This entry was posted on August 18, 2021 at 3:22 PM and is filed under Continuing, the bad. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.
334 Responses to “Bell Bottom, Shershaah (continuing) and the rest of the box office”
You start a review calling it big screen experience itself is sell out. It doesn’t look that big of a movie to warrant theater experience. Regarding the quality of movie is irrelevant at this point. The audience needs to be back and that’s the real bet which all distributors and exhibitors and trade analysts are aiming.
The saviour!! Thats what it is now.
Now if Akshay were doing one movie in 1 year, it would have been a disaster. Lekin jinke bahur saare ghar ho…wo hotel mein nahin rehte. 🤣🤣
I am really happy being Akshay Kumar fan since last 20 years. Never hoped he would be No 1 but still liked him more. Now when he is on TOP, Its like surreal.
Lesson : Life of plenty is needed. One need not be deprived. Keep doing…learn, improve, experiment, build a brand. Rule.
Now look at Salman…after flops and under performers in 2018, onwards …his next movie is illions laters. I mean what is the use if next is a blockbuster. Naa Rajnikant bane naa Madhubala.
I like AKSHAY KUMAR as well. Simply for the way he has metamorphosed from being slotted as a wooden/action actor to what he is now. He is not at all a great actor, even now, but still, it is a terrific achievement on his part from where he started and where he is now within the realms of the Hindi film industry: All this inspite of the 3rd rate barbs about Modi chamcha and Canadian passport and all the BS… More power to AK…
Naveen…I might have added somewhere forgot to add but the first time Akshay is shown in BB theatrical trailer in suits and mustache, he has never looked more handsome ever. He’s easily looking 10 years younger in that scene. That’s the best motivation he provided to everyone. If you maintain your health well, you can extend your career so long and still look fresh.
Yes, the growth is there for all to see. Agree he is still not even close to be a great actor. He is first to acknowledge.
Who say things like this for a junior costar. Bada aadmi hone ka kya faayda if you put others down.
A total nutcase, a darling at heart and a phenomenal actor! Even though @humasqureshi’s filmography is shorter than mine, her acting prowess is much higher. Watch out for her power-packed performance in #BellBottom. 7DAYS TO BELL BOTTOM pic.twitter.com/ji3fx1YjeP
He is a decent actor, till now. but a great human being. He comes across as sincere now. He is still improving and hia best is yet to come. Cant say about any of his other contemporary star.
Dear Akki, I’ve been hearing good reviews of Bell Bottom. Congratulations 🎉 Also, your leap of faith in making it a theatrical release is praiseworthy. With you in this👍🏼@akshaykumar#BellBottom
Its difficult to go by initial reports which are usually good for star releases. But IF the movie is indeed decent, it should help its box office run. The key thing for the industry now is to bring audience back to theaters, and from the trailer BB hardly seems to offer much in terms of theater experience. Its looks more like an OTT kind of film. Even 50 cr nett total here should be celebrated by the makers, although it will perhaps imply a theatrical flop.
As for bringing back audience in hordes, Sooryavanshi may do it in October (provided Maha theaters open by then).
Earlier actor was Ibrahim Ali Khan (Saif’s son from first wife). Overnight has been replaced by Amitabh’s grandson.
Suhana and Khushi.
Starcast is more Karan Joharish. Its a blockbuster star cast.
Miniscule…i think more around 3 cr.
BOI is saying market is now (without Maha) at 15% level and Box office has gone back by 20 years.
I think only reason for BB to have 1/5th of a normal release is to get from theatricals whatever it can. The buzz created would help OTT release in 2 weeks.
If BB does 3 crores, it’s in similar range of Mumbai Saga which had John Abraham. Even Roohi did over 2.25 crores. I expect it to be higher than them but then Mumbai is also missing now.
Back after the viewing. This one’s a botched up masala entertainer with more heropanti & less subtlety. The needless ‘mataji’ backstory props do not help. A theme such as this deserved a much better film than needless melodrama & jingoism. The second half picks up well but the hero villain stereotype diverts attention from the core theme. Lara Dutta’s make up artist is the biggest star of the show in Bell Bottom which for most part is more of a langot. 5/10
Well researched yes, but neither edge of seat & nor any suspense. Bell Bottom is basically Baby without the thrills & a lot more needless melodrama & song n dance.
Mixed reviews I believe? NDTV says not good. But NDTV is too harsh normally so you can add a star to their review. Others are saying a good movie but Shivaay isn’t pleased…
BTW is the director the same one who directed AIRLIFT?
No, Ranjit Tiwari made Lucknow Central with Farhan Akhtar earlier (which was not bad) and this is 2nd feature! That’s the point.. he just seems too insprired with Neeraj Pandey’s Baby and Special 26 and then Airlift as well.
There is atleast one aspect every critic has complained. Interestingly its different for everyone.
Taran said barring length of first half, rest is good.
Someone else said barring climax rest is good.
Resemblance with Baby/Airlift was obvious from the promos. It indeed seem to be the case. This more looks like Baby (RAW) and Airlift (rescue) combined.
Authorities at some of the largest markets in the country have given the green signal to theatre operators after four months of inertia since April — pumping life into a sector on life support since early 2020.
From the country’s largest screen operator PVR to multiplex majors like Inox Leisure, Carnival Cinemas, and Cinepolis, theatre chains are now gearing up to premiere much-anticipated titles and cash in on moviegoers’ craving for a premium bucket of popcorn.
This reviewer has been using this tone since he first did for Kabir Singh. Then onwards, he keeps giving review andnhas a separate fan base for his style. 🤣
Watched Bell Bottom. A solid masala film that’s engaging for the most part and could have done with a better actor as the lead…but that aside, it’s definitely worth a watch.
Absurd.. engaging is the last thing in this done to death, predictable poor man’s Baby. And important event’s been made a mockery of barring the reliable Akshay and the surprise package from Lara. Hindi movie audiences have anyways been pissed off by more & more young film makers making movies that are a poor mishmash of classy & massy entertainment over the last decade and films like Bell Bottom is the last thing they need in a post Covid scenario. No wonder a Master & Vakeel Saab end up doing 100+ Cr even in today’s times while Hindi films struggle to cross 30. As much as I hate to say this, its only the outright mass commercial entertainers like Shetty & Bhansali films that are gonna save Hindi movie theaters in North & Central India. The South Bombay/South Delhi crowd would predominantly stick to OTTs in the foreseeable future for years to come (barring the odd Nolan or Marvel film that’ll get them to pay once or twice a year for the theater experience) while the masses need the Dabangg’s, Singham’s, Kabir’s & War’s to get going, something that’s a rarity in Hindi cinema unlike the 70s-90s.
Ye to wahi baat ho gayi if someone reviews your review and tells you –
Yous review is good, but could have been better if someone else would have reviewed the movie.
That can be said for any one.
Imagine someone tell you – your work is good , but could have been better if done by some better worker.
=========
Where is that better actor? Why has he not done? Why has he ever not done?
Quite a juvenile comment of a fan reeling with guilt and jealousy. 🤣
“Ye to wahi baat ho gayi if someone reviews your review and tells you –
Yous review is good, but could have been better if someone else would have reviewed the movie.” ~
Well not exactly. Hero worshipping across the decades has made us Indians forget the fact that its the director whose the captain of the ship and the actors hired are on the command of the director. So unless Akshay’s involved at the script, direction, writing & narrative level in any way, its not exactly “his” film as much as its Tiwari’s.
Akshay may not be best actor in pure technical sense. However he has been able to do justice to the scenes via his screen presence and body language. He is effective.
Sachin may not be as correct a batsman as a Gavaskar or Dhoni may not be as correct a batsman as Sachin…..
But if you view each with the lens of another andnignore the other aspects of effectiveness, it is juvenile. Its what fans of Kohli would say to fans of Dhoni in fan wars – Agar Dhoni ke jagah hoi better batsman hota to wo match mein India jeet jaati.
You have been doing it thinking it would make you insightful. It doesnt work. Nowhere this line of review works.
“Sachin may not be as correct a batsman as a Gavaskar” ~ Justifying puppets and tattu’s by naming sporting legends is never a good idea. And yes Sachin was as correct a batsman as Gavaskar when the situation demanded. No idea where this came from.
Bell Bottom Day One Early Estimate
Thursday 19 August 2021 23.30 IST
Box Office India Trade Network
Bell Bottom has collected 2.50-2.75 crore nett apprx on day one and although this is a low number and far lower than than the industry thought it is pretty much on the expected lines due to the limited release and 50% occcupancy rule. It did look as it will comfortably top 3 crore nett at around 2pm but collections slowed in the late evening and night in Delhi NCR which was also expected but you always hope other areas can push to equal out this expected slowdown but it was not to be. The film could finish a little higher if West Bengal can get some better collections from single screens where it has the best single screen release compared to any circuit.
The importance of Delhi is huge as around 20% of the all India collections are coming from one city and that is not including the satellite towns of NCR. There are little plusses in Kolkata and Hyderabad in some properties also but they hardly matter in the overall scenario. The mass markets have restricted collections with CPCI Rajasthan, UP and Bihar having low numbers. Hindi films which reach so many states need the bulk of these to have the potential to collect and that can only happen when the flow of releases start and with Maharashtra closed this cannot happen.
The film can still run well at this level and sustain but that depends on the audience response and if that is there then the film will continue to collect well for a few weeks due to the very limited audience initially. The weekend numbers will be better and with Chandigarh allowing night shows it could be more areas of Delhi city also allow night shows over the next few days.
With the positive word of mouth, BB is set to have 3-4 weeks of run. Lets see wherenit ends. BOI missed to point that this is a non holiday thursday release.
Doing some benchmarking here –
With Maharashtra open 50%, this could have done 5 cr.
With every other cities (incl Maha) open 100% and night shows, this could have done 7 cr on a non holiday thursday (day 1).
Prepandemic, Bell Bottoms might have opened at 12 cr on a non holiday thursday.
So the pandemic is taking away 5 cr out of this 7 cr opening. This is 40% shortage. I was therefore not wrong. Maybe wave 2 has caused more damage to confidence of entering a theatre.
Any movie which is made at 100cr+ is now ruled out in 2021. However all others can now release if you are confident to forego that 15 cr which OTT would pay more if not released in theatres.
There will however be a 40% shortage of covid fearing movie goers. This when cinemas open.
2.5 cr opening day is quite low, even after considering the ground realities. Audience is definitely not venturing out to theaters at this point.
The film is doing below 7 at imdb indicating an average fare.
This will be a super flop and may do as much ss mumbai saga, 20-25 cr total. It shud have directly gone to ott like laxmii to save it from embarrassment.
Whoops! Perhaps this is why Mr. Bharat Kumar chickened out of releasing the disastrous, corrosive degenerated C grade film Laxmiiii in theaters last Diwali (despite all India theaters functioning at 50% back then, including Maharashtra) or else his saffron fanboys would lose faith in his “desh ki mitti” and Modiji might run the risk of losing UP in 2022.
You can now speak with Amitabh Bachchan on Alexa. Amazon on Thursday launched the voice of the 78-year-old Bollywood star as a part of its efforts to amuse existing users and attract new consumers to use its voice assistant over Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri. With the new launch, the US tech giant has also brought its celebrity voice feature to India. The feature initially arrived in the US with the voice of American actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson in 2019.
He told SpotboyE, “The business is going to be different because Maharashtra is 30% of the total all-India collection. I am left with only 70% (the rest of the country) and of that, it is only 50% occupancy expected. That means I am only left with 35% (of the entire collection that would have been possible if it was an all-India release). So out of that 35% we can take out 5 to 8%, because full house toh nahin rahega. So I am left with only around 27%. That’s the probable business. Now, in this scenario, if the movie does ₹30 crore business that means it is equivalent to ₹100 crore otherwise. If the movie does ₹50 crore then it equals ₹150 crore (under pre-pandemic circumstances). So that’s where it stands.”
With 3rd wave round the corner (see whats goin on in USA NOW) , Its a good window to get ready movies to release in theatres, make some money before OTT tales over.
Covid is not going anywhere till 2023. Its impact will be for 10 years now on cinemas and tourism.
US’s third wave has affected the unvaccinated the most. There have been breakthrough infections but very miniscule and not dangerous at all. They at least should have opened theatres for vaccinated people, where you can book tickets if you’re vaccinated in Mumbai.
I’ll call Bell Bottom a hit if it makes 50 crore+, if Maharashtra opens up in the first week then 55 crore+. This is as per Akshay’s own assessment.
Tourism bounced back even among unvaccinated in India since July & good well made films have done well in theaters the world over. Pent up demand & human spirit would always triumph in the worst of times.
Even going by this logic, a 3 cr opening day amounts to only 10 cr opening day in pre-pandemic times. Even that is a poor opening by any standards. There is simply no takers for theater experience in such covid times. Even if someone makes a great movie (BB is certainly not one), the larger audience will still wait and catch it on OTT.
Till yesterday i was reading all sort of calculations from trade guys about how BB will open to 6-7 cr. Now a below 3 cr opening is definitely a bad start. Question is how far will it go from here?
Roohi started with 3 cr and trended good to get to 30 cr, Mumbai Saga did a lot less.
“There is simply no takers for theater experience in such covid times” – Vakeel Saab & Master proved otherwise. Even in the US, GvK & Black Widow have done rather well.
In the US things are getting better with people coming out to the theaters. There is not even the ‘gap’ between seats. Folks along with families are venturing out to the theaters and even going to the popcorn and pizza stuff in the theaters. In fact, even BB is full for tomorrow.
As it is, since June, bars and other places have been open to full capacity and are back to regular timings with no capacity limits for covid specifically.
I don’t know how long this will last, but if people here still believe covid is plandemic and such crap and refuse to get vaccinated, it will blow up again.
This is a country where the President is offering a cruise or burgers to get vaccinated!! They need incentives to save their own and others’ lives!! Go figure …
There is always pent up demand. Even here, I don’t know cinema situation but once wining, dining, leisure sector is open….anything hospitality related- it goes bonkers. Coastal areas are heaving.
2.5Cr is a poor opening in India. No need to sell it as good – I’m sure Naveen will try his hardest! Not everything Akshay Kumar does needs to be ‘sold’ to us.
Basically he’s released the wrong profile of film. Sooryavanshi is the one he should have released.
Every trade is saying that the opening is good as there is 50% occupancy rule. Lol. If audience turnout is around 15%, how is that 50% blocking your collections. It’s not that all cinemas are 50% max and hence lower collections. Kuch bhi!
Its a niche theme masquerading as a masala film. The final result is neither a niche Baby nor a masala Singham. Its a dull mishmash of the 2, neither here nor there. Fail.
It is incorrect to believe that if it was running at 100% capacity, it would have done twice that of 2.5 cr, 5 cr. Instead I think a normal full capacity post pandemic release would have been 3-3.5 cr maximum. Without the pandemic, may have been 7 cr starter at best
It sure seems like a ‘plandemic’. The kinda plandemic that’s got a Sino American pharma conspiracy written all over it. Vaccination is the only way of saving ourselves from this plandemic, just how big pharma originally intended to boost their sagging sales.
Cry Macho
**Added to Trailers of non-Indian languages movies **
This guy is something else. Having a hit at 91 and after your first hit’s 57 years must be some sort of record. The race is between Eastwood and Bachchan in career longevity.
Orion mall in Bangalore last evening was as packed as a Thursday can be yet there were only 15 people in the theater watching BB. Its not that people aren’t stepping out. Its just that Bollywood needs the right film to bring audiences back to the movies.
Sooryavanshi or 83 will not release before diwali/christmas timeline. BB has opened poorly. Next few releases lined up are Chehre, Shang Chi and F9 – dont think any of these can breach the 50 cr mark. The industry will take some time to absorb the shock of losing all audience interest in watching films in theaters in covid times. Next big release likely in diwali or christmas.
They both would have been 100 Cr+ if released on Christmas/Sankranti last year. Poor judgement by Bollywood producers in not taking a leaf out of their Tollywood counterparts.
You are wrong to look at the reception of regional south films and expect similar response from all india audience. Southern audience are far too passionate abt their films. Its not the right extrapolation.
Although nowhere near AP & TN, there’s no dearth of passion for films in Maharashtra or the Hindi belt if the film’s been accepted (Tanhaji ran riot in Maharashtra like any Tamil super hit in TN). If regional films could do 100+ from 1 state alone, there’s no reason why pan India films couldn’t do a similar number from 4-5 different territories on festive weekends last winter well before the 2nd wave.
WoM of the movie is mixed on the positive side. More of a 3/5 movie, which is 1 star less than what it should be.
The movie is looking like making 20-25 cr nett in theatres. As it has been sold at profit basis with PVR as producer there is no loss here. OTT has been sold at 80cr and satellite rights is likely to be 50cr.
Question was always whether releasing into theatres first and then OTT or direct to OTT. Difference was 15 cr.
Overall a a good and daring move to open. More movies shouls release if deal with OTT can be same as with theatre + OTT (within 10-15 cr)
The sad part is Akshay’s streak of success since 2016, starting with Airlift, has come to an end with BB. He had a great run during 2016-19. Now with some 10 films ready to release or under production, he will suffer the most as films will now get dumped to OTT left and right. And the OTT audience is quite discerning, its not easy to get away with average fares. Akshay’s wooden acting will never match up to the likes of Pankaj Tripathy or Nawaz in OTT platform.
Films like LSC, Pathan, Tiger 3 will now release at fag end of 2022.
Naveen I want to sell an old fridge, it’s totally capoot and barely works. I think you will be the best person on planet to make a sale and make it sound like I am doing someone a life saving gesture!
Producers make money even on flop films. Wake me up when distributors and exhibitors make some money on BB’s theatrical run. Calling such pathetic numbers a success … kuch bhi
See even when one week before the release, situation did not improve from the day of announcement.
Maha was closed.
Delhi closed after 7 pm and otherwise only 50% open.
Most other states 50% open.
UP, 50% open and shut on Sundays.
If BB has been in loss ot wouldnt have released. Arithmetic was plus and then it was all about whether to take a hit on profit or release for theatres / clear Akshay’s backlog.
Sooryavanshi would have been the best release here. It had more exciting elements- Katrina, cop universe, Shetty etc. It would excite entire demographic of viewers for a start. I don’t even think the hurdle would be high, it just needs to be a decent mass film to kick start things.
I can only hope the distributors of BB have bought it for throwaway prices. If PVR is a co producer, exhibitors shouldn’t be in the red hopefully. No one knows for sure though. The only way Sooryavanshi or 83 will break even with 50-100 cr lifetime is if the leads forfeit the renumeration as a charity gesture. Have mentioned this before. Else they’ll both need to wait till Diwali 2022 by which time they’ll be 3 year old productions & bomb anyways.
BOI will adjust numbers with pre covid scenario. Converting 30Cr to 120Cr and giving verdict on that. We know what nonsense they can get up to.
But it’s early days. This is not a smash and grab type release. It’s like a release of 20+ years ago. Better to see over at least 2 week window how it trends.
Friday could easily repeat Thursday. Weekend should be higher. So by Sunday it will be closer to 15Cr than 10Cr. If it gets to 20Cr in week 1, 30Cr should be minimum as it’s not like there is competition. Even if there is there is plenty of screen space. After 4 weeks no reason why it can’t go past 30Cr. The trending can’t be compared to pre covid release.
Only problem may be the movie isnt that good enough to go through this trending. We will see. I dont think an average thriller can hold on from first monday onwards.
As for distributor prices, i also doubt that it has been sold at throwaway prices.
No word from Komal on distribution too. Only thing he said is it’ll be profitable. Perhaps the producers indeed have tied up with major multiplex chains & distributed their own film. No one knows.
Akshay’s last film, Good Newwz was 17.5 crore on 3100 screens. Given that Bell Bottom is on 1620 screens with 50% capacity, the best it could have done is 4.5 crore. With most regions not having night shows, one can expect most generously a 10% reduction would still be a 4 crore opening day.
But I think any ‘fear’ is offset by pent up demand. By nature many humans will go out once restrictions lift. The other films in South show demand is there if film is right one.
I haven’t mentioned anything related to fear, Bell Bottom has underperformed vis-à-vis expectations by almost 40%. But now I think we should look at the trending to ascertain the content. And if trending were improving we would heard, so it is an underperformer, above average at best as of now.
The producers of bell bottom are the distributors.The distributor share of bell bottom is additional profit.Bell Bottom made good profits
by ott release.
On a 125 crore budget, satellite and digital may be 100 crore, music rights 10 crore and ancillary at best being 5 crore, they might barely eke out a profit.
So my take on it is using 50% capacity or limited release, etc is all garbage.
It would make sense if there was let’s say 75% capacity from the 50% available seats. Then you can say if more theatres were open, more people would have gone since they don’t want to travel far away to see the movie. But here, we have friday morning capacity of 9% out of 50% availability. so if there was no social distance and available capacity was 100%, the number of tickets sold would still be 9%.
To put it simply, if i had 50 samosas to sell and 9 sold, i can’t say that if i had 100 samosa to sell, than i would have sold 18.
All this other stuff about this right and that right, using that logic, most films are successful.
At the end of the day, the movie is a disaster at getting 9% occupancy.
Yes, the fear factor may have kept audience away but not sure how much factor that is.
I’m sure if this was Suryavanshi, you would have seen at least 75% capacity of the available 50% seats.
Puaada Extraordinary Numbers In Top Centers
Friday 20 August 2021 18.30 IST
Box Office India Trade Network
Puaada put up fantastic first week numbers in Punjab and extraordinary numbers in the four big cities. The public came out pretty much as normal for the comedy entertainer though the occupancy rule and limited release held back numbers but no doubt it will make some ground over the coming weeks.
The audience has come out in good numbers though collections may only be what the box office allows but at the end of the day the film is running strongly. Puaada was even getting more footfalls than Bell Bottom on Thursday in most cities of Punjab even though it was day eight. The collections may have been less but that is down to higher ticket rates for Bell Bottom due to 3D.
This is where one has to credit the Bell Bottom team that despite a lot of geopolitics coming into play, the film doesn’t get into a heavy duty zone and become a docudrama. Instead, it flows smoothly as an Akshay Kumar entertainer does.
No naarebaazi or deshbhakti ka sandesh is thrust down the audience’s throat.
Instead, the premise is explained in a matter of fact and yet entertaining manner, while building towards a thrilling second half.
There’s plenty of bogus naarebaazi out here. I can’t quite understand where all these positive reviews for such a mediocre movie are coming from. Even the imdb ratings are well below par on day 1 itself. If the idea’s to encourage more people to visit the theaters, its clearly the wrong film to release.
#BellBottom has done what no one else dared to do. It has brought in hope and taken a risk despite the very apparent shadow of few cinemas closed and no night shows. #INOXSalutes@akshaykumar, a true hero. It takes a real hero to take a bullet for the entire Indian film industry. pic.twitter.com/d9X5Hg6cd6
The decision to release in theaters is commendable indeed. Nothing like the big screen for a movie experience. Which makes me wonder why sooryavanshi didn’t risk last christmas when the odds were a lot safer (unless baba Johar is pulling the strings being a co producer).
Sat and Sun shud do 3+ and 3.5+ cr imo. The 4 day weekend shud be around 12-13 cr. Roohi trended poorly thereafter, specially lost steam in week 2. It ended with 23 cr nett total. Hopefully BB can hold better.
Cant see anyone expecting BB to do a Roohi or Akshay doing a Rajkumar Rao at box office. This is what covid has done to the so called number one star of Bollywood. Others including the Khans will also face the music next year.
The entire film production model for bollywood films would need to change if films & the popular actors need to survive on the big screen. Gone are the days of 50-100 cr remuneration & 200 cr+ budgets. Even the tentpoles would need <100 cr budgeting & low distribution costs to survive the next few years in Hindi cinema. Telugu & Tamil cinema however are a different story.
Not really. The digital rights paid by the OTT platforms are sky high now, which will compensate the producers from low distribution price for upcoming biggies. Producers wont suffer losses even if the movie flops and will continue to pay big bucks to the stars.
Its the distributors and exhibitors who will suffer due to covid and loss of theatrical business.
Case in consideration – BB will come on Amazon Prime on 29th sep, one month after its theatrical release. But the digital rights are reportedly sold at 75 cr! The budget of BB itself is in that range if one excludes Akshay’s renumeration. So go figure.
The big budget films can also easily release on OTT these days without producers taking a loss cut if they want.
Well practically movie theaters are a lot safer compared to restaurants & cafes since in a theater the viewer can sit through the duration of a film with his/her mask on, something that’s impossible in a restaurant. This step motherly treatment to movie theaters by rogue state governments like Maharashtra, Delhi & TN reeks of sinister intentions. No underworld mafia money pouring in from the theaters to the state governments in covid times perhaps?
yes, it has indeed if you could the deaths which is less than 100.
But at a cost of psychological, economical and financial losses. Lot of admissions in mental institutes and closure of long term businesses.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA has done good since March 2020, strict border control i guess and the premier is also an ex army veteran…he knows how to run the state, which is also the backbone of Australian economy as most of the iron ore for China comes from WA state.
Australia’s policies have been nothing short of dictatorial, draconian and tyrannical. Surprising how the general public has even endured this nonsense without a revolt yet. But I guess the whole of Asia-Oceania is filled with “yes minister” nincompoops right from India to Japan to the Aussies!
More of the Netflix or Amazon releases were badly hit due to pandemic. During lockdown there was a requirement to offer more and more. So while the demand was increasing, they were not able to supply.
When ready to release bollywood films were offered 3 times of their rates, basically it was for producers of below 100 ce prodiction to accept at marginal profit or look as uncertainty. Plus the impossibilty of getting solo release post pandemic etc.
Since last few months, OTT’S own production has started. So these mind boggling offer would return to pre pandemic offer. In fact it already has. Mimi, BB etc were last lot that got sold.
BB is releasing in Amazon after 4 weeks in 3rd week of Sep.
Now we will not see any top star releases on OTT as supply is normalising.
Most of the Netflix or Amazon productions were badly hit due to pandemic. During lockdown there was a pent up requirement to offer more and more. Subscriptions were increasing by 100K every month. So while the demand was increasing, OTTs were not able to supply new releases which influences the subscriptions.
When “ready to release” Indian films were offered 3 times of their earlier OTT offers, basically it was for producers of below 100 cr production cost, to accept at marginal profit. So either accept or look at uncertainty. Plus the impossibilty of getting solo releases post pandemic etc.
Since last few months, OTT’S own production has started. So these mind boggling offer would return to pre pandemic offer. In fact it already has. Mimi, BB, Bhuj etc were last lot that got sold.
BB is releasing in Amazon after 4 weeks in 3rd week of Sep.
Now we will not see any top star releases on OTT as supply is normalising and that window of opportunity is fading.
Nothing like that. If movies like Sooryavanshi, 83, Shamshera, Prithviraj, LSC decide to release on OTT this year, they will get plum offers for digital rights and wont make losses for producers. Profits will be less than theatrical blockbusters, yes, but there wont be losses for producers.
And i m sure there will be OTT takers for hybrid releases too for these films if the makers choose the Hollywood way. The film producers are safe for now, question is how long will they hold back their films.
In that case they might as well sell it to the distributors at throwaway prices to make sure of a break even, even with low theatrical numbers. Someone has to be rational in these abnormal times for the larger long term benefit of the exhibition industry.
Again that’s more of a “Bollywood” problem. Punjabi film Puadaa’s running at 80% permissible occupancy as we speak. Tamil & Telugu have already delivered Master, Vakeel Saab & Krack. Even Hollywood’s given GvK, WW84 & Tenet (Average to Hits).
he action scenes are superbly shot. The one that impressed the most was the one in London where Anshul and the 4 agents in a terrifically authoritative manner just enter the apartment block and capture the 4 terrorists. It is so sharply shot, and edited, with terrific background score, it increases your pulse rate when you are watching it. A flat-out 5-minute shot but shot fantastically with Akshay in all his glory wearing a corduroy jacket and pants. And then he just stares out the window, helplessly, when he realizes one of the terrorists has hood-winked him, and keeps staring at him, but doesn’t jump out the window to show some heroism. A great, great masala scene. The desert-storm actions scenes look contrived, but still look convincing when considered within the scope of the movie. [Don’t compare it with this.] So, there are action-scenes which are very well shot but with a clear purpose that they need to show Anshul as the hero; what with him standing on the guard. However, it doesn’t seem cheesy. Throughout the movie, it is established that he is the one willing to take the risks, and the one who is willing to take the punishment as well if he fails. In that scenario, it makes sense.
Action sequences are perhaps the only aspect of the film that prevent it from completely sinking to the depths of a dull run of the mill masala film. The dialogue, screenplay & drama has nothing to write home about for a theme as heroic & inspirational as this. Even the action sequences are best viewed on the big screen (as expected), although the 3D is meaningless.
The theater I watched in the US was 80 percent full. However, am observing a trend: Even for movies like DISNEY CRUISE, I don’t see Indian families turning up. Am not sure what hang-ups they have but yes, they are turning up in very less numbers …
It is quite safe here in the US for movie-watching. Still they aren’t turning up ….
Ridiculous fear mongering by the media, political policies & some hysterical celebrity doctors who have successfully made the gullible public believe movie theaters (which have no requirement of mask removal unless you purchase f&b) are a death trap even as the same fools throng indoor restaurants & shop at halwai’s for festivals with their masks dangling down their chins.
Lara Dutta has done a fine job actually. I am not sure why they went to the extent of such a make-up which appears like a mock-up. I tell you, they have done the same with Bachchan as well [gulabo sitabo].
Credit to her, she demonstrates the dictatorial streak ..ahem…steely reserve quite well. The tension in the room is quite palpable when she has 5 men sitting and reporting in front of her…The only person sitting beside her is the RAW founder.
Tell what you may, the woman HAD nerves of steel..
Home, a malayalm movie throws light on so many things in an unobtrusive way. It is so relatable and ordinariness makes it extraordinary.
I wish Bachchan does Indrans role in hindi version if it is remade in hindi. And Shefali Shah as his wife. We have to find some really old man to play Bachchan’s father! With makeup Sanjay Mishra will suit the role.
BB flop-show is making every other movie running for shelter. First RRR and now KGF2. Next will be LSC i guess. Aamir has confirmed that only 3 days of mumbai shooting is left for LSC to wrap up. And its a 100 cr budget film (without aamir’s remuneration as he is producer), so can easily go for a profitable hybrid release on Christmas. However I seriously doubt if it will release before late 2022 now.
Is Jhund releasing on September 9th? As per BookMyShow, it is. September 9th is a terrific date for a film in Maharashtra with the Ganesh Chaturthi weekend if theatres reopen (which I think they will) by then.
F9 on September 3 would give a better idea, especially in the North.
Last i read jhund got a good ott deal of 35 cr and is waiting for maha theaters to open. Not sure of the 9th date. It may come directly on ott if maha theaters remain shut for long.
JHUND is my most awaited film this year…Whether the film works or not, AB will create magic what with Manjule at the helm…a director who understands the power and limitations of both art-house and commercial cinema equally. It should be a great one unless he messes up royally…
Earlier it was june 29th, now you are saying september…don’t know when it will truly release….
Every industry apart from bollywood has had hits post pandemic, be it telugu, tamil, kannada, bengali or punjabi. Non performance of a metropolitan multiplex film with a below average word of mouth shouldn’t be extrapolated for the rest.
Maybe u r correct but its still a risk to release Sooryavanshi or 83 under current scenario. Wait for another year or two and things will get normal eventually 😀
Excess mortality with the migrant crisis and Covid is going to paint a very ugly and uncomfortable picture. Bihar’s official COVID toll is 9K, similarly Telangana has an official toll of 6K and excess morality of nearly 1.2 lakh.
Death count may be right but largely because of non covid patients who couldnt get emergency service as entire machinery was only looking for covid patients.
There is no way the death count is right. The only question about covid deaths is whether it is 2X, 3X or 5X. Any pandemic is counted with excess mortality so the non covid patients were inadvertently the victims of a hospital shortage due to covid.
“Is investing in 401 k is a good idea? When I googled. there is some negativie points about this.
What are the funds recommended for 401 k?”
@Sanjana,
It’s always a great idea to invest in 401k but need to know little bit more.
1) How long are you in it for? The longer you are in it, the better chance to recover an major loss.
2) Does your company match? A lot of company match 6% in USA.
3) From my experience, it’s best to invest in fund which looks at when you will retire. So let’s say if you’re going to retire after 30 years, there will be fund which will be more aggresive since it can recover any heavy loss.
4) Best to invest in funds (which has multiple company in it) versus investing in individual company.
5) Many workplace in USA has free financial advising service, take advantage of it.
6) This is most important, invest only what you are okay with losing. It can take toll on your mental and physical health.
“Can you explain this? Is it that all companies dont allow this and only 6% of them allow this?”
By this i mean, some companies in USA puts in dollar for dollar into your account up to 6% of what you put in.
So let’s say your weekly income is $1,000 and you put in 6% in 401k, that’s $60. Company will also match it and put in 6% ($60) in to your account. So now you have $120 in your account. That’s 100% profit from day one. From here you would invest your money into funds, individual companies, etc… If something like this is offered, you should jump on it. you don’t even have to than invest, you can just keep it in like saving plan they have, of course you won’t make any money but you won’t lose the $120 you have there.
“Just for tax benefits,”
Not sure how much tax benefit you’ll get out of it unless you’re talking about big amount.
“Then what is the best alternative? Invest in real estate or in shares? Buying one more big house or apartment and rent it out?”
If in USA, real state is very high right now, probably not a good time to buy unless you can find a run down house and fix and flip it.
Roth ($6000 after tax) ,
401k (Pre tax) + Roth 401k (After TAx) -> $19500 + $6500 (if you are above 50).
Number are max limits by IRS.
As Z suggested target retirement funds are good where you have good mix and don’t think what you have to invest.
You have to pay tax on earnings. So traditional 401k, you get benefit of tax now but you still pay tax when you withdrawals including earnings.
Roth ones, you pay tax now but your earnings are not taxed when you withdraw (including original contribution).
Typically if you don’t think you will end up in higher tax brackets, then they say invest in traditional 401k; if you think when you retire you might be in higher tax bracket then it is advised you use Roth vehicles.
401k is tied to your company so there are limited options for investment. But with Roth or previous company 401k (companies which you have left), you can move them in IRA account and do investment from buying stocks to commodities or even use it to give loan!
ps – Some companies have Mega backdoor Roth IRA, the limits are additional $38600.
ps1 – the limits are updated by IRS for each fiscal year.
401k is your money. You just delay paying tax.
Govt wants tax, so it cannot allow every thing in non-tax bracket. Though the money typically go in investment and indirectly in economic growth.
well, they can use 401k to cover medical treatment for the citizen and family. During retirement they can deduct the expenditure during the lifetime of that account.
Watching Rajkumar Santoshi’s characters exploding on screen after an eternity of playing by the rules, being wronged by the system and ultimately crossing all limits of restraint is a sight to behold, a cinephile’s delight.
Karwaan is a good road movie though there are some unbelievable elements. Irrfan in a comedy role , cracking jokes with a straight face. Dulquer is good in his own way. And Parker is fun to watch.
Karwaan and QQ Ingle were better movies than Angrezi Medium, all of which starred Irrfan.
Missing Irrfan.
A lot of star driven films are going to get Average to Flop verdicts for next one to two years. Akshay will lead rom the front with max films in that list.
BB still has to hold up to get to that 30 cr total. Anything less wud be a pakka Flop.
By the time we are out of covid entirely, ie, 2-3 years from now perhaps, i wud say most of 90’s stars wud be done by then. Fans shud start writing obituaries than hoping for some miracle hits in this period.
Aamir’s got a long way to go, can fit in grandad roles if needed like in Dangal. Akshay & Ajay’s volume of work will make sure they stay in the picture. SRK & Salman might become redundant however.
Think this is an overstatement, Bell Bottom has done worse in the US than some small time telugu film. It’s clearly a flop. Let’s wait for a hit film to judge the pulse of the box office.
Aamir has slowed down too much. He may suffer losses from only one film in this lean period (LSC), but his extreme low amount of work (one film every 4 years now) will make him a distant memory in the neutral audience’s minds. By the time his next comes after LSC, he will be 60. And i doubt if any of these 90’s stars can remain relevant from 60-80 years of age like Bachchan has done.
Srk’s next 2 (Pathan and Atlee film) will flop but Hirani has locked his script finally and the film will roll next year. This will perhaps be the first blockbuster film after pandemic. So he may have a last laugh after all.
Salman will surely go extinct after a few more flops in this period.
Likes of Akshay and Ajay have intelligently jumped on the OTT bandwagon (doing The End and Rudra series). So they may survive with this exit strategy.
The median age in India has drastically increased in the past few years. As we see our median age increase, the longevity and age of our cultural icons has also increased. The age factor is consequently delayed. We call Ranveer, Ranbir the next big thing and both of them are above 35 (Ranbir is nearly 40). Look at southern stars, Mahesh, Vijay are all coming to form at 45+. The Khans have some time and don’t have the pressure Amitabh had so can do a Rajnikanth.
Aman – BB is not a bad film, its average stuff if u read in between the lines of various reviews. It does not warrant such low box office numbers, unless the audience by large are not interested in theater viewing.
I will be surprised if the next set of releases see any change in this trend – Chehre, F9, Shang Chi, Thalaivii, Bhoot police – over next 4 weeks. Specially F9 reception will make this more clear, as it has already done well at worldwide box office.
Its difficult to do a Rajnikanth at all india level. Southern ‘passion’ for their lowbrow masala films and stars is too regional in nature and cant be extrapolated at all India level. It will be v surprising if Salman can actually do a Rajni – he has been constantly going down since Tiger 2. He is recently looking like a fag in Tiger 3’s foreign sets and 2022 is not going to be a great year for box office either.
And Akshay-Ajay is not exactly increasing their longevity by doing stuff like Laxmii, Bhuj, BB etc in tons. People are just getting bored.
Ranbir/Ranveer have already reached their peaks. This is it. ‘Next big thing’ is just silly fan hype.
There is a difference. Salman fans does not support his hit and run case. Its just that they dont care abt his real persona as long as they like him in the films. Rajni on the other hand is revered as a real life god. So rajni can survive any number of flops, but salman doesnt hv that privilege.
But Rajni is not surviving flops. He had to take a 40% pay cut for Annatthe. What I mean is Rajni had a great run releasing a movie every 2 years (before Aamir) pushing the hype to peaks. His dilly dally with politics, sudden Akshay Kumar like slate of films and those films being underwhelming hurt his stardom.
Because the director is the son of a mega flop director known for disasters like Matru ki Bijli & Saat Khoon Maaf kinda junk. If Haidar & Omkara are the best you can make, you know your films need to be flushed down the drain because neither do you cater to the urban, nor the mass audiences. All you do with your lousy films is give orgasms to the likes of Masand, Raja Sen & Vetticad.
Haidar was a pro Hurriyat propaganda trash that was nowhere near being a Hit apart from some luteyans corners of South Delhi & South Bombay. A joke in the name of Hamlet!
55 Cr on a budget of 50 Cr with 100% open market is certainly not a hit by any calculator unless someone’s brain’s filled with undevoted affection for a piece of art that’s more dung than old wine. As for BB, I have no idea of its budgeting. The 40 Cr value is purely based on current market scenario, even a semi functional noob would understand a fact as basic as this. And yes, Haidar still remains a separatists wet dream.
I don’t know the BO success or failure of HAIDER but it was a very well made film; but with PURE propaganda favoring the islamists. No doubt about that: Though the film might differ from my ideology, as an art-form piece, there were many things one could appreciate in the film. And Tabu, as Gazala, had an entire ocean swarming around in her eyes…an absolutely, top-notch delectable performance; as was the town-square drama by Shahid…
So Netflix and Amazon are gonna do the same to Star & Sony TV what satellite TV did to Doordarshan in the mid 90s. No rocket science there. Theaters still ain’t going anywhere.
Right from my childhood as a film fan and a patriot's son I resented the way Indian army was depicted in some of our Cinemas. Shershaah is that exception that makes my chest swell with pride for my soldiers.(1/2)
Mr. Kamal “twisted accent” Hasan is quite a moderate actor at his best. I’ve never quite understood all the hyperbole around his so called legendary acting skills, some even equating him with Amitabh Bachchan.
1. Nayakan : Velu’s reaction to his son Surya’s death was a complete ham fest. Almost made an extremely intense moment hilarious. A wonderfully well crafted Mani Ratnam film otherwise.
2. Papanasam climax, a complete HAM with a capital H. Tamil critics rating this act at par with Mohanlal’s is a complete joke.
Have watched Appu Raja, Indian, Chachi 420 and few others. Like I said before, a ‘decent’ actor at best. Nowhere near the wizard that he’s portrayed to be by the media.
About Papanasam, Kamal’s character and even some of the themes are significantly different from Drishyam. The character is more of an extrovert, a Sivaji fan and so his breakdown would be more theatrical. Showy and subtle are two different style.
Mani Ratnam himself said Kamal went above his direction and brought the extra that elevated Nayagan. Anyhow, an interesting opinion but an extreme minority (thankfully).
An actor who’s been on screen for nearly 60 years, acted in classics of multiple languages, has earned acclaim as a writer and director, also was (at a point) a mass star, I think the hype undersells him. Or oversells the wrong parts of him.
Never doubted Nayakan’s greatness as a film or its story telling & Mani Ratna’s legendary direction as well as performances. Was just referring to that one particular scene. Anyhow, I doubt anyone would disagree Kamal’s a good solid performer on celluloid yet I’ve never found him to be in the league of extraordinary greatness (Bachchan, Mohanlal or Dilip Kumar like) in terms of pure expressions & dialogue delivery. Dance, motion & movement is a separate dimension from pure acting & dialogue else Govinda would be a timeless legend for the ages.
Shivaay, if you limit to enjoying only a certain kind of cinema and look down upon all other schools of thought just because your kind is enjoyed by the majority, you will continue to keep yourself in the dark. I do understand where you’re coming from but you need to learn to empathise with the filmmaker’s voice and their experiences, politics, and statements. If you steer clear of so much negativity, the sky is going to be the limit to what all you could enjoy.
“Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
– Bong Joon Ho
I had actually asked shivaay that in past. how do you even enjoy being on blog which is mainly about bollywood where you dislike 99% of the bollywood movies.
It’s kind of like being on food blog and only food you like is goat biryaani made in sindhi style.
There is so much in life to enjoy if you open up your heart and mind.
The recent thing about Shivaay is planning to watch Bell Bottom in the big screen after that not so happening trailer in the big and having Sholay like expectations from the movie. Then if it disappoints and is not a Sholay then criticize it day in and day out. Arre bhai, if you that much aware, why can’t you smell the coffee? You don’t need to drink to know if it’s good or bad!
Everyone knows Bell Bottom can be good or bad and very good at some level based on Akshay’s recent movies and the trailer. It is no surprise unless it’s 1 star type of crap or it turns out to be another Lagaan. Rest of the range, which is average to good is always expected from that movie.
Don’t have any issues with Shivaay. I think he is pretty articulate and has a great sense of humour and doesn’t mince his words. His posts make me often go LOL. Wish I possessed half his flair.
But I also appreciate someone like Naveen. He is an Akki fanboy but that doesn’t mean he looks down on other cinema. I’ve seen him enjoy everything from Tenet and Singham to Good News and Anurag Kashyap movies. He has an open mind.
I have nothing against shivaay either. He dislike 99% of the bollywood films and is very consistent in his views. He doesn’t like/dislike movies based on religious or political message. He is lover of Nolan types of cinema, it’s just not there in bollywood.
“The recent thing about Shivaay is planning to watch Bell Bottom in the big screen after that not so happening trailer in the big and having Sholay like expectations from the movie. Then if it disappoints and is not a Sholay then criticize it day in and day out.” – The trailer was reasonable and the expectation was more in lines of Baby & Airlift but ended up being more like a Holiday. I don’t see how Sholay came into question. I still rate Bell Bottom a 2.5/5 and found its action sequences well choreographed & Indira’s as well as Kao’s portrayal effective enough. So its still better than a lot of rubbish movies Bollywood comes up with from time to time (Bhuj being the most recent one). As for watching it on the big screen, no regrets there. For me cinema means the big screen, even for drama films like Piku, Pink & Judas and The Black Messiah. OTT mediums are best suited for television shows with 40 minute episodes (a few good one’s from India too of late, especially Scam 92, Family Man & Special Ops). in my opinion. If Chehre gets good reviews I wouldn’t mind catching that at the theater too.
I think you misunderstood what I said; or maybe I didn’t write properly.
What I am saying is, he is the last person I expected to like a movie like SHERSHAH; or for that matter, any war movie. And he is clearly anti-BJP if you’ve read his speeches regarding BJP during his run-up to the elections. He actually is a very confused person politically — neither here nor there. He doesn’t believe in the idea of ‘nationalism’ as much as maybe Rajnikanth.
So that’s why I was surprised. i am not talking of quality of shershah versus Bhuj. I am only talking of the genre.
In his rich career, I don’t remember — my memory at least — him acting in a war movie. I definitely might have missed it.
He acted as an INA soldier in Indian, Vishwaroopam had him as an Indian army major. Kamal is quite patriotic, if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have made a movie like Hey Ram.
The problem is assuming by default anyone staunchly opposed to the BJP as not being a patriot.
He’s clearly mentioning in the tweet that this was a good war movie. I think the tweet has more to do with the director working with him soon.
It is naive to assume that stars are nationalistic in the narrow sense because of their public utterances. It appears more to be because they want to be in the right books. As a general rule almost all stars are secular and liberal and they separate nationalism from religion. I can never imagine Akshay, Amitabh or Ajay aggressively nationalitic and chanting slogans everyday or every minute in their lives. Everything is due to convenience and peace.
As a matter of fact, nationalism is ingrained in us in the way we follow some customs and traditions without questioning them and enjoy being Indian anywhere in the world.
Kamal is confused and many are likewise confused. Confusion is better than being inflexible.
Aman, working in such some films does not prove whether a person is really patriotic or not. Just the same way. we cannot assume that Amjad Khan, Amrish puri etc. are really bad persons.
The Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Thalaivii’ which was initially scheduled to release on 23rd April earlier this year, will now release in the theatres on 10th September 2021.
Good, BOLD decision from team T Series. I wish I could hash tag (whatever that new Gen Z thing is supposed to imply) #SaveCinemas #HailCinemas on this forum. And of course this is Kangana’s middle finger to the so called “Mozart of big screen” Karan Johar for chickening out of releasing a genuine silver screen entertainer like Shershaah on the internet (;
Roth sounds interesting.
On a website it says ‘no tax deduction for contributions made to a Roth IRA, however all future earnings are sheltered from taxes, under certain tax laws.
When you withdraw – what do you mean? It’s tax free savings and investment.
Obviously if you take that money and put it into a normal savings account it becomes taxable.
Eg.
If I put 20k in shares via ISA investments – it is wrapped in that investment. There is no tax and no tax return related to that investment to fill out.
There are various ISA accounts – flexible ones where you withdraw at no tax but the overall interest on those is lower.
There are two modes;
You put money before taxes. 401k. You earn 100k, you put 19.5k in 401k, your tax liability for that year reduces to 80.5k. Now you can invest 19.5k in any manner and when you retire, when you have no earnings, and withdraw you are in lower bracket, so you pay less taxes. You pay taxes on original amount and also the the growth.
Other mode is after tax – You earn 100k, you pay taxes on 100k now. but you invest 19.5k of after tax in Roth. When you withdraw after retirement (around 60) your entire amount is tax free including growth. In case you withdraw before 60, you don’t pay tax on your original contribution because it is already taxed but you pay tax on growth.
It is like latter.
We cannot transfer pre tax income into ISA.
So we earn gross income 100k. It is taxed and we end up with 60k. That 60k is what you use to do whatever you want.
The only benefits we have of pre tax income are things like pensions, insurances to improve tax efficiency.
Generally here I think with post tax mindset with everything. So in my mind ISA’s (if possible) are best way to save money. Maybe even best way to make money but it’s got 20k limit. Which is a lot IMO.
Interest rates are incredibly low so any savings are tiny. So fixing for 5 years it is 1%. 20k will make you 1k over 5 years. Hardly spectacular.
I find it better to throw in money into children’s savings accounts where the interest rates are around 3%. A 5k limit here but over 5 years I make 1k or close. In end when they are 16 I’ll draw out the interest earned and let the children have the capital. If they are behaving silly I will take it all back. 😂
Target funds in US typically have some ratio of diversified stocks, bonds and money market based on how long you are from retirement. As you go near retirement, your risky investment ratio becomes less.
But basically any money I have in any ISA scheme whether it savings, investments is paying 0% tax. All the banks here offer it. It use to be £6k and now it’s £20k for everyone.
USA system is such where you will pay tax, before or after.
Unless you are making a lot of money and have good accountants who can find other means to write it off via loss in other investments.
It was big new in 2001 that why she named her daughter with same name of Sridevi’s daughter born few years earlier. Makes no sense when both are from same industry and same time with few years difference.
Watched Lal Kaptaan last night. Not a bad movie. Loved the cinematography.
@Sanjana, i did watch the trailer of the movie you had suggested few days ago (Kuruthi or something like that). The trailer looked good so saving it for the weekend.
Kuruthi is a must watch movie for movie lovers. Very good performances, thriller element and open discussion about religous prejudices. But there is lots of violence. The boy who acts as the younger brother of Roshan Matthew also appears in a cheerful role in Home, a superbly crafted malayalam movie.
Kuruthi and Home are not similar but both are unmissable.
Kuruthi and Home both are on Prime.
And Amol Palekar’s Halla ho is another unmissable movie for its message and for the court room drama. On Zee 5.
I have prime so will check out Kuruthi and Home. Dont’ have zee5.
Wasn’t there a movie titled Court few years back (i think it was marathi film), i think it had won national award too. Wonder if that movie is on OTT platform.
yes Z; didn’t find time to mention that but LAAL KAPTAAN is actually a very good movie. It is slow-burning, but terrific in capturing a haunting image of the British rule and Indian betrayals.
I definitely recommend this, This is a well done movie. It is ok that you might find problems with pacing,etc. etc.; still a well done movie on a subject we — at least I — hardly know,
Visited a multiplex today to watch a film.. Bought two tickets for 280 & two small popcorn & one coke for ₹ 595 . Industry shouldn’t expect audience to return back to cinemas again soon.. Public k paas lutaane ko nahi hai abhi..
Industry is dumb IMO. You want people to return you should lower prices and offer deals. That was one thing I wanted to know about BB. The ticket prices – clearly they’ve messed that up.
Same prices here. No reduction but I think UK people have shown how they behave with football and restaurants. They’ll pay the price. Plus places like Cineworld have reduced prices on monthly passes from £16 to £10. So basically a monthly pass costs less than the price of a single adult ticket! I’d say that more than compensates! The pass will give you various discounts on food and drink.
Actually adult price is a little less than before covid. Still not sensible.
If I watched 12 movies per year in cinema, the pass is pretty much a fantastic deal. I would break even at 10 movies. It’s just not possible for parents with kids IMO. They should offer a bed and childcare!
My main point is the balance of power between employee/employer and consumer/producer has completely shifted with covid. The power is with the employee and consumer. Wfh is a reality. Watching and binging on TV is a reality. The entire chain has to come to terms with this.
For movies this chain begins with the budget. The budget needs to come down to realistic levels. Especially the renumeration of stars. After that the distribution needs to be sensible. Exhibitors need to stop ripping off customers. In fact they are plain stupid IMO.
It’s basic maths. For a movie if you are charging Rs100 and 10 people show up you are making Rs1,000. Freaking charge Rs50 and maybe 20 people will show up. Now instead of 10 opportunities to buy popcorn you have 20. You still make Rs1,000 from ticket sales. On top psychologically the theatre is more full and if the movie is good you have a better chance of WoM spreading as you’ve doubled your footfall. It can spread like a virus can.
All these records over past 15 years are pretty much price inflation related. Has consumer demand increased? We don’t know. It’s pump and dump economics here. It creates bubbles that will ultimately pop.
Here in UK I am pretty sure restaurants don’t make huge profits from the food menu. Unless you’re at a top dollar restaurant. Your average Indian restaurant is reasonably priced food wise. It’s the drinks that are marked up to ridiculous levels. A glass of coke would be £2 or £3 when the can outside is 70p. Ridiculous – 300-500% mark up.
Likewise cinemas already charge 400% mark up vs outside on popcorn, drinks, chocolates etc. I don’t see why tickets need to be so much.
In India how can a family go to watch a movie after 2 years of covid hit incomes? Is it a logical choice to run for theatres? I doubt it. To get people in one really has to change prices especially in a country that has a smaller % of middle class.
In USA, most people made out with thousands of dollar including many rich small business men.
So this is little different than india where india had PM Care fund, in USA the government was providing thousands of dollars as well as many other financial help such as unemployment benefits, which actually made people not work because they were making more money from unemployment and additional benefit than they would working.
SO in this sense, people had/have money to spend here in USA.
In India, it was a bad situation. Specially for those who earns daily to make ends meet.
I think it will still be another year before everything settles down.
doling out money…This is going to show up in form of inflation…
Most of the companies market cap has grown many times since onset of Covid…I see unpredicatble times ahead..
I think the market will take a huge hit, pretty soon.
It’s just amazing how the market has stayed on top.
Won’t be shocked if drops 10 to 25%
Doling out money is in USA, not sure if same is true in other countries. But then what’s keeping the market at high in other countries? something just doesn’t seem right.
In the US, it is pretty much fair. in cinemark theaters, which also give credits after you become a member and watch certain movies, you get 1 + 1 ticket free. So you can enjoy the movie with a friend/I meant girlfriend and impress her.
XD – extreme digital
XD with boxed seats – sholay like experienc in ’75 with the coin rolling over and the sound passing on from your left to right ear; plus seats rumbling your arse when there are high-octane scenes; like the Amazon river scene in DISNEY CRUISE.
DIGITAL – Good movie watching experience with but of course, beneath XD. Still good.{13 to 15$)
There have been no hike in rates. That’s one good thing.
For English and hindi movies, no hike at all. For Tamil and Telugu — read Rajnikanth mainly –the first 2 days are prized crazy – like 25 to 30 dollars. From the next week, it starts coming down to normalcy depending on the craze.
NOWHERE have i seen such formula for Hindi films. It is as consistent as it can be. nothing beyond 13 to 15 dollars. Be it SRK, AK, or even Faisal Khan.
Top actors Rakul Preet Singh, Rana Daggubati and 10 others will be questioned in a four-year-old drugs case, sources have said. The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Rakul Preet Singh on September 6, Baahubali actor Rana Daggubati on September 8, Telugu actor Ravi Teja on September 9 and director Puri Jagannadh on September 31.
Rakul Preet Singh, Rana Daggubati, Ravi Teja or Puri Jagannath have not been named as accused. “It is premature to say whether they are involved in money laundering,” said senior officials of the agency. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rakul-preet-singh-ranna-duggubati-among-several-actors-summoned-in-drugs-case-2518588#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories
BB is heading towards 18-19 cr extended first week total (8 days). Its 1-2 cr higher than the same 8-days first week total of Roohi. If BB can add another 11-12 cr in the next 3 weeks (before its OTT premier), i guess it can be called an Average fare at box office.
Chehre i dont think will do 10 cr nett total under current situation.
There were only 2 results here
1) if big collections = all hail Akshay Kumar
2) if low collections = all hail Akshay Kumar for having a go in the worst conditions ever
On a serious note, BB for Bollywood is much like what Tenet was for Hollywood last year. Both average to good films, that the respective industry fully backed to bring audience in theaters. But both failed in doing that.
I guess we will get another big star-driven release towards the end of this year, depending on when Maharashtra theaters open up (and provided we dont get a third wave). It will probably be Sooryavanshi on Dusshera or Diwali or Christmas, depending on the situation. But like WW84, i think it wont really get the audience back to theaters so soon.
It took Hollywood another year after 2020 to start recovery process with Godzilla vs Kong ($100M), A Quiet Place II ($160M), F9 ($172M), Black Widow ($180M) and more tentpoles lined up in the last quarter of the year. I believe Bollywood market is lagging by one year and will start recovering only in 2022. It should reach some normalcy sometime in 2023.
else it will become outdated locked up waiting for the markets to recover. I think Akshay can risk Bachan Pandey. waisey bhi it looks to be a washout. Not sure why he risked BB instead.
NIKHIL ADVANI is one hell of a story-teller/director. I really don’t understand how he made a horrific film like KHNH; except that SRK looked terrific in his ’40s and Preity Goodenough Zinta who looked sexy as hell with her glasses.
BATLA HOUSE was an extraordinary movie. A fantastic procedural and a brave one that went against the great liberals’ agenda of the country,
And D-DAY was one hell of a movie, except the joker Rishi Kapoor who was passed of as Dawood! Ever heard of a certain Vijay Maurya in Black Friday? His talk with Ram Jeth malani was spine-chilling!
And then, there is this OUTSTANDING, violence-woven song in D-DAY…
you know how to fit a song into a narrative…this is how…
“I really don’t understand how he made a horrific film like KHNH;”
Unfortunately, KHNH is only Superhit movie!
“except that SRK looked terrific in his ’40s ”
He was just 38.
“except the joker Rishi Kapoor who was passed of as Dawood!”
Rishi Kapoor was actually the best Dawood Ibrahim in many of his impersonations in various movie. There was a poll or some video and he came out on top. Vijay Maurya was great in split second role in Black Friday but that’s not acting, it’s camera technique and Kashyap’s style. My fav scene is BF is that Maurya’s intro shot at white house in Pakistan and his slo-mo turning. I had that clip downloaded in my mobile to keep watching it multiple times.
Very conveniently to forget all the crap Nikhil made and calling KHNH as horrific film in his filmography, Lol. What about Hero, Katti Batti, Chandni Chowk To China, Salaam-E-Ishq, Patiala House, etc… 🙂
When views on films are primarily based on political view, it kills the discussion.
KHNH was truly the first multiplex superhit film. I remember thinking to myself that this film will flop after opening friday/saturday but it kept on going for few weeks and all collection from multiplex.
KHNH is a poor man’s Anand and was a Semi Hit, it barely retained shows outside the metropolitan screens post 2 weeks of release. Srk primarily hammed the same like he did from his DDLJ & KKHH days (2 boring films, the latter a horrific one) and Saif’s cartoonish caricature was misplaced (unlike DCH). Being a multiplex “superhit” is only a matter of chance primarily because there were no multiplexes in the 60s & 70s or else Guide, Jewel Thief, Anand, Chupke Chupke & Golmaal would’ve run riot across all of Bombay, Kolkata, Delhi & Bangalore in those times.
“Okay stop it.. I can’t laugh anymore. You gotta be kidding by calling DDLJ as boring film. You ought to stop watching Bollywood movies completely.” – well I guess now I know the reason why a shivering stammering hamming on screen performer became a superstar beyond the bubbly school girls of the 90s gen. The secret admirers of the male population who idolize DDLJ at par with Sholay despite being a near pointless rom-com snoozefest that’s a loafer Romeo’s & dumb Juliet’s dream.
As expected, Z came out with a third-rate statement. God bless.
Master, first of all, thank you for correcting me where I have gone wrong.
I should learn to write better. What I meant is, for Nikhil Advani to make movies per KJo standards and pleasing the crowds, he went against the strain and directed a move like D-DAY. Did she suddenly go pro-BJP? I am merely talking of the quality of an espionage thriller. Maybe I a dumb, but I didn’t expect that Advani — abhi last name ke baare mein kuch bolo before christ — to direct such an taut espionage thriller.
Now you mention all his movies, like that cricketing-crap starring Akshay, they were bad films –for me at least — period. I don’t even want to talk about other movies you mentioned…
How is it that my observation gets slotted in political vies? Of course, I know that person’s hidden views and so give a crap about him…but still…
” What I meant is, for Nikhil Advani to make movies per KJo standards and pleasing the crowds, he went against the strain and directed a move like D-DAY.”
Nikhil always was of the flavor of D-day. He wanted to debut with Kurbaan movie under Karan Johar’s banner who promised him debut film for him being 1st AD on both KKHH and K3G. SRK was doing Kurbaan then and he didn’t like the script. He was fine to portray the terrorist role (which Saif ended up doing in the end) but he had major issues with the script. (SRK even gave a statement after the movie was released that they missed the idea about the movie). Karan was stressed with Yash Johar’s health and he told Nikhil, I have written this script, KHNH which I won’t feel to direct anymore and he wanted to produce a movie and even have a screenplay written, can you direct this movie instead of delaying further? Nikhil accepted the offer and made KHNH which is completely Karan’s script and screenplay. So, not much of credit, dis-credit goes to Nikhil Advani.
The biggest flaw he did was to make Salaam-E-Ishq right after KHNH and producing the movie. It is the same genre as Karan Johar but without his backing. That flopped and ruined his career. Before going to Karan, he was an assistant and writer with Sudhir Mishra and famous for Is Raat Ki Subaah Nahin. That is his roots. So, I am not surprised to see D-Day from him.
An jo, i really liked KHNH. It was fab, had great music, SRK at his best and nice family entertainer with a message.
A perfect weekend watch with family.
Bachchan has a great luxury of being the only one from his era/age group to be physically and mentally in good shape. So basically he gets all the roles, along with that comes good and bad.
Who else is there from that age group who can even walk without much help? in this sense, i think we’ll have more diversity when srk/aamir/salman/akshay/hrithik etc gets to that age. There will be lots of actors available, assuming they’ll be in good condition as they age. Most actors from past had a very poor diet with not much physical activity (going to gym) at all.
agree with you Z, and bringing the discussion on the topic you wanted. 🙂
I think current actors in their early 50s will well do good movies in their 60s as lead stars. It looks likely now. Most of them like SRK, Aamir, Akshay are ready to do different roles, are producers themselves and are superstars even now. I would really be surprised if they are not relevant after 10 years. Atleast 3/5 of them should certainly be.
I am looking forward to SRK’S NEXT. Am curious how he returns.
Look at how this thread started with Taran review. Now I don’t even see websites updating numbers much for a first week release.
Bell Bottom needed to hit 20Cr+ in week 1 after a poor opening weekend and it’s falling well short. Probably means lifetime of not much more than 30Cr now.
Under the same circumstances I get a feeling Thalaivi might do way better, especially now that TN cinemas have reopened. if that film has a dubbed Tamil version, it’d be a jackpot in TN plexes & Single screens as well.
Thalaivi was shot in Tamil and dubbed in Hindi. It was clearly meant to cash in during TN election season and may be give a boost to the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
Bell Bottom movie has completely been shot after pandemic..so why hurry to release that movie and not movies which are already completed or half shot before pandemic. Bell Bottom was the freshest of the movies and could have waited till next year.
I would take this collection of Bell Bottoms over a direct OTT release. I think all movies should release in theatres first. Make the moolah to the best of their ability. External environments can improve or deteriorate, noone knows.
Maybe 1 cr or so on Thursday, so 18.5 cr extended 8 days week one collection. If it does not hold on second weekend then even 30 cr nett total maybe difficult.
Never found the content or the silly dialogues & the retrograde action of Part 1 anything worthwhile but the cinematography, set pieces & camerawork were definitely commendable. Part 2 seems much of the same. A complete pan India single screen mass entertainer which only deserves a big screen watch (if at all watched).
SATYAMSHOT 
August 18, 2021 at 3:23 PM
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2021 at 4:01 PM
This movie will be pumped with great reviews. Film Industry needs audience back in cinemas.
LikeLike
August 18, 2021 at 4:07 PM
have you seen it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 12:00 AM
You start a review calling it big screen experience itself is sell out. It doesn’t look that big of a movie to warrant theater experience. Regarding the quality of movie is irrelevant at this point. The audience needs to be back and that’s the real bet which all distributors and exhibitors and trade analysts are aiming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2021 at 10:14 PM
Great reviews from media screening in Surat. HIT ALERT !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2021 at 10:22 PM
The saviour!! Thats what it is now.
Now if Akshay were doing one movie in 1 year, it would have been a disaster. Lekin jinke bahur saare ghar ho…wo hotel mein nahin rehte. 🤣🤣
Ding Raara. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2021 at 10:28 PM
I am really happy being Akshay Kumar fan since last 20 years. Never hoped he would be No 1 but still liked him more. Now when he is on TOP, Its like surreal.
Lesson : Life of plenty is needed. One need not be deprived. Keep doing…learn, improve, experiment, build a brand. Rule.
Now look at Salman…after flops and under performers in 2018, onwards …his next movie is illions laters. I mean what is the use if next is a blockbuster. Naa Rajnikant bane naa Madhubala.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 18, 2021 at 11:04 PM
I like AKSHAY KUMAR as well. Simply for the way he has metamorphosed from being slotted as a wooden/action actor to what he is now. He is not at all a great actor, even now, but still, it is a terrific achievement on his part from where he started and where he is now within the realms of the Hindi film industry: All this inspite of the 3rd rate barbs about Modi chamcha and Canadian passport and all the BS… More power to AK…
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 18, 2021 at 11:18 PM
On canadian passport….he is the only canadian punjabi living in India. Nahin to adhdhi pind kanedaa wich. 🤣
Anyway here when half of us, including me, are living overseas, what matters is what you are doing for motherland.
Mere se to jyaada indian hai Akshay. India mein hai, works in India, gives in India, will die in India.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 12:02 AM
Naveen…I might have added somewhere forgot to add but the first time Akshay is shown in BB theatrical trailer in suits and mustache, he has never looked more handsome ever. He’s easily looking 10 years younger in that scene. That’s the best motivation he provided to everyone. If you maintain your health well, you can extend your career so long and still look fresh.
LikeLiked by 3 people
August 18, 2021 at 11:23 PM
Yes, the growth is there for all to see. Agree he is still not even close to be a great actor. He is first to acknowledge.
Who say things like this for a junior costar. Bada aadmi hone ka kya faayda if you put others down.
He is a decent actor, till now. but a great human being. He comes across as sincere now. He is still improving and hia best is yet to come. Cant say about any of his other contemporary star.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 18, 2021 at 11:14 PM
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 12:20 AM
Its difficult to go by initial reports which are usually good for star releases. But IF the movie is indeed decent, it should help its box office run. The key thing for the industry now is to bring audience back to theaters, and from the trailer BB hardly seems to offer much in terms of theater experience. Its looks more like an OTT kind of film. Even 50 cr nett total here should be celebrated by the makers, although it will perhaps imply a theatrical flop.
As for bringing back audience in hordes, Sooryavanshi may do it in October (provided Maha theaters open by then).
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 2:45 AM
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bellbottom-movie-review-akshay-kumar-delivers-a-racy-pacy-entertainer-7460741/
Shubra Gupta gave it three stars!!! This one is going big. I am shocked.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 4:26 AM
https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/exclusive-zoya-akhtar-launch-amitabh-bachchan-s-grandson-agastya-nanda-suhana-khan-khushi-kapoor-863465
Om Nepo Namaha
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 7:12 AM
Earlier actor was Ibrahim Ali Khan (Saif’s son from first wife). Overnight has been replaced by Amitabh’s grandson.
Suhana and Khushi.
Starcast is more Karan Joharish. Its a blockbuster star cast.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:18 AM
What’s Bell Bottom opening like?
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:29 AM
Miniscule…i think more around 3 cr.
BOI is saying market is now (without Maha) at 15% level and Box office has gone back by 20 years.
I think only reason for BB to have 1/5th of a normal release is to get from theatricals whatever it can. The buzz created would help OTT release in 2 weeks.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 9:57 AM
If BB does 3 crores, it’s in similar range of Mumbai Saga which had John Abraham. Even Roohi did over 2.25 crores. I expect it to be higher than them but then Mumbai is also missing now.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 8:20 AM
Back after the viewing. This one’s a botched up masala entertainer with more heropanti & less subtlety. The needless ‘mataji’ backstory props do not help. A theme such as this deserved a much better film than needless melodrama & jingoism. The second half picks up well but the hero villain stereotype diverts attention from the core theme. Lara Dutta’s make up artist is the biggest star of the show in Bell Bottom which for most part is more of a langot. 5/10
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 19, 2021 at 8:50 AM
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 9:19 AM
Not upto Shershaah’s level
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 4:32 PM
She is not a movie reviewer!
Even KRK makes more sense than this Chachi 420. There, I said it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 9:25 AM
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 11:04 AM
Well researched yes, but neither edge of seat & nor any suspense. Bell Bottom is basically Baby without the thrills & a lot more needless melodrama & song n dance.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 10:25 AM
https://twitter.com/kamaalrkhan/status/1428357471286878210?s=19
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 10:47 AM
Naveen, when is BellBottom releasing on satellite? You said after 2 weeks of release. On which platform?
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 12:10 PM
Andheri platform pe Akki katori leken baithega
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 11:18 AM
Mixed reviews I believe? NDTV says not good. But NDTV is too harsh normally so you can add a star to their review. Others are saying a good movie but Shivaay isn’t pleased…
BTW is the director the same one who directed AIRLIFT?
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 11:24 AM
No, Ranjit Tiwari made Lucknow Central with Farhan Akhtar earlier (which was not bad) and this is 2nd feature! That’s the point.. he just seems too insprired with Neeraj Pandey’s Baby and Special 26 and then Airlift as well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 19, 2021 at 7:40 PM
Critics review is mixed.
There is atleast one aspect every critic has complained. Interestingly its different for everyone.
Taran said barring length of first half, rest is good.
Someone else said barring climax rest is good.
Resemblance with Baby/Airlift was obvious from the promos. It indeed seem to be the case. This more looks like Baby (RAW) and Airlift (rescue) combined.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 9:12 PM
The one who matters gives 1 star to BB.
https://twitter.com/KRKBoxOffice/status/1428440280420818948
Not Bajrangi Bhaijaan, not Blockbuster. But it’s Bell Bottom hitting Rock Bottom.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 11:32 AM
Authorities at some of the largest markets in the country have given the green signal to theatre operators after four months of inertia since April — pumping life into a sector on life support since early 2020.
From the country’s largest screen operator PVR to multiplex majors like Inox Leisure, Carnival Cinemas, and Cinepolis, theatre chains are now gearing up to premiere much-anticipated titles and cash in on moviegoers’ craving for a premium bucket of popcorn.
https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/2022-will-be-blockbuster-year-for-films/20210819.htm
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 1:23 PM
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 1:33 PM
For Naveen: He’s just excited with BGM..
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 5:17 PM
This reviewer has been using this tone since he first did for Kabir Singh. Then onwards, he keeps giving review andnhas a separate fan base for his style. 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 3:07 PM
https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/bellbottom-movie-review-akshay-kumar-delivers-a-racy-pacy-entertainer-7460741/
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 4:35 PM
Watched Bell Bottom. A solid masala film that’s engaging for the most part and could have done with a better actor as the lead…but that aside, it’s definitely worth a watch.
Full review coming on Saturday!
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 19, 2021 at 5:06 PM
Absurd.. engaging is the last thing in this done to death, predictable poor man’s Baby. And important event’s been made a mockery of barring the reliable Akshay and the surprise package from Lara. Hindi movie audiences have anyways been pissed off by more & more young film makers making movies that are a poor mishmash of classy & massy entertainment over the last decade and films like Bell Bottom is the last thing they need in a post Covid scenario. No wonder a Master & Vakeel Saab end up doing 100+ Cr even in today’s times while Hindi films struggle to cross 30. As much as I hate to say this, its only the outright mass commercial entertainers like Shetty & Bhansali films that are gonna save Hindi movie theaters in North & Central India. The South Bombay/South Delhi crowd would predominantly stick to OTTs in the foreseeable future for years to come (barring the odd Nolan or Marvel film that’ll get them to pay once or twice a year for the theater experience) while the masses need the Dabangg’s, Singham’s, Kabir’s & War’s to get going, something that’s a rarity in Hindi cinema unlike the 70s-90s.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 5:11 PM
“could have done with a better actor as the lead”
Ye to wahi baat ho gayi if someone reviews your review and tells you –
Yous review is good, but could have been better if someone else would have reviewed the movie.
That can be said for any one.
Imagine someone tell you – your work is good , but could have been better if done by some better worker.
=========
Where is that better actor? Why has he not done? Why has he ever not done?
Quite a juvenile comment of a fan reeling with guilt and jealousy. 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 5:21 PM
“Ye to wahi baat ho gayi if someone reviews your review and tells you –
Yous review is good, but could have been better if someone else would have reviewed the movie.” ~
Well not exactly. Hero worshipping across the decades has made us Indians forget the fact that its the director whose the captain of the ship and the actors hired are on the command of the director. So unless Akshay’s involved at the script, direction, writing & narrative level in any way, its not exactly “his” film as much as its Tiwari’s.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 5:29 PM
Akshay may not be best actor in pure technical sense. However he has been able to do justice to the scenes via his screen presence and body language. He is effective.
Sachin may not be as correct a batsman as a Gavaskar or Dhoni may not be as correct a batsman as Sachin…..
But if you view each with the lens of another andnignore the other aspects of effectiveness, it is juvenile. Its what fans of Kohli would say to fans of Dhoni in fan wars – Agar Dhoni ke jagah hoi better batsman hota to wo match mein India jeet jaati.
You have been doing it thinking it would make you insightful. It doesnt work. Nowhere this line of review works.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 5:54 PM
“Sachin may not be as correct a batsman as a Gavaskar” ~ Justifying puppets and tattu’s by naming sporting legends is never a good idea. And yes Sachin was as correct a batsman as Gavaskar when the situation demanded. No idea where this came from.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Justification is given by losers, fans of lazy stars.
I deliver.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:33 PM
“No idea where this came from.”
Finally i can agree. You seriously have no idea. 🤣🤣
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:54 PM
Naming Akshay Kumar & Sachin Tendulkar in the same statement to make a point about stupid Bollywood films.., obvious whose the joke on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 19, 2021 at 11:12 PM
It was Saket’s joke. I did not find it funny. Shivaay found mine funny. Circle is now complete.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 5:32 PM
Bell Bottom Day One Early Estimate
Thursday 19 August 2021 23.30 IST
Box Office India Trade Network
Bell Bottom has collected 2.50-2.75 crore nett apprx on day one and although this is a low number and far lower than than the industry thought it is pretty much on the expected lines due to the limited release and 50% occcupancy rule. It did look as it will comfortably top 3 crore nett at around 2pm but collections slowed in the late evening and night in Delhi NCR which was also expected but you always hope other areas can push to equal out this expected slowdown but it was not to be. The film could finish a little higher if West Bengal can get some better collections from single screens where it has the best single screen release compared to any circuit.
The importance of Delhi is huge as around 20% of the all India collections are coming from one city and that is not including the satellite towns of NCR. There are little plusses in Kolkata and Hyderabad in some properties also but they hardly matter in the overall scenario. The mass markets have restricted collections with CPCI Rajasthan, UP and Bihar having low numbers. Hindi films which reach so many states need the bulk of these to have the potential to collect and that can only happen when the flow of releases start and with Maharashtra closed this cannot happen.
The film can still run well at this level and sustain but that depends on the audience response and if that is there then the film will continue to collect well for a few weeks due to the very limited audience initially. The weekend numbers will be better and with Chandigarh allowing night shows it could be more areas of Delhi city also allow night shows over the next few days.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 5:49 PM
With the positive word of mouth, BB is set to have 3-4 weeks of run. Lets see wherenit ends. BOI missed to point that this is a non holiday thursday release.
Doing some benchmarking here –
With Maharashtra open 50%, this could have done 5 cr.
With every other cities (incl Maha) open 100% and night shows, this could have done 7 cr on a non holiday thursday (day 1).
Prepandemic, Bell Bottoms might have opened at 12 cr on a non holiday thursday.
So the pandemic is taking away 5 cr out of this 7 cr opening. This is 40% shortage. I was therefore not wrong. Maybe wave 2 has caused more damage to confidence of entering a theatre.
Any movie which is made at 100cr+ is now ruled out in 2021. However all others can now release if you are confident to forego that 15 cr which OTT would pay more if not released in theatres.
There will however be a 40% shortage of covid fearing movie goers. This when cinemas open.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 9:12 PM
2.5 cr opening day is quite low, even after considering the ground realities. Audience is definitely not venturing out to theaters at this point.
The film is doing below 7 at imdb indicating an average fare.
This will be a super flop and may do as much ss mumbai saga, 20-25 cr total. It shud have directly gone to ott like laxmii to save it from embarrassment.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 10:44 PM
Check the IMDb reviews; a lot of SSR trolls and BJP IT Cell have been putting all sorts of rubbish reviews. The film would easily be 7.5 deal.
IMDB has lost its credibility with films these days.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 11:52 PM
With BB flopping badly, more films will now take the OTT route and refrain from theatrical release.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 5:58 PM
https://swarajyamag.com/movies/review-akshay-kumars-laxmii-has-an-islamic-and-anti-saffron-propaganda-written-all-over
Whoops! Perhaps this is why Mr. Bharat Kumar chickened out of releasing the disastrous, corrosive degenerated C grade film Laxmiiii in theaters last Diwali (despite all India theaters functioning at 50% back then, including Maharashtra) or else his saffron fanboys would lose faith in his “desh ki mitti” and Modiji might run the risk of losing UP in 2022.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:31 PM
Laxmii did better than War on television.
Ouch.
A bad film. Yes but with a bigger star.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 10:42 PM
Because everyone already watched War in a theatre. Ekta Kapoor has herself rubbished the taste of TV audiences, not quite the brag you think it is.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 7:33 PM
Laxmii did better than War on television.
Ouch.
A bad film. Yes but with a bigger star.
LikeLike
August 19, 2021 at 10:44 PM
You can now speak with Amitabh Bachchan on Alexa. Amazon on Thursday launched the voice of the 78-year-old Bollywood star as a part of its efforts to amuse existing users and attract new consumers to use its voice assistant over Google Assistant and Apple’s Siri. With the new launch, the US tech giant has also brought its celebrity voice feature to India. The feature initially arrived in the US with the voice of American actor and producer Samuel L. Jackson in 2019.
https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/amazon-alexa-amitabh-bachchan-voice-india-update-price-rs-149-2513811#pfrom=home-ndtv_tech
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 12:18 AM
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bellbottom-box-office-day-1-akshay-kumar-starrer-opens-below-expectations-makes-less-than-roohi-101629426968505.html
He told SpotboyE, “The business is going to be different because Maharashtra is 30% of the total all-India collection. I am left with only 70% (the rest of the country) and of that, it is only 50% occupancy expected. That means I am only left with 35% (of the entire collection that would have been possible if it was an all-India release). So out of that 35% we can take out 5 to 8%, because full house toh nahin rahega. So I am left with only around 27%. That’s the probable business. Now, in this scenario, if the movie does ₹30 crore business that means it is equivalent to ₹100 crore otherwise. If the movie does ₹50 crore then it equals ₹150 crore (under pre-pandemic circumstances). So that’s where it stands.”
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 1:11 AM
With 3rd wave round the corner (see whats goin on in USA NOW) , Its a good window to get ready movies to release in theatres, make some money before OTT tales over.
Covid is not going anywhere till 2023. Its impact will be for 10 years now on cinemas and tourism.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 1:26 AM
US’s third wave has affected the unvaccinated the most. There have been breakthrough infections but very miniscule and not dangerous at all. They at least should have opened theatres for vaccinated people, where you can book tickets if you’re vaccinated in Mumbai.
I’ll call Bell Bottom a hit if it makes 50 crore+, if Maharashtra opens up in the first week then 55 crore+. This is as per Akshay’s own assessment.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 1:29 AM
It will need 30+ cr to be called average. Even that will be difficult, its mostly going to do 20-25 cr from where it has started and be a Flop.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 5:24 AM
Tourism bounced back even among unvaccinated in India since July & good well made films have done well in theaters the world over. Pent up demand & human spirit would always triumph in the worst of times.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:26 AM
Public review –
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 1:27 AM
Even going by this logic, a 3 cr opening day amounts to only 10 cr opening day in pre-pandemic times. Even that is a poor opening by any standards. There is simply no takers for theater experience in such covid times. Even if someone makes a great movie (BB is certainly not one), the larger audience will still wait and catch it on OTT.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 5:07 AM
2.5 crore day 1
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 5:34 AM
2.5 cr? Not even 3?
Dont think Sooryavanshi will release anytime soon after this response.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 6:10 AM
Anything under 5Cr was not a good start here. 5Cr should have been minimum.
Wrong film to attempt to bring audiences back. Maybe feels too serious.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:17 AM
Till yesterday i was reading all sort of calculations from trade guys about how BB will open to 6-7 cr. Now a below 3 cr opening is definitely a bad start. Question is how far will it go from here?
Roohi started with 3 cr and trended good to get to 30 cr, Mumbai Saga did a lot less.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 20, 2021 at 7:23 AM
One can blame the film to be bad or the covid market. I think both factors have contributed to this dismal number.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 5:21 AM
“There is simply no takers for theater experience in such covid times” – Vakeel Saab & Master proved otherwise. Even in the US, GvK & Black Widow have done rather well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 20, 2021 at 1:41 AM
In the US things are getting better with people coming out to the theaters. There is not even the ‘gap’ between seats. Folks along with families are venturing out to the theaters and even going to the popcorn and pizza stuff in the theaters. In fact, even BB is full for tomorrow.
As it is, since June, bars and other places have been open to full capacity and are back to regular timings with no capacity limits for covid specifically.
I don’t know how long this will last, but if people here still believe covid is plandemic and such crap and refuse to get vaccinated, it will blow up again.
This is a country where the President is offering a cruise or burgers to get vaccinated!! They need incentives to save their own and others’ lives!! Go figure …
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 2:53 AM
There is always pent up demand. Even here, I don’t know cinema situation but once wining, dining, leisure sector is open….anything hospitality related- it goes bonkers. Coastal areas are heaving.
2.5Cr is a poor opening in India. No need to sell it as good – I’m sure Naveen will try his hardest! Not everything Akshay Kumar does needs to be ‘sold’ to us.
Basically he’s released the wrong profile of film. Sooryavanshi is the one he should have released.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 20, 2021 at 3:00 AM
Every trade is saying that the opening is good as there is 50% occupancy rule. Lol. If audience turnout is around 15%, how is that 50% blocking your collections. It’s not that all cinemas are 50% max and hence lower collections. Kuch bhi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 20, 2021 at 3:09 AM
BB seems like a multiplex release. A mass entertainer was a better option.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 4:30 AM
Its a niche theme masquerading as a masala film. The final result is neither a niche Baby nor a masala Singham. Its a dull mishmash of the 2, neither here nor there. Fail.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 3:32 AM
It is incorrect to believe that if it was running at 100% capacity, it would have done twice that of 2.5 cr, 5 cr. Instead I think a normal full capacity post pandemic release would have been 3-3.5 cr maximum. Without the pandemic, may have been 7 cr starter at best
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 4:34 AM
It sure seems like a ‘plandemic’. The kinda plandemic that’s got a Sino American pharma conspiracy written all over it. Vaccination is the only way of saving ourselves from this plandemic, just how big pharma originally intended to boost their sagging sales.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 2:13 AM
Cry Macho
**Added to Trailers of non-Indian languages movies **
This guy is something else. Having a hit at 91 and after your first hit’s 57 years must be some sort of record. The race is between Eastwood and Bachchan in career longevity.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 20, 2021 at 3:51 AM
The last time Lara Dutta was in a masala film she was doing this: (great song, by the way)
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 5:12 AM
Post pandemic performances in India theaters :
Telugu : Vakeel Saab-Blockbuster, Krack-Hit
Tamil : Master-Blockbuster
Punjabi : Puadaa-Semi Hit
Bengali : 2 Hits last Diwali
Hollywood : Godzilla vs Kong-Hit, Tenet & WW84-Average
Bollywood : Still waiting for Sooryavanshi & 83 to release, 18 months post schedule.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 5:29 AM
Orion mall in Bangalore last evening was as packed as a Thursday can be yet there were only 15 people in the theater watching BB. Its not that people aren’t stepping out. Its just that Bollywood needs the right film to bring audiences back to the movies.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:04 AM
RIP
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/sonny-chiba-martial-arts-legend-143909260.html
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 10:17 AM
Hattori Hanzo!!! RIP!
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:45 AM
Sooryavanshi or 83 will not release before diwali/christmas timeline. BB has opened poorly. Next few releases lined up are Chehre, Shang Chi and F9 – dont think any of these can breach the 50 cr mark. The industry will take some time to absorb the shock of losing all audience interest in watching films in theaters in covid times. Next big release likely in diwali or christmas.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:25 AM
They both would have been 100 Cr+ if released on Christmas/Sankranti last year. Poor judgement by Bollywood producers in not taking a leaf out of their Tollywood counterparts.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 1:47 AM
You are wrong to look at the reception of regional south films and expect similar response from all india audience. Southern audience are far too passionate abt their films. Its not the right extrapolation.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 3:12 AM
Although nowhere near AP & TN, there’s no dearth of passion for films in Maharashtra or the Hindi belt if the film’s been accepted (Tanhaji ran riot in Maharashtra like any Tamil super hit in TN). If regional films could do 100+ from 1 state alone, there’s no reason why pan India films couldn’t do a similar number from 4-5 different territories on festive weekends last winter well before the 2nd wave.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:17 AM
And look at what are we debating.
Even before release, best case scenario was looking at 40 cr, at best 50 cr.
BB doing 30 cr nett is still only 15 cr nett less. Not something one would sweat about or would be decisive.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:21 AM
A 50 cr expectation is turning out to be a 20-25cr total. Its a theatrical flop. Move on Naveen – clogging the blog wont change the reality.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:48 AM
WoM of the movie is mixed on the positive side. More of a 3/5 movie, which is 1 star less than what it should be.
The movie is looking like making 20-25 cr nett in theatres. As it has been sold at profit basis with PVR as producer there is no loss here. OTT has been sold at 80cr and satellite rights is likely to be 50cr.
Question was always whether releasing into theatres first and then OTT or direct to OTT. Difference was 15 cr.
Overall a a good and daring move to open. More movies shouls release if deal with OTT can be same as with theatre + OTT (within 10-15 cr)
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:53 AM
Correction – OTT and satellite has been sold at 80cr.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:54 AM
So OTT only at 95-100 cr
Or
Theatre and then OTT at 80 cr.
Akshay chose the latter.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:54 AM
The sad part is Akshay’s streak of success since 2016, starting with Airlift, has come to an end with BB. He had a great run during 2016-19. Now with some 10 films ready to release or under production, he will suffer the most as films will now get dumped to OTT left and right. And the OTT audience is quite discerning, its not easy to get away with average fares. Akshay’s wooden acting will never match up to the likes of Pankaj Tripathy or Nawaz in OTT platform.
Films like LSC, Pathan, Tiger 3 will now release at fag end of 2022.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 7:58 AM
Trade and producers have already called is a success.
All OTT led releases are profitable for big stars.
Theatrical is bonus and not bad to do.
Overall business and profit is down by 50 cr per film. If not for OTT deal, the oroducers wouls have gone bankrupt.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:00 AM
Naveen I want to sell an old fridge, it’s totally capoot and barely works. I think you will be the best person on planet to make a sale and make it sound like I am doing someone a life saving gesture!
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:04 AM
Hahaha … he will put in all the effort of a workhorse but it wont sell!
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:07 AM
Producers make money even on flop films. Wake me up when distributors and exhibitors make some money on BB’s theatrical run. Calling such pathetic numbers a success … kuch bhi
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:08 AM
Not sure why you think so?
See even when one week before the release, situation did not improve from the day of announcement.
Maha was closed.
Delhi closed after 7 pm and otherwise only 50% open.
Most other states 50% open.
UP, 50% open and shut on Sundays.
If BB has been in loss ot wouldnt have released. Arithmetic was plus and then it was all about whether to take a hit on profit or release for theatres / clear Akshay’s backlog.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:12 AM
pre pandemic OTT were selling for 30-35 cr with release several months after theatre.
Post pandemic, OTT is 80-90 cr for Laxmii , Radhe and BB.
LAXMII and Radhe came directly on OTT.
Later OTT allowed BB to release in theatres but soon on OTT when the buzznis still high.
So now the commercials has changed.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:00 AM
“Films like LSC, Pathan, Tiger 3 will now release at fag end of 2022.”
Hope so. All big budget should be delayed as much as possible. 2023 and later.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:06 AM
Too many films, too many problems.
Sooryavanshi would have been the best release here. It had more exciting elements- Katrina, cop universe, Shetty etc. It would excite entire demographic of viewers for a start. I don’t even think the hurdle would be high, it just needs to be a decent mass film to kick start things.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:09 AM
Any mass entertainer wont release with Maha shut. But now they may be further discouraged. Only if BB had clocked some decent numbers as expected …
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:14 AM
All 100cr + incl Sopryavanshi etc would not release till all theatres are open 100%.
OTT revenue wont be enough. Even a 125 cr deal for Sooryavanshi or LSC or 83 etc would be no deal.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:16 AM
Understood. But I don’t think a WoM film is a sensible experiment.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:19 AM
Yes, but still better than directly coming on OTT. Just for fans and theatres to keep running.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:33 AM
I can only hope the distributors of BB have bought it for throwaway prices. If PVR is a co producer, exhibitors shouldn’t be in the red hopefully. No one knows for sure though. The only way Sooryavanshi or 83 will break even with 50-100 cr lifetime is if the leads forfeit the renumeration as a charity gesture. Have mentioned this before. Else they’ll both need to wait till Diwali 2022 by which time they’ll be 3 year old productions & bomb anyways.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:26 AM
Will wait for Taran / BOI verdict. Taran’s classification and BOI number is final for me. On a non holiday thursday day 1 it is unwise to predict.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:35 AM
BOI will adjust numbers with pre covid scenario. Converting 30Cr to 120Cr and giving verdict on that. We know what nonsense they can get up to.
But it’s early days. This is not a smash and grab type release. It’s like a release of 20+ years ago. Better to see over at least 2 week window how it trends.
Friday could easily repeat Thursday. Weekend should be higher. So by Sunday it will be closer to 15Cr than 10Cr. If it gets to 20Cr in week 1, 30Cr should be minimum as it’s not like there is competition. Even if there is there is plenty of screen space. After 4 weeks no reason why it can’t go past 30Cr. The trending can’t be compared to pre covid release.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:57 AM
Only problem may be the movie isnt that good enough to go through this trending. We will see. I dont think an average thriller can hold on from first monday onwards.
As for distributor prices, i also doubt that it has been sold at throwaway prices.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 3:17 AM
No word from Komal on distribution too. Only thing he said is it’ll be profitable. Perhaps the producers indeed have tied up with major multiplex chains & distributed their own film. No one knows.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 10:47 AM
Akshay’s last film, Good Newwz was 17.5 crore on 3100 screens. Given that Bell Bottom is on 1620 screens with 50% capacity, the best it could have done is 4.5 crore. With most regions not having night shows, one can expect most generously a 10% reduction would still be a 4 crore opening day.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 10:57 AM
But I think any ‘fear’ is offset by pent up demand. By nature many humans will go out once restrictions lift. The other films in South show demand is there if film is right one.
https://www.addatoday.com/2021/08/bell-bottom-2nd-day-collection-early.html?m=1
2nd day collection trends showing flat result or lower. Not a good sign. I would expect Fri to beat Thurs this early on.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 11:20 AM
I haven’t mentioned anything related to fear, Bell Bottom has underperformed vis-à-vis expectations by almost 40%. But now I think we should look at the trending to ascertain the content. And if trending were improving we would heard, so it is an underperformer, above average at best as of now.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 10:53 AM
The producers of bell bottom are the distributors.The distributor share of bell bottom is additional profit.Bell Bottom made good profits
by ott release.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 20, 2021 at 11:40 AM
Thanks for coming out of hibernation to shower this piece of knowledge on us mere mortals!
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 11:46 AM
On a 125 crore budget, satellite and digital may be 100 crore, music rights 10 crore and ancillary at best being 5 crore, they might barely eke out a profit.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 11:43 AM
So my take on it is using 50% capacity or limited release, etc is all garbage.
It would make sense if there was let’s say 75% capacity from the 50% available seats. Then you can say if more theatres were open, more people would have gone since they don’t want to travel far away to see the movie. But here, we have friday morning capacity of 9% out of 50% availability. so if there was no social distance and available capacity was 100%, the number of tickets sold would still be 9%.
To put it simply, if i had 50 samosas to sell and 9 sold, i can’t say that if i had 100 samosa to sell, than i would have sold 18.
All this other stuff about this right and that right, using that logic, most films are successful.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 11:45 AM
At the end of the day, the movie is a disaster at getting 9% occupancy.
Yes, the fear factor may have kept audience away but not sure how much factor that is.
I’m sure if this was Suryavanshi, you would have seen at least 75% capacity of the available 50% seats.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 3:08 AM
Exactly!
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 1:41 PM
Check this clip from classy movie!
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 2:13 PM
Goodness, what movie is this?
Gave me a huge headache and a good laugh at the same time.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 2:28 PM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_(1999_film)
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 2:20 PM
Puaada Extraordinary Numbers In Top Centers
Friday 20 August 2021 18.30 IST
Box Office India Trade Network
Puaada put up fantastic first week numbers in Punjab and extraordinary numbers in the four big cities. The public came out pretty much as normal for the comedy entertainer though the occupancy rule and limited release held back numbers but no doubt it will make some ground over the coming weeks.
The audience has come out in good numbers though collections may only be what the box office allows but at the end of the day the film is running strongly. Puaada was even getting more footfalls than Bell Bottom on Thursday in most cities of Punjab even though it was day eight. The collections may have been less but that is down to higher ticket rates for Bell Bottom due to 3D.
https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6277
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 2:22 PM
Audiences are willing to give acceptable films a chance at the box office unless you release a Langot masquerading as Bell Bottoms.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 3:20 PM
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 4:20 PM
4/5
This is where one has to credit the Bell Bottom team that despite a lot of geopolitics coming into play, the film doesn’t get into a heavy duty zone and become a docudrama. Instead, it flows smoothly as an Akshay Kumar entertainer does.
No naarebaazi or deshbhakti ka sandesh is thrust down the audience’s throat.
Instead, the premise is explained in a matter of fact and yet entertaining manner, while building towards a thrilling second half.
https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/bell-bottom-review/20210820.htm
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 20, 2021 at 4:54 PM
There’s plenty of bogus naarebaazi out here. I can’t quite understand where all these positive reviews for such a mediocre movie are coming from. Even the imdb ratings are well below par on day 1 itself. If the idea’s to encourage more people to visit the theaters, its clearly the wrong film to release.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 8:30 PM
Good News.
Decent non holiday thursday opening .
Now a good hold on a non holiday Friday. Delhinwith night shows would have given the jump.
Its on track for Sat and Sun 4cr+ each day.
Tuesday hold and game is on.
LikeLike
August 20, 2021 at 11:54 PM
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 20, 2021 at 11:55 PM
Aum namah shivaay !!
We say this mantra whenever someone takes the bullet for the benefit of society.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 3:23 AM
The decision to release in theaters is commendable indeed. Nothing like the big screen for a movie experience. Which makes me wonder why sooryavanshi didn’t risk last christmas when the odds were a lot safer (unless baba Johar is pulling the strings being a co producer).
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 12:06 AM
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 21, 2021 at 1:30 AM
Well deserved. Honored to be in the jury panel. Unanimous.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 9:26 AM
When will we diversify in his roles and acting?
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 21, 2021 at 2:47 PM
“Honored to be in the jury panel. ”
So, you were part of the jury panel?? Yeh gaddari kyun Akshay se? Why he has not won anything (again)?
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 1:43 AM
According to BOI the 2 days total for BB is 5.5 cr. This is trending much like Roohi which was also a Thursday release:
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/roohi-2/box-office/#bh-movie-box-office
Sat and Sun shud do 3+ and 3.5+ cr imo. The 4 day weekend shud be around 12-13 cr. Roohi trended poorly thereafter, specially lost steam in week 2. It ended with 23 cr nett total. Hopefully BB can hold better.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 9:49 PM
Saturday is 3.25 cr according to BOI. Its doing exactly like Roohi till now. Week 2 will be the key.
In week 3 there will be multiplex competition from F9 and Shang Chi.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 1:44 AM
Here are the trade expectations from BB before release (65-70 cr):
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/trade-applauds-makers-bellbottom-releasing-film-amid-pandemic-expect-box-office-collections-around-rs-60-cr/
And some foolish fans are still cheering BB’s flop show till now.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 1:58 AM
Cant see anyone expecting BB to do a Roohi or Akshay doing a Rajkumar Rao at box office. This is what covid has done to the so called number one star of Bollywood. Others including the Khans will also face the music next year.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 2:26 AM
And someone like Rajamouli has now postponed RRR from october to Eid next year.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 5:35 AM
The entire film production model for bollywood films would need to change if films & the popular actors need to survive on the big screen. Gone are the days of 50-100 cr remuneration & 200 cr+ budgets. Even the tentpoles would need <100 cr budgeting & low distribution costs to survive the next few years in Hindi cinema. Telugu & Tamil cinema however are a different story.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 5:37 AM
This was pretty much the case even pre covid. These stars charge way too much!
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 9:57 PM
Not really. The digital rights paid by the OTT platforms are sky high now, which will compensate the producers from low distribution price for upcoming biggies. Producers wont suffer losses even if the movie flops and will continue to pay big bucks to the stars.
Its the distributors and exhibitors who will suffer due to covid and loss of theatrical business.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 10:04 PM
Case in consideration – BB will come on Amazon Prime on 29th sep, one month after its theatrical release. But the digital rights are reportedly sold at 75 cr! The budget of BB itself is in that range if one excludes Akshay’s renumeration. So go figure.
The big budget films can also easily release on OTT these days without producers taking a loss cut if they want.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 10:05 PM
Typo – 20th sep
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 5:28 AM
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/delhi-and-mumbai-theatres-cry-for-help-why-be-unfair-to-us-they-question-101625992237549.html
Well practically movie theaters are a lot safer compared to restaurants & cafes since in a theater the viewer can sit through the duration of a film with his/her mask on, something that’s impossible in a restaurant. This step motherly treatment to movie theaters by rogue state governments like Maharashtra, Delhi & TN reeks of sinister intentions. No underworld mafia money pouring in from the theaters to the state governments in covid times perhaps?
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 21, 2021 at 9:29 AM
https://www.yahoo.com/news/india-gives-emergency-approval-worlds-135614354.html
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 9:38 AM
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 21, 2021 at 11:40 AM
@Naveen, saw it, and quite liked it. Might write if time permits. Recommended for viewing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 21, 2021 at 8:16 PM
You have to write. Eagerly awaiting.
Sad i cannot watch as Australians are under severe lockdown. Fucking crazy here.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 8:38 PM
Australia lockdown if one case hits a state! But overall they’ve managed the virus well.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 10:33 PM
yes, it has indeed if you could the deaths which is less than 100.
But at a cost of psychological, economical and financial losses. Lot of admissions in mental institutes and closure of long term businesses.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 10:33 PM
Count*
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 1:19 AM
WESTERN AUSTRALIA has done good since March 2020, strict border control i guess and the premier is also an ex army veteran…he knows how to run the state, which is also the backbone of Australian economy as most of the iron ore for China comes from WA state.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 5:26 AM
Australia’s policies have been nothing short of dictatorial, draconian and tyrannical. Surprising how the general public has even endured this nonsense without a revolt yet. But I guess the whole of Asia-Oceania is filled with “yes minister” nincompoops right from India to Japan to the Aussies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 21, 2021 at 10:31 PM
Why has OTT paid more for bolkywood movies?
More of the Netflix or Amazon releases were badly hit due to pandemic. During lockdown there was a requirement to offer more and more. So while the demand was increasing, they were not able to supply.
When ready to release bollywood films were offered 3 times of their rates, basically it was for producers of below 100 ce prodiction to accept at marginal profit or look as uncertainty. Plus the impossibilty of getting solo release post pandemic etc.
Since last few months, OTT’S own production has started. So these mind boggling offer would return to pre pandemic offer. In fact it already has. Mimi, BB etc were last lot that got sold.
BB is releasing in Amazon after 4 weeks in 3rd week of Sep.
Now we will not see any top star releases on OTT as supply is normalising.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 10:37 PM
After correction-
Why has OTT paid more for bollywood movies?
Most of the Netflix or Amazon productions were badly hit due to pandemic. During lockdown there was a pent up requirement to offer more and more. Subscriptions were increasing by 100K every month. So while the demand was increasing, OTTs were not able to supply new releases which influences the subscriptions.
When “ready to release” Indian films were offered 3 times of their earlier OTT offers, basically it was for producers of below 100 cr production cost, to accept at marginal profit. So either accept or look at uncertainty. Plus the impossibilty of getting solo releases post pandemic etc.
Since last few months, OTT’S own production has started. So these mind boggling offer would return to pre pandemic offer. In fact it already has. Mimi, BB, Bhuj etc were last lot that got sold.
BB is releasing in Amazon after 4 weeks in 3rd week of Sep.
Now we will not see any top star releases on OTT as supply is normalising and that window of opportunity is fading.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 11:38 PM
Nothing like that. If movies like Sooryavanshi, 83, Shamshera, Prithviraj, LSC decide to release on OTT this year, they will get plum offers for digital rights and wont make losses for producers. Profits will be less than theatrical blockbusters, yes, but there wont be losses for producers.
LikeLike
August 21, 2021 at 11:46 PM
And i m sure there will be OTT takers for hybrid releases too for these films if the makers choose the Hollywood way. The film producers are safe for now, question is how long will they hold back their films.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 4:34 AM
In that case they might as well sell it to the distributors at throwaway prices to make sure of a break even, even with low theatrical numbers. Someone has to be rational in these abnormal times for the larger long term benefit of the exhibition industry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 8:24 AM
Problem with throwaway distribution prices is that common perception will still be of flop if its running to empty theaters.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 11:19 AM
Again that’s more of a “Bollywood” problem. Punjabi film Puadaa’s running at 80% permissible occupancy as we speak. Tamil & Telugu have already delivered Master, Vakeel Saab & Krack. Even Hollywood’s given GvK, WW84 & Tenet (Average to Hits).
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 1:10 AM
Is investing in 401 k is a good idea? When I googled. there is some negativie points about this.
What are the funds recommended for 401 k?
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 2:14 AM
Munna:
MY piece on BELL BOTTOM is up on BR’s blog …..
———————
he action scenes are superbly shot. The one that impressed the most was the one in London where Anshul and the 4 agents in a terrifically authoritative manner just enter the apartment block and capture the 4 terrorists. It is so sharply shot, and edited, with terrific background score, it increases your pulse rate when you are watching it. A flat-out 5-minute shot but shot fantastically with Akshay in all his glory wearing a corduroy jacket and pants. And then he just stares out the window, helplessly, when he realizes one of the terrorists has hood-winked him, and keeps staring at him, but doesn’t jump out the window to show some heroism. A great, great masala scene. The desert-storm actions scenes look contrived, but still look convincing when considered within the scope of the movie. [Don’t compare it with this.] So, there are action-scenes which are very well shot but with a clear purpose that they need to show Anshul as the hero; what with him standing on the guard. However, it doesn’t seem cheesy. Throughout the movie, it is established that he is the one willing to take the risks, and the one who is willing to take the punishment as well if he fails. In that scenario, it makes sense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 3:28 AM
Brilliant !! Cant wait to see.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 5:22 AM
Action sequences are perhaps the only aspect of the film that prevent it from completely sinking to the depths of a dull run of the mill masala film. The dialogue, screenplay & drama has nothing to write home about for a theme as heroic & inspirational as this. Even the action sequences are best viewed on the big screen (as expected), although the 3D is meaningless.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 9:44 AM
The theater I watched in the US was 80 percent full. However, am observing a trend: Even for movies like DISNEY CRUISE, I don’t see Indian families turning up. Am not sure what hang-ups they have but yes, they are turning up in very less numbers …
It is quite safe here in the US for movie-watching. Still they aren’t turning up ….
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 10:39 AM
Ridiculous fear mongering by the media, political policies & some hysterical celebrity doctors who have successfully made the gullible public believe movie theaters (which have no requirement of mask removal unless you purchase f&b) are a death trap even as the same fools throng indoor restaurants & shop at halwai’s for festivals with their masks dangling down their chins.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 3:32 PM
Would Bell Bottom be any different if this ma’am played Ms.Gandhi?
Lara Dutta has gotten a great deal of praise though I didn’t find her resembling Indira at all.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 3:38 PM
Lara Dutta looked worse than a madame Tussaud’s wax statue in the promos. Bhuj: The pride of India one was much better.
Tabu is too tall.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 8:24 PM
Lara Dutta has done a fine job actually. I am not sure why they went to the extent of such a make-up which appears like a mock-up. I tell you, they have done the same with Bachchan as well [gulabo sitabo].
Credit to her, she demonstrates the dictatorial streak ..ahem…steely reserve quite well. The tension in the room is quite palpable when she has 5 men sitting and reporting in front of her…The only person sitting beside her is the RAW founder.
Tell what you may, the woman HAD nerves of steel..
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 9:46 PM
Have to watch it when it comes on OTT.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 5:29 AM
A very powerful trailer of Halla Ho
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 5:36 AM
Home, a malayalm movie throws light on so many things in an unobtrusive way. It is so relatable and ordinariness makes it extraordinary.
I wish Bachchan does Indrans role in hindi version if it is remade in hindi. And Shefali Shah as his wife. We have to find some really old man to play Bachchan’s father! With makeup Sanjay Mishra will suit the role.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 6:04 AM
KGF 2 is scheduled to release on April 22, 2022. At least the films with below 125 crore budgets should release this year.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 8:22 AM
BB flop-show is making every other movie running for shelter. First RRR and now KGF2. Next will be LSC i guess. Aamir has confirmed that only 3 days of mumbai shooting is left for LSC to wrap up. And its a 100 cr budget film (without aamir’s remuneration as he is producer), so can easily go for a profitable hybrid release on Christmas. However I seriously doubt if it will release before late 2022 now.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 9:26 AM
Is Jhund releasing on September 9th? As per BookMyShow, it is. September 9th is a terrific date for a film in Maharashtra with the Ganesh Chaturthi weekend if theatres reopen (which I think they will) by then.
F9 on September 3 would give a better idea, especially in the North.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 9:50 AM
Last i read jhund got a good ott deal of 35 cr and is waiting for maha theaters to open. Not sure of the 9th date. It may come directly on ott if maha theaters remain shut for long.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 10:12 AM
It has huge potential of being a sleeper hit, better if it releases on September 9.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 8:20 PM
JHUND is my most awaited film this year…Whether the film works or not, AB will create magic what with Manjule at the helm…a director who understands the power and limitations of both art-house and commercial cinema equally. It should be a great one unless he messes up royally…
Earlier it was june 29th, now you are saying september…don’t know when it will truly release….
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 10:55 AM
Every industry apart from bollywood has had hits post pandemic, be it telugu, tamil, kannada, bengali or punjabi. Non performance of a metropolitan multiplex film with a below average word of mouth shouldn’t be extrapolated for the rest.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 11:39 PM
Maybe u r correct but its still a risk to release Sooryavanshi or 83 under current scenario. Wait for another year or two and things will get normal eventually 😀
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 6:52 AM
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-recorded-251k-excess-deaths-since-pandemic-data-101629484985619.html
Excess mortality with the migrant crisis and Covid is going to paint a very ugly and uncomfortable picture. Bihar’s official COVID toll is 9K, similarly Telangana has an official toll of 6K and excess morality of nearly 1.2 lakh.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 7:47 AM
Death count may be right but largely because of non covid patients who couldnt get emergency service as entire machinery was only looking for covid patients.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 8:51 AM
There is no way the death count is right. The only question about covid deaths is whether it is 2X, 3X or 5X. Any pandemic is counted with excess mortality so the non covid patients were inadvertently the victims of a hospital shortage due to covid.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 9:20 AM
“Is investing in 401 k is a good idea? When I googled. there is some negativie points about this.
What are the funds recommended for 401 k?”
@Sanjana,
It’s always a great idea to invest in 401k but need to know little bit more.
1) How long are you in it for? The longer you are in it, the better chance to recover an major loss.
2) Does your company match? A lot of company match 6% in USA.
3) From my experience, it’s best to invest in fund which looks at when you will retire. So let’s say if you’re going to retire after 30 years, there will be fund which will be more aggresive since it can recover any heavy loss.
4) Best to invest in funds (which has multiple company in it) versus investing in individual company.
5) Many workplace in USA has free financial advising service, take advantage of it.
6) This is most important, invest only what you are okay with losing. It can take toll on your mental and physical health.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 10:21 AM
Thanks a lot Z.
4) Best to invest in funds (which has multiple company in it) versus investing in individual company.
Like mutual funds.
6) This is most important, invest only what you are okay with losing. It can take toll on your mental and physical health.
Just for tax benefits, cant lose sleep.
Then what is the best alternative? Invest in real estate or in shares? Buying one more big house or apartment and rent it out? Have to think over.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 10:28 AM
2) Does your company match? A lot of company match 6% in USA.
Can you explain this? Is it that all companies dont allow this and only 6% of them allow this?
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 5:52 PM
what are the best retirement planning tools for someone without benefits? what about ROTH IRA? Any idea?
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 8:46 AM
ROTH is good, i think most you can put in is $6,000 a year.
Issue is, market is very high right now so probably want to wait for the next drop.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 5:53 PM
anyone purchased health insurance from the exchange to comply with ACA?
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:27 PM
https://www.policygenius.com/health-insurance/what-is-the-individual-mandate/
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 8:44 AM
“Can you explain this? Is it that all companies dont allow this and only 6% of them allow this?”
By this i mean, some companies in USA puts in dollar for dollar into your account up to 6% of what you put in.
So let’s say your weekly income is $1,000 and you put in 6% in 401k, that’s $60. Company will also match it and put in 6% ($60) in to your account. So now you have $120 in your account. That’s 100% profit from day one. From here you would invest your money into funds, individual companies, etc… If something like this is offered, you should jump on it. you don’t even have to than invest, you can just keep it in like saving plan they have, of course you won’t make any money but you won’t lose the $120 you have there.
“Just for tax benefits,”
Not sure how much tax benefit you’ll get out of it unless you’re talking about big amount.
“Then what is the best alternative? Invest in real estate or in shares? Buying one more big house or apartment and rent it out?”
If in USA, real state is very high right now, probably not a good time to buy unless you can find a run down house and fix and flip it.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:53 PM
Thanks for explaining.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:21 PM
Roth ($6000 after tax) ,
401k (Pre tax) + Roth 401k (After TAx) -> $19500 + $6500 (if you are above 50).
Number are max limits by IRS.
As Z suggested target retirement funds are good where you have good mix and don’t think what you have to invest.
You have to pay tax on earnings. So traditional 401k, you get benefit of tax now but you still pay tax when you withdrawals including earnings.
Roth ones, you pay tax now but your earnings are not taxed when you withdraw (including original contribution).
Typically if you don’t think you will end up in higher tax brackets, then they say invest in traditional 401k; if you think when you retire you might be in higher tax bracket then it is advised you use Roth vehicles.
401k is tied to your company so there are limited options for investment. But with Roth or previous company 401k (companies which you have left), you can move them in IRA account and do investment from buying stocks to commodities or even use it to give loan!
ps – Some companies have Mega backdoor Roth IRA, the limits are additional $38600.
ps1 – the limits are updated by IRS for each fiscal year.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:52 PM
Thanks for your valuable inputs.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 1:17 AM
why is 401k limit set? why not allow people to pump all thier income into a government run 401k, which can be used to fix the healthcare system?
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 2:21 AM
401k is your money. You just delay paying tax.
Govt wants tax, so it cannot allow every thing in non-tax bracket. Though the money typically go in investment and indirectly in economic growth.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 5:29 AM
well, they can use 401k to cover medical treatment for the citizen and family. During retirement they can deduct the expenditure during the lifetime of that account.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 2:18 PM
Watching Rajkumar Santoshi’s characters exploding on screen after an eternity of playing by the rules, being wronged by the system and ultimately crossing all limits of restraint is a sight to behold, a cinephile’s delight.
Amitabh at his best:
LikeLiked by 3 people
August 22, 2021 at 2:18 PM
Watching Halla Ho. Very gripping drama with stomach churning events. You can feel their pain, trauma. Based on a real event.
on Zee 5.
LikeLike
August 22, 2021 at 3:48 PM
Karwaan is a good road movie though there are some unbelievable elements. Irrfan in a comedy role , cracking jokes with a straight face. Dulquer is good in his own way. And Parker is fun to watch.
Karwaan and QQ Ingle were better movies than Angrezi Medium, all of which starred Irrfan.
Missing Irrfan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 22, 2021 at 10:36 PM
Good News?
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 7:33 AM
30 Cr lifetime would be an Average fare while 40 Cr should be a semi success. Let’s see.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 7:52 AM
A lot of star driven films are going to get Average to Flop verdicts for next one to two years. Akshay will lead rom the front with max films in that list.
BB still has to hold up to get to that 30 cr total. Anything less wud be a pakka Flop.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 7:57 AM
By the time we are out of covid entirely, ie, 2-3 years from now perhaps, i wud say most of 90’s stars wud be done by then. Fans shud start writing obituaries than hoping for some miracle hits in this period.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 8:57 AM
Aamir’s got a long way to go, can fit in grandad roles if needed like in Dangal. Akshay & Ajay’s volume of work will make sure they stay in the picture. SRK & Salman might become redundant however.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:26 AM
Think this is an overstatement, Bell Bottom has done worse in the US than some small time telugu film. It’s clearly a flop. Let’s wait for a hit film to judge the pulse of the box office.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:30 AM
Aamir has slowed down too much. He may suffer losses from only one film in this lean period (LSC), but his extreme low amount of work (one film every 4 years now) will make him a distant memory in the neutral audience’s minds. By the time his next comes after LSC, he will be 60. And i doubt if any of these 90’s stars can remain relevant from 60-80 years of age like Bachchan has done.
Srk’s next 2 (Pathan and Atlee film) will flop but Hirani has locked his script finally and the film will roll next year. This will perhaps be the first blockbuster film after pandemic. So he may have a last laugh after all.
Salman will surely go extinct after a few more flops in this period.
Likes of Akshay and Ajay have intelligently jumped on the OTT bandwagon (doing The End and Rudra series). So they may survive with this exit strategy.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:56 AM
The median age in India has drastically increased in the past few years. As we see our median age increase, the longevity and age of our cultural icons has also increased. The age factor is consequently delayed. We call Ranveer, Ranbir the next big thing and both of them are above 35 (Ranbir is nearly 40). Look at southern stars, Mahesh, Vijay are all coming to form at 45+. The Khans have some time and don’t have the pressure Amitabh had so can do a Rajnikanth.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Aman – BB is not a bad film, its average stuff if u read in between the lines of various reviews. It does not warrant such low box office numbers, unless the audience by large are not interested in theater viewing.
I will be surprised if the next set of releases see any change in this trend – Chehre, F9, Shang Chi, Thalaivii, Bhoot police – over next 4 weeks. Specially F9 reception will make this more clear, as it has already done well at worldwide box office.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:14 AM
Its difficult to do a Rajnikanth at all india level. Southern ‘passion’ for their lowbrow masala films and stars is too regional in nature and cant be extrapolated at all India level. It will be v surprising if Salman can actually do a Rajni – he has been constantly going down since Tiger 2. He is recently looking like a fag in Tiger 3’s foreign sets and 2022 is not going to be a great year for box office either.
And Akshay-Ajay is not exactly increasing their longevity by doing stuff like Laxmii, Bhuj, BB etc in tons. People are just getting bored.
Ranbir/Ranveer have already reached their peaks. This is it. ‘Next big thing’ is just silly fan hype.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:30 AM
Even Rajni’s fans wouldn’t support him in a hit and run case.
To bring audience back, you need a big film that is good as well. We might literally have crazy Kangana bring the theatres back to life.
Both Akshay and Ajay have their momentum after 2019 dampened by squibs like Laxmii and Bhuj.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:41 AM
There is a difference. Salman fans does not support his hit and run case. Its just that they dont care abt his real persona as long as they like him in the films. Rajni on the other hand is revered as a real life god. So rajni can survive any number of flops, but salman doesnt hv that privilege.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 11:20 AM
But Rajni is not surviving flops. He had to take a 40% pay cut for Annatthe. What I mean is Rajni had a great run releasing a movie every 2 years (before Aamir) pushing the hype to peaks. His dilly dally with politics, sudden Akshay Kumar like slate of films and those films being underwhelming hurt his stardom.
Both SRK and Salman can follow the Rajni model.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 2:55 AM
You have a cast like this and then you get Arjun Kapoor as the lead…Ghor Kalyug 🙂
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 7:38 AM
Because the director is the son of a mega flop director known for disasters like Matru ki Bijli & Saat Khoon Maaf kinda junk. If Haidar & Omkara are the best you can make, you know your films need to be flushed down the drain because neither do you cater to the urban, nor the mass audiences. All you do with your lousy films is give orgasms to the likes of Masand, Raja Sen & Vetticad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 7:54 AM
Haider was his best and a bonafide box office hit. Sad that he is done with film direction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 8:54 AM
Haidar was a pro Hurriyat propaganda trash that was nowhere near being a Hit apart from some luteyans corners of South Delhi & South Bombay. A joke in the name of Hamlet!
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:02 AM
You better stop farting so loudly. Haider with 55 cr in 2014 was not a hit but BB with 40 cr will be a semihit !!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 9:50 AM
55 Cr on a budget of 50 Cr with 100% open market is certainly not a hit by any calculator unless someone’s brain’s filled with undevoted affection for a piece of art that’s more dung than old wine. As for BB, I have no idea of its budgeting. The 40 Cr value is purely based on current market scenario, even a semi functional noob would understand a fact as basic as this. And yes, Haidar still remains a separatists wet dream.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 11:23 AM
I remember Duggu’s Bang Bang came the same day, clashing with that film and still doing well means the film is accepted.
Anyhow, Haider was in the 90s where Kashmiris in the Valley very much wanted separatism. So it was an accurate depiction of the times.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 11:39 AM
Haider was a 35 cr budget film that did 55 cr nett total. And Bang Bang was a 100 cr budget film that did 140 cr. Both released on the same day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 23, 2021 at 12:06 PM
2 films that have no connection at all except the release date. **Edited**
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 8:02 AM
Maqbool is one of Irrfan’s best films and performances. Also the film that first gave Irrfan and Tabu together. You are being too harsh on him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 9:52 AM
Great performances and even a decent narrative do not elevate a mediocre screenplay, sorry.
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 9:55 AM
I like both Maqbool and Omkara although they were not hits, apart from Haider. These films are enough to excuse Vishal from his other misadventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 9:57 AM
Kaminey was quite good too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 11:50 AM
I don’t know the BO success or failure of HAIDER but it was a very well made film; but with PURE propaganda favoring the islamists. No doubt about that: Though the film might differ from my ideology, as an art-form piece, there were many things one could appreciate in the film. And Tabu, as Gazala, had an entire ocean swarming around in her eyes…an absolutely, top-notch delectable performance; as was the town-square drama by Shahid…
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 12:07 PM
Great review An Jo. Thanks for the redux. Reading it i feel like watching the film again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 8:33 AM
KUTTEY KAMINEY!!
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 10:19 AM
Whether one likes it or not, OTT is the future of entertainment. For all new releases from now, OTT premiers will happen in just 4 weeks.
https://www.mansworldindia.com/entertainment/bell-bottom-may-premiere-on-amazon-prime-video-4-weeks-after-theatrical-release/
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 11:18 AM
So Netflix and Amazon are gonna do the same to Star & Sony TV what satellite TV did to Doordarshan in the mid 90s. No rocket science there. Theaters still ain’t going anywhere.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 12:24 PM
How did this happen?
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 2:21 PM
Ha ha! from an atheist Brahman, and a BJP-hater… KYA BAAT HAI!!!! Virtual beer party on me tonight!!!!
LikeLike
August 23, 2021 at 2:57 PM
Mr. Kamal “twisted accent” Hasan is quite a moderate actor at his best. I’ve never quite understood all the hyperbole around his so called legendary acting skills, some even equating him with Amitabh Bachchan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 11:09 PM
Well, you can ask that to Mr. Bachchan, since he has always praised Mr. Haasan as one of the best actors in the country.
And did I mention how much of a terrific dancer he is?
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 4:29 AM
Is it a crime not to go oo la la over him just coz everyone else does? 🤔
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 12:54 PM
No but I am curious what work of his you have seen that led you to this conclusion.
He’s certainly a very narcissistic actor but calling him moderate is something new.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 6:44 PM
1. Nayakan : Velu’s reaction to his son Surya’s death was a complete ham fest. Almost made an extremely intense moment hilarious. A wonderfully well crafted Mani Ratnam film otherwise.
2. Papanasam climax, a complete HAM with a capital H. Tamil critics rating this act at par with Mohanlal’s is a complete joke.
Have watched Appu Raja, Indian, Chachi 420 and few others. Like I said before, a ‘decent’ actor at best. Nowhere near the wizard that he’s portrayed to be by the media.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 11:52 PM
About Papanasam, Kamal’s character and even some of the themes are significantly different from Drishyam. The character is more of an extrovert, a Sivaji fan and so his breakdown would be more theatrical. Showy and subtle are two different style.
Mani Ratnam himself said Kamal went above his direction and brought the extra that elevated Nayagan. Anyhow, an interesting opinion but an extreme minority (thankfully).
An actor who’s been on screen for nearly 60 years, acted in classics of multiple languages, has earned acclaim as a writer and director, also was (at a point) a mass star, I think the hype undersells him. Or oversells the wrong parts of him.
Have I mentioned, boy can he dance:
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 25, 2021 at 10:30 AM
Never doubted Nayakan’s greatness as a film or its story telling & Mani Ratna’s legendary direction as well as performances. Was just referring to that one particular scene. Anyhow, I doubt anyone would disagree Kamal’s a good solid performer on celluloid yet I’ve never found him to be in the league of extraordinary greatness (Bachchan, Mohanlal or Dilip Kumar like) in terms of pure expressions & dialogue delivery. Dance, motion & movement is a separate dimension from pure acting & dialogue else Govinda would be a timeless legend for the ages.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 24, 2021 at 3:57 AM
Shivaay, if you limit to enjoying only a certain kind of cinema and look down upon all other schools of thought just because your kind is enjoyed by the majority, you will continue to keep yourself in the dark. I do understand where you’re coming from but you need to learn to empathise with the filmmaker’s voice and their experiences, politics, and statements. If you steer clear of so much negativity, the sky is going to be the limit to what all you could enjoy.
“Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”
– Bong Joon Ho
LikeLiked by 3 people
August 24, 2021 at 8:51 AM
I had actually asked shivaay that in past. how do you even enjoy being on blog which is mainly about bollywood where you dislike 99% of the bollywood movies.
It’s kind of like being on food blog and only food you like is goat biryaani made in sindhi style.
There is so much in life to enjoy if you open up your heart and mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 9:35 AM
The recent thing about Shivaay is planning to watch Bell Bottom in the big screen after that not so happening trailer in the big and having Sholay like expectations from the movie. Then if it disappoints and is not a Sholay then criticize it day in and day out. Arre bhai, if you that much aware, why can’t you smell the coffee? You don’t need to drink to know if it’s good or bad!
Everyone knows Bell Bottom can be good or bad and very good at some level based on Akshay’s recent movies and the trailer. It is no surprise unless it’s 1 star type of crap or it turns out to be another Lagaan. Rest of the range, which is average to good is always expected from that movie.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 10:34 AM
Don’t have any issues with Shivaay. I think he is pretty articulate and has a great sense of humour and doesn’t mince his words. His posts make me often go LOL. Wish I possessed half his flair.
But I also appreciate someone like Naveen. He is an Akki fanboy but that doesn’t mean he looks down on other cinema. I’ve seen him enjoy everything from Tenet and Singham to Good News and Anurag Kashyap movies. He has an open mind.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 24, 2021 at 11:15 AM
I have nothing against shivaay either. He dislike 99% of the bollywood films and is very consistent in his views. He doesn’t like/dislike movies based on religious or political message. He is lover of Nolan types of cinema, it’s just not there in bollywood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 12:22 PM
“The recent thing about Shivaay is planning to watch Bell Bottom in the big screen after that not so happening trailer in the big and having Sholay like expectations from the movie. Then if it disappoints and is not a Sholay then criticize it day in and day out.” – The trailer was reasonable and the expectation was more in lines of Baby & Airlift but ended up being more like a Holiday. I don’t see how Sholay came into question. I still rate Bell Bottom a 2.5/5 and found its action sequences well choreographed & Indira’s as well as Kao’s portrayal effective enough. So its still better than a lot of rubbish movies Bollywood comes up with from time to time (Bhuj being the most recent one). As for watching it on the big screen, no regrets there. For me cinema means the big screen, even for drama films like Piku, Pink & Judas and The Black Messiah. OTT mediums are best suited for television shows with 40 minute episodes (a few good one’s from India too of late, especially Scam 92, Family Man & Special Ops). in my opinion. If Chehre gets good reviews I wouldn’t mind catching that at the theater too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 23, 2021 at 11:11 PM
“atheist brahman and BJP hater” has good sense to differentiate between a Shershaah and a Bhuj unlike…
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 11:25 AM
Hey Aman:
I think you misunderstood what I said; or maybe I didn’t write properly.
What I am saying is, he is the last person I expected to like a movie like SHERSHAH; or for that matter, any war movie. And he is clearly anti-BJP if you’ve read his speeches regarding BJP during his run-up to the elections. He actually is a very confused person politically — neither here nor there. He doesn’t believe in the idea of ‘nationalism’ as much as maybe Rajnikanth.
So that’s why I was surprised. i am not talking of quality of shershah versus Bhuj. I am only talking of the genre.
In his rich career, I don’t remember — my memory at least — him acting in a war movie. I definitely might have missed it.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 11:58 AM
He acted as an INA soldier in Indian, Vishwaroopam had him as an Indian army major. Kamal is quite patriotic, if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t have made a movie like Hey Ram.
The problem is assuming by default anyone staunchly opposed to the BJP as not being a patriot.
He’s clearly mentioning in the tweet that this was a good war movie. I think the tweet has more to do with the director working with him soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 12:08 PM
It is naive to assume that stars are nationalistic in the narrow sense because of their public utterances. It appears more to be because they want to be in the right books. As a general rule almost all stars are secular and liberal and they separate nationalism from religion. I can never imagine Akshay, Amitabh or Ajay aggressively nationalitic and chanting slogans everyday or every minute in their lives. Everything is due to convenience and peace.
As a matter of fact, nationalism is ingrained in us in the way we follow some customs and traditions without questioning them and enjoy being Indian anywhere in the world.
Kamal is confused and many are likewise confused. Confusion is better than being inflexible.
LikeLiked by 2 people
August 24, 2021 at 12:57 PM
Aman, working in such some films does not prove whether a person is really patriotic or not. Just the same way. we cannot assume that Amjad Khan, Amrish puri etc. are really bad persons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 1:46 PM
When there is too much to and fro, we tend to move from topic to personal comments. Some banter is okay but let’s stick to the topics.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2021 at 9:12 PM
The Kangana Ranaut starrer ‘Thalaivii’ which was initially scheduled to release on 23rd April earlier this year, will now release in the theatres on 10th September 2021.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 12:29 PM
Good, BOLD decision from team T Series. I wish I could hash tag (whatever that new Gen Z thing is supposed to imply) #SaveCinemas #HailCinemas on this forum. And of course this is Kangana’s middle finger to the so called “Mozart of big screen” Karan Johar for chickening out of releasing a genuine silver screen entertainer like Shershaah on the internet (;
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 3:55 AM
US have equivalent of any savings account with no tax?
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 4:25 AM
Roth – it is after tax money. Earnings are not taxed if you withdraw based on certain rules.
There are muni bonds..of course returns are going to be low.
https://money.usnews.com/funds/mutual-funds/rankings/muni-california-long
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 4:37 AM
Roth sounds interesting.
On a website it says ‘no tax deduction for contributions made to a Roth IRA, however all future earnings are sheltered from taxes, under certain tax laws.
So when are you actually taxed?
(This is a Bank of England website btw)
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 4:40 AM
Actually IRA is similar to ISA in UK. We get £20k limit for savings + investments annually tax free.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 4:56 AM
But you pay tax when you withdraw?
You have to pay tax, either now or when you withdraw.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 5:01 AM
When you withdraw – what do you mean? It’s tax free savings and investment.
Obviously if you take that money and put it into a normal savings account it becomes taxable.
Eg.
If I put 20k in shares via ISA investments – it is wrapped in that investment. There is no tax and no tax return related to that investment to fill out.
There are various ISA accounts – flexible ones where you withdraw at no tax but the overall interest on those is lower.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 5:16 AM
There are two modes;
You put money before taxes. 401k. You earn 100k, you put 19.5k in 401k, your tax liability for that year reduces to 80.5k. Now you can invest 19.5k in any manner and when you retire, when you have no earnings, and withdraw you are in lower bracket, so you pay less taxes. You pay taxes on original amount and also the the growth.
Other mode is after tax – You earn 100k, you pay taxes on 100k now. but you invest 19.5k of after tax in Roth. When you withdraw after retirement (around 60) your entire amount is tax free including growth. In case you withdraw before 60, you don’t pay tax on your original contribution because it is already taxed but you pay tax on growth.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 5:28 AM
It is like latter.
We cannot transfer pre tax income into ISA.
So we earn gross income 100k. It is taxed and we end up with 60k. That 60k is what you use to do whatever you want.
The only benefits we have of pre tax income are things like pensions, insurances to improve tax efficiency.
Generally here I think with post tax mindset with everything. So in my mind ISA’s (if possible) are best way to save money. Maybe even best way to make money but it’s got 20k limit. Which is a lot IMO.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 5:41 AM
Interest rates are incredibly low so any savings are tiny. So fixing for 5 years it is 1%. 20k will make you 1k over 5 years. Hardly spectacular.
I find it better to throw in money into children’s savings accounts where the interest rates are around 3%. A 5k limit here but over 5 years I make 1k or close. In end when they are 16 I’ll draw out the interest earned and let the children have the capital. If they are behaving silly I will take it all back. 😂
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 2:23 PM
Target funds in US typically have some ratio of diversified stocks, bonds and money market based on how long you are from retirement. As you go near retirement, your risky investment ratio becomes less.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 5:07 AM
But basically any money I have in any ISA scheme whether it savings, investments is paying 0% tax. All the banks here offer it. It use to be £6k and now it’s £20k for everyone.
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/isa-guide-savings-without-tax/
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 4:54 AM
Roth money is already taxed. Earnings from it are also not taxed if you withdraw after certain time.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 8:40 AM
USA system is such where you will pay tax, before or after.
Unless you are making a lot of money and have good accountants who can find other means to write it off via loss in other investments.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 8:45 AM
I remember getting 6.75 in CD, this is back in later part of year 2000 i think.
I should have put money away for 30 years and i think the rate was closer to 8.5% on 30 year at that point.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 9:53 AM
She got the spelling right for her daughter!
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 10:03 AM
It was big new in 2001 that why she named her daughter with same name of Sridevi’s daughter born few years earlier. Makes no sense when both are from same industry and same time with few years difference.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 11:21 AM
Watched Lal Kaptaan last night. Not a bad movie. Loved the cinematography.
@Sanjana, i did watch the trailer of the movie you had suggested few days ago (Kuruthi or something like that). The trailer looked good so saving it for the weekend.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 11:56 AM
Kuruthi is a must watch movie for movie lovers. Very good performances, thriller element and open discussion about religous prejudices. But there is lots of violence. The boy who acts as the younger brother of Roshan Matthew also appears in a cheerful role in Home, a superbly crafted malayalam movie.
Kuruthi and Home are not similar but both are unmissable.
Kuruthi and Home both are on Prime.
And Amol Palekar’s Halla ho is another unmissable movie for its message and for the court room drama. On Zee 5.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 12:09 PM
I have prime so will check out Kuruthi and Home. Dont’ have zee5.
Wasn’t there a movie titled Court few years back (i think it was marathi film), i think it had won national award too. Wonder if that movie is on OTT platform.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 12:11 PM
Court is an old movie and completely different one. Halla Ho is a new movie just released on OTT.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 24, 2021 at 4:25 PM
yes Z; didn’t find time to mention that but LAAL KAPTAAN is actually a very good movie. It is slow-burning, but terrific in capturing a haunting image of the British rule and Indian betrayals.
I definitely recommend this, This is a well done movie. It is ok that you might find problems with pacing,etc. etc.; still a well done movie on a subject we — at least I — hardly know,
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 3:02 AM
A pretty good movie. Didn’t understand its hate.
LikeLike
August 24, 2021 at 3:47 PM
My Bell Bottom review is up! Sorry for the delay…
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 25, 2021 at 12:34 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akku_Yadav
The story of Halla Ho is loosely based on this.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 1:00 AM
Bastard died too easy. Should have gone after the policemen also.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 25, 2021 at 1:41 AM
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 2:35 AM
Industry is dumb IMO. You want people to return you should lower prices and offer deals. That was one thing I wanted to know about BB. The ticket prices – clearly they’ve messed that up.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 4:34 AM
How are the ticket prices in US and UK after the theaters have opened up?
The US box office is on the way to recovery, but no summer film managed to breach the modest $200M mark at their domestic box office.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 5:26 AM
Same prices here. No reduction but I think UK people have shown how they behave with football and restaurants. They’ll pay the price. Plus places like Cineworld have reduced prices on monthly passes from £16 to £10. So basically a monthly pass costs less than the price of a single adult ticket! I’d say that more than compensates! The pass will give you various discounts on food and drink.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 5:41 AM
Actually adult price is a little less than before covid. Still not sensible.
If I watched 12 movies per year in cinema, the pass is pretty much a fantastic deal. I would break even at 10 movies. It’s just not possible for parents with kids IMO. They should offer a bed and childcare!
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 5:54 AM
My main point is the balance of power between employee/employer and consumer/producer has completely shifted with covid. The power is with the employee and consumer. Wfh is a reality. Watching and binging on TV is a reality. The entire chain has to come to terms with this.
For movies this chain begins with the budget. The budget needs to come down to realistic levels. Especially the renumeration of stars. After that the distribution needs to be sensible. Exhibitors need to stop ripping off customers. In fact they are plain stupid IMO.
It’s basic maths. For a movie if you are charging Rs100 and 10 people show up you are making Rs1,000. Freaking charge Rs50 and maybe 20 people will show up. Now instead of 10 opportunities to buy popcorn you have 20. You still make Rs1,000 from ticket sales. On top psychologically the theatre is more full and if the movie is good you have a better chance of WoM spreading as you’ve doubled your footfall. It can spread like a virus can.
All these records over past 15 years are pretty much price inflation related. Has consumer demand increased? We don’t know. It’s pump and dump economics here. It creates bubbles that will ultimately pop.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 6:03 AM
Here in UK I am pretty sure restaurants don’t make huge profits from the food menu. Unless you’re at a top dollar restaurant. Your average Indian restaurant is reasonably priced food wise. It’s the drinks that are marked up to ridiculous levels. A glass of coke would be £2 or £3 when the can outside is 70p. Ridiculous – 300-500% mark up.
Likewise cinemas already charge 400% mark up vs outside on popcorn, drinks, chocolates etc. I don’t see why tickets need to be so much.
In India how can a family go to watch a movie after 2 years of covid hit incomes? Is it a logical choice to run for theatres? I doubt it. To get people in one really has to change prices especially in a country that has a smaller % of middle class.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 12:10 PM
“How are the ticket prices in US”
Same as before covid.
In USA, most people made out with thousands of dollar including many rich small business men.
So this is little different than india where india had PM Care fund, in USA the government was providing thousands of dollars as well as many other financial help such as unemployment benefits, which actually made people not work because they were making more money from unemployment and additional benefit than they would working.
SO in this sense, people had/have money to spend here in USA.
In India, it was a bad situation. Specially for those who earns daily to make ends meet.
I think it will still be another year before everything settles down.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 12:53 PM
doling out money…This is going to show up in form of inflation…
Most of the companies market cap has grown many times since onset of Covid…I see unpredicatble times ahead..
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 1:16 PM
“I see unpredicatble times ahead”
I think the market will take a huge hit, pretty soon.
It’s just amazing how the market has stayed on top.
Won’t be shocked if drops 10 to 25%
Doling out money is in USA, not sure if same is true in other countries. But then what’s keeping the market at high in other countries? something just doesn’t seem right.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 6:17 AM
In the US, it is pretty much fair. in cinemark theaters, which also give credits after you become a member and watch certain movies, you get 1 + 1 ticket free. So you can enjoy the movie with a friend/I meant girlfriend and impress her.
XD – extreme digital
XD with boxed seats – sholay like experienc in ’75 with the coin rolling over and the sound passing on from your left to right ear; plus seats rumbling your arse when there are high-octane scenes; like the Amazon river scene in DISNEY CRUISE.
DIGITAL – Good movie watching experience with but of course, beneath XD. Still good.{13 to 15$)
There have been no hike in rates. That’s one good thing.
For English and hindi movies, no hike at all. For Tamil and Telugu — read Rajnikanth mainly –the first 2 days are prized crazy – like 25 to 30 dollars. From the next week, it starts coming down to normalcy depending on the craze.
NOWHERE have i seen such formula for Hindi films. It is as consistent as it can be. nothing beyond 13 to 15 dollars. Be it SRK, AK, or even Faisal Khan.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 4:31 AM
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 5:13 AM
I just searche dictionary and found out the meaning for charsi and ganjedi. Drug addict?
This is offensive and hope justice prevails.
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 9:47 AM
LikeLike
August 25, 2021 at 3:34 PM
Top actors Rakul Preet Singh, Rana Daggubati and 10 others will be questioned in a four-year-old drugs case, sources have said. The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Rakul Preet Singh on September 6, Baahubali actor Rana Daggubati on September 8, Telugu actor Ravi Teja on September 9 and director Puri Jagannadh on September 31.
Rakul Preet Singh, Rana Daggubati, Ravi Teja or Puri Jagannath have not been named as accused. “It is premature to say whether they are involved in money laundering,” said senior officials of the agency.
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rakul-preet-singh-ranna-duggubati-among-several-actors-summoned-in-drugs-case-2518588#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 12:07 AM
BB is heading towards 18-19 cr extended first week total (8 days). Its 1-2 cr higher than the same 8-days first week total of Roohi. If BB can add another 11-12 cr in the next 3 weeks (before its OTT premier), i guess it can be called an Average fare at box office.
Chehre i dont think will do 10 cr nett total under current situation.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 1:11 AM
There were only 2 results here
1) if big collections = all hail Akshay Kumar
2) if low collections = all hail Akshay Kumar for having a go in the worst conditions ever
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 1:19 AM
🙂
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 1:32 AM
On a serious note, BB for Bollywood is much like what Tenet was for Hollywood last year. Both average to good films, that the respective industry fully backed to bring audience in theaters. But both failed in doing that.
I guess we will get another big star-driven release towards the end of this year, depending on when Maharashtra theaters open up (and provided we dont get a third wave). It will probably be Sooryavanshi on Dusshera or Diwali or Christmas, depending on the situation. But like WW84, i think it wont really get the audience back to theaters so soon.
It took Hollywood another year after 2020 to start recovery process with Godzilla vs Kong ($100M), A Quiet Place II ($160M), F9 ($172M), Black Widow ($180M) and more tentpoles lined up in the last quarter of the year. I believe Bollywood market is lagging by one year and will start recovering only in 2022. It should reach some normalcy sometime in 2023.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 2:14 AM
else it will become outdated locked up waiting for the markets to recover. I think Akshay can risk Bachan Pandey. waisey bhi it looks to be a washout. Not sure why he risked BB instead.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 9:27 AM
BOI headline- Bell Bottom puts industry into dilemma
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 9:30 AM
To release or not to release …
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 6:45 AM
NIKHIL ADVANI is one hell of a story-teller/director. I really don’t understand how he made a horrific film like KHNH; except that SRK looked terrific in his ’40s and Preity Goodenough Zinta who looked sexy as hell with her glasses.
BATLA HOUSE was an extraordinary movie. A fantastic procedural and a brave one that went against the great liberals’ agenda of the country,
And D-DAY was one hell of a movie, except the joker Rishi Kapoor who was passed of as Dawood! Ever heard of a certain Vijay Maurya in Black Friday? His talk with Ram Jeth malani was spine-chilling!
And then, there is this OUTSTANDING, violence-woven song in D-DAY…
you know how to fit a song into a narrative…this is how…
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 8:20 AM
Don’t dare go after KHNH, It’ll get personal 🙂
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 9:29 AM
“I really don’t understand how he made a horrific film like KHNH;”
Unfortunately, KHNH is only Superhit movie!
“except that SRK looked terrific in his ’40s ”
He was just 38.
“except the joker Rishi Kapoor who was passed of as Dawood!”
Rishi Kapoor was actually the best Dawood Ibrahim in many of his impersonations in various movie. There was a poll or some video and he came out on top. Vijay Maurya was great in split second role in Black Friday but that’s not acting, it’s camera technique and Kashyap’s style. My fav scene is BF is that Maurya’s intro shot at white house in Pakistan and his slo-mo turning. I had that clip downloaded in my mobile to keep watching it multiple times.
Very conveniently to forget all the crap Nikhil made and calling KHNH as horrific film in his filmography, Lol. What about Hero, Katti Batti, Chandni Chowk To China, Salaam-E-Ishq, Patiala House, etc… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 9:50 AM
When views on films are primarily based on political view, it kills the discussion.
KHNH was truly the first multiplex superhit film. I remember thinking to myself that this film will flop after opening friday/saturday but it kept on going for few weeks and all collection from multiplex.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 11:38 AM
KHNH is a poor man’s Anand and was a Semi Hit, it barely retained shows outside the metropolitan screens post 2 weeks of release. Srk primarily hammed the same like he did from his DDLJ & KKHH days (2 boring films, the latter a horrific one) and Saif’s cartoonish caricature was misplaced (unlike DCH). Being a multiplex “superhit” is only a matter of chance primarily because there were no multiplexes in the 60s & 70s or else Guide, Jewel Thief, Anand, Chupke Chupke & Golmaal would’ve run riot across all of Bombay, Kolkata, Delhi & Bangalore in those times.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 2:34 PM
“Srk primarily hammed the same like he did from his DDLJ & KKHH days (2 boring films)”
Okay stop it.. I can’t laugh anymore. You gotta be kidding by calling DDLJ as boring film. You ought to stop watching Bollywood movies completely.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 3:33 PM
“Okay stop it.. I can’t laugh anymore. You gotta be kidding by calling DDLJ as boring film. You ought to stop watching Bollywood movies completely.” – well I guess now I know the reason why a shivering stammering hamming on screen performer became a superstar beyond the bubbly school girls of the 90s gen. The secret admirers of the male population who idolize DDLJ at par with Sholay despite being a near pointless rom-com snoozefest that’s a loafer Romeo’s & dumb Juliet’s dream.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 9:27 PM
“well I guess now I know the reason …”
If you are understanding this after 25 years… then you truly don’t understand Bollywood. Period. End of discussion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 11:36 AM
As expected, Z came out with a third-rate statement. God bless.
Master, first of all, thank you for correcting me where I have gone wrong.
I should learn to write better. What I meant is, for Nikhil Advani to make movies per KJo standards and pleasing the crowds, he went against the strain and directed a move like D-DAY. Did she suddenly go pro-BJP? I am merely talking of the quality of an espionage thriller. Maybe I a dumb, but I didn’t expect that Advani — abhi last name ke baare mein kuch bolo before christ — to direct such an taut espionage thriller.
Now you mention all his movies, like that cricketing-crap starring Akshay, they were bad films –for me at least — period. I don’t even want to talk about other movies you mentioned…
How is it that my observation gets slotted in political vies? Of course, I know that person’s hidden views and so give a crap about him…but still…
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 1:08 PM
” What I meant is, for Nikhil Advani to make movies per KJo standards and pleasing the crowds, he went against the strain and directed a move like D-DAY.”
Nikhil always was of the flavor of D-day. He wanted to debut with Kurbaan movie under Karan Johar’s banner who promised him debut film for him being 1st AD on both KKHH and K3G. SRK was doing Kurbaan then and he didn’t like the script. He was fine to portray the terrorist role (which Saif ended up doing in the end) but he had major issues with the script. (SRK even gave a statement after the movie was released that they missed the idea about the movie). Karan was stressed with Yash Johar’s health and he told Nikhil, I have written this script, KHNH which I won’t feel to direct anymore and he wanted to produce a movie and even have a screenplay written, can you direct this movie instead of delaying further? Nikhil accepted the offer and made KHNH which is completely Karan’s script and screenplay. So, not much of credit, dis-credit goes to Nikhil Advani.
The biggest flaw he did was to make Salaam-E-Ishq right after KHNH and producing the movie. It is the same genre as Karan Johar but without his backing. That flopped and ruined his career. Before going to Karan, he was an assistant and writer with Sudhir Mishra and famous for Is Raat Ki Subaah Nahin. That is his roots. So, I am not surprised to see D-Day from him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 27, 2021 at 12:13 AM
An jo, i really liked KHNH. It was fab, had great music, SRK at his best and nice family entertainer with a message.
A perfect weekend watch with family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 9:27 AM
Another dud from Bachchan:
https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/chehre-film-review-bollywood-movie-starring-emraan-hashmi-fails-to-thrill-1.1629979079583
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 11:53 AM
Expected
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 12:04 PM
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/amitabh-bachchan-did-chehre-for-free-paid-for-his-own-chartered-flight-producer-anand-pandit-calls-him-committed-101629954354301.html
Wow Big B didn’t make any moolah from this either?
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 2:31 PM
Package deal! That was for giving Abhishek Bachchan ‘The Big Bull’, a solo starrer by the same producer.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 11:48 PM
This happens? Pity
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 9:56 AM
Bachchan has a great luxury of being the only one from his era/age group to be physically and mentally in good shape. So basically he gets all the roles, along with that comes good and bad.
Who else is there from that age group who can even walk without much help? in this sense, i think we’ll have more diversity when srk/aamir/salman/akshay/hrithik etc gets to that age. There will be lots of actors available, assuming they’ll be in good condition as they age. Most actors from past had a very poor diet with not much physical activity (going to gym) at all.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM
And also that he is a terrific actor. What have DeNiro and Pacino been upto? Eastwood has been more a director than an actor
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 11:07 AM
“And also that he is a terrific actor”
Of course, that goes without saying.
I’m trying to say that there really aren’t any other fish in the pond, so just about the only that is there, will get the food.
Talk about Eastwood, is it me or his face look real fake in the new trailer of him movie? not a single wrinkle on the face.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 11:32 AM
Haven’t DeNiro & Pacino been doing films as well? These 2 along with AB can act till their graves in my books. I’d still watch them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 26, 2021 at 11:45 PM
Yes, but DeNiro and to lesser extent, Pacino have been doing absolutely disgraceful films. They rarely get the good film Big B regularly gets.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 10:21 AM
Isnt Dharam doing Kjo’s RockyRaniKiSweetyTatti or whatever heck it is?
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 6:53 PM
Difference between a teacher and a magician,,,all debates laid to rest
LikeLike
August 27, 2021 at 12:18 AM
agree with you Z, and bringing the discussion on the topic you wanted. 🙂
I think current actors in their early 50s will well do good movies in their 60s as lead stars. It looks likely now. Most of them like SRK, Aamir, Akshay are ready to do different roles, are producers themselves and are superstars even now. I would really be surprised if they are not relevant after 10 years. Atleast 3/5 of them should certainly be.
I am looking forward to SRK’S NEXT. Am curious how he returns.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 5:41 PM
Look at how this thread started with Taran review. Now I don’t even see websites updating numbers much for a first week release.
Bell Bottom needed to hit 20Cr+ in week 1 after a poor opening weekend and it’s falling well short. Probably means lifetime of not much more than 30Cr now.
Feels this gamble was ill advised.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 5:51 PM
Under the same circumstances I get a feeling Thalaivi might do way better, especially now that TN cinemas have reopened. if that film has a dubbed Tamil version, it’d be a jackpot in TN plexes & Single screens as well.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 11:25 PM
Thalaivi was shot in Tamil and dubbed in Hindi. It was clearly meant to cash in during TN election season and may be give a boost to the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 9:29 PM
Bell Bottom movie has completely been shot after pandemic..so why hurry to release that movie and not movies which are already completed or half shot before pandemic. Bell Bottom was the freshest of the movies and could have waited till next year.
LikeLike
August 27, 2021 at 12:20 AM
I would take this collection of Bell Bottoms over a direct OTT release. I think all movies should release in theatres first. Make the moolah to the best of their ability. External environments can improve or deteriorate, noone knows.
LikeLike
August 27, 2021 at 12:40 AM
Its 17.4 cr nett in 7 days for BB:
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/bell-bottom/box-office/#bh-movie-box-office
Maybe 1 cr or so on Thursday, so 18.5 cr extended 8 days week one collection. If it does not hold on second weekend then even 30 cr nett total maybe difficult.
LikeLike
August 26, 2021 at 6:27 PM
Never found the content or the silly dialogues & the retrograde action of Part 1 anything worthwhile but the cinematography, set pieces & camerawork were definitely commendable. Part 2 seems much of the same. A complete pan India single screen mass entertainer which only deserves a big screen watch (if at all watched).
LikeLiked by 1 person