(From our issue dated 11th March, 1995)
The Tamil and Telugu (dubbed) versions of Mani Ratnam’s controversial film, Bombay, were released yesterday (10th March) in Madras, Hyderabad (in 21 cinemas), Vijayawada, Hubli etc. to full houses. In Hubli, the crowds in the first show at Sangeet cinema got so unruly that they damaged the cinema when they were not given tickets. The film (Tamil version) has also been released at Apsara (noon), Hubli.
Besides Mani Ratnam’s name, the hit music (A.R. Rahman) has ensured full houses.
The Hindi dubbed version of Bombay will be released all over on 31st March. Its first copy will be out this week in Madras. Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who saw the film, is reported to have suggested some cuts in it. Tinnu Anand plays Bal Thackeray in the film which deals with the Bombay communal riots of 1993. There were rumours that Thackeray had also suggested that the film’s title be changed from Bombay to Mumbai. While some dismiss the rumour of suggested change in title as baseless, there are others who say that the suggested change has not been accepted by Ratnam since it is too late for the change. It is certain that the Hindi version will be released as Bombay and not Mumbai.
In the meantime, a Muslim organisation, Raza Academy Tai Ibrahim, has threatened to call for a boycott if scenes which hurt the community’s religious sentiments were not deleted.
You Never Know….
** Bombay distributor Balkrishna Shroff who had decided to release very few prints of Bombay in the city and suburbs, has now revised his plans and increased the number of cinemas to 13. Such is the response from exhibitors! The number may go up further by the time the film finally hits the screen on 31st March. You never know!
** Sultan Ahmed’s Jai Vikraanta was offered ‘UA’ without a single cut but he preferred to accept some cuts and opt for a ‘U’ certificate instead. He wants to apply for tax exemption to the film and a ‘U’ certificate will make the film’s case stronger. Sultan Ahmed also wants to apply for the national integration award. The film might just get the exemption and the award. You never know!
** The high price for which Andolan was sold and the steep decline in its collections all over from mid-week have made distributors and sub-distributors sit up and think. Are the prices unreal and too high? Is this the beginning of a more cautious buying atmosphere? You never know!
SHREE RAM BOHRA HOSPITALISED
Producer Shree Ram Bohra was admitted to Bombay Hospital on 9th March for a fracture in his thigh. He had a fall in the bathroom, which caused the fracture. He was rushed to the hospital and might have to be operated upon.
‘HUM SE HAI MUQABALA’: SENSATIONAL SONGS
Venus and Time held a screening of the songs of their Hum Se Hai Muqabala on 5th March at Sumeet. Two songs — the by-now rage ‘Muqabala Muqabala’ and ‘Urvasi, take it easy’ — are not only excellently tuned but also superbly picturised. The other songs are also a treat for the ears and eyes.
The film, dubbed from Kunjumon’s Kaadhlan (Tamil), is due for release in April. It stars Prabhu Deva and Naghma and is directed by Shankar. Its audio cassettes were released at the cocktail-dinner party that followed the songs screening, at Hotel Centaur.
DO YOU KNOW
* Before his MAJHDHAAR is premiered on Doordarshan on 17th March, producer Pravin Thakkar will have to settle the claim of Bombay distributor P.M. Govani who holds the commercial and non-commercial rights in 35mm, television, video, satellite and 16mm for Bombay circuit. The IMPDA, on a complaint by Govani, passed the award on 8th March. Pravin Thakkar, who was himself present in the IMPDA meeting, was directed not to telecast the film without the written consent of Govani.
Breakaway Producers’ Meeting Well-Attended
A meeting of the breakaway members of IMPPA was held on 9th March at Guestline Hotel, Juhu, Bombay under the aegis of the Association of Motion Pictures & TV Programme Producers which the breakaway group has joined. Although no policy decisions were made, there were a lot of discussions and speeches in a “healthy atmosphere”.
Almost all the producers, who’ve resigned from the IMPAA/Guild or who are contemplating resigning due to their dissatisfaction over the working of the FMC, attended the meeting. Among those who were present were Shabnam Kapoor, Dhirubhai Shah, Pravin Shah, Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai, Pahlaj Nihalani, Yash Johar, G.P. Sippy, Ramesh Sippy, N.N. Sippy, Pramod Chakravorty, N. Chandra, Jain brothers (Venus), Ramesh Taurani, Mukesh Duggal, Sudhakar Bokade, Dinesh Patel, Dinesh Gandhi, Nitin Manmohan, Boney Kapoor, Sajid Nadiadwala, Jimmy Nirula, Shomu Mukerji, Jawaharlal Bafna, Harry Baweja, Sujit Kumar, Harmesh Malhotra, Salim Akhtar, Basu Bhattacharya, Bombay exhibitor U.A. Thadani, Satish Kulkarni etc.
The meeting discussed whether the Association should break away from the FMC or not. While no final decision was taken, the majority opinion seemed to be in favour of severing ties with the FMC. Shabnam Kapoor made a fervent appeal to think of all the pros and cons before breaking away from the FMC. Many of the members present opined that Shabnam should be their spokesperson in dealing with distributors and the Film Distributors’ Council.
Subhash Ghai called upon the Association to learn from the mistakes of IMPPA and not repeat them. He said, professional management of their Association was the only answer to the problems of producers.
The members questioned Dhirubhai for showing films on the ATN channel without making payments to producers. Dhirubhai said that he always was and is still prepared to pay producers, provided those producers whose films’ video rights were held by him and who did not wish that their films be shown on ATN satellite channel gave a written undertaking to him that they would not sell the satellite rights to any other channel for three years.
‘BOMBAY’: PRODUCERS TURN DISTRIBUTORS
Mani Ratnam’s Bombay (Hindi dubbed version) has prompted at least two producers to take up its distribution rights. While Nitin Manmohan has acquired its C.P. Berar rights (release thru Mohan Chitra, Amravati), Raju Mavani has bought the rights for Nizam.
‘BANDIT QUEEN’ BAN LIFTED
Following a compromise between Phoolan Devi and producer Bobby Bedi in the Delhi high court, the court lifted its ban on Bandit Queen on 10th March. Channel Four, the London-based television company which had commissioned the film, paid Phoolan Devi 40,000 pounds (about Rs. 19,40,400). In India, the film will be released after four scenes, found objectionable by Phoolan Devi and agreed to be deleted by the producers, are deleted. It will be released abroad without any cut.
REVOLUTION IN FILM EDITING
The latest technology in America for both, film and video editing, is the digital non-linear editing. And this technology will now be made available in India through the offices of Real Image Pvt. Ltd. which is marketing the products of Avid Technology, U.S.A.
What is this system all about? It is a more simplified system which eliminates the process of getting a rush print. The entire editing job is done to a high level of perfection on a video format. The video editing system is a full-fledged edit suite. All it needs is one recorder. The entire editing — including digital video editing effects — is done completely inside the disk-based system. The picture quality offered by Avid is on par with that of Betacam SP.
To give a better insight into this technology to producers and directors of the film and television industry, Real Image will be hosting a seminar, ‘Introduction To Digital Editing’, at Hotel Ramada Inn on March 12.
SNAPSHOTS
BUYING SPREE
Bombay distributor Bharatbhai Shah is on a buying spree. After the Hindi dubbed version of Kaadhlan (Hum Se Hai Muqabala), he has acquired both films of Tutu Sharma — that too at fantastic prices. While Tutu’s Raaj Kumar is nearing the completion mark, his Hum Tum Aur Woh has just gone on the sets.
* * *
NO DEAL
The Gujarat sub-distributor of Angrakshak (Bindiya Enterprises) has reportedly backed out of his commitment. Not having fulfilled his payment (signing amount) obligations, the Bombay distributor (Niraj Manchanda) has cancelled the deal with the sub-distributor. And so the bodyguard (Angrakshak) is for sale once again. Interested, anybody?
* * *
EXCEPTION BECOMES RULE
Delaying the release of video cassettes by one, two or more weeks from the date of theatrical release has now become the rule. It was the exception in the case of Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!. But the successful results of HAHK..! made people sit up and realise the advantages of delaying video release. The exception has now become the general rule. And the industry is benefitting from this — at least, in the case of big and successful films.
* * *
DELIVERY PROBLEM? DIAL FDC!
Producers who are in the habit of increasing the prices of their films at the time of delivery had better watch out now. A circular (dated 1st March, 1995) of the CCCA in this regard says:
‘It has been reported by many of our distributor-members that they had to undergo a lot of tension in addition to the last-moment financial burden at the time of taking delivery of prints from the producers, often due to illegal demand of enhanced price.
‘This matter was discussed at length at the recent meeting of the Film Distributors Council held on 23rd February, 1995 in Delhi and after giving a serious thought to the issue, it has been decided by the FDC that if any of our distributor-members apprehends any such problems likely to be faced, he is advised to bring this at least seven days in advance to the notice of our Hon’ble Presiden,t Shri Santosh Singh Jain, and Shri G.S. Mayawala, who are authorised to look into the problem and help the members in difficulty.’
* * *
VISA PROBLEMS
The Philippines government will reportedly confiscate the visas of the ATN people following complaints by the FMC that ATN was telecasting films illegally on its channel and was operating from Philippines for this purpose. The government is said to have taken a serious view of the matter, according to the cultural secretary in the Philippines embassy in Delhi.
PEOPLE
Are talking about
** The superb publicity campaign of Boney Kapoor’s Prem which commenced last week with the film’s gatefold cover of Film Information and a complimentary calendar of 1995. Both, the calendar and cover, are being discussed in trade circles for their concept, richness, printing and paper. Conceived by Boney, the job was excellently executed by Himanshu and Rahul Nanda, sons of late writer Gulshan Nanda.
** The superb and entirely novel picturisation of the super-hit ‘Muqabala’ song from the Tamil Kaadhlan. The Hindi version of the song from the film’s Hindi dubbed version, Hum Se Hai Muqabala, is already on air on the ATN channel.
** The mistake Keshu made by releasing his Paandav on Id alongwith big films like Andolan and Surakshaa. He should have waited for a week and released it on 10th March when no other film was due for release. The results would have been better, feel people.
People
Are Confused about
** Whether 31st March will see the release of Mani Ratnam’s Bombay or Bal Thackeray’s Mumbai. Thackeray has reportedly agreed to the title Bombay.
YOU ASKED IT
How many prints of Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! are in circulation?
– A total of 457 prints of the film have been taken out from the laboratory so far!
What is the use of giving ‘UA’ certificates to films when such films are seen by children unaccompanied by parents?
– Yes, it is a futile exercise.
Why do Hindi filmmakers not generally attempt making films based on best-selling novels?
– Maybe, our filmmakers believe that what is good in print may not necessarily be good when on print.
ENTERTAINMENT TAX REDUCED
IN WEST BENGAL
The government of West Bengal, through an ordinance, has reduced entertainment tax on Hindi and English films from 80% to 70%, and for Bengali films, from 50% to 30%. This has come into effect from March 1. Though no permission has been given to fix the admission rates, some exhibitors have already hiked the admission rates to counter their recurring losses.
To help the industry further, the government has decided to reduce sales tax on raw stock from 11 per cent to 4 percent.
Mix Masala
MUQABALA OF MUQABALAS
For Dhirubhai Shah, it is a competition between two muqabalas. Dhirubhai and the Venus people are together presenting Hum Se Hai Muqabala (dubbed) which has the chartbuster, ‘Muqabala Muqabala’ song. And Dhirubhai’s own film, Sabse Bada Khiladi, also has a ‘Muqabala Muqabala’ song with the same A.R. Rahman tune.
Jalal Agha: Id Mubarak, Then Alvida
Well-known Hindi film actor-director-producer, television personality and stage compere Jalal Agha telephoned from Calcutta to wish his mother in Bombay on Id, and asked her not to go out of Bombay since he would be reaching here on 6th March via Delhi. He did keep his promise to be in Bombay on the 6th, but what actually reached was only his lifeless body. A massive heart attack he suffered in Delhi took him away on the morning of 5th March.
Son of noted film comedian Agha, Jalal was born on 11th July, 1945 in Bombay. He was a diploma holder from the FTII, Pune. But he had started acting in films much before he even joined the FTII. He was only 12 when he acted in Mughal-E-Azam as child Prince Salim. He acted in about 80 films, including Saat Hindustani, Do Boond Paani, Saaraa Akash, Garm Hawa, Julie, Sholay, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani and Chorni. Two songs for which he gave lip movements were big hits of their times. One was the ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ song from Sholay, and the other, ‘Sama hai suhana suhana’, from Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani. Few must be aware that Jalal Agha was the hero of the Hindi film, Bambai Raat Ki Baahon Mein which was selected for the Tashkent Film Festival. Rock Dancer, in which he plays a role, is due for an early release. Jalal was co-director of the film Aadhaa Din Aadhee Raat and he had also directed Goonj independently in 1988. He was also a member of the jury of the International Documentary Film Festival held in 1988.
Recipient of many awards, Jalal produced a TV serial, Mr. Yaa Mrs. and directed another serial, Kahkashaan. He also took active interest in advertisement films. He used to compere stage shows all over the world. Ready with a witty reply to any question, Jalal was known for his lively compering, both, in Hindi and English.
In spite of his busy schedules and travelling in connection with television and stage shows, Jalal had observed ‘roza’ on all days during Ramzan last month, and never showed any sign of sickness. He was regularly working for the TV serials Albeli and Ek Duje Ke Liye for which he was the anchorperson. Though he himself was a divorcee, he used to do a good job in anchoring Ek Duje Ke Liye which presented married couples. In fact, he had gone to Calcutta for the shooting of this serial.
Generally, people took Jalal Agha to be only a comedian, but, in fact, he was an all-rounder. At his work, he was never careless, but he was not very careful about his health.
Jalal Agha had made a film, Nirvaan, in 1982, which he considered to be his life’s dream project. He had introduced his brother-in-law, Tinnu Anand, as an actor in this film, which had Naseeruddin Shah, Amol Palekar and Sarika in the main roles. But in spite of his hard work and devotion, the film could not be released. Not many may be aware of the fact that Jalal was actively involved in the controversial film, Bandit Queen, in the beginning. He had recently started shooting two of his television serials, Taqdeer and Khana Khazana.
Jalal met a model in Delhi and married her in 1976. He divorced his wife in 1983. Jalal loved both his children very much and used to send them greeting cards on their birthdays in a special manner. He would send as many cards as the years of age of his children.
Jalal played a noteworthy innings of half a century and never showed to anybody that he was a broken heart. – Kishan Sharma
UNCANNY
Jalal Agha’s marriage was conducted both, in Muslim and Christian styles, on two days. And what a sad coincidence — he was married in Delhi on 5th March, 1976 in Muslim style, and he died in Delhi on 5th March, 1995. His marriage was performed in a church followed by a reception in Bombay on 6th March, 1976, and he was buried in Bombay on 6th March, 1995.
PRADEEP JAIN SHOT DEAD
Producer-director Pradeep Jain was shot dead in his Juhu (Bombay) office on the evening of 7th March. After making one film, Sapnon Ka Mandir, Pradeep had gone into construction business. Dispute over some property was reportedly the reason for his murder. Pradeep’s brother, Sunil Kumar, was injured in his leg but is out of danger. Three arrests have been made by the police so far.
Pradeep and Sunil used to also distribute films in Bombay. Pradeep is survived by his wife and three daughters.
NAZIR HEREKAR DEAD
Writer-producer-director-actor Nazir Herekar expired on 10th March at 3.30 p.m. at Habib Hospital, Dongri, Bombay. He had suffered a severe heart attack on 9th. He was in his late forties. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.
Nazir Herekar had written, produced and directed Jeene Ki Saza. His Dhuan Hi Dhuan has been censored and is due for release. It has been granted tax exemption in Maharashtra. His Dayalu, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Madhavi, is nearly complete.
AJOY BISWAS DEAD
Director Ajoy Biswas died in a Calcutta hospital on 5th March. He was 48. He had directed Samjhauta.
Ajoy had been married to Raakhee but was divorced subsequently. He had started his career as a sports journalist and later joined the film industry. His first film was the Bengali Pratham Prem. He had also directed and acted in Badhu Baran and Bhagyachakra, both Bengali films. Ajoy was also a script writer.
3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment
The Sound Of Music, The Sigh Of Relief
Debut-making producer Rahul Gupta may have had more than his share of problems (Divya Bharti, the heroine of his Kartavya, died while the film was under-production, Dimple Kapadia walked out of the film midway, Moushumi Chatterji refused to complete her work and now refuses to dub for the film) but if he looks somewhat relieved today, it is mainly for two reasons. One, his film, being directed by Raj Kanwar, is soon nearing the completion mark, and two, the response of the public to the musical trailer of his film on Zee TV has been very good. Dilip Sen Sameer Sen have come up with a truly racy music score in Kartavya and the ‘I love you’ song is a potential hit which should soon inch its way upwards on the popularity charts. At least three more songs have it in them to linger in the minds of the listeners once they’ve heard the music cassette of the film, which, incidentally, was released by Tips this week. Maybe, it is because of the number of ups and downs he has had to see during the film’s making that Rahul Gupta does not now react to anything the way he used to (excitedly) a year ago. When asked, what he would do about Moushumi’s dubbing, he replied coolly, “Has she said, she will not dub? I wonder, why. She has been so co-operative during the film’s making. I’m sure, she will dub for it.” Rahul plans to release Kartavya in June, which would mean that it would be Sanjay Kapoor’s third release, after Prem (in April) and Raja (in May).
After Ten Years
Pran and Manoj Kumar first came together in Shaheed. The two actors thereafter worked together in a number of hit films like Do Badan, Gumnam, Aadmi, Upkar (with which Manoj Kumar made his debut as a director and changed Pran’s image from a bad man to a good man), Purab Aur Pachhim, Patthar Ke Sanam, Sawan Ki Ghata, Sanyasi, Dus Numbri, Yaadgaar and Beimaan. Now, Pran and Manoj Kumar have come together again after a gap of ten years. Manoj Kumar is directing the veteran actor in his home production, Mera Hindustan.
For A Friend, Not For Money
Subhash Ghai, who is busy with the ‘Chitrahaar’ programme on the small screen these days, was touched by the big gesture of Shekhar Kapur the other day. Not only did Shekhar shoot as a celebrity for his ‘Chitrahaar’ programme on 6th March at Ghai’s Madh Island bungalow, he also refused to accept the cheque which Subhash Ghai’s company, Drishti India, sent to Shekhar the following day for his shooting. And the cheque was for Rs. 50,000 which Shekhar returned, saying that he had shot for the programme for a friend and not for money.
