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN?

We had earlier planned to have the audio launch in September, but we have now rescheduled it earlier to coincide with Janmashtami (1st week of September). You see, Hum Saath Saath Hain has a song connected with Janmashtami, which, we think, will be ideal for the audio release around the same time.

What is going to be the release strategy of HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN? Will it be anything like HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN..!?

Our previous film, HAHK..!, was released in 1994 with a limited number of prints initially. We increased the number of prints as weeks progressed. The reason behind it was that we had induced the then state-of-the-art optical surround Stereophonic sound system, which existed in very few cinemas at the time. We first had it installed at Liberty, Bombay, prior to the film’s release. However, there was a little wait, after the release, while other cinemas in the country also upgraded their sound systems. Thus, we kept increasing the prints of HAHK..! with installations of the required sound system in cinemas. Today, there are nearly 500 cinemas all over the country, which have optical surround or other later sound systems, thanks to HAHK..!.

Today, distributors in smaller stations are insisting on a simultaneous release of HSSH with the A-class centres. Our effort will be to accommodate their demands as far as possible. In the case of Hum Saath Saath Hain, we are planning a release similar to that of any other big film nowadays.

How true are reports that HSSH has been inspired by earlier hits like KHANDAAN, DO RAASTE or some earlier Rajshri film?

There is not an iota of truth in such reports. HSSH has not been inspired from any film — whether ours or somebody else’s. In fact, it has been Raj Babu’s (Rajkumar Barjatya) concept right from the start.

Are you satisfied with the way HSSH has shaped up? Do you expect it to surpass the box-office record of HAHK..!?

Even as Hum Saath Saath Hain has as much entertainment value as HAHK..!, the former is more intense than the latter. While HAHK..! had more lighter moments, HSSH has more of the subject matter, emotional content and drama. Again, while HAHK..! had as many as 14 songs, HSSH has only seven. Therefore, we would not like to compare the two films, really. As far as we are concerned, we are happy with the job Sooraj has done. He has not only amassed a huge cast, but has used each of the artistes well in the story. He has also extracted a fine performance out of each and every artiste. So, yes, we are satisfied with the way HSSH has shaped up.

Finally, what is the length of HSSH?

Its length is about fifteen minutes less than the abridged (shorter) version of HAHK..!. That is, it is roughly 180 minutes long.

– GAUTAM MUTHA