Rani Mukerji on whether women-centric films are box-office draws: “A good film will always bring people to the theatres and the gender has no role to play”

Rani Mukerji has given Indian cinema some powerful female protagonists who have played a huge hand in shaping the way women are viewed in society today. A towering actor, Rani shares her vision to represent women correctly in films.

Rani Mukerji on whether women-centric films are box-office draws: "A good film will always bring people to the theatres and the gender has no role to play"

Rani says, “As an actor, your vision for cinema and roles will constantly evolve but one thing that’s constantly stayed for me is the way I wanted to portray and represent women on screen. Women are the backbone of a family and society and I think, as an actor, I have a responsibility to show this to as many people as possible across my country and the world.“

She adds, “Cinema can have a lasting impression on the minds of people. It is a very powerful tool to trigger a national conversation and I became conscious very early on in my career that I could make a real change in the way women are projected on-screen, that could be positive.”

Rani wanted to show girls as fiercely independent and self-reliant in films. She says, “I made it a point to choose films where the girl is also pivotal to the plot, where the girl is projected with dignity and power. For me, women have always been agents of change. They have been independent, courageous, caring, pursuers of dreams and the best multitasker you can ever find. I wanted to highlight these facets of a woman by choosing characters that echo this belief system of mine.”

Rani adds, “So, if you see films like Black, Veer Zaara, Mardaani series, Yuva, No One Killed Jessica, Hichki or even my latest film Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, to name a few, the girls I play are central to the plot, the sheroes that people have adored and accepted for being who they are.”

In her last release, Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway (MCVN), Rani again played a feisty woman who took on a country to win back her children. The film was a resounding hit at the box office and it brought back the belief that content cinema could pull in people to theatres in this post-pandemic world. Rani says, “The fact that MCVN is a hit today is because people want to see strong woman protagonists like this on the big screen. There is constant chatter whether women-centric films are box office draws? That concerns me, of course they are box office draws. A film is a hit when producers make money from it and it is not just about how much it collects at the box office because one should also factor in the cost of the film.”

She adds, “There is a lot of misconception about what a hit means and I think people should pay attention to this before passing judgement if a film is profitable. A good film will always bring people to the theatres and their gender has no role to play.”

ALSO READ: Rani Mukerji locks her next film; venture to be directed by Vaibhavi Merchant?

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Ranveer Singh signs with international agency WME, home to Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has signed with the international agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) in all areas globally. The news was reported by Deadline. The agency is home to Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, and Jake Gyllenhaal among others. In 2021, Alia Bhatt signed with the same agency.

Ranveer Singh signs with international agency WME, home to Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Jake Gyllenhaal

The report states that Ranveer Singh has a brand value of $181.7 million. He is also a brand ambassador for many major brands including the NBA (appearing in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in 2022 and 2023), Adidas, PepsiCo, and Abu Dabhi’s Yas Island.

On the work front, Ranveer Singh was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s Cirkus. The actor will now star in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film also stars Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The film is slated for July 28, 2023 release.

ALSO READ: Ranveer Singh steals hearts in first look of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

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Cannes 2023: Anushka Sharma sparkles in Chopard diamonds and a dreamy ruffled gown by Richard Quinn

Even though Indian influencers and celebrities dominated the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, everyone was looking forward to the queen of Bollywood, Anushka Sharma, making her big debut. Anushka Sharma finally arrived in Cannes with L’Oréal Paris towards the end of the event to represent their campaign #WalkYourWorth and put an end to the Internet’s bubbling anticipation while the actor-producer’s big Cannes debut was the subject of much rumour this week.

Cannes 2023: Anushka Sharma sparkles in Chopard diamonds and a dreamy ruffled gown by Richard Quinn

It appears like Anushka Sharma saved the best for last since her submission to the Cannes Film Festival likely crossed the finish line after all and was well worth the wait. She chose an ivory off-shoulder dress from Richard Quinn for her most daring fashion choice, joining a long list of other famous people that attended the Loreal Paris event. Sharma was photographed wearing a cream-colored dress from the ready-to-wear Autumn 2023 collection by British designer Richard Quinn. The straight-cut, creamy satin gown was embellished with geometric and floral embroidered details that closely resembled the Indian style of jaal embroidery. The off-the-shoulder dress featured statement 3-D florals on its shoulder that, due to their sheer size and volume, nearly reached the waist.

Cannes 2023: Anushka Sharma sparkles in Chopard diamonds and a dreamy ruffled gown by Richard Quinn

Styled by Priyanka Kapadia, the actor accessorized minimally in dainty Chopard drop earrings and blingy baubles for the fingers and finished off with silver Gianvito Rossi heeled sandals. Anushka Sharma sparkled in earrings in Fairmined-certified ethical 18ct white gold and yellow gold featuring a pair of pear-shaped yellow diamonds totaling 23.17-carats and 8.03-carats of pear-shaped white diamonds, a ring in 18ct yellow gold featuring a 20.36-carat yellow sapphire, yellow sapphires and diamonds, a ring in Fairmined-certified ethical 18-carat white gold featuring a 5.49-carat oval-shaped diamond and diamonds, all from the Haute Joaillerie Collection, and a diamond ring in ethical 18-carat white gold from the L’Heure du Diamant Collection.

Sharma chose a tight, sleek updo to draw attention to the prominent rosettes on her shoulder. To go with the tenderness the cream of her gown bestowed, she also chose soft brown smokey eyes and a pinkish brown lip. Anushka Sharma’s film festival debut will be remembered for a number of reasons, including the simple yet effective makeup and hair she wore.

SUMMARY OF LOOK DETAILS:

ACTRESS: Anushka Sharma

OUTFIT: Richard Quinn

STYLIST: Priyanka Kapadia

JEWELLERY: Chopard

HAIR: Yianni Tsapatori

MAKE-UP: Puneet B Saini

 

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Also Read: Virat Kohli surprises Anushka Sharma by completing famous “Bread Pakora” scene from Band Baaja Baaraat

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IB 71 Box Office: The film sees best hold for a Vidyut Jammwal starrer in his decade long career as a leading man since Commando

Now that’s one feat that could well have gone unnoticed, if not for the decent holds that it has been maintaining ever since the second week. Believe it or not but IB 71 has actually seen the best collections for a Vidyut Jammwal starrer from second week onwards. For an actor who was first seen as a leading man a decade back with Commando (2013), Vidyut is playing a nice little box office cameo with IB 71 which is set to see a respectable lifetime for itself.

IB 71 Box Office: The film sees best hold for a Vidyut Jammwal starrer in his decade long career as a leading man since Commando

How is that happening? Well, after its first week of Rs. 11.01 crores, the film went on to net Rs. 5.44 crores in the second week and now even in the third week, it has already brought in around Rs. 2.25 crores* more in 4 days, which means it’s looking at a finish of over Rs. 3 crores. Now that would mean a drop of less than 50% compared to the second week.

Let’s take a look at how his other films have fared in their first week and then added more before ending their theatrical runs:

IB 71

First week – Rs. 11.01 crores

Subsequent weeks – Rs. 7.84 crores* (so far)

Lifetime Total – Rs. 18.85 crores* (so far)

Commando

First week – Rs. 17.50 crores

Subsequent weeks – Rs. 3.97 crores

Lifetime Total – Rs. 21.47 crores

Junglee

First week – Rs. 21.20 crores

Subsequent weeks – Rs. 3.23 crores

Lifetime Total – Rs. 24.43 crores

Commando 3

First week – Rs. 29.24 crores

Subsequent weeks – Rs. 3.23 crores

Lifetime Total – Rs. 32.47 crores

Commando 2

First week – Rs. 23.09 crores

Subsequent weeks – Rs. 2 crores

Lifetime Total – Rs. 25.09 crores

Of course, IB 71 is playing on the lower side and other films has done well on the basis of the initials. However, if one looks at absolute numbers, the collections which IB 71 has earned since first week are highest ever for Vidyut Jammwal, as they stand at Rs. 7.84 crores*. The next best is actually his first major release as a hero, Commando, which stands at Rs. 3.97 crores, which shows how well is IB 71 holding up purely on the basis of positive word of mouth.

*Estimates. Final numbers awaited

Note: All collections as per production and distribution sources

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Netflix unveils first teaser of Imtiaz Ali-directed Diljit Dosanjh starrer Amar Singh Chamkila, watch video

Adding to its stellar line-up, Netflix announced its upcoming film Amar Singh Chamkila, starring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra in the lead roles. Directed by Imtiaz Ali the film presents the untold true story of Punjab’s original rockstar of the masses, Amar Singh Chamkila who emerged from the shadows of poverty and rose to the heights of popularity in the 80s due to the sheer power of his music, angering many on the way, which finally led to his assassination at a young age of 27. The highest record-selling artist of his time, Chamkila is still regarded as one of the best live-stage performers that Punjab has ever produced.

Netflix unveils first teaser of Imtiaz Ali-directed Diljit Dosanjh starrer Amar Singh Chamkila, watch video

With the maestro AR Rahman helming the music for the film, the audience will once again get to witness the magic of a Rahman – Imtiaz collaboration. Adding to the excitement, both Diljit and Parineeti have lent their voices to some of the songs.

Director Imtiaz Ali said, “Making Amar Singh Chamkila on the life of the iconic music star of the masses has been a unique journey for me. I could not have asked for better actors than the immensely talented Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra to play in this film, especially since it involves some live singing. The film follows the crazed popularity of Chamkila’s daring songs that society could neither ignore nor swallow. Having Netflix as a partner, I am humbled to take our story to millions of viewers not only in India but around the globe.”

Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films, Netflix India, “Amar Singh Chamkila is set to be a huge film for Netflix India and collaborating with the talent attached to the title has been truly rewarding. Our partnership with Imitiaz Ali on the provocative personality and story of Chamkila has been an exhilarating process. Netflix’s focus is to bring stories from across India to our local audiences and we’re confident that the magnetism of this story will also pique the interest of the film-loving audiences around the world. The enigmatic performances of Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra, and music from the maestro AR Rahman make this an unmissable watch.”

Talking about the film, actor Diljit Dosanjh said, “Playing Amar Singh Chamkila has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, and I am thrilled to be returning to Netflix with yet another exciting story. It has been a pleasure to work with Parineeti and the entire team that has worked extremely hard to bring this beautiful story to life. To be able to sing to Rahman sir’s exemplary music was a meditative experience and I hope I have been able to do justice to his vision. Thank you Imtiaz for believing in me for this role.”

Actor Parineeti Chopra added, “It is a privilege to play Amarjot, Chamkila’s singing partner and wife in this incredible film and I am truly grateful to Imtiaz sir for this opportunity. Sharing the screen with Diljit has been an immensely enriching experience. For me, singing is a passion and collaborating with the legendary AR Rahman has been a long-awaited dream. With Netflix’s global platform, I believe our film will touch hearts far and wide, allowing Chamkila’s inspiring tale to resonate with fans worldwide.”

The film is produced by Mohit Choudhary, Select Media Holdings LLP, Saregama and Reliance Entertainment.

ALSO READ: Diljit Dosanjh meets Pakistani actor Hamza Sohail of Fairy Tale fame, see photo

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EXCLUSIVE: Sameer Khan to play parallel lead in Arjun Bijlani starrer Shiv Shakti on Zee TV

Television actor Sameer Khan has been roped in to play the parallel lead role in Zee TV’s new show Shiv Shakti. A day ago, it was reported that Bhavika Sharma has been cast in the series as the female lead. Arjun Bijlani is the male lead of the upcoming TV series.

EXCLUSIVE: Sameer Khan to play parallel lead in Arjun Bijlani starrer Shiv Shakti on Zee TV

The show will be produced by Prateek Sharma’s Studio LSD. They have earlier produced shows like Rabb Se Hai Dua, Radha Mohan, Beyhadh 2, Ek Deewana Tha, Sufiyana Pyaar Mera, Bahu Begum, and more.

On the work front, Sameer Khan has done a slew of TV projects including Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali, Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani, Ek Ghar Banaunga, Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey among others. 

ALSO READ: Maddam Sir star Bhavika Sharma to star opposite Arjun Bijlani in Zee TV’s new show Shiv Shakti

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Apoorva Lakhia reveals producers asked him to replace Vivek Oberoi from Shootout at Lokhandwala: “I am not hiring any person for his personality”

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi’s infamous feud with Salman Khan is known to all. The actor was in a public spat with the superstar due to which it was believed that he was allegedly boycotted from the industry and no work opportunities came his way. In 2003, Vivek claimed that Salman had called him 41 times and even made threats to his life. However, this statement led to impact Oberoi negatively as he allegedly lost out on many projects. Filmmaker Apoorva Lakhia recently said that producers had called him to replace Oberoi when he cast him in Shootout at Lokhandwala. He said only Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Sanjay Gupta supported him at the time.

Apoorva Lakhia reveals producers asked him to replace Vivek Oberoi from Shootout at Lokhandwala: “I am not hiring any person for his personality”

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Apoorva said, “At that time when I casted Vivek, a lot of producers called me and said ‘Replace him or we won’t work with you.’ But I had given a commitment to Vivek, so how do you go back from a commitment? And Sanju sir supported me, Suniel Shetty supported me, Sanjay Gupta supported me. So if there are guys are supporting me, I thought why should I think about the future? If Shootout became a hit, whoever rejected me will come back.”

He added, “But Vivek was a good actor. Whatever he did was wrong, he shouldn’t have done it, but that does not mean he is not talented. I am hiring for his acting abilities. I am not hiring any person for his personality. He is a professional and he was really good when I was reading with him. I think he did a fantastic job.”

Shootout in Lokhandwala also starred Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty and Arbaaz Khan along with Tusshar Kapoor, Rohit Roy, Aditya Lakhia, Shabbir Ahluwalia, and Amitabh Bachchan.

ALSO READ: 20 Years Of Saathiya EXCLUSIVE: Vivek Oberoi reveals that the film was “supposed to maybe star Abhishek Bachchan and Preity Zinta”

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