... The first month of 2008, though, has proven to be disappointing. Not a single film released so far has drawn decent audiences, including this month's last release, Rohit Shetty's Sunday.
It's a comedy (a genre now fashionable with audiences), it has an ensemble cast of Ajay Devgan, Arshad Warsi, Irrfan Khan and Ayesha Takia and it was the solo release of the week, but it still pulled in only 40 to 50 per cent on opening day. Its collections did jumpon the Republic Day holiday.
Expecations The film may not have taken a grand opening but it did pick up on Day Two and indications say this film will survive. Its biggest advantage is the lack of any big release till February 15, when Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar (toplining Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai ) is scheduled to release. ...
January 29, 2008 1:24:51 PM IST Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network
The double National Award winner of the coveted best actor, Ajay Devgan, seems to be going through a rough patch. Post GOLMAAL (2006), most of his projects have failed at the box-office. Even Anubhav Sinha's CASH, which took a good initial, sank without a trace. After that RGV KI AAG and super director, Rajkumar Santoshi's HALLA BOL, failed to get even a reasonable start at the ticket window, before fading out into the oblivion.
While it was generally believed by all and sundry that his latest, Rohit 'Golmaal' Shetty directed, SUNDAY, would set the record straight and also give Bollywood its first hit of 2008, the movie has disappointed, barring Bombay. Though it's too early to dismiss SUNDAY, the fact remains that the opening has been far from encouraging and the reports coming in are poor. Meanwhile in the UK, SUNDAY has fared much better than Devgan's last venture, HALLA BOL, grossing $161,059 during the first weekend itself, as compared to HALLA BOL, which has a total gross of just $156,525.
However, knowing Ajay Devgan's tenacity over the last one and a half decades, one feels that he can say HALLA BOL anytime! If not with SUNDAY, quite likely with his directorial debut venture, U ME & HUM, like on many previous occasions.
His first film as director has yet to see the Box Office light, but that doesn’t hinder him from beginning work on his second.
Action hero Ajay Devgan is busy with two films right now, his directorial debut U Me Aur Hum, a romance set on board a cruise-ship, and a fantasy super-hero flick titled Toonpur Ka Superhero. In this Ajay will be seen as a super-hero in the world of cartoons. The film is expected to be a live action crossover animation flick.
Once again his wife Kajol will star as one of the live action characters.
January 29, 2008 4:05:52 PM IST Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network
Rohit Shetty has made sure that he acknowledges prominent crew members of his release SUNDAY. This is why number of characters in the film have been named after people associated with the film.
First and foremost, the character of Irrfan Khan himself has been named Kumar. It is only towards the end of the film when his full name is revealed which turns out to be Kumar Mangat. As everyone knows, Kumar Mangat is the producer of SUNDAY.
Apart from this, another character in the film is also named Aseem Bajaj. For those who came in late, Aseem Bajaj is the cinematographer of SUNDAY. Last but not the least, the funny forgetful doctor shown earlier in the film is called Robin Bhatt. Well, Robin Bhatt is a renowned screenplay writer who has written not just SUNDAY but dozens of other Bollywood films.
Rohit Shetty has indeed followed the practice of Farah Khan here. While Farah too always makes sure that her crew is acknowledged in her films (remember the end credits of MAIN HOON NAA and OM SHANTI OM), Rohit Shetty too has followed a similar route!
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, January 29, 2008 - 17:54 IST
Her million-dollar smile is the hallmark of her character and her latest flick, Sunday is slated to release soon in cinema halls. Yes, we are talking about the very bubbly Ayesha Takia who captured millions of hearts with her performance in her debut film, Socha Na Tha. She gained much credit for her work in the movie Dor for which she even won the best supporting actress. Now she is coming back with a comic thriller titled, Sunday a Rohit Shetty's film. She interacted live with her fans on Bollywood Hungama Celebrity Chat but those who have missed the golden opportunity to interact with her; we bring you some excerpts of the chat.
So sit back, enjoy, and know your star up, and close.
Auszug:
Raul: Hi Ayesha, are you nervous or excited bout Sunday? Ayesha Takia: Both, as anyone before the release of a film. But it's great film. So, I am sure that everyone will love it.
Sam123: Did Ajay play any pranks on you? Ayesha Takia: Well, everyone said that he is a prankster, but he didn't really seem like one. So, it was Rohit Shetty and his team who played the pranks.
Raul: Irrfan khan is such a noted actor, how was it working with him? Ayesha Takia: Irrfan is a real fabulous actor.
Raj: Hi, how was the atmosphere while shooting for the movie...where did you shoot? Ayesha Takia: Sunday was a laugh riot. We all had great fun. Everybody got along so well. We shot lots in Delhi and some in Mumbai.
Raul: Which is your favorite scene in Sunday? Ayesha Takia: The scene that was shot at the graveyard and my introduction scene
Shah: What is the USP of Sunday how different is it from any other comic thrillers? Ayesha Takia: Shah, the USP of Sunday is a full on entertainer with a storyline. So, it's not just another comedy
Kabir: You are looking fabulous in the Movie and Also in Song Missing Sunday? Are you dancer? Ayesha Takia: kabir, thank you very much. I haven't learnt dancing. But I love dancing a lot.
Bapi: how was it working with Ajay? Ayesha Takia: Bapi, working with Ajay is a pleasure since he has been extremely non-filmy and a very classy human being.
Smart_Wasil: Hey Ayesha, plz tell me about your new film Sunday? Plzzzzzzzz how is Arshad on the sets? Ayesha Takia: Sunday is a superb thriller comedy action film. Arshad is always laughing and joking. He is a real sweetheart.
Asim: What was it about Sunday that made you take up the film? Ayesha Takia: The role of Sunday is something that no actress would love to give up.
Imgemini: Why the title Sunday? Ayesha Takia: Imgemini, Sunday is one day that is missing from my life And I am looking for that day.
Amarnathwarty: Which is your favorite song from Sunday? Ayesha Takia: My favorite song is Loot Liya and Pyaar Tho Hona Hi Tha.
Saleem kamil: Do you have any action scene in SUNDAY or in any other film? You and Ajay Devgan look great in PYAR TO HONA. Ayesha Takia: Saleem, I didn't have any action scene. I am really scared of heights and everything that has risks involved.
Nikhil Odeon: Have you ever had a Sunday missing from your life? Ayesha Takia: Niks Sunday is a holiday. So, I will feel bad. I don't mind a Monday missing.
Farhan: You did movie Tarzan the Wonder Car, what did you like bout the film? Why? Ayesha Takia: Farhan, besides the car........
Takia: What is your all time favorite Bollywood film? Ayesha Takia: takia, DDLJ and HDDCS.
Rhea: Hi, you are too cool & I love Sunday songs. Ayesha Takia: Rhea, the songs are really cool. DO watch the film.
Me: What would you like to tell your audience? Ayesha Takia: Me, as of now, I tell them to please go and watch Sunday. It's a great way to start this year and it's honestly a fun movie.
Ayesha Takia: Thanks to all of you for having come and chatted with me. It's been great fun and I hope that we can chat lot more next time. Thanks again. God Bless. Good Bye! Hey! Don't just forget to watch SUNDAY, that's releasing on Jan 25th! And let me know what you think!
More and more Bollywood stars seem to be stepping out of their comfort zone and putting their money where their mouths are – making movies they want to see. With U Me Aur Hum slated for release this summer, Ajay Devgan becomes the latest Bollywood star to slip behind the camera and don the director's hat.
Following in the illustrious footsteps of Sunny Deol, Rajat Kapoor and most recently Aamir Khan, Devgan too directs himself in his first outing as filmmaker. However, he insists, acting and directing are two entirely different jobs, and says he knows how to keep both responsibilities apart
“You should know what role you are playing. As an actor whatever is given to me I will do that. When I am directing it’s totally my call in everyway. So you need to know what you are doing,” Ajay said.
While Sunny Deol didn't quite hit bulls eye with Dillagi, Aamir Khan earned both success and acclaim with Taare Zameen Par. Art house actor-director Rajat Kapoor, now in his third outing as filmmaker with Mithiya, earned encouraging reviews for both Raghu Romeo and Mixed Doubles. But contrary to popular belief, these crossover talents insist making movies is never a piece of cake.
“I wrote Mithya end of ’98. One of the first people to read the script after my wife was Naseeruddin Shah ji. I wanted him to be the protagonist, but nobody wanted to fund Naseer ji in the lead role. So then I wrote Raghu Romeo and then Mixed Doubles and finally after nine years somebody thought it worth funding,” Rajat says.
While Aamir Khan says that directing comes with its own demands. “It’s not like it’s not been done before. Raj Kapoor ji has been doing it all his career.”
Although the greats – everyone from Raj Kapoor and Manoj Kumar, to Clint Eastwood in Hollywood – have always comfortably juggled both jobs, today's generation says they'd much rather be doing a single job on the sets.
“Ideally I don’t want to act in the film that I am directing. Now in this case I didn’t have a choice. Unless I really cannot find someone my first choice would be to actually find actors others than me to be a part of the film that I am directing,” Aamir says.
Much like their Hollywood counterparts – George Clooney, Sean Penn, even Ben Affleck – more and more Bollywood stars seem to be stepping out of their comfort zone and putting their money where their mouths are – making movies they want to see.
With the unanimous appreciation Aamir has received for daring to dream, one can only hope others will be bolder and braver.
The actor stars, with wife Kajol, in Toonpur Ka Superhero, a film mixing live-action and animation.
The film is about a movie actor who falls into the animated world of toons and becomes a hero to them.
Produced by Kumar Mangat and with a reported budget of Rs 40 crore, the film is said to contain 60-70 percent animation.
The film is short-filmmaker Kireet Khurana's first full-length feature, and was given a mahurat in Mumbai's Yash Raj Studios recently with chief guest Karan Johar giving the actors the clap.
It seems the promotion of the film is becoming more important than the film itself. It is this same reason why Ajay Devgan and Ayesha Takia continue to publicise their comedy flick Sunday that turned out to be a dud at the box office.
Actors Ajay Devgan And Ayesha Takia walked into a suburban multiplex to watch there latest film Sunday on Tuesday. The idea was to promote the film through a unique "watch a movie with a star contest"
Though Ajay Devgan and Ayesha Takia’s latest offering at the box office Sunday failed to impress the few who watched it, however, the actors are still busy promoting the film with some post release publicity. Ajay and Ayesha met the winners of 'movie with the star contest', organised by Mumbai’s tabloid, Midday.
“We spoke to Mr Devgan and he said lets not keep this formal. Let us keep everything informal,” says Marketing Head, Neville Bastawalia.
Ignoring the questions on the films failure at the box office, the actors just continued with some well-rehearsed words of wisdom.
“It is nice to know that they have seen the film and they are seeing it again and they are appreciating the film,” says Ajay Devgan.
“I have seen the film twice its a very nice film,” says Ayesha Takia.
January 30, 2008 7:30:33 PM IST Bollywood Trade News Network
Producer Kumar Mangat's latest venture TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO, directed by Kireet Khurana and India's First 3D and Live Action animation film, was magnanimously launched through its Mahurat at Yash Raj Studios, Mumbai recently.
Special Guest Karan Johar graciously gave the Mahurat clap and charmed one and all with his presence. Also present were the entire star cast and crew of the film: Producer Kumar Mangat, Director Kireet Khurana, Lead actors Ajay Devgan and Kajol, and music director of the film Anu Malik.
Also as guests present were Kajol's sister Tanishaa, Actor Dayashankar Pandey Sunil Lulla and Krishika Lulla
Presented by Eros International and starring Ajay Devgan and Kajol as the lead pair, TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO is a Bollywood film with around 60-70% live action animation sequences, directed by award-winning film maker Kireet Khurana. With a history of making ad films and short animation films in Canada and India, this is Kireet Khurana's first full-fledged Bollywood venture.
Said Director Kireet, 'TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO is a cute and endearing animation film with Ajay Devgan and Kajol caught up in the war of the toons! A loving father and family man who is a reel life hero and who accidentally lands in the world of cartoons and becomes a real life hero!'
More than 120 animators and artists are toiling hard to execute this ambitious 40cr. venture, the largest of its kind in India. The animation pre-production, creating more than 50 animated 3D characters, backdrops, props and layouts is ready. The film goes on the floor for the live-action component, an integral part of the film and story telling. With music given by Anu Malik and lyricist Munna's nonsense poetry apt for this unique format, it seems like TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO is one exciting film to watch out for! This film has been written by Raagi Bhatnagar with dialogues by Mubeen Farooqi. Veteran cinematographer Nirmal Jani is the man behind the camera.
TOONPUR KA SUPERHERO is an Eros International Presentation.
Actors Ajay Devgan And Kajol are all set to star in their next home production, an animated action movie titled Toonpur ka Superhero to be directed by Canada based Kireet Khurana, and will have music by Anu Malik.
This action animated flick that will feature Ajay in and as Toonpur ka Super Hero is made with an ambitious budget of Rs 40 crores. The film comprises of 70 per cent live animation sequence, on the lines of Who framed Roger Rabbit —where human actors and toons shared screen space.
Ajay Devgan says, "It's a film for everybody, because fun and entertainment today are enjoyed by everybody, but because it's an animation, it has been written with kids in mind."
It's a home production in the true sense of the term with wife Kajol also featuring in it.
But it's their daughter Nysa who's looney about the toons.
Says Kajol, " I'm an avid cartoon watcher, and it's because of my daughter I don't get to watch anything else, but I think it should be good fun. Let's see what i can do out of it.
When asked if her daughter was excited about seeing her parents in an animated film she said, "No, she isn't bothered about that. In fact, she is only interested in meeting the characters of Toonpur."
When asked how will she manage to do that, she is quick to reply " I don't know yet, haven't figured it out but I guess I will just play it by the ear."
With daughter Nysa all excited and wife Kajol as his co-star, Ajay Devgan is on his way to be the next superhero of Bollywood after Hrithik Roshan in Krrish. So what if his villains are cartoons.
By Businessofcinema.com Team; 30 January 2008, 09:18 PM
Producer Kumar Mangat's latest venture - a 3D and Live Action animation film called Toonpur Ka Superhero, directed by Kireet Khurana was launched at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai.
More than 120 animators and artists will be executing this Rs 400 million (Rs 40 crores) venture.
Producer - director Karan Johar gave the Mahurat clap for the movie. Also present were the entire star cast and crew of the film comprising producer Kumar Mangat, director Kireet Khurana, lead actors Ajay Devgan and Kajol, and music director of the film Anu Malik.
Also present were Kajol's sister Tanishaa, actor Dayashankar Pandey, along with Eros International's Sunil Lulla and Krishika Lulla.
Presented by Eros International, Toonpur Ka Superhero is a Bollywood film with around 60 - 70 per cent live action animation sequences. With a history of making ad films and short animation films in Canada and India, this is Khurana's first full-fledged Bollywood venture.
Khurana said, "Toonpur Ka Superhero is a cute and endearing animation film with Ajay Devgan and Kajol caught up in the war of the toons! A loving father and family man who is a reel life hero and who accidentally lands in the world of cartoons and becomes a real life hero!"
The animation pre-production, creating more than 50 animated 3D characters, backdrops, props and layouts is ready. The film goes on the floor for the live-action component.
The music of the film is by Anu Malik and lyrics are by Munna. It has been written by Raagi Bhatnagar with dialogues by Mubeen Farooqi. Veteran cinematographer Nirmal Jani is the man behind the camera.
Producer Kumar Mangat is all set to produce India's First 3D and Live Action animation film Toonpur Ka Superhero. The film was magnanimously launched through its Mahurat at YashRaj Studios.
Special Guest Karan Johar gave the Mahurat clap. While entire star cast and crew including leading stars Ajay Devgan and Kajol and Producer Kumar Mangat, Director Kireet Khurana, and music director of the film Anu Malik was present for the Muhurat.
Presented by Eros International Toonpur Ka Superhero is a Bollywood film with around 60-70% live action animation sequences. It will be a directorial debut of an award-winning film maker Kireet Khurana who made ad films and short animation films in Canada and India.
TKS is about Ajay Devgan and Kajol who caught up in the war of the toons! Ajay plays a loving father and family man who is a reel life hero and who accidentally lands in the world of cartoons and becomes a real life hero.
Also as guests present were Kajol's sister Tanishaa, Rohit Shetty, Vishal Bharadwaj, Dayashankar Pandey Sunil Lulla and Krishika Lulla.
January 30, 2008 5:50:38 PM IST Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network
For Kumar Mangat, 2008 is going to be one busy year. Now that SUNDAY has released, he would be gearing up for the release of yet another Ajay Devgan starrer U, ME AUR HUM. While Devgan himself is the producer of this romantic drama, Kumar Mangat, who has been associated with Devgans for close to a couple of decades now, is involved with the project in the capacity of an Executive Producer.
The film is slated to arrive on 11th April while being pitched as the first major release of the year post the completion of school/college exams. While the first look of the film was revealed during the screening of HALLA BOL, the promotion is expected to get intense by the beginning of March.
Some of the other films produced by Kumar Mangat are ONE TWO THREE, MONEY HAI TO HONEY HAIN and HAAL-E-DIL, each of which would be released before 2008 comes to a close.
Ajay Devgan who is occupied with his first directorial venture U Me Aur Hum is also equally occupied with Toonpur Ka Superhero. It's heard that Ajay Devgan wants a completely different look for himself in this animated flick where animated characters meet real characters.
He is trying various looks and dresses in his office for this film in which wife Kajol, brother Anil and friends give their instant feedback. We too are curious to know about his new look in the film.
The makers of London Dreams are planning to revive the film again which was launched with great fanfare a couple of years back. London based producer Param Jeet Singh is planning to restart the Salman Khan starrer which is directed by Raj Kumar Santoshi.
The film which has already incurred an expenditure of Rs. 10 Crores in signing amounts will be rechristened. The film is inspired by the Hollywood flick Amadeus which has already been attempted by Suneel Darshan as Shakalaka Boom Boom. London Dreams will have Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan in leads.