(From Our Issue Dated 11th June, 1994
ANTH
Ashok Honda Productions’ Anth (A) is the story of a young guy who vows to wipe off all evil. His sister is raped and murdered, her financé, tortured to death, his brother and sister-in-law are killed and these incidents only serve to make him more adamant about fulfilling his mission which he finally does. The underworld don, his wicked son and a corrupt police officer are killed by him one by one.
Action (Ravi Dewan) is the film’s mainstay. Not only is there plenty of it, it is also very effective and beautifully shot. The hero himself performing the dare-devil stunts further serves to accentuate the impact. But the violence may not be palatable to the ladies audience. The first half is fast-paced while the second half has some dull moments, when the characters start sermonising. The climax, again, is full of action and extremely effective. There is an under-current of emotions coupled with action, which makes the proceedings touch the heart. Comedy is missing. Dialogues are natural and witty.
Sunil Shetty gets distinction marks for a performance that will be hailed by the masses. He is truly brilliant in action scenes and also acts well. Somy Ali is alright in her maiden film. She exposes uninhibitedly in the rain song. Paresh Rawal, as the don, is natural to the core and plays to the gallery. Deepak Shirke is very effective. Makrand Deshpande’s performance is wonderful. Mohan Joshi acts with the right amount of restraint. Achyut Potdar stands out in the single scene of his. Aloknath does a good job. Vijayendra Ghatge, Neena Gupta, Vinay Sapru, Farida, Reeta Bhad uri, Anil Nagrath and the rest lend able support.
Director Sanjay Khanna does a very good job and impresses in his debut-making attempt. His shot compositions are worth a mention. Editing (Ashok Honda) is very effective. ‘Aa ja jaane ja’ is a well-tuned (Anand Milind) song and has been sexily picturised. ‘Jaane ja dil na jala’ is also good. Camerawork (Najeeb Khan) is eye-pleasing. Production values are ade quate.
On the whole, Anth has superb action for the masses and a fantastic initial draw to prove an overflow film.
Released on 10-6-’94 at Minerva and 26 other cinemas of Bombay thru Kanak Films. Publicity: excellent. Opening: very good. …….Also released all over. Opening was wonderful everywhere. 1st day In dore 70,000/- from 4 cinemas.
JAI-KISHEN
Shalimar International’s Jai-Kishen (UA) is one more vendetta tale with act ion as the main attraction. A pair of twin brothers, of whom one is blind, avenges the murder of their father. Although the drama is predictable, the blind brother’s action feats are wonderful and will go down well with the masses. The tracks of romance, emotion and comedy have not been developed to the desired level. Dia logues are commonplace.
Akshay Kumar shines in action scenes. Some of his stunts are clapworthy. Ayesha Julka does a fair job. Chandni is so-so; she has shed weight and looks quite good. Reema is alright. Tinnu Anand, Mahavir Shah, Deepak Shirke and Harish Patel come up with average performances. Aroon Bakshi, Avtar Gill, Vikas Anand, Viju Khote, Ram Sethi, Yunus Perwaiz, Sargam and the others lend the desired support.
Direction is so-so. Of the songs, ‘Jhule Jhulelal’ is a hit. ‘Yeh mausam’ is also very appealing. Camerawork is okay. Other technical values are quite good.
On the whole, Jai-Kishen has good action, a very reasonable price and good initial value (thanks, perhaps, to the ‘Jhule Jhulelal’ song, and its release after a month of ‘no-releases’) to surpass the average mark.
Released on 10-6-’94 at Naaz and 16 other cinemas of Bombay thru Mahalak shmi Films Distributors. Publicity: very good. Opening: good. ……Also released all over. Opening was impressive everywhere.
DO YOU KNOW?
* SAAJAN KA GHAR has created a record by collecting 85,587/- (gross) in 1st week and 72,500/- (gross) in 2nd week at Kohinoor, Patan (Guja rat). It is running in 3rd week.
* DILWALE has created a city record by collecting 49,402/- in 1st week at Shree, Kamptee. 2nd week first day: 6,473/-.
* HUM HAI RAHI PYAR KE (TF) has created a record for repeat-run films by collecting 59,299/- in a week’s run at Gitanjali, Nagpur. This is the highest collection of a repeat-run film in the 14 years’ history of the cinema.
* WAQT HAMARA HAI is doing good business at Ramavtar Talkies, Nagar (Bharatpur, Rajasthan), in spite of opposition of SAUDAGAR. It collected 3,165/- in one day.
* SHOLA AUR SHABNAM (r.r.) has created a record by collecting 53,523/- in 1 week at Rupam, Surat and 95,539/- at Vaishali, Surat.
* BOBBY (r.r.) has created a record by collecting 62,430/- in 1 week at Ajan ta, Surat.
* JURASSIC PARK (tax-free) has broken all records of last 15 years at Anuradha, Nasik Road, by collecting 46,150/- in 8th week.
YOU ASKED IT
Instead of asking for a ban on dubbed foreign films, why don’t our producers also produce films like Jurassic Park with novel elements?
– They are asking for a ban as they are afraid that the flood of foreign (dubbed) films may ruin the Indian film industry.
When the film channel of STAR TV will only screen old films – five years and over – how will it affect the business of producers and music companies, as fear ed by them?
– Any form of film-based entertainment channel would affect film and music business.
How much business has Tirangaa done in Bombay.
– Over 1.5 crore!
CONTEMPT OF COURT
Nilesh Patel and Alan Cordery of Celebrity Promotions International Ltd. will probably face contempt of court charges in London for allegedly continuing to use photographs of Sridevi and Anupam Kher from Saawan Kumar’s Chaand Kaa Tukdaa even after the court granted an injunction in favour of Saawan Kumar, ordering Celebrity Pro motions to stop using the photograph in the publicities of their show which was held in London on 4th June.
BOMBAY LAB CLOSING DOWN
Bombay Film Laboratories is in the process of downing its shutters, it is learnt.
WOMEN ORGANISATIONS DEMAND REPRESENTATION IN CBFC
Some women organisations of Madras submitted a memorandum to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), pro testing against certifying the film Veera (Tamil), which allegedly legitimises bi gamy. They urged the Board to remove all those portions of the film which “port ray, recognise and legitimise bigamy”. The organisations feel that by passing such scenes, the Board has accorded its tacit approval to bigamy.
It has been said in the memorandum that cinema, the most potent mass medi um, rarely portrays a woman as a normal human being. She is invariably a glam orous exhibit in films or a tyrant. This further aggravated the prejudices about women and contributed to the violence against them.
The memorandum demanded inclusion of representatives of women organisations in the CBFC.
ANIL KAPOOR INJURED
Anil Kapoor was injured behind the ear on 9th June while participating in an action scene for Tutu Sharma’s Raaj kumar at Film City. He was engaged in a sword fight with a fighter and as the sword was real, it hit him behind his ear when he failed to dodge it in the nick of time. Five stitches had to be administered on the injured area.
JAVED RIAZ HURT IN FIRING
Producer Javed Riaz was shot at twice near Versova, Bombay on the evening of 7th June by two unknown assailants. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of Cooper Hospital and his condition was described by the police as stable.
Javed, who is currently producing Tu Vish Main Amrit, was with his wife when the assailants confronted him. There was a brief conversation before two bullets were fired at him in the chest. His wife escaped unhurt. No arrests have been made so far.
NAVNEET ADHIKARI NO MORE
Producer and cinematographer Nav neet Adhikari passed away suddenly on 4th June due to heart failure. He was 77.
He had produced several Gujarati films, besides cinematographing a number of big films including those of Prakash Pictures and V.M. Vyas.
Sadadi was held on 6th at his Irla (Bombay) residence.
Navneet Adhikari was actively associated with the Western India Film Produ cers’ Association (WIFPA) as its executive committee member for several years. His sons, Gautam and Markand Adhikari, are actively involved in the production of TV serials and films.
MAJROOH SULTANPURI BAGS PHALKE AWARD
Majrooh Sultanpuri will get the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award for 1993 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cine ma. He is the first lyricist to win this award. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal, Rs. 1 lakh cash and a shawl. The award will be presented at the National Film Awards ceremony. Majrooh is the twenty-fifth recipient of the award but the first lyricist to be so honoured.
His career spans over four decades – from the fifties to the present. He came to Bombay (from Uttar Pradesh) in 1947 and by the mid-fifties, he had made a com fortable place for himself in the world of lyrics-writing.
Just last year, Majrooh Sultanpuri had bagged the Iqbal Samman, the Madhya Pradesh state award in recognition of his life-long contribution to Urdu literature.
FMC, FDC SIGN AGREEMENT
The agreement between the Film Makers Combine and the Film Distri butors’ Council in the matter of delayed video release and other things was signed on 10th June at IMPPA House, Bombay. It provides for a delay of two weeks in the release of video cassettes of films, from the date of premiere theatrical release. It also provides for a delay in telecast through cable TV by 6 months from the date of premiere release in cinemas and by five years for telecast on Doordarshan and satellite channels. This will apply to films started on or after 1st January, 1994.
The meeting was scheduled for 6th June earlier but was postponed to 9th. Detailed discussions were held between the FMC and the FDC on 9th regarding the clauses and language of the agreement. The actual signing of the agreement took place on 10th June.
FDC MEETING
Before the FMC and the FDC met on 9th, each association had a meeting of its members to discuss on the proposed agreement. The FDC had its meeting on the morning of 9th at the office of the IMPDA. MPA (Delhi), NIMPA (East Punjab), EIMPA (Bengal), BMPA (Bihar) and CCCA (C.P.C.I. Rajasthan) were re presented in the FDC. Reportedly, some members were not happy with a “mere 2-week delay of video cassettes”.
NO TO 5 YEARS
There was a proposal by the FMC to reduce the MG royalty agreement period from 10 years to 5 years, but the same was rejected by the FDC. Films will, therefore, be continued to be sold to dis tributors on MG royalty or outright basis for a period of 10 years as at present. In the case of release on advance or com mission basis, it was left to the individual producer and distributor to decide the period of agreement.
NO DUPE CHARGES
The FDC decried the tendency of pro ducers to collect dupe charges from dis tributors as a rule. After a lot of discussions, it was decided that no dupe charges would be collected on release prints. It was also decided that dupe charges would be collected from distributors on additio nal prints, only if the producer had actually taken out a dupe negative.
RELEASES AFTER A MONTH
The signing of the agreement between the FMC and the FDC puts to an end the month-long dispute between producers and distributors, mainly over the issue of video release. Anth, Jai-Kishen and Mawali Raj were released this week after a month-long period of ‘no releases’ following the FMC’s embargo on releases.
HAPPY
FDC president K.G. Dossani express ed satisfaction over the cordiality with which the meeting was conducted. “Let us now pray for the best,” he told Infor mation. FMC spokesman K.D. Shorey and CCCA president Santosh Singh Jain were also happy with the outcome of the meeting.
‘JURASSIC PARK’ IN PUNJAB: SC DISMISSES DISTRIBUTOR’S WRIT
The Supreme Court earlier this week dismissed East Punjab distri butor Anil Kapoor’s writ petition in the matter of the dubbed Hindi film Jurassic Park, on technical gro unds. It remarked that a writ petition could not be filed against a private association (which NIMPA is).
It may be recalled that Anil Kap oor (N.M. Films) had filed a writ in the Punjab and Haryana high court against the NIMPA’s refusal to register his dubbed film for East Punjab territory. On a favourable order from the high court on 20th May, the NIM- PA registered the film in his favour but went in appeal in the Sup reme Court against the high court’s order.
The SC ruled that a writ petition was not maintainable in the present case and asked Anil Kapoor to with draw the case as dismissed, which he did.
STARVATION PERIOD OVER!
That the public was starved of entertainment due to the embargo on new film releases since 6th May was evident from the excellent openings recorded all over by both the releases of this week, viz. Anth and Jai-Kishen. Which proves the point once again that people want to come to cinemas. Give them good stuff and they’ll give you good returns!
HERO HONDA…..
ER, HONDA’S HERO!
Believe it or not but Sunil Shetty has worked in Anth for a mere 30,000/- as his remuneration. So considerate is Sunil that he refused to accept money paid by producer Ashok Honda on the film’s release, towards his remuneration. “You’ve gone over-budget, keep the money,” Sunil and his dad are reported to have told Honda. Why, they even offered to help Honda by lending him money!
If all the heroes were like Sunil Shetty…..
3-E
Education-Entertainment-Enlightenment
In Action After Inaction
After a month of inactivity on the release front, the industry is in action again and how! All the three releases of this week – Anth, Jai-Kishen and Mawali Raj – are out-and-out action fares. That’s what one calls ‘Coming back with a ven geance’!
What A Song!
Had R.D. Burman been alive today, he would have been thrilled to see the immense popularity of one of his last com positions – the ‘Ek ladki ko dekha to aisa laga’ song from Vinod Chopra’s 1942 A Love Story. The song has become a veritable rage among the old and the young alike. Besides its wonderful tune, its simple lyrics (Javed Akhtar) and excellent rendition (Kumar Sanu) are responsible for the pride of place it occupies today among top chart-busters. In fact, this song alone can be expected to ensure the film a terrific opening.
“Unprecedented Craze”
While on 1942 A Love Story, Bombay distributor Bal krishna Shroff’s comments are worth mentioning here. “I’ve released so many films to-date but the craze 1942 has gene-rated among the public is unprecedented. I get so many calls from acquaintances not connected with the film industry, ex pressing their desire to see the film. Even the demand for its charity premiere shows is heavy. Baazigar may have done a business of 1.75 crore in Bombay but the craze for it before release was in the trade, not so much among the public.”
Hot News On Raaj Kumar
Not many may be aware that Raaj Kumar never shoots in Bombay in the months of May and June. It’s the heat, jaani. He would agree for shooting in these two months only if the shooting is at a hill-station.
Honour To Lyricist
It is a strange coincidence that a lyricist should be honour ed with the highest award in the world of Indian cinema in the year in which film lyrics have come under so much fire. The ‘Sexy sexy’, ‘Khatiya’, ‘Choli’ etc. songs have come in for heavy criticism, as much for their allegedly obscene picturisations as for their erotic lyrics. It is a great feeling then that veteran lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri has been declared the winner of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award for 1993. Rightly has veteran Naushad commented, “The Phalke award to Majrooh Sahab comes at a time when good lyrics were gasping for breath in the stinking crowd of cheap words. True admirers of poetry will rejoice at the government’s decision to honour Majrooh Sahab.” Gulzar said, “The fact that a lyricist has been honoured with the Phalke award is an auspicious indication. Songs and lyricists have long been treated as pariahs. Now poetry has been accorded its place of honour in the cinema clan.”
