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789 Responses to “Talaash, the rest of the box office”
It’s all in this phrase isn’t it?! You like the rare Aamir film, when it’s SRK however you even like Ra One which you then prefer to Inception!
The problem as always is one of consistency. If one likes all kinds of genres only when one’s favorite star is involved but otherwise has an extraordinarily high bar or alternatively if one starts suggesting that most Aamir films are overrated and are much like most SRK films.. there’s a problem!
Leaving aside your like/dislike issues there is a larger point to be made here as well. A lot of times people don’t like certain genres which is fine but they then defend the mediocre film of a genre they like to superior ones in genres they don’t. I have very little taste for rom-coms if at all. On the other hand I can watch pretty bad thrillers! But I can ‘see’ that a certain rom-com is better than a certain thriller even if I might ultimately prefer watching the latter.
In any case when one suggests one is being fair when others aren’t (referring to your comment) one is either being completely cynical or one lacks completely introspection. Because the evidence assuredly suggests otherwise. And to repeat a point ad nauseam my issue is never with the fan or even necessarily the fanatic! That is one’s will and wish. But when entire arguments are framed only based on one’s likes and dislikes these are essentially partisan positions only meant to buttress one star or the other or attack another one. Once again this becomes obvious when there’s no consistency. So for instance I don’t like most SRK films over the past decade or more. Even in the 90s the love stories weren’t necessarily my favorite films but SRK had a certain flamboyance and energy at the time which worked well with those films and some of those efforts were enjoyable at the time (though I wouldn’t want to revisit most of these), something like DDLJ remains a classic. Over the past decade the love stories have become more tired and stale and have also in recent times become absurd. On the other hand when SRK has done sensible films of the sort I love when Aamir or Abhishek attempt them I have liked these as well. The best example is Dil Se but then Swades. CDI I thought was grossly overrated but didn’t dislike it by any means. I don’t care about perfect films, just interesting ones on this score. The reason I again bring up these examples is because there’s consistency here. I found BB fairly enjoyable, more because I like one of the stars here perhaps but I do think it was better than most of the Rohit Shetty films I’ve seen (barring Singham and All the Best.. haven’t seen a few). But I have not talked about BB at all since release even though this was a successful film and everyone at the time went gaga over Abhishek’s performance. Why? Because this isn’t the sort of thing that interests me very much. As opposed to this I was talking about Raavan months after its release and still do. So again when there’s consistency and sincerity one will like films even with stars one doesn’t otherwise care for (I like a number of Sunny films even though I have absolutely no liking for him). When it comes to Aamir here’s someone who’s done sensible cinema most of the time over the past 15 years and most of it has been very entertaining as well. To then like his films at a somewhat lower rate than one likes SRK’s films, and even if it’s the same rate, this simply makes no sense.
but satyam, how can you not realize that oldgold is simply more honest, genuine and big-hearted than the rest of us! i thought that was fairly obvious.
Most of us don’t hate any star/ person. Which is why I cannot understand the unreasonable and unfair hate rained on Aamir Khan by many of SRK’s internet fans. Sad. Most people have enough judgement and sensibility-sensitivity/whatever to simply like one person more and be happy enougfh/tolerant about others.
Dear me. What did I say to deserve such a long comment satyam?
>You like the rare Aamir film, when it’s SRK however you even like Ra One which you then prefer to Inception!
I don’t connect with Hollywood films though I watch some few now and then. So obviously I’d prefer Ra.One to Inception. I honestly didn’t mind it.
Of course I like films of genre I like. Doesn’t everybody? Actually it’s only the contemporary violence genre I hate. They are not like the fights of ABsr who made it an elegant art.
Anyway I was referring to the spate of bashing reviews trying to be funny. I’ve read reviews from sensible and intelligent bloggers who have expressed very balanced reviews and in the light of that the reviews here were a joke, apart from a couple of them.
this is one movie where I don’t want to read even a single review because some idiot might decide to give up the whole plot. Friday cannot come fast enough.
Looking forward to watching it tomorrow night 9.15pm. Hearing from some that it’s the Inception of Bollywood and others have mixed views.
P.S these are the reports from those residing in Dubai.
I suggest all those who wish to see Talaash see it ASAP because some moron will reveal the climax etc as some just wish to ruin it for others. On top of that certain critics can’t be trusted in not revealing any spoilers.
I plan to watch it Sat.. in terms of revealing the twist there have been more than a few rumors about this and one seems rather persuasive. Won’t say which one.
If TALAASH turns out to be anywhere less than kick-ass as proclaimed months back, I am going to cyber-kick nepotism SME Anurag on fbook and twit …because if you angry me, you have face the brunt!!!
Avoiding reviews on this until Saturday. Not that I care all that much about spoilers. It’s more fun when you don’t know what’s what, but a good movie should remain so irrespective of whether or not you know where it’s headed.
Or LA Confidential’s Rolo Tomasi moment…of course. There’s a certain energy that gets sucked out of things when a spoiler pops in, but I find that the parts of these movies that I want to actively revisit are not at all the “revelatory” moments but the more atmospheric, mysterious passages…to use a cliche, the journey as opposed to the destination.
Hi guys. I’m from Mauritius and I had the opportunity to watch ‘Talaash’ today FDFS. Just to let you know my favourite actor was, is and will always be SRK 🙂 but I do watch almost all Bollywood movies and since TZP released, missing a movie starring Aamir Khan is a sacrilege. So here’e my review of the movie guys.
To start with, whenever I enter the cinema hall to watch an Aamir Khan starrer I expect quality cinema coupled with entertainment. With the exception of Ghajini, TZP and 3 Idiots exceeded my expectations. So, today again I entered the cinema hall waiting to be surprised by this wonderful actor. Verdict??? I sincerely believe now that no one can match the quality cinema that Aamir offers. Wow!!! This was one heck of a thriller..sorry ‘supernatural thriller’!!!
The movie starts with a bang and the first half is really very engaging. The graph of the film goes higher and higher till intermission. Actually, the movie has 2 stories- one where we have Aamir Khan as the inspector, carrying an investigation on the death of a Bollywood superstar which everyone claims is an accident and second is how he is turning himself into a culprit for an event which happened in the past thereby becoming more and more depressive. And yes both of these stories are connected but none of the rumours doing the rounds have got it right about the story. That’s all I have to say about the story, the rest you’ll have to watch it on screen to see the magic unfold.
One scene which I really liked was where Aamir thinks of that past event that had occurred and thinks of himself as a culprit, a flashback is shown of that event and Aamir thinks of three different actions he could have taken to prevent this event from taking place. These 3 events are shown separately one after the other and the way it has been executed was really good.
After the intermission there is some chit-chat going on between Aamir and Kareena which AT THAT POINT seemed totally useless but other than that the movie really engages and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Also, I’ve read some comments sayng it is the ‘Inception’ of Bollywood. It’s not guys!!Actually, there are some loopholes in the script but the movie really moves at a fast pace that you do forget them.
On the acting side Aamir Khan, well, is Aamir Khan. He is really restrained and performs this depressive man act with gusto. Kareena has more screen space than Rani but both acts well. I really liked the way Kareena mouthed these ‘randy’ dialogues 🙂
To end with, I would say that if you are expecting quality cinema then Talaash is for you and if you are expecting only entertainment then also Talaash is for you. Do watch it guys you won’t be disappointed 😛
Thanks Ziyad. And thanks for writing a retrained-spoiler-less review. I will not be reading any review from to morrow till Monday, when I have plans to watch the film.
Liked it a lot. Specially the second half when it’s much more process-oriented and therefore a purer film. Of course it’s interesting from the very beginning but some masala features are thrown in along the way. Not that I blame Affleck for this as it makes the work more accessible I suppose. And I am not even criticizing this. But the second half was truly outstanding. This is though essentially a Cold War spy thriller in contemporary Mideast garb. The scene at the airport is classic but it’s also the sort of deal often found in Cold War thrillers. Affleck in any case has become a rather remarkable director. the lesson that every good director attempting a suspense film learns from Hitchcock, and perhaps not only him, is that process creates suspense. You focus obsessively on all the little details of how things work and so on and suspense is created. The French are masters at this. Unlike others though their genius has been in taking process (and similarly editing patterns associated with suspense) into other genres (romantic, non-suspense drama etc) as well, thereby enriching them considerably. If there is perhaps a master of process even moreso than Hitchock, or at least someone who takes those cues to a certain logical extreme, it’s Melville. Chabrol seems poor compared to him (though I don’t quite intend this as a knock). In any case the spy thriller is always very well-matched with these choices. Because process is of course crucial to these stories in every sense of the word.
On a related note liked Farewell a lot a couple of years ago.
agree with everything. i didn’t mind the conventional elements in the first half. you are right that it makes the film more accessible, i think it also makes it more quirky and less of a straight up spy thriller. also, i think the story itself lends it to those quirky elements. i mean it’s about the implausible story of a fake movie being used to get people out of ‘enemy territory’. so i didn’t mind them playing those things up, especially with the sharp dialogue and humor used here.
I liked Argo less than The Town. But nevertheless, it was one of the best movies of the year. I’d take both films over Gone Baby Gone. Agree with you everywhere here, and the second half really does pick up. Liked some of the economy of his choices given the speed that this genre operates on. The brief coda involving the fate of the house maid was one of those thoughtful touches.
Most recently I saw Flight. Didn’t think it was as great as some of the reviews suggested but the actual plane crash was rather brilliantly put together and Denzel is terrific. This week Pitt’s Killing Them Softly releases. Hoping to catch this before anything else.
Even I don’t get to watch subtitled movie very often. But wife was busy watching episodes of “Army Wives”..So I got a perefect excuse to see a movie which she wouldn’t have watched. She liked “The Intouchabales” after initial hesitation.
Talaash trickling vibes
rReceived a message from some1 not in2 Bollywood usually…
Mouth 2 mouth —oops word of mouth review
And some1 whose taste I believe in.
Talaash is apparently one of Aamirs best films yet quality wise…
And Aamirs is a class act
Wasn’t going to since bit busy right now–but now hav to watch talaash ‘google’ this weekend hopefully
Good 2 see folks watching one film after another –here bloody work will break my back 🙂
Ps: I could sense it from the trailer
In the scene where aamir warns this guy to stay away –grrrr
Love this sort of ‘implosive’ acts
My hunch is that it may be my most favorite male Bollywood acts this year …
‘Talaash’ is all set to go public on November 30 in around 2500 screens in India and more than 500 screens overseas, which means a good opening will bring the film on the verge of being a hit. ‘3 Idiots’, which had got a fabulous opening, was released in 415 screens in overseas and thus ‘Talaash’ is likely to earn more in foreign markets on the first day due to more number of screens.
Trade experts say that Talaash producers may not have promoted it well but the craze for the film is soaring up to sky high. The Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee starrer is surely going to send down the collection of Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardar completely at the Box Office. Now, it should be seen whether it will be able to break the first day record of Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger.
Reportedly, the satellite rights of the film are sold at a price close to Rs 40 crore which makes the producers richer by Rs 40 crore even before the release of the film.
On the whole, TALAASH is an outstanding film. A taut psychological thriller that keeps you guessing till the end, it leaves you spellbound, leaves you mesmerized, leaves you with an exclamation, ‘Wow!’. An absolute must watch for all movie buffs. You just can’t afford to miss this one!
u know Taran also gave 4.5 to Ra.One and Ghajini and 4 to Bodyguard … jus saying 😛
no, not saying this is gunna be a bad film, but, i’m just talking about the reliability of Taran Adarsh
unique raju–rest assured–ive heard some awesome word of mouth from an authentic source
to heck with taran/ komal et al!
i usually wait for reviews but not after this source—apparently aamir has delivered a masterclass–its time now for his fans (& other ‘pseudofans’) to oblige and hit the theatres
and show who the real fans were
enjoy–tryin some romanian tonight 😉
Today I was watching Starplus where one tv actress asked Aamir as to why did his first marriage fail and why did he leave his first wife. His answer was not that convincing and he repeated the cliche that he has lot of respect for his first wife.
When a man starts respecting the wife rather than loving, the marriage breaks.
Sanjana,
I know it was somewhat of a flippant remark but mutual respect is as important an ingredient as love and affection in a successful marriage. Or any relationship for that matter.
For the longest time I held Aamir’ s failed marriage against him and still do to a degree but not as much. Nor does he owe any explanation to anyone but his wife’s,Kia and wife’s family.
“For the longest time I held Aamir’ s failed marriage against him and still do to a degree but not as much. Nor does he owe any explanation to anyone but his wife’s,Kia and wife’s family.”
hmm theres somethin brewing in rajen uncles environs—he is getting some ‘rebellious’ & fantasy ideas ala nishabd
guess a beating or two on reaching back home will set him right again
😉
I always find Aamir boring in his interviews. Here also he repeated most of the stuff that has already appeared in the news. But he looked quite good, I must say.
sanjana, it was a mutual decision. In fact, reena is seen in all the major functions of aamir’s. Aamir has taken superb care of her and kids in terms of monetary aspect. Reena openly came out in support of aamir when there was lot of opposition against him during NBA. Reena has never washed dirty linen in public reg. aamir and vice versa….what else do you want? Aamir has been honest that the marriage didn’t work after a certain period.
wow—what a ‘deep’ thought sanjana
can i appoint u my relationship advisor– u will be ultrabusy
😉
ps–was he asked about the other ones–eg jessica hines
i actually like this idea
one in each big metropolis–london paris new york bombay
that should be gr8 film …(and an even better spoof) hahaha
People born in Switzerland will tend to be the happiest and have the best quality of life judged in terms of wealth, health and trust in public institutions.
The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark also all make the top five in a ‘quality-of-life’ index highlighting where it is best to be born next year.
PS–Having said that, theres something very ‘sterile’ about the nordics
got another anecdotal confirmation…
talaash is in aamirs top 3 films and performances alltime!
Dont need any further reviews…(but coming from that source, cant say bout box office though)–lets see if indian audiences have finally come of age…
Aamir Khan is back and yes, with a bang. Even though this reviewer is not a die-hard fan of Aamir Khan, the truth is that you can love him or hate him, but there’s no escaping his films. Talaash, which was originally slated to release last year, proves once again this actor’s films are not to be skipped and completely worth the wait.
As the credits start rolling, Reema Kagti introduces us to the dark side of the city of Mumbai, which is known to be glamorous. Cinematographer KU Mohanan goes beyond clichéd depictions and showcases the actual night life of this city, which is more than glitter, parties and a fashion-crazed world. And by the end of it, you understand how each opening frame is important to bring the film to a fitting conclusion.
Minutes into the film, we see a speeding car meet with an accident. The driver is a well-known actor Armaan (Bhatena); the witnesses, three unsuspected men; the investigating officer, inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Khan). The deeper Surjan sinks into his investigation, the more he realises that there is a lot going on than that which meets the eye. Meanwhile, a parallel story unfolds, that is, of Surjan and his wife Roshni (Mukerji). While the couple hardly communicates, it is revealed that they lost their child in an accident. While Roshni undergoes therapy to get over the shock, Surjan, who spends sleepless nights, drowns himself in work when he is not thinking of the ill-fated moment in which he lost his son.
While Surjan goes on to investigate the mystery behind Armaan’s death, he comes across various seedy people, which includes a pimp, his right-hand man Tehnur (Siddiqui) and a sex worker Rosie (Kapoor). As he faces the daunting task of finding the reason behind Armaan’s murder, Surjan unveils the murkier details of an intricate mystery.
The plot of the film is what proves to be a real winner as it leads to a logical, yet questionable end. While the movie is slow before the interval as it tries to establish the plot moving back and forth in time, the second half will leave you scratching your head as you try to piece everything together along with the lead actor.
Khan is not particularly brilliant in the film, but he does complete justice to his role. To his credit, he plays the multi-layered character of a grief-struck father and an honest cop with complete ease. Mukherjee does not have much to do in the film, but her deglamourised avatar creates a strong impression. She is quite convincing in the role of a devastated mother and a concerned wife. Kapoor does not have much to do in the first half of the film, but her character takes a front seat in the second half. She is charming and looks even more convincing in the role of a sex worker than she did in Chameli. Siddiqui is commendable. He plays an important role and he plays it with sheer brilliance.
Reema and Zoya Akhtar have spun a gripping tale that will capture your attention from the very first minute and will definitely leave you surprised by the end of it. Though there are a few clichés, they can be ignored when you consider the entire package.
The music by Ram Sampath helps carry the movie forward with some soulful melodies. My personal favourite is Jiya Lage Na. The background score is fitting as it adds to the mystery. The cinematography is laudable as it portrays a compelling picture of the red-light areas of the city. Anand Subaya’s editing is crisp.
In all, Talaash successfully whets the appetite of all the Aamir Khan fans. As for the story, you can always trust Zoya Akhtar to give her best. Talaash is not a flawless film, but it is a fascinating tale that compels one to look beyond that which is evident. You can’t miss this one.
This is such a poor, grudgingly written review. Why write at all? And I didnt know mainstream papers allowed the reviewer to write in first person. Wholly unprofessional.
” Kareena looks even more convincing in the role of a sex worker than she did in Chameli”
im not surprised there…
but whats surprising is that her styling (not all but some places) here seems a bit better and even understated in terms of makeup, colors at places—didnt know bombay hookers were like that
maybe someone with more info/experience may opine..
I have deleted a number of comments that were just taking up space. I have warned on this many times before so no one should mind. Specially around the release of a major film there’s already lots of traffic and there is no need to clutter things with silly comments.
It turns out that Talaash makers are seeking a second
week’s run for their flick in single-screen theatres with a probable effort to reduce visibility for Akki’s film.
“Aamir Khan has demanded a second week’s run for Talaash in single screens despite the fact that the theatres booked Akshay’s movie three months in advance,” says distributor Joginder Mahajan.
At the time of going to press, the stand of single screen halls on Talaash’s request for a second week’s run was still not clear.
no probs satyam–we werent writing shakespeare anyways…
“Specially around the release of a major film”–lets take a deep breath and then —stop breathing….till the opening numbers of talaash come in…
will repeat–
sandyi–can i request a nice talaash review soon pleeez…thanx
Stop bothering Satyam Sir Alex, I have been watching you for a while now..LOL. How you been brother? Satyam Sir, How are you hope all’s well. That goes for rest of the friends here as well.
Hiya kash–hope everythings shining with u & your better half–hav u taught her any bollywood yet?
as for satyam–well im trying to be ‘gentler’ with him nowadayz…
Dont mind his deleting comments since thats all he can do to me.
I dont mind if he deletes all my comments–infact like them to be deleted myself leaving no ‘trail’ ha—theres nothing saintly or ethereal about em
@ vijay–if i chill anymore now, i shall be in (romanian) hypothermia
😉
satyam–im not joking—infact i would prefer u deleting all/most of my comments afterwards in a few hours or so–i actually will prefer it 😉
ps–though i appreciate that u hav other work to do than deleting comments all the time ha
the problem is deleting stuff isn’t quite that easy. Because if people respond and a thread is created you have to delete everything otherwise comments start going all over the place (i.e. not in order).
@ satyam–no probs–keep deleting as and when u can..
@ kash—ha -Which ‘women’? dont get carried away m8…
Most/all ‘women’ here are actually males and some ‘guys’ (even satyam) are actually ‘females’ …
As for me–hav u seen /touched air or sound…. 🙂
@Alex, haha, You know what I am not even gonna bother arguing with you bro. Next thing I know, I am turned into a female as well. LOL. Besides. Hope all’s well with you bro.
All well bro, I guess you’ll always be the trouble maker here. Lol. But lately just been out of control brother. is it cause of the latest entries of all the women on the site? showing off eh? LOL.
All well Sir, I see that you have become Sir Bachchan’s favorite lately, He is posting your comments left and right on FB and elsewhere. Glad you are being heard, BTW loved your piece on father son that AB sr posted today. Always admired your writing, now respect it as well, You have some good views not just about cinema, Gotta take some lessons from you about life and being a good human being as well. Good going sir, Keep it up. Now please forward a few tips to AB sr for Jr as most of us have discussed here which would help him elevate his career. Dying for that to happen.
Yeah, But the best parts are the comments that follow. ofcourse praising you. But they are really funny. Such as “Kya satyam bhai, kya dhasu english likha le hai, apun ko bhi sikha de” LOL. hilarious at times. You gotta check it out.
OT, Jr looks good here. Looks Lean and in good shape. For which I never bothered anyway, But a certain section of the audience always wanted him to be fitter. I guess all their prayers are answered.
BTW, Satyam Sir, Have been off of my movie news gossip etc for quite sometime. Do you know if Jr has signed anything apart from D3?
satyam,
I have seen many comments here and nothing happen to them,people like arsh,king khan and some womens get away with murder,I do not like if some are treated as biased.
This blog should restrict al sorts and all people who blog in it,its simple some people get special treatment and some get rudely deleted comments,if this blog all about speacial people then good luck with your blog satyamji..” who cares”
The point is write a bigger comment instead of multiple small comments. It is understandable that sometimes you can not avoid it but it shouldn’t become a norm.
Too much of social chit chat should be avoided. Even I do it with some of the people on the blog but again discretion is important.
If you don’t agree with someone, doesn’t mean all they are saying should be deleted.
yes precisely.. and again no one is saying there cannot be silliness from time to time. We all engage in it. There wouldn’t be much fun without this or the humor or even some rough stuff from time to time. But it’s a question of proportion.
Mohan, as I’ve said many times before it’s a judgment call. First off I have deleted some comments by some of the people you mention. But it’s not just about objectionable stuff necessarily. Sometimes the comments are chatty ones more appropriate for twitter or FB or a SB. A few are fine but if one goes on and on with them every other discussion gets drowned. I still let many stand. This is not a science! There is no bias here but obviously if a few people are more prolific with their comments and these same comments are then of the blah type more of these will get deleted. Doesn’t mean there’s a bias. And I don’t recall treating women any differently though I must admit I’d rather have more around than less so as to keep the intelligence quotient of the blog higher! The all-male deal becomes a very sorry affair!
But note how the value of such 100 crore films is also getting diminished. Unless you’re doing a Salman where you have multiple films every year with stupendous initials. Otherwise many are prospering with masala. It’s one thing to do a Barfi which stays in memory and quite another to do disposable masala. Now of course more interesting films can be remade but the kinds that are being attempted in Bollywood don’t inspire much confidence (did enjoy Rowdy a lot but this is hardly marquee entertainment!). The path remains the Aamir one for someone like Abhishek who has acting ambitions. Now he risked too much perhaps too quickly, one can debate all of this but he might have over-learned that lesson. So I certainly hope he gets back to more sensible stuff sooner than later. Ranbir meanwhile is trying something similar without Abhishek’s mistakes. He’s playing it safer in a sense because he’s staying small with the different (for the most part) and he keeps doing regular multiplex fare too to keep the base happy. Not a bad way at all to go for a young star like him. I hope Abhishek discovers that balance at least after D3. Maybe do a couple of films, one the mass-oriented kind, the other prestige fare.
Bored not sure if you were joking or you know something about the plot. If the latter don’t reveal it for the benefit of those who haven’t seen it. I assume you were joking though.
OT — I just ran across a photo of SRK as a baby that I’ve never seen before. It’s rare that babies as young as this resemble the adult version (though I’ve known some cases). Anyway, I thought I’d share, as it’s a cute pic. I’m avoiding all Talaash threads, so have nothing to contribute on that score. 🙂
(I hope this is new to Old Gold, too, and that she likes it.)
Thanx 4 that interesting pic there sm- srk with his family
Baby Srk does look ‘abnormal’ here somewhat though there is a resemblance even then-u r right–strange
Just read this issue of post deletion above. i do understand and appreciate the ‘angst’ of mohan and many others, and do find there is ‘inconsistency’ here sometimes.
And some folks who ‘praise’ Satyam and his usual suspect stars–get away with more –but I think it is NOT much in scale.
Also by coming here, folks are agreeing to the ‘editorial policy’ here-which overall is very good.
Besides, I personally don’t see this whole ‘ego’ or anger at getting posts deleted. Ok if someone has written a well researched labour of love review -I will appreciate that deletion isn’t done
I personally do have some issues when some guy writes well prepared pieces like on vengeance etc and they aren’t even acknowledged–but anyhow..
And this whole ‘sycophancy’ angle which though negligible Is there nonetheless imo in small bits sometimes
Coming back to deletion —
I feel that deleted post archives maybe more worthy since they speak some uncomfortable truths or the rare digression from the incestuous mind pool here (obviously I’m not talking about the really abusive etc posts that got deleted)
My personal idea on deletion—
Is that I care a damn about my posts get deleted..infact I prefer it mostly..if Satyam can catch up lol
Perhaps some come here to exhibit their talent or perpetuate their thoughts or start a revolution–I don’t intend either of this.
Many of my posts are deleted -yeah one is surprised sometimes but there’s no ‘ego’ hassle …
Also if I look back, I don’t think I will fiind a SINGLE post of mine that deserved to stay –infact I myself want them to go to the bin soon after their disposal from my mind–gud nite 🙂
was the whole point of that comment to suggest that i am a guy? haven’t recovered from anjali singh trauma have you, doodh ka jala and all that 🙂
that’s right, i am a guy pretending to be a girl to keep the iq levels at acceptable levels per satyam’s wishes. btw, this is one of those superfluous comments satyam can feel free to delete to show he is not biased towards the (alleged) females.
“And some folks who ‘praise’ Satyam and his usual suspect stars–get away with more –but I think it is NOT much in scale.”
that’s insulting but also hilarious as no one, I’ll say this again… NO ONE, gets away with more than you do..
On the rest can’t change anyone’s mind.. but it’s unfortunate that after having stayed here for so long and having gotten away with so much you choose to say some of this stuff..
Ha Satyam- agree I get away with stuff the most here ha
I was infact ‘praising’ u (though in my own style)
@ mr/ms anya
I usually need a ‘proof’ (& that too to see/touch) since I don’t go for hearsay -but in this case, the ‘proof’… 😉
**READ AT YOUR OWN DESCRETION** but nothing too revealing here.
The Dead Man Had an Oddly Familiar Name
‘Talaash,’ Starring Aamir Khan
Reliance Big Pictures
Kareena Kapoor as a sex worker in the Bollywood thriller “Talaash.”
By RACHEL SALTZ
Published: November 29, 2012
“Talaash” is a Bollywood thriller, which means it’s elastic enough to include a tear-stained story about a troubled marriage and the wages of grief before veering into the supernatural.
Shot with flair and control by the director Reema Kagti, “Talaash” works because it’s grounded in a visual style (the cinematographer K. U. Mohanan gives it a shimmering, Mumbai-noir moodiness) and emotional realism. Ms. Kagti’s power trio of stars deserve some of the credit. Aamir Khan plays a police inspector investigating the suspicious death of a movie star (last name Kapoor, of course); Rani Mukherji is his wife — their son has drowned in an accident — and Kareena Kapoor a prostitute who helps him with his case.
Ms. Kagti keeps the performances reined in but also lets the actors strut their broody (Mr. Khan), soulful and teary (Ms. Mukherji) and sex-bomb (Ms. Kapoor) stuff. (Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines as a street hustler who both attracts and repels your sympathy.)
Ms. Kagti, whose previous feature was the slightly adventurous comedy “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.,” wrote “Talaash” with Zoya Akhtar (herself the director of the wonderful “Luck by Chance”). Farhan Akhtar (Zoya’s brother and the director of the generation-shifting hit “Dil Chahta Hai“) is a producer, as is Mr. Khan (the star of “Dil Chahta”).
sandyi was talking about indian reviewers i think but this is an even worse example of a grudging review. and the question is valid here too – why bother at all? i doubt many nyt readers will stop subscribing if every bollywood movie didn’t have a 3 sentence review. must be easy for saltz to make a living this way.
Critics are often given an advance copy to review for American films, with the review being published on the date of release. Mabye Aamir did the same for Talaash? Incidentally, this is one of the major reasons why Hindi films don’t get reviewed regularly in mainstream American papers, as most don’t provide copies to critics, and expect them to see it in the theater.
(Incidentally, to elaborate on the point about revealing spoilers I made in another post, one time an Indian critic did agree to not write about the film till it was released, but then wrote a non-review review in an Indian paper, and, when called on it, claimed he didn’t violate the terms of his agreement with the producer because he didn’t write in an American paper, and it wasn’t an actual review.)
With three of Bollywood’s top stars, and Aamir Khan taking his first leading role in three years, Talaash has been eagerly anticipated. This dark, troubling noir mostly pays off expectations, despite a screenplay that occasionally goes off the rails. Polished and seductive, the film should do extremely well at the box office.
A car veers off a seaside Mumbai road, crashing into the ocean and killing its driver. Other “accidents” have occurred at the same spot. Inspector Surjan Shekhawat (Khan) leads the investigation, questioning the victim’s family and friends and later re-enacting the incident in a patrol car.
In the nearby red-light district, Shashi, a low-life pimp, panics when he learns of the accident. He cleans out his stash of money, condemns his girlfriend Mallika to a brothel, and leaves town. But not before Tehmur (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a crippled servant, steals his cellphone SIM card.
Grieving over the recent death of his son Karan in a boating accident, Surjan throws himself into the case, in the process ignoring his wife Roshni (Rani Mukherji). She in turn reaches out to a neighbor who claims to be in touch with Karan’s spirit. Is the psychic trying to deceive Roshni?
Clues suggest that Shashi was blackmailing the victim. Surjan questions brothel workers, including the beautiful and enigmatic Rosie (Kareena Kapoor), who taunts the cop during a series of increasingly tantalizing encounters.
As Tehmur contemplates his own blackmail scheme, Roshni and Surjan face the possible end of their marriage. Meanwhile, Rosie flits in and out of Surjan’s life, drawing concern from his colleagues.
Directing her second feature, Reema Kagti adroitly juggles competing storylines, building up a sense of menace through Mohanan’s atmospheric cinematography and a complex score by Ram Sampath. Just as impressive is the film’s sympathetic but realistic view of sex workers. Yes, you can find loose ends here and there, but the mood of unease that percolates throughout Talaash makes up for them.
Khan is impressive in a role that requires restraint to succeed. Seething with guilt, his Surjan is always a step away from losing control, whether facing down suspects or wrestling with his feelings for Rosie. The gorgeous Kapoor is a very convincing femme fatale, while Mukherji is touching as the neglected wife. And Siddiqui takes a smart approach to a role that could have turned into a maudlin caricature.
Not everything works here, but filmmaking this accomplished deserves attention. From its look and score to its twisty plot and excellent acting, Talaash (which means to search or look for) is a very satisfying mystery.
May I use this space to rant a little? What is the obsession that Indians have with revealing twists or spoilers in a film? It’s not even people with an agenda against a particular film or star (at least I can understand their motive), but just regular film goers. It seems that no one can rest until they tell everyone else about what they’ve just experienced, with no consideration or thought that others might also like to have that experience, unsullied by foreknowledge? I’ve seen film critics reveal crucial plot points in their reviews, and of course all the winners of the myriad award shows are announced weeks, if not months, before the show actually airs. It seems that the audience, too, does not care to be in suspense or be surprised. With such an unsophisticated audience (who are not the much derided “rickshawwallahs”), how can people expect sophisticated films, or hope to win Oscars? I’m shocked and disappointed anew each time this happens.
U answered your own question. I say this with my personal experiences in Indian ‘so-called’ high society circles. Sophistication left with the British, to be replaced by wealth-induced snobbery. Essentially, we are all evolving rustics climbing the ladder of new money.
Talaash: Aamir Khan urges fans not to reveal the suspense
Bollywood, Updated Nov 30, 2012 at 10:37am IST
IANS
Mumbai: Superstar Aamir Khan, whose new film ‘Talaash’ releases Friday, has urged his fans not to reveal the suspense of the film in public.
“Hey Guys, ‘Talaash’ is releasing. Hope you like it. One request to those of you who see the film, please don’t let out the suspense. Thanks! Lots of love,” Aamir wrote on his Facebook page.
‘Talaash’ is a crime thriller. The movie is directed by Reema Kagti and features Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji as well. Aamir is known for his innovative promotions, but this time actor opted for a more quieter way of promoting the new film. He felt extensive promotions could bring out the suspense of the film.
will be watching this movie on saturday night! initially was not too hyped to actually go watch it in the theaters but i am now intrigued for some damn reason. lol. haven’t read any reviews apart from the synopsis. hope to see a good, if not great movie.
Btw, the WOM here in Dubai is mixed. Apparently, post interval is a drag and the climax is underwhelming.
Also, KRK has tweeted the climax out. Yeh picture zyaada nahi chalegi.
Too bad. Once again this brings back the issue of how “educated” the audience is, and hence how educated the filmmakers can be. Mysteries on film are always less satisfying than in print, in terms of pure mystery, and must rely on “mood” elements to derive their effects. Throw in an audience who is not used to or prepared to think, and the film can’t really attempt very much in the way of mystery or thriller (I’m including Hollywood films as well here).
Yes Nykavi, wom is very mixed. I hate to say it but the whole vibe of the film has been thanda from the word go. A suspense thriller, unless treated in an entertaining format (a la Gupt, or Khiladi, Teesri Manzil) is not going to set the BO on fire.
Yes supernatural and horror films do reasonably well in India, but the genre is just not a very preferred one to get you the biggest numbers. Historically, Indians have always loved the shringara and hasya rasas more.
OK..this is for Ami and others who found DEEP’s character ‘regressive.’ This will warm the cockles of Ami’s heart..Mr. Utkal and the she-male Anjali who found Deepika’s character not regressive will obviously not like this…anyway, check after 18:00 for comments on COCKTAIL..
I haven’t watched the video yet, but I just want to say: I am NOT going to participate in any further arguements about Cocktail, Deepika’s character or Ali and Adajania’s intent. So if Alex (or anyone else) is going to use An Jo’s comment as an opportunity to resume that old, tired debate, they’ll be talking to themselves. 😛
and thanks for the link An Jo, this looks interesting. 🙂
I am not mocking anyone…not my style at all…and I do not wish to drag anyone into any debate either…the long debates that went on regarding ‘feminism’ etcetera came to my mind when I saw this interview and felt I should share it…
Even if you take that part, the video I felt is good..especially Reema comes across as a very stable and thinking head
Yes, I just watched the part of the video that you pointed out: Reema seems like an intelligent filmmaker, and Zoya is an quite entertaining speaker- it is an interesting conversation.
And that comment about the debate was not meant for you at all, it was addressed to the Cocktail Defence Squad who’ve undertaken the heroic mission of protecting the film from any disparaging comments on the blogosphere . 😛
Haha amy
Don’t care a damn about what soya or xyz thinks bout it
I liked & enjoyed cocktail a lot- period!
Brilliant film – had shades of European light semi noir auteurism laced with pop contemporary bollywoodism….
Class act homi adjania
As for ‘regressive’ ‘ progressive’ I don’t get caught in these admittedly confused random terminologies- both dips n Diana were essentially similar with a different apparent exterior to the uninitiated 🙂
@ Ami:
I am pretty tolerant and am way past my teens so do not have any ‘affiliations’ that result in propping up or bringing down any actor/actress..So in our Swades, AB Sr was, is, and will continue to be – for me – the greatest actor-star out of India; love Mads Dixit. Madhubala was great. Presently, Vidya is interesting. Like Nandita Das. Chitrangada, I feel, after Smita Patil, is the single most ‘thinking’ man’s intellectually and erotically stimulating woman today. So if I were working in Chitrangada’s office, INKAAR would never have seen the light of the day since I would be looking forward to sexual harassment every day!! Out of the 3 Khans, I veer toward Aamir. Find SRK to be of limited talent but a very influential star nontheless. Salman is disposable/dispensable. Naseer is of course outstanding – more so when he is not suffering from the Amitabh complex. Kamal Haasan was terrific when he was working with other directors – I feel he deteriorated when he started taking on the mantle of ‘one-man-cinema’ too seriously. Of course, in all these 3 decades, NO actor for me has been able to replace AB Sr as THE actor-star par excellence. But I have a lot of problems with his choices even during his hey-days and now too. Guru Dutt, Balraj Sahani, Kishore Kumar (I feel after Amitabh Bachchan is the only actor that has been able to match Kishore Kumar in terms of depicting zany/asinine humor so intelligently and amusingly on screen). Out of the 3 triumvirates of the ’50s, I find Dilip Kumar miles ahead in terms of acting than Raj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor way ahead of Dilip Kumar overall as an artiste. Bajpayee, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav (as tall an actor in talent as any one can get), Irfan Khan.
Directors – Benegal, Girish Kasarvalli, Ghatak, Yash Chopra, Shekhar Kapur, RGV without camera orgies,
In Pardes, I love Seymor-Hoffman; Joaquin Phoenix, Meryl Streep (outstanding), Woody, younger De Niro and Pacino, Bogart, Ingrid Bergman (ethereally beautiful), Michael Fassbender (single most expressive face I have seen in decades across this side of Atlantic), Chaplin, Daniel Day-Lewis (astounding), Alfred Hitchcock (genius), Leo, Marty, Coppola when in form, Tom Cruise as an outstanding star, Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet – a rare combination of beauty + talent, Gregory Peck, Keizlowski from Poland,
There. It is so difficult for me to choose. I just love them all…in varying degrees.
Sorry if this takes space. I hope Ami doesn’t think wish she had never asked the question!!!!
“I hope Ami doesn’t think wish she had never asked the question!!!!”
Haha- not at all An Jo. 🙂 This is a great list, and I agree with many of your choices especially within Bollywood (and completely agreed on Fassbender as well).
Friday 30th November 2012 11.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash opened well at multiplexes in its first shows in this morning. The opening ranged from excellent to decent depending on city and location. There were multiplexes that opened at 90% while others were at 50%.
On average it is a 70% opening at multiplexes. The film has a very heavy release at multiplexes with a huge number of shows at most properties across the country. The single screen release is more muted as the distributors did not give the film to single screen exhibitors unless they committed to a two week run.
The single screen opening will be lower as multiplexes in tier two cities have opened lower. The evenings at metro multiplexes tend to be strong for this type of a film so day one should could come out with a good total on the strength of multiplex business.
Ami and Sm, I am leaving for Abu Dhabi right now (will be checking out Ferrari World etc) so will write more later but for now I would say this – Talaash is by far the best film of the year and the best bollywood thriller ever after EHT (actually on pure filmmaking levels it’s even better than EHT though the 1st half of the latter is unmatchable in terms of sheer narrative grip. And while I like Kanoon, Johnny Gaddaar and Johnny Mera Naam more than the above 2 films that’s simply a case of personal preference). I also haven’t quite a seen a thriller like this before (in terms of the treatment of the story, plot twists etc) and all those stories of the film being inspired from Secret In Their Eyes etc are baseless. My mom too liked the film but not as much as TZP and she thought that while Aamir was excellent it was Rani who came up with the defining performance. I thought otherwise. And a very hot French chick had also accompanied us and I was ‘helping’ her with the dialogues so I might have missed some finer points of the film 🙂 .one of the things which surprised me is that theatres here show hwood and bwood films with French (and not English) subtitles
Btw I would also be checking out RZA directed and Tarantino and Eli Roth produced martial art film Man With The Iron Fist (RZA, Russell Crow)- my kinda film
Just now came back after watching Talaash. The last half an hour was unexpected and thrilling. An apt end. If I say more, I may spoil the fun for others. The pace was steady throughout.
“TALAASH” Opens Big At Multiplexes But Elsewhere Slow
“Talaash” has taken opening on the expected lines. Film is super strong in high end multiplexes and metros like Bangalore, Gurgaon, Pune and parts of Mumbai. Film is also expected to rock in evening shows at multiplexes across the country.
Film has opened to 30% in UP, CI, CP and Rajasthan in single screens but it is around 90% in noon shows in premium one and metros. So overall film should has an opening of 60% on Day one.
Film’s day one figure will be decided by evening and night shows in multiplexes and anything above 12 cr nett will be great for the film as brand Aamir Khan will assure jumps in next two days. But a good day one will put film in good shape.
B.O. update: ‘Talaash’ has superb start at urban centres
By Taran Adarsh, November 30, 2012 – 14:19 IST
TALAASH, which had a wide release at multiplexes, opened to excellent houses at urban centres. The initial shows were superb at hi-end multiplexes, but ranged from decent to average beyond metros. The distributors have focused on multiplexes mainly, hence the contribution from urban centres/tier two centres will be maximum.
The response at single screens, expectedly, was comparatively lower, but the contribution from multiplexes, from Friday evening onwards specifically, should add power and strength to its overall business. http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/update/id/301/date/2012-11-30
Most of the reviewers seem to by saying that one of the good qualities of the film, making it so special, is because it explores the side of Bombay not usually seen in films. It even seems to think of it as a novel idea or something.
People seem to forget that not long ago in Kahani Vidya walked through the backstreets of Calcutta, and most of the film (in fact I wouldn’t be wrong in saying 90%) is shot in these alleys and lanes.
From that point of view it isn’t an original idea unless showing the red light area makes it one. But that’s splitting hairs.
It is not Kahaani. Mumbai is only part of the film while the film dwells on experiences and moods. If one asks, is life good, bad or blockbuster, what can one say. This film deals with loss, agony and self -blame.
Rani steals the show with her simplicity, vulnerability and earthiness.
Kareena looks ethereal and acts like a dream.
About Aamir, I cant say anything as I may be prejudiced as a fan.
I specifically dealt with this point of praise that it is getting as doing something special by going to the unglamourous part of Bombay. Which is something already done by a film.
My comment did not deal with any other aspect of the film.
After RGV and Madhur Bhandarkar, there is nothing left to deal with the unglamorous side of MUmbai which is not known. But the presentation differs from director to director. It is a mumbai film, the local trains, the arabian sea, the narrow lanes, dangerous situations amidst dense traffic etc. etc. Most of the film is during night times and early hours.
OK so we’ll add Madhur Bhandarkar and RGV to the list. It does not negate my point in any way.
BTW just realised the age old cliché of a ‘fallen woman’ being named Rosy or Lily or Mary – right from the times of 50s through Guide…and now Talaash. Much as I absolutely love references to old films in modern films, this one should have been done away since long.
Before Kahani there was Dhobi Ghaat as I recall! But of course this sort of thing has been going on for a while. RGV was doing it in the 90s. I think though that it’s not as much what is shown as how it is shown. When this first started happening it was a welcome sign. But now a lot of films do it, Delhi has been over-exposed in this sense. The question then isn’t just about Bombay or Delhi being represented but how. In BM for example the city was unusually quite, a place of solitude really, not qualities one would normally associate with Bombay. In DG there was more of an art-house take on a major metropolis. So on and so forth. Kahani in any case is hardly the first film. Even in terms of Calcutta Yuva was there before in recent times. My own sense looking at the previews is that Talaash will probably have a more atmospheric (in the noir sense) take on Bombay. Kahani was an anthropological dig in many ways. Not that I didn’t like it.
my two cents on Talaash: (no spoilers, don’t worry 🙂 )
Watched it FDFS – in puducherry – remember, some critical scenes from the movie are shot here. I wouldn’t be able to write much at the moment as I am totally spell-bound.
This is a hell of an edge-of-the-seat suspense drama. Although smart people shd get an inkling half-way thru abt who-is-what? 🙂 anyways, aamir, rani, nawaz, reema…..they all compete each other in their respective depts. I must say a special word for Kareena – i was totally stunned by her character – thanks to the writers and directors and of-course to her. A role which she would remember for life-long. Reema said she had shot 500 minutes and to cut it down to 150 min. or so – good job. Songs appear at the most appropriate moments and take the story further…that song “na main jaanu..” is so fast-paced and picturised in a surprising manner.
Overall – fantastic movie watching exp. – not a masterpiece but crisp writing, crisp editing, deliberately slow pacing and some haunting moments alongwith superb acting and directing – 9.98765 / 10 from me 🙂
jay, puducherry is a town yet with very little hindi-speaking population. Theater was half-empty but next shows starring 7 pm today till sunday night will be housefull. Also being a suspense-drama, the audience looked hooked to it. Emotionally also feel is very strong. It is a movie to be enjoyed like sipping a hot cup of coffee on a cold-winter evening 🙂 different genre than those masala stuff – u need to be there. As a cinema-lover, u wouldn’t mind watching it 2-3 times.
Saw Jab Tak Hain Jaan yesterday.
I think it was fairly decent affair, certainly watchable for the most part. The first half is fairly brisk, maybe too song heavy.
I just felt like Veer Zaara and KANK, a director should know went to END a story. This film drags for too long and has multiple ends, when you think in your mind “this is a good time to end the flick”…I found the intermission could have been the end, and a couple of points in the 2nd half. It’s probably a good 30mins too long.
SRK is decent enough, this is his terrain although he is suited looks wise and performance wise as Major Samar as opposed to Samar. The latter looks bit too aged and haggered, the former, rough and perfectly in tune with the “internal” demise he has suffered. Overall Ok film…enjoyed to a certain extent but lost the will to enjoy post interval as it dragged.
The music is OK…rahman has the knack of still doing something listenable…
Katrina was OK too, so too Anushka.
Something that is a bit odd is the language and tone…quite out there…not the clean romance you expect from YRF…I did not mind this, but can imagine it is a turn off for older generations.
Agree there Oldgold & Sandyi
Appears like someone went to rip a film apart but couldn’t bit still wants to try it
Or liked the film but can’t admit it due to fear of being ‘ridiculed’ here or failing the loyalty test
C’mon folks–if u like something or hate it–say it –why this ‘hesitation’ 🙂
Oh dear…I thought I’d leave those comments cos it was OG (who I don’t give a damn about opinion wise, cos really when it comes to SRK or Aamir it is polarised views and blindfolded views) and Sandy (who is a friend so why cause a rift, let it pass as to be honest I’ve seen and heard it before from her…it was more a tummy tickling comment from her and I will get her back as in tickle her back in return one day) but you Adam or Alex or whatever your name is…no need to hold back with you. As really you’re a bit of an annoying habit.
There is no hesitation in my view. If anything, in plain english, I did not mind the 1st half which in english for you means = timepass and the 2nd half was long which in english for you means = boring. Timepass + Boring = OK for me.
OK means I am quite indifferent overall.
Just because I did not sing the films praises (like Sandy) or inequivobly support it no matter what means necessary (OG) does not mean I have a “forced” or “hesitant” or “reluctant” view.
There is no intention in my comment to either praise the film or rip it apart. As it is neither here nor there for me. Or if you would like me to talk about what I liked in the first half (some praise) and disliked in the second half (rip apart) to make you all jolly and happy then I’ll send you a xmas card with the commentary.
The problem I have with your statement and the insituation is “if u like something or hate it–say it”
Your world is black and white it seems. Either you hate something so bad that you feel the need to needle it to death…or you love something so much you feel the need to ejaculate over it. There is no colour in your life.
It seems to me the fanclub of Jab Tak Hain Jaan just wants another member to JOIN. Unfortunately this is not nursery school…so pat yourselves on the back in “uncovering” this amazing observation and get over it. It is an OK film. Nothing to diss and nothing to ride home about. I wouldn’t watch it again…but if someone asked me “should I watch it” I’d say up to you.
These “games” online are of no interest.
By the way is it Jab Tak Hai Jaan or Jab Tak Hain Jaan? It’s really important to get that right.
Ha I was checking if it is possible to irk this gentleman jay shah and yeah even he fell for it 🙂
C’mon man-it was just a prank
And no need to ‘ejaculate over it’ or whatever –perhaps that’s not appropriate here
“because I did not sing the films praises (like Sandy)”
Hmm so Sandyi loved it– is there a piece she has written ..
jayshah,
you should have known by now that when you give reviews for srk films and anything negativety about the films ,srk fans will come jumping and try to tell you that why?,when? and what?.srk fans thinks that bollywood is all about srk,which they think it never existed before srk…srk made indian film industry.
I watched jthj and I think it was average ,srk was ok but I think katrina made the difference otherwise this film would have made 60cr,total 80cr.
Come on. It’s all about Amir on this blog with a solid backing and all the paraphernilia that goes with it. The sheer numbers should offer a soft comfortable cushion instead of this prickly feeling that one senses in the responses of a couple of comments from Jayshah and this one.
Can’t imagine that people are getting so defensive and disturbed.
JI pleased with PIL vs IT Act by law-student-to-be from family of illustrious female lawyers
21-year old law aspirant Shreya Singhal, a graduate in astrophysics from the UK’s Bristol University UK, daughter of Supreme Court advocate Manali Singhal and grand daughter of the late Delhi high court judge Justice Sunanda Bhandare, challenged section 66A of the Information Technology Act in the Supreme Court today under which two women were booked for a comment critical of Bal Thackeray on Facebook 10 days ago. [via @sumit_nagpal and profile by Mint].
Chief justice of India Altamas Kabir admitted Shreya Singhal’s petition and said: “We were wondering why no one has approached the Supreme Court (over this) and even thought of taking up the issue suo moto.” [NDTV]
yes, i was thinking on this too, i was expecting faster challenge… thank god now high courts wont have to look into it… and we will get something concrete fast…
also Allahabad high court and Madras high court have also issued notice in similiar matter.
A public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of Section 66A of the Information Technology, Act 2000 was mentioned before the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court today. Chief Justice Altamas Kabir directed the matter to be placed before the Court tomorrow and also asked Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati to be present the next day. The Petitioner was represented by Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi. Senior Counsel Harish Salve also sought to be impleaded in the matter and shall file an intervention application soon.
Thus Now Hon’ble Supreme court is looking into the matter, and Learned Attorney General G Vahanvati shall defend the section, today i guess.. there should be some update.
As i guess many of bloggers on this website are from India, and they all are under the Indian Law. (i know i am!! ) it affects not only facebook, but every comment and including this comment as i type.
I actually feel section would be preserved and some guidelines shall be issued, or Judicial Interpretation might come.
“21-year old law aspirant Shreya Singhal, a graduate in astrophysics from the UK’s Bristol University UK, daughter of Supreme Court advocate Manali Singhal and grand daughter of the late Delhi high court judge Justice Sunanda Bhandare”
Well done Freya singal
Though this description looks a cross between her cv and some matrimonial ad
B.O. update: ‘Talaash’ has superb start at urban centres
By Taran Adarsh, November 30, 2012 – 14:19 IST
TALAASH, which had a wide release at multiplexes, opened to excellent houses at urban centres. The initial shows were superb at hi-end multiplexes, but ranged from decent to average beyond metros. The distributors have focused on multiplexes mainly, hence the contribution from urban centres/tier two centres will be maximum.
The response at single screens, expectedly, was comparatively lower, but the contribution from multiplexes, from Friday evening onwards specifically, should add power and strength to its overall business.
@OldGold — I posted a photo for you, of a *very* young SRK. Scroll up to about a third of the way in, and you should find it. I’m curious to know if you’ve seen it before, and what you think of it. 🙂
i’ve seen several mentioms that Talaash is a “copy” of one or nore Hollywood films. Does anyone who’s seen the film want to offer an opinion on that? Especially because several people here are afficionados of HW films themselves.
sm, evenif the premise is a copy of any film – doesn’t matter because the treatment is totally fresh and the acting is superb…i can’t believe kareena got a role like this 🙂
1) You agree its a copy.
2) Treatment is different
Either that can be termed as COPY or INSPIRATION, that’s the question.
I may be wrong, and masters and experts of cinema can define what is copy and what is inspiration.
I believe COPY is blatant COPY SCENE TO SCENE. Like those scenes of Barfi.
Inspiration is someplace where u see a nice idea, and then u expand and create something of your own, for eg 3 idiots.
For this i believe one needs to understand meaning of copyright. Its quite complex rather than a simple copy or not.
Now i havent seen and wont be seeing the movie, but those who term it as COPY or INSPIRATION should understand and speak (not to u, but generally)
I have come across people saying X film is a copy, i have asked them question what ws copy? character, story, scene? they will come with saying it is like that movie, that kind of idea was in that movie too.. etc well i believe that at the most can be said UNORIGINAL. But Copy is too harsh a word and out of context, rather a layman’s language.
So, Raju whether the script is Unoriginal, Copied or Inspired stuff… or say completely new… that is what i shall like to know.
rooney-the-lawyer! relax man 🙂 i said “evenif it is a copy” that does not mean i agree to it being a copy…….just enjoy the movie man, i can’t remember any movie while watching this – for me, thats enough
inspired stuff……i am in a fix – i can’t reveal the suspense here so i won’t go there but we have seen hundreds of such films in all languages and it will be difficult to search the root. When i say hundreds of films – it is the root idea of…….:-) well, let a week pass, we will come back to this as it needs the suspense-element to be discussed. But the point is: If while watching a movie, one gets engrossed and can’t remember any other movie – which film is the winner???
I haven’t read the reviews so couldn’t say. But will add this — it is very hard these days if not impossible to find a Bollywood film that either in its thematic/genre or technical choices or both does not owe a great deal to Hollywood or something on the film festival circuit. This includes most masala ventures too by the way. And so the question becomes: are the borrowings simply copies (say Abhishek’s Game) where even if the film is enjoyable enough it’s a Hollywood film speaking Hindi or is the mix made truly Indian (Abhishek’s DMD)? Put differently is the influence handled in a completely superficial way or is something ‘local’ done with it in a compelling way?
Here I should add that people are often unaware of the Hollywood/film festival borrowings of older eras. The 50s was especially steeped in this. But again they used the influence to make ‘true’ films. Today one sees mostly fake efforts but there are enough genuine directors around doing interesting things with these influences. I expect Talaash belongs to the latter category. On that note even a twist that is very specific to a Hollywood film can be used effectively in a ‘homage’ moment. Take satya. Bhiku Mahatre suddenly gets shot in a moment extremely reminiscent of the LA Confidential one (Spacey getting killed) but it works very well nonetheless. RGV went back to it again with Devgan’s killing in Company. Not as potently handled as Satya but still effective. There is a lot RGV owes to Hollywood in any case but it cannot be said that his films are just Hollywood efforts speaking Hindi. On a related note even DMD references this moment when ABhishek gets shot but Sippy is a very different director and handles it in his own distinctive way. Much as his entire film could superficially seem like a Hollywood collage and it literally is this in some ways but it’s so in Leone fashion where the ‘homage’ aspect is present but ultimately the film has a soul of its own.
So it’s important to not just group together very different films in this sense just because one can detect ‘influence’.
When I saw Barfi, I loved it inspite of its Charlie Chaplin’s touches. I loved Baazigar though it was said to be a copy of A Kiss Before dying. I liked Ghazini though it also was said to have Memento in the background. Many successful films have borrowed or blatantly lifted from Hollywood movies. If I start filtering every movie, I may lose out the pleasure of watching them. As long as they dont send it to the Oscars, it is ok.
I think RGV said it many times that he doesnt do anything new in this films – he just copies from Hollywood. Many times he even says from which movie he got the inspiration from. But ofcourse as you said, he makes it his own and authentic to the Indian audience..like Satya, Sarkaar etc.
All valid points satyam sir, But then there are direcotors like Sanjay Gupta who really lift movies from scene to scene (in most cases) and pretty much ruin the original for you. He as a director (almost always) has no creative input in any of the scenes that he is shooting. Ofcourse, people like RGV are lot more talented than the like of Gupta which is evident in Sarkar. When Compared to godfather, sarkar actually stands on its own. Completely different style of film-making and story telling. Yet, the backbone of the film is same. Brilliantly done. Even directors like Mahesh Bhatt have completely ruined the original, In case of The Fugitive/Criminal.
yes that’s what I was saying.. there’s a difference between Sanjay Gupta and RGV. And again even with the cloning you can still have an enjoyable film. I liked Musafir a lot.
Eh, didn’t care much for Musafir baring certain portions. (loved Reddy over here though – Her dance sequence at the club was mindblowing for me – Not sure if you remember having a discussion about me being a choregrapher some time back and I had picked sameera as one of the fine dancers..this is where it comes from..lol).
Great comment Satyam. I also thought the entire episode in Khakee where Aish reveals herself as Devgn’s moll was a great masala twist. On Dmd my fav moment was Abhishek’s dialogue before his death- “dum abhi bhi thoda baki hai”- pure masala gold. And as far number of crazy plot twists are concerned no one can beat Wild Things
Btw the theatre in Dubai where I saw Talaash was housefull
good to hear Saurabh.. and yes Khakee was probably the best such effort in decades. More drama than masala in the Desai sense but the same is also true for Deewar. And you make a wonderfully astute point on DMD. It is precisely that sort of line which is crucial which is why you would never find this very masala sentiment expressed in an RGV film in similar circumstances. By the way in listing those RGV moments I forgot to add the Sarkar Raj one. So RGV does this three times and it’s very effective in each instance. But there’s a kind of progression here. In Satya you have the overlord politician who kills the minion, in Company the overlord gangster loses out to a minion, in SR you never see who actually pulled the trigger. This shadowy figure is suggested, in one of the scenes you see his boots and so on. So the ultimate Sarkar figure is brought down by a mysterious unknown figure. The classic conspiracy here of course. But the point is that in each case there is an asymmetry between the killer and the murdered one and it keeps tending in the direction of the increasingly larger-than-life figure brought down by a nobody. It is only by maintaining such asymmetry that the heroic mode can be truly denied to dying ‘hero’. In other words you need time and enough ‘elongation’ of the moment to bring out the epic/tragic/heroic resonance. RGV quite naturally eschews his mode each time. But Rohan Sippy brings it on.
I came back to your comment since I was revisiting Ramanathan’s Bombay To Goa last night (always find it enjoyable and love the songs. And Bachchan in a pink shirt is a hoot. And can’t have enough of Lalita Pawar here).Watching the film i realised that even when there are quite few so called rooted and city/town centric films happening today, sadly not many directors want heir films to romance with the cities they are set. I mean folks like Kashyap and Dhulia are so hell bent on getting in the accents and local culture that they forget how to embrace the totality and the pluralism of the cities (which was evident in so many Mukherjee/Chatterjee films but also in something like Howrah Bridge- Yeh Calcutta Hai and Bambai Shahar Ki are two of my favourite songs depicting this). Rohan Sippy thankfully is a notable exception.
Loved your ‘elonagation of the moment’ bit. And again on DMD I loved both the opening shot and the dialogue rendered powerfully by Abhishek- “Goa meri jaan, jannat ki shaan. par jannat mein bhi saamp baste hain aur saale kya dastey hain”- I found it very ironic and interesting that Sippy in BM was having a silent love-affair with a city but in DMD he is hell bent to obliterate every romantic notion about another city (whose name is often taken alongside Bombay) even when he is performing an ode to the place. And nothing can be more ironic that he chooses Abhishek as the tool for ‘shattering’ these classical romantic notions, the son of the man who in the early part of his career himself ‘journeyed’ from Bombay To Goa!
I also do think that while ‘elongation of the death moment’ is necessary for the desired heroic impact what is also important is how that moment. For example in Naam (which to my mind is the best ‘mainstream’ film of the 80’s after Laawaris and Naseeb) we have Sanjay Dutt’s excellent Deewaar like death scene but because the cinematic journeys of the protagonists in both films are placed on a different scale and also because Bhatt, unlike Yash Chopra (and also Salim Khan in the latter case), never places his leading man on any mythic pedestal throughout the film. So Dutt’s end is absolutely ‘tragic’ but not at all ‘heroic’
On a side note, I also love the fact that in his guest appearances, Bachchan while seemingly deconstructing his heroic Masalafied Vijay image, actually showed how big an influence he was on those ‘different’ films or filmmakers- whether it is that ‘asking for help on evading IT officials from Ashok Kumar’ in Chhoti Si Baat or helping Sanjana Kapoor rescue Naseer in Hero Hiralal or that scene with Satish Kaushik from Jalwa, the directors of these films use the most iconic Masala actor to deconstruct the epic world
H’mm, lots of pontificating, but Idea Unique seems to be the only one who has actually seen the film, and he is seeming to confirm that some of the “tension” elements were borrowed. Thanks for your post, Idea.
I’m sure they’re “borrowed”. But my response is ‘so what’?!
Kurosawa borrowed from Ford! Some of his own iconic shots were endlessly borrowed by others. Just borrowing does not mean anything one way or the other.
Again and as I’ve illustrated at length I know the difference between a copy that doesn’t add anything and inspiration/homage. For this very reason when we talk about ‘borrowing’ and so on almost as if there is something negative by definition here that’s problematic. Because it’s hard to think of too many films in cinematic history that don’t borrow at all. I had some issues with Dabanng for example but the fact that Kashyap’s aesthetic registers, weren’t original though often impressive wasn’t one of them. And in this sense I also don’t accept distinctions between plot devices and visual codes. Because both are very important to the text of a film. And both kinds of ‘borrowing’ have occurred very often in every cinema of the world. The question is always ultimately about contexts. Again Game and Kahani are not the same thing though both borrow.
On Idea though sure he’s saying that but he’s also calling it an astonishing film or some such thing!
@Satyam — I don’t necessarily disagree with the general tenor of your remarks, but since at this point neither you nor I have seen the film, we have no way of knowing which category this film falls in. The comments of people saying the film “copies” were from those who have seen the film, and some have mentioned the names of the specific HW film, but I stopped reading at that point.
@Rooney — Most folks on BW forums use the term “copied” loosely, which is why I have always put it in quotes. To me if a film uses the plot and characters from a source without attribution, that is “copying”, no matter how much the film has been “Indianized”. To give a non-contentious example, Salman’s film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya was a copy of the Hollywood film Cactus Flower, which I realized from the opening scene itself. As the movie progressed, the suspicion only got confirmed, even though, aside from the opening sequence, there was no other direct lift of scenes from the original film. But the basic plot and characters were the same, even though suitably “Indianized”, with several subplots introduced that were not only not in the original, but could not be in the original, as they arise directly from uniquely Indian cultural elements. That is copying a whole film. In the Telugu film NVNV, Prabhu Deva got many praises for his debut direction, but while I was watching it, I could identify many individual scenes as being directly lifted from this or that film, either from BW or HW, and I wouldn’t call them “homage,” either, just put in with the confidence that the audience wouldn’t have been exposed to the original. At least one of those copied scenes (from the HW film Bringing Up Baby) was still funny, but to me, not as funny as the original, only because I realized it was copied. Others may not care.
“To me if a film uses the plot and characters from a source without attribution, that is “copying”, no matter how much the film has been “Indianized”. ”
I want to write a detailed comment on this point, i will use Alex’s expression of being occupied or busy in work.. as u know from my mail, hopefully shall do a post on understanding of “copy”
between i also myself used the word “copy” loosely, but i guess with time i obtained wisdom… so shall share and discuss 🙂
@Rooney — the main way in which people in BW forums use the term “copying” loosely is that they make no distinction between unattributed copying and authorized remakes where the rights to the original work have been duly purchased. So for example, many of them will call a Hindi remake of a South Indian film as a “copy”, even though it is no such thing. Then others are so bent on denigrating Indian films that if there is the remotest similarity between the Indian film and some foreign film, they claim it to be a copy, even if there is absolutely no resemblance in terms of the plot and characters. For example, if a man and woman fall in love in the Indian film, it is immediately assumed to be a “copy” of every and any HW film in which a man and a woman fall in love, no matter who the characters happen to be, how they happen to have fallen in love, or what happens to them thereafter. 🙂
Many of Aamir’s acclaimed films from the 90’s were copies of well-known HW films, where the plot and characters were lifted in entirety. Examples are Ghulam, Dil Ke Mantan Nahin (I’m not sure I have this exactly), Akele Hum Akele Tum, Mann, etc. I could recognize the original film immediately with the opening sequence itself.
They have acknowldged about DHKMN, Mann. About others I do not know. For that matter even Josh was lifted. Both AHAT and Josh were Mansoor’s films. It happened one Night was Chori chori by late Raj Kapoor with fantastic music and then came DHKMN. Mann was known as an affair to Remember from the beginning with the cruise ship and all. Ghulam is a Vikram Bhatt movie and he is famous for that.
Howa your choreography goin kash
I’m also a bit of a mover when in the mood though not like a trained formal choreographer like u..
“this is where it comes from..lol).”
I know where it comes from an it wasn’t ‘dance’ incase of that sameera reddy track -btw he had an interesting physique
May discuss later..
Not much into choreography any longer, remember I got married…LOL..Nah just no time for time, I am a family man now, no more clubbin, dance battles etc. Mellowed a bit. Well bit of that too, But what I really took from that was that she knows her beats, and dancing game is ALL ABOUT BEATS,
See that’s messed up, A well respected and a responsible critic should NOT let the cat out of the bag. Its’ really not fair to the production house or the team that made this movie. It could be anyone’s movie, for that matter in all fairness, I am Anti-SRK and I would condemned such behaviour for his movie as well. Not jus saying cause its AAAAmir movie.
Spoiler warnings would be nice, of course, but I think the audience also needs to take some responsibility with this stuff. I mean if one is really very worried about encountering a spoiler, isn’t the easiest solution to avoid the minefield of the blogosphere? I haven’t read Rangan’s review but I think I would expect nothing less than a comprehensive piece from him. Part of a reviewer’s responsibility is to be lucid and honest about his or her experience of a work, and this does sometimes entail revealing things. A spoiler warning is a good tool, but I think some self-moderation is even more useful….
Am not sure what is a point of a review if one is not supposed to read it before seeing a movie. That is the whole purpose behind the existence of the reviewers!
Of course, we often read views/ reviews of
People whose judgement we trust even after seeing the film to compare how that read the film
But if this was a question on Family Feud- the number one reason why people read movies reviews The answer would be 90%?said- to help them decide whether or not to watch the movie!!
There’s obvious truth to what you’re saying even if I think reviews are as useful if not more useful to read after one sees a film. Especially if we’re talking about a good reviewer. But to use your own example, if you did a survey of “What’s the best way to avoid spoilers?” you’d overwhelmingly get “Don’t read reviews”!
My point is simply that especially for a movie like this, reading a review top to bottom is perhaps not the most prudent thing if spoilers are a big issue for someone. Even here I’ve mostly been skimming the comments. These days, review-aggregate sites like metacritic and rottentomatoes make it very simple to get a sense of whether the movie is getting a good critical response or not. There are options to avoid the mines!
Don’t want to sound like I’m okay with spoilers. They can be a real bummer. But I also find it a bit odd to see the moaning and groaning over spoilers when to my mind they’re pretty easily avoidable…
“But if this was a question on Family Feud- the number one reason why people read movies reviews The answer would be 90%?said- to help them decide whether or not to watch the movie!!”
Have to agree there ..
A reviewers job is predominantly BEFORE a prospective viewer to guide him/her
Rangan earlier gave more priority to his own reading pleasure over the readers he is writing a review for !
Haven’t read his talash review bit is he is giving out spoilers for a talash like film –that’s an elementary mistake
Sorry rangan -I have to say as it is.!
Ps: hope rangan fans like anya don’t attack me now lolp
GF, I understand that one can avoid it but it rankles that a smart guy like BR would so non chalantly throw in a spoiler and in a part of review where one would least expect it and yes, no warming either!
I often read reviews to fo an opinion of what to expect . Some movies I watch because of the reviews and some inspite of them.
There are two types of reviewers. Those who produce superficial opinion pieces that can nevertheless provide a reliable sense of whether or not one wants to see a movie. Then there are essayists who really engage with a film on a different level – not simply appraising it but actually attempting to figure out what the filmmaker is communicating. Rangan to my mind falls in the latter category. His pieces often feel even more rich once one has seen the movie and can then take part in the “conversation” that he has with his readers.
Having said this I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying very much. And as I mentioned, a spoiler warning is very useful.
Actually I don’t see where Rangan has given away the suspense. Perhaps Rajen wouldn’t like to kno2 anything about the film for which as suggested one shouldn’t read reviews.
There would be nothing to write if one didn’t give more information than what one knows generally, and that’s what Rangan has done. No way has he given the suspense away.
There is a none too subtle difference between revealing ashore plot element and suspense. Obviously the later is often the former but the former doesn’t have to be the later!
No Rajan, that’s not what you think. I feel you read in a hurry. If you like you can go back and read that the person for who it is writen is not the one which you think. It’s what happens right at the beginning of the film.
All those who have seen Talaash, I have a question.
Does Kareena’s sophisticated, beautiful, prostitute’s role fit in the dark, gloomy, non glamourous seedy parts of Mumbai, as shown in the film?
Oldgold & sanju
The issue with ‘sophisticated look’ is that for folks it works in ‘contrasts’
So a vidya balan in dirty picture somehow is more interesting to people
Similarly a rashi sawant won’t do much as a ‘prostitute’
That’s how minds work
As for Kareena -she doesn’t work as a normal girl or a prostitute –infact anything 🙂
Though here she is threatening to give a good ‘performance’ (not as a prostitute but as an actress maybe)
OK then..have booked tickets tonite for TALAASH..though in US, did not wish to take a chance and so advance-booked!! Paid and extra 1.25$ for the advance booking!! So here’s 12$ to the TALAASH fund.
Boond Boond se banti hain Aamir/Kiran/Azad aur Excel ka saagar..
The great DK did catch TALAASH then..AB Sr is missing…Where is he Satyam? SRK is missing too!!!Come on SRK …be a sport… didn’t AK attend JTHJ screening?
Ah this Alex’s bug of being Narad Muni is biting me too..kidding Alex.
As I see it on twitter, Many of the A list celebs are out of town at the moment. I actually see this trend every winter in Bombay. Not sure why, cause it really aint all that cold in Bombay.
But then again, don’t most of the Hollywood celebs live in Cali? And mind you, some of them actually go to colder places to spend their xmas, Like NY, Denver (for skiing), to Scotland and England even.
Friday 30th November 2012 16.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash could not open well at single screens and multiplexes in mass dominated circuits and there was not much improvement in the shows after. The multiplexes are in urban cities are good but eventually there is a limit to how far these cinema’s can take a film. The single screen opening is around 40%.
The first day will come out with a decent total but not the sort of number expected from a wide release Aamir Khan film after three years. The average business in many circuits will tell on the first day business despite big contribution’s by metro multiplexes.
The business in the big circuits (Mumbai and Delhi/UP) is not optimum as if Mumbai city has good numbers, Gujarat has low figures. If Delhi city is good, UP is recording low numbers.
Despite a low-profile marketing campaign, Talaash took a bumper opening today. The film, featuring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, and produced by Reliance Entertainment, Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment, clocked 80-per cent occupancy across territories. Reema Kagti’s second outing as a director, the movie will should steady across the next few days, according to distributors.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines says, “Talaash opened at 70-80 per cent in Mumbai and across India. Its reports are also good and almost all the night shows have been booked in advance. The weekend too is promising for the film as all three actors, Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, have a huge fan following.”
I expect a strong weekend here and expect it to do well even otherwise. In any case as I’ve said before this is the only major production I’ve been excited about all year and I don’t believe I’m forgetting anything.
this whole commentary is pretty unfair. Not that I’m surprised. You can do only so much with multiplexes is a hilarious line coming from those who supported all those SRK starrers for years! Yeah KHNH was burning up the C centers! Even K3G by Johar’s own admission did barely ok in B, C centers while KKHH did nothing. And single/double screens often behave like these centers.
I think Talaash will have a first day as strong as is humanly possible for this kind of film. Now some live in a fantasy world where Talaash opens like Ghajini or something. That’s ridiculous. And incidentally the same logic holds whether a star does a film every year or once in three years. Certain subjects just don’t attract the widest audience share. People don’t say ‘I’m not interested in this kind of film but Aamir’s showing up after 3 years so I’ll show up for it! I owe him this!’.
As for BOI forget the whole single screen thing. They’ve actually defended tons of fairly low or barely half-decent totals for films that should have opened better universally. With Talaash I always knew this was a multiplex only deal with participation for some important major metro single screens and so on.
But hey I could be wrong. if someone can show me a suspense drama in the entire history of Bollywood that opens like dominant genre commercial fare or even grosses the same I’m all eyes and ears! Again pure suspense drama and not masala fare with a suspense/thriller angle to it. Even the latter are usually not the biggest grossers.
and this is were problems begins, in box office classifications, and reporting of BOI.
I may not need to know history, but only by referring and reading side by side the commentary of first day of JTHJ and Talaash one comes to know of :
1) they dont have clear way of reporting
2) they dont understand difference between apple and oranges.
As far i have seen the WOM is good, it might not shake the earth but when was last time any big star acted in such a film and what was the opeing, there are no recent standards available to gauge it.
Nope.. I have never used such a standard without taking the genre into context. Anyone who asserts the obvious has not read only a thousand comments of mine! For years I have stressed on ‘genre’ in every discussion imaginable. Now I know you would like to forget all contexts to somehow make this film into a 3I where it can then be compared to every other film which is fine but luckily your desire itself does not a plausible argument make!
You have boasted many times how Gajhani was a first, because this wasn’t the popular genre at that time – and stated – but an Amir can do it.
The archives must be full of how Amir draws in crowds ‘in spite of’ – the mark of a successful star.
Now you are parroting – in every comment – “For this genre”.
I think Ra.One MNIK and JTHJ were not genre feriendly films. The last one is not a popular genre at present. But you have always insisted that a star should be able to get crowds in, and that they should have earned more if it wasn’t for SRK’s fading star.
In fact the basis of your praise for Amir has always been the fact that he gets in crowds for films that are not massy. 3I (before it became a success) was also considered to be such a film.
If this film is a success, then what you have always praised Amir for will hold good, but you seem to feel unsure and are repeating stuff like “for this genre” as if forestalling something.
“I think Ra.One MNIK and JTHJ were not genre feriendly films”
Actually SRK has done genres not friendly to audiences all his life but let’s leave that aside. If you can’t detect the humor in those three examples it would be pointless trying to explain it to you!
On the rest actually there’s nothing contradictory between what I’ve said today and what you’re quoting. Aamir gets the biggest audience for any genre. So if you can show me someone get a better initial and final gross for the films he’s attempted, specially the ‘different’ ones, I’d be happy to stand to correction. Even with Talaash I’ve said forever, what Aamir gets here defines the limits of the genre. This might sound like an absolutist position and it is in one sense but there’s a certain reason behind it. Aamir has built up the kind of prestige and credibility with audiences where even for genres people wouldn’t normally lionize he’s likely to get a much larger cross-section of the ‘skeptical’ audience.
However this doesn’t mean that genre limitations don’t exist. Just that Aamir can override them more than any of his peers. So indeed he’s getting audiences for genres others wouldn’t but what this means is that others might get 30% of a potential audience while Aamir might get 50%. Or whatever. No contradiction therefore.
If you don’t like my answer you can call it spin as you usually do!
Well as I said if you didn’t like my answer you’d call it spin! The interesting thing here is, if you think that’s all I’m doing why do you even ask my opinion? Or if I’m only spinning why do you even bother to try and prove I’m contradicting myself? presumably if I am that good at spinning all these things won’t trip me up!
It is because contrary to what you claim you know there’s something to what I say. For instance you cannot really find me a ‘different’ SRK film (or that with any other star) that does as well or better than a different Aamir film. How do you avoid the problem? By calling every SRK failure a different film or one belonging to a different genre! Similarly the different films Aamir does are actually fairly normal commercial products. In some universe JTHJ is trickier than Talaash! Much as liking Ra One more than Inception is nothing odd because you like the genre of the latter more than that of the former (of course never knew you liked sci-fi/fantasy/superhero fare that much till SRK attempted it.. Ra One we know has nothing to do with the Hollywood genres you claim not to like). I certainly give you full marks for perversity! And I’m not making fun here. I know you’re saying all this completely seriously.
In all seriousness (!) I apply the rules far too consistently as even Amitabh Bachchan knows on his very blog. Don’t think I can be much more fair about these rules than telling the great one on his blog I don’t like most of the stuff he’s done over the past two decades or more! Of course I should add here that there are no ‘rules’ as you term them. These are just certain concerns, ideological interests and so on. I like lots of films for lots of different reasons. Including many of SRK’s work from KHKN to DDLJ to Dil Se. It’s not exactly my fault that he does RNBDJ and JTHJ these days! I do though agree with GF.. despite Shetty’s mediocrity and excess I think Chennai Express will be far better than all these efforts and probably even an enjoyable film otherwise. Wouldn’t even be surprised to see a better film than BB here.
The BOI commentary struck me as spin in the other direction — that is, they are trying to put a brave front on a not-so-good opening, something you have charged them with when they write about SRK’s films. So mainly I was struck that they were doing the same thing for another big star.
I certainly do see a change in BOI’s commentary from the time they started to now. At the beginning, they more or less called things as they saw them, and, since no one knew who was running the site, they had the freedom of anonymity, so to speak. Since then, as their numbers have begun to be quoted by more and more people as being the most reliable, they seem to have come under pressure from the big players in the industry, and now have more people to please, or more egos to keep unruffled.
Yeah sandy–u said it right-no hatchet job
TA, KN are all lying drowsy /drunk after another fans booze party, it seems
Btw I feel talash should pick up over the weekend with good wom
I will be contributing as well (amongst a few others) this weekend
I’ve seen a few low ratings. Indian Express and Raja Sen have given 2.5/5 – I didn’t read the reviews, however. I’m more intrigued by Raja Sen’s tweet on the film — It’s a Vikram Bhatt not directed by Vikram Bhatt. Is that merely referring to one of the plot elements which could be construed to be Vikram Bhatt’s favored genre? Or that it is a rip off of a HW film? I shall know in due course, no doubt.
No there’s no brave front here because the terms of the debate are just wrong. If Talaash opened in single screens the way it has in multiplexes then it would just be a Ghajini! Films that open very well in all kinds of screens generally belong to a mass format. Everyone agrees this is a strong multiplex opening. The single screen argument is simply a red herring. Also the BOI commentary cannot be taken in isolation. They play these other games where because JTHJ didn’t turn out the way they would have wished they’re not exactly eager to give Talaash everything.
And again I’ve said this for many years. There is no general 80% opening or 40% opening with few exceptions. It all depends. So you can quote numbers selectively to justify your claim. By the way Taran says the response at single screens is comparatively lower. he’s not saying it’s low in an absolute sense. Not saying I’m following him either but it’s all a question of where you place the stress. what everyone has agreed on is that the bulk of the prints are concentrated in multiplexes so even if were doing poorly in single screens it wouldn’t matter very much. This isn’t a release where you have a vast number of single screen prints. It’s much more tilted towards multiplexes here. Which is incidentally a point ‘ve made in earlier years too when people compare say a film releasing on a 1000 screens versus something on 2000. If the former has 80-90% of those prints in multiplexes and if the latter has a more equal division because of differences in genre the gross could still end up in more or less the same place. The 1000 screen release is not disadvantaged because it wouldn’t do much more if it got a lot more single/double screens.
To reframe the original point since every Hollywood blockbuster movie doesn’t open like TDK clearly there are screens or regions where those films run lower or low percentages. Similarly if Talaash were opening very strong in both multiplexes and other kinds of screens it would be D3! Or something along those lines. And here I’ve said something similar about most big releases. The trade makes a big fuss about them and throws out all kinds of absurd claims but the fact is that doing say 15-20 crores in one day for a mass market format and across a very high screen count is not very impressive at all. Which is why you see a film like Rockstar post numbers that look very strong in comparison just on the basis of multiplexes. And no one said Rockstar was stupendous in these screens. It got within a few crores of many mass market openers over the first few days. How did that happen?! Well precisely because those other films weren’t doing all that impressively. I made this point recently too. JTHJ wasn’t even doing ok in most places. If it were it couldn’t have been matched (eventually) by a film that was mostly doing well in single/double screens.
“Talaash could not open well at single screens and multiplexes in mass dominated circuits and there was not much improvement in the shows after. The multiplexes are in urban cities are good but eventually there is a limit to how far these cinema’s can take a film. The single screen opening is around 40%.”
Yeah it is a ‘different’ film and so on but aamir is coming after three years for his ‘thirsty longing’ fans
Well that’s a bit concerning
I am hoping things pick up though …
Needs to happen to keep the flag of quality cinema high.
Must agree that this commentary paints a gloomier picture than it maybe
The opening figure of 40% (!!) strikes one on the face
IF the film picks up
–it’s good n deserving not some may argue that it’s due to the film being good not the star power
But still 40% for a topnotch (no–number 1!) star after 3-4 years is indefensible in ANY genre though I have real doubts on that fire
Not seen the film but expect it to pick up big time over the weeks
Hoping for aamirs sake..
Rooney, its an exceptional movie for me. My favourite Rani has atlast got a role to showcase her talent. It is not necessary to wear makeup to get attention. Acting is what matters. Rani has a natural beauty which is so Indian. For a change, she is subdued and restrained.
It is not fair to praise only the stars. The others are no less and asserted themselves and gave memorable performances.
Just came back from watching Talaash in nyc……..I wouldn’t talk about the plot since everyone else is doing it anyway but this is NOT…I repeat not a 100 CR material movie not matter who does it. I have lowered my box office bar to about 110 – 120 CR just on multiplex strength. There is no way I see this movie running in single screen in India.
@ rooney
I’m no aamir hater –infact office u read my posts above –I was going gaga over tala ash Esp after reading some wom reports —
A friend whose judgment I trust ranked this as aamirs top 3 ever !
But it’s a not disappointing
Yeah it maybe wrong biased reporting most probably
But still –the 40% figure is shocking!
Anyhow–
Like u, I hope this is just spin
Will be checking out talash on the big screen and hope it does what it deserves
Unfortunately I can’t change my stance due to ‘fandom ‘–for ANY star
Be it aamir, Salman or srk or their dads
🙂
Yeah aamir certainly has the guts- there was never a question bout it
The three year wait are a testimony
Now the big test –box office
No hirani/no munnabhai prestige
aamir with karena & rani
In a slightly different but mainstream setup
Ps: perhaps many don’t understand this
There’s a difference btw ‘wanting’ something to happen ie talash beating everything else and getting prestige and real box office facts
Let’s see the facts–& just keep fandom to one side 🙂
OT, So Alex, have you been still holding those movie screeings for your phoren friends of Indian movies? Just curious. I remember you were going to do something big about that.
Let the 100 cr’s and 200 crs be the yardstick for other stars to measure their success. With AAAAmir Khan film, I’d like to know if he has made a good movie which he has been doing for the 20 odd years. With his films, I’d like to know if he has pushed the envelope a little further than last time, I’d like to see if he was able to bring another innovative way of story telling or just if he has a different story to tell. AAAAmir is and always will be ABOVE and BEYOND these 100 and 200 crs, One of his lines from Andaz Apna Apna “Main india ke liye bana hi nahi”
that’s an outstanding number for this kind of film. Actually it’s great for most films. With good WOM we’re looking at a 47-50 crore weekend (if not more)!
Talaash Takes Bumper Opening
by Soumita Sengupta (November 30, 2012)
Despite a low-profile marketing campaign, Talaash took a bumper opening today. The film, featuring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, and produced by Reliance Entertainment, Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment, clocked 80-per cent occupancy across territories. Reema Kagti’s second outing as a director, the movie will should steady across the next few days, according to distributors.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines says, “Talaash opened at 70-80 per cent in Mumbai and across India. Its reports are also good and almost all the night shows have been booked in advance. The weekend too is promising for the film as all three actors, Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, have a huge fan following.”
In Delhi-UP, Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts adds, “There were heavy rains in our region last night and the weather was very cold. People usually don’t venture out to watch movies in the morning under these conditions but Talaash opened at 80-90 per cent in UP-Delhi. The numbers are expected to go up after the noon shows. And footfalls will further increase at the weekend.”
In East Punjab, Surendra Saluja of Lakshya Movies says, “The film opened at 40-50 per cent here and even the reports are not very good. Advance booking has not yet opened for the evening shows.”
In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez says Talaash opened really strong in multiplexes, at 65-70 per cent. “I call this a ‘good opening’ because there was no buzz or any real promotion around the film. The numbers will rise in the first week due to word-of-mouth publicity. Weekend shows are half-full already due to advance booking.”
In Saurashtra-Gujarat, Ajay Bagbai of Rajvi Trade Links says, surprisingly, the morning shows didn’t open with great numbers in this territory, compared to other regions. “Talaash opened at 40-45 per cent,” he says.
In CP, Sarang Chandak of Shri Rang Films says, “Opening of Talaash is around 70-75 per cent in Multiplexes whereas in single screen it’s 60 per cent. Reports of the film are really good. It would have done better but some screens are still playing Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar. Talaash got 110 screens in CP.”
On the other hand, Gaurav Gaur of O’Real Imaginations in Rajasthan says Talaash took a great opening in multiplexes, at 80-90 per cent, whereas it clocked 60-70 per cent in single-screens. “The night show should be almost full as half the tickets have already sold due to advance booking. Over the weekend too, the film will generate good business. And like any other Aamir Khan film, this film too will also grow with word of mouth.”
In Nizam too, Talaash opened really well, especially at multiplexes. Ravi Machhar of Sahyog Films reveals, “In Aurangabad, the film was assigned 72 morning shows and it did an extraordinary business. For the rest of the day, advance booking is quite strong and the reports of the film are really good.”
In Orissa, Jeetu Khandelwal of Movie Pioneers concludes, “This film is for the elite, multiplex audience because the response from the single-screen audience is not very good. They seem to have expected something else from Aamir Khan, who has not had a film in three years. But the multiplex audience seems to love the movie. In Orissa, Talaash opened at 75-80 per cent.”
If anyone says they found the ending of Talaash great they HAVE to accept JTHJ premise as well. LOL
Not that I minded Talaash’s ending, but then I accept such things.
If Rangan could compare an aspect of JTHJ with that of Taalash, I have more to compare, but for the sake of not giving out spoilers I’ll desist at present.
Kareena was really good, Rani too. Amir had the right expression – and he had it fixed on his face throughout.
I found a scene (a crucial one) similar to an old hindi film. Another was in a popular sitcom.
Ann–concentrate on the movie man…
R u typing away even in the middle of the show–hmm…that’s something—
If u r so dedicated to us–y not provide a live scene by scene live webinar– keep texting away live feed 🙂
A new feature here—my idea (though I can’t do that myself)
of course you are. satyam is not reciprocating your feelings, so you have to look elsewhere.
i was busy catching an afternoon show of talaash at a small theater in nyc, it was about 60% full and saw a long line enough to fill it to capacity waiting for the next show as i was leaving.
anyways, here’s my spoiler free take:
the film was engaging; an audience that for the most part refuses to watch anything beyond the dabanggs and the housefulls will probably find it slow, but i didn’t mind the pace. despite being a suspense/mystery, i can understand why aamir was emphasizing on the drama part, because this is definitely not a thriller. this is, more than anything, a story about grief. and much less mainstream ‘entertainer’ in any sense than even the promos suggested. this is an atmospheric, mood and character-driven tale of emotions simmering under the surface brought to a head by a certain incident.
i think luck by chance had the most interesting opening credits of any hindi film in recent memory, and i couldn’t help think of that as these credits rolled, although these are not as good. but attention to little things was just as evident and interesting here (a hooker trying to cover her bruise with make-up for example). little moments, tiny details and performances are what make this film. kagti had said that she wanted these particular players, especially actresses, due to them bringing a certain gravitas to the proceedings. and this was obviously the right decision. in a time when jha casts katrina in the role of a hindi speaking politician because, well, she is hot you know (or so i hear), it was a great decision not to go with any of the younger but completely interchangeable ‘heroines’ working today. these are not typical women oriented author backed roles but both rani and kareena looked better and were more graceful and restrained here than they have been in years. this is also aamir’s most performance-oriented role in past few years as he has been focusing more on stories and taking a total back-seat when necessary such as in tzp. but he makes full use of the opportunity here. this is a man hanging by a thread, his body tense and almost bursting with relentless grief; you can feel the relief when he finally lets go (the lady sitting next to me started crying, heh!). nawaz is brilliant again, though his is the more ‘obvious’ role here. aamir and kareena shared some of the best scenes and had good chemistry. the film is technically perfect and looks gorgeous. music is just right; not a ‘chart-bursting album’, but a good film score, accentuating and punctuating in the right places and not overwhelming the narrative. the big moments are not announced with deafening flourish but are unveiled in a sense, that actually makes them more effective.
being a logical person, i shouldn’t prefer this sub-genre of suspense. but it can be great when done right; some of the most popular and iconic films in bw and hw have fallen into this category and i have enjoyed them.
nothing the film has to offer is particularly new, especially if you like the genre and watch a lot of it, indian and foreign. and this is not a flawless film by any stretch, people will also see the twist coming after a certain point as the scenes themselves make it evident. but is genuinely engaging and thoroughly watchable, mostly due to the team involved (creative as well as technical). the bar in the hindi film industry has been so pathetically lowered that talaash has absolutely no problems being a few notches above what big bw stars mostly churn out in the name of mainstream commercial entertainment these days.
Thanx anya –lovely take
Like that line –“this is a man hanging by a thread, his body tense and almost bursting with relentless grief; you can feel the relief when he finally lets go “–this scene itself is worth the attendance I presume
And this is what makes cinema
I had told at the first preview after anecdotal report, that this will be an ace understated nuanced film
My interest is the genre which seems a grief-drama-introspection ‘bonanza’ (though that can be an oxymoron) 🙂
-happened to hesitatingly check dabang2 fevicol–
Horrible, atrocious, spoilt my mood–what gutter stuff
Revisited this Rahman track 2 get my sanity back
Just feel like bowing to rahmans magic here—
Brilliant music and vocals
Allah Rakha Rahman @ his ethereal best….
I am humbled by this composition- even vocals are ace wow^^
And now– the big news …
Perhaps my most awaited Indian film–seems now it will get made finally –..though with shekhar kapoor u can never know–hope he stays sane n focused this time
Shekhar kapoor–AR Rahman –Aditya Chopra (surprise surprise!)
I suspect it will be hritik and can’t rule an a-lister Hollywood actress this time….
Shekhar Kapur and Yash Raj Films have joined hands to make Shekhar’s ambitious project, Paani. Talking about this association, Shekhar said, “I have been preparing for this film for a long time, but always wanted an Indian partner that has the same passion for the film as I do and in Adi, I have finally found that. It’s a huge production that demands futuristic sets and large action pieces. With Yash Raj Films, I have found a perfect home for Paani.”
The film is based in a future world where wars over water have broken out. Water is now owned by International Corporations who use thirst as a weapon of control. In one such future city, a young love story breaks all the rules and in the ensuing war, water flows back to its people. The film will have a strong Indian and Western star cast, headed by a young leading actor from India and a young leading actress from the west.
The film, Produced by Aditya Chopra and Directed by Shekhar Kapur, will be shot in India and overseas. Music is by A. R. Rahman. Paani goes on floor mid-2013.
Ok– u will know where u heard first–straight from anecdotal account
Cast -Hritik Roshan , Kirsten Stewart, another Indian heroine (possibly PC may feature in a cameo)
Music director -AR RAhman
Director- Shekhar kapoor
Producer –Aditya Chopra
Probably -Reliance tie-up, Fox
All the best
Under the situation- The best possible confluence of art, commerce,
And perhaps the turning point in the Bollywood – Hollywood co-productions
LOL! Kristen Stewart might be an absolutely hopeless actress, but she is an enormous star. She’s the lead of one of the most succesful movie franchises of all time, and apparently she is being paid $10 million + 5% of the profits in order to star in the Snow White sequel. You really think that YRF is going to pay an actress around 50 crores + a share in the profits? And there is no way that she will act in an Indian movie (especially in a hero-oriented movie where she’s just one of two heroines) unless they make it worth her while financially.
Bollywood needs to stop embarassing themselves by putting out these silly press releases about Natalie Portman/ Kristen Stewart/ any A-List Hollywood actress starring in their movies. These women get paid millions of dollars to star in hit Hollywood films that centre around them- why on earth would they want to come to Bollywood where actresses get paid a few crores for their movies and must choose between playing the love interest in big films or doing small, female-oriented movies (Vidya Balan being the sole exception)?
Kirsten Stewart nearly onboard in principle –though the ‘technical details’are difficult to clinch–yeah
Not as difficult nowadays with expanding market–some recent suxesses like slumdong, artist, life of PI–hw looking into this ‘internationalisation’…
Though hope shekhar kapoor uncle doesn’t get more of his flight of ideas –adis no less…Watch the space…
“whether Hrithik or not, newcomers or not, I can guarantee that my film with Hrithik and some newcomers will release before Paani.”
Haha agree –mine as well–
Paanis sequel–ice
Though in this case -I hope shekhar kapoor mends his ways
This needs/deserves a big star -both Bollywood and Hollywood
wait n watch–know some1 involved
This won’t get made with newcomers hopefully
The review says the film is absolutely superb with great crossover potential. I havent seen the film yet, but if the script is original even my Hollywood standards, it could do fabulously.
the movie reminded me a lot of other hollywood movies but obviously the setting was totally different. the concept was similar. i liked the film. i think the acting on all parts was solid, even kareena. i think rani is great and to me was a award worthy performance in her short role. Aamir was solid but that was expected. this is a well made movie no doubt about that, the only doubt i have is the box office.
So is ‘Talaash’ anything like ‘Kahaani’, you may ask. Yes, in the way all thrillers would be like each other. But otherwise, no. ‘Talaash’ shows a different canvas, paints a different mood. A no-frills taut plot, a gripping even pace, a limited character palette, some surreal moments, ‘Talaash’ is consistent as a thriller. In fact its slow, measured to-the-point story telling is its greatest strength, even if it starts giving away the plot towards the end.
Reema’s film is somber, sensitive but above all controlled. She manages to portray the juxtaposition of Shekhawat’s personal and professional dilemma with empathy and ease. Ram Sampath’s background score is gritty just like the underbelly setting of the film.
The performances too are excellent. Nawazuddin, the find of the season, does a swell job as the crippled conniving Taimur. Aamir’s Surjan is always leashed, stingy with his humour as well as anger but utterly superb as the pivot of the film.
Rani Mukerji has a layered complex character which she plays faultlessly. Her grief is tangible and her angry outbursts heart-rending. Kareena has a flatter, glitzier part but she is also flawless.
Just back from Talaash….gem of a movie, very tight screenplay, Aamir , Nawaz and Kareena are too good in the movie…….however does not have much repeat value and the pacing is too slow for single screen and aunties……
“however does not have much repeat value and the pacing is too slow for single screen and aunties……”
i agree with that. i don’t see how this will have any repeat viewers. with the release of a mass entertainer next week and then the biggest movie of 2012 releasing 2 weeks after..it will be tough for this movie to trend well. i think june 1st (original release date) was great timing for this movie…had a 2 week free run prior to RR releasing. i think it will end up around 60-70cr none the less.
Since you have no idea whose reviews I give credibility to, it’s better not to assume things. I don’t know who Shubra Gupta is, and I pay no attention to Raja Sen, and I don’t recall ever saying I agree with either of them. There is actually no critic in India that I agree with without question.
It would in fact be better for discussions here if people got out of seeing everyone’s comments through a particular “fan filter.” If I were to follow suit, I’d have to discount 90% of the comments here because they’re obviously being made via a “Bachchan filter.” Then there would be no point to engaging in any discussion at all. Now, Munna, you rarely do this — in fact this is the first time I have ever seen you say something like this, so I am very surprised — but it only shows that even someone like you has been affected by the general atmosphere.
My question about the repeat viewing of Talaash was about the film. I wondered what aspects of the film Idea Unique felt made it worth rewatching, and why those aspects didn’t strike Omrocky the same way. That question remains to be answered.
You asked couple of obvious questions. If you read bunch of reviews or comments about Talaash it is clear that the movie has less chance of repeat viewing. Idea stating opposite could easily be reasoned. Raja Sen and Shubra Gupta are seasoned reviewers. Their biases are very obvious if you go through their archived reviews.
sm, i wud avoid responding to munna’s tasteless comparison with raja and shubhra…i would mention that it has a lot of repeat value because of:
1). Lot of details have gone into create an atmosphere for each scene – cinematography is top-notch here.
2). Background score and songs – watching them in the film really is worth savoring again
3). Aaamir, Rani, Kareena, Nawaz, Shernaz – have delivered amazing performances and there are many subtle gestures/moments I found where impeccable timing was required and they delivered.
4). Emotional quotient is high in the film and a film-buff would like the deliberate slow pacing accompanied with crisp editing
5). Climax 25 min – esp. the last sequence and the song in that last 25 min – “hona hei kya” that was an amazing cinematic exp.
I would savor the exp. of 1st watching for a week and then head for 2nd time
I love this song very much and before I watched the film – I had imagined it picturised in a different way but when I saw it in the film – it was surprising…
Thank you, Ideq Unique (sorry, it’s going to take a bit of mental readjustment for me to think of you as Raju 🙂 ). You have explained very well what you like about the film. From all accounts, the main strengths seem to be the performances of the actors, which I’m glad to hear, as I like them all.
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan plays a top cop in Mumbai working to crack in an unsolvable case in Reema Kagti’s thriller.
Some thrillers are described as taut. Talaash isn’t taut, but loose and messy, the better to allow life’s jagged edges to disturb the muscular, controlled world that its protagonist, Surjan “Suri” Shekhawat, has created for himself. When those inevitable cracks appear in Suri’s world, the film grabs on tight and doesn’t let go.
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Aamir Khan, Talaash’s star and co-producer with Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, will reap both accolades and revenues from this unapologetically emotional suspense film, eagerly awaited by audiences as Khan’s return to the big screen since the 3 Idiots star’s recent turn as the activist reality show host of the hard-hitting nonfiction Indian TV show Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Prevails), which shines some of Khan’s star power on pressing Indian social issues.
PHOTOS: Fall Movie Preview 2012
Now, the challenge is to keep a lid on the film’s twist ending: Khan has taken to Twitter, and Facebook urging viewers: “please don’t let out the suspense!”
A top cop in Mumbai, Suri (Khan) is working to solve a crime that his colleagues say is “A-Final,” or unsolveable: at 4 a.m. a luxury car driven by a Bollywood star careened down Seaface Road, swerved right and crashed through a barrier to splash into the Arabian Sea, killing the actor.
As Suri investigates the death, which took place near a red-light district, he is drawn into the intrigue and secrets of its whores, pimps and drug addicts, most strikingly the mysterious prostitute Rosie (Kareena Kapoor) and the ambitious, crippled Tehmur (Nawazuddin Siddiqui).
Suri pours himself into his work partly to avoid his wife Shreya (Rani Mukerji), who though beautiful, loving and patient, nevertheless reminds Suri of the ache caused by the death of the couple’s 8-year-old son. Shreya and Suri cope with the pain in dramatically different ways: she finds comfort by talking to a psychic, while he scorns the supernatural and tamps down his grief.
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Under the direction of the perceptive Reema Kagti (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.), who has assisted leading modern filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, performances are strong throughout, and the pacing of the film moves easily from the intimacy of Suri’s home life to the urgency of action scenes set on city streets and even on a busy Mumbai commuter train. Additional dialogue by Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap adds heft to Kagti and Zoya Akhtar’s screenplay.
Khan is an actor-turned-turned director (the excellent Taare Zameen Par/Like Stars on Earth) with memorable starring roles in the Oscar-nominated Lagaan, the festival charmer Mumbai Diaries and the blockbuster comedy 3 Idiots. Cerebral, quick-talking roles like this are his specialty, but toward the end of this film, a cathartic scene in which he comes face to face with his grief leaves the greatest impact.
Kapoor — who costarred in 3 Idiots and shares an attractive rapport with Khan — shows a new depth in the role of a prostitute who is just a bit too glossy for her squalid surroundings (the reason for this becomes clear). Mukerji (No One Killed Jessica) is warm, inviting and real; while Siddiqui, who has enjoyed exposure to Western audiences in festival films such as Gangs of Wasseypur and Peepli Live, menaces in the role of a grown son of a prostitute who will do anything to escape that world.
‘Talaash’ likely to earn Rs.15 crores on opening day despite releasing during non-festive season
From rave reviews to overwhelming footfalls, Aamir Khan’s “Talaash ” has hit the bull’s eye, despite the fact it has come out during non-festive season. Trade pundits predict that the film is likely to collect Rs.15 crores on its opening day.
Usually, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan choose to release their films during holiday season in a bid to attract more audiences, however, Aamir defied the norm by releasing “Talaash ” during a non-festive weekend.
If trade pundits are to be believed the film is likely to rake in Rs.15 crores net at the Indian box office on the very first day.
The suspense thriller, starring Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, is expected to beat the opening collections of “Raaz” (Rs. 10.50 crore), “Bol Bachchan” (Rs.11.75 crore), “Cocktail” (Rs.10.75 crore), “Raajneeti” (Rs.10.50 crore), “Barfi!” (Rs.8.5 crore) – which too released on a non-holiday Friday.
amir Khan has quietly gone ahead and bended the Bollywood rule once again.
His new release Talaash opened this week on a regular Friday, which means the film is not riding the fabled ‘extended festive weekend’ bandwagon to rake it in.
The thought itself could give most of our other superstars a panic attack. At a time when excessive box-office vanity is at stake (they call it the 100-crore club), every Khan, Kumar and Devgn is battling to corner every possible holiday weekend.
From Holi and Eid to Independence Day, Diwali and Christmas, they have bulldozed all other releases off the big Friday block.
Aamir’s new film also departs from trade norms in another way. Talaash is the actor’s first release in nearly two years since the very arty Dhobi Ghat, which opened in January 2011.
Yet he doesn’t seem too bothered that his new film, an offbeat suspense thriller, is actually sandwiched between two major weekends.
Only a few weeks ago, the Diwali releases- Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son Of Sardaar – fought an ugly battle on and off the screens. And within a week of Talaash, Akshay Kumar returns to the screens with Khiladi 786. These, mind you, are heavy-duty masala fare unlike Aamir’s latest.
But then, Aamir has always been about creating trends rather than following them. If he doesn’t mind the crowded multiplex scenario (count in Skyfall and Life Of Pi, too) on returning after such a long gap, he actually did it after showing the guts to postpone the release of Talaash once.
The film was originally slated to open in June, but Aamir settled for November 30 because he was then busy with his TV show, Satyamev Jayate.
I don’t think many big stars would dare keep a finished product in the backburner for almost six months – more so at a time when prints being leaked from film labs onto your pen drives is about a matter of minutes.
After all this, if Talaash does scale the 100-crore heights – given its optimum marketing and smart release it probably will – you will know why Aamir Khan makes all the difference.
Talaash First Day Business-
Talaash grossed a good 12.25-12.50 crore nett approx on day one due to strong business at multiplexes. Basically most circuits had strong areas and weak areas be it big circuits or smaller circuits.
A Rajasthan was good in Jaipur and Kota but rest were average, Delhi/UP was strong in Delhi city, Noida and Lucknow but other cities were not as good. Similarly in Mumbai circuit, Mumbai city recorded good collections but in Gujarat only a few cities contributed well. The South Indian circuits of Mysore, Nizam and Tamil Nadu were all strong comparatively.
It’s a good start for the film and now the key will be what sort of improvement can come on Saturday as a 12 crore first day on this release leaves room for plenty of growth on Saturday if the audience takes to the film.
there is one thing to be noted, yesterday was a marriage day, among 4 dates of marriage being 30th, 3rd, 7th and 9th.
Gujarat is loaded with marriage season (dont know the same abt other places) and even on other days in gujarat there tons of wedding. So i know of many people who would have caught the movie in gujarat yday, but are busy in family functions.
Talaash Opening Day Box Office Collections-
Aamir Khan’s much awaited suspense thriller, Talaash has done an excellent business at the Box Office on Friday. The movie had opened to a decent collection in the morning and afternoon shows on its 1st Day at the Domestic Box Office. However, it picked up well later and showed a fantastic growth in the evening and night shows.
Multiplex response was excellent, but the single screens had an average opening day. With about 90-95% occupancy at the multiplexes and 70-80% occupancy at the single screens across the country, Talaash now stands at a domestic total of about 14 Crores as per early estimates on its 1st Day at the Indian Box Office.
Aamir Khan in a still from Talaash Movie
It’s a great achievement for the Reema Kagti directorial as compared to Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son Of Sardaar, who despite having a Diwali Holiday release made a business of about 15 crores and 10 crores respectively on its 1st Day at the Domestic Box Office. http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/talaash-opening-day-box-office-collections/
Aamir’s Talaash fails to break SRK’s JTHJ record at Box Office
Director Reema Kagti’s second directorial venture Talaash starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee in leads, has done wonderful collection at the Indian Box Office. But the movie has failed to smash the first day collection record of Shahrukh Khan’s recent release Jab Tak Hai Jaan at the domestic business centres.
Late Yash Chopra’s last directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan starring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in leads, was released in 2,500 screens in the country on November 13 and collected Rs 15.23 crores nett at the domestic Box Office on the first day. Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated movie Talaash, which also hit 2,500 screens in the country was expected to break this record.
Box office: Aamir Khan’s ‘Talaash’ opens with a bang!
As expected, the Aamir Khan-starrer Talaash has opened with a bang at the box office. The film is doing better at multiplexes than at single screen theatres.
Directed by Reema Kagti and also starring Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji, Talaash opened to a very positive response from cinegoers. The occupancy at multiplexes in the morning shows ranged between 60 to 80 percent, and the footfalls only got louder as the day passed. By evening, the response at multiplexes was just terrific. In comparison, the footfalls at single screen theatres weren’t as much, but the crowds may come in during the weekend.
Early estimates say the film has raked in between Rs. 14.50 to Rs. 15 crore on its opening day, which is a good start for a film releasing on a non-festive weekend. Trade pundits feel the film could touch the 19-20 crore mark either on Saturday or Sunday.
The critical reviews have mostly been positive and the audience response very heartening. The moviegoers have particularly liked the suspense of the film.
Not just in India, Talaash has opened well at box office abroad as well, particularly in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Just for comparison, Talaash has opened better than other non-festive releases of the year like Barfi! (Rs. 8.5 crore) or Bol Bachchan (11.75 crore) or Cocktail (10.75 crore).
If Talaash picks momentum over the weekend and maintains it on the weekdays, we won’t be surprised if the film enters the Rs. 100 crore-club in the first week itself.
from sixth sense to various hollywood thrillers there hve been masterpieces on same script but surely even aamir has not been to salvage underwhelming script….detailed reviews soon there
I enjoyed Talaash immensely, but I must begin by stating that it if you’re entering the theatre expecting an edge-of-your-seat thriller, you will be deeply disappointed. The ‘thriller’ aspect of Talaash is decidedly mediocre, and much of the blame for this lies in the half-baked script and purple dialogue, which seem to be borrowed from a horror story that a ten-year-old made up to scare her friends at a sleepover. The climax, in particular, is a staggeringly amateurish piece of work.
Yet, this is still a film in which there is much to praise and appreciate: it’s chief merits are the wonderfully evocative atmosphere and the perceptive human drama that lies at the heart of this film. Talaash is blessed with an enormously talented cinematographer and music composer, and from the second opening credits roll, the melancholically beautiful, jazz-soaked frames succeed in conjuring up a vision of Mumbai that is simultaneously alluring and unsavory. We’ve seen the underbelly of this city serve as a setting for several crime films before, and whilst Talaash does not make use of this setting in any particularly innovative way, it does view the milieu with intuitive empathy instead of treating it as savage exotica, which benefits the film greatly.
And what Talaash lacks in smartly executed plotlines, it compensates for with insightful characters and moving performances. Expectedly, Aamir does very well as the no-nonsense cop who represses his immense anguish under a façade of machismo; his is a delightfully nuanced character, as is the cripple Temur, who is essayed superbly by Nawazuddin Siddique.
But it’s the heroines who deserve the real acting accolades here; Rosie is saddled with outrageously cheesy lines and ostentatious, inappropriate styling, but Kareena’s conviction and charisma lend humanity and believability to this caricature-like part. And a gorgeously earthy looking Rani manages to similarly infuse her small, sparse role with an enormous amount of vulnerability and humanity.
Finally, what saves Talaash from being just a superficially pretty mood piece is the deconstructive take it offers on the brand of bravado that we come to expect from our action heroes onscreen: the best portions of the film are those that examine Aamir’s festering self-loathing and inability to accept that he was helpless at a time in his life when his strength and skills were most needed, which contrast effectively with the off-screen self-absorbed villainy of the Bollywood action ‘Hero’ and his friends.
And whilst this movie might reveal Kagti’s scriptwriting skills to be somewhat lacking, it also establishes her as a gifted and highly capable director. I look forward to her next feature, which will hopefully employ a different, better script (and dialogue) writer.
completely agree with everything here. my take was just that it’s not really a thriller at all. otherwise agree with the obvious deficiency in the script department. seems to be a chronic problem afflicting excel. even when they have interesting ideas, they are mostly shortchanged due to scripting issues. the akhtar children have resolved this issue by just engaging in increasingly superficial work, here’s hoping kagti will go the opposite way even if the box-office is not set on fire here. i’ll be looking forward to her next venture too.
btw, excellently written piece here.
“seems to be a chronic problem afflicting excel. even when they have interesting ideas, they are mostly shortchanged due to scripting issues”
Agree completely Antya- I felt the same way when I watched ZNMD as well- Zoya the talented, perceptive director was being short-changed by Zoya the shallow, cliched writer.
But it’s not just the script- the dialouges in Talaash were pretty bad as well. OTOH, I really enjoyed the witty dialouges penned by Javed Akhtar for Luck By Chance. When Excel happens to have such a talented director in the family, why don’t they atleast let him write the dialouges, instead of entrusting them to jack-of-all-trades-but-master-of-none Farhan?
I maybe wrong but think i read/heard somewhere that Kagti/soya wrote the entire dialogues/ screenplay in english (sicnr like many of us they too think and articulate best in English than Hindi)
And then the master dialogue writer estraordinaire ie bro farhan used his ‘mastery’ over Hindi to give them the requisite indianised touch. Even of this modus operandi
Mihir Fadnavis vocies a similar opinion in his review:
“Post ZNMD and now Talaash Zoya Akhtar and Kagti seem to be a filmmaking team which makes truly gorgeous looking cinema that just barely manages to rise above the lackluster story. They manage to capture the little moments unlike anyone in the industry. Hopefully they choose a solid script next, because they’d be an unstoppable force with one of those in hand”
Aa95- LOL at ‘master dialogue writer extraordinaire’ 😛 I think Farhan is cute but I am unable to understand why he is so hyped as being this multi-talented genius.
Yeah Amy
Actually I prefer Farhans space …
Personally this ‘jack of all trades’ business is more interesting to me as well
Rather than being a one(or two!) trick pony
As for ‘quality’ obviously he shouldn’t be dabbling with hindi dialogues but the rest of his range is reasonable (though not outstanding)
His problem has been that none of his various ‘facets’ now have the cutting edge…
He should keep one ‘steady’ and serious line of work with many other as per his interest ( I also subscribe to it ha).
thanx anya–thats an (entertainingly) original review
well done whoever wrote it
The problem is that there are some for whom if aamir has done a film or rangan has written a review and so on, the whole scenario automatically becomes ‘holy” and nearly impossible to be criticised (even where genuine points abound)
This wholesome ‘prostration’ in any majestys ‘respect/adulation’ is something that spoils the ‘objectivity’ of the whole exercise!
Besides these pieces are enjoyable reading like–
“From there began a worse kind of prositutionalising (if that’s a word) of the realist film. All you needed was your heroine in Fab India clothes, nude lipstick with lesser gloss and mascara-ed eyes without fake eyelashes, unclean-looking (‘looking’ only for that lived-in feel) houses, crowds made of junior artistes that rarely get work with Dharma and a little swearing. It didn’t matter if it was uttered with a convent-educated polish. It didn’t matter that none of it was convincing because it all looked so real. Looks after all is what Bollywood is all about, isn’t it?
And there and that’s why we are able to overlook Kareena speaking in perfectly correct Hindi and classy accent when playing a prostitute.”
hahaha who has written this? deserves a pat on his/her back..
i don’t know who is considering any of this ‘holy’ and is ‘prostrating’. i haven’t seen a single review or take that was doing that. in fact, i never notice that for an aamir film; the bar always seems to be higher and almost all remotely respectable critics and discerning audience members note the shortcomings without sugar-coating it. in fact, the dabanggs and jthjs of the world get off more easily because nobody expects anything in the first place.
this piece is underlining more general problems in hindi ‘realistic’ cinema in general and excel in particular (again the problem here is they at least try to do interesting stuff but it almost never is fully realized), which is what ami and i were discussing too.
get your point anya and agree..
“i don’t know who is considering any of this ‘holy’ and is ‘prostrating’”–dont mean u anya–but there are ‘some’ here …
My overall point is that this “some icons being above all criticism” approach isnt for me personally..
otherwise one can find reasons even to defend rangan from giving away key spoilers in a suspense / thriller film…(which was being pointed out yesterday)
again, my point is i don’t see anyone doing that except in your imagination.
and you really should read stuff before criticizing it, a good rule in life in general. rangan did no such thing. he kept things very general and included a spoiler-warningish even though he was going to say something very general towards the end. some other critics have not been so discreet, they don’t realize (or don’t care) that even giving away the genre will spoil it. unlike gf, i disagree that a spoiler warning is better, i think it’s absolutely necessary. and once it’s given, a critic can feel free to discuss whatever. so somebody said something (and later took it back and apologized) and you jumped on it, without confirming it. it’s a bad habit.
ami, very well-written. Except one thing, they clearly said that T is not a Thriller film but a suspense-drama. Both are different genres. So one must not expect it to be a thriller.
Fair enough Raju, I wasn’t aware that this is what they said. But even if it is considered to be a suspense drama, the suspense does not work as well as the drama, and IMO this is because the script lets the film down a little bit.
sanjana, i assume that you are a movie-buff like me. We have seen so many films in such “genre” that we can take such climax without falling off from our chairs 🙂 but the majority of paying public in India don’t fall in this category. I guessed the climax at the half-way but for me it was the journey to the climax was really enjoyable. I must repeat on this post that that “hona hei kya” song and the picturisation caught me off-guard as I expected it in a totally different way – super……and btw, that climax sequence road shooting was done in Puducherry where I reside – so I had one more reason to enjoy that 🙂
Journey or execution is more interesting so the revelation does not matter that much. I thought the climax was in mumbai. Puducherry has also sea(bay of bengal) and all water look alike.
As for scare, I am not comfortable watching scary things with non chalance.
Ami,
Thats a very balanced take and cannot disagree much.
BTW, this was NEVER promoted as a thriller. Right from the first promo, this was rather obvious. It is not even strictly a suspense film as even tho there is an element of suspense, the film is more about a couple dealing with loss where the husband happens to be a cop investigating a suspicious death. It is more about the journey than the destination/end. Will be hard for everyone to enjoy this and that will darken it chances at the BO.
As Satyam said this is not a sellout and one pays a price at the BO for this.
must agree with Rajen Ami.. Aamir on his part always said it wasn’t a thriller.. the director also said similar things. Now I’m not saying one could not get the thriller vibe from the previews but even here the ‘drama’ bit seemed more highlighted.
“It is not even strictly a suspense film as even tho there is an element of suspense, the film is more about a couple dealing with loss where the husband happens to be a cop investigating a suspicious death. It is more about the journey than the destination/end.”
I agree completely Rajen- and if you look at my comment, I did say that it worked best as a drama/ mood piece. However, they did build up the suspense element very much in the trailers IMO, and it was not very obvious to me that it was going to be primarily a human drama. I don’t think that it’s unreasonable for people to walk into the film expecting edge-of-your seat suspense, and my first line was merely meant to address these expectations.
A very insightful short piece by Ami (as always). And as much as I loved ur 2nd last para i would completely disagree with u over the ‘deconstruction’ bit. Intact i found it a very sly homage to the bravado of the masala hero- from the more ostensible reference to Ramesh Sippy’s Shaan (Mazhar Khan) to the less evident ones like Vijay from Zanjeer, it’s very clear that Kagti, a self-confessed Bachchan fan, knows her Bachchan and Masala in and out.
i actually thought that was pretty bang-on (incidentally, rangan made the exact same point). kagti has talked about being a bachchan fan and you are correct about the references here. but i don’t think it negates ami’s deconstruction point in any way, in fact it emphasizes it.
“but i don’t think it negates ami’s deconstruction point in any way, in fact it emphasizes it.”
I agree with Antya- I think that the references simply add more strength to the deconstruction. *SPOILERS AHEAD*
Tellingly, the most prominent masala reference was not in connection with our brooding angry man hero, but with the theiving, blackmailing cripple!
Inspector Shekawat was a macho, no-nonsense cop, but he was also shown to be utterly helpless time and again: in the first instance, when he couldn’t save his only son from drowning, and in the second instance, when he couldn’t conclude the case since the truth would make him the laughing stock of the department. Refusing to fight for the truth because it would make people think him unhinged, and instead meekly accepting his superior’s suggest of a two-month holiday is as far removed from the manner of a masala hero as possible!
And not only did his alpha-male heroic attitude not help him, it also hurt him: Roshni was able to get over her depression and help Shekawat deal with his problems towards the end of the film because she accepted that she was a mere mortal, and not an omnipotent hero. She was expressive of her grief, and open to the idea that there were more powerful forces in the world. However, Shekawat had a hero-complex and it was his inability to accept that he couldn’t save his son, and his repressing his sorrow and refusing to aknwoledge/ deal with his weaknesses that caused him so much trouble throughout the film.
Once he was able to let go of the hero complex, and accept that his son’s death was beyond his control, that he had to be open about his feelings and not repress them under this facade of machismo, is when his journey to redemption began.
And then ofcourse, there is the Bollywood action ‘Hero’ who is shown to be this big star who shoots people effortlessly onscreen, which contrasts sharply with the weak, immoral life he and his friends leads off-screen: they are cowards who abandon the dying woman because they don’t want to face responsibility for their actions, they give into blackmail, hire contract killers to do their dirty work and go running to daddy to solve their problems.
*END OF SPOILERS*
BTW- your opinion is a perfectly valid one, not trying to dismiss it- just thought I’ll elaborate on why I think that it was a deconstructive take.
Ami- well said but whatever u have mentioned here, i.e. personal turmoil, moments of weakness etc was exhibited very much by Zanjeer’s Vijay as well as DMD’s Kamath (who as we know was again based on the Zanjeer cop). Intact in Zanjeer Vijay also takes a sabbatical from work (sort of) and is very much shown as a depressed fellow who has nightmares. And both the nightmarish visions of the horseman as well as the ‘zanjeer’ are pretty much a part of ‘repressed memories ‘ similar to Suri’s in Talaash. And as i said before the homage is done slyly.
Btw not sure if U or anyone else noticed but in the beginning of the film when Aamir goes to meat the dead actor’s wife there is a poster of a certain film amongst many others- Cimino’s The Deer Hunter. This probably is my single fav hwood film and i absolutely loved that fleeting moment in Talaash.
Btw Ami hope we get a proper piece from (and/or Antya on this) in the coming days
I’ll agree with you completely that DMD was a masala homage, but I did not get that sense from Talaash at all. Yes, all of the references were present, but they were used in a deconstructive manner. The way that personal turmoil and weakness was tackled in DMD is very, very different from the way that it was approached in Talaash. IMO Talaash was not paying sly homage to these elements, but trying to subvert them.
“Intact in Zanjeer Vijay also takes a sabbatical from work (sort of) and is very much shown as a depressed fellow who has nightmares”
Yes, but at the end of Zanjeer Vijay overcomes these setbacks and takes revenge. Similarly, in DMD, Abhishek dies a hero’s death, fighting the wrong-doers until the last minute
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
In Talaash, Aamir’s moment of ephiphany comes when he lets go of his heroic notions and embraces his mortality. His happy ending is not that he solved the case, got his revenge or killed the bad guys, but that he accepted that he will not always be able to be the hero, and aknwoledged his weakness, his shrotcomings and his humanity. This is why I think that Talaash is not a homage, but a deconstruction of these references.
This film was never meant to be a thriller, as per Aamir himself.. More of an old-fashioned suspense drama along the lines of Madhumati, Woh Kaun Thi and the sort…a modern take on such films perhaps.
I will be watching the film on Tuesady, so will reserve my judgement till then; but there have been enough positivity on fb,from people who know their cinema. And here is a link to a positive review.
Look, the general buzz around the film was that it was a thriller, Aamir might have clarified that it was a suspense drama, but I did not read that particular interview(s) of his. In any case, whether it was intended to be a suspense drama or a thriller, my issues with the script still stand- I did say that it works best as a drama and a suspensful mood piece, so it’s not at all like I am criticizing it based on genre.
“but there have been enough positivity on fb,from people who know their cinema.”
Since you’re clearly implying that I’m ignorant, I apologize for my lack of cinematic knowledge- but I began the review by saying that I enjoyed the film immensely, if that’s not a positie review, what is? *sigh*
ami, i don’t think LSor anyone implied that u r ignorant or that u’ve written negative review…i guess u r reading too much in betn the lines. Thriller v/s Suspense-Drama – the script has to be very honest to differentiate these two genres
@ Ami –I am not implying that you are ignorant, or anything of the sort; just puzzled at reading totally contradictory reviews. I know a few cinematically literate people who comment on fb and elsewhere; they’ve loved the film, found it layered and meaningful. I will be watching only on tuesday afternoon, so I guess I should stop reading/browsing film discussion sites, till then !
Will be seeing this tomorrow morning. I hope the people who liked Talaash for its layering and atmospherics are not Dhoti Ghat fans, i absolutely detest that kind meandering, pretentious stuff.
Re:Look, the general buzz around the film was that it was a thriller,
Not really,Ami as long as one was paying attention. Sorry to belabor the point but after so many promos and iinterviews, walking into see Talaash expecting a thriller would be akin to walking into see Lincoln expecting a sitcom!
I didn’t walk into Talaash expecting anything, which is why I was able to appreciate that it succeeded as a drama and a mood piece. That initial sentence in my comment was meant to address the general expectations about the film, since most people think that it is a thriller, and they will be disappointed if they go in expecting one.
But like I said earlier, even as a suspense drama, the suspense part did not work nearly as well as the drama for me, since I thought that the script was quite weak, especially in the second half.
rockstar u r hell-bent on giving away the climax despite satyam’s mentioning not to do so – u’ve already put a separate post with “spoilers ahead” tag – then why write such things here??
madhumati and woh kaun thi was not mentioned by rockstar but it came as reply and ya one of the stars indeed used it as climax without giving credit….where is any talk of climax of talaash
sm: No she liked Delhi Belly script, and she might well be cinema literate, in fact more literate than desired when you’re the wife of a superstar in Bollywood 🙂
Just felt she made a really boring film, and totally out of sync with the Indian audiences’ sensibilities. Doesn’t mean she can’t make a better film of course.
And i’m someone who is all for slice-of-life, realitic cinema but it has to engage. With DG, the theme was just too obscure, the direction very self-conscious and the performances absolutely dismal. Fine you want to make a subtle film, there are enough examples in Indian cinema itself. You dont need to look westwards for inspiration. I watched a fine film yesterday called Sara Akash. It is Basu Chatterji’s first film, adapted from a famous Hindi novel. It’s a 1969 b/w film, and the cast and crew were all fresh FTII pass outs. The film tracks 6 months in the life of a newly married couple in a joint family, who due to a misunderstanding on the first night do not communicate with each other at all. They go about their daily routine in this regular middle-class household, but do not say, a word to each other. By way of plot, there is nothing really, yet each new day finds the audience curious to know what will happens in their life. The film is subtle and slow, and was probably made in less than a lakh. Yet engaging and thought-proving it is. It is a comment on post-independence youth, who are boyant to embrace modernity and freedom and yet in-equipped to deal with marriage and their confussed about their conditioned roles as husband and wife.
It’s available online, for those interested.
Thanks for the tip on Sara Akash. I’ll look for it online. There were a lot of nice, subtle films made in that time period, especially with NFDC funding. Too bad we don’t have such films any more.
sandy-obviously u are entitled to your opinion and in no way to belittle basu chatterjees film (that ive not seen)–but on dhobi ghaat, my opinion differs–
Just felt she made a really boring film, and totally out of sync with the Indian audiences’ sensibilities. Doesn’t mean she can’t make a better film of course.
“And i’m someone who is all for slice-of-life, realitic cinema but it has to engage. “–i did find it more than ‘engaging’, notsure y u didnt get ‘engaged’ though lol
“With DG, the theme was just too obscure, the direction very self-conscious and the performances absolutely dismal”–‘obscurity” of theme has never been an issue when assessing films of THIS genre
The direction was self-conscious slightly but more in a conscientious manner than in a’ self-masturbatory intellectual snobbery’ sort of way, that many confuse with auterism here
The performances (except prateek) were not abysmal
Aamir was fine and the ‘NRI girl’ (dont remember the name Shai?) was brilliant imo
Gustavo Santaolalas background score was also a highlight…to round off one of the best debut performances in bollywood in recent times –well, thats my opinion though not expecting others to agree..
overall, well done kiran rao–looking forward to your next film (if u are allowed another chance)
Agree about Saara Akash. Better to make such films rather than a Dhoibi Ghat though I liked the part with Amir in the apartment with the girl on the video. The rest not really.
@ Amy
Thanx for the brilliant take–infact what seems to be the most original perspective on talash I’ve read on the blogosphere -well done
Respect, adulation, fandom & bias is one thing
Bit it shouldn’t cOme in the way of true appreciation and aseessment (if one is into assessment while watching films like most of us are & importantly that film is worth an assessment!)
Not sure why Amy has to follow what folks have put up in their facebook pages ? That’s a bit surprising to expect and that too from someone like LS!
That’s what fandom does haha
I may be a die-hard Aamir fan, but I can take it on the chin, if his latest much awaited release is not as good as we’d like it to be. All I’m saying is I’m puzzled at the contradictory reviews from media professionals and lay cinema-fans alike. Will not comment on this thread any more till I have seen the film, but will leave with link to this positive review ( I was not searching for p[ositive reviews, just came across it while trying to access yahoomail).
to be fair its getting lot of mixed reviews from public
i am neither a fan nor hater and there are some silly things
foe e.g there is no answer who killed shashi in the movie again the answer lies within…the grief part was even there in wooden actor john’s movie with vikram bhatt the saaya and so did his transformation….
one has to be realistic rather than having childish thought of srk sangle everywhere
This is what blogging etc is all about
Wonderful points there Amy–will be checkin this weekend and see what I feel about talaash–but this certainly seems quality stuff
“Finally, what saves Talaash from being just a superficially pretty mood piece is the deconstructive take it offers on the brand of bravado that we come to expect from our action heroes onscreen: the best portions of the film are those that examine Aamir’s festering self-loathing and inability to accept that he was helpless at a time in his life when his strength and skills were most needed, which contrast effectively with the off-screen self-absorbed villainy of the Bollywood action ‘Hero’ and his friends.”
The opening word of this paragraph should be–
“what saves this blog from becoming a fansite and a male-self-congratulatory box office penny-pound-counting-&arguing site is unbiased reviewers like Amy and anya and those who can stand their ground alone and not change their views Under pressure like Oldgold ”
🙂
Ha munna–Thanx
Well truly –as an innocent unbiased bystander/observer–
The main ‘content’ here remains congratulation of each others posts, anything bachxhan, mani, rangan and so on (with little/no exception),
Anti anything srk, kashyap, boi, taran, nahata and so on
And pointing out the difference in box office reporting amounts in different ‘conflicitng’ Sites
In betweeen, one does get sporadic ace reviews/comments from Satyam-which are always great and welcome
But it’s the different/dissenting/unbiased views/commenters which keep the sanity (& credbility) somewhat preserved 🙂
Yup, it will be 4 continuous houseful days in Dubai until Dec 2. Despite the mixed WOM, everybody and their brother is queing to see the movie in UAE. I managed to get a few tickets for tonite, hope its a good experience.
this review is for satyam: http://www.filmfare.com/reviews/talaash-takes-your-breath-away-1802.html
esp. these lines there made me sit up and think “how if ….”
“One couldn’t have imagined him playing a mustachioed cop with conviction. But two seconds into the frame and you forget Aamir Khan the chocolatey lover boy and remember only Surjan Singh. Those remaking Zanjeer missed a cue.”
so there’s a bit of a jump Sat when most films these days either don’t show one or go down a bit even when they’re otherwise successful. Sun should be 18 crores at the very least if not more. In any case the weekend will still be in that 47-50 range. BOI will have it in the low 40s or something.
Dhoom 3 On Christmas 2013
by Box Office India (December 1, 2012)
Though the shooting of Dhoom 3 started a few months ago, and the shooting of Rajkumar Hirani’s PK is yet to start, it was said that the latter would release during Christmas 2013. However, now we learn that Dhoom 3, not PK, that will bag that date.
The reason is non-availability of leading man Aamir Khan. The actor recently shot for a long schedule of Dhoom 3 and he was to start shooting for PK a few weeks from now. But he’s decided NOT to. And early next year, Khan will proceed with a major shooting schedule of Dhoom 3, giving PK no chance to go on the floors.
Going by Khan’s schedule and his unusual commitment to a project, it’s pretty obvious that PK won’t roll before mid-2013. This means just one thing – that the actor’s next release would be Dhoom 3 and it will release during Christmas next year.
Talaash Could Hit 40 Cr Plus At The Weekend
by Soumita Sengupta (December 1, 2012)
Aamir Khan’s Talaash earned Rs 12 crore plus on its first day and is expected to hold steady during the weekend. If all goes well, distributors predict the movie could clock Rs 40 crore plus over the weekend.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thandani of Multimedia Combines says, “Talaash opened with average numbers yesterday but by evening, most of the evening and nights shows were house full. On day one, the film earned Rs 5.5 crore in Mumbai and almost Rs 13 crore all-India. It I expected to remain steady at the weekend too.”
In Delhi-UP, G D Mehta of Bobby Arts International adds, “The evening and night shows on Friday did very well, especially in multiplexes. On day one, Talaash earned Rs 3 crore plus in Delhi-UP and is expected to do even better at the weekend.”
In East Punjab, disheartened Surendra Saluja of Lakshya Movies says, “Talaash earned Rs 1 crore plus on its first day in East Punjab. We had expected more since it is an Aamir Khan film. Reports of the film are very mixed. Some people liked the film while others didn’t like the climax. So the first week will depend on the weekend collections.”
In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez says Talaash is doing very well in multiplexes but because of its unexpected content, the film has drawn a mixed response, “The first-day numbers of Talaash in WB are around Rs 66 lakh.”
In Saurashtra-Gujarat, Ajay Bagbai of Rajvi Trade Links says evening and night shows were almost house full on day one. “In our region, the first day collections are Rs 1 crore plus. The numbers should hold during the weekend too.”
Gaurav Gaur of O’Real Imaginations in Rajasthan says the audience is disappointed with Aamir Khan. “Collections on the first day are Rs 67 lakh in Rajasthan, and reports of the film are only average because the content is not great.”
Talaash opened well at around 65% at multiplexes while single screens were around 40%. The huge number of screenings at multiplexes will mean a healthy first day total. The best performance was in the big cities of South India. The film will require good growth on Saturday to put up a big weekend figure.
Jeet Lenge Jahaan is a washout as shows were cancelled at most places.
Jab Tak Hai Jaan fell in its second week collecting around 17.50 crore nett and taking its two week total to 100 crore nett. The film has dropped heavily at the start of its third week.
Son Of Sardaar also dropped in week two collecting around 17 crore nett and taking its two week total to 87 crore nett. The film was also down badly at the start of its third week.
watching the film this afternoon but I’ve been getting reactions from a lot of friends and of course I’ve seen many of the responses elsewhere. I think my hunch is essentially confirmed. It’s a rather dark, unrelenting sort of film. No light relief if you will. Now with a film like Kahani you have a serious suspense film but it’s not otherwise ‘dark’. The opposite is true for DMD. The point is that Aamir once again has not really made a sell-out film and this is precisely why I was never sure whether it would do a 100 crores or something higher. I was betting more on the former but I wasn’t sure. Why? Because from the trailers and from everything else one could glean about the film it seemed like a pretty dark drama. However there was a chance that the film would turn out to be lighter fare than the previews suggested. I don’t believe that’s the case knowing more now. So 100 crores for this kind of deal is extraordinary. I’ve said this from the very beginning. No one gets more than Aamir for any given genre. Specially so for the ‘different’.
In terms of the ‘mixed response’ and so on all of this remains to be seen. The numbers seem fine so far, in fact I’d say they’re very good. It’s a multiplex-only deal more or less, and it’s doing as much as Bol Bachchan on day 1. The latter was for every kind of center. So not sure what the problem here is?! It’s not just BB, many films along similar lines are in that 11-14 crore range. They have higher print counts and they cover all kinds of screens. But leaving this aside when you have this sort of film of course you will have many people not love it or not like it. So what?! This isn’t D2 where even if you think it’s ok or not great you still show up and so forth. The mass market film always has a wider audience pool to play with. Or any sort of film for a much more general audience. So a film like ZNMD is only for the multiplexes but within this group no one has a problem with it. But not everyone even within that target demographic necessarily wants a dark drama! And so once again it’s Aamir’s prestige that gets the biggest share of the audience in. However this does not mean that the essentials of the film change. So once again the reactions are perfectly understandable but more importantly speak to the film’s strengths. I am far more skeptical about different films that don’t displease anyone in the media and so on. Because that tells me they’re not really pushing the envelope in any sense.
Speaking for myself this was the only major film this year I was truly interested in and with all the responses I’ve seen since release I am even more excited now.
Satyam, can’t wait for ur review man. This film could not have any lighter moments (there are many delicate and gentle moments though) otherwise it would simply kill the tension which is the pivot of such films. Don’t worry – film will cross 100 cr very easily despite all odds 🙂
We have already had a oreview of what the review is going to be. Satyam in his review is going to showcase;
-how superior, subtle and intelligent it is which of course will keep the majority away,
-how brave Amir has been to act in such a film
– the film as a major dark film as none other,
That there have been previous films with emotion, tragedy, and ‘the other thing’ 😉 will not be considered.
The hardest he’ll work at will be to convince (mainly himself) that such a film getting even a 100cr is a feat never ever achieved by anyone – only God would have succeeded, none other.
Stop trying so hard,OG. It is your rotten luck that you like a unlikeable star stuck in a rut and rapidly fading. Dont try to take it out on other with more ‘refined’ taste!
The fact is I dont have to try as Aamir has established himself very firmly and does what he does with conviction without pandering to the lowest common denominator. He has prestige and success and he does not need mine or any one else’s endorsement. Your aging and fast fading beacon unfortunately is in a different situation and his fans have to do countless contortions to discredit others. Unsuccessfully, I might add.
But it is a waste of time engagingg with you on this matters. You live in an alternate universe and have no p0roblem making outirght dishonest claims and arguments. I do not want to disturb your alternate reality and feed your vile hatred for a star who is firmly entrenched at the top in terms of BO and quality.
didn’t liked the movie but ya getting 100 cr itself will be big acheivment and for me it certainly makes aamir number1….
previously no other dark movie has even reached 50 for the genre and even for such genre to exceed one need stars to be at their peak….vidya was coming after dirty picture and aamir years of goodwill as for critics many praising it because for them its entirely a new deal for them as such a genre is coming after a long time …a talaash may be dark but a kahaani was far more realistic and again has much better script and fast pace than talaash which people ignore and even more taut
Comparing Kahaani and Talaash is like comparing two different genres. Rockstar, did you watch the movie till the end??? How can you compare the two and complain about ‘realism’ given the twist??
Kahaani was fine for what it was but a totally different film.
rajen most of intelligence operation is like that unlike the tamasha world of ett and they penetrate system like that what was so unrealistic in twists except for first scene because a pregnant lady can be easily scanned in airport (may be she was before there)….
when we had the last original taut thriller in recent time
Rockstar,
Had no problem with Kahaani.In fact enjoyed it quite a bit. My point Talaash is a different film even if superficially the same genre and again hard to drive home the point without revealing what should be by now the obvious spoiler.
One expects people like OG/AA to argue that it is the same genre but you – I wouldeexpect to know better.
Don’t worry rajen – ALL the *knowing better* people will have seen the film soon, and will be joining you at the spindle to spin and spin and spin.
I’ll leave you all to do your spinning then, because in the whirring of the spindle and the chatter of the quality of the yarn it would be difficult to point out that the thread is getting thinner and thinner and there is a danger of it breaking.
But before that;
-I liked the film
-found Kahani’s build up more satisfying to the fragments offered in K joining at the end
-loved the songs
-loved the acting of the women
-Amir was very one dimensional
-didn’t find it exceptional though
-the ideas were not new
-like the emotional content
All the above is my opinion.
It’s the spin in making it look greater and calling people names because what was expected may not happen at the BO.
Don’t give excuses IF the BO fails to keep up as expected.
Kahani was of the same genre – a suspense. Only a different ending doesn’t change their genres. Don’t look for excuses.
There have been innumerable films with strong emotional content too.
I’m not saying T is not a good film. It is and I liked it a lot (sorry for liking it since I’m sure I’ll like JTHJ also when I buy the DVD) – but to spin so hard in trying to make it look like some unique film is the height of not speaking the truth.
its not unique but certainly a new film in a sense as its coming after a long time…
dk has madhumati ….there had been woh kaun thi, mahal …sunil dutt had mera saaya a vintage only ramu has touched recently it with kaun
and ya getting 100 cr is a big deal for such genre even yash chopra when he made itefaq a much superior suspense drama it fizzled
atleast aamir khan is trying but there is also a star who has lifted the same climax of madhumati in masala thriller(om shanti om) without giving any credit and there is another who makes a gem called suryavanshi
@rockstar
>its not unique but certainly a new film in a sense as its coming after a long time…
I guess because some of the films, at least two or three that you have mentioned are fresh in my mind as we discuss and watch the songs – or watch the film itself again, so T doesn’t seem new.
The endless baiting you”re indulging yourself in old gold is getting tiresome, even for lurkers like myself. You clearly have nothing to add except to instigate and stir and taunt people for their opinions and preferences. It’s childish and getting embarrassing now.
“Yes, I’m not going to comment anymore”–c’mon Oldgold-do continue the fun
@ belle–good 2 hear from u. Plz dont stay a lurker –do tell us about your favorite films, stars –welcum
I did not say anything – it is satyam who is trying to say it isn’t and therefore will be less BO friendly.
This is called prejudice 😉
Find out the truth before responding.
where has satyam said it is “not entertaining”, he said that it is a dark film and that too he has heard. Satyam, in my opinion, has a broader taste of cinema and diff. genres and dark films can also be entertaining……afterall it is cinema.
>However there was a chance that the film would turn out to be lighter fare than the previews suggested. I don’t believe that’s the case knowing more now.
Lighter I’ve taken as meaning – with fun and jokes (thus, entertaining)
No that’s not what I meant.. I obviously knew this wouldn’t have a comedy track! But take sarfarosh, this is a character-driven drama, doesn’t have comedy but it is overall easier to take and it’s a more accessible narrative within the format. Much as RDB was a risky film in some ways but wasn’t inaccessible for most of the audience. The distinction here is that there are certain limitations with attracting a potential audience for a film that are based on genre. However given the right kind of film within that genre one can sometimes have a big success. Success here does not mean doing a D2! It just means being very successful for that genre. As opposed to this there are certain kinds of films that within the same genre (one not otherwise big with the audiences) are riskier projects even leaving aside the built-in genre risk. For instance Barfi did well. Not every film with this kind of protagonist or subject does so. However it was also easier to handle once you got over the genre hump. The story wasn’t challenging in any serious sense. But there could have been a much darker Barfi that wouldn’t have made half as much. It wouldn’t have been a problem with the film. It might even have been a better film. But people wouldn’t be interested to the same degree. And it’s not just India. Even in the US the Talaash equivalent can be successful from time to time but not deliver a blockbuster gross. Check out how much Shutter Island (Scorsese, DiCaprio) did just compared to Inception let alone other big blockbusters.
And as for your other comment about how I’m convincing myself that’s ridiculous. I was saying this for months. There are at least 20 comments where I’ve said this. Precisely the reason why I was never completely convinced it could do more a lot more than 100 crores if it remained the dark drama that everything seemed to suggest it was. You might choose to forget but Alex kept suggesting I was lowering the bar. I wasn’t. I never play to blogosphere politics when it comes to setting these bars. I say what I believe in. This as true when I thought Guru could do 50 crores and no one else did and it’s true now. Again Guru was not a universal genre but once you got over that factor it was a very accessible film. Dil Se wasn’t. You could fix a few things in Dil Se and it still wouldn’t work.
The whole idea that many peddle here, whether for partisan reasons or otherwise, that a star should get the biggest numbers irrespective of genre is pure unadulterated nonsense. And finally on Kahani it absolutely wasn’t a dark film. It didn’t have anything to disturb anyone. It was a suspense narrative with that Calcutta feel to it and a twist at the end. Nonetheless that it got as far as it did was superb and which is why Balan got a great deal of credit for doing so. Holding the film together, being authentic for the part and so on. It’s not every day where such a film with a female lead does this. Similarly subjects like Talaash are not big. Take DMD, a film which had truly strong previews (the first one was outstanding), looked a lot more hip and so on, Abhishek was at his lowest box office point, it didn’t get an initial, but even at that lowest point Abhishek would have done far better in certain other genres. Because actually even at his hottest in 2005 BM still didn’t open huge. It was a niche deal, primarily dependent on some big city returns. Rohan Sippy doesn’t make the sorts of films that do 100 crores! Unless he truly changes course one day. It’s not as if you put a big star in DMD and it is suddenly a massive success (though it could certainly have done double its eventual gross). In 2004 SRK was getting big initials but Swades got a less than average one despite being the Lagaan director’s first film. There are always these factors. One can just be a partisan and pretend otherwise but these are the facts. Again back to Talaash, my best case scenario here was always something around 100 which I considered excellent for this subject. The only reason I even suggested it could be 150 or whatever is that I left open the possibility the film might not be as dark as everything else was suggesting. But I never really believed this. Everyone knows this. I was ridiculed for not going for the higher numbers, not being ‘confident’ and so on.
I don’t say all of this to just convince you because you are beyond this where Aamir is concerned but for others reading this. One must be clear and precise about this stuff. When you keep saying that I just spin stuff what you don’t realize (and pretend not to) is that I operate with the rather unusual (for many!) ethic of actually knowing what I’m talking about before I start saying it!
thanx for the ‘prologue’ satyam…pre-viewing
the likes of me, amy, anya and others are biting (each others) nails in aniticipation of the ACTUAL piece (after the viewing)
enjoy…
Watched it yesterday.
A very well made and well acted movie.
Not sure about the box office prospects.
It is NOT a thriller and was not promoted as such.It is a suspense drama all right. The biggest problem one can have is whether they buy the story or not and hard to expand the point without giving something away.So, will resist.
Aamir promoted it as a suspense film with emotional content and that is what it is. Is unrelenting and dark. So BO prospects are uncertain.
Some have been harping on what it should do given Aamir is back after a while and Rani/Kareena’s presence in a ‘mainstream’ film without understanding ANYTHING.
Kahaani was a much different film and much less dark.
It is to Aamir’s credit that he made this film and gets kudos for selecting such projects and being able to give them some viability at BO ,even if not a monster hit.
This CANNOT be compared to Barfi or Kahaani in terms of BO.
The real measure of success here is would any other major star have been willing to be a part of this film and how far would they have carried the movie on the BO front. The answer to first question is an easy No and to the second – not as far as this one will go.
Idiots with heads stuck up their rear will regard these as excuses or being defensive but this is the truth as far as Talaash BO goes. Nuance is lost upon some, some are driven simply by agendas and some are just playing mischief. But then, what would blogs be if these people were not here to beat up on??
BTW, those who liked JTHJ would be well advised to stay away from this film as I doubt if there is any living person with a sensibility rhat can appreciate tripe like JTHJ and finer films like Talaash at the same time. I would think they are genetically and intellectually challenged in terms of being able to understand something subtle or understated.
“rhat can appreciate tripe like JTHJ and finer films like Talaash at the same time”
thats what differentiate unidimensional autistic ‘rogues’ (like rajen who can only think in only one axis) from flexible, evolved humans 🙂
And there are some who rant in the expectation of attention from time to time (like rajen again)–all he gets mostly is a kick on the backside and outright rejection hahaha
Thank you rajen for your analysis of the human qualities and their sensibilities.
That there are less people with superior sensibilities is going to be a major reason in making Talaash do less at the BO.
I suggest cloning the majority on the blog here – even the already existing clones (sub cloning so to say), and let them lose. They will defintely raise the BO possibilities.
And please – I said **cloning** NOT *clowning* (you *have* to stop doing that in this moment of crisis).
The moment when Aamir’s side kick keeps saying “sir main baad mein aata hoon” and Nawaz’a mobile ringing when he claims to not have money to buy food had the entire hall erupting in laughter….other one was Aamir’s asking who is leaking info to the press……..
Amarchand, Wadia Ghandy lead PVR’s $100m Cinemax takeover
Amarchand Mangaldas Delhi advised cinema chain PVR, which is buying rival chain Cinemax India by acquiring shares from the promoter – who are advised by Wadia Ghandy – and a subsequent open offer valued at around Rs 540 crore ($100m).
Petition challenging Sec 66A IT Act: SC issues notice to Central Government; Asks Maharashtra government to explain the arrest of 2 girls in Facebook row
The Supreme Court has today issued notice in a petition filed by Shreya Singhal challenging the constitutional validity of Section 66 A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir also allowed the impleadment of four states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi and Puducherry.
The Court also asked the Maharashtra government to explain the arrest of Shaheen Dhanda Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Shrinivasan in Palghar in Thane district under section 66A.
Attorney General GE Vahanvati said, “Please examine Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and I will assist the court on this issue.”
“An abuse of the section does not make it ultra-vires. This section is based on similar provisions in other jurisdictions such as 2003 Act of United Kingdom and the 1996 Act of United States (on the IT laws)”, said Vahanvati.
The Attorney General said that Section 66A was “well intended”.
He also brought to the notice of the Court the recent guidelines issued by the government, which say that cases to be registered under the provision of the IT Act has to be decided by senior police officers.
Watched the movie in Noida tonight show, which was housefull. And 3 years of wait has been worth and movie really exceeded my expectations. Reema took time to build up the first half as it required that kind of deft handling and second half was one hell of an experience with last 20 minutes really gave me and my friends goosebumps as we didn’t expect that kind of ending, which really proved and reposed our trust and conviction in Aamir’s HATKE image. Songs really blended with the narrative so smoothly without dragging the movie and background score was very effective, kudos to Ram Sampat for giving a very apt score as it really amalgamated with the plot and Javed Akhtar wrote fitting lyrics to suit the situations where these songs are played.
Performance wise each and every actor played his or her respective part with finesse. Kareena looked sultry and played the part with gusto, while Rani looked beautiful and suited the role of beleaguered wife and bereaved mother with effortlessness. Nawazuddin played his part as if it was written for him only, but standout performance was from Aamir, who had to be restrained and seething at the same time, as his was a very nuanced role, which required angst internalised in his persona. He acted with lot of brooding as he was not able to accept the truth as it was and really made an indelible impact with his personal agony through his internalisation. Overall after RDB, this Aamir performance stands out and will be among his 5 best in my humble view.
Just got back from a houseful show in Wafi Dubai. The stunned silence at the interval pretty much summed up everyone’s feelings. There were murmurs of discontent due to the unexpected twist in the end, but even then, people could not stop discussing the ‘twist’ on their way out. IMO, the only people who did not like it are those who just cannot see anything other than masala. One really cannot expect them to like a dark fare such as this. However, even a hater who can sit through a taut intense movie should appreciate the fact that this sort of a well made movie of its genre has not been attempted by any major star in the last decade (Maybe fans of Akshay will vouch for Tasveer, but that is miles behind in terms of script and direction). There are obvious shades of hwood, even then, I felt that the script and execution were excellent.
In terms of performance, it was a Aamir-Kareena-Nawazuddin show all the way. Man, this Nawaz guy is a real find. His range of characters in the last 2-3 years has been so convincingly played, he should be winning all sorts of awards.
Despite the leaking out of the suspense, I actually feel now that the WOM of this movie is pretty strong. Those not content with the ending are nonetheless recommending it as a must-watch. No wonder it is running to packed houses here in Dubai.
There is repeat value for people who have not seen the Hwood comparables, for whom the twist was a indeed a shocker. There were a couple of such people in my group, who were tying the loose ends after the movie and were thinking of a second watch. Personally, having known the twist beforehand, I was trying to judge how seamlessly it had been integrated into the story. Did find a few loopholes which I will discuss when the curfew on spoilers has been lifted on the blog
Mendes’ Skyfall: adding the dark, dour, poignant to Bond
Hoped to catch talaash but the company 2nite aren’t in2 Bollywood!
Tried selling it to them–‘aamir khan who?’ types
Did notice that talaash nearly houseful.
Anyhow am relieved at escaping twilight (narrowly)– deal–skyfall!
Well, found it better than I expected
Mendes has done a good job and has probably single- handedly given this franchise a fresh lease of life
Nothing exceptional but good enough as a reboot
Loved bardem-he is simply scene stealing
-Craig, drench were efficient
May write more later–but think my sense is similar to this post earlier that I dictated to anya and she posted it as her own haha
Agree with most of this—
Definitely an average movie from Brand Aamir. In his interview with Nahata, Aamir said that the script was written 10 years ago. They should have perhaps made it at that time. This is a kind of story which has been told many times even in TV shows…
I will say those actors who refused this film will be hardly disappointed coz this is neither a Lagaan nor a TZP. Brand Aamir will take this to very good total at the BO but this is very average fare from Aamir and Excel Entertainment considering that this year we have so many good movies.
An effective thriller no doubt, but would’ve probably liked it even more had Kahaani not preceded it already. This film, though different from the latter in terms of plot, carries the same feel (dark underbelly and unexplored terrains of the dying parts of a city) and narration/investigation style with an out-of-the-blue climax. I still prefer Kahaani for its impact and Vidya’s performance to this. Not that Talaash is bad – it’s far from it, and might probably find a place in the top films of the year list by the end of year, but it’s a tad underwhelming considering Aamir’s return to screen after 3 years. Still, a film that deserves a watch for Nawazuddin’s performance, and some stunning cinematography and the opening credits exploring the shady city, which IMO leaves a stronger impression than the actual revelation 😉
Amother excellent review by friend of mine, who is a journalist himself-
When a wait for Aamir’s movie culminates in this way you just know it was worth the wait as always. A film packed by a tight script, remarkable performances, blended music, excellent cinematography and apt editing makes Talaash: The answer lies within a treat to watch.
A suspense drama which builds on for three-quarter of the story and when climaxes it leaves you appalled. Not in your wildest dreams you will guess how the suspense will be revealed. There are no traditional hints which will make you believe five different results. Only when it is revealed you know what was going on.
The story is about the personal struggle of inspector Shekhawat played by Aamir who chases two truths- one inside his self and the other out side in the physical world. Rani Mukerji plays his wife Roshni and a prostitute/call girl/informer is played by Kareena. Nawazuddin Sidiqui plays a beggar Taimur who accounts or a subplot.
There is a car crash resulting in death of a famous actor. The car crashes in to the sea. Aamir son also dies in water who he thinks he could have saved. The water imagery comes alive every now and then.
How he overcomes his two major botherings- struggling with his innerself and the solution of the car crash case make the story.
Kareena plays Rosy and plays it to perfection. Her dialogues, performance and body language are all great. Rani plays the wife quite good whereas Nawazuddin plays the beggar who wants to make it big by blackmailing the actor’s friend. Nawazuddin’s performance stands out in the film.
One of the two things that is outstanding in the film is editing. The editing of the movie is brilliant. Story is more or less linear till the suspense is over. And the editor handles the climax shots remarkably. Mixing the words which meant one thing when they were said and other when suspense reveals, the juxtaposition of different shots and words from the earlier scenes, the leitmotif of water, the inner struggle of Aamir, all have been organised so well that you can’t complain.
Each word that the protagonist remembers later on and how his own words (‘lagta hai ki sab kuchh mere saamne hai par main dekh nahi paa raha’) come true at the end have been put up very nicely. Kudos to the editor and the cinematographer.
Camera guy has taken nice shots and is worthy of a special mention.
Another outstanding thing in the film is music and background score. Ram Sampat has blended it so beautifully that the music dissolves in the narrative. For any suspense or horror film the success depends on the background score and Sampat has done a great job. Neither the songs are forced nor they are meaningless as is the case with most of the movies nowadays.
Lyrics are beautiful and are not intrusive. They take the film forward and are an integral part of the film.
One let down in the film is its dialogues. Farhan Akhtar could have done better. Dialogues are not natural and flowing. The words at many places leave a lot to be desired.
Aamir’s stature as one of the best actor of the industry has been justified at more than one place in the film. Whether it is his fingers expressing anxiety when Kareena calls him to sit in her side or the scene where he cries holding a letter, Aamir shows how to act. The same scene if done by an SRK will focus on his face making weird adjustments to express anxiety but Aamir’s fingers are all you have to see and you can see how he is struggling to come to terms with a reality which will unfold in next few seconds.
Reema Kagti’s direction is a treat. Makeup-less Rani, ever charming Kareena, the lame beggar all have been handled the way try should have been. The film flows from one quarter to another. No jerks, no interplay of useless plots in order to confuse the audience, no intruding music & dance sequences, she gets it just right.
This film had all the scopes of slipping an item song (Aamir could have gone to the brothel where a bar dancer would be dancing) but Kagti is not interested as she knows the way to present the story.
When the film starts you are made to believe that the car crash is the main story and Aamir’s personal issues are a sub plot which will start and end but that’s not what happens. As the film is reaching the last 30 minutes you realise the subplot is the main thing and the main story is a support plot.
The beauty of the story is that both the plots hold each other well and result is great. The fight with the self is the main story. An unending search for the unknown and perhaps non-existent truth forms the whole story. Will Shekhawat get there, will he be able to solve the case on the personal as well as professional front and how will he do that is what forms the story.
A human’s struggle with his limitations and a fight when the reality is so unreal and truth appears irrational is what Aamir’s character portrays.
Overall a must watch for the sheer beauty of the handling of such an intricate genre. It is not a romance, it’s not horror, it’s not a bond movie either. It is a psychological war that a human fights with himself in his own limited ways of looking at things.
The best part of the film is that even if you know the suspense at last, you will be willing to watch it or the second time.
Talaash had growth on day two as it collected around 14.50 crore nett adding to the 12.50 crore nett it collected on day one. The two day total is around 37 crore nett.
The film showed huge growth in the North as day one was not too strong. Both Delhi/UP and East Punjab showed 25% growth. Mysore was also fantastic.
The mass market held collections similar to the day before. If Sunday shows the same growth again the film will come out with a very good weekend.
im sure BOI mean *27cr instead of 37cr. Anyway, taran has friday at 14.52cr and sat at 16cr. so if sunday grows again…should be at the very least 40cr weekend. lets see how it does sunday…think this will set the tone for the rest of the week.
Reema Kagti’s Talaash has done considerably good business in the overseas market. The film has reportedly fared well in UK, US and UAE.
Talaash has collected a decent numbers of 5.90 crores approximate at the Overseas Box Office Windows on Thursday (at some overseas screen) and Friday.
Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji in a still from Talaash Movie
Starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji, Talaash is likely to grow its overseas business over the weekend. The movie is anyways collecting good moolah on the domestic front.
One of my facebook “friend”s is one of them. He is from my college. I haven’t interacted with him but it seems he has been at receiving end of 498a…He is part of men’s right association..They write “Mra” in front of their names. They make absurd assertion like 62000 men die every year from suicide and they infer that they die because of spouse abuse. They organize meetings and talk about mens right.They were mad when Aamir showed Dowry abuse and turned against him. I saw he posted Talaash suspense on facebook Status.
It’s absolutely bizarre that these ‘men’ actually think that Indian women are too empowered/ advantaged!
And when it comes to issues like female feoticide, these are obviously gender-specific social evils- there is no culture of sex-detection and termination of male fetuses in India, so I don’t see how Aamir could have talked about that!
It’s also very ironic that these people seem to think that Aamir is giving Indian men a bad name- internationally there is the stereotype about Middle-Eastern and South-Asian cultures that the men are all oppressive of women, and to have an Indian, Muslim man champion the cause of women at such a public level, appearing on TIME, in the NYT etc makes a very powerful statement in dispelling these unfortunate stereotypes. These ‘men’s rights activists’ on the other hand, are delusional misogynists who give all of the decent men out there a bad name.
These men’s rights group are a cruel joke on women. It’s sickening and wrong thatr Aamir Khan should be targeted by these crazy selfish attentin seekers. While I’m a fan of Aamir as a filmperson, I’m more than a fan of the man who helmed Satyamev Jayate, the tv show — and am really looking forward to the second season ( which is being researched and worked upon by his team, right now). The first season had many pro-Women episodes, but rightly so. No episode was were anti-men. And so many episodes were neutral and dealt with matters that need to be talked about. I especially l;oved the episodes dealing with water conservation and organic farming, issues I feel strongly about.
I am seriously concerned about one issue not touched by Aamir last time — and I hope he will follow it up; will suggest to SMJ director Satyajit Bhatkal, vide facebook. I refer to the particularly Indian/Soujth Asian issue of acid attacks on people –especially women, since as far as I know few/no men have been scarred by acid attack. A recent news item from last week –it really has my blood boiling. Deterrent punishment is needed; the media needs to highlight this issue. It’s as bad as murder; worse, it’s living death for these victims.
I read the news last week in my print edition of The Hindu; could not find the piece in that paper’s site, but did find it elsewhere.
Folks, just do a google search for acid attacks in India. The results are sickening and alarming. My question –why isn’t enough noise being made about this issue?
And it’s not like he only portayed the men to be the villains- there were so many women interviewed on SMJ who said that their mothers-in-law/ sisters-in-law had harassed them, and he also interviewed several men who were trying to help women out of these cruel circumstances (the male journalist involved in the female feoticide sting operation, the muslim men who encourage low-cost marraiges amongst their community in the anti-dowry episode etc) – so it’s ridiculous for these creeps to suggest that Aamir was demonizing men through his show. But if they can’t see that India is an extremely patriarchal culture with disturbingly high levels of crime against women, they have to be living in some alternate universe.
“Hakim was killed in cold blood in full public view on Thursday.
According to media reports, five armed men shot Hakim when he was going to the village doctor’s clinic to get medicines for his pregnant wife, Mehawish.
Talking to the media, Hakim’s brother said the assailants pumped several bullets into him.
Abdul and Mehawish had eloped from Meerut and got married in November 2010. Later they moved to Delhi. Even their family was forced to leave Meerut after the panchayat decreed death for the couple and started terrorising the family.”
good points amy and Ls
One cant compare crimes like infanticide and acid attacks to domestic squabbles
ps–though on a lighter note, one feels sorry for these poor guys who get beaten at home–face abuse apparently–they shoudl pay for their wrong decisions hahaha
alteast they serve as lessons to others…
“It is squabble if you are third party or giver..It is not for the person who is receiving the blunt of physcial/mental abuse.”
Hmmmm Munna– I see
It seems u are also at the receiving end of this ‘abuse @ home”.
The way u said that –i could sense a deep ’empathy’ with those guys in your heart
The problem in these things maybe that u cant even openly tell others 🙂
“One of my facebook “friend”s is one of them. He is from my college. I haven’t interacted with him but it seems he has been at receiving end of 498a…He is part of men’s right association..They write “Mra” in front of their names.” Munna –u havent interacted with him bocs it is YOU
ps—munna—jokes apart—anyhow we all can help
This is NOT funny for munna
For Alex- Monica Dogra’s new film (Shai from Dhobi Ghat):
It also stars Arjun Mathur, who is a very promising actor IMO- it’s too bad that he couldn’t make it as a hero, he’s a lot more appealing than the likes of Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor.
thanx Amy–just ‘recovering’ from a late nite ‘movie’ — take lots of time…..though its good fun ha
this ‘firefly’ trailer seems interesting
is this guy the same who was in LBC–farhans friend who didnt make it –yeah he is talented but alas we have to endure talentless duds liek arjun kapoor due to their mom/dad/sis…
ps–liked shai in dhobi ghaat
not sure of this negativity about kiran rao– i thought she made an instinctive nuanced film that only a female can make
and shai did a good effortless natural performance
Amy–hav u seen dhobi ghaat–what did u think of the film/performances—think i missed your piece on it…
I didn’t write a piece on it but I liked it very much- it was a lovely film and Kiran Rao made an extremely promising debut IMO. However, I think that it is completely out of tune with Indian sensiblities, and marketing it in India as an Aamir-starrer (even with repeated warnings that it is no Ghajini or 3I) was a bad move. Films like Dhobi Ghat are a cultivated taste for the Bollywood audience, and there was always bound to be negativity. However dismissing a filmmaker as worthless simply because you cannot appreicate their kind of cinema is very narrow-minded. For example, I’m not a fan of masala cinema, but that doesn’t mean that I’m arrogant enough to dismiss the best films of that genre just because they aren’t to my taste.
P.S. This comment is NOT meant as a criticism of Sandyi’s views, which seem reasonable enough.
i liked dg too. as per most people, that makes me a pretentious pseudo-intellectual. i think this narrow-minded propensity to dismiss things is quite popular because it doesn’t require much debate, you can just assume it’s correct because numbers are on your side.
i didn’t think there was anything wrong with how it was marketed though. they took a film-festival route, then openly told people it was not indian mainstream commercial cinema. the fact that it was an aamir-starrer was just that, a fact, that could not be changed. that’s why the expectations despite the repeated warnings. probably would have served the film better to not have aamir in it at all. but then it would not have received the attention that it did. it’s all about the balance. it was another baby step towards providing a more eclectic palette of films to choose from for indian viewers, so these films can co-exist with the big ones. so it served its purpose. i look forward to seeing what kiran does next.
good to hear u also liked dhobi ghaat: amy and anya
I was beginning to feel lonely woth kiran rao alone(!!) as the only person liking it..
btw frankly speaking: i care a damn about how it was marketed ie festival route or mainstream or online release etc
I still wouldve liked it since the FILM was good
“perceptive” was the word and in a few scenes i could see a female behind the camera ‘adding’ some nuaces…
Im still wondering how/why it received such negativity and so few people liked it…strange…bcos if I could watch it completely on a cd with nearly zero attention span, it must be engrossing..
btw i liked aamir in it –(though prateek was crap)
But Shai was really good..
I did not like Mela (nobody did). His early films like Dil ( where he was young and handsome and that’s it)—masala stuff, quite cheesy really; Ishq–literally loud, but aamir was young handsome and quite funny.
My favourite aamir film is Sarfarosh. Like MP too, a lot.despite certain flaws; felt sorry that it did not work.
Found TZP good, AK was ok.
Liked DG, but felt it needed more meat. Aamir was just about adequate in it.
hmm good choices there, LS–since u r a sensible (though not blind) fan of aamir khan, what are your top3 aamir films..
“Liked DG, but felt it needed more meat. “–but they wanted to keep it for universal U audiences haha…
thanx Amy
Infact Dhobi Ghaat obviously didnt release @ my end–usually never bother with pirated cds, online links at all
cant stand subpar picture/sound quality besides poor attention span
Just checked it to see the music soundtrack for 5 minutes on someones cd–ended up seeing most of it
I actually liked it a lot —maybe im the only one (other than kiran rao, it seems)
“I think that it is completely out of tune with Indian sensiblities”–hmm maybe but why do u think..
As for sandyi–her views on dhobi ghaat were not commensurate wiht the rest of her v sensible erudite views
The clincher came in her talaash post where she criticises aamirs performance/film not to aamir or the film makers but she blames kiran rao for forcing aamir to do the film
even if it was a joke, can a guy like aamir do a film bcos kiran rao has told him hahahaha
@ Alex –my top 5 Aamir films, films and well as performances. —
Sarfarosh.
1947Earth
DCH, Lagaan
RDB.
3 idiots could take 6th place. Also love Rangeela, Ghulam, JJWS, AHAT…like his good films, even a kiddie flick like Hum hain Rahi Pyar ke– innocent sweet funny film
Mine would be first as an actor-not in any particular order
1-RDB
2-DCH
3-1947 EARTH
4-TALAASH
5-AAA
6-RANGEELA
7-JJWS
8-LAGAAN
9-SARFAROSH
10-AHAT
His movies as a whole-
1-LAGAAN
2-RDB
3-TZP
4-SARFAROSH
5-DCH
6-TALAASH
7-AAA
8-GHULAM
9-QSQT
10-DIL HAI KI MANTA NAHI
Personally 3 idiots was fine for me, but not as interesting as number seems to suggest. Talaash really is in top 3 Aamir’s movie of all times as it not only engaged me but took me by mammoth surprise with its final 20 minutes. Kudos for giving us another treat, which i relished while watching and would cherish for it offered something novel in terms of Hindi movies.
@LS–a really nive list and one cant disagree
and still “3 idiots could take 6th place”—shows the masterly choices aamir has made in his career….
Will hav to think for my list–havent seen 1947earth..so cant comment
On the occasion of talaash release & to ‘celebrate’ Aamir khan–what are your lists, folks..
LS–what do u think were aamirs top5 ‘scenes’ with ranking–my impression is that in some films, his performances maybe fine but he always comes up with one/two outstanding scenes that ‘rise above’ the rest of the film(more than some other actors)…
Top 5 scene
1-Denouement in Sarfarosh, where he confronts Naseeruddin shah and mouths some fantabulous dialogues.
2-RDB-When he breaks down while having dinner shows his helplessness and angst with himself as he could not do anything, was cathartic.
3-DCH- Again when he breaks down while talking to his dad over phone admitting his helplessness to come to terms with the truth that Preity was soon going to get married.
4-Ghajini-When Ghajini kills his love Asin and he could just be a helpless victim of the grisly murder in front of his eyes. Expressions made me cry over his helplessness.
5-1947 EARTH- The final scene, where he deludes and betrays the small girl by asking about the whereabouts of Nandita Das by saying that he would not divulge this secret to anybody and tells the waiting mob about where Nandita was hiding herself. His facial expressions after Nandita is captured with wry smile and smoking cigarette is mind blowing.
Ghulam’s climax fight remains my all time favorite scene with aamir throwing a stone at the villain’s window with the dialogue “bahar nikal saale….” what follows in next 20 min is pure filmi stuff but the spirit behind it is so magical that it still gives me goose-bumps
@ IdeaUnique Ghulam’s running scene against the train gives me goosebumps as it was none other than Aamir himself, who performed the scene. Ghulam has many memorable moments, one when he is asked by his elder brother to deliberately lose the boxing match as Ronak singh had taken taken money to make Aamir’s adversary the winner. When he confesses the truth to Rani that he was present when his brother was killed, he was responsible for taking him to Ronak Singh and being present at the place where all this took place. Here symbolism helped to enhance the overall impact of the scene as when Aamir is confessing his guilt, a drill is digging the land slowly creating sound which makes the conversation between them inaudible, but their gestures capture the rift being created by this revelation, marvelous scene.
thanx for the scenes and films
Think the fact that someone has the alltime best grossing film of all time in his kitty and sitll can have ten choices above that film is testimony of his success
Esp since he has done much fewer films
IMO Aamir gives a few scenes in each film that exceed the graph of the rest of hisperfomrance
There are quite a few of them
My choice–
One of the best aamir khan scene of alltime (till now)
Checked Skyfall yesterday and may write something longer on it later.
Basically Mendes has injected the dour and poignant darkenss into the superspy and reinvogorated the franchise. Anya has already written an ace review on it–not much to add.
Craig, Dench were efficient indeed and so was their chemistry
Expectedly, Bardem owns every scene he appears in
Have always loved in esp in Vicky Christina Barcelona etc
Another european bardem co-admirer praised this film and handed me a dvd. Not sure if I can fit it in today. HAve just been messaged that there is an online full version with subtitles
btw have only heard good things about this film
Also shares gustavo santolalas OST (with dhobhi Ghaat)
Obviously those who found dhobi ghaat too slow/abstract or are bodyguard/ ready fans OR those who found talaash the next stage of auteurism may not like it
Not sure–If anyone interested–can check it out (and also lemme know if its worth the while)–so thats my selfish interest 🙂
I’m not sure if such lowbrow material is appropriate for Satyamshot, but a friend shared this video on Facebook today, and it’s just so ridiculously silly that I HAD to laugh! 😛
yeah amy–hes not much of a singer and am not into his music…
but has some girl fans in the italian/spanish circles…i think
dont worry–satyam is writing his ‘piece’–u can continue to party—enjoy 😉
December 2, 2012
‘Twilight’ Shines in Third Box Office Win Over Bond
By REUTERS
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The “Twilight” teen vampire movie shined again at U.S. and Canadian box offices, earning $17.4 million and its third consecutive No. 1 ranking as James Bond held strong and Brad Pitt’s new movie struggled.
“Twilight” finale “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” finished just ahead of “Skyfall,” the 23rd film in the Bond franchise about British superspy 007. “Skyfall” rang up sales of $17 million domestically from Friday through Sunday.
“Breaking Dawn – Part 2” has pulled in $254.6 million since its release while “Skyfall” has grossed $246 million, putting both among the top films of the year.
Steven Spielberg’s historical drama “Lincoln” starring Daniel Day-Lewis took third place for the weekend with $13.5 million. Brad Pitt’s new movie, small-budget gangster film “Killing Them Softly,” grossed $7 million and landed in seventh place.
the remarkable thing is that just about no one I’ve talked to has really loved the Bond film, plenty have been very negative towards it, and it’s still done extraordinarily well (trending better than just about every recent Bond effort beginning with Brosnan’s stint). I’m probably talking to the wrong demographic!
I know reaction in the UK has been overwhelmingly positive. Some have even recommended an Oscar nod! British pride still goes a long way when it comes to Bond!
Hey tony–
I dont read but scan usually first
my gaze saw your spoiler below and then the spolier warning above—
now i know the plot or atleast can sense it
heck !! ha\
anyhow i had a sort of suspicion about kareena…
OK…here’s the deal..the hawaldar at the beginning when talking with Aamir says ‘peechle 3-4 saalon mein aise accidents hue hain’ – so that mean, KK has been plotting throughout..if not for her, then for her fellow-mates…for her, doing it for her fellow-mates from her profession is as much important as hers…
You know the funny thing here. Taran said exactly the same thing but then came back later with a tweet saying he’d made a mistake and it was actually MNIK that was the record holder (763k). But both Taran and Nahata made the exact same mistake!
You absolutely should go. I loved the film and will watch it again at some point. I am ambivalent about certain aspects which I will get to in a piece but I still found it extremely effective and well-done almost throughout as a narrative.
Quite impressive numbers both domestically and overseas.
Await domestic weekday numbers eagerly and a little anxiously as that will determine how far it goes. Hope will be pleasantly surprised. Trending theory applies here as well to determine how well it is liked.
Apparently some folks went to see talaash today and couldnt get godamm tickets !! Very rare for a bollywood flick….
Gud to see things picking up both domestic and overseas
Have always maintained that atleast for significant releases, overseas numbers atleast us, uk, middle east do matter
Somehow till JTHJ these werent even discussed forget posted-
Have nothing against talaash or in favor of jthj etc
This is the same satyam who a couple of weeks ago just refused to post any overseas numbers, even cumulative–calling them incosenquential…
Well, one can only smile
Reminds me of the following lyrics on seeing satyams childish cutenss
“Chhoti chhoti teri bachkani badmashiyon se
Mohabbat karunga main
Jab tak hai jaan”
thanks Munna! Alex otherwise is the most prolific poster around.. he has time to post 100s of youtubes and what not but is not able to put up the overseas numbers!
Alex.. it’s unfortunate to see you constantly adopt this snide tone. Nonetheless for the benefit of others I shall answer this ‘query’. SRK’s romantic films getting big numbers overseas is hardly new. But the Talaash sort of film putting up the same IS! Much as Ghajini opening better and grossing slightly more than RNBDJ in the US was also remarkable. If I had wanted to I could have made a big deal out of even the JTHJ numbers because actually they were behind SRK’s biggest benchmarks even overseas (barring a UAE). So if I wanted to be hard on SRK I could have done this. But in any case the larger point is genre. Or a film and/or star combo doing unexpected business.
also, others posted those numbers. and were refusing to acknowledge above points despite repetition.
and the discussion was not about numbers themselves but the commentary adopted. trade was dying to label jthj blockbuster based on the weekend and overseas, they are clearly dying to label this average (already some trade commentary here). though both will probably end up doing the same business (+/- 10 cr). this despite the obvious crowd-pleasing vs. less popular genre.
and if you go by what they are saying (due to aamir’s history blah blah), does that mean they are accepting aamir is the bigger star, so it’s good enough for srk but not for aamir? it will be good to clarify these points but of course that will never happen.
Ha Relax folks..
The main point was not being unable to POST overseas numbers but your assertion that overseas numbers as such, in general, are NOT significant enough to be discussed due to —
a) not going to the indian distributor
b) citing the hollywood model wherein the overseas werent supposed to be counting much
Well, its a v recent discussion
So this sudden dialy, no hourly overseas updates on talaash did come as a suprise
But yeah–
I agree and infact welcome that talaash is achieving these overseas numbers in THIS genre
Infact have confirmed info–
from two different sites–
folks have been turned away (to other objectionable activities) bcos they couldnt get tickets for talaash—
houseful an hour b4 the show
I dont think ive heard of this before only rarely (if ever) for a bollywood film…
ps: munna–that ‘domestic abuse” bit was in good humour.\
If it hurt u or it is actually personal–i can understand–plz delete it…
Na..Why should I get hurt? You don’t know me..rest is mere conjecture 🙂 If you have lived in college hostel for four years, you pretty much become thick skinned.
so in N. America it has done exceptional. just to compare…3 years ago 3 idiots on a holiday opened at 1.64 mill with a theater avg of $13, 828 (talaash is at $11,500). ofcourse it went on to make 6.5 mill. nonetheless this is a great start for Talaash.
“Talaash” is typical case where film has done great business but can nott be termed so considering expectations from star Aamir Khan after his record breaking last release. That is what the general feeling last year when SRK starrer “Don 2” released with similar numbers from same production house.
There is correction in collections for Friday as Excel and Aamir Khan Productions announced it to be 13.50 cr instead of earlier reported 14.50 cr figure. Film should collect 18 cr nett on Sunday as per early estimates and this means jump of 10% over Saturday. The jump of this slim percentage was expected as we said earlier that a multiplex film has limitation in terms of growth.
Film looksto finish weekend at 47-48 cr nett which is slightly lesser than “Don 2”, the last year big non holiday release. Though a better weekdays can take “Talaash” further. Tomorrow will decide the film’s fate.
Film has done tremendous biz overseas and it looks 18-20 cr nett weekend but there too weekdays will hold the key. Film is strictly average in mass belts and that might reflect in collections from tomorrow as multiplexes tend to drop more on weekdays.
Film looksto finish weekend at 47-48 cr nett which is slightly lesser than “Don 2″, the last year big non holiday release. Though a better weekdays can take “Talaash” further. Tomorrow will decide the film’s fate.
Non holiday release for Don 2. Wow. Now I have really heard it all. So Xmas doesnt come under a ‘holiday’ LOL now lets see what this site which by the way is run by a SRK fan reports for Dabangg 2.
OK folks–
Some folks i know just messaged me–
they tried talaash tickets today afternoon and were willing to check it out on any show –evening/night
both were houseful even by the afternoon!!
Ive never EVER heard this in that overseas centre..Period!
Im not joking….
Ps; the fact that they were diverted to other (objectionable) stuff is another matter of concenr though lol
The main moral of the story imo–
Overseas collections DO matter for big releases
Esp as in the case of JTHJ /talaash, they may form a significant amount compared to the domestic gross–they cant be ignored in the overall assessment
they do NOT matter while deciding the box office verdict of a film (which is based on indian distributor share). otherwise mnik will be the biggest indian hit ever. of course, they matter to the bank balance of the producers and give a sense of whether a film was liked well overseas relative to india. this is not rocket science.
“they matter to the bank balance of the producers and give a sense of whether a film was liked well overseas relative to india”
exactly–thats why a cumulative periodic (not daily/hourly) update can suffice thats all..esp for big releases
Anya–y r u so ‘angry’ 2day 😉
everything ok…
the producers aren’t the only people involved in the equation. And though this might come as news to you irrespective of a contract or not (mostly there isn’t one) if your major distributors lose money on a film you as producer have to make it up somehow. Otherwise guess what? YOu have to find new distributors the next time! These days the multiplex chains are very powerful too. You can’t get away with just any deal. A producer has to make his distributors whole either with overseas profits (if that’s the case) or future films or whatever. That’s the way it works. a producer can’t just sit of gobs of cash and screw the others involved! Secondly you see one producer’s name on the film but the deals are considerably more complex than this. So for example on Talaash Excel produced it but Aamir has a piece of it as well. But these are only the two principal parties. There are other players who might get say a piece of Bombay city or a slice of Delhi and so on. All these arrangements don’t show up in the credits. This is just an example. There is a dizzying level of complexity involved in these transactions. When you suddenly see a big director making films like Student of the Year or a smaller love story or whatever that usually isn’t by accident. Specially when the director’s previous films have also failed. Let’s say no one in India was persuaded by the KANK and MNIK overseas numbers argument. if anything they were beating down Johar’s doors to be repaid using those returns! When a producer does that his profit keeps shrinking.
It’s very important to know what really goes on. people just show up on blogs and thinking it’s like elementary arithmetic. The trade figures also peddle this notion because they’re saying nonsense most of the time (for reasons of compromise/corruption or otherwise). This garbage gets floated around and people lap it up. and this is how such comments/questions as yours come about.
Thanx for that useful info
“There is a dizzying level of complexity involved in these transactions”
Is the bottomline both in overseas and perhaps moreso in domestic scenario
But that’s in all films to different degrees and depending on the banner, release strategy, marketing, placement etc
Which is why I don’t see the point in dissecting the difference between the various box office sites
Bcos bigger discrepancies reside within ( than those in the reported numbers)
Anyhow I realise there maybe practical reasons/ compulsions of putting some updates here more than others and that’s perfectly easonable for those reasons
Besides its your site … 🙂
Ps: it seems I’ve touched a raw nerve in both Satyam, munna with that ‘domestic abuse by spouse’topiv
They’re taking their pentup anger here now haha
Alex.. as always you’re arguing with yourself. No one said that overseas numbers don’t matter. I have certainly never heard anyone say this. But using the overseas numbers as an excuse to justify the poorest or at least sub-par Indian ones is a different deal altogether. This is what the argument is about not that the overseas numbers are not good. So if the claim is ‘JTHJ did poorly in India but hey UK numbers are great’ that’s a bit like saying a Hollywood film didn’t do well in the US but Hong Kong numbers are super. It’s a way of trying to change the subject. No industry in the world can function by just counting overseas numbers. Not even Hollywood which has an ‘actual’ global market. In fact many sub-par Hollywood blockbuster-type deals were justified this way by the studio execs. By saying the film had done superbly in East Asia and what not. Ultimately the cold realities of accounting knocked these flimsy excuses out and eventually everyone had to get back to reality. After the 90s it was true for a number of years and still is to a great extent that a lot of big productions are often not completely produced by one studio. Barring absolute sure shots. A film that is released on thousands of screens in India cannot lose money there or perform below expectations and still be ok because it did well in Australia! Finally the overseas territories aren’t the good deal they once were. You don’t release films in 125 or whatever US screens for free! You don’t hire an increasingly greater number of marquee theaters in the heart of cities like NY and London for cheap rates! The overseas figures are peddled like some bonus that doesn’t cost anything. It’s totally absurd. Once upon a time it was still possible to do this because most Indian films didn’t do much in the theater, the SRK films did but the screen count wasn’t dramatically higher or anything. You had for the most part the same run-down theaters screening the films. Things have changed seismically since the 90s though. A theater that screens the TDK doesn’t just start doling out screens for a SRK release at throwaway prices! The numbers are strong for many films these days but there still has to be an accounting of costs all round much there is in India. People pretend that if a film grosses $2m in the US a nice fat check is made out to Aditya Chopra for the same amount!
” But using the overseas numbers as an excuse to justify the poorest or at least sub-par Indian ones is a different deal altogether. ”
Who said that–I never did
” You don’t release films in 125 or whatever US screens for free! You don’t hire an increasingly greater number of marquee theaters in the heart of cities like NY and London for cheap rates”
That’s understood for all films!
So one cant have hourly updates for one film and nonexistent for another ideally
Ranbir and Abhishek play football for a cause
November 29, 2012 6:51 am
The actors were seen bonding over a football practice session. Prepping up for the final match in Delhi, RK and AB will be joined many other Bollywood celebs for this fund raising activity Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Raj Kundra, Leander Paes, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Karan Wahi were seen playing with great passion.
While Abhishek looked cute in knee high football socks, Ranbir made a style statement by wearing a bandana. The actors are all set to be a part of the All Stars Football Club, which will raise money for charitable causes. And we hear that Ranveer Singh, Rahul Bose, Dino Morea, Arjun Rampal, Zayed Khan and Harman Baweja and tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi too will be joining Ranbir and Abhi in this noble deed.
The actors seemed to have the time of their lives kicking the ball and sweating it out. A testosterone-fuelled game, hot celebs, great camaraderie – quite an interesting event, we say!
Watched Talaash last night with three friends (one is a huge Aamir fan). Anyway I now very rarely check out any trailers, songs dialogue promos prior to watching a film with the exception of a Salman film.
I went in with no expectations and it certainly helps when I like all three actors especially Kareena. The hall was 70% full which is very good considering how cold it’s become all of a sudden here. Oh sugar just realised it is December.
Film gets into the mood of things straight away and for me I never once felt bored or felt the film was dragging. The standout scene in the film was when Aamir went on a drive and started to go over the ‘what ifs’ he could have done to save his son. Absolutely brilliant and Aamir nailed it.
Infact all the performances were very good. Towards the end of the film I tried to imagine which actors could play the three main leads and nope no names came to mind. The supporting cast added more authenticity to the characters and Tehmur (who I came to know was Nawazuddin Siddique) was fantastic and his character had the most layers which he displayed effortlessly. His lust for greed, his ability to lie and his desire to want something better for the girl he loved. Seeing him wear a shirt with the picture of Salman had a few people talking 😀
I was completely clueless as to what the music was like and I was more than pleasantly surprised. Many times the music especially for a film like Talaash tends to slow proceedings and act as a roadblock but not here, not for me anyway. Each song was apt and the lyrics were superb (subtitles zindabad).
The climax for me and my friends was perfectly fine but most in attendance clicked onto what the mystery was. I think it’s unfair to term the whole climax as letdown but for those who were expecting something out of the box or something which will make them go WOW then I’m afraid this won’t be the case for some. A few members on here are spot on that don’t go in expecting a thriller, Talaash is more of a supernatural drama.
Aamir at the end reading the letter from his son had me in a few tears as I could relate to his pain and anguish. Throughout the film his helplessness and his inability to do something and ultimately blame himself for the past is wonderfully portrayed. The embrace at the end and Rani hugging him and smiling to herself was a slight indication that she has her husband back and maybe they could get on with their lives.
The film is dark but there are songs in the film and some very lovely moments which did generate laughs in the audience. Would I watch the film again, probably not but what a brilliant one time watch.
P.S majority of people appreciate Aamir and Rani as actors often forgetting and even ridiculing Kareena. Each to there own I guess and I’m not aiming this at anyone. However, Kareena is wonderful in her role and many actresses would have gone over the top. Hope she wins some awards, not that they matter 😛
Talaash had a very good weekend of around 43.50 crore nett. The film had a good start though not great but consolidated over the weekend. The approx business was 12.50 crore nett on Friday, 14.25 crore nett on Saturday and 16.50-17 crore nett on Sunday.
The film on Sunday also showed good numbers in mass belts as business in areas like Rajasthan, CI and Gujarat showed big jumps. The stand out is Mysore with 3.75 crore nett approx business as Aamir Khan is the biggest star in the circuit by a distance. The under performance has come in Bihar and the Maharashtra areas of CP Berar and Nizam. The film should hold on Monday looking at the weekend trend.
Witnessed phenomenal growth over the weekend. The film has performed exceptionally well at multiplexes [mind-blowing in certain circuits] and ranged from good to average at single screens, depending on the centre/circuit. The mass dominated centres also witnessed ample growth on Sunday. Collected approx Rs 47.1 cr nett in its opening weekend. Breakup:- Fri 13.5 cr, Sat 15.5 cr, Sun 18.1 cr
“A positive word of mouth for the movie Talaash spread like wild fire taking its collection upwards further on Saturday. The suspense thriller showed 12% growth in its business on the second day. But it was on Sunday, the movie witnessed a big jump in its collection. It has collected a total of Rs 50.11 crores nett at the domestic Box Office in the first weekend. Its breakup is Rs 14.52 cr on Fri, Rs 16.37 cr on Sat and Rs 19.22 cr on Sun.”
so looks like 43-49cr weekend. not bad. i said sunday would set the tone for the rest of the week..i think it will continue to be consistent until next friday, then it will take a nose dive. 65-70cr should be a expected first week total. and the total will be around 90-100cr.
also to me this indicates that sallu bhai (in terms of domestic box office) is head and shoulders above everyone else right now. was i expecting a 100cr opening weekend for talaash? no. but i was expecting a little more from a Aamir Khan movie 3 years after his last release. i totally get the “different genre” argument. for this kind of film to get to 43-49cr opening weekend is phenomenal. but when you look at what sallu bhai films have done (post dabangg) opening day, opening weekend, etc…its just mind boggling. numbers don’t lie. im anxious to see how D2 will open…is it going to break ETT’s record?
aamirsfan – aamir could have signed 3 dabaangs and 2 singhams after 3i and would have got the similar opening as sallubhai – but he has intentionally not done it for the reasons we know well. So why compare? Let D3 come out and then sallubhai will look a lesser mortal 🙂
that maybe true and most likely will be true but im just pointing out that right now what Salman Khan films are doing is really amazing. i wasn’t trying to compare the two just saying that IMO sallu is far and away ahead of the game at this point (in terms of domestic box office).
and Salman films are doing really amazing business because he does not have the guts to try something different right now. He can keep doing the dabbangs, kicks and all but the audience will eventually be fed up with this kind of cinema. Same for Akshay. The beauty of Aamir is that he is unlike any star. I mean think of this fact: Aamir is the only start who does not have a franchise of his own. EVERY FREAKIN ACTOR has atleast one.
So lets get this straight:
A movie without an item song, a larger-than-life-dialog-mouthing hero, a equally strong villian, a demure-ghareloo heroine; with prostitution as a backdrop without a sizzling bar-dance song; and a supernatural angle without the customary “gumnaam hai koi” song; with minm promotion; goes on to collect approx 45cr in its weekend.
It is blamed by critics to be heavily derived from Hollywood, yet the North American audience with the most exposure to Hwood goes on to give the movie a gangbusters reception at the BO.
How can anyone else but Aamir Khan provide such results?
Also, thanks to KRK and other generous netizens, the climax is outed within hours of the release on Twitter and FB; thus rendering its target multiplex audience with a bland experience. And yet, this target audience laps it up as the weekend progressed, with increasing numbers from Fri to Sat to Sun.
D3 will shatter every opening number. on the other hand no matter how well Talaash does it just cannot be in that stratosphere. To say that one is accounting for genre but that if a very commercial film does 200 crores a Talaash should do 150 is also not a reasonable expectation. The weekend numbers for Talaash are very strong. The question is: can one show any star today who does better doing different let alone something dark like this? No! By the way I was saying this even in 2006. That Aamir was the biggest star because he had done that much on Fanaa without Gujarat or that he had done so much on a metro film like RDB. At the time many used to argue that it was absolute gross and what not. He did TZP the following year, a very different kind of film and then returned in 2008 with Ghajini. If you leave aside TZP he pretty much had a major production after 2.5 years in Ghajini and it of course set new benchmarks. When he returned after 4 years with MP he had the biggest initial. It can scarcely be said that Aamir was bigger in 2005 or 2008 (pre-Ghajini) than he is today. But genre is always important irrespective of how well a star is doing. Salman is obviously doing phenomenally well at the moment but there is no comparison between a star who does only one kind of film (which by the way has takers even otherwise.. everyone’s profiting from masala or masala-comedy these days.. you can compare Akshay with Salman and say the latter is doing the same format at a much higher level) and a star who does the range. And no one expects this either. If Aamir just did Ghajini or Dhoom or whatever he’d be fine too. But it’s never a game of absolutes. Specially not when Aamir’s numbers still stand. And we know many benchmarks will be set once again with D3 and Hirani, incidentally both films that will also trend way better than every Salman film. So again I said this in 2006, I’m still saying this. Which doesn’t mean Salman isn’t doing hugely well. That’s not the whole story though and frankly fans themselves becomes unreasonable about these things by setting the bar so very high in these matters. Of course Talaash could still do well in excess of 100. Sun suggests week 1 will be very strong. You have a film on course to make as much as Don 2 or Ready in week 1. Isn’t this truly stupendous?!
India collections are good, not extra-ordinary. I hear the argument that Aamir is coming after a long time and his film should open big no matter what…but let’s add some colour here.
The print count, hype and marketing blitz here has been rather subdued. By most accounts, the theme is quite dark too. Other examples of stars coming after a long time e.g. Hrithik in Jodha Akbar after in 2008 after his great 2006 in a period historical + Aishwariya + Rahman with much more hype but on a subject that was risky as period dramas don’t do well at the box office opened at best decently. It did not set the box office on fire either and he came on the back off Krrish and D2.
The box office is far more subtle than just big numbers thrown around. Some here are persuaded that Jab Tak Hai Jaan is a risk! Christ. A romantic film that is “Pitched” as one, with SRK the “King of Romance” and Katrina Kaif, reigning “queen” almost…is not a risky film. And the film is stumbling to 100 crore. It’s not a fair comparison in the slightest.
The question is if Talaash is a strength genre, does it have the characterisitics of a blockbuster etc. Sure it has Aamir, but Aamir is not going to turn Dhobi Ghat into a 50 crore superhit either!
So far, Talaash has done well..and rightly so the media has been supportive of the collections so far. You will get a few articles saying its failed to beat Ek Ta Tiger etc… but these reporters are lucky to have jobs just as Katrina is lucky to be called an actress!
Talaash is not releasing to answer to whether Aamir is the biggest star or not, as he and the team have neither aspired it to be so or admitted themselves it’s not a Dabangg. Maybe they were hesitant as the film has not turned out exactly how it was supposed to be, or it could just be they know the films limits as comes to box office. Better to release in the likely scenario than to mass release a film ala Ra.One and crash thunderously!
But the collections so far are strong everywhere, which suggests a “non” event film, with limited hype (unlike Ghajini) or buzz (like 3 Idiots) has done stellar business from the multiplexes. And multiplex films rarely reach 100 crore. Maybe Don2 and Barfi, otherwise it’s a rare feat. The trending will be crucial as it’s unclear whether the film has been liked or not which is important in the final analysis. That is all that matters in the end. The trend the film shows and what kind of audience it brings from now dictates the extent of success or failure.
The US numbers are simply phenomenal. This kind of opening really suggests this market is the first one where Aamir has taken over SRK. 3 Idiots was a monster there, now for such a theme to open like this is something.
it will be a beauty if Talaash keeps going for next 2 weeks despite K720 – and i see more chances of that happening as many people are coming out of hibernation to see aamir-movie / a good movie
“You will get a few articles saying its failed to beat Ek Ta Tiger etc… but these reporters are lucky to have jobs just as Katrina is lucky to be called an actress!”
LOL!!!
I’d only add that for all the reasons you’ve mentioned I cannot foresee a situation where the film would post better numbers than it has. It is true that with a lot more advertising hype you could probably add 5-7 crores on the weekend number but you’d also be doing so at a great cost. And even that differential wouldn’t be a massive one. In other words don’t think that the film would open to say 60 crores or more (over the weekend) in any scenario.
Ultimately I’d be surprised if Talaash didn’t trend well.
Talaash is the 8th highest opening of all time. The film is Aamir Khan’s biggest opening, it may not be his biggest opening day but a day depends on holiday while three days even things out so is a better judge of opening numbers The top fifteen opening weekends in the history of Hindi film industry in terms of nett collections are listed below.
I guess star power in today’s day is all about weekend opening a star can give. And imo above if taken a t face value shows he is clearly no. 1.
1) All other seven movies are mass movies.
2) All other movies are holiday release maybe with exception of Rowdy Rathore.
3) Difference between Rowdy and Talaash = 2.5-3 cr.
4) All other movies were heavily promoted.
Producer Sunil Bohra, who recently acquired the remake rights to the 1971 film Mere Apne, is on the lookout for the right cast. “We have shortlisted a few names and plan to talk to the actors soon. The roles of Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha need to be locked first followed by the legendary Meena Kumari’s role,” says Bohra.
Like many other filmmakers who change the plots of original films for their remakes, Bohra too will put in his bit in the original story.
“It will be set in today’s times in UP. For Meenaji’s role we will cast a senior actor who will suit the role. And for either Vinod’s or Shatrughan’s roles, I want to cast Abhishek Bachchan. Both the roles are powerful and have an edge. I have approached him and hopefully next week we will have a meeting to talk about the project.”
Watched Talaash 2nd time at a popular delhi single screen theatre “Delite” and i was amazed as it was housefull and it was 12.30 noon show. And people kept glued to their seats till the credit rolled. It was silence all over with curiosity what would happen next and when some guys began chatting, people sitting around them told them either to keep mum or go outside! I really savoured the movie as during first watch, i was not able to observe some very minute details, which i detected this time. Would love to write a full piece on this, if Satyam treats me with same generosity as he accorded to Ann JO :). It, imo, is in top 3 Aamirs films with Lagaan and TZP filling the other 2 slots in terms of sheer filmmaking craft.
Aseem Chabra-
1.Per @giteshpandya #Talaash grossed $1.6m in US Fri-Sun, almost as big as #3Idiots. #JTHJ earned $1.9m, but that was over Tue-Sun.
2.So technically #Talaash has had one of the biggest openings in the US – bigger than #JTHJ, since its opening numbers cover 6 days
3.Also the information that #Talaash opened in a lot more theaters is wrong. Per @giteshpandya #Talaash had 12 more theaters over #JTHJ.
Indeed, this would be a record breaking weekend figure for a bwood movie releasing in the US. Boxofficemojo provides the most accurate figures.
It is ironical that while critics in India bash it for its Hollywood inspirations, the North American audience with the max exposure to Hwood has happily lapped it up.
this is the updated actual results. 1.983 was estimated yesterday by the studios. regardless its a strong start for Talaash and i do agree Aamir Khan has caught up with SRK at least here in the states and passed him in India.
Talaash: This is serious business
December 3, 2012
Talaash demands big efforts from the cast and they deliver. PHOTO: PUBLICITY
Talaash, as the name suggests, is a film in which people are looking for answers. It has some obvious searches like why did the car end up in water? Who is the killer?
Sorry Wasn’t sure where to post this, But interesting if this actually happens. Balraj Sahini happens to be one of my fav actors from that era after Ashok Kumar, And his act in Kabuliwala being my fav after Do Bigha Zamin followed by Waqt. Would love to see bachchan’s take on this.
Amitabh Bachchan played an Afghan in Khuda Gawah (1992). Now, the actor is once again likely to play an Afghan, this time for French-Afghan filmmaker Atiq Rahimi’s adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s popular tale, Kabuliwala. The story, about a dry-fruit seller from Afghanistan, has seen several adaptations in the past. However, Rahimi’s adaptation, co-written by Jean-Claude Carriere, sets the film in modern-day Kolkata. The story then follows the protagonist, a refugee from Afghanistan, and explores his friendship with a five-year-old Bengali girl. The film will be shot in Kolkata and Jaisalmer for 60 days starting June 2013. Sunil Doshi’s Mumbai-based Handmade Films is producing the venture. While the team did not wish to divulge more, Doshi confirmed that Bachchan is being approached for it.
I dislike almost all of her reviews. Completely superficial. The Times used to review Hindi films very selectively many years ago but these would be proper comprehensive pieces. In recent years they’ve moved to capsule reviews and most of these are a waste of time. In fact most of them could even be the same review!
Box Office: Demystifying ‘Word Of Mouth’
How do we measure WOM?
WOM is a score out of 100, referring to the percentage audiences who will definitely recommend to their friends that they watch the film in a theatre. This data is collected by us over the first four weeks after release of each film, across 19 cities in India. Over the last three years, 3 Idiots scores the highest on WOM at 91, while the other end of the spectrum includes films like Raavan (17), KLPD (20), Khatta Meetha (26), Joker (28) and Mausam (29).
The consistency in the “ratio” implies that the WOM score can be used to accurately forecast the Lifetime BO of a film. All one needs to do is as follows. Divide the WOM of the film by 6.6 (average of “ratio” across 15 films) to get the multiplier. Multiply the Day 1 BO of the film with this multiplier, and you get its lifetime box office.
Let’s take Talaash’s example. The film did 12.5 cr on Day 1. If the WOM was a below-average 45, its lifetime business would be 12.5*(45/6.6) = 85 cr. However, if the WOM was a healthy 60, its lifetime business would be 12.5*(60/6.6) = 114 cr. If the film had to do a business of 100 cr, it will have to generate a WOM score of 100*6.6/12.5 = 53. http://shaileshkapoor.com/2012/12/02/box-office-demystifying-word-of-mouth/
BTW why is the media not talking about the crash of JTJH? The second week is a fall of about 81%. Other movies with such a big fall have been hammered by the press.
Had Yash Chopra not passed I’m pretty certain that the media would have ripped the film apart as it was a complete mess (I watched the film the day of release)
Anyway never mind reporting the crash large sections of the media have already declared JTHJ an ’emotional’ blockbuster. Whatever that means…
I have no problem with what sources and numbers one wishes to follow as long as there is consistency. Now according to BOI who I’m guessing most follow have JTHJ around 98 cr and SOS around 80.
Taran and Komal are painting a different picture altogether.
BOI also have Ek Tha Tiger at 187 whilst the rest around 200. I’ll stick with BOI for all films thank you very much.
well what do expect from srk film,200cr,he is not capable of that amout,if overseas are taken out then his just india collection is bismal..sallu is on high,he is unstoppable
Talaash had decent collections of around 6.25 crore nett on Monday. Its the normal Monday, the film has not held up really well but nor has it seen a big drop.
The total after four days is 50 crore nett plus. The film will now depend on how well the multiplexes hold up over the weekdays and single screens will show big drops and Khiladi 786 will dominate single screens from Friday onwards.
The drops are around 50% in most circuits though Gujarat has seen a bigger drop and Mysore is also likely to be a bigger drop due to the huge start on day one.
“Talaash” scored big numbers on 3rd day of weekend and there was expectations of doing well on Monday too. But as we said in our report yesterday and earlier today, film dropped mainly due to usual drop in multiplexes on working days.
Film collected 47.10 cr nett over weekend and it requires good weekdays in order to collect good week one numbers. As per early estimates, film collected 7.25 cr nett on Monday taking film’s total to 54.35 cr nett. This means a drop of 45% from Friday numbers which is not bad but not very good either considering 4th day of such a big film. Though good night and late night shows can take this figure higher by 10-15%.
Film collected well in few multiplex dominated centers but even centers which were looking solid for film registered substantital drops on Monday. Film should touch 65-67 cr nett in week one.
On the other hand, film is stupendous in overseas and looking to score big over there. Film should cross 55 cr nett there easily in 2 weeks and that means a healthy worldwide total.
But on the other hand as the screen bookings for “Khiladi 786” started, it seems that film might have larger release than what was initially expected due to chartbuster music plus action comedy and that can harm “Talaash” in a very big way espcially in single screens in 2nd week.
No chance of 100cr in India now. Will end maybe in 80-85cr range at max.
Now is a good time for Aamir-SRK to come together for the first time in a masala movie format. Both need the resuscitation.
No way. They dont need resuscitation. They have given enough and they are still getting plum projects and great reviews. There is no need for them to descend to the gutter level to make that100 crore in India. Leave that to the greats like Sajid Khan and rohit Shetty.
what needs to seen is that after 70-75 cr nett first week, how does it trend esp. in the presence of Khiladi….if Khiladi uphoria dies down after the first week-end, talaash may pick up again. In any case 100 cr is a given.
“Both need the resuscitation.” ???
NK, if aamir needed that he would have done 3 films after 3i which would be masala films. But he hasn’t done it. He is clearly enjoying the journey (to iconing heights) and not only bothered about B.O. results. Let him be man.
TALAASH has fetched one of the biggest starts in the international arena. Although not an ‘Overseas friendly’ genre, the suspense thriller has packed a solid weekend in all major markets, thereby amassing a big, fat total at the end of its opening weekend — $ 5.034 million [Rs 27.57 crores] from 43 countries … Telugu film KRISHNAM VANDE JAGADGURUM has also embarked on a superb start in U.S.A. … JAB TAK HAI JAAN is a Blockbuster in Overseas. The total stands at $ 12.37 million [Rs 67.75 crores] after its third weekend. http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/449
“Although not an ‘Overseas friendly’ genre”
If anything, Talaash isn’t an ‘Indian friendly’ genre!!
Reema Kagti’s Talaash is a winner. Opening across India at around 60-75 percent attendance, the film’s attendance showed a steep leap on Sunday. By Monday the verdict was clear. Talaash had collected a whopping 57.50 crore rupees in India.Exhausted after the release Reema speaks to Subhash K Jha of the success.
Party time?
Ha ha, not yet. I think I will be more comfortable celebrating next week. But the film’s success means I can be what I want to be as a filmmaker, make the films that I want to.I think I’ve achieved what I set out to achieve. Someone tweeted from Chennai said I got a standing ovation at the end of a screening. I hope he wasn’t pulling my leg. Of course there are adverse reactions. Talaash is a film evoking extreme reactions.Either people love or hate it. I hope for the sake of the entire team that the film works. If such films work then others are encouraged to try something different.
There are actually 3 plots in Talaash about Aamir and the murder mystery. Aamir and Rani’s marital problems after their son’s death and the love story between the pimp Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the prostitute Sheeba Chadha?
I think I’ve brought three plots from three different genres together in Talaash. I could’ve made three separate films. The challenge lay in bringing the different genres together.
Would Talaash be as big as Aamir’s last blockbuster 3 Idiots?
Was I trying to equal the blockbusters?I don’t know…I just hoped it did good business. For me personally there is a feeling of completeness after making Talaash. It was a film I really wanted to make. I waited five years to make Talaash.”
You’ve effectively broken the myth that women directors make women-centric delicate and feminine films?
I am glad you can’t tell the director’s gender watching Talaash. Even Zoya Akhtar’s films are like that. But yes, there is a disgruntled wife in my film,played by Rani. And Aamir does come close to committing adultery with Kareena, if these are traits female directors show. In the one intimate sequence that Kareena shares with Aamir she gives him something he really needs.And it’s not sex. It’s sleep.
A lot of viewers have questioned the way the supernatural element has been handled in Talaash?
I had several test-screenings where we screened the film to different sections of people.We left out certain scenes and added certain other portions. Based on the comments of focus groups we introduced a bit of explanation about the ending. I even tried removing the clues about Kareena’s character so that the audience would not know the truth about her before Aamir. But without those clues the denouement didn’t work.
In your first film Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd too there was this supernatural element with Abhay Deol turning into Superman?
There again I was playing around with the supernatural element arguing that if couples don’t have fights they must be super-heroes. I wasn’t trying to convince people about the existence of super-heroes.
Talaash is being compared with various Hollywood films on the eerie theme?
People are comparing my film to The Sixth Sense. But come on, Raj Khosla’s Woh Kaun Thi did it so many decades ago.To tell you the truth, I don’t even believe in ghosts. For me the ghost in Talaash is a metaphor for the unknown. When the story came to Zoya Akhtar and me the treatment was like a full-fledged horror movie. Eventually we made Talaash as a tale of a haunted hero. But he doesn’t even realize he is haunted.
Some critics feel Aamir Khan’s performance to be excessively reined-in?
He has very tough role. Kareena had the most charismatic presence and best lines.Aamir plays a man in a state of emotional shut-down. My brief to Aamir was to play the cop like Dr Spock in Star Trek. Completely emotion-less. Aamir plays a character who is so emotionally shattered he can’t/won’t express his feelings. I think he has held the film together with his performance. There are no emotional closures and culminations to a man losing his child. The wound remains. But by the end of the film he begins to heal. At least he begins to address the issue. That’s how I had to leave Aamir’s character.”
Audiences and critics are raving about the impeccable casting even in the briefest parts?
It was done by Nandini Shrikent. I am so embarrassed that her vast contribution to Talaash has been eclipsed. She had done an excellent job.She kept bringing actors for every character until I was satisfied. The casting managed to give many layers through her casting. Girls playing the prostitutes are all perfectly cast. The Madame of the brothel is played by Gulfam. She is actually a scriptwriter.I just couldn’t resist casting her.As for Nawazuddin Siddiqui the minute I met him I knew he was right for the character.
The appeal of a supernatural thriller is over once the mystery is solved during the first viewing. Do you hope for a repeat audience for her film?
Oh, I think people will be go back to see my film just to see where I’ve screwed up, ha ha.As of now, I don’t think I have screwed up except for the French manicure that Rani sports as a housewife. It’s a small matter. But I should have looked at her fingernails.
Shabana Azmi feels Talaash is the first film in a long time where we actually hear the words in the songs?
Javed uncle had worked in my first film Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd. I just had tell him the situations and he had the songs ready. The last song Lakh duniya kahe came from a sense of personal loss. Javed uncle has lost three dear friends in the last one year. I lost my Dad. When I went to his house and saw the lyrics I was blown. It was such a befitting finale to my film.It says what I wanted to hear. That death is not the end of a relationship.There are no simple answers to the question of life and death.
What about comparisons between Talaash to Kahaani?
I haven’t seen Kahaani. I’ve been so busy shooting Talaash I need to catch up with my friends’ films. In fact I’m doing a film festival and short-film competition in Assam with four of my filmmaker-friends’ works being screened. I am definitely taking Zoya Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap. I am also going to ask Sujoy Ghosh to come along.
I dont think the film is attracting extreme reactions as Reema says here. Most of it is good to average, the general refrain – even amoung target audience is that – movie is decent enough, but not exceptional by Aamir standards. The film has had a very unexiciting vibe to it – from its promos to now. It will end up doing 80-90 crores, which considering Aamir’s fan base is still a bit less, but not wholly unsatisfactory.
No one is going to call it a flop, but no one is going to call it a resounding success as well. That’s a slightly indifferent verdict, which will neither harm Aamir or benefit him. Im not so happy about him investing so much time in this movie, but that’s his only loss. Strategically, it wont have an impact on his career as it was never a very hyped film and in any case Talaash is entertaining enough not to invite very harsh criticism. So i suspect the film will just fade from the trade and audiences’ memory as a theek-thak movie, that did decent to good business. Difficult to say what it will do for his prestige. One section is disappoiting that the film is not extraordinary as they have come to expect from Aamir, so that brings him down the ladder slightly. But not enough to impact him in any significant way. The worrying aspect about Aamir, the actor who has just not been coming up with anything interesting by way of creating a flesh and blood character.
Is Salman Khan the only Khan now as even Aamir Khan will not have a big grosser with Talaash?
A. It still remains to be seen where Talaash goes. They are all still Khans but right now you can say Salman Khan is the biggest by a fair margin. Also if Talaash does not gross big its more to do with the genre, director, writers, music etc and film in general, not Aamir Khan because whatever it does will be because of him. Here comes the stamp of approval from BOI, which ultimately has accepted the reality that you can’t gauge every thing with the same yardstick! Let D3 come and then would see the real star power of Aamir, till then savour the treat which Talaash offers.
but it is obvious. isn’t it? even this 56 cr india and 30 cr O.S. is because of him – i.e. he is the major factor. Now whatever will come – shd be because of the film, story, wom etc….. withouat aamir, i doubt Talaash wud have done so much. Remember that film Tasveer starring akki? 🙂
No, it is not at all “obvious.” All the reviews are uniform in praising the performances of all the lead and supporting actors. Why should they not get the credit as well as Aamir? Similarly the reviews have praised the way the atmosphere was established by the director and the cinematographer. Why should they not get the credit? The box office fate of every film is dependent on “the genre, director, writers, music etc and film in general,” as well as factors completely outside the filmmaker’s control, such as social, political, or personal events (i.e., mass protests/bandhs, terrorist acts, or unexpected deaths like Yash Chopra’s). What is the point in giving the credit to the hero alone, and not to anyone else, including the co-actors, director, and screenwriter? But, if that is the convention, as it is in Bollywood, then the hero has to take the flip side also, and take the blame for the underperformance or failure of a film. To use that very example of Tasveer that you have given, many reviewers felt that the story/screenplay was not good, and that Nagesh Kukunoor was off his directing game. But still the blame went to Akshay. Why is that? For that matter, in the immediate past, many posters here were raucously commenting on the shortcomings of the script, acting of the heroine, and unsuitable pairing with the hero in JTHJ, but at the same time it was being cited as proof of SRK’s waning stardom and the imminent demise of his acting career. Aamir is playing in the same game, so he has to accept the same rules. The performance of Talaash has to be squarely in his account. Note that BOI is not even attributing the opening only to Aamir, but the total collection! This is the height of absurdity. By either of those measures (opening or lifetime total collection) Talaash is below what has been achieved by other films and other stars. Therefore it has underperformed, and Aamir hasn’t delivered what was expected of him.
SM I don’t think it ought to come as a surprise to you that when a film like Talaash more or less does what Kahaani did in its entire run in a week the audience is primarily drawn in because of the male lead. Specially given his track record for more than a decade. Of course having important actresses and so on helps. That’s always the case. The final gross of a film always depends on the actual film. The star can only get people in. But it’s also true that without a credible star even a good film can only do a certain kind of business off great WOM.
On the rest do you give the credit to other factors when a Salman film works? Just recently you said that the actress doesn’t matter in a Salman film? Not even Katrina in ETT? And as for the other factors? Doing remakes of Telugu masala hits doesn’t matter? Specially when other actors also seem to be prospering from the same? A banner like Yashraj on a big production doesn’t matter? Sequels don’t matter?
Also in what universe is it reasonable to compare JTHJ with Talaash? Akshay is a major star but literally ghosts showed up for tasveer on day 1 (and this is being charitable..) and after. The idea that you’re going to compare Tasveer with Talaash when the latter is more or less going to do as much as Ready in week 1 (assuming the current trending holds up) is frankly a little bizarre. By the way no one really blamed Akshay for Tasveer. I’m sure some critic or the other had something to say about this but it didn’t stay long enough on anyone’s radar. The film just came and went. It was the wrong choice for Akshay because he doesn’t have the credibility for this stuff. He was blamed when his genre films started flopping all over the place.
If Talaash gets to 100 crores which I believe it will on current trending this will have been to my mind one of Aamir’s most impressive achievements over this entire past decade or more. Even if it falls a bit short I’m not too bothered. Rajneeti did about 90. The comparisons incidentally are fair because Ready earlier or Rajneeti were not multiplex only deals. There’s a simple question that one ought to answer here: what are the Talaash-like genre films that do 50-55 crores over the first 4 days (depending on who you believe) with any star?! Do you really think furthermore that a star who does this with a difficult genre would have any problem getting the highest benchmarks in other more commercial genres? Specially when he has already done so on and in one case his gross hasn’t been touched in absolute terms let alone adjusted for inflation?! By the way I was saying all this stuff months before the release of Talaash. And as you know I was also expecting the numbers that the film is currently exhibiting.
Satyam’s said everything that needs to be said in response to your comment. There were actually discussions on this forum about the absurdity in expecting this film to open like any other film from any other heavyweight star, so this line of commentary isn’t exactly surprising but it is a bit sad.
“Why should they not get the credit as well as Aamir? ” simply because none of them have delivered b.o. success on their own shoulders – ever. No rani, no kareena, no kagti, no one. They are getting the credit for their acting but the momentum is given by aamir – now onwards, the film will be on its merit. That is the fact.
“Akshay is a major star but literally ghosts showed up for tasveer on day 1 (and this is being charitable..) and after” lol satyam. I was one of those ghosts and regretted badly 🙂 if u see in that context – T’s success is even a biger achievment. Aamir takes up this challenging genres and comes out a winner. No one expected him to do a sallu in Ghajini. He did it. Very few actors (of his age) would have done a college student as convincingly. TZP’s teacher – how many memorable teacher’s role we have in BW? that low-key arun of DG also was different genre. And u’ll have D3 and P.K. (btw, that is the actual name of RH’s film – P.K.)
I do believe that sm, and that’s not a compliment to any really good film, when it depends solely on its lead to get you the numbers. I dont think Talaash would have done 1/4th of its business with Saif or Shahid in it. SRK’ fan base would have rejected it, and Salman’s would have been left flummoxed.
Aamir is genre-immune in a way that is unimaginable with other stars. So opening was assured. Then the movie just had to be above average to get to a respectable total. It’s not difficult reaching to that number when a huge audience base never misses an Aamir film. The wom was not enthusiastic, but certainly not bad to keep anyone away. So yes, i do believe the film has done what it has, less because of its merits and more because of Aamir.
I’m surprised whenever people think D3 would show real star power of Aamir. It’s already the biggest franchise of Bollywood – Aamir or no Aamir! It was the talk of town for years even when it wasn’t announced that D3 would ever be made or not. Loads of fan pages, fan art & speculations over D3 used to be there for all these 6 years after D2.
So we can’t conclude D3 would be huge *only* due to “star power” of Aamir! It’d be huge no matter which big star was cast in it.
Aamir has proven his star power by getting a good opening for a film like Talaash (much delayed, little hype, dark theme – still such good collections!). But D3 isn’t going to be huge *just* due to him. In such films Aamir’s just adding to something which is already big on its own (without Aamir also)!
Plus D3 also has Katrina Kaif in it. A star who’s enjoyed better success rate than most male superstars in last few years! One can’t just discount franchise factor, Katrina etc. & attribute success of D3 to just Aamir Khan’s presence in it.
But no one is saying that. The same was true for D2. It was a sequel even then. And more than this the film had become more iconic than many other bigger hits let alone those at the same level. It had Aishwarya too besides adding Hrithik. Abhishek was coming off his best career year at the time. so yes it’s a franchise. But Aamir with his phenomenal box office run and his rare appearance in this sort of genre adds a level of interest. Certainly they could have had anyone in the part but they wanted to make it even bigger than D2 and they went with him. The Aamir/Abhishek pairing is new. All of this doesn’t mean he’s the only one responsible for the initial and gross. But that’s true for many stars in many situations.
I have got myriad of examples to question the successes SRK has been AWARDED WITH. Let us begin from K3G, Karan Johar coming after blockbuster KKHH with as colossal a star cast as one could have got. But it was not able to come near to Gadar. And Lagaan releasing with Gadar made as much money as it could have made. Lagaan had the handicap of 3.42 hours which resulted in getting it only 3 shows at a single screen and dispite the juggernaut in the form of Gadar, it made 30 crores. What if it had released solo with out any competition??
Next year came a remake with as heavy star-cast, but just broke even as its budget was almost 40 crores and it was touted to be the costliest movie until then. Next year came KHNH, which also boasted a big star cast, but was just a mere hit. Next year he delivered in MHN and to certain extent in VZ, but failed miserably in taking Swades to safety zone, despite Swades being the hottest of them all as it was Asutosh Govarikar coming after Lagaan with the biggest star and music director, but people were not interested in the versatility of SRK, so a dismal and lacklustre show at the box office. Next year came Paheli, again with Big B and Rani, but bombed in India. Next year, it was the biggest star cast with Karan Johar at the helm, but just recovered its investment in India. Don was a remake of a cult classic and needed zilch promotion, but here despite it being budgeted at around 40+ crores, it just broke even. Next year came Chak De India, which opened poorly as people were sceptical of SRK’s ability to pull off the stuff other than his strength genre, but fabulous wom took it to very good total. Next came OSO, which was a remake of Madhumati and promoted heavily with all the industry coming together in a song and gimmick worked as it accumulated handsome returns at the box office.
Next year he came with the director with whom he acted in iconic and blockbuster DDLJ and later in Mohabbaten, but did not enthuse the audience as was expected. In 2010, again he returned with MNIK with Karan Johar as director and Kajol, but did not open to thunderous response as was expected from the scale of that movie and finished with meagre 72 crores at the box office. Next year came the most publicized film of all time with marketing of the movie starting from Feb 2011, opened huge but nosedived with in a week and was just able to add 23 crores after first week collection of 92 crores. Next came the Don franchise as Don 2 with very big budget, but made just the same amount as Ghajini did in 2008!
And his last release JTHJ with Yash Chopra as director and female superstar Katrina kaif and A R Rehman as music director and Gulzar penning the lyrics could not have been bigger and the sympathy wave it got after the demise of Yash Chopra, but it opened just fine and kept on plummeting as the days progressed and will just be able to collect around 100 crores despite releasing on Deepawali, So even after these facts, he is King, long live King and legacy!!
Tuesday 4th December 2012 10.30 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash had decent collections of around 6.25 crore nett on Monday. Its the normal Monday, the film has not held up really well but nor has it seen a big drop.
The total after four days is 50 crore nett plus. The film will now depend on how well the multiplexes hold up over the weekdays and single screens will show big drops and Khiladi 786 will dominate single screens from Friday onwards.
if it adds an average of 5 crores the remaining three days of the week it will be close to 70 crores for the week. This is more or less what Ready and Don 2 did! With the advantage of safer genres. With Don there was the sequel factor and of course the Christmas release.
I don’t see a problem at all. It has to remain stable of course but this is a good Mon number. I’ve seen the BOI report and they’ve defended far worse totals on Mon for films in much safer genres that did bigger on the weekend. But leaving aside the commentary the idea that this is some kind of disappointing run for the film is frankly absurd. So far certainly that’s not the case. I still believe it’s on course to do a 100. Again I’d be very surprised if it didn’t trend well.
Not that I care for filmmakers like Remo, But this has me interested for the genre. Good that he is making a movie about dancing, Because of my background and love for the art, I am sure I will enjoy the choreography here.
yeah saw a preview of this with Talaash. Can’t say I’ll be rushing out for this one! He does seem to have many of the DID dancers here. The funniest previews on the same occasion were those for Khiladi 786 and Dabanng 2. Yeah the market really overlaps! You got a Hollywood movie and the previews are usually aimed at the demographic that shows up that genre. So if you’re at a Dark Knight screening you’re not very likely to see a preview for Adam Sandler! But here it was Talaash and they had those two previews. of course there’s a darker interpretation here too — the message being ‘watch Talaash and then you can really enjoy the films you like without guilt! You’ve done your service for good cinema!’
trailer was shown in Talaash screening…..purely average stuff. Prabhu Deva is being used as milking cow and they will get 40-50 cr so it is all profit.
Yeah, I really like that Dharmesh Kid (You may know him if hyou watched the show). Yeah, if it was anything other genre, I wouldn’t even watch the preview of it. LOL. But I will definitely catch this one. Last, dancing movie I remember watching was Naach(e) Mayuri, they had some awesome classical dancing there, And I think Sagar Sangamam. It was always my bad luck that I never got to learn, Kuchipuddi, Bharat Natyam or Oddisa. I wish they had classes for adults here.
Hahah, Completely agree with you on your Last bit satyam sir, But to me I felt otherwise, This is what these nmovies have to offer, you have seen the trailer now, no need to watch the rest, Watch talaash..LOL.
BOI has 6.25 for Mon and Taran has 6.74. Not sure in what universe this is just ‘decent’! As I said earlier far more commercial films with much bigger weekends have been defended in the past with Mon numbers equal or lower to this!
“This year, I did only television because of my health. From January, I will start shooting for Mehrunissa, Satyagraha, Sujoy’s (Ghosh) film that he is writing, and one with R Balki. I’m also doing Bhoothnath 2,” says the actor.”
This is a film that I rejected a couple of years as ‘crap’.
Revisited bits. Few words
Haunting-melancholically surreal poetic
Holly Hunter is brrrillliant in this mood piece as the mute rebellious woman coming to terms with womanhood –Set in New Zealand in the Victorian era –NZ landscape beautifully captured with good attention to detail
May write something later–but holly hunter was just magnificent
Whether her ‘muteness’ made her performance easier or more difficult is an interesting question (in my mind though)
@ Satyam, can i edit this fact based report on SRK, if you can make it a separate thread, so that the myths associated with SRK’s invincible track record and his being on the top for 2 decades can be busted!
the film is clearly very stable. Just going by Taran’s numbers (BOI haven’t released the Tue number yet) it was 6.74 on MOn and now this on Tue. by his total the film will be around 68-70 crores for the week which to remind folks once again is the Ready or Don2 week 1 number! Not an unfair comparison if you think about it. A year has elapsed since the release of Don2 but it was a sequel to a remake, released on Christmas, didn’t do too badly and though not too great either it was nonetheless a properly commercial effort. Ready released earlier than this but this was considered a successful film, it really worked on all kinds of screens. So even a year or two later comparing this with a more or less multiplex only deal accounts for the inflation factor. And of course the genre is a tricky one here. Again it does the entire Kahaani gross in a week.
‘Talaash’ — the aftermath!
By Taran Adarsh, December 5, 2012 – 08:23 IST
Aamir Khan. Salman Khan. Shah Rukh Khan. The three Khans enjoy tremendous fame, popularity and fan following across the globe, which explains why their films are looked forward to with enthusiasm. Aamir’s acting career took a backseat when he decided to focus on producing a string of hi-concept films in the intervening period [PEEPLI [LIVE], DHOBI GHAT and DELHI BELLY]. Sure, the actor appeared as the second lead in DHOBI GHAT, besides making an appearance in a song in DELHI BELLY, but post 3 IDIOTS, Hindi cinema’s biggest hit so far, TALAASH is his first full-fledged role after almost three years.
Aamir is known to set new benchmarks [GHAJINI was the first Hindi film to cross the 100 cr mark]. His track record at the BO is unbeatable [3 IDIOTS continues to be the biggest grosser ever]. His name is synonymous with qualitative films… Three prime reasons why everyone expected TALAASH to deliver big time at the BO. So has TALAASH lived up to those lofty expectations?
First things first! Let’s not compare TALAASH with 3 IDIOTS. Let’s not compare it with EK THA TIGER or JAB TAK HAI JAAN either [a section of the viewers seems to be doing so!]. They belong to different genres. Expecting TALAASH to break the record set by Aamir himself [with 3 IDIOTS] would be foolhardy. TALAASH caters to a niche audience. It’s more of a multiplex film. Also, suspense thrillers have their limitations as far as BO revenue is concerned. You can compare DABANGG 2 and CHENNAI EXPRESS, hardcore masala films both, with EK THA TIGER. But you *cannot* compare TALAASH with DABANGG 2, CHENNAI EXPRESS or EK THA TIGER.
A section of the movie-going audience is of the opinion that Aamir shouldn’t have consented to do a film like TALAASH. Why, may I ask? Should actors be limiting themselves to mindless entertainers? Doesn’t Aamir have a right to do the kind of cinema he feels is appropriate for him? Every actor has his/her reasons for accepting a film assignment. The naysayers may label their choices regressive [JAB TAK HAI JAAN] or an easy route to attain success [DABANGG 2], but we must respect the decisions of SRK and Salman. Also Aamir.
In the 1980s, when the Bachchan era was at its peak, Amitabh Bachchan had his four favorites — Ramesh Sippy, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra and Yash Chopra — but he took time out of his busy schedule to do films for Hrishikesh Mukherjee. While the films helmed by Chopra, Sippy, Desai and Mehra would fetch astronomical prices from distributors, the ones directed by Hrishi-da would be sold for one-third or one-fourth of the price because the distribution fraternity as well as the aam aadmi knew that Hrishi-da’s films were in a different space altogether. No one compared ABHIMAAN, JURMANA or ALAAP with ZANJEER, SHOLAY, DEEWAAR or AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY then. So why are we making such ludicrous comparisons now?
TALAASH, like I pointed out earlier, is more of a multiplex film and will have to rely on the revenue generated from the plexes mainly. The film has comfortably crossed Rs 50 crores in 4 days on the sheer strength of its multiplex business. It’s faring exceptionally well in Overseas too and if it sustains in its second weekend, it should be a safe bet for Reliance, its producers and of course, Aamir.
Gowariker’s next on Indus Valley civilization
By Bollywood Hungama News Network ,Dec 5, 2012 – 10:47 hrs IST
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His last film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey bombed at the box office, but now getting back into action, Ashutosh Gowariker, who is currently attending the International Film Festival in Marrakesh, is set for his next. Like his previous ventures, Gowariker will be yet again going down historical annals to make a film based on the Indus Valley civilization.
Apparently, the film which is set to be announced in the coming weeks, once the director is back will be a love story set in a period film genre. While the budget of the film is said to be as grand as Jodhaa Akbar, the film’s cast will comprise of an ensemble crew that has yet to be finalized.
Currently, on his first visit to the Moroccan capital, Marrakesh, Gowariker will be attending the screening of Jodhaa Akbar today, December 5.
Haha btw to give the guy credit, haven’t come across a gowarikar film that I can say was crap or subpar
They do meet a certain minimum quality standards
And some high ones like Lagaan
Ps: think the producer should sign a package deal
Gowarikar as director only if someone like farah khans hubby as the editor (to keep the right mix n length of movie)
This Sh** needs to be stopped, This is yet another classic that’s going to be ripped apart.
‘Don’, ‘Agneepath’ and ‘Zanjeer’… The next classic Amitabh Bachchan starrer that is to join the remake bandwagon is ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’.
Talks are that director Anil Devgn (of ‘Raju Chacha’ and ‘Blackmail’ fame) will be helming the remake while Anil Vohra will be producing it.
According to sources, Vohra recently bought the rights of the 1980’s released ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’, which also starred Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi and Hema Malini. Apparently, the makers are planning to buy the title song from the original film as well.
For the records, the song “Do Aur Do Paanch” was used in ‘Bluffmaster’ (2005) that featured Big B’s star son Abhishek in lead. Now question is will the makers of the remake rope in the Jr.Bachchan? Well let’s wait and watch…..
do aur do paanch though isn’t a remake I object to as much. Of course any remake still has to be done sensibly on a variety of fronts but this film doesn’t have an iconic Bachchan performance, isn’t an extraordinary script and so on. Actually it didn’t do too well at the time, it was probably a bit ahead of the curve, not dramatic enough for the sort of cinema that was dominant in that period, and also not resonant enough on the ’emotion’ spectrum. I like the film a lot but it’s not a remake I oppose the way I did Agneepath or Don or Zanjeer.
Well Ramcharan Teja is playing Vijay in Lakhia’s Zanjeer. And as much as I like Dutt I hate this decision of his to play Sher Khan. Having said that if one was ever going to commit this crime of remaking the film I would have Abhishek/Devgn in AB’s shoes, Rani in the Jaya role, Rawal as Sher Khan and Dutt as Ajit’s Teja. As for the director Rohan Sippy and Santoshi would be appropriate
My innocent q. to IdeaUnique- Why the hell Aamir needs to be fitted in to play a role which is so iconic and memorable?? Why can we not give up this fetish of remaking such iconic and classics? Why can’t be we have something original with out having to rely on the past classics to piggyback on to easy success. Not only does it, more often than not, end up as a miserable product in the end, but also brings disrepute to the original. So better leave them untouched as it shows the bankruptcy in the creative department of Hindi Movies, where they have to resort to such unnecessary gimmicks to draw audiences to cinema halls. And audiences end up feeling being shortchanged as has been the case with so many remakes. So pay more heed to script department, which is the back bone of the movie, until it happens, i do not find any ray of hope from these short routes to success coming down in the near future.
why not? btw, we give too much imp. to this point
Devdas has been played by so many actors
Bond has been played by so many actors
Hritik did well in agneepath remake
Big B himself tried to play gabbar of sholay – result?
Yes, no one needs to imitate big b
Idea, Devdas was not originally a film, I am sure you know the influence of the the Book, that’s what people are trying immulate, not the classics, In Bachchans’ remakes case, they are really trying to piggyback on bachchan’s past success, As i mentioned before they picking up bachchans classics, instantly there is an interest in the film, half the war is won already. Why arent they making Dharmendra? Rajesh Khanna, etc their movies? Cause the curiosity factor will not be there as much in Bachchan movie. I do agree with Myselfaamir, they shouldnt really make remakes, I ddidnt like the fact that Jr. did Bol Bachchan, There should be some creativity to keep the Hindi Film Industry flag hight for a long time, If this keeps happenning, in about 50 years or so, Indian films will be very close to Pakistani film industry, They really really need to pay their writers and come up with some fascinating ideas. I truly admire south indian cinema,they more often than not have original stories to tell.
Satyam sir, good points, I agree the film was not as iconic as the other ones. Yes, well ahead of its times just like Mr. Natwarlal (loved the director here, He made Yaarana last, where is he? is he around? ) But my whole grudge is that these people are piggy backing on Bachchan’s films and then calling their own. Like Srk did in KBC (though he made it to look like he was joking) But it was obvious that this DON is MY film. Im just sick of this crap, Bachchan’s films should not be touched. 1. Cause its a bachchan film, it gets and instant recognition 2.It just ruins the whole classic bachchan image for the generations to come. (Maybe i am talking too much..lol)
meanwhile BOI are continuing their ‘lying’ tour with the film! First off they’ve suddenly stopped giving precise numbers. Didn’t update for Tue and Wed. Now they’re talking in generalities and coming up with bull on how films need to consolidate. Really? as I’ve said before I’ve seen far lower numbers for films with bigger weekends defended by them! Anyway here’s the report:
Talaash Has Dropping Collections On Weekdays
Wednesday 6th December 2012 10.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash has seen dropping collections over the weekdays. Monday had fair collections of 6 crore nett plus but as has been seen in the past 6-8 months the key today has become the daily falls over the Mon-Thurs period. A film needs at least to hold or consolidate on one day but Talaash is going down 15-20% every day.
The collections on Monday were 6 crore nett plus, Tuesday was around 5 crore nett and Wednesday was 4 crore nett while Thursday will be another 15-20% drop. The first week business of the film is looking to be 63 crore nett. The second week is will see bulk of the business coming from metro multiplexes.
Talash has collected around 4.55 crore nett all India as per early estimates on Wednesday at the box office. Talaash 6 day collection now stands at 64 crore nett. This are estimates now actual may vary. Talaash is registering drop each day in weekdays. Drop is around 15-20% which is normal, but the problem is collections are on lower end.
Talaash first week collection is now heading for 68 crore nett mark. Talaash will have stiff competition from Khiladi 786 coming this weekend. Although Talaash is mainly running in multiplexes and it has got potential to collect well there even in second weekend. Whether Talaash can touch or cross 100 crore or not, all will depend on 2nd weekend collections.
I’ll repeat this yet again. The film will be in the 67-70 crore range over its first week, depending on what numbers you believe. This is more or less what Ready and Don2 had in week 1. So unless one is nuts or crazily partisan like BOI who found the Don2 numbers over the Christmas week less disappointing than they pretend to be for Talaash I think this is a very good number for this film.
Of course the fans are also responsible for some of the silliness. When you say stuff like ‘150-175 crores is a done deal’ you have problems later. I would have been thrilled if this were true but with a genre like Talaash you don’t reasonably start out with that position. And because of this talk a narrative starts setting in. So there are some suggesting that though the film has done well it might have done better. But that’s an imaginary position. You can’t get a film in this genre to be liked as much as 3I. It just doesn’t happen. First off you don’t have the same audience pool but even leaving this aside if you get that kind of acceptance in this genre you’ve made a fake film that’s only pretending to be different. The film could still be entertaining and so on but it wouldn’t be authentic in the same sense. And again this isn’t about defending Aamir. A point people often miss. With certain genres when stars underperform you can imagine vastly better scenarios. For example even though it isn’t the heyday of this genre anymore SRK could have done way better with JTHJ. How? Well the script of this film is pretty insane (will say more on this another time) and it’s poorly handled. When you get to a Talaash though even if you disagree with certain plot elements and so on you can’t imagine a film that with minor tweaks or whatever would suddenly be doing 150! Actually the opposite is true. If you made an even edgier film (which could easily be done looking at the film that is) you’d get a lower gross. Compromising to a greater degree on the authenticity is risky too because you lose the film completely. The larger audience still isn’t persuaded and now the smaller pool (which includes me) doesn’t like the film that much. So you have to be careful. There’s not much wiggle room with these genres. Unless of course you make a Raaz out of Talaash. But even this wouldn’t work. People don’t go to an Aamir film for this reason!
So again a lot of these debates are conducted with entirely imaginary positions. for me though a Talaash number around 100 crores or even somewhat less is more creditable than a D3 number even three times that. Because with the latter it’s simple math. A hugely popular franchise. You get a huge opening in any scenario. You throw in Aamir this time. Some of us expect the best script of the franchise and hopefully some good moments between him and Abhishek (even if this isn’t the genre for two good actors to meet!) but you just have to make an enjoyable enough film that doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘good’ and you still get huge numbers. We saw this with D2, a film that in my view was quite inferior to the first one but it didn’t matter. Maintaining that level isn’t hard (though perversely if you get a somewhat better film here with Aamir and Vijay Krishna Acharya who doesn’t seem completely run of the mill, even if Tashan was a narrative disaster in many ways, you might puzzle an audience otherwise in it only for Race-like pleasures!). It all belongs to the realm of the wholly predictable. But that isn’t true for Talaash.
ahahhaahahahah Satyam..u are dam funny, So a 67-70 crore week 1 number ends with a less than 100 crore gross and its decent trending right? while Don2 with similar numbers was called a crash by you…you only make me laugh!
Don’t worry abhishrek
Laughing is good for health
U haven’t heard Satyam fully
He had opined that ANYTHING from 50-60 crores onwards to 150 crores and even beyond (domestic net) for talaash was his ‘prediction’ and that in any of these scenarios, talaash would have done exceedingly well for its genre
So the paper for the exam hasn’t yet been even set–but the candidates result is already pass with distinction 🙂
Actually I said no such thing. If you don’t like my long comments and the logic behind them you don’t need to ask for my opinion. But if you do I’m afraid I won’t be able to dumb down my thinking to accommodate it to your ‘one-line’ desires. For the record I was always closer to the 100 crore mark than anything else. Didn’t change this even though you made fun of me for not going higher. The rest was about how whatever this film did (assuming a minimal level of acceptance) would define the limits of the genre. That’s where I even discussed a higher number without endorsing it. Certainly did not set 50 crores as any benchmark.
The problem Alex is that being non-serious is always easier. Much as not reading is pretty easy too. Or reading and not bothering to comprehend is similarly rather easy. Finally sticking dogmatically to an opinion without educating oneself on anything that matters, without having the ability to ‘learn’ is the easiest thing in the world.
The sad thing is that you once made useful contributions and were certainly part of some useful discussions. It’s all gone completely downhill since. One can keep making snide remarks or indulge in perverse sexual references or never accept defeat.. all the while believing in some wholly misplaced (not to mention pathetic) notions of machismo but this entire posture does not replace a serious argument. You needn’t be so worried about Talaash though, they’re already making Cocktail and ETT to keep you happy!
🙂
Apparently aamir is making fun of Khiladi 786 & calling talaash a more realistic film
Some folks are advising his not to speak so much after delivering an underperformer and that too after 3 years
Link
Some time back, there was news about Aamir Khan using his clout to block Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi 786 with his suspense drama Talaash. It was reported that Aamir was using the same tactics as Yash Raj Films did with Son Of Sardaar, to ensure that his film got more screens and earned better revenues at the box office.
However, our loyal buddy, the birdie, feels that there’s a twist in the tale. Curious? Hmm… we heard after the release of Talaash, the over-concerned actor met Akshay asking him to shift the release date of his next action film so that his film can cash in on more profits. And from what we hear, Khiladi Kumar even went out of his way and spoke to his co-producers, Himesh Reshammiya and Eros International, but it seems his efforts were in vain.
We know your film has released after three years Aamir, but there’s really no reason to worry ’coz Talaash being a solo release, had a week’s time to prove its worth at the box office. And it can still continue to mint money. Like some of your fellow contemporaries, are you too concerned about Talaash touching the Rs 100-crore mark?
Disclaimer
This is just a news link–I feel this is perhaps not showing aamir in the correct light
Anyhow –who knows the real truth bcos
The answer lies within….
Actually I never called Don2 a crash. Perhaps you could find me that comment. I said numbers were too sluggish for this film all things considered much like the first Don. But it is also about contexts. What bit of my English do you not follow? If one starts comparing Don2 straight up with Talaash, i.e. if the numbers are similar the problem rests on the side of Don not Talaash! On the trending though let’s see where this ends up first. Let’s not get so hasty. Aamir’s films with the exception of MP have doubled their opening week number in the entire past decade or more. However given the genre it’s not reasonable to expect 130-140 crores here given that 99% of big commercial films don’t do this either. They’re underperformers for the same reason. Again genre has to be accounted for. BB going from 70 to 100 is different than Talaash doing the same! And the reason is that Talaash is already over-performing on the initial because of its lead star. It’s doing Kahaani’s entire run in a week. If you’re SRK and you’re appearing in the sequel of a remake, and it’s the lucrative Christmas/New Year period don’t come back to me with those numbers and say this is great!
Khiladi 786′s advance booking opened yesterday everywhere. The film has had a very poor response for the advance booking. Probably due to the large no. of shows.
Khiladi 786′s advance booking opened yesterday everywhere. The film has had a very poor response for the advance booking. Probably due to the large no. of shows.
Khiladi 786 will have a huge day for sure. But Number like Rowdy Rathore of Housefull 2 are not guaranteed. There are some regions where the film is looking to score a lot. East Punjab and Rajasthan have the best advance bookings.
Khiladi 786 has replaced Talaash at all major Single Screens. But, both films will happily co-exist at the Multiplexes due to different target audiences.
If Khiladi 786 Manages a 10 crore first day, it would be a big achievement for the film.
Loll .. Salman is biggest today. But they are trying to project if he is some sort of bachchan. Though i agree that if some one able to see the 1% of bachchan stardom, its only Salman in last 2 years. But only those who have not seen or know about Bachchan stardom can label the tag of Amitabh’s hey days to some one else.
Abi tak to Bachchan movies ka remake ho raha tha .. Ab tags bhi chori hone lage hain.
Talaash has done well —haven’t seen the film but one can assess box office now
On the patterns now–think the net domestic gross of talaash can now be more or less seen give or take a small margin …
How much 100crores ?
Let us revisit the ‘predictions’
Or what should be called ‘respectable’ here—
Satyam—gave no predictions (read the long multiple passages to explain why it’s sort of impossible to predict this one unlike other films)
Satyam felt anything from 50-60 crores to 150 crores and beyond was possible and crucially respectable
(Note that 60 crores was also respectable)
Unique idea –who is a sensible aamir fan
Showed how barfi with much lesser cinemas had reached 100 crores
And with deaf-mute deglam actors
So talaash with much more cinemas, a much bigger star, and two successful heroines should do 175-200 crores
I agreed with idea unique
I add that aamir is no different star and has a unique reputation
So what it has done has to measured against the validity of those expectations
I think Oldgold and aamirfans like myself aamir also felt that aamir should be hitting150- 175& beyond in talaash
So what’s the verdict folks–with 100 crores what should talaash be called?
Let’s have our say –either ways
150 cr will be there – total worldwide. That itself is fantastic. I am interested in seeing how it trends after the weekend euphoria of khiladi dies down. This movie can keep on doing 2-3 cr daily for atleast next 2 weeks (and weekends may be 4-5 cr) – so lets see how it trends in india
This was a good honest unbiased comment above –needs to be awarded this space —
NyKavi Says:
December 4, 2012 at 1:34 AM
No chance of 100cr in India now. Will end maybe in 80-85cr range at max.
Now is a good time for Aamir-SRK to come together for the first time in a masala movie format. Both need the resuscitation.
Ps—note we are talking about domestic figures only
Since overseas have been ‘irrelevant’ usually to discussions here
(Though it has been noted that talaash has done v well overseas–but that’s not the point of the ensuing discussion)
Just saw the movie yesterday, very weak story and quite disappointed. If not for Aamir no one would have bothered abt the movie. At some points the movie is quite laughable actually. Reema/Zoya tried hard to write something intellectual but I felt it was anything but that. I liked Kahaani way better.
Aamir has not said a word against Khiladi 786. Watch the following video from his press conference –the complete video; listen to him at 2 minutes onwards, when he is asked to compare his film with other masala films–aamir mentions Dabang and Singham, but DOES NOT mention Khiladi786–which is after all a yet to be released film. And yet mischief-making Bollly sites have gone to town dragging in Khiladi 786. All that aamir has said is in response to a question about Bollywood masala. Aamir has said that his film is not masala, but a psychological suspense drama treated delicately –or words to that effect. He has every right to speak about his own film; he is not putting down any other film; i am sure he has more sense. Rediff put up a so-called interview based on this press conference which aamir had at his home on monday.
At 12 minutes onwards, Aamir talks about Zoya’s experience one night at haji ali, the incident that led to the film.
Relax LS — I believe u
BT there’s ‘no smoke without fire’
Btw was expecting a longer peace on talaash after all that anticipation–u seem to be only neutral bout it
I haven’t read this review for fear of spoilers, just skimmed it. However, it’s shown up in several other Bollywood forums, and some have mentioned that it ought to be posted at Satyamshot. Now someone has specifically requested me to post it here, so I am doing so.
@ AA –please watch the press conf video and understand that aamir did not say a word against Khiladi 786. He was specifically asked (at 2 min mark) about Talaash in comparison to masala films like Dabang, Singham and Rowdy Rathore. In his reply aamir mentioned Dabang and Singham and said that these films were good, but Talaash was not a universally acceptable film, not for kids, the like.
In the latest print issue of Screen Weekly, Aamir has spoken openly and straight without being afraid;I cannot find the interview on net, but this is what he says; some excerpts.; wiill have to type it out.
Screen, latest issue (Dec 7-13)
On whether Talaash has lived up to his expectaions Box office wise
”So far it has been going well , but I am always conservative in my estimate.The film has generated Rs 48.99 crore plus in India , which is almost rs 7 crore more than 3 Idiots. We did not release the film on a holiday-festival weekend, and our promos suggest a serious film, so i am extremely happy with the reactions. So far so good. But we should wait till Monday/ Tuesday collections to see if the film holds. Overseas collections have been good too, especially in the US.”
This interview was possibly recorded on Monday,
What sort of pressure does the Rs.100 crore benchmark put on an actor or even a producer?
“Actually Rs.100 crore was the benchmark 5 years ago. Today a 100 crores is less for a film with a top ranking actor. An A grade film with a print release of more than 2500 should do far more business than Rs.100 crore.”
“For me, the yardstick of a successful film, whatever the weekend collection, is at least 3 and1/2 times the opening weekend business.. Two and half times the opening weekend is satisfactory, three is good , and a business of above three times the opening weekend is very good.”
For example, 3 Idiots made 5 times the opening weekend business of Rs 40 crores –it made Rs 200 crores totally.If the film doesn’t do three times the opening weekend, it means that collections have slumped. And then again, judging a film merely by numbers can be misleading as they give you an incomplete picture. It has to be a combination of the numbers and reactions from people — you get an idea from what you see on social networking sites.”
The pace , some felt was a bit languorous which in a thriller, could be misplaced.Now, as you watch the film, is there anything you felt could have been done better?
” Talaash is not a universal film. It’s a serious film about a couple coming to terms with the loss of their child, and a faster pace would not have worked for that kind of story. 3 Idiots and Ghajini are universal films that will appeal even to children. Children below 11 will find it difficult tol like Talaash. It’s not a Dhoom or Krrish that will appeal even to a 3 year old. There are all kinds of films that we like as an audience, but its important to remain true to the genre of the film. It’s true that some people have found it slow, but they are small in numbers.”
SATYAMSHOT
November 29, 2012 at 7:24 AM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
#Talaash advance booking at multiplexes is very good.
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November 29, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Satyam ji, I booked my ticket for tomorrow 30 Nov in Cinemax , Guwahati, Hope the film will rock all over. Waiting for watch Talaash.
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November 29, 2012 at 7:40 AM
First review is out from UAE.
http://www.emirates247.com/entertainment/bollywood-review-aamir-khan-s-talaash-leaves-us-spell-bound-2012-11-29-1.485371
@Satyam: Do you want to start a new thread for reviews, or shall we just post them here for now?
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November 29, 2012 at 8:10 AM
It’s fine over here.
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November 29, 2012 at 9:49 AM
A separate thread for reviews? WOW. You’re ambitious sm. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if there was one.
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November 29, 2012 at 9:51 AM
puranasona….looking forward to your glorious review in a few days. We all know you are a closet ‘amir’ fan 😉
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November 29, 2012 at 9:58 AM
Sure. If I like the film I’ll give it a good review (unlike some who can’t bear a film of the star they hate).
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November 29, 2012 at 10:59 AM
” If I like the film”
It’s all in this phrase isn’t it?! You like the rare Aamir film, when it’s SRK however you even like Ra One which you then prefer to Inception!
The problem as always is one of consistency. If one likes all kinds of genres only when one’s favorite star is involved but otherwise has an extraordinarily high bar or alternatively if one starts suggesting that most Aamir films are overrated and are much like most SRK films.. there’s a problem!
Leaving aside your like/dislike issues there is a larger point to be made here as well. A lot of times people don’t like certain genres which is fine but they then defend the mediocre film of a genre they like to superior ones in genres they don’t. I have very little taste for rom-coms if at all. On the other hand I can watch pretty bad thrillers! But I can ‘see’ that a certain rom-com is better than a certain thriller even if I might ultimately prefer watching the latter.
In any case when one suggests one is being fair when others aren’t (referring to your comment) one is either being completely cynical or one lacks completely introspection. Because the evidence assuredly suggests otherwise. And to repeat a point ad nauseam my issue is never with the fan or even necessarily the fanatic! That is one’s will and wish. But when entire arguments are framed only based on one’s likes and dislikes these are essentially partisan positions only meant to buttress one star or the other or attack another one. Once again this becomes obvious when there’s no consistency. So for instance I don’t like most SRK films over the past decade or more. Even in the 90s the love stories weren’t necessarily my favorite films but SRK had a certain flamboyance and energy at the time which worked well with those films and some of those efforts were enjoyable at the time (though I wouldn’t want to revisit most of these), something like DDLJ remains a classic. Over the past decade the love stories have become more tired and stale and have also in recent times become absurd. On the other hand when SRK has done sensible films of the sort I love when Aamir or Abhishek attempt them I have liked these as well. The best example is Dil Se but then Swades. CDI I thought was grossly overrated but didn’t dislike it by any means. I don’t care about perfect films, just interesting ones on this score. The reason I again bring up these examples is because there’s consistency here. I found BB fairly enjoyable, more because I like one of the stars here perhaps but I do think it was better than most of the Rohit Shetty films I’ve seen (barring Singham and All the Best.. haven’t seen a few). But I have not talked about BB at all since release even though this was a successful film and everyone at the time went gaga over Abhishek’s performance. Why? Because this isn’t the sort of thing that interests me very much. As opposed to this I was talking about Raavan months after its release and still do. So again when there’s consistency and sincerity one will like films even with stars one doesn’t otherwise care for (I like a number of Sunny films even though I have absolutely no liking for him). When it comes to Aamir here’s someone who’s done sensible cinema most of the time over the past 15 years and most of it has been very entertaining as well. To then like his films at a somewhat lower rate than one likes SRK’s films, and even if it’s the same rate, this simply makes no sense.
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November 29, 2012 at 12:17 PM
but satyam, how can you not realize that oldgold is simply more honest, genuine and big-hearted than the rest of us! i thought that was fairly obvious.
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November 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Most of us don’t hate any star/ person. Which is why I cannot understand the unreasonable and unfair hate rained on Aamir Khan by many of SRK’s internet fans. Sad. Most people have enough judgement and sensibility-sensitivity/whatever to simply like one person more and be happy enougfh/tolerant about others.
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November 29, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Dear me. What did I say to deserve such a long comment satyam?
>You like the rare Aamir film, when it’s SRK however you even like Ra One which you then prefer to Inception!
I don’t connect with Hollywood films though I watch some few now and then. So obviously I’d prefer Ra.One to Inception. I honestly didn’t mind it.
Of course I like films of genre I like. Doesn’t everybody? Actually it’s only the contemporary violence genre I hate. They are not like the fights of ABsr who made it an elegant art.
Anyway I was referring to the spate of bashing reviews trying to be funny. I’ve read reviews from sensible and intelligent bloggers who have expressed very balanced reviews and in the light of that the reviews here were a joke, apart from a couple of them.
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November 29, 2012 at 12:40 PM
I>but satyam, how can you not realize that oldgold is simply more honest, genuine and big-hearted than the rest of us!
No doubt!! No doubt!!
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November 29, 2012 at 12:42 PM
i do what i can to set satyam right 🙂
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November 29, 2012 at 12:45 PM
To write less? 😉
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November 29, 2012 at 1:39 PM
Satyam stop ‘bullying’ poor Oldgold
Or I will ‘bully’ u 🙂
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November 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM
http://www.madaboutmoviez.com/2012/11/talaash-hindi-film-review-the-excellence-lies/
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November 29, 2012 at 9:28 AM
this is one movie where I don’t want to read even a single review because some idiot might decide to give up the whole plot. Friday cannot come fast enough.
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November 29, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Looking forward to watching it tomorrow night 9.15pm. Hearing from some that it’s the Inception of Bollywood and others have mixed views.
P.S these are the reports from those residing in Dubai.
I suggest all those who wish to see Talaash see it ASAP because some moron will reveal the climax etc as some just wish to ruin it for others. On top of that certain critics can’t be trusted in not revealing any spoilers.
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November 29, 2012 at 10:42 AM
I plan to watch it Sat.. in terms of revealing the twist there have been more than a few rumors about this and one seems rather persuasive. Won’t say which one.
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November 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
watching it tomorrow morning (yes morning) in gold old nyc..
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November 29, 2012 at 11:01 AM
‘good’ old nyc
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November 29, 2012 at 1:58 PM
a freudian slip, if there ever was one.
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November 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
UGLYAnurag @ankash1009
Talaash is going to add another dimension to what we call mainstream. Bravo Kagti and Aamir for backing it
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November 29, 2012 at 11:02 AM
This I’ll take with a bucket of salt…
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November 29, 2012 at 12:33 PM
heh. yes, anurag is close to excel. and he is a self-professed aamir fanboy 🙂
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November 29, 2012 at 2:19 PM
If TALAASH turns out to be anywhere less than kick-ass as proclaimed months back, I am going to cyber-kick nepotism SME Anurag on fbook and twit …because if you angry me, you have face the brunt!!!
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November 29, 2012 at 2:34 PM
lol!
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November 29, 2012 at 9:20 PM
Anurag has also written additional dialogues for the film! Being a part of the team, it’s natural for him to praise it.
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November 29, 2012 at 11:00 AM
Avoiding reviews on this until Saturday. Not that I care all that much about spoilers. It’s more fun when you don’t know what’s what, but a good movie should remain so irrespective of whether or not you know where it’s headed.
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November 29, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Yes..it is true but imagine watching ‘the usual suspects’ while knowing who kyzer soze is…..it just spoils it even though TUS is a very fine movie.
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November 29, 2012 at 11:07 AM
Or LA Confidential’s Rolo Tomasi moment…of course. There’s a certain energy that gets sucked out of things when a spoiler pops in, but I find that the parts of these movies that I want to actively revisit are not at all the “revelatory” moments but the more atmospheric, mysterious passages…to use a cliche, the journey as opposed to the destination.
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November 29, 2012 at 11:54 AM
totally agree..
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November 29, 2012 at 11:51 AM
I have already guessed the culprit. They aren’t using the word killer, are they?
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November 29, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Hi guys. I’m from Mauritius and I had the opportunity to watch ‘Talaash’ today FDFS. Just to let you know my favourite actor was, is and will always be SRK 🙂 but I do watch almost all Bollywood movies and since TZP released, missing a movie starring Aamir Khan is a sacrilege. So here’e my review of the movie guys.
To start with, whenever I enter the cinema hall to watch an Aamir Khan starrer I expect quality cinema coupled with entertainment. With the exception of Ghajini, TZP and 3 Idiots exceeded my expectations. So, today again I entered the cinema hall waiting to be surprised by this wonderful actor. Verdict??? I sincerely believe now that no one can match the quality cinema that Aamir offers. Wow!!! This was one heck of a thriller..sorry ‘supernatural thriller’!!!
The movie starts with a bang and the first half is really very engaging. The graph of the film goes higher and higher till intermission. Actually, the movie has 2 stories- one where we have Aamir Khan as the inspector, carrying an investigation on the death of a Bollywood superstar which everyone claims is an accident and second is how he is turning himself into a culprit for an event which happened in the past thereby becoming more and more depressive. And yes both of these stories are connected but none of the rumours doing the rounds have got it right about the story. That’s all I have to say about the story, the rest you’ll have to watch it on screen to see the magic unfold.
One scene which I really liked was where Aamir thinks of that past event that had occurred and thinks of himself as a culprit, a flashback is shown of that event and Aamir thinks of three different actions he could have taken to prevent this event from taking place. These 3 events are shown separately one after the other and the way it has been executed was really good.
After the intermission there is some chit-chat going on between Aamir and Kareena which AT THAT POINT seemed totally useless but other than that the movie really engages and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Also, I’ve read some comments sayng it is the ‘Inception’ of Bollywood. It’s not guys!!Actually, there are some loopholes in the script but the movie really moves at a fast pace that you do forget them.
On the acting side Aamir Khan, well, is Aamir Khan. He is really restrained and performs this depressive man act with gusto. Kareena has more screen space than Rani but both acts well. I really liked the way Kareena mouthed these ‘randy’ dialogues 🙂
To end with, I would say that if you are expecting quality cinema then Talaash is for you and if you are expecting only entertainment then also Talaash is for you. Do watch it guys you won’t be disappointed 😛
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November 29, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Thanks Ziyad. And thanks for writing a retrained-spoiler-less review. I will not be reading any review from to morrow till Monday, when I have plans to watch the film.
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November 29, 2012 at 1:00 PM
thanks for your take Ziyad..
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November 29, 2012 at 1:10 PM
Taran Sir’s review is out but you really can not make when he fake or genuine 🙂
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/545485
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November 29, 2012 at 1:24 PM
oh, that’s an easy one. taran ‘sir’ is always fake.
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November 29, 2012 at 1:33 PM
not that it makes a difference either way!
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November 29, 2012 at 1:29 PM
what did you think of argo, satyam?
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November 29, 2012 at 1:36 PM
Liked it a lot. Specially the second half when it’s much more process-oriented and therefore a purer film. Of course it’s interesting from the very beginning but some masala features are thrown in along the way. Not that I blame Affleck for this as it makes the work more accessible I suppose. And I am not even criticizing this. But the second half was truly outstanding. This is though essentially a Cold War spy thriller in contemporary Mideast garb. The scene at the airport is classic but it’s also the sort of deal often found in Cold War thrillers. Affleck in any case has become a rather remarkable director. the lesson that every good director attempting a suspense film learns from Hitchcock, and perhaps not only him, is that process creates suspense. You focus obsessively on all the little details of how things work and so on and suspense is created. The French are masters at this. Unlike others though their genius has been in taking process (and similarly editing patterns associated with suspense) into other genres (romantic, non-suspense drama etc) as well, thereby enriching them considerably. If there is perhaps a master of process even moreso than Hitchock, or at least someone who takes those cues to a certain logical extreme, it’s Melville. Chabrol seems poor compared to him (though I don’t quite intend this as a knock). In any case the spy thriller is always very well-matched with these choices. Because process is of course crucial to these stories in every sense of the word.
On a related note liked Farewell a lot a couple of years ago.
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November 29, 2012 at 1:54 PM
agree with everything. i didn’t mind the conventional elements in the first half. you are right that it makes the film more accessible, i think it also makes it more quirky and less of a straight up spy thriller. also, i think the story itself lends it to those quirky elements. i mean it’s about the implausible story of a fake movie being used to get people out of ‘enemy territory’. so i didn’t mind them playing those things up, especially with the sharp dialogue and humor used here.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:14 PM
I liked Argo less than The Town. But nevertheless, it was one of the best movies of the year. I’d take both films over Gone Baby Gone. Agree with you everywhere here, and the second half really does pick up. Liked some of the economy of his choices given the speed that this genre operates on. The brief coda involving the fate of the house maid was one of those thoughtful touches.
Most recently I saw Flight. Didn’t think it was as great as some of the reviews suggested but the actual plane crash was rather brilliantly put together and Denzel is terrific. This week Pitt’s Killing Them Softly releases. Hoping to catch this before anything else.
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March 12, 2013 at 12:15 PM
Saw “Farewell” last night. It was a good thriller-drama with some ideological undercurrents.
ps – Rocky should see it 🙂
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March 12, 2013 at 12:17 PM
I’ve been trying to revisit it for a while. Liked it a lot. In general I have a great weakness for this sort of atmospheric spy thriller.
On Rocky LOL! But you know what happens to Rocky outside India… he becomes an Obama supporter!
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March 12, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Haha @Rocky.
Even I don’t get to watch subtitled movie very often. But wife was busy watching episodes of “Army Wives”..So I got a perefect excuse to see a movie which she wouldn’t have watched. She liked “The Intouchabales” after initial hesitation.
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March 12, 2013 at 1:04 PM
Intouchables isn’t my kind of thing. I rather prefer Untouchables!
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November 29, 2012 at 1:27 PM
Talaash trickling vibes
rReceived a message from some1 not in2 Bollywood usually…
Mouth 2 mouth —oops word of mouth review
And some1 whose taste I believe in.
Talaash is apparently one of Aamirs best films yet quality wise…
And Aamirs is a class act
Wasn’t going to since bit busy right now–but now hav to watch talaash ‘google’ this weekend hopefully
Good 2 see folks watching one film after another –here bloody work will break my back 🙂
Ps: I could sense it from the trailer
In the scene where aamir warns this guy to stay away –grrrr
Love this sort of ‘implosive’ acts
My hunch is that it may be my most favorite male Bollywood acts this year …
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November 29, 2012 at 1:46 PM
1st day – 18 cr
Sat – 18 cr
Sun – 20 cr
what else does one want in (Talash)’s life? 🙂 100 cr in the first week
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November 29, 2012 at 1:48 PM
perhaps a good film?
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November 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM
always sir always – expect more from aamir 🙂
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November 29, 2012 at 1:47 PM
wow this film will set the record straight,
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/talaash-is-aamir-khans-film-a-hit-even-before-the-release/307969-8-66.html
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November 29, 2012 at 1:49 PM
judging from all the pre-release buzz looks like the high end of the predictions might well come about..
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November 29, 2012 at 1:51 PM
satyam, I hopr film turns out as its trailor,will find out by tomorrow ,if its a good or whimp
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November 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM
‘Talaash’ is all set to go public on November 30 in around 2500 screens in India and more than 500 screens overseas, which means a good opening will bring the film on the verge of being a hit. ‘3 Idiots’, which had got a fabulous opening, was released in 415 screens in overseas and thus ‘Talaash’ is likely to earn more in foreign markets on the first day due to more number of screens.
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November 29, 2012 at 1:54 PM
Trade experts say that Talaash producers may not have promoted it well but the craze for the film is soaring up to sky high. The Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee starrer is surely going to send down the collection of Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardar completely at the Box Office. Now, it should be seen whether it will be able to break the first day record of Salman Khan’s Ek Tha Tiger.
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November 29, 2012 at 1:57 PM
First review out.
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_first-review-talaash_1771399
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November 29, 2012 at 1:59 PM
Reportedly, the satellite rights of the film are sold at a price close to Rs 40 crore which makes the producers richer by Rs 40 crore even before the release of the film.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:02 PM
On the whole, TALAASH is an outstanding film. A taut psychological thriller that keeps you guessing till the end, it leaves you spellbound, leaves you mesmerized, leaves you with an exclamation, ‘Wow!’. An absolute must watch for all movie buffs. You just can’t afford to miss this one!
http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/discussion/talaash-movie-reviews
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November 29, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Taran is giving 4.5*,must be superb film
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November 30, 2012 at 11:44 AM
u know Taran also gave 4.5 to Ra.One and Ghajini and 4 to Bodyguard … jus saying 😛
no, not saying this is gunna be a bad film, but, i’m just talking about the reliability of Taran Adarsh
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November 29, 2012 at 2:07 PM
unique raju–rest assured–ive heard some awesome word of mouth from an authentic source
to heck with taran/ komal et al!
i usually wait for reviews but not after this source—apparently aamir has delivered a masterclass–its time now for his fans (& other ‘pseudofans’) to oblige and hit the theatres
and show who the real fans were
enjoy–tryin some romanian tonight 😉
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November 29, 2012 at 2:07 PM
Off the topic.
Today I was watching Starplus where one tv actress asked Aamir as to why did his first marriage fail and why did he leave his first wife. His answer was not that convincing and he repeated the cliche that he has lot of respect for his first wife.
When a man starts respecting the wife rather than loving, the marriage breaks.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:15 PM
Sanjana,
I know it was somewhat of a flippant remark but mutual respect is as important an ingredient as love and affection in a successful marriage. Or any relationship for that matter.
For the longest time I held Aamir’ s failed marriage against him and still do to a degree but not as much. Nor does he owe any explanation to anyone but his wife’s,Kia and wife’s family.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:16 PM
Kia- kids! Damn auto correct!
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November 29, 2012 at 2:23 PM
“For the longest time I held Aamir’ s failed marriage against him and still do to a degree but not as much. Nor does he owe any explanation to anyone but his wife’s,Kia and wife’s family.”
hmm theres somethin brewing in rajen uncles environs—he is getting some ‘rebellious’ & fantasy ideas ala nishabd
guess a beating or two on reaching back home will set him right again
😉
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November 29, 2012 at 2:45 PM
Sometimes you sound even stupider than usual. One might think it is not possible but you manage it. Somehow.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:16 PM
Apart he discussed his films and other things as well. It is a sort of SMJ for him.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:20 PM
I always find Aamir boring in his interviews. Here also he repeated most of the stuff that has already appeared in the news. But he looked quite good, I must say.
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November 29, 2012 at 3:52 PM
sanjana, it was a mutual decision. In fact, reena is seen in all the major functions of aamir’s. Aamir has taken superb care of her and kids in terms of monetary aspect. Reena openly came out in support of aamir when there was lot of opposition against him during NBA. Reena has never washed dirty linen in public reg. aamir and vice versa….what else do you want? Aamir has been honest that the marriage didn’t work after a certain period.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:11 PM
wow—what a ‘deep’ thought sanjana
can i appoint u my relationship advisor– u will be ultrabusy
😉
ps–was he asked about the other ones–eg jessica hines
i actually like this idea
one in each big metropolis–london paris new york bombay
that should be gr8 film …(and an even better spoof) hahaha
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November 29, 2012 at 2:21 PM
Are you talking about Sidney Sheldon’s novels?
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November 29, 2012 at 2:20 PM
OT–
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240002/Switzerland-best-place-born-world-Britain-27th.html
Switzerland is the best place to be born in the world in 2013 – and Britain is just 27th – behind South Korea, the US and Israel, new research shows.
People born in Switzerland will tend to be the happiest and have the best quality of life judged in terms of wealth, health and trust in public institutions.
The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark also all make the top five in a ‘quality-of-life’ index highlighting where it is best to be born next year.
PS–Having said that, theres something very ‘sterile’ about the nordics
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240002/Switzerland-best-place-born-world-Britain-27th.html#ixzz2DdnlBsnc
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
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November 29, 2012 at 2:20 PM
Early reports from few of my frnds after watching Talaash : ” F@@@@@@ Awesome ”
ps: none is aamir fan
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November 29, 2012 at 2:23 PM
aap ke mooh me ghee shakkar.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:24 PM
Taran and komal’s reviews reflect on BO prospects only and not actual merits . And often fail on that score as well.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:28 PM
got another anecdotal confirmation…
talaash is in aamirs top 3 films and performances alltime!
Dont need any further reviews…(but coming from that source, cant say bout box office though)–lets see if indian audiences have finally come of age…
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November 29, 2012 at 2:31 PM
Aamir Khan is back and yes, with a bang. Even though this reviewer is not a die-hard fan of Aamir Khan, the truth is that you can love him or hate him, but there’s no escaping his films. Talaash, which was originally slated to release last year, proves once again this actor’s films are not to be skipped and completely worth the wait.
As the credits start rolling, Reema Kagti introduces us to the dark side of the city of Mumbai, which is known to be glamorous. Cinematographer KU Mohanan goes beyond clichéd depictions and showcases the actual night life of this city, which is more than glitter, parties and a fashion-crazed world. And by the end of it, you understand how each opening frame is important to bring the film to a fitting conclusion.
Minutes into the film, we see a speeding car meet with an accident. The driver is a well-known actor Armaan (Bhatena); the witnesses, three unsuspected men; the investigating officer, inspector Surjan Singh Shekhawat (Khan). The deeper Surjan sinks into his investigation, the more he realises that there is a lot going on than that which meets the eye. Meanwhile, a parallel story unfolds, that is, of Surjan and his wife Roshni (Mukerji). While the couple hardly communicates, it is revealed that they lost their child in an accident. While Roshni undergoes therapy to get over the shock, Surjan, who spends sleepless nights, drowns himself in work when he is not thinking of the ill-fated moment in which he lost his son.
While Surjan goes on to investigate the mystery behind Armaan’s death, he comes across various seedy people, which includes a pimp, his right-hand man Tehnur (Siddiqui) and a sex worker Rosie (Kapoor). As he faces the daunting task of finding the reason behind Armaan’s murder, Surjan unveils the murkier details of an intricate mystery.
The plot of the film is what proves to be a real winner as it leads to a logical, yet questionable end. While the movie is slow before the interval as it tries to establish the plot moving back and forth in time, the second half will leave you scratching your head as you try to piece everything together along with the lead actor.
Khan is not particularly brilliant in the film, but he does complete justice to his role. To his credit, he plays the multi-layered character of a grief-struck father and an honest cop with complete ease. Mukherjee does not have much to do in the film, but her deglamourised avatar creates a strong impression. She is quite convincing in the role of a devastated mother and a concerned wife. Kapoor does not have much to do in the first half of the film, but her character takes a front seat in the second half. She is charming and looks even more convincing in the role of a sex worker than she did in Chameli. Siddiqui is commendable. He plays an important role and he plays it with sheer brilliance.
Reema and Zoya Akhtar have spun a gripping tale that will capture your attention from the very first minute and will definitely leave you surprised by the end of it. Though there are a few clichés, they can be ignored when you consider the entire package.
The music by Ram Sampath helps carry the movie forward with some soulful melodies. My personal favourite is Jiya Lage Na. The background score is fitting as it adds to the mystery. The cinematography is laudable as it portrays a compelling picture of the red-light areas of the city. Anand Subaya’s editing is crisp.
In all, Talaash successfully whets the appetite of all the Aamir Khan fans. As for the story, you can always trust Zoya Akhtar to give her best. Talaash is not a flawless film, but it is a fascinating tale that compels one to look beyond that which is evident. You can’t miss this one.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:49 PM
This is such a poor, grudgingly written review. Why write at all? And I didnt know mainstream papers allowed the reviewer to write in first person. Wholly unprofessional.
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November 29, 2012 at 3:13 PM
Vijay, try and provide links with extracts from the reviews, otherwise everything else is drowned out.
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November 29, 2012 at 2:37 PM
” Kareena looks even more convincing in the role of a sex worker than she did in Chameli”
im not surprised there…
but whats surprising is that her styling (not all but some places) here seems a bit better and even understated in terms of makeup, colors at places—didnt know bombay hookers were like that
maybe someone with more info/experience may opine..
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November 29, 2012 at 2:39 PM
didnt know bombay hookers were like that
maybe someone with more info/experience may opine..
Yes I was surprised to that ” what the hell” you might expect madhur bhandakar film, Trafic signal..lol
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November 29, 2012 at 3:14 PM
I have deleted a number of comments that were just taking up space. I have warned on this many times before so no one should mind. Specially around the release of a major film there’s already lots of traffic and there is no need to clutter things with silly comments.
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November 29, 2012 at 3:21 PM
It turns out that Talaash makers are seeking a second
week’s run for their flick in single-screen theatres with a probable effort to reduce visibility for Akki’s film.
“Aamir Khan has demanded a second week’s run for Talaash in single screens despite the fact that the theatres booked Akshay’s movie three months in advance,” says distributor Joginder Mahajan.
At the time of going to press, the stand of single screen halls on Talaash’s request for a second week’s run was still not clear.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/AAMIR-VS-AKSHAY-Screen-war-for-Talaash-Khiladi-786/Article1-966009.aspx
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November 29, 2012 at 3:29 PM
no probs satyam–we werent writing shakespeare anyways…
“Specially around the release of a major film”–lets take a deep breath and then —stop breathing….till the opening numbers of talaash come in…
will repeat–
sandyi–can i request a nice talaash review soon pleeez…thanx
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November 29, 2012 at 3:32 PM
yes satyam, do not get excited man,,,chill
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November 29, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Stop bothering Satyam Sir Alex, I have been watching you for a while now..LOL. How you been brother? Satyam Sir, How are you hope all’s well. That goes for rest of the friends here as well.
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November 29, 2012 at 4:43 PM
Hiya kash–hope everythings shining with u & your better half–hav u taught her any bollywood yet?
as for satyam–well im trying to be ‘gentler’ with him nowadayz…
Dont mind his deleting comments since thats all he can do to me.
I dont mind if he deletes all my comments–infact like them to be deleted myself leaving no ‘trail’ ha—theres nothing saintly or ethereal about em
@ vijay–if i chill anymore now, i shall be in (romanian) hypothermia
😉
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November 29, 2012 at 4:48 PM
I don’t like deleting comments but as I’ve said many times this isn’t a shoutbox. Comments like those bury everything else.
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November 29, 2012 at 4:53 PM
satyam–im not joking—infact i would prefer u deleting all/most of my comments afterwards in a few hours or so–i actually will prefer it 😉
ps–though i appreciate that u hav other work to do than deleting comments all the time ha
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November 29, 2012 at 4:59 PM
the problem is deleting stuff isn’t quite that easy. Because if people respond and a thread is created you have to delete everything otherwise comments start going all over the place (i.e. not in order).
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November 29, 2012 at 5:03 PM
@ satyam–no probs–keep deleting as and when u can..
@ kash—ha -Which ‘women’? dont get carried away m8…
Most/all ‘women’ here are actually males and some ‘guys’ (even satyam) are actually ‘females’ …
As for me–hav u seen /touched air or sound…. 🙂
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November 29, 2012 at 5:06 PM
@Alex, haha, You know what I am not even gonna bother arguing with you bro. Next thing I know, I am turned into a female as well. LOL. Besides. Hope all’s well with you bro.
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November 29, 2012 at 4:53 PM
All well bro, I guess you’ll always be the trouble maker here. Lol. But lately just been out of control brother. is it cause of the latest entries of all the women on the site? showing off eh? LOL.
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November 29, 2012 at 4:46 PM
Good to see you here after a while.. hope all is well..
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November 29, 2012 at 4:56 PM
All well Sir, I see that you have become Sir Bachchan’s favorite lately, He is posting your comments left and right on FB and elsewhere. Glad you are being heard, BTW loved your piece on father son that AB sr posted today. Always admired your writing, now respect it as well, You have some good views not just about cinema, Gotta take some lessons from you about life and being a good human being as well. Good going sir, Keep it up. Now please forward a few tips to AB sr for Jr as most of us have discussed here which would help him elevate his career. Dying for that to happen.
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November 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM
have never been to his FB page so didn’t know he had posted that comment..
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November 29, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Yeah, But the best parts are the comments that follow. ofcourse praising you. But they are really funny. Such as “Kya satyam bhai, kya dhasu english likha le hai, apun ko bhi sikha de” LOL. hilarious at times. You gotta check it out.
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November 29, 2012 at 5:12 PM
thanks, will do..
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November 29, 2012 at 7:03 PM
Satyam, that’s awesome news. You rock!!
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November 29, 2012 at 7:35 PM
thank you Sir..
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November 30, 2012 at 3:14 AM
https://www.facebook.com/#!/AmitabhBachchan/posts/505799789453815
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November 29, 2012 at 4:04 PM
OT, Jr looks good here. Looks Lean and in good shape. For which I never bothered anyway, But a certain section of the audience always wanted him to be fitter. I guess all their prayers are answered.
BTW, Satyam Sir, Have been off of my movie news gossip etc for quite sometime. Do you know if Jr has signed anything apart from D3?
http://businessofcinema.com/news/airport-diaries-abhishek-bachchan-takes-off-for-marrakech-film-festival/54404
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November 29, 2012 at 4:06 PM
In Pic # 5 on the above link, He looks EXACTLY like Sr from his younger days.
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November 29, 2012 at 4:47 PM
No idea.. don’t think so but it’s hard to tell sometimes.
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November 29, 2012 at 4:57 PM
Yeah, Cool. whatever happenned to Dostana 2? Ha.
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November 29, 2012 at 5:46 PM
satyam,
I have seen many comments here and nothing happen to them,people like arsh,king khan and some womens get away with murder,I do not like if some are treated as biased.
This blog should restrict al sorts and all people who blog in it,its simple some people get special treatment and some get rudely deleted comments,if this blog all about speacial people then good luck with your blog satyamji..” who cares”
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November 29, 2012 at 5:54 PM
The point is write a bigger comment instead of multiple small comments. It is understandable that sometimes you can not avoid it but it shouldn’t become a norm.
Too much of social chit chat should be avoided. Even I do it with some of the people on the blog but again discretion is important.
If you don’t agree with someone, doesn’t mean all they are saying should be deleted.
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November 29, 2012 at 7:30 PM
yes precisely.. and again no one is saying there cannot be silliness from time to time. We all engage in it. There wouldn’t be much fun without this or the humor or even some rough stuff from time to time. But it’s a question of proportion.
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November 29, 2012 at 7:29 PM
Mohan, as I’ve said many times before it’s a judgment call. First off I have deleted some comments by some of the people you mention. But it’s not just about objectionable stuff necessarily. Sometimes the comments are chatty ones more appropriate for twitter or FB or a SB. A few are fine but if one goes on and on with them every other discussion gets drowned. I still let many stand. This is not a science! There is no bias here but obviously if a few people are more prolific with their comments and these same comments are then of the blah type more of these will get deleted. Doesn’t mean there’s a bias. And I don’t recall treating women any differently though I must admit I’d rather have more around than less so as to keep the intelligence quotient of the blog higher! The all-male deal becomes a very sorry affair!
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November 29, 2012 at 7:12 PM
please suggest AB jnr to remake some south flicks every year that will keep him in the 100 crore club…
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November 29, 2012 at 7:40 PM
But note how the value of such 100 crore films is also getting diminished. Unless you’re doing a Salman where you have multiple films every year with stupendous initials. Otherwise many are prospering with masala. It’s one thing to do a Barfi which stays in memory and quite another to do disposable masala. Now of course more interesting films can be remade but the kinds that are being attempted in Bollywood don’t inspire much confidence (did enjoy Rowdy a lot but this is hardly marquee entertainment!). The path remains the Aamir one for someone like Abhishek who has acting ambitions. Now he risked too much perhaps too quickly, one can debate all of this but he might have over-learned that lesson. So I certainly hope he gets back to more sensible stuff sooner than later. Ranbir meanwhile is trying something similar without Abhishek’s mistakes. He’s playing it safer in a sense because he’s staying small with the different (for the most part) and he keeps doing regular multiplex fare too to keep the base happy. Not a bad way at all to go for a young star like him. I hope Abhishek discovers that balance at least after D3. Maybe do a couple of films, one the mass-oriented kind, the other prestige fare.
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November 29, 2012 at 5:57 PM
Aamir has now invented a new genre – ‘supernatural’ suspense. [edited]
Now we know why Kahaani caused this to be postponed.
If this does 120 cr then Aamir is god of Box Office, but wait – thats already true, isnt it?
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November 29, 2012 at 6:06 PM
this is ridiculous – why reveal the suspense? satyam, remove such people alongwith their comments
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November 29, 2012 at 7:32 PM
yes no one should reveal any such angles without a proper spoiler warning added.
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November 29, 2012 at 7:31 PM
Bored not sure if you were joking or you know something about the plot. If the latter don’t reveal it for the benefit of those who haven’t seen it. I assume you were joking though.
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November 29, 2012 at 7:46 PM
OT — I just ran across a photo of SRK as a baby that I’ve never seen before. It’s rare that babies as young as this resemble the adult version (though I’ve known some cases). Anyway, I thought I’d share, as it’s a cute pic. I’m avoiding all Talaash threads, so have nothing to contribute on that score. 🙂
(I hope this is new to Old Gold, too, and that she likes it.)
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November 29, 2012 at 8:17 PM
Thanx 4 that interesting pic there sm- srk with his family
Baby Srk does look ‘abnormal’ here somewhat though there is a resemblance even then-u r right–strange
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November 30, 2012 at 12:25 AM
I see nothing abnormal, just a normal, cute baby, and a cute little girl.
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November 29, 2012 at 8:14 PM
The ‘controversy’ on post deletions
Just read this issue of post deletion above. i do understand and appreciate the ‘angst’ of mohan and many others, and do find there is ‘inconsistency’ here sometimes.
And some folks who ‘praise’ Satyam and his usual suspect stars–get away with more –but I think it is NOT much in scale.
Also by coming here, folks are agreeing to the ‘editorial policy’ here-which overall is very good.
Besides, I personally don’t see this whole ‘ego’ or anger at getting posts deleted. Ok if someone has written a well researched labour of love review -I will appreciate that deletion isn’t done
I personally do have some issues when some guy writes well prepared pieces like on vengeance etc and they aren’t even acknowledged–but anyhow..
And this whole ‘sycophancy’ angle which though negligible Is there nonetheless imo in small bits sometimes
Coming back to deletion —
I feel that deleted post archives maybe more worthy since they speak some uncomfortable truths or the rare digression from the incestuous mind pool here (obviously I’m not talking about the really abusive etc posts that got deleted)
My personal idea on deletion—
Is that I care a damn about my posts get deleted..infact I prefer it mostly..if Satyam can catch up lol
Perhaps some come here to exhibit their talent or perpetuate their thoughts or start a revolution–I don’t intend either of this.
Many of my posts are deleted -yeah one is surprised sometimes but there’s no ‘ego’ hassle …
Also if I look back, I don’t think I will fiind a SINGLE post of mine that deserved to stay –infact I myself want them to go to the bin soon after their disposal from my mind–gud nite 🙂
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November 29, 2012 at 9:20 PM
was the whole point of that comment to suggest that i am a guy? haven’t recovered from anjali singh trauma have you, doodh ka jala and all that 🙂
that’s right, i am a guy pretending to be a girl to keep the iq levels at acceptable levels per satyam’s wishes. btw, this is one of those superfluous comments satyam can feel free to delete to show he is not biased towards the (alleged) females.
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November 29, 2012 at 9:31 PM
“And some folks who ‘praise’ Satyam and his usual suspect stars–get away with more –but I think it is NOT much in scale.”
that’s insulting but also hilarious as no one, I’ll say this again… NO ONE, gets away with more than you do..
On the rest can’t change anyone’s mind.. but it’s unfortunate that after having stayed here for so long and having gotten away with so much you choose to say some of this stuff..
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November 30, 2012 at 4:18 AM
Ha Satyam- agree I get away with stuff the most here ha
I was infact ‘praising’ u (though in my own style)
@ mr/ms anya
I usually need a ‘proof’ (& that too to see/touch) since I don’t go for hearsay -but in this case, the ‘proof’… 😉
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November 29, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Arsh:
Manisha diagnosed with cancer
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Manisha+Koirala+%27diagnosed+with+cancer%27&NewsID=356047
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November 29, 2012 at 9:33 PM
do they have any confirmation yet, hope it’s just a rumor.
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November 29, 2012 at 9:59 PM
all the newspapers are saying this. so it must be a confirmed news.
How a beautiful actress with lots of talent just threw away her career.
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November 29, 2012 at 9:46 PM
**READ AT YOUR OWN DESCRETION** but nothing too revealing here.
The Dead Man Had an Oddly Familiar Name
‘Talaash,’ Starring Aamir Khan
Reliance Big Pictures
Kareena Kapoor as a sex worker in the Bollywood thriller “Talaash.”
By RACHEL SALTZ
Published: November 29, 2012
“Talaash” is a Bollywood thriller, which means it’s elastic enough to include a tear-stained story about a troubled marriage and the wages of grief before veering into the supernatural.
Shot with flair and control by the director Reema Kagti, “Talaash” works because it’s grounded in a visual style (the cinematographer K. U. Mohanan gives it a shimmering, Mumbai-noir moodiness) and emotional realism. Ms. Kagti’s power trio of stars deserve some of the credit. Aamir Khan plays a police inspector investigating the suspicious death of a movie star (last name Kapoor, of course); Rani Mukherji is his wife — their son has drowned in an accident — and Kareena Kapoor a prostitute who helps him with his case.
Ms. Kagti keeps the performances reined in but also lets the actors strut their broody (Mr. Khan), soulful and teary (Ms. Mukherji) and sex-bomb (Ms. Kapoor) stuff. (Nawazuddin Siddiqui shines as a street hustler who both attracts and repels your sympathy.)
Ms. Kagti, whose previous feature was the slightly adventurous comedy “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.,” wrote “Talaash” with Zoya Akhtar (herself the director of the wonderful “Luck by Chance”). Farhan Akhtar (Zoya’s brother and the director of the generation-shifting hit “Dil Chahta Hai“) is a producer, as is Mr. Khan (the star of “Dil Chahta”).
That’s a lot of Cool Kids of New Bollywood talent, and it shows. “Talaash” isn’t a radical departure (or a radical anything). It’s very much a Hindi film, but updated and delivered with conviction and style.
http://movies.nytimes.com/2012/11/30/movies/talaash-starring-aamir-khan.html
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November 29, 2012 at 9:57 PM
sandyi was talking about indian reviewers i think but this is an even worse example of a grudging review. and the question is valid here too – why bother at all? i doubt many nyt readers will stop subscribing if every bollywood movie didn’t have a 3 sentence review. must be easy for saltz to make a living this way.
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November 29, 2012 at 9:59 PM
agreed.
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November 30, 2012 at 5:09 AM
>this is an even worse example of a grudging review. and the question is valid here too – why bother at all?
I know the feeling 😉
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November 30, 2012 at 1:10 AM
How the hell did Rachel get to see TALAASH in the US when it is releasing only tomorrow in the US???
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November 30, 2012 at 1:30 AM
Critics are often given an advance copy to review for American films, with the review being published on the date of release. Mabye Aamir did the same for Talaash? Incidentally, this is one of the major reasons why Hindi films don’t get reviewed regularly in mainstream American papers, as most don’t provide copies to critics, and expect them to see it in the theater.
(Incidentally, to elaborate on the point about revealing spoilers I made in another post, one time an Indian critic did agree to not write about the film till it was released, but then wrote a non-review review in an Indian paper, and, when called on it, claimed he didn’t violate the terms of his agreement with the producer because he didn’t write in an American paper, and it wasn’t an actual review.)
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November 30, 2012 at 1:35 AM
Even this has minor spoiler
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review_aniruddha-guha-reviews-talaash-is-a-smartly-put-together-suspense-drama_1771607
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November 29, 2012 at 10:01 PM
A mildly revealing review:
With three of Bollywood’s top stars, and Aamir Khan taking his first leading role in three years, Talaash has been eagerly anticipated. This dark, troubling noir mostly pays off expectations, despite a screenplay that occasionally goes off the rails. Polished and seductive, the film should do extremely well at the box office.
A car veers off a seaside Mumbai road, crashing into the ocean and killing its driver. Other “accidents” have occurred at the same spot. Inspector Surjan Shekhawat (Khan) leads the investigation, questioning the victim’s family and friends and later re-enacting the incident in a patrol car.
In the nearby red-light district, Shashi, a low-life pimp, panics when he learns of the accident. He cleans out his stash of money, condemns his girlfriend Mallika to a brothel, and leaves town. But not before Tehmur (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a crippled servant, steals his cellphone SIM card.
Grieving over the recent death of his son Karan in a boating accident, Surjan throws himself into the case, in the process ignoring his wife Roshni (Rani Mukherji). She in turn reaches out to a neighbor who claims to be in touch with Karan’s spirit. Is the psychic trying to deceive Roshni?
Clues suggest that Shashi was blackmailing the victim. Surjan questions brothel workers, including the beautiful and enigmatic Rosie (Kareena Kapoor), who taunts the cop during a series of increasingly tantalizing encounters.
As Tehmur contemplates his own blackmail scheme, Roshni and Surjan face the possible end of their marriage. Meanwhile, Rosie flits in and out of Surjan’s life, drawing concern from his colleagues.
Directing her second feature, Reema Kagti adroitly juggles competing storylines, building up a sense of menace through Mohanan’s atmospheric cinematography and a complex score by Ram Sampath. Just as impressive is the film’s sympathetic but realistic view of sex workers. Yes, you can find loose ends here and there, but the mood of unease that percolates throughout Talaash makes up for them.
Khan is impressive in a role that requires restraint to succeed. Seething with guilt, his Surjan is always a step away from losing control, whether facing down suspects or wrestling with his feelings for Rosie. The gorgeous Kapoor is a very convincing femme fatale, while Mukherji is touching as the neglected wife. And Siddiqui takes a smart approach to a role that could have turned into a maudlin caricature.
Not everything works here, but filmmaking this accomplished deserves attention. From its look and score to its twisty plot and excellent acting, Talaash (which means to search or look for) is a very satisfying mystery.
http://www.filmjournal.com/filmjournal/content_display/reviews/specialty-releases/e3i928883ad4c0581489f22b6442ebd93e4
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November 29, 2012 at 11:34 PM
May I use this space to rant a little? What is the obsession that Indians have with revealing twists or spoilers in a film? It’s not even people with an agenda against a particular film or star (at least I can understand their motive), but just regular film goers. It seems that no one can rest until they tell everyone else about what they’ve just experienced, with no consideration or thought that others might also like to have that experience, unsullied by foreknowledge? I’ve seen film critics reveal crucial plot points in their reviews, and of course all the winners of the myriad award shows are announced weeks, if not months, before the show actually airs. It seems that the audience, too, does not care to be in suspense or be surprised. With such an unsophisticated audience (who are not the much derided “rickshawwallahs”), how can people expect sophisticated films, or hope to win Oscars? I’m shocked and disappointed anew each time this happens.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:47 AM
U answered your own question. I say this with my personal experiences in Indian ‘so-called’ high society circles. Sophistication left with the British, to be replaced by wealth-induced snobbery. Essentially, we are all evolving rustics climbing the ladder of new money.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:58 AM
Talaash: Aamir Khan urges fans not to reveal the suspense
Bollywood, Updated Nov 30, 2012 at 10:37am IST
IANS
Mumbai: Superstar Aamir Khan, whose new film ‘Talaash’ releases Friday, has urged his fans not to reveal the suspense of the film in public.
“Hey Guys, ‘Talaash’ is releasing. Hope you like it. One request to those of you who see the film, please don’t let out the suspense. Thanks! Lots of love,” Aamir wrote on his Facebook page.
‘Talaash’ is a crime thriller. The movie is directed by Reema Kagti and features Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji as well. Aamir is known for his innovative promotions, but this time actor opted for a more quieter way of promoting the new film. He felt extensive promotions could bring out the suspense of the film.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/talaash-aamir-khan-urges-fans-not-to-reveal-the-suspense/308147-8-66.html
will be watching this movie on saturday night! initially was not too hyped to actually go watch it in the theaters but i am now intrigued for some damn reason. lol. haven’t read any reviews apart from the synopsis. hope to see a good, if not great movie.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:58 AM
Btw, the WOM here in Dubai is mixed. Apparently, post interval is a drag and the climax is underwhelming.
Also, KRK has tweeted the climax out. Yeh picture zyaada nahi chalegi.
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November 30, 2012 at 2:10 AM
Too bad. Once again this brings back the issue of how “educated” the audience is, and hence how educated the filmmakers can be. Mysteries on film are always less satisfying than in print, in terms of pure mystery, and must rely on “mood” elements to derive their effects. Throw in an audience who is not used to or prepared to think, and the film can’t really attempt very much in the way of mystery or thriller (I’m including Hollywood films as well here).
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November 30, 2012 at 2:27 AM
Yes Nykavi, wom is very mixed. I hate to say it but the whole vibe of the film has been thanda from the word go. A suspense thriller, unless treated in an entertaining format (a la Gupt, or Khiladi, Teesri Manzil) is not going to set the BO on fire.
Yes supernatural and horror films do reasonably well in India, but the genre is just not a very preferred one to get you the biggest numbers. Historically, Indians have always loved the shringara and hasya rasas more.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:11 AM
OK..this is for Ami and others who found DEEP’s character ‘regressive.’ This will warm the cockles of Ami’s heart..Mr. Utkal and the she-male Anjali who found Deepika’s character not regressive will obviously not like this…anyway, check after 18:00 for comments on COCKTAIL..
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November 30, 2012 at 1:33 AM
I haven’t watched the video yet, but I just want to say: I am NOT going to participate in any further arguements about Cocktail, Deepika’s character or Ali and Adajania’s intent. So if Alex (or anyone else) is going to use An Jo’s comment as an opportunity to resume that old, tired debate, they’ll be talking to themselves. 😛
and thanks for the link An Jo, this looks interesting. 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 1:35 AM
An Jo- Also, I can’t tell if your mocking my opinion on Cocktail or agreeing with it. 😛
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November 30, 2012 at 2:27 AM
I am not mocking anyone…not my style at all…and I do not wish to drag anyone into any debate either…the long debates that went on regarding ‘feminism’ etcetera came to my mind when I saw this interview and felt I should share it…
Even if you take that part, the video I felt is good..especially Reema comes across as a very stable and thinking head
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November 30, 2012 at 2:47 AM
Yes, I just watched the part of the video that you pointed out: Reema seems like an intelligent filmmaker, and Zoya is an quite entertaining speaker- it is an interesting conversation.
And that comment about the debate was not meant for you at all, it was addressed to the Cocktail Defence Squad who’ve undertaken the heroic mission of protecting the film from any disparaging comments on the blogosphere . 😛
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November 30, 2012 at 2:48 AM
BTW- apologies if you’ve answered this question earlier on SS- but who are your favourite filmmakers/ actors/ actresses in Bollywood currently?
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November 30, 2012 at 3:33 AM
Haha amy
Don’t care a damn about what soya or xyz thinks bout it
I liked & enjoyed cocktail a lot- period!
Brilliant film – had shades of European light semi noir auteurism laced with pop contemporary bollywoodism….
Class act homi adjania
As for ‘regressive’ ‘ progressive’ I don’t get caught in these admittedly confused random terminologies- both dips n Diana were essentially similar with a different apparent exterior to the uninitiated 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 11:30 AM
@ Ami:
I am pretty tolerant and am way past my teens so do not have any ‘affiliations’ that result in propping up or bringing down any actor/actress..So in our Swades, AB Sr was, is, and will continue to be – for me – the greatest actor-star out of India; love Mads Dixit. Madhubala was great. Presently, Vidya is interesting. Like Nandita Das. Chitrangada, I feel, after Smita Patil, is the single most ‘thinking’ man’s intellectually and erotically stimulating woman today. So if I were working in Chitrangada’s office, INKAAR would never have seen the light of the day since I would be looking forward to sexual harassment every day!! Out of the 3 Khans, I veer toward Aamir. Find SRK to be of limited talent but a very influential star nontheless. Salman is disposable/dispensable. Naseer is of course outstanding – more so when he is not suffering from the Amitabh complex. Kamal Haasan was terrific when he was working with other directors – I feel he deteriorated when he started taking on the mantle of ‘one-man-cinema’ too seriously. Of course, in all these 3 decades, NO actor for me has been able to replace AB Sr as THE actor-star par excellence. But I have a lot of problems with his choices even during his hey-days and now too. Guru Dutt, Balraj Sahani, Kishore Kumar (I feel after Amitabh Bachchan is the only actor that has been able to match Kishore Kumar in terms of depicting zany/asinine humor so intelligently and amusingly on screen). Out of the 3 triumvirates of the ’50s, I find Dilip Kumar miles ahead in terms of acting than Raj Kapoor and Raj Kapoor way ahead of Dilip Kumar overall as an artiste. Bajpayee, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav (as tall an actor in talent as any one can get), Irfan Khan.
Directors – Benegal, Girish Kasarvalli, Ghatak, Yash Chopra, Shekhar Kapur, RGV without camera orgies,
In Pardes, I love Seymor-Hoffman; Joaquin Phoenix, Meryl Streep (outstanding), Woody, younger De Niro and Pacino, Bogart, Ingrid Bergman (ethereally beautiful), Michael Fassbender (single most expressive face I have seen in decades across this side of Atlantic), Chaplin, Daniel Day-Lewis (astounding), Alfred Hitchcock (genius), Leo, Marty, Coppola when in form, Tom Cruise as an outstanding star, Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet – a rare combination of beauty + talent, Gregory Peck, Keizlowski from Poland,
There. It is so difficult for me to choose. I just love them all…in varying degrees.
Sorry if this takes space. I hope Ami doesn’t think wish she had never asked the question!!!!
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December 1, 2012 at 3:48 AM
“I hope Ami doesn’t think wish she had never asked the question!!!!”
Haha- not at all An Jo. 🙂 This is a great list, and I agree with many of your choices especially within Bollywood (and completely agreed on Fassbender as well).
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November 30, 2012 at 1:32 AM
Talaash Has Good Opening At Multiplexes
Friday 30th November 2012 11.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash opened well at multiplexes in its first shows in this morning. The opening ranged from excellent to decent depending on city and location. There were multiplexes that opened at 90% while others were at 50%.
On average it is a 70% opening at multiplexes. The film has a very heavy release at multiplexes with a huge number of shows at most properties across the country. The single screen release is more muted as the distributors did not give the film to single screen exhibitors unless they committed to a two week run.
The single screen opening will be lower as multiplexes in tier two cities have opened lower. The evenings at metro multiplexes tend to be strong for this type of a film so day one should could come out with a good total on the strength of multiplex business.
http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5153&nCat=
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November 30, 2012 at 2:47 AM
So I saw Talaash yesterday in Dubai with my mother.
Btw guys if any of u go to Dubai please visit Burj Khalifa. Amazing.
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November 30, 2012 at 2:49 AM
And…? Did you like it or not? What did your mother think? Come on, tell us! 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 2:49 AM
Elaborate please! What did you think of it?
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November 30, 2012 at 3:34 AM
Ami and Sm, I am leaving for Abu Dhabi right now (will be checking out Ferrari World etc) so will write more later but for now I would say this – Talaash is by far the best film of the year and the best bollywood thriller ever after EHT (actually on pure filmmaking levels it’s even better than EHT though the 1st half of the latter is unmatchable in terms of sheer narrative grip. And while I like Kanoon, Johnny Gaddaar and Johnny Mera Naam more than the above 2 films that’s simply a case of personal preference). I also haven’t quite a seen a thriller like this before (in terms of the treatment of the story, plot twists etc) and all those stories of the film being inspired from Secret In Their Eyes etc are baseless. My mom too liked the film but not as much as TZP and she thought that while Aamir was excellent it was Rani who came up with the defining performance. I thought otherwise. And a very hot French chick had also accompanied us and I was ‘helping’ her with the dialogues so I might have missed some finer points of the film 🙂 .one of the things which surprised me is that theatres here show hwood and bwood films with French (and not English) subtitles
Btw I would also be checking out RZA directed and Tarantino and Eli Roth produced martial art film Man With The Iron Fist (RZA, Russell Crow)- my kinda film
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November 30, 2012 at 3:37 AM
Thanks, Saurabh. This is a good short review to go on for now, while awaiting your longer one.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:46 AM
“a very hot French chick ”
for a split second I thought I am reading Alex’s comment 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 3:53 AM
LOL! Me too Munna! 😛
Just kidding Saurabh- glad to hear that you liked the film so much.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:13 AM
Just now came back after watching Talaash. The last half an hour was unexpected and thrilling. An apt end. If I say more, I may spoil the fun for others. The pace was steady throughout.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:15 AM
Ha all french hot chicks are my property and domain 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 4:45 AM
“TALAASH” Opens Big At Multiplexes But Elsewhere Slow
“Talaash” has taken opening on the expected lines. Film is super strong in high end multiplexes and metros like Bangalore, Gurgaon, Pune and parts of Mumbai. Film is also expected to rock in evening shows at multiplexes across the country.
Film has opened to 30% in UP, CI, CP and Rajasthan in single screens but it is around 90% in noon shows in premium one and metros. So overall film should has an opening of 60% on Day one.
Film’s day one figure will be decided by evening and night shows in multiplexes and anything above 12 cr nett will be great for the film as brand Aamir Khan will assure jumps in next two days. But a good day one will put film in good shape.
http://www.boxofficecapsule.com/boxoffice-collections.aspx?id=949
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November 30, 2012 at 4:48 AM
Hard to read what will happen with this film…seems a very polarised view on it from opinions and even box office.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:47 AM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
Producer Aditya Chopra and director Shekhar Kapur join hands to make ‘Paani’. A.R. Rahman will score music. Goes on floor mid-2013.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:50 AM
B.O. update: ‘Talaash’ has superb start at urban centres
By Taran Adarsh, November 30, 2012 – 14:19 IST
TALAASH, which had a wide release at multiplexes, opened to excellent houses at urban centres. The initial shows were superb at hi-end multiplexes, but ranged from decent to average beyond metros. The distributors have focused on multiplexes mainly, hence the contribution from urban centres/tier two centres will be maximum.
The response at single screens, expectedly, was comparatively lower, but the contribution from multiplexes, from Friday evening onwards specifically, should add power and strength to its overall business.
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/update/id/301/date/2012-11-30
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November 30, 2012 at 5:07 AM
Most of the reviewers seem to by saying that one of the good qualities of the film, making it so special, is because it explores the side of Bombay not usually seen in films. It even seems to think of it as a novel idea or something.
People seem to forget that not long ago in Kahani Vidya walked through the backstreets of Calcutta, and most of the film (in fact I wouldn’t be wrong in saying 90%) is shot in these alleys and lanes.
From that point of view it isn’t an original idea unless showing the red light area makes it one. But that’s splitting hairs.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:30 AM
It is not Kahaani. Mumbai is only part of the film while the film dwells on experiences and moods. If one asks, is life good, bad or blockbuster, what can one say. This film deals with loss, agony and self -blame.
Rani steals the show with her simplicity, vulnerability and earthiness.
Kareena looks ethereal and acts like a dream.
About Aamir, I cant say anything as I may be prejudiced as a fan.
Overall this film is a niche film.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:32 AM
It has repeat value inspite of being a suspense film.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:37 AM
I specifically dealt with this point of praise that it is getting as doing something special by going to the unglamourous part of Bombay. Which is something already done by a film.
My comment did not deal with any other aspect of the film.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:43 AM
After RGV and Madhur Bhandarkar, there is nothing left to deal with the unglamorous side of MUmbai which is not known. But the presentation differs from director to director. It is a mumbai film, the local trains, the arabian sea, the narrow lanes, dangerous situations amidst dense traffic etc. etc. Most of the film is during night times and early hours.
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November 30, 2012 at 7:09 AM
OK so we’ll add Madhur Bhandarkar and RGV to the list. It does not negate my point in any way.
BTW just realised the age old cliché of a ‘fallen woman’ being named Rosy or Lily or Mary – right from the times of 50s through Guide…and now Talaash. Much as I absolutely love references to old films in modern films, this one should have been done away since long.
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November 30, 2012 at 7:20 AM
there is simran too.
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November 30, 2012 at 7:41 AM
But it’s Rosie that will be remembered and who matters isn’t it?
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November 30, 2012 at 8:57 AM
Before Kahani there was Dhobi Ghaat as I recall! But of course this sort of thing has been going on for a while. RGV was doing it in the 90s. I think though that it’s not as much what is shown as how it is shown. When this first started happening it was a welcome sign. But now a lot of films do it, Delhi has been over-exposed in this sense. The question then isn’t just about Bombay or Delhi being represented but how. In BM for example the city was unusually quite, a place of solitude really, not qualities one would normally associate with Bombay. In DG there was more of an art-house take on a major metropolis. So on and so forth. Kahani in any case is hardly the first film. Even in terms of Calcutta Yuva was there before in recent times. My own sense looking at the previews is that Talaash will probably have a more atmospheric (in the noir sense) take on Bombay. Kahani was an anthropological dig in many ways. Not that I didn’t like it.
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November 30, 2012 at 5:07 AM
my two cents on Talaash: (no spoilers, don’t worry 🙂 )
Watched it FDFS – in puducherry – remember, some critical scenes from the movie are shot here. I wouldn’t be able to write much at the moment as I am totally spell-bound.
This is a hell of an edge-of-the-seat suspense drama. Although smart people shd get an inkling half-way thru abt who-is-what? 🙂 anyways, aamir, rani, nawaz, reema…..they all compete each other in their respective depts. I must say a special word for Kareena – i was totally stunned by her character – thanks to the writers and directors and of-course to her. A role which she would remember for life-long. Reema said she had shot 500 minutes and to cut it down to 150 min. or so – good job. Songs appear at the most appropriate moments and take the story further…that song “na main jaanu..” is so fast-paced and picturised in a surprising manner.
Overall – fantastic movie watching exp. – not a masterpiece but crisp writing, crisp editing, deliberately slow pacing and some haunting moments alongwith superb acting and directing – 9.98765 / 10 from me 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 5:22 AM
What was the response like in theatre?
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November 30, 2012 at 5:38 AM
jay, puducherry is a town yet with very little hindi-speaking population. Theater was half-empty but next shows starring 7 pm today till sunday night will be housefull. Also being a suspense-drama, the audience looked hooked to it. Emotionally also feel is very strong. It is a movie to be enjoyed like sipping a hot cup of coffee on a cold-winter evening 🙂 different genre than those masala stuff – u need to be there. As a cinema-lover, u wouldn’t mind watching it 2-3 times.
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November 30, 2012 at 5:41 AM
i think Talaash will score very big in multiplexes (and that is what they’ve target i guess) and will race away to 100 cr very smoothly.
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November 30, 2012 at 5:42 AM
Aamir has such a loyal fan-base now that an average film from him will guarantee 100 cr – this is a very good film with nice songs
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November 30, 2012 at 5:13 AM
Saw Jab Tak Hain Jaan yesterday.
I think it was fairly decent affair, certainly watchable for the most part. The first half is fairly brisk, maybe too song heavy.
I just felt like Veer Zaara and KANK, a director should know went to END a story. This film drags for too long and has multiple ends, when you think in your mind “this is a good time to end the flick”…I found the intermission could have been the end, and a couple of points in the 2nd half. It’s probably a good 30mins too long.
SRK is decent enough, this is his terrain although he is suited looks wise and performance wise as Major Samar as opposed to Samar. The latter looks bit too aged and haggered, the former, rough and perfectly in tune with the “internal” demise he has suffered. Overall Ok film…enjoyed to a certain extent but lost the will to enjoy post interval as it dragged.
The music is OK…rahman has the knack of still doing something listenable…
Katrina was OK too, so too Anushka.
Something that is a bit odd is the language and tone…quite out there…not the clean romance you expect from YRF…I did not mind this, but can imagine it is a turn off for older generations.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:04 AM
A grudging review, jayshah.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:12 AM
*grudgingly written*
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November 30, 2012 at 7:03 AM
ha ha i agree there
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November 30, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Agree there Oldgold & Sandyi
Appears like someone went to rip a film apart but couldn’t bit still wants to try it
Or liked the film but can’t admit it due to fear of being ‘ridiculed’ here or failing the loyalty test
C’mon folks–if u like something or hate it–say it –why this ‘hesitation’ 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Oh dear…I thought I’d leave those comments cos it was OG (who I don’t give a damn about opinion wise, cos really when it comes to SRK or Aamir it is polarised views and blindfolded views) and Sandy (who is a friend so why cause a rift, let it pass as to be honest I’ve seen and heard it before from her…it was more a tummy tickling comment from her and I will get her back as in tickle her back in return one day) but you Adam or Alex or whatever your name is…no need to hold back with you. As really you’re a bit of an annoying habit.
There is no hesitation in my view. If anything, in plain english, I did not mind the 1st half which in english for you means = timepass and the 2nd half was long which in english for you means = boring. Timepass + Boring = OK for me.
OK means I am quite indifferent overall.
Just because I did not sing the films praises (like Sandy) or inequivobly support it no matter what means necessary (OG) does not mean I have a “forced” or “hesitant” or “reluctant” view.
There is no intention in my comment to either praise the film or rip it apart. As it is neither here nor there for me. Or if you would like me to talk about what I liked in the first half (some praise) and disliked in the second half (rip apart) to make you all jolly and happy then I’ll send you a xmas card with the commentary.
The problem I have with your statement and the insituation is “if u like something or hate it–say it”
Your world is black and white it seems. Either you hate something so bad that you feel the need to needle it to death…or you love something so much you feel the need to ejaculate over it. There is no colour in your life.
It seems to me the fanclub of Jab Tak Hain Jaan just wants another member to JOIN. Unfortunately this is not nursery school…so pat yourselves on the back in “uncovering” this amazing observation and get over it. It is an OK film. Nothing to diss and nothing to ride home about. I wouldn’t watch it again…but if someone asked me “should I watch it” I’d say up to you.
These “games” online are of no interest.
By the way is it Jab Tak Hai Jaan or Jab Tak Hain Jaan? It’s really important to get that right.
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November 30, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Ha I was checking if it is possible to irk this gentleman jay shah and yeah even he fell for it 🙂
C’mon man-it was just a prank
And no need to ‘ejaculate over it’ or whatever –perhaps that’s not appropriate here
“because I did not sing the films praises (like Sandy)”
Hmm so Sandyi loved it– is there a piece she has written ..
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November 30, 2012 at 11:24 AM
“These “games” online are of no interest.”
Get down colour in your life (in your own words )jay or shah or whatever is you name ..
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November 30, 2012 at 11:45 AM
haha..That is why I don’t bother writing more than couple of sentences. More you say, more people try to interpret it 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 11:48 AM
jayshah,
you should have known by now that when you give reviews for srk films and anything negativety about the films ,srk fans will come jumping and try to tell you that why?,when? and what?.srk fans thinks that bollywood is all about srk,which they think it never existed before srk…srk made indian film industry.
I watched jthj and I think it was average ,srk was ok but I think katrina made the difference otherwise this film would have made 60cr,total 80cr.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Come on. It’s all about Amir on this blog with a solid backing and all the paraphernilia that goes with it. The sheer numbers should offer a soft comfortable cushion instead of this prickly feeling that one senses in the responses of a couple of comments from Jayshah and this one.
Can’t imagine that people are getting so defensive and disturbed.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:22 PM
clarification
‘this one’ means ‘this comment’. Not addressing mohan.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:12 AM
JI pleased with PIL vs IT Act by law-student-to-be from family of illustrious female lawyers
21-year old law aspirant Shreya Singhal, a graduate in astrophysics from the UK’s Bristol University UK, daughter of Supreme Court advocate Manali Singhal and grand daughter of the late Delhi high court judge Justice Sunanda Bhandare, challenged section 66A of the Information Technology Act in the Supreme Court today under which two women were booked for a comment critical of Bal Thackeray on Facebook 10 days ago. [via @sumit_nagpal and profile by Mint].
http://www.legallyindia.com/201211293280/Bar-Bench-Litigation/cji-pleased-with-pil-vs-it-act-by-law-student-to-be-from-family-of-illustrious-female-lawyers#comments
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November 30, 2012 at 6:13 AM
Chief justice of India Altamas Kabir admitted Shreya Singhal’s petition and said: “We were wondering why no one has approached the Supreme Court (over this) and even thought of taking up the issue suo moto.” [NDTV]
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November 30, 2012 at 6:16 AM
Bravo Shreya Singhal.
A public apology to the two girls after of course getting rid of this law would go a long way to ammend this horror.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:18 AM
yes, i was thinking on this too, i was expecting faster challenge… thank god now high courts wont have to look into it… and we will get something concrete fast…
also Allahabad high court and Madras high court have also issued notice in similiar matter.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:19 AM
And old gold u shud know:
Mukul Rohotgi appeared for the PIL girl. And most likely i heard Harish Salve shall appear too to get the section struck down.
Harish is India’s no. 1 lawyer…. and mukul 2nd best i guess, its a deadly combo… ofcourse the Ld Advocate General shall defend Union of India…
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November 30, 2012 at 6:51 AM
its a typo.. it shud be Attorney General
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November 30, 2012 at 6:22 AM
A public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of Section 66A of the Information Technology, Act 2000 was mentioned before the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court today. Chief Justice Altamas Kabir directed the matter to be placed before the Court tomorrow and also asked Attorney General G.E. Vahanvati to be present the next day. The Petitioner was represented by Senior Counsel Mukul Rohatgi. Senior Counsel Harish Salve also sought to be impleaded in the matter and shall file an intervention application soon.
http://www.barandbench.com/brief/2/2994/petition-challenging-constitutional-validity-of-s66a-of-it-act-filed-before-supreme-court-matter-to-be-heard-tomorrow-mukul-rohatgi-appears-for-petitioner-harish-salve-to-file-ia
Harish Salve so shall be appearing by filing intervention…
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November 30, 2012 at 6:16 AM
Thus Now Hon’ble Supreme court is looking into the matter, and Learned Attorney General G Vahanvati shall defend the section, today i guess.. there should be some update.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:33 AM
Please do post updates rooney. I’m very interested.
Very encouraging to know that the best lawyers have taken it up.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:38 AM
If satyam allows of course.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:50 AM
I guess this topic matters.
As i guess many of bloggers on this website are from India, and they all are under the Indian Law. (i know i am!! ) it affects not only facebook, but every comment and including this comment as i type.
I actually feel section would be preserved and some guidelines shall be issued, or Judicial Interpretation might come.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:33 AM
“21-year old law aspirant Shreya Singhal, a graduate in astrophysics from the UK’s Bristol University UK, daughter of Supreme Court advocate Manali Singhal and grand daughter of the late Delhi high court judge Justice Sunanda Bhandare”
Well done Freya singal
Though this description looks a cross between her cv and some matrimonial ad
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November 30, 2012 at 6:51 AM
B.O. update: ‘Talaash’ has superb start at urban centres
By Taran Adarsh, November 30, 2012 – 14:19 IST
TALAASH, which had a wide release at multiplexes, opened to excellent houses at urban centres. The initial shows were superb at hi-end multiplexes, but ranged from decent to average beyond metros. The distributors have focused on multiplexes mainly, hence the contribution from urban centres/tier two centres will be maximum.
The response at single screens, expectedly, was comparatively lower, but the contribution from multiplexes, from Friday evening onwards specifically, should add power and strength to its overall business.
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November 30, 2012 at 7:26 AM
@OldGold — I posted a photo for you, of a *very* young SRK. Scroll up to about a third of the way in, and you should find it. I’m curious to know if you’ve seen it before, and what you think of it. 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 7:44 AM
🙂
Thank you sm. I wouldn’t mind seeing a baby picture of Amir too. Babies are always cute and lovable. It’s the adulthood………
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November 30, 2012 at 7:54 AM
Here you go, OG. I knew I’d seen one once, but in searching for it I hit upon this treasure trove of many previously unseen ones. Enjoy!
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November 30, 2012 at 7:58 AM
I saw till the baby picture appeared, and yes, as expected very sweet and cute baby he was.
But as an adult!!…grrrrrrrr!!!
Thank you sm 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 7:28 AM
i’ve seen several mentioms that Talaash is a “copy” of one or nore Hollywood films. Does anyone who’s seen the film want to offer an opinion on that? Especially because several people here are afficionados of HW films themselves.
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November 30, 2012 at 7:29 AM
sorry for the typos — I’m typing in the dark
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November 30, 2012 at 9:11 AM
sm, evenif the premise is a copy of any film – doesn’t matter because the treatment is totally fresh and the acting is superb…i can’t believe kareena got a role like this 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 9:19 AM
Raju u raised interesting question.
1) You agree its a copy.
2) Treatment is different
Either that can be termed as COPY or INSPIRATION, that’s the question.
I may be wrong, and masters and experts of cinema can define what is copy and what is inspiration.
I believe COPY is blatant COPY SCENE TO SCENE. Like those scenes of Barfi.
Inspiration is someplace where u see a nice idea, and then u expand and create something of your own, for eg 3 idiots.
For this i believe one needs to understand meaning of copyright. Its quite complex rather than a simple copy or not.
Now i havent seen and wont be seeing the movie, but those who term it as COPY or INSPIRATION should understand and speak (not to u, but generally)
I have come across people saying X film is a copy, i have asked them question what ws copy? character, story, scene? they will come with saying it is like that movie, that kind of idea was in that movie too.. etc well i believe that at the most can be said UNORIGINAL. But Copy is too harsh a word and out of context, rather a layman’s language.
So, Raju whether the script is Unoriginal, Copied or Inspired stuff… or say completely new… that is what i shall like to know.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:28 AM
rooney-the-lawyer! relax man 🙂 i said “evenif it is a copy” that does not mean i agree to it being a copy…….just enjoy the movie man, i can’t remember any movie while watching this – for me, thats enough
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November 30, 2012 at 10:32 AM
inspired stuff……i am in a fix – i can’t reveal the suspense here so i won’t go there but we have seen hundreds of such films in all languages and it will be difficult to search the root. When i say hundreds of films – it is the root idea of…….:-) well, let a week pass, we will come back to this as it needs the suspense-element to be discussed. But the point is: If while watching a movie, one gets engrossed and can’t remember any other movie – which film is the winner???
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November 30, 2012 at 9:14 AM
I haven’t read the reviews so couldn’t say. But will add this — it is very hard these days if not impossible to find a Bollywood film that either in its thematic/genre or technical choices or both does not owe a great deal to Hollywood or something on the film festival circuit. This includes most masala ventures too by the way. And so the question becomes: are the borrowings simply copies (say Abhishek’s Game) where even if the film is enjoyable enough it’s a Hollywood film speaking Hindi or is the mix made truly Indian (Abhishek’s DMD)? Put differently is the influence handled in a completely superficial way or is something ‘local’ done with it in a compelling way?
Here I should add that people are often unaware of the Hollywood/film festival borrowings of older eras. The 50s was especially steeped in this. But again they used the influence to make ‘true’ films. Today one sees mostly fake efforts but there are enough genuine directors around doing interesting things with these influences. I expect Talaash belongs to the latter category. On that note even a twist that is very specific to a Hollywood film can be used effectively in a ‘homage’ moment. Take satya. Bhiku Mahatre suddenly gets shot in a moment extremely reminiscent of the LA Confidential one (Spacey getting killed) but it works very well nonetheless. RGV went back to it again with Devgan’s killing in Company. Not as potently handled as Satya but still effective. There is a lot RGV owes to Hollywood in any case but it cannot be said that his films are just Hollywood efforts speaking Hindi. On a related note even DMD references this moment when ABhishek gets shot but Sippy is a very different director and handles it in his own distinctive way. Much as his entire film could superficially seem like a Hollywood collage and it literally is this in some ways but it’s so in Leone fashion where the ‘homage’ aspect is present but ultimately the film has a soul of its own.
So it’s important to not just group together very different films in this sense just because one can detect ‘influence’.
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November 30, 2012 at 9:22 AM
@satyam
Great Comment.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:05 AM
When I saw Barfi, I loved it inspite of its Charlie Chaplin’s touches. I loved Baazigar though it was said to be a copy of A Kiss Before dying. I liked Ghazini though it also was said to have Memento in the background. Many successful films have borrowed or blatantly lifted from Hollywood movies. If I start filtering every movie, I may lose out the pleasure of watching them. As long as they dont send it to the Oscars, it is ok.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Exactly…I’d rather watch a copy that is half decent than a poor film anyway!
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November 30, 2012 at 10:06 AM
I think RGV said it many times that he doesnt do anything new in this films – he just copies from Hollywood. Many times he even says from which movie he got the inspiration from. But ofcourse as you said, he makes it his own and authentic to the Indian audience..like Satya, Sarkaar etc.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Good point Satyam …
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November 30, 2012 at 10:32 AM
All valid points satyam sir, But then there are direcotors like Sanjay Gupta who really lift movies from scene to scene (in most cases) and pretty much ruin the original for you. He as a director (almost always) has no creative input in any of the scenes that he is shooting. Ofcourse, people like RGV are lot more talented than the like of Gupta which is evident in Sarkar. When Compared to godfather, sarkar actually stands on its own. Completely different style of film-making and story telling. Yet, the backbone of the film is same. Brilliantly done. Even directors like Mahesh Bhatt have completely ruined the original, In case of The Fugitive/Criminal.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:42 AM
yes that’s what I was saying.. there’s a difference between Sanjay Gupta and RGV. And again even with the cloning you can still have an enjoyable film. I liked Musafir a lot.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:47 AM
Eh, didn’t care much for Musafir baring certain portions. (loved Reddy over here though – Her dance sequence at the club was mindblowing for me – Not sure if you remember having a discussion about me being a choregrapher some time back and I had picked sameera as one of the fine dancers..this is where it comes from..lol).
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November 30, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Great comment Satyam. I also thought the entire episode in Khakee where Aish reveals herself as Devgn’s moll was a great masala twist. On Dmd my fav moment was Abhishek’s dialogue before his death- “dum abhi bhi thoda baki hai”- pure masala gold. And as far number of crazy plot twists are concerned no one can beat Wild Things
Btw the theatre in Dubai where I saw Talaash was housefull
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November 30, 2012 at 3:09 PM
good to hear Saurabh.. and yes Khakee was probably the best such effort in decades. More drama than masala in the Desai sense but the same is also true for Deewar. And you make a wonderfully astute point on DMD. It is precisely that sort of line which is crucial which is why you would never find this very masala sentiment expressed in an RGV film in similar circumstances. By the way in listing those RGV moments I forgot to add the Sarkar Raj one. So RGV does this three times and it’s very effective in each instance. But there’s a kind of progression here. In Satya you have the overlord politician who kills the minion, in Company the overlord gangster loses out to a minion, in SR you never see who actually pulled the trigger. This shadowy figure is suggested, in one of the scenes you see his boots and so on. So the ultimate Sarkar figure is brought down by a mysterious unknown figure. The classic conspiracy here of course. But the point is that in each case there is an asymmetry between the killer and the murdered one and it keeps tending in the direction of the increasingly larger-than-life figure brought down by a nobody. It is only by maintaining such asymmetry that the heroic mode can be truly denied to dying ‘hero’. In other words you need time and enough ‘elongation’ of the moment to bring out the epic/tragic/heroic resonance. RGV quite naturally eschews his mode each time. But Rohan Sippy brings it on.
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December 3, 2012 at 6:40 AM
I came back to your comment since I was revisiting Ramanathan’s Bombay To Goa last night (always find it enjoyable and love the songs. And Bachchan in a pink shirt is a hoot. And can’t have enough of Lalita Pawar here).Watching the film i realised that even when there are quite few so called rooted and city/town centric films happening today, sadly not many directors want heir films to romance with the cities they are set. I mean folks like Kashyap and Dhulia are so hell bent on getting in the accents and local culture that they forget how to embrace the totality and the pluralism of the cities (which was evident in so many Mukherjee/Chatterjee films but also in something like Howrah Bridge- Yeh Calcutta Hai and Bambai Shahar Ki are two of my favourite songs depicting this). Rohan Sippy thankfully is a notable exception.
Loved your ‘elonagation of the moment’ bit. And again on DMD I loved both the opening shot and the dialogue rendered powerfully by Abhishek- “Goa meri jaan, jannat ki shaan. par jannat mein bhi saamp baste hain aur saale kya dastey hain”- I found it very ironic and interesting that Sippy in BM was having a silent love-affair with a city but in DMD he is hell bent to obliterate every romantic notion about another city (whose name is often taken alongside Bombay) even when he is performing an ode to the place. And nothing can be more ironic that he chooses Abhishek as the tool for ‘shattering’ these classical romantic notions, the son of the man who in the early part of his career himself ‘journeyed’ from Bombay To Goa!
I also do think that while ‘elongation of the death moment’ is necessary for the desired heroic impact what is also important is how that moment. For example in Naam (which to my mind is the best ‘mainstream’ film of the 80’s after Laawaris and Naseeb) we have Sanjay Dutt’s excellent Deewaar like death scene but because the cinematic journeys of the protagonists in both films are placed on a different scale and also because Bhatt, unlike Yash Chopra (and also Salim Khan in the latter case), never places his leading man on any mythic pedestal throughout the film. So Dutt’s end is absolutely ‘tragic’ but not at all ‘heroic’
On a side note, I also love the fact that in his guest appearances, Bachchan while seemingly deconstructing his heroic Masalafied Vijay image, actually showed how big an influence he was on those ‘different’ films or filmmakers- whether it is that ‘asking for help on evading IT officials from Ashok Kumar’ in Chhoti Si Baat or helping Sanjana Kapoor rescue Naseer in Hero Hiralal or that scene with Satish Kaushik from Jalwa, the directors of these films use the most iconic Masala actor to deconstruct the epic world
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November 30, 2012 at 12:15 PM
H’mm, lots of pontificating, but Idea Unique seems to be the only one who has actually seen the film, and he is seeming to confirm that some of the “tension” elements were borrowed. Thanks for your post, Idea.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:30 PM
I’m sure they’re “borrowed”. But my response is ‘so what’?!
Kurosawa borrowed from Ford! Some of his own iconic shots were endlessly borrowed by others. Just borrowing does not mean anything one way or the other.
Again and as I’ve illustrated at length I know the difference between a copy that doesn’t add anything and inspiration/homage. For this very reason when we talk about ‘borrowing’ and so on almost as if there is something negative by definition here that’s problematic. Because it’s hard to think of too many films in cinematic history that don’t borrow at all. I had some issues with Dabanng for example but the fact that Kashyap’s aesthetic registers, weren’t original though often impressive wasn’t one of them. And in this sense I also don’t accept distinctions between plot devices and visual codes. Because both are very important to the text of a film. And both kinds of ‘borrowing’ have occurred very often in every cinema of the world. The question is always ultimately about contexts. Again Game and Kahani are not the same thing though both borrow.
On Idea though sure he’s saying that but he’s also calling it an astonishing film or some such thing!
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November 30, 2012 at 12:55 PM
@Satyam — I don’t necessarily disagree with the general tenor of your remarks, but since at this point neither you nor I have seen the film, we have no way of knowing which category this film falls in. The comments of people saying the film “copies” were from those who have seen the film, and some have mentioned the names of the specific HW film, but I stopped reading at that point.
@Rooney — Most folks on BW forums use the term “copied” loosely, which is why I have always put it in quotes. To me if a film uses the plot and characters from a source without attribution, that is “copying”, no matter how much the film has been “Indianized”. To give a non-contentious example, Salman’s film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya was a copy of the Hollywood film Cactus Flower, which I realized from the opening scene itself. As the movie progressed, the suspicion only got confirmed, even though, aside from the opening sequence, there was no other direct lift of scenes from the original film. But the basic plot and characters were the same, even though suitably “Indianized”, with several subplots introduced that were not only not in the original, but could not be in the original, as they arise directly from uniquely Indian cultural elements. That is copying a whole film. In the Telugu film NVNV, Prabhu Deva got many praises for his debut direction, but while I was watching it, I could identify many individual scenes as being directly lifted from this or that film, either from BW or HW, and I wouldn’t call them “homage,” either, just put in with the confidence that the audience wouldn’t have been exposed to the original. At least one of those copied scenes (from the HW film Bringing Up Baby) was still funny, but to me, not as funny as the original, only because I realized it was copied. Others may not care.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:59 PM
“To me if a film uses the plot and characters from a source without attribution, that is “copying”, no matter how much the film has been “Indianized”. ”
I want to write a detailed comment on this point, i will use Alex’s expression of being occupied or busy in work.. as u know from my mail, hopefully shall do a post on understanding of “copy”
between i also myself used the word “copy” loosely, but i guess with time i obtained wisdom… so shall share and discuss 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 1:04 PM
@Rooney — the main way in which people in BW forums use the term “copying” loosely is that they make no distinction between unattributed copying and authorized remakes where the rights to the original work have been duly purchased. So for example, many of them will call a Hindi remake of a South Indian film as a “copy”, even though it is no such thing. Then others are so bent on denigrating Indian films that if there is the remotest similarity between the Indian film and some foreign film, they claim it to be a copy, even if there is absolutely no resemblance in terms of the plot and characters. For example, if a man and woman fall in love in the Indian film, it is immediately assumed to be a “copy” of every and any HW film in which a man and a woman fall in love, no matter who the characters happen to be, how they happen to have fallen in love, or what happens to them thereafter. 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 1:50 PM
SM, true but most people have a poor understanding of what constitutes a ‘copy’. People use it indiscriminately to describe all kinds of borrowing.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:40 PM
yes because……well, she is …:-)
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November 30, 2012 at 1:43 PM
fully agreed satyam….
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November 30, 2012 at 12:35 PM
as i said SM, u need to be clear on ur definition of COPY/BORROWED.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:59 PM
Many of Aamir’s acclaimed films from the 90’s were copies of well-known HW films, where the plot and characters were lifted in entirety. Examples are Ghulam, Dil Ke Mantan Nahin (I’m not sure I have this exactly), Akele Hum Akele Tum, Mann, etc. I could recognize the original film immediately with the opening sequence itself.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:59 PM
They have acknowldged about DHKMN, Mann. About others I do not know. For that matter even Josh was lifted. Both AHAT and Josh were Mansoor’s films. It happened one Night was Chori chori by late Raj Kapoor with fantastic music and then came DHKMN. Mann was known as an affair to Remember from the beginning with the cruise ship and all. Ghulam is a Vikram Bhatt movie and he is famous for that.
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November 30, 2012 at 10:55 AM
Howa your choreography goin kash
I’m also a bit of a mover when in the mood though not like a trained formal choreographer like u..
“this is where it comes from..lol).”
I know where it comes from an it wasn’t ‘dance’ incase of that sameera reddy track -btw he had an interesting physique
May discuss later..
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November 30, 2012 at 11:09 AM
Not much into choreography any longer, remember I got married…LOL..Nah just no time for time, I am a family man now, no more clubbin, dance battles etc. Mellowed a bit. Well bit of that too, But what I really took from that was that she knows her beats, and dancing game is ALL ABOUT BEATS,
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November 30, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Rangan on the film. Haven’t read it and won’t till I see the film, but here it is:
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November 30, 2012 at 12:59 PM
Major spoiler,I read it. Don’t read BRs review if u plan to watch it
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November 30, 2012 at 1:52 PM
See that’s messed up, A well respected and a responsible critic should NOT let the cat out of the bag. Its’ really not fair to the production house or the team that made this movie. It could be anyone’s movie, for that matter in all fairness, I am Anti-SRK and I would condemned such behaviour for his movie as well. Not jus saying cause its AAAAmir movie.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:17 PM
Spoiler warnings would be nice, of course, but I think the audience also needs to take some responsibility with this stuff. I mean if one is really very worried about encountering a spoiler, isn’t the easiest solution to avoid the minefield of the blogosphere? I haven’t read Rangan’s review but I think I would expect nothing less than a comprehensive piece from him. Part of a reviewer’s responsibility is to be lucid and honest about his or her experience of a work, and this does sometimes entail revealing things. A spoiler warning is a good tool, but I think some self-moderation is even more useful….
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November 30, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Am not sure what is a point of a review if one is not supposed to read it before seeing a movie. That is the whole purpose behind the existence of the reviewers!
Of course, we often read views/ reviews of
People whose judgement we trust even after seeing the film to compare how that read the film
But if this was a question on Family Feud- the number one reason why people read movies reviews The answer would be 90%?said- to help them decide whether or not to watch the movie!!
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November 30, 2012 at 3:46 PM
There’s obvious truth to what you’re saying even if I think reviews are as useful if not more useful to read after one sees a film. Especially if we’re talking about a good reviewer. But to use your own example, if you did a survey of “What’s the best way to avoid spoilers?” you’d overwhelmingly get “Don’t read reviews”!
My point is simply that especially for a movie like this, reading a review top to bottom is perhaps not the most prudent thing if spoilers are a big issue for someone. Even here I’ve mostly been skimming the comments. These days, review-aggregate sites like metacritic and rottentomatoes make it very simple to get a sense of whether the movie is getting a good critical response or not. There are options to avoid the mines!
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November 30, 2012 at 3:49 PM
I am a big fan of Rangan’s reviews but this is not a very good review IMO. He could have easily skipped the spoiler part of the movie.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Haven’t read the review so I can’t speak to that. As I said, a spoiler warning would be useful.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Don’t want to sound like I’m okay with spoilers. They can be a real bummer. But I also find it a bit odd to see the moaning and groaning over spoilers when to my mind they’re pretty easily avoidable…
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November 30, 2012 at 4:04 PM
“But if this was a question on Family Feud- the number one reason why people read movies reviews The answer would be 90%?said- to help them decide whether or not to watch the movie!!”
Have to agree there ..
A reviewers job is predominantly BEFORE a prospective viewer to guide him/her
Rangan earlier gave more priority to his own reading pleasure over the readers he is writing a review for !
Haven’t read his talash review bit is he is giving out spoilers for a talash like film –that’s an elementary mistake
Sorry rangan -I have to say as it is.!
Ps: hope rangan fans like anya don’t attack me now lolp
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November 30, 2012 at 4:04 PM
GF, I understand that one can avoid it but it rankles that a smart guy like BR would so non chalantly throw in a spoiler and in a part of review where one would least expect it and yes, no warming either!
I often read reviews to fo an opinion of what to expect . Some movies I watch because of the reviews and some inspite of them.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:34 PM
There are two types of reviewers. Those who produce superficial opinion pieces that can nevertheless provide a reliable sense of whether or not one wants to see a movie. Then there are essayists who really engage with a film on a different level – not simply appraising it but actually attempting to figure out what the filmmaker is communicating. Rangan to my mind falls in the latter category. His pieces often feel even more rich once one has seen the movie and can then take part in the “conversation” that he has with his readers.
Having said this I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying very much. And as I mentioned, a spoiler warning is very useful.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:07 PM
BTW, if people stopped reading reviews before watching a film a lot of them would be without a job! The reviewers that is.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:09 PM
Actually I don’t see where Rangan has given away the suspense. Perhaps Rajen wouldn’t like to kno2 anything about the film for which as suggested one shouldn’t read reviews.
There would be nothing to write if one didn’t give more information than what one knows generally, and that’s what Rangan has done. No way has he given the suspense away.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:12 PM
OG, read it carefully. Don’t want to say it here for obvious reasons.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:14 PM
OG, read the end of the first paragraph ! If you don’t mind spoilers that is.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:17 PM
There is a none too subtle difference between revealing ashore plot element and suspense. Obviously the later is often the former but the former doesn’t have to be the later!
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November 30, 2012 at 4:21 PM
For once I didn’t read any of the reviews. Unfortunately Bored put up a comment here that I saw. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known that bit either.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:17 PM
Major plot element
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November 30, 2012 at 4:26 PM
No Rajan, that’s not what you think. I feel you read in a hurry. If you like you can go back and read that the person for who it is writen is not the one which you think. It’s what happens right at the beginning of the film.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:46 PM
rangan is out of his mind….after watching jthj 😉
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November 30, 2012 at 4:33 PM
Major plot element
Of, could b right.
Will kno
Later. Apologies to BR if I am wrong!
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November 30, 2012 at 11:23 AM
All those who have seen Talaash, I have a question.
Does Kareena’s sophisticated, beautiful, prostitute’s role fit in the dark, gloomy, non glamourous seedy parts of Mumbai, as shown in the film?
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November 30, 2012 at 12:35 PM
How about Rakhi Sawant playing that role!
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November 30, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Who cares who plays – but the sophistication? High class look? Any answers anyone?
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November 30, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Oldgold & sanju
The issue with ‘sophisticated look’ is that for folks it works in ‘contrasts’
So a vidya balan in dirty picture somehow is more interesting to people
Similarly a rashi sawant won’t do much as a ‘prostitute’
That’s how minds work
As for Kareena -she doesn’t work as a normal girl or a prostitute –infact anything 🙂
Though here she is threatening to give a good ‘performance’ (not as a prostitute but as an actress maybe)
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November 30, 2012 at 11:44 AM
OK then..have booked tickets tonite for TALAASH..though in US, did not wish to take a chance and so advance-booked!! Paid and extra 1.25$ for the advance booking!! So here’s 12$ to the TALAASH fund.
Boond Boond se banti hain Aamir/Kiran/Azad aur Excel ka saagar..
The great DK did catch TALAASH then..AB Sr is missing…Where is he Satyam? SRK is missing too!!!Come on SRK …be a sport… didn’t AK attend JTHJ screening?
Ah this Alex’s bug of being Narad Muni is biting me too..kidding Alex.
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/more/videos/view/id/1612792
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November 30, 2012 at 11:47 AM
AB sr and Jr are at a film festival in Morroco. As for Srk, dont think he can digest good cinema. [edited]
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November 30, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Isn’t SRK also at the Marrakesh festival?
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November 30, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Think he is shooting in Goa for Chennai Express at the time. Could be wrong.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:20 PM
As I see it on twitter, Many of the A list celebs are out of town at the moment. I actually see this trend every winter in Bombay. Not sure why, cause it really aint all that cold in Bombay.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:39 PM
Perhaps it’s in homage to Hollywood.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:37 PM
But then again, don’t most of the Hollywood celebs live in Cali? And mind you, some of them actually go to colder places to spend their xmas, Like NY, Denver (for skiing), to Scotland and England even.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:20 PM
I was kidding…lol
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November 30, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Single Screens And Mass Belts Low For Talaash
Friday 30th November 2012 16.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash could not open well at single screens and multiplexes in mass dominated circuits and there was not much improvement in the shows after. The multiplexes are in urban cities are good but eventually there is a limit to how far these cinema’s can take a film. The single screen opening is around 40%.
The first day will come out with a decent total but not the sort of number expected from a wide release Aamir Khan film after three years. The average business in many circuits will tell on the first day business despite big contribution’s by metro multiplexes.
The business in the big circuits (Mumbai and Delhi/UP) is not optimum as if Mumbai city has good numbers, Gujarat has low figures. If Delhi city is good, UP is recording low numbers.
http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5155&nCat=
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November 30, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Despite a low-profile marketing campaign, Talaash took a bumper opening today. The film, featuring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, and produced by Reliance Entertainment, Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment, clocked 80-per cent occupancy across territories. Reema Kagti’s second outing as a director, the movie will should steady across the next few days, according to distributors.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines says, “Talaash opened at 70-80 per cent in Mumbai and across India. Its reports are also good and almost all the night shows have been booked in advance. The weekend too is promising for the film as all three actors, Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, have a huge fan following.”
http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/talaash-takes-bumper-opening/
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November 30, 2012 at 12:28 PM
whom to believe… lets wait for first day numbers SM, as i feel
1) the movie has got positive wom.
2) it will slowly develop at the weekend.
Tomorrow is the Key, if it rises, then good wom is proved to prove jump.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:41 PM
I expect a strong weekend here and expect it to do well even otherwise. In any case as I’ve said before this is the only major production I’ve been excited about all year and I don’t believe I’m forgetting anything.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:36 PM
this whole commentary is pretty unfair. Not that I’m surprised. You can do only so much with multiplexes is a hilarious line coming from those who supported all those SRK starrers for years! Yeah KHNH was burning up the C centers! Even K3G by Johar’s own admission did barely ok in B, C centers while KKHH did nothing. And single/double screens often behave like these centers.
I think Talaash will have a first day as strong as is humanly possible for this kind of film. Now some live in a fantasy world where Talaash opens like Ghajini or something. That’s ridiculous. And incidentally the same logic holds whether a star does a film every year or once in three years. Certain subjects just don’t attract the widest audience share. People don’t say ‘I’m not interested in this kind of film but Aamir’s showing up after 3 years so I’ll show up for it! I owe him this!’.
As for BOI forget the whole single screen thing. They’ve actually defended tons of fairly low or barely half-decent totals for films that should have opened better universally. With Talaash I always knew this was a multiplex only deal with participation for some important major metro single screens and so on.
But hey I could be wrong. if someone can show me a suspense drama in the entire history of Bollywood that opens like dominant genre commercial fare or even grosses the same I’m all eyes and ears! Again pure suspense drama and not masala fare with a suspense/thriller angle to it. Even the latter are usually not the biggest grossers.
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November 30, 2012 at 12:50 PM
you have hit the nail on the head satyam!
and this is were problems begins, in box office classifications, and reporting of BOI.
I may not need to know history, but only by referring and reading side by side the commentary of first day of JTHJ and Talaash one comes to know of :
1) they dont have clear way of reporting
2) they dont understand difference between apple and oranges.
As far i have seen the WOM is good, it might not shake the earth but when was last time any big star acted in such a film and what was the opeing, there are no recent standards available to gauge it.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:09 PM
The very points you’ve made light of, and being sarcastic about;
>eg Now some live in a fantasy world where Talaash opens like Ghajini or something.
…you would have used this fact to say how bad it is for a star to have an opening any less. Be consistent.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:54 PM
Nope.. I have never used such a standard without taking the genre into context. Anyone who asserts the obvious has not read only a thousand comments of mine! For years I have stressed on ‘genre’ in every discussion imaginable. Now I know you would like to forget all contexts to somehow make this film into a 3I where it can then be compared to every other film which is fine but luckily your desire itself does not a plausible argument make!
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November 30, 2012 at 4:04 PM
You have boasted many times how Gajhani was a first, because this wasn’t the popular genre at that time – and stated – but an Amir can do it.
The archives must be full of how Amir draws in crowds ‘in spite of’ – the mark of a successful star.
Now you are parroting – in every comment – “For this genre”.
I think Ra.One MNIK and JTHJ were not genre feriendly films. The last one is not a popular genre at present. But you have always insisted that a star should be able to get crowds in, and that they should have earned more if it wasn’t for SRK’s fading star.
In fact the basis of your praise for Amir has always been the fact that he gets in crowds for films that are not massy. 3I (before it became a success) was also considered to be such a film.
If this film is a success, then what you have always praised Amir for will hold good, but you seem to feel unsure and are repeating stuff like “for this genre” as if forestalling something.
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November 30, 2012 at 4:20 PM
“I think Ra.One MNIK and JTHJ were not genre feriendly films”
Actually SRK has done genres not friendly to audiences all his life but let’s leave that aside. If you can’t detect the humor in those three examples it would be pointless trying to explain it to you!
On the rest actually there’s nothing contradictory between what I’ve said today and what you’re quoting. Aamir gets the biggest audience for any genre. So if you can show me someone get a better initial and final gross for the films he’s attempted, specially the ‘different’ ones, I’d be happy to stand to correction. Even with Talaash I’ve said forever, what Aamir gets here defines the limits of the genre. This might sound like an absolutist position and it is in one sense but there’s a certain reason behind it. Aamir has built up the kind of prestige and credibility with audiences where even for genres people wouldn’t normally lionize he’s likely to get a much larger cross-section of the ‘skeptical’ audience.
However this doesn’t mean that genre limitations don’t exist. Just that Aamir can override them more than any of his peers. So indeed he’s getting audiences for genres others wouldn’t but what this means is that others might get 30% of a potential audience while Aamir might get 50%. Or whatever. No contradiction therefore.
If you don’t like my answer you can call it spin as you usually do!
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November 30, 2012 at 4:35 PM
You apply these rules only when you want – and for whom you want.
Of course I don’t expect youu to agree, but I wanted to point it out.
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November 30, 2012 at 5:03 PM
Well as I said if you didn’t like my answer you’d call it spin! The interesting thing here is, if you think that’s all I’m doing why do you even ask my opinion? Or if I’m only spinning why do you even bother to try and prove I’m contradicting myself? presumably if I am that good at spinning all these things won’t trip me up!
It is because contrary to what you claim you know there’s something to what I say. For instance you cannot really find me a ‘different’ SRK film (or that with any other star) that does as well or better than a different Aamir film. How do you avoid the problem? By calling every SRK failure a different film or one belonging to a different genre! Similarly the different films Aamir does are actually fairly normal commercial products. In some universe JTHJ is trickier than Talaash! Much as liking Ra One more than Inception is nothing odd because you like the genre of the latter more than that of the former (of course never knew you liked sci-fi/fantasy/superhero fare that much till SRK attempted it.. Ra One we know has nothing to do with the Hollywood genres you claim not to like). I certainly give you full marks for perversity! And I’m not making fun here. I know you’re saying all this completely seriously.
In all seriousness (!) I apply the rules far too consistently as even Amitabh Bachchan knows on his very blog. Don’t think I can be much more fair about these rules than telling the great one on his blog I don’t like most of the stuff he’s done over the past two decades or more! Of course I should add here that there are no ‘rules’ as you term them. These are just certain concerns, ideological interests and so on. I like lots of films for lots of different reasons. Including many of SRK’s work from KHKN to DDLJ to Dil Se. It’s not exactly my fault that he does RNBDJ and JTHJ these days! I do though agree with GF.. despite Shetty’s mediocrity and excess I think Chennai Express will be far better than all these efforts and probably even an enjoyable film otherwise. Wouldn’t even be surprised to see a better film than BB here.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:21 PM
The BOI commentary struck me as spin in the other direction — that is, they are trying to put a brave front on a not-so-good opening, something you have charged them with when they write about SRK’s films. So mainly I was struck that they were doing the same thing for another big star.
I certainly do see a change in BOI’s commentary from the time they started to now. At the beginning, they more or less called things as they saw them, and, since no one knew who was running the site, they had the freedom of anonymity, so to speak. Since then, as their numbers have begun to be quoted by more and more people as being the most reliable, they seem to have come under pressure from the big players in the industry, and now have more people to please, or more egos to keep unruffled.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:24 PM
Yes no one seems to be doing a hatchet job on Talaash yet. Tomorrow will be the key.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:36 PM
Yeah sandy–u said it right-no hatchet job
TA, KN are all lying drowsy /drunk after another fans booze party, it seems
Btw I feel talash should pick up over the weekend with good wom
I will be contributing as well (amongst a few others) this weekend
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November 30, 2012 at 9:08 PM
I’ve seen a few low ratings. Indian Express and Raja Sen have given 2.5/5 – I didn’t read the reviews, however. I’m more intrigued by Raja Sen’s tweet on the film — It’s a Vikram Bhatt not directed by Vikram Bhatt. Is that merely referring to one of the plot elements which could be construed to be Vikram Bhatt’s favored genre? Or that it is a rip off of a HW film? I shall know in due course, no doubt.
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November 30, 2012 at 2:01 PM
No there’s no brave front here because the terms of the debate are just wrong. If Talaash opened in single screens the way it has in multiplexes then it would just be a Ghajini! Films that open very well in all kinds of screens generally belong to a mass format. Everyone agrees this is a strong multiplex opening. The single screen argument is simply a red herring. Also the BOI commentary cannot be taken in isolation. They play these other games where because JTHJ didn’t turn out the way they would have wished they’re not exactly eager to give Talaash everything.
And again I’ve said this for many years. There is no general 80% opening or 40% opening with few exceptions. It all depends. So you can quote numbers selectively to justify your claim. By the way Taran says the response at single screens is comparatively lower. he’s not saying it’s low in an absolute sense. Not saying I’m following him either but it’s all a question of where you place the stress. what everyone has agreed on is that the bulk of the prints are concentrated in multiplexes so even if were doing poorly in single screens it wouldn’t matter very much. This isn’t a release where you have a vast number of single screen prints. It’s much more tilted towards multiplexes here. Which is incidentally a point ‘ve made in earlier years too when people compare say a film releasing on a 1000 screens versus something on 2000. If the former has 80-90% of those prints in multiplexes and if the latter has a more equal division because of differences in genre the gross could still end up in more or less the same place. The 1000 screen release is not disadvantaged because it wouldn’t do much more if it got a lot more single/double screens.
To reframe the original point since every Hollywood blockbuster movie doesn’t open like TDK clearly there are screens or regions where those films run lower or low percentages. Similarly if Talaash were opening very strong in both multiplexes and other kinds of screens it would be D3! Or something along those lines. And here I’ve said something similar about most big releases. The trade makes a big fuss about them and throws out all kinds of absurd claims but the fact is that doing say 15-20 crores in one day for a mass market format and across a very high screen count is not very impressive at all. Which is why you see a film like Rockstar post numbers that look very strong in comparison just on the basis of multiplexes. And no one said Rockstar was stupendous in these screens. It got within a few crores of many mass market openers over the first few days. How did that happen?! Well precisely because those other films weren’t doing all that impressively. I made this point recently too. JTHJ wasn’t even doing ok in most places. If it were it couldn’t have been matched (eventually) by a film that was mostly doing well in single/double screens.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:01 PM
“Talaash could not open well at single screens and multiplexes in mass dominated circuits and there was not much improvement in the shows after. The multiplexes are in urban cities are good but eventually there is a limit to how far these cinema’s can take a film. The single screen opening is around 40%.”
Yeah it is a ‘different’ film and so on but aamir is coming after three years for his ‘thirsty longing’ fans
Well that’s a bit concerning
I am hoping things pick up though …
Needs to happen to keep the flag of quality cinema high.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Must agree that this commentary paints a gloomier picture than it maybe
The opening figure of 40% (!!) strikes one on the face
IF the film picks up
–it’s good n deserving not some may argue that it’s due to the film being good not the star power
But still 40% for a topnotch (no–number 1!) star after 3-4 years is indefensible in ANY genre though I have real doubts on that fire
Not seen the film but expect it to pick up big time over the weeks
Hoping for aamirs sake..
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November 30, 2012 at 1:14 PM
Amusing and predictable objections from fans of other Khans!
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November 30, 2012 at 1:17 PM
@rajen i accept ur advice (on other thread ) of other not to take his comments seriously after this one.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:35 PM
Salman fans are SRK fans and it is not vice versa.But they always join together against. Naveed is an exception.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:15 PM
LOL.. alex! Sorry but u are loosing respect each day. hence forth no replies to you as someone suggest, that is lame.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:41 PM
Rooney, its an exceptional movie for me. My favourite Rani has atlast got a role to showcase her talent. It is not necessary to wear makeup to get attention. Acting is what matters. Rani has a natural beauty which is so Indian. For a change, she is subdued and restrained.
It is not fair to praise only the stars. The others are no less and asserted themselves and gave memorable performances.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:53 PM
that’s amzing to know sanjana, how i envy u, as i cant see the flick for two weeks 😦
agree on ur make up point… but unfortunately most people and all feel and girls too that make up makes them beautiful ….
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November 30, 2012 at 1:26 PM
Just came back from watching Talaash in nyc……..I wouldn’t talk about the plot since everyone else is doing it anyway but this is NOT…I repeat not a 100 CR material movie not matter who does it. I have lowered my box office bar to about 110 – 120 CR just on multiplex strength. There is no way I see this movie running in single screen in India.
That being said….Great Movie !
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November 30, 2012 at 1:54 PM
barfi had mainly mult. aud. – 1500 scrn – 120 cr
T has 2500 scr
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November 30, 2012 at 1:28 PM
@ rooney
I’m no aamir hater –infact office u read my posts above –I was going gaga over tala ash Esp after reading some wom reports —
A friend whose judgment I trust ranked this as aamirs top 3 ever !
But it’s a not disappointing
Yeah it maybe wrong biased reporting most probably
But still –the 40% figure is shocking!
Anyhow–
Like u, I hope this is just spin
Will be checking out talash on the big screen and hope it does what it deserves
Unfortunately I can’t change my stance due to ‘fandom ‘–for ANY star
Be it aamir, Salman or srk or their dads
🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 1:37 PM
no alex will never charge u or anyone with hater tag, its just cant see with ur views. thus said sorry!
cant argue further! and i meant only qua box office point… not else wise..
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November 30, 2012 at 1:29 PM
and one more thing….no other actor in the industry would have the guts to not only act but produce a movie like this.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:40 PM
Yeah aamir certainly has the guts- there was never a question bout it
The three year wait are a testimony
Now the big test –box office
No hirani/no munnabhai prestige
aamir with karena & rani
In a slightly different but mainstream setup
Ps: perhaps many don’t understand this
There’s a difference btw ‘wanting’ something to happen ie talash beating everything else and getting prestige and real box office facts
Let’s see the facts–& just keep fandom to one side 🙂
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November 30, 2012 at 2:22 PM
OT, So Alex, have you been still holding those movie screeings for your phoren friends of Indian movies? Just curious. I remember you were going to do something big about that.
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November 30, 2012 at 1:58 PM
in fact khiladi might not find enuf aud. as T will pick up strongly
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November 30, 2012 at 2:08 PM
Let the 100 cr’s and 200 crs be the yardstick for other stars to measure their success. With AAAAmir Khan film, I’d like to know if he has made a good movie which he has been doing for the 20 odd years. With his films, I’d like to know if he has pushed the envelope a little further than last time, I’d like to see if he was able to bring another innovative way of story telling or just if he has a different story to tell. AAAAmir is and always will be ABOVE and BEYOND these 100 and 200 crs, One of his lines from Andaz Apna Apna “Main india ke liye bana hi nahi”
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November 30, 2012 at 2:16 PM
ROFL at this
Can Aamir Khan’s ‘Talaash’ beat Salman Khan’s ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ at box office?
http://www.apunkachoice.com/content/article/sid100012457-can_aamir_khans_talaash_beat_salman_khans_ek_tha_tiger_at_box_office/
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November 30, 2012 at 2:40 PM
Talaash heading for a 15CR first day total…
http://india.nydailynews.com/entertainmentarticle/dbdf30e2781da054730c19993919c6b8/talaash-expected-to-earn-rs15-crore-on-opening-day
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November 30, 2012 at 2:52 PM
that’s an outstanding number for this kind of film. Actually it’s great for most films. With good WOM we’re looking at a 47-50 crore weekend (if not more)!
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November 30, 2012 at 10:55 PM
yeah, 15, 17, 17 – might just touch 50 cr – it has a lot of repeat value so it will trend steadily and wom from audience is super
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November 30, 2012 at 2:56 PM
Talaash Takes Bumper Opening
by Soumita Sengupta (November 30, 2012)
Despite a low-profile marketing campaign, Talaash took a bumper opening today. The film, featuring Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, and produced by Reliance Entertainment, Aamir Khan Productions and Excel Entertainment, clocked 80-per cent occupancy across territories. Reema Kagti’s second outing as a director, the movie will should steady across the next few days, according to distributors.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines says, “Talaash opened at 70-80 per cent in Mumbai and across India. Its reports are also good and almost all the night shows have been booked in advance. The weekend too is promising for the film as all three actors, Aamir Khan, Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, have a huge fan following.”
In Delhi-UP, Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts adds, “There were heavy rains in our region last night and the weather was very cold. People usually don’t venture out to watch movies in the morning under these conditions but Talaash opened at 80-90 per cent in UP-Delhi. The numbers are expected to go up after the noon shows. And footfalls will further increase at the weekend.”
In East Punjab, Surendra Saluja of Lakshya Movies says, “The film opened at 40-50 per cent here and even the reports are not very good. Advance booking has not yet opened for the evening shows.”
In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez says Talaash opened really strong in multiplexes, at 65-70 per cent. “I call this a ‘good opening’ because there was no buzz or any real promotion around the film. The numbers will rise in the first week due to word-of-mouth publicity. Weekend shows are half-full already due to advance booking.”
In Saurashtra-Gujarat, Ajay Bagbai of Rajvi Trade Links says, surprisingly, the morning shows didn’t open with great numbers in this territory, compared to other regions. “Talaash opened at 40-45 per cent,” he says.
In CP, Sarang Chandak of Shri Rang Films says, “Opening of Talaash is around 70-75 per cent in Multiplexes whereas in single screen it’s 60 per cent. Reports of the film are really good. It would have done better but some screens are still playing Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar. Talaash got 110 screens in CP.”
On the other hand, Gaurav Gaur of O’Real Imaginations in Rajasthan says Talaash took a great opening in multiplexes, at 80-90 per cent, whereas it clocked 60-70 per cent in single-screens. “The night show should be almost full as half the tickets have already sold due to advance booking. Over the weekend too, the film will generate good business. And like any other Aamir Khan film, this film too will also grow with word of mouth.”
In Nizam too, Talaash opened really well, especially at multiplexes. Ravi Machhar of Sahyog Films reveals, “In Aurangabad, the film was assigned 72 morning shows and it did an extraordinary business. For the rest of the day, advance booking is quite strong and the reports of the film are really good.”
In Orissa, Jeetu Khandelwal of Movie Pioneers concludes, “This film is for the elite, multiplex audience because the response from the single-screen audience is not very good. They seem to have expected something else from Aamir Khan, who has not had a film in three years. But the multiplex audience seems to love the movie. In Orissa, Talaash opened at 75-80 per cent.”
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November 30, 2012 at 3:16 PM
Talaash heading for 20 CR first day? This one seems to be stretching a bit with numbers….the article is going overboard.
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/box-office/2012/aamir-khan-talaash-opening-response-indian-box-office-101594.html
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November 30, 2012 at 3:21 PM
Some good answers by Aamir here. Check it out.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:25 PM
This is for you Satyam Sir, I am sure you will enjoy listening to this conversation from Business point of view for Indian Cinema.
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November 30, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Part 2
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November 30, 2012 at 5:59 PM
If anyone says they found the ending of Talaash great they HAVE to accept JTHJ premise as well. LOL
Not that I minded Talaash’s ending, but then I accept such things.
If Rangan could compare an aspect of JTHJ with that of Taalash, I have more to compare, but for the sake of not giving out spoilers I’ll desist at present.
Kareena was really good, Rani too. Amir had the right expression – and he had it fixed on his face throughout.
I found a scene (a crucial one) similar to an old hindi film. Another was in a popular sitcom.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:25 PM
As expected–hopefully talaash should climb up over the weekend now
Oldgold–have u already seen talaash–how come ?
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November 30, 2012 at 6:35 PM
The usual way.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:46 PM
Haha 😉 ok –is it a good quality link
Hav u seen others like jthj .. Whats your review for that
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November 30, 2012 at 6:33 PM
Ok guys it is a full house in DC…if the film excites me..will post something
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November 30, 2012 at 6:36 PM
Ann–concentrate on the movie man…
R u typing away even in the middle of the show–hmm…that’s something—
If u r so dedicated to us–y not provide a live scene by scene live webinar– keep texting away live feed 🙂
A new feature here—my idea (though I can’t do that myself)
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November 30, 2012 at 7:30 PM
That reminds me–where did mr anya go?
Missing ‘him’ 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 2:14 AM
of course you are. satyam is not reciprocating your feelings, so you have to look elsewhere.
i was busy catching an afternoon show of talaash at a small theater in nyc, it was about 60% full and saw a long line enough to fill it to capacity waiting for the next show as i was leaving.
anyways, here’s my spoiler free take:
the film was engaging; an audience that for the most part refuses to watch anything beyond the dabanggs and the housefulls will probably find it slow, but i didn’t mind the pace. despite being a suspense/mystery, i can understand why aamir was emphasizing on the drama part, because this is definitely not a thriller. this is, more than anything, a story about grief. and much less mainstream ‘entertainer’ in any sense than even the promos suggested. this is an atmospheric, mood and character-driven tale of emotions simmering under the surface brought to a head by a certain incident.
i think luck by chance had the most interesting opening credits of any hindi film in recent memory, and i couldn’t help think of that as these credits rolled, although these are not as good. but attention to little things was just as evident and interesting here (a hooker trying to cover her bruise with make-up for example). little moments, tiny details and performances are what make this film. kagti had said that she wanted these particular players, especially actresses, due to them bringing a certain gravitas to the proceedings. and this was obviously the right decision. in a time when jha casts katrina in the role of a hindi speaking politician because, well, she is hot you know (or so i hear), it was a great decision not to go with any of the younger but completely interchangeable ‘heroines’ working today. these are not typical women oriented author backed roles but both rani and kareena looked better and were more graceful and restrained here than they have been in years. this is also aamir’s most performance-oriented role in past few years as he has been focusing more on stories and taking a total back-seat when necessary such as in tzp. but he makes full use of the opportunity here. this is a man hanging by a thread, his body tense and almost bursting with relentless grief; you can feel the relief when he finally lets go (the lady sitting next to me started crying, heh!). nawaz is brilliant again, though his is the more ‘obvious’ role here. aamir and kareena shared some of the best scenes and had good chemistry. the film is technically perfect and looks gorgeous. music is just right; not a ‘chart-bursting album’, but a good film score, accentuating and punctuating in the right places and not overwhelming the narrative. the big moments are not announced with deafening flourish but are unveiled in a sense, that actually makes them more effective.
being a logical person, i shouldn’t prefer this sub-genre of suspense. but it can be great when done right; some of the most popular and iconic films in bw and hw have fallen into this category and i have enjoyed them.
nothing the film has to offer is particularly new, especially if you like the genre and watch a lot of it, indian and foreign. and this is not a flawless film by any stretch, people will also see the twist coming after a certain point as the scenes themselves make it evident. but is genuinely engaging and thoroughly watchable, mostly due to the team involved (creative as well as technical). the bar in the hindi film industry has been so pathetically lowered that talaash has absolutely no problems being a few notches above what big bw stars mostly churn out in the name of mainstream commercial entertainment these days.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:57 AM
Thanx anya –lovely take
Like that line –“this is a man hanging by a thread, his body tense and almost bursting with relentless grief; you can feel the relief when he finally lets go “–this scene itself is worth the attendance I presume
And this is what makes cinema
I had told at the first preview after anecdotal report, that this will be an ace understated nuanced film
My interest is the genre which seems a grief-drama-introspection ‘bonanza’ (though that can be an oxymoron) 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 4:01 AM
Great review Antya- very well-articulated. 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 4:25 PM
thanks guys!
not as well articulated as yours ami 🙂
although i feel i was more ok with it not being a thriller, since i didn’t expect it to be one.
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December 2, 2012 at 6:25 AM
Beautiful note Antya. Can’t really disagree with anything. Just that I liked it far more than U did. Hope we will get a longer piece from u
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December 2, 2012 at 7:09 AM
thanks saurabh. i liked it a lot. let’s just say i was able to embrace it, flaws and all.
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November 30, 2012 at 6:53 PM
-happened to hesitatingly check dabang2 fevicol–
Horrible, atrocious, spoilt my mood–what gutter stuff
Revisited this Rahman track 2 get my sanity back
Just feel like bowing to rahmans magic here—
Brilliant music and vocals
Allah Rakha Rahman @ his ethereal best….
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November 30, 2012 at 7:14 PM
I am humbled by this composition- even vocals are ace wow^^
And now– the big news …
Perhaps my most awaited Indian film–seems now it will get made finally –..though with shekhar kapoor u can never know–hope he stays sane n focused this time
Shekhar kapoor–AR Rahman –Aditya Chopra (surprise surprise!)
I suspect it will be hritik and can’t rule an a-lister Hollywood actress this time….
Shekhar Kapur and Yash Raj Films have joined hands to make Shekhar’s ambitious project, Paani. Talking about this association, Shekhar said, “I have been preparing for this film for a long time, but always wanted an Indian partner that has the same passion for the film as I do and in Adi, I have finally found that. It’s a huge production that demands futuristic sets and large action pieces. With Yash Raj Films, I have found a perfect home for Paani.”
The film is based in a future world where wars over water have broken out. Water is now owned by International Corporations who use thirst as a weapon of control. In one such future city, a young love story breaks all the rules and in the ensuing war, water flows back to its people. The film will have a strong Indian and Western star cast, headed by a young leading actor from India and a young leading actress from the west.
The film, Produced by Aditya Chopra and Directed by Shekhar Kapur, will be shot in India and overseas. Music is by A. R. Rahman. Paani goes on floor mid-2013.
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/1612300/Yash-Raj-Films-joins-hands-with-Shekhar-Kapur-to-make-Paani
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November 30, 2012 at 7:46 PM
Ok– u will know where u heard first–straight from anecdotal account
Cast -Hritik Roshan , Kirsten Stewart, another Indian heroine (possibly PC may feature in a cameo)
Music director -AR RAhman
Director- Shekhar kapoor
Producer –Aditya Chopra
Probably -Reliance tie-up, Fox
All the best
Under the situation- The best possible confluence of art, commerce,
And perhaps the turning point in the Bollywood – Hollywood co-productions
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November 30, 2012 at 7:54 PM
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December 1, 2012 at 1:03 AM
LOL! Kristen Stewart might be an absolutely hopeless actress, but she is an enormous star. She’s the lead of one of the most succesful movie franchises of all time, and apparently she is being paid $10 million + 5% of the profits in order to star in the Snow White sequel. You really think that YRF is going to pay an actress around 50 crores + a share in the profits? And there is no way that she will act in an Indian movie (especially in a hero-oriented movie where she’s just one of two heroines) unless they make it worth her while financially.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:09 AM
Bollywood needs to stop embarassing themselves by putting out these silly press releases about Natalie Portman/ Kristen Stewart/ any A-List Hollywood actress starring in their movies. These women get paid millions of dollars to star in hit Hollywood films that centre around them- why on earth would they want to come to Bollywood where actresses get paid a few crores for their movies and must choose between playing the love interest in big films or doing small, female-oriented movies (Vidya Balan being the sole exception)?
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December 1, 2012 at 4:23 PM
if bw has to stop embarassing itself, it will have to stop making films too (for the most part)
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December 1, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Kirsten Stewart nearly onboard in principle –though the ‘technical details’are difficult to clinch–yeah
Not as difficult nowadays with expanding market–some recent suxesses like slumdong, artist, life of PI–hw looking into this ‘internationalisation’…
Though hope shekhar kapoor uncle doesn’t get more of his flight of ideas –adis no less…Watch the space…
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December 1, 2012 at 1:21 AM
What is Paani about? Does it require a foreign actress in the lead? I
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November 30, 2012 at 7:59 PM
“whether Hrithik or not, newcomers or not, I can guarantee that my film with Hrithik and some newcomers will release before Paani.”
Haha agree –mine as well–
Paanis sequel–ice
Though in this case -I hope shekhar kapoor mends his ways
This needs/deserves a big star -both Bollywood and Hollywood
wait n watch–know some1 involved
This won’t get made with newcomers hopefully
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November 30, 2012 at 8:30 PM
Variety has given a fair review.
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117948845?refcatid=31
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November 30, 2012 at 11:13 PM
The review says the film is absolutely superb with great crossover potential. I havent seen the film yet, but if the script is original even my Hollywood standards, it could do fabulously.
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November 30, 2012 at 11:57 PM
the movie reminded me a lot of other hollywood movies but obviously the setting was totally different. the concept was similar. i liked the film. i think the acting on all parts was solid, even kareena. i think rani is great and to me was a award worthy performance in her short role. Aamir was solid but that was expected. this is a well made movie no doubt about that, the only doubt i have is the box office.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:30 AM
Negative review
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-en-1204-talaash-20121130,0,7891857.story
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November 30, 2012 at 9:21 PM
Mid-Day too.
http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/nov/301112-Talaash-movie-review.htm
Excerpts:
So is ‘Talaash’ anything like ‘Kahaani’, you may ask. Yes, in the way all thrillers would be like each other. But otherwise, no. ‘Talaash’ shows a different canvas, paints a different mood. A no-frills taut plot, a gripping even pace, a limited character palette, some surreal moments, ‘Talaash’ is consistent as a thriller. In fact its slow, measured to-the-point story telling is its greatest strength, even if it starts giving away the plot towards the end.
Reema’s film is somber, sensitive but above all controlled. She manages to portray the juxtaposition of Shekhawat’s personal and professional dilemma with empathy and ease. Ram Sampath’s background score is gritty just like the underbelly setting of the film.
The performances too are excellent. Nawazuddin, the find of the season, does a swell job as the crippled conniving Taimur. Aamir’s Surjan is always leashed, stingy with his humour as well as anger but utterly superb as the pivot of the film.
Rani Mukerji has a layered complex character which she plays faultlessly. Her grief is tangible and her angry outbursts heart-rending. Kareena has a flatter, glitzier part but she is also flawless.
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November 30, 2012 at 9:24 PM
OK finished the movie – good one. DO NOT GO NEAR ANY EVEN 1 percent SPOILER FILLED MOVIE REVIW IF YOU WANT TO ENJOY THIS MOVIE IN ITS ENTIRETY
BHALO MANUSH – sorry but sc$&@ you 4 ur soiler
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November 30, 2012 at 10:40 PM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
INDIA: #Talaash Fri Rs 14.52 cr nett. Fantastic growth in evening and night shows.
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November 30, 2012 at 11:02 PM
Just back from Talaash….gem of a movie, very tight screenplay, Aamir , Nawaz and Kareena are too good in the movie…….however does not have much repeat value and the pacing is too slow for single screen and aunties……
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November 30, 2012 at 11:48 PM
Thanks. I think repeat happens if you end such movies at strategic point.
ps – I havn’t seen the movie.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:03 AM
“however does not have much repeat value and the pacing is too slow for single screen and aunties……”
i agree with that. i don’t see how this will have any repeat viewers. with the release of a mass entertainer next week and then the biggest movie of 2012 releasing 2 weeks after..it will be tough for this movie to trend well. i think june 1st (original release date) was great timing for this movie…had a 2 week free run prior to RR releasing. i think it will end up around 60-70cr none the less.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Why “aunties”, and whom do you define as “aunties?”
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December 1, 2012 at 12:08 AM
Idea Unique above thinks the film has a lot of repeat value, but Omrocky doesn’t. I wonder why.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:12 AM
Idea is an Aamir fan…Same as you take Raja Sen or Shubra Gupta’s review of SRK movie or Aamir’s movie.. 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 1:04 AM
Since you have no idea whose reviews I give credibility to, it’s better not to assume things. I don’t know who Shubra Gupta is, and I pay no attention to Raja Sen, and I don’t recall ever saying I agree with either of them. There is actually no critic in India that I agree with without question.
It would in fact be better for discussions here if people got out of seeing everyone’s comments through a particular “fan filter.” If I were to follow suit, I’d have to discount 90% of the comments here because they’re obviously being made via a “Bachchan filter.” Then there would be no point to engaging in any discussion at all. Now, Munna, you rarely do this — in fact this is the first time I have ever seen you say something like this, so I am very surprised — but it only shows that even someone like you has been affected by the general atmosphere.
My question about the repeat viewing of Talaash was about the film. I wondered what aspects of the film Idea Unique felt made it worth rewatching, and why those aspects didn’t strike Omrocky the same way. That question remains to be answered.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:29 AM
You asked couple of obvious questions. If you read bunch of reviews or comments about Talaash it is clear that the movie has less chance of repeat viewing. Idea stating opposite could easily be reasoned. Raja Sen and Shubra Gupta are seasoned reviewers. Their biases are very obvious if you go through their archived reviews.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:32 AM
sm, i wud avoid responding to munna’s tasteless comparison with raja and shubhra…i would mention that it has a lot of repeat value because of:
1). Lot of details have gone into create an atmosphere for each scene – cinematography is top-notch here.
2). Background score and songs – watching them in the film really is worth savoring again
3). Aaamir, Rani, Kareena, Nawaz, Shernaz – have delivered amazing performances and there are many subtle gestures/moments I found where impeccable timing was required and they delivered.
4). Emotional quotient is high in the film and a film-buff would like the deliberate slow pacing accompanied with crisp editing
5). Climax 25 min – esp. the last sequence and the song in that last 25 min – “hona hei kya” that was an amazing cinematic exp.
I would savor the exp. of 1st watching for a week and then head for 2nd time
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December 1, 2012 at 1:52 AM
sm, hear the 4th song here “Hona hei kya”
I love this song very much and before I watched the film – I had imagined it picturised in a different way but when I saw it in the film – it was surprising…
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December 1, 2012 at 2:08 AM
Thank you, Ideq Unique (sorry, it’s going to take a bit of mental readjustment for me to think of you as Raju 🙂 ). You have explained very well what you like about the film. From all accounts, the main strengths seem to be the performances of the actors, which I’m glad to hear, as I like them all.
Thanks also for the song. I’ll listen to it now.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:04 AM
HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan plays a top cop in Mumbai working to crack in an unsolvable case in Reema Kagti’s thriller.
Some thrillers are described as taut. Talaash isn’t taut, but loose and messy, the better to allow life’s jagged edges to disturb the muscular, controlled world that its protagonist, Surjan “Suri” Shekhawat, has created for himself. When those inevitable cracks appear in Suri’s world, the film grabs on tight and doesn’t let go.
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Aamir Khan, Talaash’s star and co-producer with Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, will reap both accolades and revenues from this unapologetically emotional suspense film, eagerly awaited by audiences as Khan’s return to the big screen since the 3 Idiots star’s recent turn as the activist reality show host of the hard-hitting nonfiction Indian TV show Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Prevails), which shines some of Khan’s star power on pressing Indian social issues.
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Now, the challenge is to keep a lid on the film’s twist ending: Khan has taken to Twitter, and Facebook urging viewers: “please don’t let out the suspense!”
A top cop in Mumbai, Suri (Khan) is working to solve a crime that his colleagues say is “A-Final,” or unsolveable: at 4 a.m. a luxury car driven by a Bollywood star careened down Seaface Road, swerved right and crashed through a barrier to splash into the Arabian Sea, killing the actor.
As Suri investigates the death, which took place near a red-light district, he is drawn into the intrigue and secrets of its whores, pimps and drug addicts, most strikingly the mysterious prostitute Rosie (Kareena Kapoor) and the ambitious, crippled Tehmur (Nawazuddin Siddiqui).
Suri pours himself into his work partly to avoid his wife Shreya (Rani Mukerji), who though beautiful, loving and patient, nevertheless reminds Suri of the ache caused by the death of the couple’s 8-year-old son. Shreya and Suri cope with the pain in dramatically different ways: she finds comfort by talking to a psychic, while he scorns the supernatural and tamps down his grief.
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Under the direction of the perceptive Reema Kagti (Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.), who has assisted leading modern filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Farhan Akhtar, performances are strong throughout, and the pacing of the film moves easily from the intimacy of Suri’s home life to the urgency of action scenes set on city streets and even on a busy Mumbai commuter train. Additional dialogue by Farhan Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap adds heft to Kagti and Zoya Akhtar’s screenplay.
Khan is an actor-turned-turned director (the excellent Taare Zameen Par/Like Stars on Earth) with memorable starring roles in the Oscar-nominated Lagaan, the festival charmer Mumbai Diaries and the blockbuster comedy 3 Idiots. Cerebral, quick-talking roles like this are his specialty, but toward the end of this film, a cathartic scene in which he comes face to face with his grief leaves the greatest impact.
Kapoor — who costarred in 3 Idiots and shares an attractive rapport with Khan — shows a new depth in the role of a prostitute who is just a bit too glossy for her squalid surroundings (the reason for this becomes clear). Mukerji (No One Killed Jessica) is warm, inviting and real; while Siddiqui, who has enjoyed exposure to Western audiences in festival films such as Gangs of Wasseypur and Peepli Live, menaces in the role of a grown son of a prostitute who will do anything to escape that world.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/aamir-khans-talaash-search-film-396566
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December 1, 2012 at 1:05 AM
‘Talaash’ likely to earn Rs.15 crores on opening day despite releasing during non-festive season
From rave reviews to overwhelming footfalls, Aamir Khan’s “Talaash ” has hit the bull’s eye, despite the fact it has come out during non-festive season. Trade pundits predict that the film is likely to collect Rs.15 crores on its opening day.
Usually, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan choose to release their films during holiday season in a bid to attract more audiences, however, Aamir defied the norm by releasing “Talaash ” during a non-festive weekend.
If trade pundits are to be believed the film is likely to rake in Rs.15 crores net at the Indian box office on the very first day.
The suspense thriller, starring Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor, is expected to beat the opening collections of “Raaz” (Rs. 10.50 crore), “Bol Bachchan” (Rs.11.75 crore), “Cocktail” (Rs.10.75 crore), “Raajneeti” (Rs.10.50 crore), “Barfi!” (Rs.8.5 crore) – which too released on a non-holiday Friday.
Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/talaash-aamir-khan-rani-mukerji-kareena-kapoor-bollywood/1/235541.html
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December 1, 2012 at 1:09 AM
amir Khan has quietly gone ahead and bended the Bollywood rule once again.
His new release Talaash opened this week on a regular Friday, which means the film is not riding the fabled ‘extended festive weekend’ bandwagon to rake it in.
The thought itself could give most of our other superstars a panic attack. At a time when excessive box-office vanity is at stake (they call it the 100-crore club), every Khan, Kumar and Devgn is battling to corner every possible holiday weekend.
From Holi and Eid to Independence Day, Diwali and Christmas, they have bulldozed all other releases off the big Friday block.
Aamir’s new film also departs from trade norms in another way. Talaash is the actor’s first release in nearly two years since the very arty Dhobi Ghat, which opened in January 2011.
Yet he doesn’t seem too bothered that his new film, an offbeat suspense thriller, is actually sandwiched between two major weekends.
Only a few weeks ago, the Diwali releases- Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son Of Sardaar – fought an ugly battle on and off the screens. And within a week of Talaash, Akshay Kumar returns to the screens with Khiladi 786. These, mind you, are heavy-duty masala fare unlike Aamir’s latest.
But then, Aamir has always been about creating trends rather than following them. If he doesn’t mind the crowded multiplex scenario (count in Skyfall and Life Of Pi, too) on returning after such a long gap, he actually did it after showing the guts to postpone the release of Talaash once.
The film was originally slated to open in June, but Aamir settled for November 30 because he was then busy with his TV show, Satyamev Jayate.
I don’t think many big stars would dare keep a finished product in the backburner for almost six months – more so at a time when prints being leaked from film labs onto your pen drives is about a matter of minutes.
After all this, if Talaash does scale the 100-crore heights – given its optimum marketing and smart release it probably will – you will know why Aamir Khan makes all the difference.
Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ripping-apart-the-usual-script-india-today/1/235513.html
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December 1, 2012 at 1:14 AM
Talaash First Day Business-
Talaash grossed a good 12.25-12.50 crore nett approx on day one due to strong business at multiplexes. Basically most circuits had strong areas and weak areas be it big circuits or smaller circuits.
A Rajasthan was good in Jaipur and Kota but rest were average, Delhi/UP was strong in Delhi city, Noida and Lucknow but other cities were not as good. Similarly in Mumbai circuit, Mumbai city recorded good collections but in Gujarat only a few cities contributed well. The South Indian circuits of Mysore, Nizam and Tamil Nadu were all strong comparatively.
It’s a good start for the film and now the key will be what sort of improvement can come on Saturday as a 12 crore first day on this release leaves room for plenty of growth on Saturday if the audience takes to the film.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:34 AM
@GUJARAT
there is one thing to be noted, yesterday was a marriage day, among 4 dates of marriage being 30th, 3rd, 7th and 9th.
Gujarat is loaded with marriage season (dont know the same abt other places) and even on other days in gujarat there tons of wedding. So i know of many people who would have caught the movie in gujarat yday, but are busy in family functions.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:35 AM
is this BOI or what?
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December 1, 2012 at 1:38 AM
Yes it IS BOI, sorry for not providing the link.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:43 AM
all good. thanks!
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December 1, 2012 at 1:46 AM
its so confusing reading myselfaamir and aamirsfan… if not for that DP… there would be too confusion to read comments!
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December 1, 2012 at 1:47 AM
Ditto 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 1:48 AM
lol sorry bro
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December 1, 2012 at 2:04 AM
No worries. If I am not wrong, I guess you are a D-Blue fan?
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December 1, 2012 at 1:51 AM
all we need now is Aamirsbhai, aamirskiran, aamirsAmmi then itll be a real party!!!
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December 1, 2012 at 1:36 AM
Talaash Opening Day Box Office Collections-
Aamir Khan’s much awaited suspense thriller, Talaash has done an excellent business at the Box Office on Friday. The movie had opened to a decent collection in the morning and afternoon shows on its 1st Day at the Domestic Box Office. However, it picked up well later and showed a fantastic growth in the evening and night shows.
Multiplex response was excellent, but the single screens had an average opening day. With about 90-95% occupancy at the multiplexes and 70-80% occupancy at the single screens across the country, Talaash now stands at a domestic total of about 14 Crores as per early estimates on its 1st Day at the Indian Box Office.
Aamir Khan in a still from Talaash Movie
It’s a great achievement for the Reema Kagti directorial as compared to Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son Of Sardaar, who despite having a Diwali Holiday release made a business of about 15 crores and 10 crores respectively on its 1st Day at the Domestic Box Office.
http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/talaash-opening-day-box-office-collections/
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December 1, 2012 at 1:39 AM
taran tweeted out 14.52cr earlier…above report as lower side..so around 12-15cr. not bad.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:43 AM
Aamir’s Talaash fails to break SRK’s JTHJ record at Box Office
Director Reema Kagti’s second directorial venture Talaash starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukherjee in leads, has done wonderful collection at the Indian Box Office. But the movie has failed to smash the first day collection record of Shahrukh Khan’s recent release Jab Tak Hai Jaan at the domestic business centres.
Late Yash Chopra’s last directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan starring Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma in leads, was released in 2,500 screens in the country on November 13 and collected Rs 15.23 crores nett at the domestic Box Office on the first day. Aamir Khan’s much-anticipated movie Talaash, which also hit 2,500 screens in the country was expected to break this record.
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/box-office/2012/aamir-khan-talaash-first-day-collection-box-office-101604.html
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December 1, 2012 at 1:44 AM
Box office: Aamir Khan’s ‘Talaash’ opens with a bang!
As expected, the Aamir Khan-starrer Talaash has opened with a bang at the box office. The film is doing better at multiplexes than at single screen theatres.
Directed by Reema Kagti and also starring Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji, Talaash opened to a very positive response from cinegoers. The occupancy at multiplexes in the morning shows ranged between 60 to 80 percent, and the footfalls only got louder as the day passed. By evening, the response at multiplexes was just terrific. In comparison, the footfalls at single screen theatres weren’t as much, but the crowds may come in during the weekend.
Early estimates say the film has raked in between Rs. 14.50 to Rs. 15 crore on its opening day, which is a good start for a film releasing on a non-festive weekend. Trade pundits feel the film could touch the 19-20 crore mark either on Saturday or Sunday.
The critical reviews have mostly been positive and the audience response very heartening. The moviegoers have particularly liked the suspense of the film.
Not just in India, Talaash has opened well at box office abroad as well, particularly in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Just for comparison, Talaash has opened better than other non-festive releases of the year like Barfi! (Rs. 8.5 crore) or Bol Bachchan (11.75 crore) or Cocktail (10.75 crore).
If Talaash picks momentum over the weekend and maintains it on the weekdays, we won’t be surprised if the film enters the Rs. 100 crore-club in the first week itself.
http://www.apunkachoice.com/content/article/sid100012492-box_office_aamir_khans_talaash_opens_with_a_bang/
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December 1, 2012 at 2:03 AM
hugely underwhelming ….
from sixth sense to various hollywood thrillers there hve been masterpieces on same script but surely even aamir has not been to salvage underwhelming script….detailed reviews soon there
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December 1, 2012 at 2:21 AM
I enjoyed Talaash immensely, but I must begin by stating that it if you’re entering the theatre expecting an edge-of-your-seat thriller, you will be deeply disappointed. The ‘thriller’ aspect of Talaash is decidedly mediocre, and much of the blame for this lies in the half-baked script and purple dialogue, which seem to be borrowed from a horror story that a ten-year-old made up to scare her friends at a sleepover. The climax, in particular, is a staggeringly amateurish piece of work.
Yet, this is still a film in which there is much to praise and appreciate: it’s chief merits are the wonderfully evocative atmosphere and the perceptive human drama that lies at the heart of this film. Talaash is blessed with an enormously talented cinematographer and music composer, and from the second opening credits roll, the melancholically beautiful, jazz-soaked frames succeed in conjuring up a vision of Mumbai that is simultaneously alluring and unsavory. We’ve seen the underbelly of this city serve as a setting for several crime films before, and whilst Talaash does not make use of this setting in any particularly innovative way, it does view the milieu with intuitive empathy instead of treating it as savage exotica, which benefits the film greatly.
And what Talaash lacks in smartly executed plotlines, it compensates for with insightful characters and moving performances. Expectedly, Aamir does very well as the no-nonsense cop who represses his immense anguish under a façade of machismo; his is a delightfully nuanced character, as is the cripple Temur, who is essayed superbly by Nawazuddin Siddique.
But it’s the heroines who deserve the real acting accolades here; Rosie is saddled with outrageously cheesy lines and ostentatious, inappropriate styling, but Kareena’s conviction and charisma lend humanity and believability to this caricature-like part. And a gorgeously earthy looking Rani manages to similarly infuse her small, sparse role with an enormous amount of vulnerability and humanity.
Finally, what saves Talaash from being just a superficially pretty mood piece is the deconstructive take it offers on the brand of bravado that we come to expect from our action heroes onscreen: the best portions of the film are those that examine Aamir’s festering self-loathing and inability to accept that he was helpless at a time in his life when his strength and skills were most needed, which contrast effectively with the off-screen self-absorbed villainy of the Bollywood action ‘Hero’ and his friends.
And whilst this movie might reveal Kagti’s scriptwriting skills to be somewhat lacking, it also establishes her as a gifted and highly capable director. I look forward to her next feature, which will hopefully employ a different, better script (and dialogue) writer.
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December 1, 2012 at 2:33 AM
agreed with everything here. very well written.
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December 1, 2012 at 2:41 AM
completely agree with everything here. my take was just that it’s not really a thriller at all. otherwise agree with the obvious deficiency in the script department. seems to be a chronic problem afflicting excel. even when they have interesting ideas, they are mostly shortchanged due to scripting issues. the akhtar children have resolved this issue by just engaging in increasingly superficial work, here’s hoping kagti will go the opposite way even if the box-office is not set on fire here. i’ll be looking forward to her next venture too.
btw, excellently written piece here.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:45 AM
Thank you Aamir Fan 🙂
“seems to be a chronic problem afflicting excel. even when they have interesting ideas, they are mostly shortchanged due to scripting issues”
Agree completely Antya- I felt the same way when I watched ZNMD as well- Zoya the talented, perceptive director was being short-changed by Zoya the shallow, cliched writer.
But it’s not just the script- the dialouges in Talaash were pretty bad as well. OTOH, I really enjoyed the witty dialouges penned by Javed Akhtar for Luck By Chance. When Excel happens to have such a talented director in the family, why don’t they atleast let him write the dialouges, instead of entrusting them to jack-of-all-trades-but-master-of-none Farhan?
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December 1, 2012 at 4:45 AM
I meant- When Excel happens to have such a talented writer in the family
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December 1, 2012 at 4:51 AM
I maybe wrong but think i read/heard somewhere that Kagti/soya wrote the entire dialogues/ screenplay in english (sicnr like many of us they too think and articulate best in English than Hindi)
And then the master dialogue writer estraordinaire ie bro farhan used his ‘mastery’ over Hindi to give them the requisite indianised touch. Even of this modus operandi
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December 1, 2012 at 6:00 AM
Mihir Fadnavis vocies a similar opinion in his review:
“Post ZNMD and now Talaash Zoya Akhtar and Kagti seem to be a filmmaking team which makes truly gorgeous looking cinema that just barely manages to rise above the lackluster story. They manage to capture the little moments unlike anyone in the industry. Hopefully they choose a solid script next, because they’d be an unstoppable force with one of those in hand”
http://mihirfadnavis.blogspot.in/2012/11/movie-review-talaash.html
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December 1, 2012 at 6:02 AM
Aa95- LOL at ‘master dialogue writer extraordinaire’ 😛 I think Farhan is cute but I am unable to understand why he is so hyped as being this multi-talented genius.
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December 1, 2012 at 6:20 AM
Yeah Amy
Actually I prefer Farhans space …
Personally this ‘jack of all trades’ business is more interesting to me as well
Rather than being a one(or two!) trick pony
As for ‘quality’ obviously he shouldn’t be dabbling with hindi dialogues but the rest of his range is reasonable (though not outstanding)
His problem has been that none of his various ‘facets’ now have the cutting edge…
He should keep one ‘steady’ and serious line of work with many other as per his interest ( I also subscribe to it ha).
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December 1, 2012 at 9:25 AM
someone else lamenting the same issue
http://moifightclub.wordpress.com/2012/12/01/talaash-seeking-the-real/
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December 1, 2012 at 10:18 AM
thanx anya–thats an (entertainingly) original review
well done whoever wrote it
The problem is that there are some for whom if aamir has done a film or rangan has written a review and so on, the whole scenario automatically becomes ‘holy” and nearly impossible to be criticised (even where genuine points abound)
This wholesome ‘prostration’ in any majestys ‘respect/adulation’ is something that spoils the ‘objectivity’ of the whole exercise!
Besides these pieces are enjoyable reading like–
“From there began a worse kind of prositutionalising (if that’s a word) of the realist film. All you needed was your heroine in Fab India clothes, nude lipstick with lesser gloss and mascara-ed eyes without fake eyelashes, unclean-looking (‘looking’ only for that lived-in feel) houses, crowds made of junior artistes that rarely get work with Dharma and a little swearing. It didn’t matter if it was uttered with a convent-educated polish. It didn’t matter that none of it was convincing because it all looked so real. Looks after all is what Bollywood is all about, isn’t it?
And there and that’s why we are able to overlook Kareena speaking in perfectly correct Hindi and classy accent when playing a prostitute.”
hahaha who has written this? deserves a pat on his/her back..
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December 1, 2012 at 11:41 AM
i don’t know who is considering any of this ‘holy’ and is ‘prostrating’. i haven’t seen a single review or take that was doing that. in fact, i never notice that for an aamir film; the bar always seems to be higher and almost all remotely respectable critics and discerning audience members note the shortcomings without sugar-coating it. in fact, the dabanggs and jthjs of the world get off more easily because nobody expects anything in the first place.
this piece is underlining more general problems in hindi ‘realistic’ cinema in general and excel in particular (again the problem here is they at least try to do interesting stuff but it almost never is fully realized), which is what ami and i were discussing too.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:01 PM
get your point anya and agree..
“i don’t know who is considering any of this ‘holy’ and is ‘prostrating’”–dont mean u anya–but there are ‘some’ here …
My overall point is that this “some icons being above all criticism” approach isnt for me personally..
otherwise one can find reasons even to defend rangan from giving away key spoilers in a suspense / thriller film…(which was being pointed out yesterday)
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December 1, 2012 at 1:54 PM
again, my point is i don’t see anyone doing that except in your imagination.
and you really should read stuff before criticizing it, a good rule in life in general. rangan did no such thing. he kept things very general and included a spoiler-warningish even though he was going to say something very general towards the end. some other critics have not been so discreet, they don’t realize (or don’t care) that even giving away the genre will spoil it. unlike gf, i disagree that a spoiler warning is better, i think it’s absolutely necessary. and once it’s given, a critic can feel free to discuss whatever. so somebody said something (and later took it back and apologized) and you jumped on it, without confirming it. it’s a bad habit.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:13 AM
ami, very well-written. Except one thing, they clearly said that T is not a Thriller film but a suspense-drama. Both are different genres. So one must not expect it to be a thriller.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:31 AM
Fair enough Raju, I wasn’t aware that this is what they said. But even if it is considered to be a suspense drama, the suspense does not work as well as the drama, and IMO this is because the script lets the film down a little bit.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:51 AM
talaash has been promoted as phychological thriller and frankly its not a quality suspense drama compared to simplicity to classics mentioned
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December 1, 2012 at 3:53 AM
and suspense drama don’t do the rip off’s various hollywood thrillers
there is a thriller phychological one called sixth sense having the same climax as idea
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December 1, 2012 at 3:57 AM
Aamir claimed suspense drama longtime back
http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?keyword=bollywood&ID=297759&subcatg=&nid=297759
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December 1, 2012 at 8:32 AM
The climax, in particular, is a staggeringly amateurish piece of work. ami
But it shocked everyone in the audience where I was watching the movie. Though I anticipated it, yet it had shocking effect.
Actually the film has 2 endings. To satisfy the aam janta, they prolonged and had the final ending.
I wished for the first ending. It would have suited the underlying sadness of the movie.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:34 AM
As I forecasted like an astrologer, the ladies simply stole the show from the hero.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:25 PM
sanjana, i assume that you are a movie-buff like me. We have seen so many films in such “genre” that we can take such climax without falling off from our chairs 🙂 but the majority of paying public in India don’t fall in this category. I guessed the climax at the half-way but for me it was the journey to the climax was really enjoyable. I must repeat on this post that that “hona hei kya” song and the picturisation caught me off-guard as I expected it in a totally different way – super……and btw, that climax sequence road shooting was done in Puducherry where I reside – so I had one more reason to enjoy that 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Journey or execution is more interesting so the revelation does not matter that much. I thought the climax was in mumbai. Puducherry has also sea(bay of bengal) and all water look alike.
As for scare, I am not comfortable watching scary things with non chalance.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:34 PM
Lessons
Dont give lifts to unknown however convincing they are.
Come home early and give time to wife.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:16 PM
Ami,
Thats a very balanced take and cannot disagree much.
BTW, this was NEVER promoted as a thriller. Right from the first promo, this was rather obvious. It is not even strictly a suspense film as even tho there is an element of suspense, the film is more about a couple dealing with loss where the husband happens to be a cop investigating a suspicious death. It is more about the journey than the destination/end. Will be hard for everyone to enjoy this and that will darken it chances at the BO.
As Satyam said this is not a sellout and one pays a price at the BO for this.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:14 PM
must agree with Rajen Ami.. Aamir on his part always said it wasn’t a thriller.. the director also said similar things. Now I’m not saying one could not get the thriller vibe from the previews but even here the ‘drama’ bit seemed more highlighted.
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December 1, 2012 at 9:52 PM
“It is not even strictly a suspense film as even tho there is an element of suspense, the film is more about a couple dealing with loss where the husband happens to be a cop investigating a suspicious death. It is more about the journey than the destination/end.”
I agree completely Rajen- and if you look at my comment, I did say that it worked best as a drama/ mood piece. However, they did build up the suspense element very much in the trailers IMO, and it was not very obvious to me that it was going to be primarily a human drama. I don’t think that it’s unreasonable for people to walk into the film expecting edge-of-your seat suspense, and my first line was merely meant to address these expectations.
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December 1, 2012 at 5:45 PM
A very insightful short piece by Ami (as always). And as much as I loved ur 2nd last para i would completely disagree with u over the ‘deconstruction’ bit. Intact i found it a very sly homage to the bravado of the masala hero- from the more ostensible reference to Ramesh Sippy’s Shaan (Mazhar Khan) to the less evident ones like Vijay from Zanjeer, it’s very clear that Kagti, a self-confessed Bachchan fan, knows her Bachchan and Masala in and out.
And i with u on the more-drama-l
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December 1, 2012 at 5:56 PM
i actually thought that was pretty bang-on (incidentally, rangan made the exact same point). kagti has talked about being a bachchan fan and you are correct about the references here. but i don’t think it negates ami’s deconstruction point in any way, in fact it emphasizes it.
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December 1, 2012 at 10:06 PM
“but i don’t think it negates ami’s deconstruction point in any way, in fact it emphasizes it.”
I agree with Antya- I think that the references simply add more strength to the deconstruction. *SPOILERS AHEAD*
Tellingly, the most prominent masala reference was not in connection with our brooding angry man hero, but with the theiving, blackmailing cripple!
Inspector Shekawat was a macho, no-nonsense cop, but he was also shown to be utterly helpless time and again: in the first instance, when he couldn’t save his only son from drowning, and in the second instance, when he couldn’t conclude the case since the truth would make him the laughing stock of the department. Refusing to fight for the truth because it would make people think him unhinged, and instead meekly accepting his superior’s suggest of a two-month holiday is as far removed from the manner of a masala hero as possible!
And not only did his alpha-male heroic attitude not help him, it also hurt him: Roshni was able to get over her depression and help Shekawat deal with his problems towards the end of the film because she accepted that she was a mere mortal, and not an omnipotent hero. She was expressive of her grief, and open to the idea that there were more powerful forces in the world. However, Shekawat had a hero-complex and it was his inability to accept that he couldn’t save his son, and his repressing his sorrow and refusing to aknwoledge/ deal with his weaknesses that caused him so much trouble throughout the film.
Once he was able to let go of the hero complex, and accept that his son’s death was beyond his control, that he had to be open about his feelings and not repress them under this facade of machismo, is when his journey to redemption began.
And then ofcourse, there is the Bollywood action ‘Hero’ who is shown to be this big star who shoots people effortlessly onscreen, which contrasts sharply with the weak, immoral life he and his friends leads off-screen: they are cowards who abandon the dying woman because they don’t want to face responsibility for their actions, they give into blackmail, hire contract killers to do their dirty work and go running to daddy to solve their problems.
*END OF SPOILERS*
BTW- your opinion is a perfectly valid one, not trying to dismiss it- just thought I’ll elaborate on why I think that it was a deconstructive take.
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December 1, 2012 at 10:10 PM
yup. pretty much.
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December 1, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Ami- well said but whatever u have mentioned here, i.e. personal turmoil, moments of weakness etc was exhibited very much by Zanjeer’s Vijay as well as DMD’s Kamath (who as we know was again based on the Zanjeer cop). Intact in Zanjeer Vijay also takes a sabbatical from work (sort of) and is very much shown as a depressed fellow who has nightmares. And both the nightmarish visions of the horseman as well as the ‘zanjeer’ are pretty much a part of ‘repressed memories ‘ similar to Suri’s in Talaash. And as i said before the homage is done slyly.
Btw not sure if U or anyone else noticed but in the beginning of the film when Aamir goes to meat the dead actor’s wife there is a poster of a certain film amongst many others- Cimino’s The Deer Hunter. This probably is my single fav hwood film and i absolutely loved that fleeting moment in Talaash.
Btw Ami hope we get a proper piece from (and/or Antya on this) in the coming days
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December 1, 2012 at 11:12 PM
I’ll agree with you completely that DMD was a masala homage, but I did not get that sense from Talaash at all. Yes, all of the references were present, but they were used in a deconstructive manner. The way that personal turmoil and weakness was tackled in DMD is very, very different from the way that it was approached in Talaash. IMO Talaash was not paying sly homage to these elements, but trying to subvert them.
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December 1, 2012 at 11:19 PM
“Intact in Zanjeer Vijay also takes a sabbatical from work (sort of) and is very much shown as a depressed fellow who has nightmares”
Yes, but at the end of Zanjeer Vijay overcomes these setbacks and takes revenge. Similarly, in DMD, Abhishek dies a hero’s death, fighting the wrong-doers until the last minute
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
In Talaash, Aamir’s moment of ephiphany comes when he lets go of his heroic notions and embraces his mortality. His happy ending is not that he solved the case, got his revenge or killed the bad guys, but that he accepted that he will not always be able to be the hero, and aknwoledged his weakness, his shrotcomings and his humanity. This is why I think that Talaash is not a homage, but a deconstruction of these references.
*SPOILERS END*
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December 1, 2012 at 11:49 PM
at the risk of repeating myself and ‘angry’ satyam – yup, pretty much 🙂
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December 2, 2012 at 12:08 AM
and i jotted down my thoughts after watching, buried somewhere above. don’t have the energy or the talent for more.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:21 AM
This film was never meant to be a thriller, as per Aamir himself.. More of an old-fashioned suspense drama along the lines of Madhumati, Woh Kaun Thi and the sort…a modern take on such films perhaps.
I will be watching the film on Tuesady, so will reserve my judgement till then; but there have been enough positivity on fb,from people who know their cinema. And here is a link to a positive review.
http://twitchfilm.com/2012/11/review-talaash-proves-that-big-budgets-dont-have-to-pander-to-tiny-brains.html
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December 1, 2012 at 3:40 AM
Look, the general buzz around the film was that it was a thriller, Aamir might have clarified that it was a suspense drama, but I did not read that particular interview(s) of his. In any case, whether it was intended to be a suspense drama or a thriller, my issues with the script still stand- I did say that it works best as a drama and a suspensful mood piece, so it’s not at all like I am criticizing it based on genre.
“but there have been enough positivity on fb,from people who know their cinema.”
Since you’re clearly implying that I’m ignorant, I apologize for my lack of cinematic knowledge- but I began the review by saying that I enjoyed the film immensely, if that’s not a positie review, what is? *sigh*
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December 1, 2012 at 3:55 AM
ami, i don’t think or anyone implied that u r ignorant or that u’ve written negative review…i guess u r reading too much in betn the lines
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December 1, 2012 at 3:57 AM
ami, i don’t think LSor anyone implied that u r ignorant or that u’ve written negative review…i guess u r reading too much in betn the lines. Thriller v/s Suspense-Drama – the script has to be very honest to differentiate these two genres
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December 1, 2012 at 3:56 AM
@ Ami –I am not implying that you are ignorant, or anything of the sort; just puzzled at reading totally contradictory reviews. I know a few cinematically literate people who comment on fb and elsewhere; they’ve loved the film, found it layered and meaningful. I will be watching only on tuesday afternoon, so I guess I should stop reading/browsing film discussion sites, till then !
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December 1, 2012 at 3:59 AM
Ah ok, I apolgize for misunderstanding you then LS.
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December 1, 2012 at 4:04 AM
“they’ve loved the film, found it layered and meaningful.”
It is a meaningful, nuanced film – even those like me who had issues with the script would agree with this assessment. 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 8:51 AM
Will be seeing this tomorrow morning. I hope the people who liked Talaash for its layering and atmospherics are not Dhoti Ghat fans, i absolutely detest that kind meandering, pretentious stuff.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:55 AM
Sandy, you will not like Talaash.. Better watch JTHJ once again as you loved that film.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:56 AM
Sandy, Kiran Rao has said that Talaash is “my kind of film.” You can interpret that as you choose. 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 12:24 PM
Re:Look, the general buzz around the film was that it was a thriller,
Not really,Ami as long as one was paying attention. Sorry to belabor the point but after so many promos and iinterviews, walking into see Talaash expecting a thriller would be akin to walking into see Lincoln expecting a sitcom!
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December 1, 2012 at 9:49 PM
I didn’t walk into Talaash expecting anything, which is why I was able to appreciate that it succeeded as a drama and a mood piece. That initial sentence in my comment was meant to address the general expectations about the film, since most people think that it is a thriller, and they will be disappointed if they go in expecting one.
But like I said earlier, even as a suspense drama, the suspense part did not work nearly as well as the drama for me, since I thought that the script was quite weak, especially in the second half.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:32 AM
it was mahumati the climax and madhumati before climax had a coherent script…. srk did it in masala non brainer called oso
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December 1, 2012 at 3:52 AM
rockstar u r hell-bent on giving away the climax despite satyam’s mentioning not to do so – u’ve already put a separate post with “spoilers ahead” tag – then why write such things here??
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December 1, 2012 at 3:58 AM
madhumati and woh kaun thi was not mentioned by rockstar but it came as reply and ya one of the stars indeed used it as climax without giving credit….where is any talk of climax of talaash
you should better advice others on this front
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December 1, 2012 at 9:40 AM
sm: No she liked Delhi Belly script, and she might well be cinema literate, in fact more literate than desired when you’re the wife of a superstar in Bollywood 🙂
Just felt she made a really boring film, and totally out of sync with the Indian audiences’ sensibilities. Doesn’t mean she can’t make a better film of course.
And i’m someone who is all for slice-of-life, realitic cinema but it has to engage. With DG, the theme was just too obscure, the direction very self-conscious and the performances absolutely dismal. Fine you want to make a subtle film, there are enough examples in Indian cinema itself. You dont need to look westwards for inspiration. I watched a fine film yesterday called Sara Akash. It is Basu Chatterji’s first film, adapted from a famous Hindi novel. It’s a 1969 b/w film, and the cast and crew were all fresh FTII pass outs. The film tracks 6 months in the life of a newly married couple in a joint family, who due to a misunderstanding on the first night do not communicate with each other at all. They go about their daily routine in this regular middle-class household, but do not say, a word to each other. By way of plot, there is nothing really, yet each new day finds the audience curious to know what will happens in their life. The film is subtle and slow, and was probably made in less than a lakh. Yet engaging and thought-proving it is. It is a comment on post-independence youth, who are boyant to embrace modernity and freedom and yet in-equipped to deal with marriage and their confussed about their conditioned roles as husband and wife.
It’s available online, for those interested.
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December 1, 2012 at 9:44 AM
lot of typos. I meant – ill-equipped
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December 1, 2012 at 9:51 AM
Yes, Sandy, Kiran did like Delhi Belly, but she did also say that Talaash is her kind of film.
http://www.pinkvilla.com/news/bollywood/257182/talaash-has-something-everyone-kiran-rao
Thanks for the tip on Sara Akash. I’ll look for it online. There were a lot of nice, subtle films made in that time period, especially with NFDC funding. Too bad we don’t have such films any more.
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December 1, 2012 at 10:07 AM
sandy-obviously u are entitled to your opinion and in no way to belittle basu chatterjees film (that ive not seen)–but on dhobi ghaat, my opinion differs–
Just felt she made a really boring film, and totally out of sync with the Indian audiences’ sensibilities. Doesn’t mean she can’t make a better film of course.
“And i’m someone who is all for slice-of-life, realitic cinema but it has to engage. “–i did find it more than ‘engaging’, notsure y u didnt get ‘engaged’ though lol
“With DG, the theme was just too obscure, the direction very self-conscious and the performances absolutely dismal”–‘obscurity” of theme has never been an issue when assessing films of THIS genre
The direction was self-conscious slightly but more in a conscientious manner than in a’ self-masturbatory intellectual snobbery’ sort of way, that many confuse with auterism here
The performances (except prateek) were not abysmal
Aamir was fine and the ‘NRI girl’ (dont remember the name Shai?) was brilliant imo
Gustavo Santaolalas background score was also a highlight…to round off one of the best debut performances in bollywood in recent times –well, thats my opinion though not expecting others to agree..
overall, well done kiran rao–looking forward to your next film (if u are allowed another chance)
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December 1, 2012 at 10:47 AM
^accidentally stumbled upon your blog sandyi–impressive thoughts on books –well done-
ps–the profile pic of yours is nice
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December 1, 2012 at 1:42 PM
Agree about Saara Akash. Better to make such films rather than a Dhoibi Ghat though I liked the part with Amir in the apartment with the girl on the video. The rest not really.
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December 1, 2012 at 3:50 AM
masand’s is one of the best reviews of Talaash – http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/strangers-in-the-night/
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December 1, 2012 at 4:05 AM
@ Amy
Thanx for the brilliant take–infact what seems to be the most original perspective on talash I’ve read on the blogosphere -well done
Respect, adulation, fandom & bias is one thing
Bit it shouldn’t cOme in the way of true appreciation and aseessment (if one is into assessment while watching films like most of us are & importantly that film is worth an assessment!)
Not sure why Amy has to follow what folks have put up in their facebook pages ? That’s a bit surprising to expect and that too from someone like LS!
That’s what fandom does haha
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December 1, 2012 at 4:19 AM
I may be a die-hard Aamir fan, but I can take it on the chin, if his latest much awaited release is not as good as we’d like it to be. All I’m saying is I’m puzzled at the contradictory reviews from media professionals and lay cinema-fans alike. Will not comment on this thread any more till I have seen the film, but will leave with link to this positive review ( I was not searching for p[ositive reviews, just came across it while trying to access yahoomail).
LINK
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December 1, 2012 at 4:30 AM
to be fair its getting lot of mixed reviews from public
i am neither a fan nor hater and there are some silly things
foe e.g there is no answer who killed shashi in the movie again the answer lies within…the grief part was even there in wooden actor john’s movie with vikram bhatt the saaya and so did his transformation….
one has to be realistic rather than having childish thought of srk sangle everywhere
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December 1, 2012 at 4:32 AM
spoiler:
and there a guy was shooting him….
all these layers and tautness itself is not coherent
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December 1, 2012 at 4:58 AM
SPOILERS ALERT!!
Some one gets arrested in the end for killing him.. and if u pay attention he is the same guy who shoot another character…
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December 1, 2012 at 5:52 AM
he got arrested but never claimed to killed shashi though he killed one person ..
that was left uncleared
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December 1, 2012 at 4:11 AM
Really interesting, funny interview with Zoya and Reema:
http://bollyspice.com/52056/exclusive-reema-kagti-and-zoya-akhtar-in-conversation
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December 1, 2012 at 4:11 AM
This is what blogging etc is all about
Wonderful points there Amy–will be checkin this weekend and see what I feel about talaash–but this certainly seems quality stuff
“Finally, what saves Talaash from being just a superficially pretty mood piece is the deconstructive take it offers on the brand of bravado that we come to expect from our action heroes onscreen: the best portions of the film are those that examine Aamir’s festering self-loathing and inability to accept that he was helpless at a time in his life when his strength and skills were most needed, which contrast effectively with the off-screen self-absorbed villainy of the Bollywood action ‘Hero’ and his friends.”
The opening word of this paragraph should be–
“what saves this blog from becoming a fansite and a male-self-congratulatory box office penny-pound-counting-&arguing site is unbiased reviewers like Amy and anya and those who can stand their ground alone and not change their views Under pressure like Oldgold ”
🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 4:15 AM
haha at your last 4 lines 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 4:28 AM
Ha munna–Thanx
Well truly –as an innocent unbiased bystander/observer–
The main ‘content’ here remains congratulation of each others posts, anything bachxhan, mani, rangan and so on (with little/no exception),
Anti anything srk, kashyap, boi, taran, nahata and so on
And pointing out the difference in box office reporting amounts in different ‘conflicitng’ Sites
In betweeen, one does get sporadic ace reviews/comments from Satyam-which are always great and welcome
But it’s the different/dissenting/unbiased views/commenters which keep the sanity (& credbility) somewhat preserved 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 4:38 AM
I read Ami’s analysis/review properly, a second time. Good. Will try give my own assessment ,Tuesday night.
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December 1, 2012 at 4:44 AM
Good girl LS
@ least one persons ‘fandom’ is sensible enuf to see/assess different viewpoints
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December 1, 2012 at 6:38 AM
Ah, the embargo on spoilers even here has been definitely broken now, it seems. So I’ll stop visiting.
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December 1, 2012 at 7:14 AM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
UAE + GCC: #Talaash Thu + Fri $ 750,000 [Rs 4.07 cr]… #3Idiots was $ 642,000 on Thu + Fri during Christmas weekend.
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December 1, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Yup, it will be 4 continuous houseful days in Dubai until Dec 2. Despite the mixed WOM, everybody and their brother is queing to see the movie in UAE. I managed to get a few tickets for tonite, hope its a good experience.
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December 1, 2012 at 7:15 AM
this review is for satyam: http://www.filmfare.com/reviews/talaash-takes-your-breath-away-1802.html
esp. these lines there made me sit up and think “how if ….”
“One couldn’t have imagined him playing a mustachioed cop with conviction. But two seconds into the frame and you forget Aamir Khan the chocolatey lover boy and remember only Surjan Singh. Those remaking Zanjeer missed a cue.”
aamir def. can do a zanzeer imo
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December 1, 2012 at 8:36 AM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
#Talaash Sat trends: Looks like 16 cr today.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:38 AM
ghee shakkar.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:39 AM
so there’s a bit of a jump Sat when most films these days either don’t show one or go down a bit even when they’re otherwise successful. Sun should be 18 crores at the very least if not more. In any case the weekend will still be in that 47-50 range. BOI will have it in the low 40s or something.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:12 PM
50 cr and then next 4 days will have 30-40 so we are looking at 80-90 cr week. Following weeks shd easily get another 40+
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December 1, 2012 at 8:40 AM
Dhoom 3 On Christmas 2013
by Box Office India (December 1, 2012)
Though the shooting of Dhoom 3 started a few months ago, and the shooting of Rajkumar Hirani’s PK is yet to start, it was said that the latter would release during Christmas 2013. However, now we learn that Dhoom 3, not PK, that will bag that date.
The reason is non-availability of leading man Aamir Khan. The actor recently shot for a long schedule of Dhoom 3 and he was to start shooting for PK a few weeks from now. But he’s decided NOT to. And early next year, Khan will proceed with a major shooting schedule of Dhoom 3, giving PK no chance to go on the floors.
Going by Khan’s schedule and his unusual commitment to a project, it’s pretty obvious that PK won’t roll before mid-2013. This means just one thing – that the actor’s next release would be Dhoom 3 and it will release during Christmas next year.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:41 AM
Talaash Could Hit 40 Cr Plus At The Weekend
by Soumita Sengupta (December 1, 2012)
Aamir Khan’s Talaash earned Rs 12 crore plus on its first day and is expected to hold steady during the weekend. If all goes well, distributors predict the movie could clock Rs 40 crore plus over the weekend.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thandani of Multimedia Combines says, “Talaash opened with average numbers yesterday but by evening, most of the evening and nights shows were house full. On day one, the film earned Rs 5.5 crore in Mumbai and almost Rs 13 crore all-India. It I expected to remain steady at the weekend too.”
In Delhi-UP, G D Mehta of Bobby Arts International adds, “The evening and night shows on Friday did very well, especially in multiplexes. On day one, Talaash earned Rs 3 crore plus in Delhi-UP and is expected to do even better at the weekend.”
In East Punjab, disheartened Surendra Saluja of Lakshya Movies says, “Talaash earned Rs 1 crore plus on its first day in East Punjab. We had expected more since it is an Aamir Khan film. Reports of the film are very mixed. Some people liked the film while others didn’t like the climax. So the first week will depend on the weekend collections.”
In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez says Talaash is doing very well in multiplexes but because of its unexpected content, the film has drawn a mixed response, “The first-day numbers of Talaash in WB are around Rs 66 lakh.”
In Saurashtra-Gujarat, Ajay Bagbai of Rajvi Trade Links says evening and night shows were almost house full on day one. “In our region, the first day collections are Rs 1 crore plus. The numbers should hold during the weekend too.”
Gaurav Gaur of O’Real Imaginations in Rajasthan says the audience is disappointed with Aamir Khan. “Collections on the first day are Rs 67 lakh in Rajasthan, and reports of the film are only average because the content is not great.”
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December 1, 2012 at 8:42 AM
http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/talaash-day-one-nboc/
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December 1, 2012 at 8:43 AM
Talaash Opens Well At Multiplexes
Saturday 1st December 2012 09.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash opened well at around 65% at multiplexes while single screens were around 40%. The huge number of screenings at multiplexes will mean a healthy first day total. The best performance was in the big cities of South India. The film will require good growth on Saturday to put up a big weekend figure.
Jeet Lenge Jahaan is a washout as shows were cancelled at most places.
Jab Tak Hai Jaan fell in its second week collecting around 17.50 crore nett and taking its two week total to 100 crore nett. The film has dropped heavily at the start of its third week.
Son Of Sardaar also dropped in week two collecting around 17 crore nett and taking its two week total to 87 crore nett. The film was also down badly at the start of its third week.
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December 1, 2012 at 9:23 AM
India Today review: (major spoilers in it 🙂 ) http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/talaash-movie-review/1/235443.html
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December 1, 2012 at 9:31 AM
http://www.indicine.com/movies/bollywood/talaash-movie-review/
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December 1, 2012 at 9:34 AM
glamsham review: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/talaash-movie-review-go-find-out-the-truth-yourself-111201.asp
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December 1, 2012 at 9:37 AM
Mid-Day review: http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/nov/301112-Talaash-movie-review.htm
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December 1, 2012 at 10:54 AM
watching the film this afternoon but I’ve been getting reactions from a lot of friends and of course I’ve seen many of the responses elsewhere. I think my hunch is essentially confirmed. It’s a rather dark, unrelenting sort of film. No light relief if you will. Now with a film like Kahani you have a serious suspense film but it’s not otherwise ‘dark’. The opposite is true for DMD. The point is that Aamir once again has not really made a sell-out film and this is precisely why I was never sure whether it would do a 100 crores or something higher. I was betting more on the former but I wasn’t sure. Why? Because from the trailers and from everything else one could glean about the film it seemed like a pretty dark drama. However there was a chance that the film would turn out to be lighter fare than the previews suggested. I don’t believe that’s the case knowing more now. So 100 crores for this kind of deal is extraordinary. I’ve said this from the very beginning. No one gets more than Aamir for any given genre. Specially so for the ‘different’.
In terms of the ‘mixed response’ and so on all of this remains to be seen. The numbers seem fine so far, in fact I’d say they’re very good. It’s a multiplex-only deal more or less, and it’s doing as much as Bol Bachchan on day 1. The latter was for every kind of center. So not sure what the problem here is?! It’s not just BB, many films along similar lines are in that 11-14 crore range. They have higher print counts and they cover all kinds of screens. But leaving this aside when you have this sort of film of course you will have many people not love it or not like it. So what?! This isn’t D2 where even if you think it’s ok or not great you still show up and so forth. The mass market film always has a wider audience pool to play with. Or any sort of film for a much more general audience. So a film like ZNMD is only for the multiplexes but within this group no one has a problem with it. But not everyone even within that target demographic necessarily wants a dark drama! And so once again it’s Aamir’s prestige that gets the biggest share of the audience in. However this does not mean that the essentials of the film change. So once again the reactions are perfectly understandable but more importantly speak to the film’s strengths. I am far more skeptical about different films that don’t displease anyone in the media and so on. Because that tells me they’re not really pushing the envelope in any sense.
Speaking for myself this was the only major film this year I was truly interested in and with all the responses I’ve seen since release I am even more excited now.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Satyam, can’t wait for ur review man. This film could not have any lighter moments (there are many delicate and gentle moments though) otherwise it would simply kill the tension which is the pivot of such films. Don’t worry – film will cross 100 cr very easily despite all odds 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 12:43 PM
We have already had a oreview of what the review is going to be. Satyam in his review is going to showcase;
-how superior, subtle and intelligent it is which of course will keep the majority away,
-how brave Amir has been to act in such a film
– the film as a major dark film as none other,
That there have been previous films with emotion, tragedy, and ‘the other thing’ 😉 will not be considered.
The hardest he’ll work at will be to convince (mainly himself) that such a film getting even a 100cr is a feat never ever achieved by anyone – only God would have succeeded, none other.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Stop trying so hard,OG. It is your rotten luck that you like a unlikeable star stuck in a rut and rapidly fading. Dont try to take it out on other with more ‘refined’ taste!
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December 1, 2012 at 12:51 PM
>Stop trying so hard,OG
Ok lets make a deal, if you all stop trying so hard I will too.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:58 PM
The fact is I dont have to try as Aamir has established himself very firmly and does what he does with conviction without pandering to the lowest common denominator. He has prestige and success and he does not need mine or any one else’s endorsement. Your aging and fast fading beacon unfortunately is in a different situation and his fans have to do countless contortions to discredit others. Unsuccessfully, I might add.
But it is a waste of time engagingg with you on this matters. You live in an alternate universe and have no p0roblem making outirght dishonest claims and arguments. I do not want to disturb your alternate reality and feed your vile hatred for a star who is firmly entrenched at the top in terms of BO and quality.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:25 PM
>He has prestige and success and he does not need mine or any one else’s endorsement.
He doesn’t? WOW. He’ll be the only star not to need that.
> Your aging and fast fading beacon unfortunately is in a different situation and his fans have to do countless contortions to discredit others.
😦 Very sad about the fading. Lets hope the low collections don’t fade Amir away.
>I do not want to disturb your alternate reality and feed your vile hatred for a star who is firmly entrenched at the top in terms of BO and quality.
Then why are you looking for excuses to forestall any low BO numbers?
Show confidence. Be brave. Be happy. Don’t worry.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:30 PM
didn’t liked the movie but ya getting 100 cr itself will be big acheivment and for me it certainly makes aamir number1….
previously no other dark movie has even reached 50 for the genre and even for such genre to exceed one need stars to be at their peak….vidya was coming after dirty picture and aamir years of goodwill as for critics many praising it because for them its entirely a new deal for them as such a genre is coming after a long time …a talaash may be dark but a kahaani was far more realistic and again has much better script and fast pace than talaash which people ignore and even more taut
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December 1, 2012 at 12:40 PM
notary inlusion in dark club
abhishek- sarkar raj
john- no smoking
saif-ek haseena thi
johnny gaddar
akshay-tasveer
ajay-company
but none of these where heavy commercialized in terms of script,starpower and promotion to and wider release
one has to be honest here to and kahaani reaching 60 was a bigger acheivment
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December 1, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Comparing Kahaani and Talaash is like comparing two different genres. Rockstar, did you watch the movie till the end??? How can you compare the two and complain about ‘realism’ given the twist??
Kahaani was fine for what it was but a totally different film.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:48 PM
rajen most of intelligence operation is like that unlike the tamasha world of ett and they penetrate system like that what was so unrealistic in twists except for first scene because a pregnant lady can be easily scanned in airport (may be she was before there)….
when we had the last original taut thriller in recent time
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December 1, 2012 at 1:01 PM
Rockstar,
Had no problem with Kahaani.In fact enjoyed it quite a bit. My point Talaash is a different film even if superficially the same genre and again hard to drive home the point without revealing what should be by now the obvious spoiler.
One expects people like OG/AA to argue that it is the same genre but you – I wouldeexpect to know better.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Don’t worry rajen – ALL the *knowing better* people will have seen the film soon, and will be joining you at the spindle to spin and spin and spin.
I’ll leave you all to do your spinning then, because in the whirring of the spindle and the chatter of the quality of the yarn it would be difficult to point out that the thread is getting thinner and thinner and there is a danger of it breaking.
But before that;
-I liked the film
-found Kahani’s build up more satisfying to the fragments offered in K joining at the end
-loved the songs
-loved the acting of the women
-Amir was very one dimensional
-didn’t find it exceptional though
-the ideas were not new
-like the emotional content
All the above is my opinion.
It’s the spin in making it look greater and calling people names because what was expected may not happen at the BO.
Don’t give excuses IF the BO fails to keep up as expected.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:50 PM
Kahani was of the same genre – a suspense. Only a different ending doesn’t change their genres. Don’t look for excuses.
There have been innumerable films with strong emotional content too.
I’m not saying T is not a good film. It is and I liked it a lot (sorry for liking it since I’m sure I’ll like JTHJ also when I buy the DVD) – but to spin so hard in trying to make it look like some unique film is the height of not speaking the truth.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:06 PM
its not unique but certainly a new film in a sense as its coming after a long time…
dk has madhumati ….there had been woh kaun thi, mahal …sunil dutt had mera saaya a vintage only ramu has touched recently it with kaun
and ya getting 100 cr is a big deal for such genre even yash chopra when he made itefaq a much superior suspense drama it fizzled
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December 1, 2012 at 1:23 PM
atleast aamir khan is trying but there is also a star who has lifted the same climax of madhumati in masala thriller(om shanti om) without giving any credit and there is another who makes a gem called suryavanshi
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December 1, 2012 at 1:32 PM
@rockstar
>its not unique but certainly a new film in a sense as its coming after a long time…
I guess because some of the films, at least two or three that you have mentioned are fresh in my mind as we discuss and watch the songs – or watch the film itself again, so T doesn’t seem new.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Satyam please stop whistling in the forest of;
-a film of this kind
-the dark unrelenting film (BTW kahani was unrelenting)
-even 100cr by this film is a big thing
I get the feeling that for the first time you are actually trying to convince yourself.
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December 1, 2012 at 4:06 PM
The endless baiting you”re indulging yourself in old gold is getting tiresome, even for lurkers like myself. You clearly have nothing to add except to instigate and stir and taunt people for their opinions and preferences. It’s childish and getting embarrassing now.
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December 1, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Hello clone….errr lurker.
Yes, I’m not going to comment anymore.
Are you sure it’s embarassed that you’re getting? Me thinks it’s an entirely different emotion. 😉
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December 1, 2012 at 7:29 PM
“Yes, I’m not going to comment anymore”–c’mon Oldgold-do continue the fun
@ belle–good 2 hear from u. Plz dont stay a lurker –do tell us about your favorite films, stars –welcum
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December 1, 2012 at 9:04 PM
AA – You haven’t asked me a similar question 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 12:44 PM
Didn’t Amir say somehwere that even a suspense film can be entertaining and that this will also be an entertaining film?
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December 1, 2012 at 12:50 PM
who (except you may be) says it is not entertaining? unless u mean cheap jokes and dabaang-fights only = entertainment 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 12:55 PM
I did not say anything – it is satyam who is trying to say it isn’t and therefore will be less BO friendly.
This is called prejudice 😉
Find out the truth before responding.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM
where has satyam said it is “not entertaining”, he said that it is a dark film and that too he has heard. Satyam, in my opinion, has a broader taste of cinema and diff. genres and dark films can also be entertaining……afterall it is cinema.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:33 PM
yes these are just caricatures of my position..
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December 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Here’s satyam’s quote;
>However there was a chance that the film would turn out to be lighter fare than the previews suggested. I don’t believe that’s the case knowing more now.
Lighter I’ve taken as meaning – with fun and jokes (thus, entertaining)
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December 1, 2012 at 1:32 PM
No that’s not what I meant.. I obviously knew this wouldn’t have a comedy track! But take sarfarosh, this is a character-driven drama, doesn’t have comedy but it is overall easier to take and it’s a more accessible narrative within the format. Much as RDB was a risky film in some ways but wasn’t inaccessible for most of the audience. The distinction here is that there are certain limitations with attracting a potential audience for a film that are based on genre. However given the right kind of film within that genre one can sometimes have a big success. Success here does not mean doing a D2! It just means being very successful for that genre. As opposed to this there are certain kinds of films that within the same genre (one not otherwise big with the audiences) are riskier projects even leaving aside the built-in genre risk. For instance Barfi did well. Not every film with this kind of protagonist or subject does so. However it was also easier to handle once you got over the genre hump. The story wasn’t challenging in any serious sense. But there could have been a much darker Barfi that wouldn’t have made half as much. It wouldn’t have been a problem with the film. It might even have been a better film. But people wouldn’t be interested to the same degree. And it’s not just India. Even in the US the Talaash equivalent can be successful from time to time but not deliver a blockbuster gross. Check out how much Shutter Island (Scorsese, DiCaprio) did just compared to Inception let alone other big blockbusters.
And as for your other comment about how I’m convincing myself that’s ridiculous. I was saying this for months. There are at least 20 comments where I’ve said this. Precisely the reason why I was never completely convinced it could do more a lot more than 100 crores if it remained the dark drama that everything seemed to suggest it was. You might choose to forget but Alex kept suggesting I was lowering the bar. I wasn’t. I never play to blogosphere politics when it comes to setting these bars. I say what I believe in. This as true when I thought Guru could do 50 crores and no one else did and it’s true now. Again Guru was not a universal genre but once you got over that factor it was a very accessible film. Dil Se wasn’t. You could fix a few things in Dil Se and it still wouldn’t work.
The whole idea that many peddle here, whether for partisan reasons or otherwise, that a star should get the biggest numbers irrespective of genre is pure unadulterated nonsense. And finally on Kahani it absolutely wasn’t a dark film. It didn’t have anything to disturb anyone. It was a suspense narrative with that Calcutta feel to it and a twist at the end. Nonetheless that it got as far as it did was superb and which is why Balan got a great deal of credit for doing so. Holding the film together, being authentic for the part and so on. It’s not every day where such a film with a female lead does this. Similarly subjects like Talaash are not big. Take DMD, a film which had truly strong previews (the first one was outstanding), looked a lot more hip and so on, Abhishek was at his lowest box office point, it didn’t get an initial, but even at that lowest point Abhishek would have done far better in certain other genres. Because actually even at his hottest in 2005 BM still didn’t open huge. It was a niche deal, primarily dependent on some big city returns. Rohan Sippy doesn’t make the sorts of films that do 100 crores! Unless he truly changes course one day. It’s not as if you put a big star in DMD and it is suddenly a massive success (though it could certainly have done double its eventual gross). In 2004 SRK was getting big initials but Swades got a less than average one despite being the Lagaan director’s first film. There are always these factors. One can just be a partisan and pretend otherwise but these are the facts. Again back to Talaash, my best case scenario here was always something around 100 which I considered excellent for this subject. The only reason I even suggested it could be 150 or whatever is that I left open the possibility the film might not be as dark as everything else was suggesting. But I never really believed this. Everyone knows this. I was ridiculed for not going for the higher numbers, not being ‘confident’ and so on.
I don’t say all of this to just convince you because you are beyond this where Aamir is concerned but for others reading this. One must be clear and precise about this stuff. When you keep saying that I just spin stuff what you don’t realize (and pretend not to) is that I operate with the rather unusual (for many!) ethic of actually knowing what I’m talking about before I start saying it!
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December 1, 2012 at 11:07 AM
thanx for the ‘prologue’ satyam…pre-viewing
the likes of me, amy, anya and others are biting (each others) nails in aniticipation of the ACTUAL piece (after the viewing)
enjoy…
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December 1, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Watched it yesterday.
A very well made and well acted movie.
Not sure about the box office prospects.
It is NOT a thriller and was not promoted as such.It is a suspense drama all right. The biggest problem one can have is whether they buy the story or not and hard to expand the point without giving something away.So, will resist.
Aamir promoted it as a suspense film with emotional content and that is what it is. Is unrelenting and dark. So BO prospects are uncertain.
Some have been harping on what it should do given Aamir is back after a while and Rani/Kareena’s presence in a ‘mainstream’ film without understanding ANYTHING.
Kahaani was a much different film and much less dark.
It is to Aamir’s credit that he made this film and gets kudos for selecting such projects and being able to give them some viability at BO ,even if not a monster hit.
This CANNOT be compared to Barfi or Kahaani in terms of BO.
The real measure of success here is would any other major star have been willing to be a part of this film and how far would they have carried the movie on the BO front. The answer to first question is an easy No and to the second – not as far as this one will go.
Idiots with heads stuck up their rear will regard these as excuses or being defensive but this is the truth as far as Talaash BO goes. Nuance is lost upon some, some are driven simply by agendas and some are just playing mischief. But then, what would blogs be if these people were not here to beat up on??
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December 1, 2012 at 12:09 PM
BTW, those who liked JTHJ would be well advised to stay away from this film as I doubt if there is any living person with a sensibility rhat can appreciate tripe like JTHJ and finer films like Talaash at the same time. I would think they are genetically and intellectually challenged in terms of being able to understand something subtle or understated.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:16 PM
“rhat can appreciate tripe like JTHJ and finer films like Talaash at the same time”
thats what differentiate unidimensional autistic ‘rogues’ (like rajen who can only think in only one axis) from flexible, evolved humans 🙂
And there are some who rant in the expectation of attention from time to time (like rajen again)–all he gets mostly is a kick on the backside and outright rejection hahaha
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December 1, 2012 at 12:26 PM
Thank you rajen for your analysis of the human qualities and their sensibilities.
That there are less people with superior sensibilities is going to be a major reason in making Talaash do less at the BO.
I suggest cloning the majority on the blog here – even the already existing clones (sub cloning so to say), and let them lose. They will defintely raise the BO possibilities.
And please – I said **cloning** NOT *clowning* (you *have* to stop doing that in this moment of crisis).
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December 1, 2012 at 12:28 PM
hahaha oldgold
good one
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December 1, 2012 at 12:33 PM
correction
*loose* not lose
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December 2, 2012 at 5:32 AM
Rajen .. i liked both .. JTHJ and Talaash .. 🙂
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December 1, 2012 at 1:12 PM
thanks Rajen… you make all the important points..
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December 1, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Satyam – it has its light moments and Kareena’s and Nawaz’s presence keeps it from being too dark……
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December 1, 2012 at 12:28 PM
BTW, apologies to Rangan. What I thought was a spoiler wasnt. There is one unannounced subtle spoiler and then some more with warnings.
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December 1, 2012 at 12:34 PM
The moment when Aamir’s side kick keeps saying “sir main baad mein aata hoon” and Nawaz’a mobile ringing when he claims to not have money to buy food had the entire hall erupting in laughter….other one was Aamir’s asking who is leaking info to the press……..
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December 1, 2012 at 12:43 PM
talaash now..
ok folks–off to some mischief most probably talaash–hopefully my thoughts in a couple of hours…b4 satyam …ha
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December 1, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Thank heavens for a couple of hours of sanity on the forum.May be you can catch all the movies running at the multiplex!!
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December 1, 2012 at 1:28 PM
OK rajen, I’ll leave you to have some peace too. You seem very disturbed. LOL
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December 1, 2012 at 1:36 PM
OG is all over. In talaash.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:47 PM
I’m playing while the cats are away.
Once they all come back after watching the fillm I’ll have to leave before I start feeling dizzy with the spin.
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December 1, 2012 at 1:52 PM
true.. some have been spinning round earth theories for a long time.. welcome to flat-earth reality…!
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December 1, 2012 at 1:44 PM
What will be the reaction of Saif when Kareena enters his room?
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December 1, 2012 at 5:53 PM
@Sanjana – here’s what will happen—
Second-hand Jawani:
Bebo, Mujhe galat mat samajhna – bura mat maanna. I just want to talk.
Halkat Jawani:
Saifu, ab tum aise bologe toh bura toh lagega hi na..
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December 1, 2012 at 8:05 PM
hahaha.
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December 1, 2012 at 8:29 PM
Kareena: tum mujhse kyon itna darte ho? Pyaar kiya to darna kya? Tum mere saath aao. mein tumein meri jagah dikhati hoon.
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December 1, 2012 at 2:49 PM
Amarchand, Wadia Ghandy lead PVR’s $100m Cinemax takeover
Amarchand Mangaldas Delhi advised cinema chain PVR, which is buying rival chain Cinemax India by acquiring shares from the promoter – who are advised by Wadia Ghandy – and a subsequent open offer valued at around Rs 540 crore ($100m).
More:-
http://www.legallyindia.com/201212013283/Corporate-/-MA/amarchand-wadia-ghandy-lead-pvrs-100m-cinemax-takeover#comments
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December 1, 2012 at 2:51 PM
Update on Section 66A case:
Petition challenging Sec 66A IT Act: SC issues notice to Central Government; Asks Maharashtra government to explain the arrest of 2 girls in Facebook row
The Supreme Court has today issued notice in a petition filed by Shreya Singhal challenging the constitutional validity of Section 66 A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir also allowed the impleadment of four states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi and Puducherry.
The Court also asked the Maharashtra government to explain the arrest of Shaheen Dhanda Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Shrinivasan in Palghar in Thane district under section 66A.
Attorney General GE Vahanvati said, “Please examine Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and I will assist the court on this issue.”
“An abuse of the section does not make it ultra-vires. This section is based on similar provisions in other jurisdictions such as 2003 Act of United Kingdom and the 1996 Act of United States (on the IT laws)”, said Vahanvati.
The Attorney General said that Section 66A was “well intended”.
He also brought to the notice of the Court the recent guidelines issued by the government, which say that cases to be registered under the provision of the IT Act has to be decided by senior police officers.
More:-
http://www.barandbench.com/brief/2/2998/petition-challenging-sec-66a-it-act-sc-issues-notice-to-central-government-asks-maharashtra-government-to-explain-the-arrest-of-2-girls-in-facebook-row
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December 1, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Watched the movie in Noida tonight show, which was housefull. And 3 years of wait has been worth and movie really exceeded my expectations. Reema took time to build up the first half as it required that kind of deft handling and second half was one hell of an experience with last 20 minutes really gave me and my friends goosebumps as we didn’t expect that kind of ending, which really proved and reposed our trust and conviction in Aamir’s HATKE image. Songs really blended with the narrative so smoothly without dragging the movie and background score was very effective, kudos to Ram Sampat for giving a very apt score as it really amalgamated with the plot and Javed Akhtar wrote fitting lyrics to suit the situations where these songs are played.
Performance wise each and every actor played his or her respective part with finesse. Kareena looked sultry and played the part with gusto, while Rani looked beautiful and suited the role of beleaguered wife and bereaved mother with effortlessness. Nawazuddin played his part as if it was written for him only, but standout performance was from Aamir, who had to be restrained and seething at the same time, as his was a very nuanced role, which required angst internalised in his persona. He acted with lot of brooding as he was not able to accept the truth as it was and really made an indelible impact with his personal agony through his internalisation. Overall after RDB, this Aamir performance stands out and will be among his 5 best in my humble view.
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December 1, 2012 at 4:09 PM
Just got back from a houseful show in Wafi Dubai. The stunned silence at the interval pretty much summed up everyone’s feelings. There were murmurs of discontent due to the unexpected twist in the end, but even then, people could not stop discussing the ‘twist’ on their way out. IMO, the only people who did not like it are those who just cannot see anything other than masala. One really cannot expect them to like a dark fare such as this. However, even a hater who can sit through a taut intense movie should appreciate the fact that this sort of a well made movie of its genre has not been attempted by any major star in the last decade (Maybe fans of Akshay will vouch for Tasveer, but that is miles behind in terms of script and direction). There are obvious shades of hwood, even then, I felt that the script and execution were excellent.
In terms of performance, it was a Aamir-Kareena-Nawazuddin show all the way. Man, this Nawaz guy is a real find. His range of characters in the last 2-3 years has been so convincingly played, he should be winning all sorts of awards.
Despite the leaking out of the suspense, I actually feel now that the WOM of this movie is pretty strong. Those not content with the ending are nonetheless recommending it as a must-watch. No wonder it is running to packed houses here in Dubai.
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December 2, 2012 at 12:42 AM
Great, to know thanx NYKAVI!
What do u think does it have repeat value?
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December 2, 2012 at 1:27 AM
There is repeat value for people who have not seen the Hwood comparables, for whom the twist was a indeed a shocker. There were a couple of such people in my group, who were tying the loose ends after the movie and were thinking of a second watch. Personally, having known the twist beforehand, I was trying to judge how seamlessly it had been integrated into the story. Did find a few loopholes which I will discuss when the curfew on spoilers has been lifted on the blog
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December 2, 2012 at 4:16 AM
kool!!
u know ny kavi, its quite shocking that this film even after release, is not generating vibes as a big star movie shud.
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December 1, 2012 at 7:27 PM
Mendes’ Skyfall: adding the dark, dour, poignant to Bond
Hoped to catch talaash but the company 2nite aren’t in2 Bollywood!
Tried selling it to them–‘aamir khan who?’ types
Did notice that talaash nearly houseful.
Anyhow am relieved at escaping twilight (narrowly)– deal–skyfall!
Well, found it better than I expected
Mendes has done a good job and has probably single- handedly given this franchise a fresh lease of life
Nothing exceptional but good enough as a reboot
Loved bardem-he is simply scene stealing
-Craig, drench were efficient
May write more later–but think my sense is similar to this post earlier that I dictated to anya and she posted it as her own haha
Agree with most of this—
Ps: Price of goin in a group?–more shenanigans now….ha
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December 2, 2012 at 1:29 AM
some interesting audience-views here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1787988/reviews
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December 2, 2012 at 1:43 AM
My views on the movie..
Definitely an average movie from Brand Aamir. In his interview with Nahata, Aamir said that the script was written 10 years ago. They should have perhaps made it at that time. This is a kind of story which has been told many times even in TV shows…
I will say those actors who refused this film will be hardly disappointed coz this is neither a Lagaan nor a TZP. Brand Aamir will take this to very good total at the BO but this is very average fare from Aamir and Excel Entertainment considering that this year we have so many good movies.
Loved the performance by Aamir, Nawazuddin.
Rating…3/5
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December 2, 2012 at 1:47 AM
Watched Talaash last night:
An effective thriller no doubt, but would’ve probably liked it even more had Kahaani not preceded it already. This film, though different from the latter in terms of plot, carries the same feel (dark underbelly and unexplored terrains of the dying parts of a city) and narration/investigation style with an out-of-the-blue climax. I still prefer Kahaani for its impact and Vidya’s performance to this. Not that Talaash is bad – it’s far from it, and might probably find a place in the top films of the year list by the end of year, but it’s a tad underwhelming considering Aamir’s return to screen after 3 years. Still, a film that deserves a watch for Nawazuddin’s performance, and some stunning cinematography and the opening credits exploring the shady city, which IMO leaves a stronger impression than the actual revelation 😉
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December 2, 2012 at 1:50 AM
Amother excellent review by friend of mine, who is a journalist himself-
When a wait for Aamir’s movie culminates in this way you just know it was worth the wait as always. A film packed by a tight script, remarkable performances, blended music, excellent cinematography and apt editing makes Talaash: The answer lies within a treat to watch.
A suspense drama which builds on for three-quarter of the story and when climaxes it leaves you appalled. Not in your wildest dreams you will guess how the suspense will be revealed. There are no traditional hints which will make you believe five different results. Only when it is revealed you know what was going on.
The story is about the personal struggle of inspector Shekhawat played by Aamir who chases two truths- one inside his self and the other out side in the physical world. Rani Mukerji plays his wife Roshni and a prostitute/call girl/informer is played by Kareena. Nawazuddin Sidiqui plays a beggar Taimur who accounts or a subplot.
There is a car crash resulting in death of a famous actor. The car crashes in to the sea. Aamir son also dies in water who he thinks he could have saved. The water imagery comes alive every now and then.
How he overcomes his two major botherings- struggling with his innerself and the solution of the car crash case make the story.
Kareena plays Rosy and plays it to perfection. Her dialogues, performance and body language are all great. Rani plays the wife quite good whereas Nawazuddin plays the beggar who wants to make it big by blackmailing the actor’s friend. Nawazuddin’s performance stands out in the film.
One of the two things that is outstanding in the film is editing. The editing of the movie is brilliant. Story is more or less linear till the suspense is over. And the editor handles the climax shots remarkably. Mixing the words which meant one thing when they were said and other when suspense reveals, the juxtaposition of different shots and words from the earlier scenes, the leitmotif of water, the inner struggle of Aamir, all have been organised so well that you can’t complain.
Each word that the protagonist remembers later on and how his own words (‘lagta hai ki sab kuchh mere saamne hai par main dekh nahi paa raha’) come true at the end have been put up very nicely. Kudos to the editor and the cinematographer.
Camera guy has taken nice shots and is worthy of a special mention.
Another outstanding thing in the film is music and background score. Ram Sampat has blended it so beautifully that the music dissolves in the narrative. For any suspense or horror film the success depends on the background score and Sampat has done a great job. Neither the songs are forced nor they are meaningless as is the case with most of the movies nowadays.
Lyrics are beautiful and are not intrusive. They take the film forward and are an integral part of the film.
One let down in the film is its dialogues. Farhan Akhtar could have done better. Dialogues are not natural and flowing. The words at many places leave a lot to be desired.
Aamir’s stature as one of the best actor of the industry has been justified at more than one place in the film. Whether it is his fingers expressing anxiety when Kareena calls him to sit in her side or the scene where he cries holding a letter, Aamir shows how to act. The same scene if done by an SRK will focus on his face making weird adjustments to express anxiety but Aamir’s fingers are all you have to see and you can see how he is struggling to come to terms with a reality which will unfold in next few seconds.
Reema Kagti’s direction is a treat. Makeup-less Rani, ever charming Kareena, the lame beggar all have been handled the way try should have been. The film flows from one quarter to another. No jerks, no interplay of useless plots in order to confuse the audience, no intruding music & dance sequences, she gets it just right.
This film had all the scopes of slipping an item song (Aamir could have gone to the brothel where a bar dancer would be dancing) but Kagti is not interested as she knows the way to present the story.
When the film starts you are made to believe that the car crash is the main story and Aamir’s personal issues are a sub plot which will start and end but that’s not what happens. As the film is reaching the last 30 minutes you realise the subplot is the main thing and the main story is a support plot.
The beauty of the story is that both the plots hold each other well and result is great. The fight with the self is the main story. An unending search for the unknown and perhaps non-existent truth forms the whole story. Will Shekhawat get there, will he be able to solve the case on the personal as well as professional front and how will he do that is what forms the story.
A human’s struggle with his limitations and a fight when the reality is so unreal and truth appears irrational is what Aamir’s character portrays.
Overall a must watch for the sheer beauty of the handling of such an intricate genre. It is not a romance, it’s not horror, it’s not a bond movie either. It is a psychological war that a human fights with himself in his own limited ways of looking at things.
The best part of the film is that even if you know the suspense at last, you will be willing to watch it or the second time.
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December 2, 2012 at 2:01 AM
Talaash Second Day Business
Sunday 2nd December 2012 11.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash had growth on day two as it collected around 14.50 crore nett adding to the 12.50 crore nett it collected on day one. The two day total is around 37 crore nett.
The film showed huge growth in the North as day one was not too strong. Both Delhi/UP and East Punjab showed 25% growth. Mysore was also fantastic.
The mass market held collections similar to the day before. If Sunday shows the same growth again the film will come out with a very good weekend.
im sure BOI mean *27cr instead of 37cr. Anyway, taran has friday at 14.52cr and sat at 16cr. so if sunday grows again…should be at the very least 40cr weekend. lets see how it does sunday…think this will set the tone for the rest of the week.
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December 2, 2012 at 2:10 AM
Komal has 13.5 and 15.5
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December 2, 2012 at 3:49 AM
Maybe if they had Kareena singing “Gumnaam Hai Koi, Badnaam Hai Koi”, Mass Centers would go housefull.
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December 2, 2012 at 2:31 AM
Talaash Overseas Box Office Report-
Reema Kagti’s Talaash has done considerably good business in the overseas market. The film has reportedly fared well in UK, US and UAE.
Talaash has collected a decent numbers of 5.90 crores approximate at the Overseas Box Office Windows on Thursday (at some overseas screen) and Friday.
Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji in a still from Talaash Movie
Starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji, Talaash is likely to grow its overseas business over the weekend. The movie is anyways collecting good moolah on the domestic front.
http://www.koimoi.com/box-office/talaash-bo-draft-03/
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December 2, 2012 at 3:05 AM
this is absurd and disturbing at the same time: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/15000-men-to-boycott-all-Aamirs-films-until-he-apologises/articleshow/17441365.cms
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December 2, 2012 at 3:27 AM
it happens only in india
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December 2, 2012 at 3:31 AM
You might find it “tasteless” 🙂
One of my facebook “friend”s is one of them. He is from my college. I haven’t interacted with him but it seems he has been at receiving end of 498a…He is part of men’s right association..They write “Mra” in front of their names. They make absurd assertion like 62000 men die every year from suicide and they infer that they die because of spouse abuse. They organize meetings and talk about mens right.They were mad when Aamir showed Dowry abuse and turned against him. I saw he posted Talaash suspense on facebook Status.
here is one of the articles posted by him
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/201211272012112720401523120e51b2f/Men%E2%80%99s-rights-activists-to-get-back-at-Aamir.html
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December 2, 2012 at 3:53 AM
This is absolutely vile! It’s sickly ironic that India has some of the most vigilant ‘men’s rights activist’ groups despite frequently topping the list of most dangerous countries in the world for women: http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/06/13/g20-women-idINDEE85C00420120613
It’s absolutely bizarre that these ‘men’ actually think that Indian women are too empowered/ advantaged!
And when it comes to issues like female feoticide, these are obviously gender-specific social evils- there is no culture of sex-detection and termination of male fetuses in India, so I don’t see how Aamir could have talked about that!
It’s also very ironic that these people seem to think that Aamir is giving Indian men a bad name- internationally there is the stereotype about Middle-Eastern and South-Asian cultures that the men are all oppressive of women, and to have an Indian, Muslim man champion the cause of women at such a public level, appearing on TIME, in the NYT etc makes a very powerful statement in dispelling these unfortunate stereotypes. These ‘men’s rights activists’ on the other hand, are delusional misogynists who give all of the decent men out there a bad name.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:20 AM
These men’s rights group are a cruel joke on women. It’s sickening and wrong thatr Aamir Khan should be targeted by these crazy selfish attentin seekers. While I’m a fan of Aamir as a filmperson, I’m more than a fan of the man who helmed Satyamev Jayate, the tv show — and am really looking forward to the second season ( which is being researched and worked upon by his team, right now). The first season had many pro-Women episodes, but rightly so. No episode was were anti-men. And so many episodes were neutral and dealt with matters that need to be talked about. I especially l;oved the episodes dealing with water conservation and organic farming, issues I feel strongly about.
I am seriously concerned about one issue not touched by Aamir last time — and I hope he will follow it up; will suggest to SMJ director Satyajit Bhatkal, vide facebook. I refer to the particularly Indian/Soujth Asian issue of acid attacks on people –especially women, since as far as I know few/no men have been scarred by acid attack. A recent news item from last week –it really has my blood boiling. Deterrent punishment is needed; the media needs to highlight this issue. It’s as bad as murder; worse, it’s living death for these victims.
I read the news last week in my print edition of The Hindu; could not find the piece in that paper’s site, but did find it elsewhere.
http://www.i4u.com/2012/11/chennai/stalker-after-techie-acid-down-attack-turning-blinded
Folks, just do a google search for acid attacks in India. The results are sickening and alarming. My question –why isn’t enough noise being made about this issue?
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December 2, 2012 at 6:01 AM
And it’s not like he only portayed the men to be the villains- there were so many women interviewed on SMJ who said that their mothers-in-law/ sisters-in-law had harassed them, and he also interviewed several men who were trying to help women out of these cruel circumstances (the male journalist involved in the female feoticide sting operation, the muslim men who encourage low-cost marraiges amongst their community in the anti-dowry episode etc) – so it’s ridiculous for these creeps to suggest that Aamir was demonizing men through his show. But if they can’t see that India is an extremely patriarchal culture with disturbingly high levels of crime against women, they have to be living in some alternate universe.
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December 2, 2012 at 6:09 AM
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/doctors-assessing-damage-suffered-by-acid-attack-victim/article4145099.ece
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December 2, 2012 at 6:16 AM
More disturbing news:
“Hakim was killed in cold blood in full public view on Thursday.
According to media reports, five armed men shot Hakim when he was going to the village doctor’s clinic to get medicines for his pregnant wife, Mehawish.
Talking to the media, Hakim’s brother said the assailants pumped several bullets into him.
Abdul and Mehawish had eloped from Meerut and got married in November 2010. Later they moved to Delhi. Even their family was forced to leave Meerut after the panchayat decreed death for the couple and started terrorising the family.”
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/UP-satyamev-jayate-aamir-khan-demands-justice-for-abdul-hakim-4084039-NOR.html?HT3=
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December 2, 2012 at 6:18 AM
“why isn’t enough noise being made about this issue?”
You’re porbably already aware of this, but there was an Oscar-winning Pakistani documentary made on this subject last year.
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December 2, 2012 at 8:00 AM
good points amy and Ls
One cant compare crimes like infanticide and acid attacks to domestic squabbles
ps–though on a lighter note, one feels sorry for these poor guys who get beaten at home–face abuse apparently–they shoudl pay for their wrong decisions hahaha
alteast they serve as lessons to others…
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December 2, 2012 at 4:27 PM
It is squabble if you are third party or giver..It is not for the person who is receiving the blunt of physcial/mental abuse.
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December 2, 2012 at 4:32 PM
“It is squabble if you are third party or giver..It is not for the person who is receiving the blunt of physcial/mental abuse.”
Hmmmm Munna– I see
It seems u are also at the receiving end of this ‘abuse @ home”.
The way u said that –i could sense a deep ’empathy’ with those guys in your heart
The problem in these things maybe that u cant even openly tell others 🙂
“One of my facebook “friend”s is one of them. He is from my college. I haven’t interacted with him but it seems he has been at receiving end of 498a…He is part of men’s right association..They write “Mra” in front of their names.” Munna –u havent interacted with him bocs it is YOU
ps—munna—jokes apart—anyhow we all can help
This is NOT funny for munna
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December 2, 2012 at 6:56 AM
For Alex- Monica Dogra’s new film (Shai from Dhobi Ghat):
It also stars Arjun Mathur, who is a very promising actor IMO- it’s too bad that he couldn’t make it as a hero, he’s a lot more appealing than the likes of Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor.
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December 2, 2012 at 7:25 AM
thanx Amy–just ‘recovering’ from a late nite ‘movie’ — take lots of time…..though its good fun ha
this ‘firefly’ trailer seems interesting
is this guy the same who was in LBC–farhans friend who didnt make it –yeah he is talented but alas we have to endure talentless duds liek arjun kapoor due to their mom/dad/sis…
ps–liked shai in dhobi ghaat
not sure of this negativity about kiran rao– i thought she made an instinctive nuanced film that only a female can make
and shai did a good effortless natural performance
Amy–hav u seen dhobi ghaat–what did u think of the film/performances—think i missed your piece on it…
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December 2, 2012 at 7:57 AM
I didn’t write a piece on it but I liked it very much- it was a lovely film and Kiran Rao made an extremely promising debut IMO. However, I think that it is completely out of tune with Indian sensiblities, and marketing it in India as an Aamir-starrer (even with repeated warnings that it is no Ghajini or 3I) was a bad move. Films like Dhobi Ghat are a cultivated taste for the Bollywood audience, and there was always bound to be negativity. However dismissing a filmmaker as worthless simply because you cannot appreicate their kind of cinema is very narrow-minded. For example, I’m not a fan of masala cinema, but that doesn’t mean that I’m arrogant enough to dismiss the best films of that genre just because they aren’t to my taste.
P.S. This comment is NOT meant as a criticism of Sandyi’s views, which seem reasonable enough.
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December 2, 2012 at 8:30 AM
i liked dg too. as per most people, that makes me a pretentious pseudo-intellectual. i think this narrow-minded propensity to dismiss things is quite popular because it doesn’t require much debate, you can just assume it’s correct because numbers are on your side.
i didn’t think there was anything wrong with how it was marketed though. they took a film-festival route, then openly told people it was not indian mainstream commercial cinema. the fact that it was an aamir-starrer was just that, a fact, that could not be changed. that’s why the expectations despite the repeated warnings. probably would have served the film better to not have aamir in it at all. but then it would not have received the attention that it did. it’s all about the balance. it was another baby step towards providing a more eclectic palette of films to choose from for indian viewers, so these films can co-exist with the big ones. so it served its purpose. i look forward to seeing what kiran does next.
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December 2, 2012 at 8:36 AM
good to hear u also liked dhobi ghaat: amy and anya
I was beginning to feel lonely woth kiran rao alone(!!) as the only person liking it..
btw frankly speaking: i care a damn about how it was marketed ie festival route or mainstream or online release etc
I still wouldve liked it since the FILM was good
“perceptive” was the word and in a few scenes i could see a female behind the camera ‘adding’ some nuaces…
Im still wondering how/why it received such negativity and so few people liked it…strange…bcos if I could watch it completely on a cd with nearly zero attention span, it must be engrossing..
btw i liked aamir in it –(though prateek was crap)
But Shai was really good..
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December 2, 2012 at 8:34 AM
I loved DG, bought its dvd; even the dvd extras were good, there was a 5th character, filmed, dropped.
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December 2, 2012 at 8:40 AM
thanx LS–plz tell us about the 5th character–it was surely an interesting little flick…
btw what are the aamir films u have NOT liked 🙂
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December 2, 2012 at 9:02 AM
Are you making fun of me. Alex? Ok, 🙂
I did not like Mela (nobody did). His early films like Dil ( where he was young and handsome and that’s it)—masala stuff, quite cheesy really; Ishq–literally loud, but aamir was young handsome and quite funny.
My favourite aamir film is Sarfarosh. Like MP too, a lot.despite certain flaws; felt sorry that it did not work.
Found TZP good, AK was ok.
Liked DG, but felt it needed more meat. Aamir was just about adequate in it.
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December 2, 2012 at 9:09 AM
hmm good choices there, LS–since u r a sensible (though not blind) fan of aamir khan, what are your top3 aamir films..
“Liked DG, but felt it needed more meat. “–but they wanted to keep it for universal U audiences haha…
Anyhow filmigirls take on talaash–another balanced (though somewhat “sitting on the fence”) ones…
http://filmigirl.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/talaash-brief-100-spoiler-free-review.html#more
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December 2, 2012 at 8:10 AM
thanx Amy
Infact Dhobi Ghaat obviously didnt release @ my end–usually never bother with pirated cds, online links at all
cant stand subpar picture/sound quality besides poor attention span
Just checked it to see the music soundtrack for 5 minutes on someones cd–ended up seeing most of it
I actually liked it a lot —maybe im the only one (other than kiran rao, it seems)
“I think that it is completely out of tune with Indian sensiblities”–hmm maybe but why do u think..
As for sandyi–her views on dhobi ghaat were not commensurate wiht the rest of her v sensible erudite views
The clincher came in her talaash post where she criticises aamirs performance/film not to aamir or the film makers but she blames kiran rao for forcing aamir to do the film
even if it was a joke, can a guy like aamir do a film bcos kiran rao has told him hahahaha
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December 2, 2012 at 8:50 AM
Apparently whats this about kareena having out-acted averyone including rani/aamir in talaash’
http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_kareena-impresses-one-more-khan_1772444
Is this really true….
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December 2, 2012 at 1:20 PM
actually kareena has a role to-die-for and she delivers. It is the character which is bound to win the audience over.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:24 PM
Atlast you have to acknowledge Kareena’s acting and her star power. If I am wrong, sorry.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:52 PM
sanjana, in my review abt T – I praised kareena. However I don’t much like her otherwise. But here, she deserves all the praise.
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December 2, 2012 at 9:25 AM
@ Alex –my top 5 Aamir films, films and well as performances. —
Sarfarosh.
1947Earth
DCH, Lagaan
RDB.
3 idiots could take 6th place. Also love Rangeela, Ghulam, JJWS, AHAT…like his good films, even a kiddie flick like Hum hain Rahi Pyar ke– innocent sweet funny film
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December 2, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Mine would be first as an actor-not in any particular order
1-RDB
2-DCH
3-1947 EARTH
4-TALAASH
5-AAA
6-RANGEELA
7-JJWS
8-LAGAAN
9-SARFAROSH
10-AHAT
His movies as a whole-
1-LAGAAN
2-RDB
3-TZP
4-SARFAROSH
5-DCH
6-TALAASH
7-AAA
8-GHULAM
9-QSQT
10-DIL HAI KI MANTA NAHI
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December 2, 2012 at 12:13 PM
good lists—interesting to see talaash @ no 3
also no 3 idiots(biggest grosser ever) in either list–again shows his range and ‘depth’
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December 2, 2012 at 1:20 PM
Personally 3 idiots was fine for me, but not as interesting as number seems to suggest. Talaash really is in top 3 Aamir’s movie of all times as it not only engaged me but took me by mammoth surprise with its final 20 minutes. Kudos for giving us another treat, which i relished while watching and would cherish for it offered something novel in terms of Hindi movies.
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December 2, 2012 at 9:34 AM
@LS–a really nive list and one cant disagree
and still “3 idiots could take 6th place”—shows the masterly choices aamir has made in his career….
Will hav to think for my list–havent seen 1947earth..so cant comment
On the occasion of talaash release & to ‘celebrate’ Aamir khan–what are your lists, folks..
LS–what do u think were aamirs top5 ‘scenes’ with ranking–my impression is that in some films, his performances maybe fine but he always comes up with one/two outstanding scenes that ‘rise above’ the rest of the film(more than some other actors)…
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December 2, 2012 at 1:00 PM
By nive you mean nice, I guess . Typo, right.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:04 PM
There is no a. So it must be a typo.
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December 2, 2012 at 4:08 PM
ha yeah it was a (strategic) typo 🙂
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December 2, 2012 at 1:48 PM
Top 5 scene
1-Denouement in Sarfarosh, where he confronts Naseeruddin shah and mouths some fantabulous dialogues.
2-RDB-When he breaks down while having dinner shows his helplessness and angst with himself as he could not do anything, was cathartic.
3-DCH- Again when he breaks down while talking to his dad over phone admitting his helplessness to come to terms with the truth that Preity was soon going to get married.
4-Ghajini-When Ghajini kills his love Asin and he could just be a helpless victim of the grisly murder in front of his eyes. Expressions made me cry over his helplessness.
5-1947 EARTH- The final scene, where he deludes and betrays the small girl by asking about the whereabouts of Nandita Das by saying that he would not divulge this secret to anybody and tells the waiting mob about where Nandita was hiding herself. His facial expressions after Nandita is captured with wry smile and smoking cigarette is mind blowing.
Would be adding some more.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:57 PM
Ghulam’s climax fight remains my all time favorite scene with aamir throwing a stone at the villain’s window with the dialogue “bahar nikal saale….” what follows in next 20 min is pure filmi stuff but the spirit behind it is so magical that it still gives me goose-bumps
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December 2, 2012 at 2:04 PM
check out these 20 min. here:
starts at 9.24 min in this video (part 10)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw4fc5mNsAk&list=UL
and cluminates with the part 11
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December 2, 2012 at 2:22 PM
@ IdeaUnique Ghulam’s running scene against the train gives me goosebumps as it was none other than Aamir himself, who performed the scene. Ghulam has many memorable moments, one when he is asked by his elder brother to deliberately lose the boxing match as Ronak singh had taken taken money to make Aamir’s adversary the winner. When he confesses the truth to Rani that he was present when his brother was killed, he was responsible for taking him to Ronak Singh and being present at the place where all this took place. Here symbolism helped to enhance the overall impact of the scene as when Aamir is confessing his guilt, a drill is digging the land slowly creating sound which makes the conversation between them inaudible, but their gestures capture the rift being created by this revelation, marvelous scene.
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December 2, 2012 at 4:03 PM
thanx for the scenes and films
Think the fact that someone has the alltime best grossing film of all time in his kitty and sitll can have ten choices above that film is testimony of his success
Esp since he has done much fewer films
IMO Aamir gives a few scenes in each film that exceed the graph of the rest of hisperfomrance
There are quite a few of them
My choice–
One of the best aamir khan scene of alltime (till now)
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December 2, 2012 at 10:09 AM
BIUTIFUL/ SKYFALL- Javier Bardem
Checked Skyfall yesterday and may write something longer on it later.
Basically Mendes has injected the dour and poignant darkenss into the superspy and reinvogorated the franchise. Anya has already written an ace review on it–not much to add.
Craig, Dench were efficient indeed and so was their chemistry
Expectedly, Bardem owns every scene he appears in
Have always loved in esp in Vicky Christina Barcelona etc
Another european bardem co-admirer praised this film and handed me a dvd. Not sure if I can fit it in today. HAve just been messaged that there is an online full version with subtitles
btw have only heard good things about this film
Also shares gustavo santolalas OST (with dhobhi Ghaat)
Obviously those who found dhobi ghaat too slow/abstract or are bodyguard/ ready fans OR those who found talaash the next stage of auteurism may not like it
Not sure–If anyone interested–can check it out (and also lemme know if its worth the while)–so thats my selfish interest 🙂
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December 2, 2012 at 11:42 AM
I’m not sure if such lowbrow material is appropriate for Satyamshot, but a friend shared this video on Facebook today, and it’s just so ridiculously silly that I HAD to laugh! 😛
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December 2, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Amy–whats this ???
is this what u r watching nowadays 🙂
haha its so crap that its funny…
anyhow–another anya –think shes romanian…
(only a dogs missing ….) ahaha
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December 2, 2012 at 11:54 AM
LOL! Just stumbled across it on Facebook, and it was too silly for me to not share it 😛
I’ve been listening to a lot of Nek lately, have you heard his music?
BTW- I’m going to stop posting videos now before Satyam gets extremely annoyed.
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December 2, 2012 at 12:03 PM
yeah amy–hes not much of a singer and am not into his music…
but has some girl fans in the italian/spanish circles…i think
dont worry–satyam is writing his ‘piece’–u can continue to party—enjoy 😉
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December 2, 2012 at 12:36 PM
December 2, 2012
‘Twilight’ Shines in Third Box Office Win Over Bond
By REUTERS
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The “Twilight” teen vampire movie shined again at U.S. and Canadian box offices, earning $17.4 million and its third consecutive No. 1 ranking as James Bond held strong and Brad Pitt’s new movie struggled.
“Twilight” finale “Breaking Dawn – Part 2” finished just ahead of “Skyfall,” the 23rd film in the Bond franchise about British superspy 007. “Skyfall” rang up sales of $17 million domestically from Friday through Sunday.
“Breaking Dawn – Part 2” has pulled in $254.6 million since its release while “Skyfall” has grossed $246 million, putting both among the top films of the year.
Steven Spielberg’s historical drama “Lincoln” starring Daniel Day-Lewis took third place for the weekend with $13.5 million. Brad Pitt’s new movie, small-budget gangster film “Killing Them Softly,” grossed $7 million and landed in seventh place.
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December 2, 2012 at 12:37 PM
the remarkable thing is that just about no one I’ve talked to has really loved the Bond film, plenty have been very negative towards it, and it’s still done extraordinarily well (trending better than just about every recent Bond effort beginning with Brosnan’s stint). I’m probably talking to the wrong demographic!
I know reaction in the UK has been overwhelmingly positive. Some have even recommended an Oscar nod! British pride still goes a long way when it comes to Bond!
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December 2, 2012 at 12:43 PM
***MAJOR SPOILER WARNING***
Can anyone help me with this question? – Why did Rosy wait three years to get her revenge?
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December 2, 2012 at 12:44 PM
takes some time to plot these things out..
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December 2, 2012 at 12:50 PM
haha.
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December 2, 2012 at 12:57 PM
didn’t she tell aamir she was waiting for him? she couldn’t find a more tortured person 🙂
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December 2, 2012 at 3:56 PM
Hey tony–
I dont read but scan usually first
my gaze saw your spoiler below and then the spolier warning above—
now i know the plot or atleast can sense it
heck !! ha\
anyhow i had a sort of suspicion about kareena…
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December 2, 2012 at 8:27 PM
OK…here’s the deal..the hawaldar at the beginning when talking with Aamir says ‘peechle 3-4 saalon mein aise accidents hue hain’ – so that mean, KK has been plotting throughout..if not for her, then for her fellow-mates…for her, doing it for her fellow-mates from her profession is as much important as hers…
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December 2, 2012 at 12:44 PM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
INDIA: #Talaash *actuals* Fri Rs 14.52 cr, Sat Rs 16.37 cr. Total: Rs 30.89 cr nett.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:18 PM
i would believe taran over BOI. and that means sun can do 17 cr – so 48 cr weekend – can another 4 days bring in 30-35?
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December 2, 2012 at 10:51 PM
and there is … 🙂 Prakashjaaju @Prakashjaaju: TALAASH : Fri 15.20 cr, Sat 16.90 cr, Sun 25.40 cr … Total 57.50 cr
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December 2, 2012 at 11:38 PM
wow….!!!
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December 2, 2012 at 12:45 PM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
USA: #Talaash Fri $ 490,000, Sat $ 700,000. Total: $ 1,190,000
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December 2, 2012 at 12:46 PM
very impressive US numbers for this kind of genre. But it’s doing very well in all overseas markets.
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December 2, 2012 at 12:52 PM
North America delivers a stunning US$ 700,000 on Saturday. All time record for a Hindi film ever on a single day.. Today also fabulous
Komal Nahta on Twitter
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December 2, 2012 at 2:20 PM
You know the funny thing here. Taran said exactly the same thing but then came back later with a tweet saying he’d made a mistake and it was actually MNIK that was the record holder (763k). But both Taran and Nahata made the exact same mistake!
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December 2, 2012 at 1:06 PM
Satyam, what are your thoughts on Talaash? I am deliberating if I should make a trip to the theatre.
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December 2, 2012 at 2:21 PM
You absolutely should go. I loved the film and will watch it again at some point. I am ambivalent about certain aspects which I will get to in a piece but I still found it extremely effective and well-done almost throughout as a narrative.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:19 PM
Quite impressive numbers both domestically and overseas.
Await domestic weekday numbers eagerly and a little anxiously as that will determine how far it goes. Hope will be pleasantly surprised. Trending theory applies here as well to determine how well it is liked.
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December 2, 2012 at 1:30 PM
Do u think rajen it has repeat value!
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December 2, 2012 at 1:48 PM
I tihn.k so but somewhat limited. it is not a 3I. I would certainly atch it again.
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December 2, 2012 at 2:51 PM
Suniel Wadhwa Suniel Wadhwa @sunielwadhwa 28m
#Talaash*KANPUR*Sun:Mpx-10,20,316/-SScrn-2,71,025/-TOT-12,91,341/-3daysTOT-29,36,307/-(Fri-798550 Sat846416 Sun-1291341) Sun Jump by 52.56%.
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December 2, 2012 at 2:54 PM
Suniel Wadhwa Suniel Wadhwa @sunielwadhwa 29m
USA: #Talaash Fri $ 490,000, Sat $ 700,000. Sun $ 793,000.Total: $ 1,983,000 [Rs 11.01 cr].
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December 2, 2012 at 3:54 PM
so Talaash now has the highest single day total for a hindi film in U.S??
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December 2, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Overseas update Talaash
Apparently some folks went to see talaash today and couldnt get godamm tickets !! Very rare for a bollywood flick….
Gud to see things picking up both domestic and overseas
Have always maintained that atleast for significant releases, overseas numbers atleast us, uk, middle east do matter
Somehow till JTHJ these werent even discussed forget posted-
Have nothing against talaash or in favor of jthj etc
Anyhow note–
Satyam Says:
December 2, 2012 at 12:45 PM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
USA: #Talaash Fri $ 490,000, Sat $ 700,000. Total: $ 1,190,000
This is the same satyam who a couple of weeks ago just refused to post any overseas numbers, even cumulative–calling them incosenquential…
Well, one can only smile
Reminds me of the following lyrics on seeing satyams childish cutenss
“Chhoti chhoti teri bachkani badmashiyon se
Mohabbat karunga main
Jab tak hai jaan”
🙂
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December 2, 2012 at 4:25 PM
haha…lol…
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December 2, 2012 at 5:04 PM
“This is the same satyam who a couple of weeks ago just refused to post any overseas numbers”
If Satyam refused anyone could have posted?
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December 2, 2012 at 5:08 PM
thanks Munna! Alex otherwise is the most prolific poster around.. he has time to post 100s of youtubes and what not but is not able to put up the overseas numbers!
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December 2, 2012 at 9:50 PM
and all that while he is “driving” with one hand 😉
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December 2, 2012 at 5:07 PM
Alex.. it’s unfortunate to see you constantly adopt this snide tone. Nonetheless for the benefit of others I shall answer this ‘query’. SRK’s romantic films getting big numbers overseas is hardly new. But the Talaash sort of film putting up the same IS! Much as Ghajini opening better and grossing slightly more than RNBDJ in the US was also remarkable. If I had wanted to I could have made a big deal out of even the JTHJ numbers because actually they were behind SRK’s biggest benchmarks even overseas (barring a UAE). So if I wanted to be hard on SRK I could have done this. But in any case the larger point is genre. Or a film and/or star combo doing unexpected business.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:13 PM
also, others posted those numbers. and were refusing to acknowledge above points despite repetition.
and the discussion was not about numbers themselves but the commentary adopted. trade was dying to label jthj blockbuster based on the weekend and overseas, they are clearly dying to label this average (already some trade commentary here). though both will probably end up doing the same business (+/- 10 cr). this despite the obvious crowd-pleasing vs. less popular genre.
and if you go by what they are saying (due to aamir’s history blah blah), does that mean they are accepting aamir is the bigger star, so it’s good enough for srk but not for aamir? it will be good to clarify these points but of course that will never happen.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:18 PM
Ha Relax folks..
The main point was not being unable to POST overseas numbers but your assertion that overseas numbers as such, in general, are NOT significant enough to be discussed due to —
a) not going to the indian distributor
b) citing the hollywood model wherein the overseas werent supposed to be counting much
Well, its a v recent discussion
So this sudden dialy, no hourly overseas updates on talaash did come as a suprise
But yeah–
I agree and infact welcome that talaash is achieving these overseas numbers in THIS genre
Infact have confirmed info–
from two different sites–
folks have been turned away (to other objectionable activities) bcos they couldnt get tickets for talaash—
houseful an hour b4 the show
I dont think ive heard of this before only rarely (if ever) for a bollywood film…
ps: munna–that ‘domestic abuse” bit was in good humour.\
If it hurt u or it is actually personal–i can understand–plz delete it…
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December 2, 2012 at 5:51 PM
Na..Why should I get hurt? You don’t know me..rest is mere conjecture 🙂 If you have lived in college hostel for four years, you pretty much become thick skinned.
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December 2, 2012 at 4:56 PM
14 N Talaash Relbig. $1,983,000
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/
so in N. America it has done exceptional. just to compare…3 years ago 3 idiots on a holiday opened at 1.64 mill with a theater avg of $13, 828 (talaash is at $11,500). ofcourse it went on to make 6.5 mill. nonetheless this is a great start for Talaash.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:04 PM
TALAASH Finishes Good Weekend
“Talaash” is typical case where film has done great business but can nott be termed so considering expectations from star Aamir Khan after his record breaking last release. That is what the general feeling last year when SRK starrer “Don 2” released with similar numbers from same production house.
There is correction in collections for Friday as Excel and Aamir Khan Productions announced it to be 13.50 cr instead of earlier reported 14.50 cr figure. Film should collect 18 cr nett on Sunday as per early estimates and this means jump of 10% over Saturday. The jump of this slim percentage was expected as we said earlier that a multiplex film has limitation in terms of growth.
Film looksto finish weekend at 47-48 cr nett which is slightly lesser than “Don 2”, the last year big non holiday release. Though a better weekdays can take “Talaash” further. Tomorrow will decide the film’s fate.
Film has done tremendous biz overseas and it looks 18-20 cr nett weekend but there too weekdays will hold the key. Film is strictly average in mass belts and that might reflect in collections from tomorrow as multiplexes tend to drop more on weekdays.
http://www.boxofficecapsule.com/boxoffice-collections.aspx?id=957
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December 2, 2012 at 6:08 PM
Film looksto finish weekend at 47-48 cr nett which is slightly lesser than “Don 2″, the last year big non holiday release. Though a better weekdays can take “Talaash” further. Tomorrow will decide the film’s fate.
Non holiday release for Don 2. Wow. Now I have really heard it all. So Xmas doesnt come under a ‘holiday’ LOL now lets see what this site which by the way is run by a SRK fan reports for Dabangg 2.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:26 PM
OK folks–
Some folks i know just messaged me–
they tried talaash tickets today afternoon and were willing to check it out on any show –evening/night
both were houseful even by the afternoon!!
Ive never EVER heard this in that overseas centre..Period!
Im not joking….
Ps; the fact that they were diverted to other (objectionable) stuff is another matter of concenr though lol
The main moral of the story imo–
Overseas collections DO matter for big releases
Esp as in the case of JTHJ /talaash, they may form a significant amount compared to the domestic gross–they cant be ignored in the overall assessment
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December 2, 2012 at 5:32 PM
they do NOT matter while deciding the box office verdict of a film (which is based on indian distributor share). otherwise mnik will be the biggest indian hit ever. of course, they matter to the bank balance of the producers and give a sense of whether a film was liked well overseas relative to india. this is not rocket science.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:35 PM
“they matter to the bank balance of the producers and give a sense of whether a film was liked well overseas relative to india”
exactly–thats why a cumulative periodic (not daily/hourly) update can suffice thats all..esp for big releases
Anya–y r u so ‘angry’ 2day 😉
everything ok…
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December 2, 2012 at 5:39 PM
lack of basic factual understanding does that to me.
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December 2, 2012 at 5:43 PM
ok so now weve corrected each others understanding .. :-).
btw i posted a song by another anya above–try it out and lemme know how it is
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December 2, 2012 at 5:50 PM
the producers aren’t the only people involved in the equation. And though this might come as news to you irrespective of a contract or not (mostly there isn’t one) if your major distributors lose money on a film you as producer have to make it up somehow. Otherwise guess what? YOu have to find new distributors the next time! These days the multiplex chains are very powerful too. You can’t get away with just any deal. A producer has to make his distributors whole either with overseas profits (if that’s the case) or future films or whatever. That’s the way it works. a producer can’t just sit of gobs of cash and screw the others involved! Secondly you see one producer’s name on the film but the deals are considerably more complex than this. So for example on Talaash Excel produced it but Aamir has a piece of it as well. But these are only the two principal parties. There are other players who might get say a piece of Bombay city or a slice of Delhi and so on. All these arrangements don’t show up in the credits. This is just an example. There is a dizzying level of complexity involved in these transactions. When you suddenly see a big director making films like Student of the Year or a smaller love story or whatever that usually isn’t by accident. Specially when the director’s previous films have also failed. Let’s say no one in India was persuaded by the KANK and MNIK overseas numbers argument. if anything they were beating down Johar’s doors to be repaid using those returns! When a producer does that his profit keeps shrinking.
It’s very important to know what really goes on. people just show up on blogs and thinking it’s like elementary arithmetic. The trade figures also peddle this notion because they’re saying nonsense most of the time (for reasons of compromise/corruption or otherwise). This garbage gets floated around and people lap it up. and this is how such comments/questions as yours come about.
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December 2, 2012 at 6:36 PM
Thanx for that useful info
“There is a dizzying level of complexity involved in these transactions”
Is the bottomline both in overseas and perhaps moreso in domestic scenario
But that’s in all films to different degrees and depending on the banner, release strategy, marketing, placement etc
Which is why I don’t see the point in dissecting the difference between the various box office sites
Bcos bigger discrepancies reside within ( than those in the reported numbers)
Anyhow I realise there maybe practical reasons/ compulsions of putting some updates here more than others and that’s perfectly easonable for those reasons
Besides its your site … 🙂
Ps: it seems I’ve touched a raw nerve in both Satyam, munna with that ‘domestic abuse by spouse’topiv
They’re taking their pentup anger here now haha
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December 2, 2012 at 5:42 PM
Alex.. as always you’re arguing with yourself. No one said that overseas numbers don’t matter. I have certainly never heard anyone say this. But using the overseas numbers as an excuse to justify the poorest or at least sub-par Indian ones is a different deal altogether. This is what the argument is about not that the overseas numbers are not good. So if the claim is ‘JTHJ did poorly in India but hey UK numbers are great’ that’s a bit like saying a Hollywood film didn’t do well in the US but Hong Kong numbers are super. It’s a way of trying to change the subject. No industry in the world can function by just counting overseas numbers. Not even Hollywood which has an ‘actual’ global market. In fact many sub-par Hollywood blockbuster-type deals were justified this way by the studio execs. By saying the film had done superbly in East Asia and what not. Ultimately the cold realities of accounting knocked these flimsy excuses out and eventually everyone had to get back to reality. After the 90s it was true for a number of years and still is to a great extent that a lot of big productions are often not completely produced by one studio. Barring absolute sure shots. A film that is released on thousands of screens in India cannot lose money there or perform below expectations and still be ok because it did well in Australia! Finally the overseas territories aren’t the good deal they once were. You don’t release films in 125 or whatever US screens for free! You don’t hire an increasingly greater number of marquee theaters in the heart of cities like NY and London for cheap rates! The overseas figures are peddled like some bonus that doesn’t cost anything. It’s totally absurd. Once upon a time it was still possible to do this because most Indian films didn’t do much in the theater, the SRK films did but the screen count wasn’t dramatically higher or anything. You had for the most part the same run-down theaters screening the films. Things have changed seismically since the 90s though. A theater that screens the TDK doesn’t just start doling out screens for a SRK release at throwaway prices! The numbers are strong for many films these days but there still has to be an accounting of costs all round much there is in India. People pretend that if a film grosses $2m in the US a nice fat check is made out to Aditya Chopra for the same amount!
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December 2, 2012 at 5:55 PM
” But using the overseas numbers as an excuse to justify the poorest or at least sub-par Indian ones is a different deal altogether. ”
Who said that–I never did
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December 2, 2012 at 6:02 PM
” You don’t release films in 125 or whatever US screens for free! You don’t hire an increasingly greater number of marquee theaters in the heart of cities like NY and London for cheap rates”
That’s understood for all films!
So one cant have hourly updates for one film and nonexistent for another ideally
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December 2, 2012 at 5:31 PM
Ranbir and Abhishek play football for a cause
November 29, 2012 6:51 am
The actors were seen bonding over a football practice session. Prepping up for the final match in Delhi, RK and AB will be joined many other Bollywood celebs for this fund raising activity Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Raj Kundra, Leander Paes, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Karan Wahi were seen playing with great passion.
While Abhishek looked cute in knee high football socks, Ranbir made a style statement by wearing a bandana. The actors are all set to be a part of the All Stars Football Club, which will raise money for charitable causes. And we hear that Ranveer Singh, Rahul Bose, Dino Morea, Arjun Rampal, Zayed Khan and Harman Baweja and tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathi too will be joining Ranbir and Abhi in this noble deed.
The actors seemed to have the time of their lives kicking the ball and sweating it out. A testosterone-fuelled game, hot celebs, great camaraderie – quite an interesting event, we say!
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December 2, 2012 at 6:58 PM
Finally nargis fakhri gets/signs another film– haha
http://www.movietalkies.com/news/15744/nargis-fakhri-to-play-journalist-in-john-abraham's-'madras-cafe‘
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December 4, 2012 at 12:43 AM
Alex – Check this 🙂
http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainmenttags/paris-hilton/paris-hilton-visits-siddhivinayak-temple
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December 2, 2012 at 7:05 PM
Watched Talaash last night with three friends (one is a huge Aamir fan). Anyway I now very rarely check out any trailers, songs dialogue promos prior to watching a film with the exception of a Salman film.
I went in with no expectations and it certainly helps when I like all three actors especially Kareena. The hall was 70% full which is very good considering how cold it’s become all of a sudden here. Oh sugar just realised it is December.
Film gets into the mood of things straight away and for me I never once felt bored or felt the film was dragging. The standout scene in the film was when Aamir went on a drive and started to go over the ‘what ifs’ he could have done to save his son. Absolutely brilliant and Aamir nailed it.
Infact all the performances were very good. Towards the end of the film I tried to imagine which actors could play the three main leads and nope no names came to mind. The supporting cast added more authenticity to the characters and Tehmur (who I came to know was Nawazuddin Siddique) was fantastic and his character had the most layers which he displayed effortlessly. His lust for greed, his ability to lie and his desire to want something better for the girl he loved. Seeing him wear a shirt with the picture of Salman had a few people talking 😀
I was completely clueless as to what the music was like and I was more than pleasantly surprised. Many times the music especially for a film like Talaash tends to slow proceedings and act as a roadblock but not here, not for me anyway. Each song was apt and the lyrics were superb (subtitles zindabad).
The climax for me and my friends was perfectly fine but most in attendance clicked onto what the mystery was. I think it’s unfair to term the whole climax as letdown but for those who were expecting something out of the box or something which will make them go WOW then I’m afraid this won’t be the case for some. A few members on here are spot on that don’t go in expecting a thriller, Talaash is more of a supernatural drama.
Aamir at the end reading the letter from his son had me in a few tears as I could relate to his pain and anguish. Throughout the film his helplessness and his inability to do something and ultimately blame himself for the past is wonderfully portrayed. The embrace at the end and Rani hugging him and smiling to herself was a slight indication that she has her husband back and maybe they could get on with their lives.
The film is dark but there are songs in the film and some very lovely moments which did generate laughs in the audience. Would I watch the film again, probably not but what a brilliant one time watch.
P.S majority of people appreciate Aamir and Rani as actors often forgetting and even ridiculing Kareena. Each to there own I guess and I’m not aiming this at anyone. However, Kareena is wonderful in her role and many actresses would have gone over the top. Hope she wins some awards, not that they matter 😛
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December 2, 2012 at 11:39 PM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
#Talaash was rocking on Sunday. The growth in business on Sunday was PHENOMENAL.
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December 3, 2012 at 12:03 AM
Komal – What a superb jump! TALAASH Day 3: Rs. Little more than 18 crore!! First day was 13 plus. Day 2: 15.25. Total: 46 crore plus. Super!!
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December 3, 2012 at 12:22 AM
http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5164&nCat=
Talaash Has Very Good Weekend
Monday 3rd December 2011 11.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash had a very good weekend of around 43.50 crore nett. The film had a good start though not great but consolidated over the weekend. The approx business was 12.50 crore nett on Friday, 14.25 crore nett on Saturday and 16.50-17 crore nett on Sunday.
The film on Sunday also showed good numbers in mass belts as business in areas like Rajasthan, CI and Gujarat showed big jumps. The stand out is Mysore with 3.75 crore nett approx business as Aamir Khan is the biggest star in the circuit by a distance. The under performance has come in Bihar and the Maharashtra areas of CP Berar and Nizam. The film should hold on Monday looking at the weekend trend.
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December 3, 2012 at 4:15 AM
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/top5/id/918/date/2012-12-03
Witnessed phenomenal growth over the weekend. The film has performed exceptionally well at multiplexes [mind-blowing in certain circuits] and ranged from good to average at single screens, depending on the centre/circuit. The mass dominated centres also witnessed ample growth on Sunday. Collected approx Rs 47.1 cr nett in its opening weekend. Breakup:- Fri 13.5 cr, Sat 15.5 cr, Sun 18.1 cr
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December 3, 2012 at 12:27 AM
“A positive word of mouth for the movie Talaash spread like wild fire taking its collection upwards further on Saturday. The suspense thriller showed 12% growth in its business on the second day. But it was on Sunday, the movie witnessed a big jump in its collection. It has collected a total of Rs 50.11 crores nett at the domestic Box Office in the first weekend. Its breakup is Rs 14.52 cr on Fri, Rs 16.37 cr on Sat and Rs 19.22 cr on Sun.”
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/box-office/2012/talaash-3-days-first-weekend-collection-box-office-101622.html
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December 3, 2012 at 12:34 AM
so looks like 43-49cr weekend. not bad. i said sunday would set the tone for the rest of the week..i think it will continue to be consistent until next friday, then it will take a nose dive. 65-70cr should be a expected first week total. and the total will be around 90-100cr.
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December 3, 2012 at 1:04 AM
also to me this indicates that sallu bhai (in terms of domestic box office) is head and shoulders above everyone else right now. was i expecting a 100cr opening weekend for talaash? no. but i was expecting a little more from a Aamir Khan movie 3 years after his last release. i totally get the “different genre” argument. for this kind of film to get to 43-49cr opening weekend is phenomenal. but when you look at what sallu bhai films have done (post dabangg) opening day, opening weekend, etc…its just mind boggling. numbers don’t lie. im anxious to see how D2 will open…is it going to break ETT’s record?
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December 3, 2012 at 1:50 AM
aamirsfan – aamir could have signed 3 dabaangs and 2 singhams after 3i and would have got the similar opening as sallubhai – but he has intentionally not done it for the reasons we know well. So why compare? Let D3 come out and then sallubhai will look a lesser mortal 🙂
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December 3, 2012 at 2:52 AM
that maybe true and most likely will be true but im just pointing out that right now what Salman Khan films are doing is really amazing. i wasn’t trying to compare the two just saying that IMO sallu is far and away ahead of the game at this point (in terms of domestic box office).
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December 3, 2012 at 9:53 AM
and Salman films are doing really amazing business because he does not have the guts to try something different right now. He can keep doing the dabbangs, kicks and all but the audience will eventually be fed up with this kind of cinema. Same for Akshay. The beauty of Aamir is that he is unlike any star. I mean think of this fact: Aamir is the only start who does not have a franchise of his own. EVERY FREAKIN ACTOR has atleast one.
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December 3, 2012 at 2:03 AM
So lets get this straight:
A movie without an item song, a larger-than-life-dialog-mouthing hero, a equally strong villian, a demure-ghareloo heroine; with prostitution as a backdrop without a sizzling bar-dance song; and a supernatural angle without the customary “gumnaam hai koi” song; with minm promotion; goes on to collect approx 45cr in its weekend.
It is blamed by critics to be heavily derived from Hollywood, yet the North American audience with the most exposure to Hwood goes on to give the movie a gangbusters reception at the BO.
How can anyone else but Aamir Khan provide such results?
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December 3, 2012 at 3:49 AM
Well said.
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December 3, 2012 at 2:23 AM
Also, thanks to KRK and other generous netizens, the climax is outed within hours of the release on Twitter and FB; thus rendering its target multiplex audience with a bland experience. And yet, this target audience laps it up as the weekend progressed, with increasing numbers from Fri to Sat to Sun.
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December 3, 2012 at 7:00 AM
D3 will shatter every opening number. on the other hand no matter how well Talaash does it just cannot be in that stratosphere. To say that one is accounting for genre but that if a very commercial film does 200 crores a Talaash should do 150 is also not a reasonable expectation. The weekend numbers for Talaash are very strong. The question is: can one show any star today who does better doing different let alone something dark like this? No! By the way I was saying this even in 2006. That Aamir was the biggest star because he had done that much on Fanaa without Gujarat or that he had done so much on a metro film like RDB. At the time many used to argue that it was absolute gross and what not. He did TZP the following year, a very different kind of film and then returned in 2008 with Ghajini. If you leave aside TZP he pretty much had a major production after 2.5 years in Ghajini and it of course set new benchmarks. When he returned after 4 years with MP he had the biggest initial. It can scarcely be said that Aamir was bigger in 2005 or 2008 (pre-Ghajini) than he is today. But genre is always important irrespective of how well a star is doing. Salman is obviously doing phenomenally well at the moment but there is no comparison between a star who does only one kind of film (which by the way has takers even otherwise.. everyone’s profiting from masala or masala-comedy these days.. you can compare Akshay with Salman and say the latter is doing the same format at a much higher level) and a star who does the range. And no one expects this either. If Aamir just did Ghajini or Dhoom or whatever he’d be fine too. But it’s never a game of absolutes. Specially not when Aamir’s numbers still stand. And we know many benchmarks will be set once again with D3 and Hirani, incidentally both films that will also trend way better than every Salman film. So again I said this in 2006, I’m still saying this. Which doesn’t mean Salman isn’t doing hugely well. That’s not the whole story though and frankly fans themselves becomes unreasonable about these things by setting the bar so very high in these matters. Of course Talaash could still do well in excess of 100. Sun suggests week 1 will be very strong. You have a film on course to make as much as Don 2 or Ready in week 1. Isn’t this truly stupendous?!
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December 3, 2012 at 7:16 AM
India collections are good, not extra-ordinary. I hear the argument that Aamir is coming after a long time and his film should open big no matter what…but let’s add some colour here.
The print count, hype and marketing blitz here has been rather subdued. By most accounts, the theme is quite dark too. Other examples of stars coming after a long time e.g. Hrithik in Jodha Akbar after in 2008 after his great 2006 in a period historical + Aishwariya + Rahman with much more hype but on a subject that was risky as period dramas don’t do well at the box office opened at best decently. It did not set the box office on fire either and he came on the back off Krrish and D2.
The box office is far more subtle than just big numbers thrown around. Some here are persuaded that Jab Tak Hai Jaan is a risk! Christ. A romantic film that is “Pitched” as one, with SRK the “King of Romance” and Katrina Kaif, reigning “queen” almost…is not a risky film. And the film is stumbling to 100 crore. It’s not a fair comparison in the slightest.
The question is if Talaash is a strength genre, does it have the characterisitics of a blockbuster etc. Sure it has Aamir, but Aamir is not going to turn Dhobi Ghat into a 50 crore superhit either!
So far, Talaash has done well..and rightly so the media has been supportive of the collections so far. You will get a few articles saying its failed to beat Ek Ta Tiger etc… but these reporters are lucky to have jobs just as Katrina is lucky to be called an actress!
Talaash is not releasing to answer to whether Aamir is the biggest star or not, as he and the team have neither aspired it to be so or admitted themselves it’s not a Dabangg. Maybe they were hesitant as the film has not turned out exactly how it was supposed to be, or it could just be they know the films limits as comes to box office. Better to release in the likely scenario than to mass release a film ala Ra.One and crash thunderously!
But the collections so far are strong everywhere, which suggests a “non” event film, with limited hype (unlike Ghajini) or buzz (like 3 Idiots) has done stellar business from the multiplexes. And multiplex films rarely reach 100 crore. Maybe Don2 and Barfi, otherwise it’s a rare feat. The trending will be crucial as it’s unclear whether the film has been liked or not which is important in the final analysis. That is all that matters in the end. The trend the film shows and what kind of audience it brings from now dictates the extent of success or failure.
The US numbers are simply phenomenal. This kind of opening really suggests this market is the first one where Aamir has taken over SRK. 3 Idiots was a monster there, now for such a theme to open like this is something.
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December 3, 2012 at 8:13 AM
it will be a beauty if Talaash keeps going for next 2 weeks despite K720 – and i see more chances of that happening as many people are coming out of hibernation to see aamir-movie / a good movie
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December 3, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Great points all round Jay.. .
“You will get a few articles saying its failed to beat Ek Ta Tiger etc… but these reporters are lucky to have jobs just as Katrina is lucky to be called an actress!”
LOL!!!
I’d only add that for all the reasons you’ve mentioned I cannot foresee a situation where the film would post better numbers than it has. It is true that with a lot more advertising hype you could probably add 5-7 crores on the weekend number but you’d also be doing so at a great cost. And even that differential wouldn’t be a massive one. In other words don’t think that the film would open to say 60 crores or more (over the weekend) in any scenario.
Ultimately I’d be surprised if Talaash didn’t trend well.
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December 3, 2012 at 2:01 AM
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December 3, 2012 at 2:03 AM
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December 3, 2012 at 2:04 AM
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December 3, 2012 at 2:14 AM
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December 3, 2012 at 5:35 AM
Talaash is the 8th highest opening of all time. The film is Aamir Khan’s biggest opening, it may not be his biggest opening day but a day depends on holiday while three days even things out so is a better judge of opening numbers The top fifteen opening weekends in the history of Hindi film industry in terms of nett collections are listed below.
1. Ek Tha Tiger – 56.11 crore
2. Ra.One (2011) – 52.93 crore
3. Bodyguard (2011) – 52.62 crore
4. Dabangg (2010) – 48.82 crore
5. Rowdy Rathore (2012) – 46.40 crore
6. Don 2 (2011) – 46.33 crore
7. Agneepath (2012) – 45.66 crore
8. Talaash (2012) – 43.50 crore approx
http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5165&nCat=
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December 3, 2012 at 5:37 AM
I guess star power in today’s day is all about weekend opening a star can give. And imo above if taken a t face value shows he is clearly no. 1.
1) All other seven movies are mass movies.
2) All other movies are holiday release maybe with exception of Rowdy Rathore.
3) Difference between Rowdy and Talaash = 2.5-3 cr.
4) All other movies were heavily promoted.
Enuf Said!
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December 3, 2012 at 8:37 AM
and RR came after IPL which is right now the best non holiday available for a movie to open.
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December 3, 2012 at 9:46 AM
agreed cooldude, i was gonna say that, but then thought some akshay fanatic or others would think that’s too much, thus focused on the subject!!
and personally felt slowly the IPL thing and bollywood releases are co-existing, but yes u are correct!
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December 3, 2012 at 8:54 AM
rooney,talaash ticket prices were increased by 30% from ett.So RR opening weekend is 60.32 cr.RR gross is 173 cr.
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December 3, 2012 at 8:59 AM
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December 3, 2012 at 9:00 AM
sorry for the link mistook it for the trailer
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December 3, 2012 at 9:16 AM
Not sure If i am happy with this news, But as Satyam sir would suggest, These stories keep popping up but nothing really happens.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Abhishek-Bachchan-in-Mere-Apne-remake/Article1-967285.aspx
Producer Sunil Bohra, who recently acquired the remake rights to the 1971 film Mere Apne, is on the lookout for the right cast. “We have shortlisted a few names and plan to talk to the actors soon. The roles of Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha need to be locked first followed by the legendary Meena Kumari’s role,” says Bohra.
Like many other filmmakers who change the plots of original films for their remakes, Bohra too will put in his bit in the original story.
“It will be set in today’s times in UP. For Meenaji’s role we will cast a senior actor who will suit the role. And for either Vinod’s or Shatrughan’s roles, I want to cast Abhishek Bachchan. Both the roles are powerful and have an edge. I have approached him and hopefully next week we will have a meeting to talk about the project.”
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December 3, 2012 at 9:19 AM
Watched Talaash 2nd time at a popular delhi single screen theatre “Delite” and i was amazed as it was housefull and it was 12.30 noon show. And people kept glued to their seats till the credit rolled. It was silence all over with curiosity what would happen next and when some guys began chatting, people sitting around them told them either to keep mum or go outside! I really savoured the movie as during first watch, i was not able to observe some very minute details, which i detected this time. Would love to write a full piece on this, if Satyam treats me with same generosity as he accorded to Ann JO :). It, imo, is in top 3 Aamirs films with Lagaan and TZP filling the other 2 slots in terms of sheer filmmaking craft.
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December 3, 2012 at 9:56 AM
I am sure u will get the same generosity!
btw dude, i am wondering what is the wom on this, most are trying to believe its a crap movie, and reports are contradicting that.
may be most of the bloggers didnt like it yet, ordinary people are liking it?
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December 3, 2012 at 10:22 AM
“most are trying to believe its a crap movie” – who are these “most” 🙂
“ordinary people are liking it?” – ok ok, we are ordinary sir, we are ordinary 🙂
this is called “the lawyer caught on the wrong foot” 😉
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December 3, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Most = read blogs 😉
Ordinary has ? at ending 😀
This is called Idea trying to be too Unique in comments 😛
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December 3, 2012 at 10:46 AM
🙂 your owner 🙂
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December 3, 2012 at 11:26 AM
Rooney,
Am not sure who you are talking to but the WOM is more on the positive side.
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December 3, 2012 at 12:35 PM
no no rajen, i have positive views at my end 🙂
but it was boi’s opening day, and other blog reports where people havnt liked it much, hence the concern.
even sandy surprisingly was way to negative than usual in her experience, so i am having trouble to get the pulse.
I felt weekend showed increasing patterns, and now monday is the key eagerly awaiting todays figure!
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December 3, 2012 at 12:45 PM
Aseem Chabra-
1.Per @giteshpandya #Talaash grossed $1.6m in US Fri-Sun, almost as big as #3Idiots. #JTHJ earned $1.9m, but that was over Tue-Sun.
2.So technically #Talaash has had one of the biggest openings in the US – bigger than #JTHJ, since its opening numbers cover 6 days
3.Also the information that #Talaash opened in a lot more theaters is wrong. Per @giteshpandya #Talaash had 12 more theaters over #JTHJ.
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December 3, 2012 at 1:05 PM
@giteshpandya is wrong….boxofficemojo has it 1.983M in U.S which makes it the biggest debut braking MNIK’s record
http://boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/
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December 3, 2012 at 2:54 PM
Indeed, this would be a record breaking weekend figure for a bwood movie releasing in the US. Boxofficemojo provides the most accurate figures.
It is ironical that while critics in India bash it for its Hollywood inspirations, the North American audience with the max exposure to Hwood has happily lapped it up.
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December 3, 2012 at 3:05 PM
unbelievable!
absolutely nykavi, and its surprising… i am now wondering what would be monday!
someone said even 10 in India can be on cards!
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December 3, 2012 at 4:49 PM
http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=daily&id=talaash.htm
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December 3, 2012 at 5:29 PM
14 N Talaash Relbig. $1,638,706
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/
this is the updated actual results. 1.983 was estimated yesterday by the studios. regardless its a strong start for Talaash and i do agree Aamir Khan has caught up with SRK at least here in the states and passed him in India.
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December 3, 2012 at 7:58 PM
It’s an outstanding start either way.
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December 3, 2012 at 1:06 PM
my comment on one review isnt goin thru!
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December 3, 2012 at 1:08 PM
Talaash: This is serious business
December 3, 2012
Talaash demands big efforts from the cast and they deliver. PHOTO: PUBLICITY
Talaash, as the name suggests, is a film in which people are looking for answers. It has some obvious searches like why did the car end up in water? Who is the killer?
http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/15004/talaash-this-is-serious-business/
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December 3, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Bachchan 1 to 10:
Sorry Wasn’t sure where to post this, But interesting if this actually happens. Balraj Sahini happens to be one of my fav actors from that era after Ashok Kumar, And his act in Kabuliwala being my fav after Do Bigha Zamin followed by Waqt. Would love to see bachchan’s take on this.
Amitabh Bachchan played an Afghan in Khuda Gawah (1992). Now, the actor is once again likely to play an Afghan, this time for French-Afghan filmmaker Atiq Rahimi’s adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s popular tale, Kabuliwala. The story, about a dry-fruit seller from Afghanistan, has seen several adaptations in the past. However, Rahimi’s adaptation, co-written by Jean-Claude Carriere, sets the film in modern-day Kolkata. The story then follows the protagonist, a refugee from Afghanistan, and explores his friendship with a five-year-old Bengali girl. The film will be shot in Kolkata and Jaisalmer for 60 days starting June 2013. Sunil Doshi’s Mumbai-based Handmade Films is producing the venture. While the team did not wish to divulge more, Doshi confirmed that Bachchan is being approached for it.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-new-kabuliwala/1039932/
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December 3, 2012 at 3:59 PM
A critique of a critic
Rachel Saltz may be NYT’s expert on Bollywood, but her reviews hardly capture the essence of Hindi films
http://bangaloremirror.com/article/36/2012120120121201203647991553a614a/A-critique-of-a-critic.html
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December 3, 2012 at 4:52 PM
I dislike almost all of her reviews. Completely superficial. The Times used to review Hindi films very selectively many years ago but these would be proper comprehensive pieces. In recent years they’ve moved to capsule reviews and most of these are a waste of time. In fact most of them could even be the same review!
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December 3, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Box Office: Demystifying ‘Word Of Mouth’
How do we measure WOM?
WOM is a score out of 100, referring to the percentage audiences who will definitely recommend to their friends that they watch the film in a theatre. This data is collected by us over the first four weeks after release of each film, across 19 cities in India. Over the last three years, 3 Idiots scores the highest on WOM at 91, while the other end of the spectrum includes films like Raavan (17), KLPD (20), Khatta Meetha (26), Joker (28) and Mausam (29).
The consistency in the “ratio” implies that the WOM score can be used to accurately forecast the Lifetime BO of a film. All one needs to do is as follows. Divide the WOM of the film by 6.6 (average of “ratio” across 15 films) to get the multiplier. Multiply the Day 1 BO of the film with this multiplier, and you get its lifetime box office.
Let’s take Talaash’s example. The film did 12.5 cr on Day 1. If the WOM was a below-average 45, its lifetime business would be 12.5*(45/6.6) = 85 cr. However, if the WOM was a healthy 60, its lifetime business would be 12.5*(60/6.6) = 114 cr. If the film had to do a business of 100 cr, it will have to generate a WOM score of 100*6.6/12.5 = 53.
http://shaileshkapoor.com/2012/12/02/box-office-demystifying-word-of-mouth/
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December 3, 2012 at 4:52 PM
Bollywood stars descend at Marrakech Film Festival
http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/bollywood-stars-descend-at-marrakech-film-festival/256974?hp&livevideo-featured
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December 3, 2012 at 7:15 PM
ROFL – there was no record breaking amount on Sunday in the North American market.
The actual amount was $418,984 not $790,000 as claimed by Taran and others.
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December 3, 2012 at 7:49 PM
BTW why is the media not talking about the crash of JTJH? The second week is a fall of about 81%. Other movies with such a big fall have been hammered by the press.
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December 3, 2012 at 8:48 PM
it has done 120 cr or so – fair enough business.
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December 3, 2012 at 9:22 PM
120 crores? What are you smoking ??
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December 3, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Had Yash Chopra not passed I’m pretty certain that the media would have ripped the film apart as it was a complete mess (I watched the film the day of release)
Anyway never mind reporting the crash large sections of the media have already declared JTHJ an ’emotional’ blockbuster. Whatever that means…
I have no problem with what sources and numbers one wishes to follow as long as there is consistency. Now according to BOI who I’m guessing most follow have JTHJ around 98 cr and SOS around 80.
Taran and Komal are painting a different picture altogether.
BOI also have Ek Tha Tiger at 187 whilst the rest around 200. I’ll stick with BOI for all films thank you very much.
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December 4, 2012 at 6:04 AM
well what do expect from srk film,200cr,he is not capable of that amout,if overseas are taken out then his just india collection is bismal..sallu is on high,he is unstoppable
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December 3, 2012 at 11:55 PM
Talaash Has Decent Monday
Tuesday 4th December 2012 10.30 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash had decent collections of around 6.25 crore nett on Monday. Its the normal Monday, the film has not held up really well but nor has it seen a big drop.
The total after four days is 50 crore nett plus. The film will now depend on how well the multiplexes hold up over the weekdays and single screens will show big drops and Khiladi 786 will dominate single screens from Friday onwards.
The drops are around 50% in most circuits though Gujarat has seen a bigger drop and Mysore is also likely to be a bigger drop due to the huge start on day one.
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December 3, 2012 at 11:58 PM
TALAASH Remains Average On Monday
“Talaash” scored big numbers on 3rd day of weekend and there was expectations of doing well on Monday too. But as we said in our report yesterday and earlier today, film dropped mainly due to usual drop in multiplexes on working days.
Film collected 47.10 cr nett over weekend and it requires good weekdays in order to collect good week one numbers. As per early estimates, film collected 7.25 cr nett on Monday taking film’s total to 54.35 cr nett. This means a drop of 45% from Friday numbers which is not bad but not very good either considering 4th day of such a big film. Though good night and late night shows can take this figure higher by 10-15%.
Film collected well in few multiplex dominated centers but even centers which were looking solid for film registered substantital drops on Monday. Film should touch 65-67 cr nett in week one.
On the other hand, film is stupendous in overseas and looking to score big over there. Film should cross 55 cr nett there easily in 2 weeks and that means a healthy worldwide total.
But on the other hand as the screen bookings for “Khiladi 786” started, it seems that film might have larger release than what was initially expected due to chartbuster music plus action comedy and that can harm “Talaash” in a very big way espcially in single screens in 2nd week.
http://www.boxofficecapsule.com/breaking-news.aspx?news_id=843
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December 4, 2012 at 1:16 AM
so Talaash can end its life-time run as 100 cr in India and 60-70 in overseas
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December 4, 2012 at 1:34 AM
No chance of 100cr in India now. Will end maybe in 80-85cr range at max.
Now is a good time for Aamir-SRK to come together for the first time in a masala movie format. Both need the resuscitation.
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December 4, 2012 at 2:05 AM
No way. They dont need resuscitation. They have given enough and they are still getting plum projects and great reviews. There is no need for them to descend to the gutter level to make that100 crore in India. Leave that to the greats like Sajid Khan and rohit Shetty.
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December 4, 2012 at 2:22 AM
Would finish at 100 or more with good trending, mark my words!
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December 4, 2012 at 3:53 AM
what needs to seen is that after 70-75 cr nett first week, how does it trend esp. in the presence of Khiladi….if Khiladi uphoria dies down after the first week-end, talaash may pick up again. In any case 100 cr is a given.
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December 4, 2012 at 3:50 AM
“Both need the resuscitation.” ???
NK, if aamir needed that he would have done 3 films after 3i which would be masala films. But he hasn’t done it. He is clearly enjoying the journey (to iconing heights) and not only bothered about B.O. results. Let him be man.
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December 4, 2012 at 8:50 AM
Light lo yaar. Zaraa sa sarcasm hai bhai.
But I would like the idea of Aamir-SRK in a masala fare.
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December 4, 2012 at 12:04 AM
‘Talaash’ takes smashing start, collects Rs 27.57 cr!
By Taran Adarsh,(For Reported Centres only)
TALAASH has fetched one of the biggest starts in the international arena. Although not an ‘Overseas friendly’ genre, the suspense thriller has packed a solid weekend in all major markets, thereby amassing a big, fat total at the end of its opening weekend — $ 5.034 million [Rs 27.57 crores] from 43 countries … Telugu film KRISHNAM VANDE JAGADGURUM has also embarked on a superb start in U.S.A. … JAB TAK HAI JAAN is a Blockbuster in Overseas. The total stands at $ 12.37 million [Rs 67.75 crores] after its third weekend.
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/trade/boxofficeoverseas/id/449
“Although not an ‘Overseas friendly’ genre”
If anything, Talaash isn’t an ‘Indian friendly’ genre!!
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December 4, 2012 at 1:59 AM
What an irony!
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December 4, 2012 at 1:39 AM
KILL DILL Has To Wait For RAM LEELA To Get Over
http://www.boxofficecapsule.com/news-specific.aspx?news_id=2049
So Ranveer Singh is doing Shaad Ali film after SLB’s Raam Leela…
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December 4, 2012 at 1:50 AM
Big B Speech Marrakech Festival
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December 4, 2012 at 2:27 AM
RK iView TOI
Reema Kagti’s Talaash is a winner. Opening across India at around 60-75 percent attendance, the film’s attendance showed a steep leap on Sunday. By Monday the verdict was clear. Talaash had collected a whopping 57.50 crore rupees in India.Exhausted after the release Reema speaks to Subhash K Jha of the success.
Party time?
Ha ha, not yet. I think I will be more comfortable celebrating next week. But the film’s success means I can be what I want to be as a filmmaker, make the films that I want to.I think I’ve achieved what I set out to achieve. Someone tweeted from Chennai said I got a standing ovation at the end of a screening. I hope he wasn’t pulling my leg. Of course there are adverse reactions. Talaash is a film evoking extreme reactions.Either people love or hate it. I hope for the sake of the entire team that the film works. If such films work then others are encouraged to try something different.
There are actually 3 plots in Talaash about Aamir and the murder mystery. Aamir and Rani’s marital problems after their son’s death and the love story between the pimp Nawazuddin Siddiqui and the prostitute Sheeba Chadha?
I think I’ve brought three plots from three different genres together in Talaash. I could’ve made three separate films. The challenge lay in bringing the different genres together.
Would Talaash be as big as Aamir’s last blockbuster 3 Idiots?
Was I trying to equal the blockbusters?I don’t know…I just hoped it did good business. For me personally there is a feeling of completeness after making Talaash. It was a film I really wanted to make. I waited five years to make Talaash.”
You’ve effectively broken the myth that women directors make women-centric delicate and feminine films?
I am glad you can’t tell the director’s gender watching Talaash. Even Zoya Akhtar’s films are like that. But yes, there is a disgruntled wife in my film,played by Rani. And Aamir does come close to committing adultery with Kareena, if these are traits female directors show. In the one intimate sequence that Kareena shares with Aamir she gives him something he really needs.And it’s not sex. It’s sleep.
A lot of viewers have questioned the way the supernatural element has been handled in Talaash?
I had several test-screenings where we screened the film to different sections of people.We left out certain scenes and added certain other portions. Based on the comments of focus groups we introduced a bit of explanation about the ending. I even tried removing the clues about Kareena’s character so that the audience would not know the truth about her before Aamir. But without those clues the denouement didn’t work.
In your first film Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd too there was this supernatural element with Abhay Deol turning into Superman?
There again I was playing around with the supernatural element arguing that if couples don’t have fights they must be super-heroes. I wasn’t trying to convince people about the existence of super-heroes.
Talaash is being compared with various Hollywood films on the eerie theme?
People are comparing my film to The Sixth Sense. But come on, Raj Khosla’s Woh Kaun Thi did it so many decades ago.To tell you the truth, I don’t even believe in ghosts. For me the ghost in Talaash is a metaphor for the unknown. When the story came to Zoya Akhtar and me the treatment was like a full-fledged horror movie. Eventually we made Talaash as a tale of a haunted hero. But he doesn’t even realize he is haunted.
Some critics feel Aamir Khan’s performance to be excessively reined-in?
He has very tough role. Kareena had the most charismatic presence and best lines.Aamir plays a man in a state of emotional shut-down. My brief to Aamir was to play the cop like Dr Spock in Star Trek. Completely emotion-less. Aamir plays a character who is so emotionally shattered he can’t/won’t express his feelings. I think he has held the film together with his performance. There are no emotional closures and culminations to a man losing his child. The wound remains. But by the end of the film he begins to heal. At least he begins to address the issue. That’s how I had to leave Aamir’s character.”
Audiences and critics are raving about the impeccable casting even in the briefest parts?
It was done by Nandini Shrikent. I am so embarrassed that her vast contribution to Talaash has been eclipsed. She had done an excellent job.She kept bringing actors for every character until I was satisfied. The casting managed to give many layers through her casting. Girls playing the prostitutes are all perfectly cast. The Madame of the brothel is played by Gulfam. She is actually a scriptwriter.I just couldn’t resist casting her.As for Nawazuddin Siddiqui the minute I met him I knew he was right for the character.
The appeal of a supernatural thriller is over once the mystery is solved during the first viewing. Do you hope for a repeat audience for her film?
Oh, I think people will be go back to see my film just to see where I’ve screwed up, ha ha.As of now, I don’t think I have screwed up except for the French manicure that Rani sports as a housewife. It’s a small matter. But I should have looked at her fingernails.
Shabana Azmi feels Talaash is the first film in a long time where we actually hear the words in the songs?
Javed uncle had worked in my first film Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd. I just had tell him the situations and he had the songs ready. The last song Lakh duniya kahe came from a sense of personal loss. Javed uncle has lost three dear friends in the last one year. I lost my Dad. When I went to his house and saw the lyrics I was blown. It was such a befitting finale to my film.It says what I wanted to hear. That death is not the end of a relationship.There are no simple answers to the question of life and death.
What about comparisons between Talaash to Kahaani?
I haven’t seen Kahaani. I’ve been so busy shooting Talaash I need to catch up with my friends’ films. In fact I’m doing a film festival and short-film competition in Assam with four of my filmmaker-friends’ works being screened. I am definitely taking Zoya Akhtar and Anurag Kashyap. I am also going to ask Sujoy Ghosh to come along.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Talaash-is-a-film-evoking-extreme-reactions-Reema-Kagti/articleshow/17473988.cms
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December 5, 2012 at 2:40 AM
I dont think the film is attracting extreme reactions as Reema says here. Most of it is good to average, the general refrain – even amoung target audience is that – movie is decent enough, but not exceptional by Aamir standards. The film has had a very unexiciting vibe to it – from its promos to now. It will end up doing 80-90 crores, which considering Aamir’s fan base is still a bit less, but not wholly unsatisfactory.
No one is going to call it a flop, but no one is going to call it a resounding success as well. That’s a slightly indifferent verdict, which will neither harm Aamir or benefit him. Im not so happy about him investing so much time in this movie, but that’s his only loss. Strategically, it wont have an impact on his career as it was never a very hyped film and in any case Talaash is entertaining enough not to invite very harsh criticism. So i suspect the film will just fade from the trade and audiences’ memory as a theek-thak movie, that did decent to good business. Difficult to say what it will do for his prestige. One section is disappoiting that the film is not extraordinary as they have come to expect from Aamir, so that brings him down the ladder slightly. But not enough to impact him in any significant way. The worrying aspect about Aamir, the actor who has just not been coming up with anything interesting by way of creating a flesh and blood character.
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December 4, 2012 at 2:40 AM
Is Salman Khan the only Khan now as even Aamir Khan will not have a big grosser with Talaash?
A. It still remains to be seen where Talaash goes. They are all still Khans but right now you can say Salman Khan is the biggest by a fair margin. Also if Talaash does not gross big its more to do with the genre, director, writers, music etc and film in general, not Aamir Khan because whatever it does will be because of him. Here comes the stamp of approval from BOI, which ultimately has accepted the reality that you can’t gauge every thing with the same yardstick! Let D3 come and then would see the real star power of Aamir, till then savour the treat which Talaash offers.
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December 4, 2012 at 3:12 AM
But if Talaash grosses big it is all due to Aamir? Good grief.
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December 4, 2012 at 3:41 AM
but it is obvious. isn’t it? even this 56 cr india and 30 cr O.S. is because of him – i.e. he is the major factor. Now whatever will come – shd be because of the film, story, wom etc….. withouat aamir, i doubt Talaash wud have done so much. Remember that film Tasveer starring akki? 🙂
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December 4, 2012 at 4:12 AM
No, it is not at all “obvious.” All the reviews are uniform in praising the performances of all the lead and supporting actors. Why should they not get the credit as well as Aamir? Similarly the reviews have praised the way the atmosphere was established by the director and the cinematographer. Why should they not get the credit? The box office fate of every film is dependent on “the genre, director, writers, music etc and film in general,” as well as factors completely outside the filmmaker’s control, such as social, political, or personal events (i.e., mass protests/bandhs, terrorist acts, or unexpected deaths like Yash Chopra’s). What is the point in giving the credit to the hero alone, and not to anyone else, including the co-actors, director, and screenwriter? But, if that is the convention, as it is in Bollywood, then the hero has to take the flip side also, and take the blame for the underperformance or failure of a film. To use that very example of Tasveer that you have given, many reviewers felt that the story/screenplay was not good, and that Nagesh Kukunoor was off his directing game. But still the blame went to Akshay. Why is that? For that matter, in the immediate past, many posters here were raucously commenting on the shortcomings of the script, acting of the heroine, and unsuitable pairing with the hero in JTHJ, but at the same time it was being cited as proof of SRK’s waning stardom and the imminent demise of his acting career. Aamir is playing in the same game, so he has to accept the same rules. The performance of Talaash has to be squarely in his account. Note that BOI is not even attributing the opening only to Aamir, but the total collection! This is the height of absurdity. By either of those measures (opening or lifetime total collection) Talaash is below what has been achieved by other films and other stars. Therefore it has underperformed, and Aamir hasn’t delivered what was expected of him.
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December 4, 2012 at 5:28 AM
Sm :
Fair yorker and Well said
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December 4, 2012 at 5:59 AM
Aamir will accept brickbats but he does not accept bouquets for him only.
It is fans who create all this as every other fan does.
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December 4, 2012 at 6:47 AM
SM I don’t think it ought to come as a surprise to you that when a film like Talaash more or less does what Kahaani did in its entire run in a week the audience is primarily drawn in because of the male lead. Specially given his track record for more than a decade. Of course having important actresses and so on helps. That’s always the case. The final gross of a film always depends on the actual film. The star can only get people in. But it’s also true that without a credible star even a good film can only do a certain kind of business off great WOM.
On the rest do you give the credit to other factors when a Salman film works? Just recently you said that the actress doesn’t matter in a Salman film? Not even Katrina in ETT? And as for the other factors? Doing remakes of Telugu masala hits doesn’t matter? Specially when other actors also seem to be prospering from the same? A banner like Yashraj on a big production doesn’t matter? Sequels don’t matter?
Also in what universe is it reasonable to compare JTHJ with Talaash? Akshay is a major star but literally ghosts showed up for tasveer on day 1 (and this is being charitable..) and after. The idea that you’re going to compare Tasveer with Talaash when the latter is more or less going to do as much as Ready in week 1 (assuming the current trending holds up) is frankly a little bizarre. By the way no one really blamed Akshay for Tasveer. I’m sure some critic or the other had something to say about this but it didn’t stay long enough on anyone’s radar. The film just came and went. It was the wrong choice for Akshay because he doesn’t have the credibility for this stuff. He was blamed when his genre films started flopping all over the place.
If Talaash gets to 100 crores which I believe it will on current trending this will have been to my mind one of Aamir’s most impressive achievements over this entire past decade or more. Even if it falls a bit short I’m not too bothered. Rajneeti did about 90. The comparisons incidentally are fair because Ready earlier or Rajneeti were not multiplex only deals. There’s a simple question that one ought to answer here: what are the Talaash-like genre films that do 50-55 crores over the first 4 days (depending on who you believe) with any star?! Do you really think furthermore that a star who does this with a difficult genre would have any problem getting the highest benchmarks in other more commercial genres? Specially when he has already done so on and in one case his gross hasn’t been touched in absolute terms let alone adjusted for inflation?! By the way I was saying all this stuff months before the release of Talaash. And as you know I was also expecting the numbers that the film is currently exhibiting.
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December 4, 2012 at 7:04 AM
Satyam, very well said. The way you bring out your points, will make even experienced lawyers applaud and clap.
Rooney, are you listening?
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December 4, 2012 at 7:05 AM
Satyam’s said everything that needs to be said in response to your comment. There were actually discussions on this forum about the absurdity in expecting this film to open like any other film from any other heavyweight star, so this line of commentary isn’t exactly surprising but it is a bit sad.
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December 4, 2012 at 8:34 AM
“Why should they not get the credit as well as Aamir? ” simply because none of them have delivered b.o. success on their own shoulders – ever. No rani, no kareena, no kagti, no one. They are getting the credit for their acting but the momentum is given by aamir – now onwards, the film will be on its merit. That is the fact.
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December 5, 2012 at 3:59 AM
“Akshay is a major star but literally ghosts showed up for tasveer on day 1 (and this is being charitable..) and after” lol satyam. I was one of those ghosts and regretted badly 🙂 if u see in that context – T’s success is even a biger achievment. Aamir takes up this challenging genres and comes out a winner. No one expected him to do a sallu in Ghajini. He did it. Very few actors (of his age) would have done a college student as convincingly. TZP’s teacher – how many memorable teacher’s role we have in BW? that low-key arun of DG also was different genre. And u’ll have D3 and P.K. (btw, that is the actual name of RH’s film – P.K.)
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December 5, 2012 at 2:53 AM
I do believe that sm, and that’s not a compliment to any really good film, when it depends solely on its lead to get you the numbers. I dont think Talaash would have done 1/4th of its business with Saif or Shahid in it. SRK’ fan base would have rejected it, and Salman’s would have been left flummoxed.
Aamir is genre-immune in a way that is unimaginable with other stars. So opening was assured. Then the movie just had to be above average to get to a respectable total. It’s not difficult reaching to that number when a huge audience base never misses an Aamir film. The wom was not enthusiastic, but certainly not bad to keep anyone away. So yes, i do believe the film has done what it has, less because of its merits and more because of Aamir.
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December 4, 2012 at 4:27 AM
I’m surprised whenever people think D3 would show real star power of Aamir. It’s already the biggest franchise of Bollywood – Aamir or no Aamir! It was the talk of town for years even when it wasn’t announced that D3 would ever be made or not. Loads of fan pages, fan art & speculations over D3 used to be there for all these 6 years after D2.
So we can’t conclude D3 would be huge *only* due to “star power” of Aamir! It’d be huge no matter which big star was cast in it.
Aamir has proven his star power by getting a good opening for a film like Talaash (much delayed, little hype, dark theme – still such good collections!). But D3 isn’t going to be huge *just* due to him. In such films Aamir’s just adding to something which is already big on its own (without Aamir also)!
Plus D3 also has Katrina Kaif in it. A star who’s enjoyed better success rate than most male superstars in last few years! One can’t just discount franchise factor, Katrina etc. & attribute success of D3 to just Aamir Khan’s presence in it.
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December 4, 2012 at 5:55 AM
Very well said SM and Prateek!
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December 4, 2012 at 6:29 AM
D3 franchise never excited me that much perhaps because of Uday Chopra’s looming presence. The success of this franchise goes to him!
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December 4, 2012 at 4:43 PM
Kya Mummy !! (Copyright: Uday as Ali)
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December 4, 2012 at 6:57 AM
But no one is saying that. The same was true for D2. It was a sequel even then. And more than this the film had become more iconic than many other bigger hits let alone those at the same level. It had Aishwarya too besides adding Hrithik. Abhishek was coming off his best career year at the time. so yes it’s a franchise. But Aamir with his phenomenal box office run and his rare appearance in this sort of genre adds a level of interest. Certainly they could have had anyone in the part but they wanted to make it even bigger than D2 and they went with him. The Aamir/Abhishek pairing is new. All of this doesn’t mean he’s the only one responsible for the initial and gross. But that’s true for many stars in many situations.
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December 4, 2012 at 10:49 AM
I have got myriad of examples to question the successes SRK has been AWARDED WITH. Let us begin from K3G, Karan Johar coming after blockbuster KKHH with as colossal a star cast as one could have got. But it was not able to come near to Gadar. And Lagaan releasing with Gadar made as much money as it could have made. Lagaan had the handicap of 3.42 hours which resulted in getting it only 3 shows at a single screen and dispite the juggernaut in the form of Gadar, it made 30 crores. What if it had released solo with out any competition??
Next year came a remake with as heavy star-cast, but just broke even as its budget was almost 40 crores and it was touted to be the costliest movie until then. Next year came KHNH, which also boasted a big star cast, but was just a mere hit. Next year he delivered in MHN and to certain extent in VZ, but failed miserably in taking Swades to safety zone, despite Swades being the hottest of them all as it was Asutosh Govarikar coming after Lagaan with the biggest star and music director, but people were not interested in the versatility of SRK, so a dismal and lacklustre show at the box office. Next year came Paheli, again with Big B and Rani, but bombed in India. Next year, it was the biggest star cast with Karan Johar at the helm, but just recovered its investment in India. Don was a remake of a cult classic and needed zilch promotion, but here despite it being budgeted at around 40+ crores, it just broke even. Next year came Chak De India, which opened poorly as people were sceptical of SRK’s ability to pull off the stuff other than his strength genre, but fabulous wom took it to very good total. Next came OSO, which was a remake of Madhumati and promoted heavily with all the industry coming together in a song and gimmick worked as it accumulated handsome returns at the box office.
Next year he came with the director with whom he acted in iconic and blockbuster DDLJ and later in Mohabbaten, but did not enthuse the audience as was expected. In 2010, again he returned with MNIK with Karan Johar as director and Kajol, but did not open to thunderous response as was expected from the scale of that movie and finished with meagre 72 crores at the box office. Next year came the most publicized film of all time with marketing of the movie starting from Feb 2011, opened huge but nosedived with in a week and was just able to add 23 crores after first week collection of 92 crores. Next came the Don franchise as Don 2 with very big budget, but made just the same amount as Ghajini did in 2008!
And his last release JTHJ with Yash Chopra as director and female superstar Katrina kaif and A R Rehman as music director and Gulzar penning the lyrics could not have been bigger and the sympathy wave it got after the demise of Yash Chopra, but it opened just fine and kept on plummeting as the days progressed and will just be able to collect around 100 crores despite releasing on Deepawali, So even after these facts, he is King, long live King and legacy!!
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December 4, 2012 at 2:42 AM
Sorry for giving the link-
Is Salman Khan The Only Khan Now As Even Aamir Khan Will Not Have A Big Grosser With Talaash?
http://boxofficeindia.com/youdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5167&nCat=
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December 4, 2012 at 2:43 AM
Talaash Has Decent Monday
Tuesday 4th December 2012 10.30 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash had decent collections of around 6.25 crore nett on Monday. Its the normal Monday, the film has not held up really well but nor has it seen a big drop.
The total after four days is 50 crore nett plus. The film will now depend on how well the multiplexes hold up over the weekdays and single screens will show big drops and Khiladi 786 will dominate single screens from Friday onwards.
The drops are around 50% in most circuits though Gujarat has seen a bigger drop and Mysore is also likely to be a bigger drop due to the huge start on day one.
http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5168&nCat=
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December 4, 2012 at 3:46 AM
Official 1st look poster (tweeted by Kashyap himself) of Anurag Kashyap’s upcoming directorial ‘Ugly’
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December 4, 2012 at 6:22 AM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
#Talaash *revised* Mon 6.74 cr. Total: Rs 53.84 cr nett.
Holding well at multiplexes of urban centres.
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December 4, 2012 at 6:28 AM
if it adds an average of 5 crores the remaining three days of the week it will be close to 70 crores for the week. This is more or less what Ready and Don 2 did! With the advantage of safer genres. With Don there was the sequel factor and of course the Christmas release.
I don’t see a problem at all. It has to remain stable of course but this is a good Mon number. I’ve seen the BOI report and they’ve defended far worse totals on Mon for films in much safer genres that did bigger on the weekend. But leaving aside the commentary the idea that this is some kind of disappointing run for the film is frankly absurd. So far certainly that’s not the case. I still believe it’s on course to do a 100. Again I’d be very surprised if it didn’t trend well.
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December 4, 2012 at 12:21 PM
also we are looking at 40+ cr 1st week in overseas – that is super
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December 4, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Not that I care for filmmakers like Remo, But this has me interested for the genre. Good that he is making a movie about dancing, Because of my background and love for the art, I am sure I will enjoy the choreography here.
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December 4, 2012 at 12:22 PM
yeah saw a preview of this with Talaash. Can’t say I’ll be rushing out for this one! He does seem to have many of the DID dancers here. The funniest previews on the same occasion were those for Khiladi 786 and Dabanng 2. Yeah the market really overlaps! You got a Hollywood movie and the previews are usually aimed at the demographic that shows up that genre. So if you’re at a Dark Knight screening you’re not very likely to see a preview for Adam Sandler! But here it was Talaash and they had those two previews. of course there’s a darker interpretation here too — the message being ‘watch Talaash and then you can really enjoy the films you like without guilt! You’ve done your service for good cinema!’
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December 4, 2012 at 12:24 PM
trailer was shown in Talaash screening…..purely average stuff. Prabhu Deva is being used as milking cow and they will get 40-50 cr so it is all profit.
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December 4, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Yeah, I really like that Dharmesh Kid (You may know him if hyou watched the show). Yeah, if it was anything other genre, I wouldn’t even watch the preview of it. LOL. But I will definitely catch this one. Last, dancing movie I remember watching was Naach(e) Mayuri, they had some awesome classical dancing there, And I think Sagar Sangamam. It was always my bad luck that I never got to learn, Kuchipuddi, Bharat Natyam or Oddisa. I wish they had classes for adults here.
Hahah, Completely agree with you on your Last bit satyam sir, But to me I felt otherwise, This is what these nmovies have to offer, you have seen the trailer now, no need to watch the rest, Watch talaash..LOL.
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December 4, 2012 at 12:31 PM
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December 4, 2012 at 3:16 PM
BOI has 6.25 for Mon and Taran has 6.74. Not sure in what universe this is just ‘decent’! As I said earlier far more commercial films with much bigger weekends have been defended in the past with Mon numbers equal or lower to this!
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December 4, 2012 at 4:19 PM
Newsmaker of the Day: Aamir Khan-
Aamir Khan talks about his TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ and his latest release ‘Talaash’ and 100 crore club….
http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/308858/newsmaker-of-the-day-aamir-khan.html
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December 4, 2012 at 5:35 PM
Nice Interview in Hindi-
http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/86889/
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December 4, 2012 at 5:40 PM
says- I do not believe in Super Natural but then I don’t even believe in Super Man either…. I keep my personal logic and creative logic seperate…!!
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December 4, 2012 at 5:40 PM
“This year, I did only television because of my health. From January, I will start shooting for Mehrunissa, Satyagraha, Sujoy’s (Ghosh) film that he is writing, and one with R Balki. I’m also doing Bhoothnath 2,” says the actor.”
Read more: http://india.nydailynews.com/entertainmentarticle/6a63790ea8f60320fab3f996226c72dd/no-question-of-legacy-amitabh-bachchan#ixzz2E7r6bI2D
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December 4, 2012 at 5:42 PM
what is Mehrunissa ??
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December 4, 2012 at 5:43 PM
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December 4, 2012 at 11:15 PM
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December 4, 2012 at 6:55 PM
The Piano–Jane Campion–Holly Hunter
This is a film that I rejected a couple of years as ‘crap’.
Revisited bits. Few words
Haunting-melancholically surreal poetic
Holly Hunter is brrrillliant in this mood piece as the mute rebellious woman coming to terms with womanhood –Set in New Zealand in the Victorian era –NZ landscape beautifully captured with good attention to detail
May write something later–but holly hunter was just magnificent
Whether her ‘muteness’ made her performance easier or more difficult is an interesting question (in my mind though)
Recommended for those into sensitive cinema
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December 4, 2012 at 7:36 PM
Nymans soundtrack is also v good
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December 5, 2012 at 1:38 AM
1st official poster of the new Star Trek film- “Star Trek Into Darkness”-
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December 5, 2012 at 3:17 AM
@ Satyam, can i edit this fact based report on SRK, if you can make it a separate thread, so that the myths associated with SRK’s invincible track record and his being on the top for 2 decades can be busted!
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December 5, 2012 at 7:20 AM
taran adarsh @taran_adarsh
#Talaash Tue 5.72 cr. Total: Rs 59.6 cr nett.
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December 5, 2012 at 7:26 AM
the film is clearly very stable. Just going by Taran’s numbers (BOI haven’t released the Tue number yet) it was 6.74 on MOn and now this on Tue. by his total the film will be around 68-70 crores for the week which to remind folks once again is the Ready or Don2 week 1 number! Not an unfair comparison if you think about it. A year has elapsed since the release of Don2 but it was a sequel to a remake, released on Christmas, didn’t do too badly and though not too great either it was nonetheless a properly commercial effort. Ready released earlier than this but this was considered a successful film, it really worked on all kinds of screens. So even a year or two later comparing this with a more or less multiplex only deal accounts for the inflation factor. And of course the genre is a tricky one here. Again it does the entire Kahaani gross in a week.
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December 5, 2012 at 8:46 AM
satyam, any records for how did ready, don etc. did in overseas? Talaash seems to be heading for 50 cr lifetime overseas or even more
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December 5, 2012 at 8:56 AM
not sure about worldwide but in the US Don2 had almost exactly the same numbers over the first three days (1.6 m). Ready’s total US gross was 955 k.
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December 5, 2012 at 12:28 PM
so if India does 100 cr and OS 50 cr – Talaash does 150 cr lifetime – that is awesome
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December 5, 2012 at 12:33 PM
it will do that, or close to it (100+50), pretty good for a film like this.
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December 5, 2012 at 7:56 AM
‘Talaash’ — the aftermath!
By Taran Adarsh, December 5, 2012 – 08:23 IST
Aamir Khan. Salman Khan. Shah Rukh Khan. The three Khans enjoy tremendous fame, popularity and fan following across the globe, which explains why their films are looked forward to with enthusiasm. Aamir’s acting career took a backseat when he decided to focus on producing a string of hi-concept films in the intervening period [PEEPLI [LIVE], DHOBI GHAT and DELHI BELLY]. Sure, the actor appeared as the second lead in DHOBI GHAT, besides making an appearance in a song in DELHI BELLY, but post 3 IDIOTS, Hindi cinema’s biggest hit so far, TALAASH is his first full-fledged role after almost three years.
Aamir is known to set new benchmarks [GHAJINI was the first Hindi film to cross the 100 cr mark]. His track record at the BO is unbeatable [3 IDIOTS continues to be the biggest grosser ever]. His name is synonymous with qualitative films… Three prime reasons why everyone expected TALAASH to deliver big time at the BO. So has TALAASH lived up to those lofty expectations?
First things first! Let’s not compare TALAASH with 3 IDIOTS. Let’s not compare it with EK THA TIGER or JAB TAK HAI JAAN either [a section of the viewers seems to be doing so!]. They belong to different genres. Expecting TALAASH to break the record set by Aamir himself [with 3 IDIOTS] would be foolhardy. TALAASH caters to a niche audience. It’s more of a multiplex film. Also, suspense thrillers have their limitations as far as BO revenue is concerned. You can compare DABANGG 2 and CHENNAI EXPRESS, hardcore masala films both, with EK THA TIGER. But you *cannot* compare TALAASH with DABANGG 2, CHENNAI EXPRESS or EK THA TIGER.
A section of the movie-going audience is of the opinion that Aamir shouldn’t have consented to do a film like TALAASH. Why, may I ask? Should actors be limiting themselves to mindless entertainers? Doesn’t Aamir have a right to do the kind of cinema he feels is appropriate for him? Every actor has his/her reasons for accepting a film assignment. The naysayers may label their choices regressive [JAB TAK HAI JAAN] or an easy route to attain success [DABANGG 2], but we must respect the decisions of SRK and Salman. Also Aamir.
In the 1980s, when the Bachchan era was at its peak, Amitabh Bachchan had his four favorites — Ramesh Sippy, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra and Yash Chopra — but he took time out of his busy schedule to do films for Hrishikesh Mukherjee. While the films helmed by Chopra, Sippy, Desai and Mehra would fetch astronomical prices from distributors, the ones directed by Hrishi-da would be sold for one-third or one-fourth of the price because the distribution fraternity as well as the aam aadmi knew that Hrishi-da’s films were in a different space altogether. No one compared ABHIMAAN, JURMANA or ALAAP with ZANJEER, SHOLAY, DEEWAAR or AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY then. So why are we making such ludicrous comparisons now?
TALAASH, like I pointed out earlier, is more of a multiplex film and will have to rely on the revenue generated from the plexes mainly. The film has comfortably crossed Rs 50 crores in 4 days on the sheer strength of its multiplex business. It’s faring exceptionally well in Overseas too and if it sustains in its second weekend, it should be a safe bet for Reliance, its producers and of course, Aamir.
The BO records could be shattered later!
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December 5, 2012 at 8:48 AM
taran is a staunch aamir-loyalist
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December 5, 2012 at 12:34 PM
ha! you know you need help when even taran adarsh is like ‘stop being morons, bit**es’
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December 5, 2012 at 7:59 AM
Gowariker’s next on Indus Valley civilization
By Bollywood Hungama News Network ,Dec 5, 2012 – 10:47 hrs IST
#
His last film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey bombed at the box office, but now getting back into action, Ashutosh Gowariker, who is currently attending the International Film Festival in Marrakesh, is set for his next. Like his previous ventures, Gowariker will be yet again going down historical annals to make a film based on the Indus Valley civilization.
Apparently, the film which is set to be announced in the coming weeks, once the director is back will be a love story set in a period film genre. While the budget of the film is said to be as grand as Jodhaa Akbar, the film’s cast will comprise of an ensemble crew that has yet to be finalized.
Currently, on his first visit to the Moroccan capital, Marrakesh, Gowariker will be attending the screening of Jodhaa Akbar today, December 5.
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December 5, 2012 at 2:10 PM
Hope his film isn’t longer than the Indus -Valley civilization’s life-time itself!
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December 5, 2012 at 2:23 PM
hahaha. yes, going by gowariker’s pre and post lagaan work, i have pretty much given up on him. unless i see something to change my mind.
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December 5, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Ha!
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December 5, 2012 at 3:13 PM
LOL, line of the day!
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December 5, 2012 at 3:28 PM
Haha btw to give the guy credit, haven’t come across a gowarikar film that I can say was crap or subpar
They do meet a certain minimum quality standards
And some high ones like Lagaan
Ps: think the producer should sign a package deal
Gowarikar as director only if someone like farah khans hubby as the editor (to keep the right mix n length of movie)
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December 6, 2012 at 2:10 PM
“haven’t come across a gowarikar film that I can say was crap or subpar”
So I guess you haven’t seen What’s Your Raashee…
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December 5, 2012 at 8:59 AM
day 4 is put at 6.16 here and day 5 at 5.48:
http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/talaash-day-four-nboc/
http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/talaash-day-five-nboc/
So again extremely stable. Note how BOI still haven’t put out the Tue number!
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December 5, 2012 at 9:06 AM
This Sh** needs to be stopped, This is yet another classic that’s going to be ripped apart.
‘Don’, ‘Agneepath’ and ‘Zanjeer’… The next classic Amitabh Bachchan starrer that is to join the remake bandwagon is ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’.
Talks are that director Anil Devgn (of ‘Raju Chacha’ and ‘Blackmail’ fame) will be helming the remake while Anil Vohra will be producing it.
According to sources, Vohra recently bought the rights of the 1980’s released ‘Do Aur Do Paanch’, which also starred Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi and Hema Malini. Apparently, the makers are planning to buy the title song from the original film as well.
For the records, the song “Do Aur Do Paanch” was used in ‘Bluffmaster’ (2005) that featured Big B’s star son Abhishek in lead. Now question is will the makers of the remake rope in the Jr.Bachchan? Well let’s wait and watch…..
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/88850.html
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December 5, 2012 at 10:34 AM
do aur do paanch though isn’t a remake I object to as much. Of course any remake still has to be done sensibly on a variety of fronts but this film doesn’t have an iconic Bachchan performance, isn’t an extraordinary script and so on. Actually it didn’t do too well at the time, it was probably a bit ahead of the curve, not dramatic enough for the sort of cinema that was dominant in that period, and also not resonant enough on the ’emotion’ spectrum. I like the film a lot but it’s not a remake I oppose the way I did Agneepath or Don or Zanjeer.
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December 5, 2012 at 12:32 PM
satyam, can aamir fit in a zanzeer remake?
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December 5, 2012 at 12:44 PM
I don’t believe so..
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December 5, 2012 at 2:54 PM
Well Ramcharan Teja is playing Vijay in Lakhia’s Zanjeer. And as much as I like Dutt I hate this decision of his to play Sher Khan. Having said that if one was ever going to commit this crime of remaking the film I would have Abhishek/Devgn in AB’s shoes, Rani in the Jaya role, Rawal as Sher Khan and Dutt as Ajit’s Teja. As for the director Rohan Sippy and Santoshi would be appropriate
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December 5, 2012 at 1:36 PM
My innocent q. to IdeaUnique- Why the hell Aamir needs to be fitted in to play a role which is so iconic and memorable?? Why can we not give up this fetish of remaking such iconic and classics? Why can’t be we have something original with out having to rely on the past classics to piggyback on to easy success. Not only does it, more often than not, end up as a miserable product in the end, but also brings disrepute to the original. So better leave them untouched as it shows the bankruptcy in the creative department of Hindi Movies, where they have to resort to such unnecessary gimmicks to draw audiences to cinema halls. And audiences end up feeling being shortchanged as has been the case with so many remakes. So pay more heed to script department, which is the back bone of the movie, until it happens, i do not find any ray of hope from these short routes to success coming down in the near future.
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December 5, 2012 at 2:35 PM
why not? btw, we give too much imp. to this point
Devdas has been played by so many actors
Bond has been played by so many actors
Hritik did well in agneepath remake
Big B himself tried to play gabbar of sholay – result?
Yes, no one needs to imitate big b
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December 5, 2012 at 2:55 PM
Idea, Devdas was not originally a film, I am sure you know the influence of the the Book, that’s what people are trying immulate, not the classics, In Bachchans’ remakes case, they are really trying to piggyback on bachchan’s past success, As i mentioned before they picking up bachchans classics, instantly there is an interest in the film, half the war is won already. Why arent they making Dharmendra? Rajesh Khanna, etc their movies? Cause the curiosity factor will not be there as much in Bachchan movie. I do agree with Myselfaamir, they shouldnt really make remakes, I ddidnt like the fact that Jr. did Bol Bachchan, There should be some creativity to keep the Hindi Film Industry flag hight for a long time, If this keeps happenning, in about 50 years or so, Indian films will be very close to Pakistani film industry, They really really need to pay their writers and come up with some fascinating ideas. I truly admire south indian cinema,they more often than not have original stories to tell.
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December 5, 2012 at 10:44 AM
Satyam sir, good points, I agree the film was not as iconic as the other ones. Yes, well ahead of its times just like Mr. Natwarlal (loved the director here, He made Yaarana last, where is he? is he around? ) But my whole grudge is that these people are piggy backing on Bachchan’s films and then calling their own. Like Srk did in KBC (though he made it to look like he was joking) But it was obvious that this DON is MY film. Im just sick of this crap, Bachchan’s films should not be touched. 1. Cause its a bachchan film, it gets and instant recognition 2.It just ruins the whole classic bachchan image for the generations to come. (Maybe i am talking too much..lol)
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December 5, 2012 at 2:31 PM
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December 5, 2012 at 11:47 PM
http://www.boxofficecapsule.com/boxoffice-collections.aspx
According to them wednesday collection 4.90 crore.
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December 6, 2012 at 6:09 AM
meanwhile BOI are continuing their ‘lying’ tour with the film! First off they’ve suddenly stopped giving precise numbers. Didn’t update for Tue and Wed. Now they’re talking in generalities and coming up with bull on how films need to consolidate. Really? as I’ve said before I’ve seen far lower numbers for films with bigger weekends defended by them! Anyway here’s the report:
Talaash Has Dropping Collections On Weekdays
Wednesday 6th December 2012 10.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Talaash has seen dropping collections over the weekdays. Monday had fair collections of 6 crore nett plus but as has been seen in the past 6-8 months the key today has become the daily falls over the Mon-Thurs period. A film needs at least to hold or consolidate on one day but Talaash is going down 15-20% every day.
The collections on Monday were 6 crore nett plus, Tuesday was around 5 crore nett and Wednesday was 4 crore nett while Thursday will be another 15-20% drop. The first week business of the film is looking to be 63 crore nett. The second week is will see bulk of the business coming from metro multiplexes.
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December 6, 2012 at 6:20 AM
and I quote this before but here there are hardly any drops from MOn to Tue:
http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/talaash-day-four-nboc/
http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/talaash-day-five-nboc/
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December 6, 2012 at 8:19 AM
http://www.addatoday.com/2012/12/talaash-wednesday-box-office-collection.html
Talash has collected around 4.55 crore nett all India as per early estimates on Wednesday at the box office. Talaash 6 day collection now stands at 64 crore nett. This are estimates now actual may vary. Talaash is registering drop each day in weekdays. Drop is around 15-20% which is normal, but the problem is collections are on lower end.
Talaash first week collection is now heading for 68 crore nett mark. Talaash will have stiff competition from Khiladi 786 coming this weekend. Although Talaash is mainly running in multiplexes and it has got potential to collect well there even in second weekend. Whether Talaash can touch or cross 100 crore or not, all will depend on 2nd weekend collections.
Collection Breakup –
Fri – 13.5 cr nett.
Sat – 15.5 cr nett.
Sun – 18.1 cr nett.
Mon – 6.62 cr nett.
Tue – 5.72 cr nett.
Wed – 4.55 cr nett.
Total – 63.99 cr nett.
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December 6, 2012 at 8:37 AM
I’ll repeat this yet again. The film will be in the 67-70 crore range over its first week, depending on what numbers you believe. This is more or less what Ready and Don2 had in week 1. So unless one is nuts or crazily partisan like BOI who found the Don2 numbers over the Christmas week less disappointing than they pretend to be for Talaash I think this is a very good number for this film.
Of course the fans are also responsible for some of the silliness. When you say stuff like ‘150-175 crores is a done deal’ you have problems later. I would have been thrilled if this were true but with a genre like Talaash you don’t reasonably start out with that position. And because of this talk a narrative starts setting in. So there are some suggesting that though the film has done well it might have done better. But that’s an imaginary position. You can’t get a film in this genre to be liked as much as 3I. It just doesn’t happen. First off you don’t have the same audience pool but even leaving this aside if you get that kind of acceptance in this genre you’ve made a fake film that’s only pretending to be different. The film could still be entertaining and so on but it wouldn’t be authentic in the same sense. And again this isn’t about defending Aamir. A point people often miss. With certain genres when stars underperform you can imagine vastly better scenarios. For example even though it isn’t the heyday of this genre anymore SRK could have done way better with JTHJ. How? Well the script of this film is pretty insane (will say more on this another time) and it’s poorly handled. When you get to a Talaash though even if you disagree with certain plot elements and so on you can’t imagine a film that with minor tweaks or whatever would suddenly be doing 150! Actually the opposite is true. If you made an even edgier film (which could easily be done looking at the film that is) you’d get a lower gross. Compromising to a greater degree on the authenticity is risky too because you lose the film completely. The larger audience still isn’t persuaded and now the smaller pool (which includes me) doesn’t like the film that much. So you have to be careful. There’s not much wiggle room with these genres. Unless of course you make a Raaz out of Talaash. But even this wouldn’t work. People don’t go to an Aamir film for this reason!
So again a lot of these debates are conducted with entirely imaginary positions. for me though a Talaash number around 100 crores or even somewhat less is more creditable than a D3 number even three times that. Because with the latter it’s simple math. A hugely popular franchise. You get a huge opening in any scenario. You throw in Aamir this time. Some of us expect the best script of the franchise and hopefully some good moments between him and Abhishek (even if this isn’t the genre for two good actors to meet!) but you just have to make an enjoyable enough film that doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘good’ and you still get huge numbers. We saw this with D2, a film that in my view was quite inferior to the first one but it didn’t matter. Maintaining that level isn’t hard (though perversely if you get a somewhat better film here with Aamir and Vijay Krishna Acharya who doesn’t seem completely run of the mill, even if Tashan was a narrative disaster in many ways, you might puzzle an audience otherwise in it only for Race-like pleasures!). It all belongs to the realm of the wholly predictable. But that isn’t true for Talaash.
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December 6, 2012 at 9:17 AM
ahahhaahahahah Satyam..u are dam funny, So a 67-70 crore week 1 number ends with a less than 100 crore gross and its decent trending right? while Don2 with similar numbers was called a crash by you…you only make me laugh!
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December 6, 2012 at 9:23 AM
Don’t worry abhishrek
Laughing is good for health
U haven’t heard Satyam fully
He had opined that ANYTHING from 50-60 crores onwards to 150 crores and even beyond (domestic net) for talaash was his ‘prediction’ and that in any of these scenarios, talaash would have done exceedingly well for its genre
So the paper for the exam hasn’t yet been even set–but the candidates result is already pass with distinction 🙂
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December 6, 2012 at 10:25 AM
Actually I said no such thing. If you don’t like my long comments and the logic behind them you don’t need to ask for my opinion. But if you do I’m afraid I won’t be able to dumb down my thinking to accommodate it to your ‘one-line’ desires. For the record I was always closer to the 100 crore mark than anything else. Didn’t change this even though you made fun of me for not going higher. The rest was about how whatever this film did (assuming a minimal level of acceptance) would define the limits of the genre. That’s where I even discussed a higher number without endorsing it. Certainly did not set 50 crores as any benchmark.
The problem Alex is that being non-serious is always easier. Much as not reading is pretty easy too. Or reading and not bothering to comprehend is similarly rather easy. Finally sticking dogmatically to an opinion without educating oneself on anything that matters, without having the ability to ‘learn’ is the easiest thing in the world.
The sad thing is that you once made useful contributions and were certainly part of some useful discussions. It’s all gone completely downhill since. One can keep making snide remarks or indulge in perverse sexual references or never accept defeat.. all the while believing in some wholly misplaced (not to mention pathetic) notions of machismo but this entire posture does not replace a serious argument. You needn’t be so worried about Talaash though, they’re already making Cocktail and ETT to keep you happy!
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December 6, 2012 at 11:10 AM
🙂
Apparently aamir is making fun of Khiladi 786 & calling talaash a more realistic film
Some folks are advising his not to speak so much after delivering an underperformer and that too after 3 years
Link
Some time back, there was news about Aamir Khan using his clout to block Akshay Kumar’s Khiladi 786 with his suspense drama Talaash. It was reported that Aamir was using the same tactics as Yash Raj Films did with Son Of Sardaar, to ensure that his film got more screens and earned better revenues at the box office.
However, our loyal buddy, the birdie, feels that there’s a twist in the tale. Curious? Hmm… we heard after the release of Talaash, the over-concerned actor met Akshay asking him to shift the release date of his next action film so that his film can cash in on more profits. And from what we hear, Khiladi Kumar even went out of his way and spoke to his co-producers, Himesh Reshammiya and Eros International, but it seems his efforts were in vain.
We know your film has released after three years Aamir, but there’s really no reason to worry ’coz Talaash being a solo release, had a week’s time to prove its worth at the box office. And it can still continue to mint money. Like some of your fellow contemporaries, are you too concerned about Talaash touching the Rs 100-crore mark?
http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/is-aamir-khan-insecure-about-akshay-kumars-khiladi-786/
Disclaimer
This is just a news link–I feel this is perhaps not showing aamir in the correct light
Anyhow –who knows the real truth bcos
The answer lies within….
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December 6, 2012 at 10:08 AM
Abhishek,
Don 2 was crap so it was crash,its simple as that,man whats wrong with you ..use your common sence
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December 6, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Actually I never called Don2 a crash. Perhaps you could find me that comment. I said numbers were too sluggish for this film all things considered much like the first Don. But it is also about contexts. What bit of my English do you not follow? If one starts comparing Don2 straight up with Talaash, i.e. if the numbers are similar the problem rests on the side of Don not Talaash! On the trending though let’s see where this ends up first. Let’s not get so hasty. Aamir’s films with the exception of MP have doubled their opening week number in the entire past decade or more. However given the genre it’s not reasonable to expect 130-140 crores here given that 99% of big commercial films don’t do this either. They’re underperformers for the same reason. Again genre has to be accounted for. BB going from 70 to 100 is different than Talaash doing the same! And the reason is that Talaash is already over-performing on the initial because of its lead star. It’s doing Kahaani’s entire run in a week. If you’re SRK and you’re appearing in the sequel of a remake, and it’s the lucrative Christmas/New Year period don’t come back to me with those numbers and say this is great!
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December 6, 2012 at 8:36 AM
http://boxofficeday.com/2012/12/2359/khiladi-786-has-average-response-in-advance-bookings/
Khiladi 786′s advance booking opened yesterday everywhere. The film has had a very poor response for the advance booking. Probably due to the large no. of shows.
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December 6, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Khiladi 786′s advance booking opened yesterday everywhere. The film has had a very poor response for the advance booking. Probably due to the large no. of shows.
Khiladi 786 will have a huge day for sure. But Number like Rowdy Rathore of Housefull 2 are not guaranteed. There are some regions where the film is looking to score a lot. East Punjab and Rajasthan have the best advance bookings.
Khiladi 786 has replaced Talaash at all major Single Screens. But, both films will happily co-exist at the Multiplexes due to different target audiences.
If Khiladi 786 Manages a 10 crore first day, it would be a big achievement for the film.
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December 6, 2012 at 8:39 AM
From same source.
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December 6, 2012 at 8:40 AM
More BOI garbage:
http://boxofficeindia.com/boxnewsdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=5175&nCat=
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December 6, 2012 at 11:38 AM
” It can be said the the genres of the Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan starrers are not very viable for big numbers …”
Yeah, because JTHJ is a real hardcore art-house film. Next we’ll hear that Rohit Shetty’s upcoming film is going to Cannes.
These guys are amazing…
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December 7, 2012 at 4:22 AM
Loll .. Salman is biggest today. But they are trying to project if he is some sort of bachchan. Though i agree that if some one able to see the 1% of bachchan stardom, its only Salman in last 2 years. But only those who have not seen or know about Bachchan stardom can label the tag of Amitabh’s hey days to some one else.
Abi tak to Bachchan movies ka remake ho raha tha .. Ab tags bhi chori hone lage hain.
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December 6, 2012 at 8:42 AM
Talaash box office evaluation
Talaash has done well —haven’t seen the film but one can assess box office now
On the patterns now–think the net domestic gross of talaash can now be more or less seen give or take a small margin …
How much 100crores ?
Let us revisit the ‘predictions’
Or what should be called ‘respectable’ here—
Satyam—gave no predictions (read the long multiple passages to explain why it’s sort of impossible to predict this one unlike other films)
Satyam felt anything from 50-60 crores to 150 crores and beyond was possible and crucially respectable
(Note that 60 crores was also respectable)
Unique idea –who is a sensible aamir fan
Showed how barfi with much lesser cinemas had reached 100 crores
And with deaf-mute deglam actors
So talaash with much more cinemas, a much bigger star, and two successful heroines should do 175-200 crores
I agreed with idea unique
I add that aamir is no different star and has a unique reputation
So what it has done has to measured against the validity of those expectations
I think Oldgold and aamirfans like myself aamir also felt that aamir should be hitting150- 175& beyond in talaash
So what’s the verdict folks–with 100 crores what should talaash be called?
Let’s have our say –either ways
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December 6, 2012 at 9:23 PM
150 cr will be there – total worldwide. That itself is fantastic. I am interested in seeing how it trends after the weekend euphoria of khiladi dies down. This movie can keep on doing 2-3 cr daily for atleast next 2 weeks (and weekends may be 4-5 cr) – so lets see how it trends in india
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December 6, 2012 at 9:02 AM
This was a good honest unbiased comment above –needs to be awarded this space —
NyKavi Says:
December 4, 2012 at 1:34 AM
No chance of 100cr in India now. Will end maybe in 80-85cr range at max.
Now is a good time for Aamir-SRK to come together for the first time in a masala movie format. Both need the resuscitation.
Ps—note we are talking about domestic figures only
Since overseas have been ‘irrelevant’ usually to discussions here
(Though it has been noted that talaash has done v well overseas–but that’s not the point of the ensuing discussion)
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December 6, 2012 at 10:00 AM
Just saw the movie yesterday, very weak story and quite disappointed. If not for Aamir no one would have bothered abt the movie. At some points the movie is quite laughable actually. Reema/Zoya tried hard to write something intellectual but I felt it was anything but that. I liked Kahaani way better.
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December 6, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Aamir has not said a word against Khiladi 786. Watch the following video from his press conference –the complete video; listen to him at 2 minutes onwards, when he is asked to compare his film with other masala films–aamir mentions Dabang and Singham, but DOES NOT mention Khiladi786–which is after all a yet to be released film. And yet mischief-making Bollly sites have gone to town dragging in Khiladi 786. All that aamir has said is in response to a question about Bollywood masala. Aamir has said that his film is not masala, but a psychological suspense drama treated delicately –or words to that effect. He has every right to speak about his own film; he is not putting down any other film; i am sure he has more sense. Rediff put up a so-called interview based on this press conference which aamir had at his home on monday.
At 12 minutes onwards, Aamir talks about Zoya’s experience one night at haji ali, the incident that led to the film.
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December 6, 2012 at 12:07 PM
http://www.tehelka.com/story_main54.asp?filename=Ws051212CINEMA.asp
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December 6, 2012 at 1:35 PM
thanks for referencing this.. hadn’t seen it..
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December 6, 2012 at 2:23 PM
Munna, thanks a ton for providing link to such an insightful piece of writing.
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December 6, 2012 at 12:15 PM
There are some on this forum who love mediocrity and they always make fun of , jeer at things which are out of their narrow circle.
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December 6, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Lol, Sanjana. So true!!
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December 6, 2012 at 1:44 PM
Relax LS — I believe u
BT there’s ‘no smoke without fire’
Btw was expecting a longer peace on talaash after all that anticipation–u seem to be only neutral bout it
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December 7, 2012 at 2:22 AM
I haven’t read this review for fear of spoilers, just skimmed it. However, it’s shown up in several other Bollywood forums, and some have mentioned that it ought to be posted at Satyamshot. Now someone has specifically requested me to post it here, so I am doing so.
http://www.madaboutmoviez.com/2012/12/talaash-renamed-chudail-ka-badla/
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December 7, 2012 at 5:23 AM
@ AA –please watch the press conf video and understand that aamir did not say a word against Khiladi 786. He was specifically asked (at 2 min mark) about Talaash in comparison to masala films like Dabang, Singham and Rowdy Rathore. In his reply aamir mentioned Dabang and Singham and said that these films were good, but Talaash was not a universally acceptable film, not for kids, the like.
In the latest print issue of Screen Weekly, Aamir has spoken openly and straight without being afraid;I cannot find the interview on net, but this is what he says; some excerpts.; wiill have to type it out.
Screen, latest issue (Dec 7-13)
On whether Talaash has lived up to his expectaions Box office wise
”So far it has been going well , but I am always conservative in my estimate.The film has generated Rs 48.99 crore plus in India , which is almost rs 7 crore more than 3 Idiots. We did not release the film on a holiday-festival weekend, and our promos suggest a serious film, so i am extremely happy with the reactions. So far so good. But we should wait till Monday/ Tuesday collections to see if the film holds. Overseas collections have been good too, especially in the US.”
This interview was possibly recorded on Monday,
What sort of pressure does the Rs.100 crore benchmark put on an actor or even a producer?
“Actually Rs.100 crore was the benchmark 5 years ago. Today a 100 crores is less for a film with a top ranking actor. An A grade film with a print release of more than 2500 should do far more business than Rs.100 crore.”
“For me, the yardstick of a successful film, whatever the weekend collection, is at least 3 and1/2 times the opening weekend business.. Two and half times the opening weekend is satisfactory, three is good , and a business of above three times the opening weekend is very good.”
For example, 3 Idiots made 5 times the opening weekend business of Rs 40 crores –it made Rs 200 crores totally.If the film doesn’t do three times the opening weekend, it means that collections have slumped. And then again, judging a film merely by numbers can be misleading as they give you an incomplete picture. It has to be a combination of the numbers and reactions from people — you get an idea from what you see on social networking sites.”
The pace , some felt was a bit languorous which in a thriller, could be misplaced.Now, as you watch the film, is there anything you felt could have been done better?
” Talaash is not a universal film. It’s a serious film about a couple coming to terms with the loss of their child, and a faster pace would not have worked for that kind of story. 3 Idiots and Ghajini are universal films that will appeal even to children. Children below 11 will find it difficult tol like Talaash. It’s not a Dhoom or Krrish that will appeal even to a 3 year old. There are all kinds of films that we like as an audience, but its important to remain true to the genre of the film. It’s true that some people have found it slow, but they are small in numbers.”
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