Tag: Fawad Khan

  • India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    NEW DELHI: Even as PEMRA’s ban on Indian content looms, the Indian Government has made it clear that it will not create any impediment for the release of producer-director Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ starring popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, among others.

    It is just a matter of a few hours when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra’s) order issued on 19 October banning all Indian content on Pakistan media will come into force.

    PEMRA’s order is directed at all FM radio licence holders, landing right holders, and satellite television channels operating in Pakistan. The authority has threatened defaulters with punitive legal action.

    But, India’s home minister Rajnath Singh has assured smooth release of Fawad Khan-starring movie in India while talking to film producer Mukesh Bhatt who is also the president of the Film and TV Producers Guild of India.

    After the meeting with the minister in Delhi, Bhatt said, “Rajnathji said he will speak to the chief minister of every state, and assured that ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will release without any violence or issue.”

    The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a breakaway faction of the regional saffron brigade, had earlier said they would not allow release of any film featuring Pakistani artistes.

    The Indian Guild had subsequently passed a resolution asking the Government to ensure that films that were either ready for release or were under production and featured Pakistani artistes should be allowed.

    Bhatt and Apoorva Mehta from Johar’s Dharma Productions had met the minister in Delhi to discuss the smooth release of the upcoming film. To a question about a ban of Indian films in Pakistan, Bhatt told newspersons that it did not make any difference to India since most Indian films shown in Pakistan were pirated.

    Johar had earlier appealed against stalling the release, saying he would not engage with talent from Pakistan in future.

    MNS continued their protests as the party rejected Johar’s statement that he will not “engage with talent” from Pakistan in future.

    The Maharashtra government has, however, assured protection to cinemas where the film will be screened from Diwali weekend.

  • India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    NEW DELHI: Even as PEMRA’s ban on Indian content looms, the Indian Government has made it clear that it will not create any impediment for the release of producer-director Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ starring popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, among others.

    It is just a matter of a few hours when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra’s) order issued on 19 October banning all Indian content on Pakistan media will come into force.

    PEMRA’s order is directed at all FM radio licence holders, landing right holders, and satellite television channels operating in Pakistan. The authority has threatened defaulters with punitive legal action.

    But, India’s home minister Rajnath Singh has assured smooth release of Fawad Khan-starring movie in India while talking to film producer Mukesh Bhatt who is also the president of the Film and TV Producers Guild of India.

    After the meeting with the minister in Delhi, Bhatt said, “Rajnathji said he will speak to the chief minister of every state, and assured that ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will release without any violence or issue.”

    The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a breakaway faction of the regional saffron brigade, had earlier said they would not allow release of any film featuring Pakistani artistes.

    The Indian Guild had subsequently passed a resolution asking the Government to ensure that films that were either ready for release or were under production and featured Pakistani artistes should be allowed.

    Bhatt and Apoorva Mehta from Johar’s Dharma Productions had met the minister in Delhi to discuss the smooth release of the upcoming film. To a question about a ban of Indian films in Pakistan, Bhatt told newspersons that it did not make any difference to India since most Indian films shown in Pakistan were pirated.

    Johar had earlier appealed against stalling the release, saying he would not engage with talent from Pakistan in future.

    MNS continued their protests as the party rejected Johar’s statement that he will not “engage with talent” from Pakistan in future.

    The Maharashtra government has, however, assured protection to cinemas where the film will be screened from Diwali weekend.

  • Uri reaction: Zee considers dropping Pak shows from Zindagi

    Uri reaction: Zee considers dropping Pak shows from Zindagi

    MUMBAI: It makes sense, nationalism-wise. But, does it make sense, business-wise? An unexpected yet ideal tweet by media baron Subhash Chandra has catalysed a hot debate whether film actors from a hostile country should be allowed to earn millions working in the Indian film industry. His tweet follows in the footsteps of a political party sloganeering that Pakistan artistes working in India had better look for greener pastures elsewhere.

    In his tweet, Chandra says, “Unfortunate stance of Mia Sharif at UN. Zee is considering stopping Zindagi programs from Pak, as well as artistes from there should leave.” Chandra’s reaction comes in the wake of a recent attack on the Indian forces by Pakistan-trained terrorists in Uri (Jammu and Kashmir) that left 18 army men dead. He is the chairman of India’s leading entertainment company as well as a member of the upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha.

    Chandra has all along been making attempts to act as a bridge between India and Pakistan by himself or through his media empire. He even had meetings with the Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Shariff around two years ago when he launched Zindagi. At that stage, his son as well as Zeel MD & CEO Punit Goenka had tweeted: “Jodey Dilon Ko: Chairman Sh Subhash Chandra in conversation with Pakistan PM NawazSharif at the launch of @ZeeZindagiTV”

    Zee Zindagi was positioned as a channel differentiated from the rest of the GECs as it offered a bunch of popular Pakistani TV shows which it had acquired from channels in the green flag nation. The purpose: give a ‘hungry for variety’ Indian audience a chance to engage with finite TV shows, shot with a focus on scripting and different dramatization.

    Some of the Pakistani artistes who rose to fame and got work in the film industry figure are: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Imran Abbas, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

    Zeel had earlier announced a revamp of the channel from 3 October and changed its slogan from ‘Jode Dilo ko’ to ‘Yeh Lamha Hi Hai Zindagi.’

    Earlier this year, Chandra had taken another step towards promoting Indo-Pak unity with an initiative called Zeal For Unity (ZFU). Through ZFU, ZEEL brought together 12 filmmakers, six each from India and Pakistan, and funded their one-hour shorts, which were showcased across platforms like film festivals, television, theatre and digital under the ZFU initiative.

    Questions that are being asked include whether Chandra will back his tweet with decisive action by pulling off all of Zindagi’s Pakistani content. Or, whether he was just posting his tweet at an emotional moment? Or, whether he had already decided to drop shows provided to it commercially by producers and broadcasters in the neighbouring state earlier, and was just latching on to the being-nationalistic opportunity.

    Other questions that are being raised include whether other media houses will follow suit? Will they yank Pakistani content and artistes off their programmes? Will they air trailers featuring them? One can only wait and watch how this unravels.

  • Uri reaction: Zee considers dropping Pak shows from Zindagi

    Uri reaction: Zee considers dropping Pak shows from Zindagi

    MUMBAI: It makes sense, nationalism-wise. But, does it make sense, business-wise? An unexpected yet ideal tweet by media baron Subhash Chandra has catalysed a hot debate whether film actors from a hostile country should be allowed to earn millions working in the Indian film industry. His tweet follows in the footsteps of a political party sloganeering that Pakistan artistes working in India had better look for greener pastures elsewhere.

    In his tweet, Chandra says, “Unfortunate stance of Mia Sharif at UN. Zee is considering stopping Zindagi programs from Pak, as well as artistes from there should leave.” Chandra’s reaction comes in the wake of a recent attack on the Indian forces by Pakistan-trained terrorists in Uri (Jammu and Kashmir) that left 18 army men dead. He is the chairman of India’s leading entertainment company as well as a member of the upper house of parliament, the Rajya Sabha.

    Chandra has all along been making attempts to act as a bridge between India and Pakistan by himself or through his media empire. He even had meetings with the Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Shariff around two years ago when he launched Zindagi. At that stage, his son as well as Zeel MD & CEO Punit Goenka had tweeted: “Jodey Dilon Ko: Chairman Sh Subhash Chandra in conversation with Pakistan PM NawazSharif at the launch of @ZeeZindagiTV”

    Zee Zindagi was positioned as a channel differentiated from the rest of the GECs as it offered a bunch of popular Pakistani TV shows which it had acquired from channels in the green flag nation. The purpose: give a ‘hungry for variety’ Indian audience a chance to engage with finite TV shows, shot with a focus on scripting and different dramatization.

    Some of the Pakistani artistes who rose to fame and got work in the film industry figure are: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Ali Zafar, Imran Abbas, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

    Zeel had earlier announced a revamp of the channel from 3 October and changed its slogan from ‘Jode Dilo ko’ to ‘Yeh Lamha Hi Hai Zindagi.’

    Earlier this year, Chandra had taken another step towards promoting Indo-Pak unity with an initiative called Zeal For Unity (ZFU). Through ZFU, ZEEL brought together 12 filmmakers, six each from India and Pakistan, and funded their one-hour shorts, which were showcased across platforms like film festivals, television, theatre and digital under the ZFU initiative.

    Questions that are being asked include whether Chandra will back his tweet with decisive action by pulling off all of Zindagi’s Pakistani content. Or, whether he was just posting his tweet at an emotional moment? Or, whether he had already decided to drop shows provided to it commercially by producers and broadcasters in the neighbouring state earlier, and was just latching on to the being-nationalistic opportunity.

    Other questions that are being raised include whether other media houses will follow suit? Will they yank Pakistani content and artistes off their programmes? Will they air trailers featuring them? One can only wait and watch how this unravels.

  • Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend to air on Colors on 10 July

    Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend to air on Colors on 10 July

    MUMBAI: The most awaited Bollywood extravaganza, Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend is all set to woo the viewers with its official television telecast. The evening of glitz and glamour brought together by Videocon and IIFA has raised the heat for its viewers with some mind blowing and scintillating performances. Hosts Shahid Kapoor and multi-talented Farhan Akhtar took the audience on a laughter riot with their everlasting wit and humor. From the glamorous stars that graced the green carpet to the crazy fans following for selfies, it truly was an affair to remember.

    In its 8-year long-standing relationship, Videocon and IIFA have been growing from strength to strength, delivering nothing but excellence. Right from their inception, both have striven to deliver the best to a larger spectrum of audience. Both believe in constant innovation, adding variety and evolving in the field of entertainment.

    Speaking on the occasion Videocon director Anirudh Dhoot, Director said, “It is an honor for us to present the IIFA Weekend for the 8th consecutive year. Videocon and IIFA share a bond that strengthens with each passing year. We look forward to adding many more years of togetherness and constant innovation, bringing in variety and evolving in the field of entertainment.”

    This year at IIFA Weekend, Videocon showcased its commitment to deliver the best of technologies. Familiarizing the audience to its latest offering, heartthrob Fawad Khan and Karan Johar introduced the audience to Videocon Aryabot. The first Satellite AC, Aryabot runs on a platform that enables the device to align itself to one’s usage patterns and preferences, surveillances home and office premises, talks out the commands to the AC, and keeps check on power consumption on its own, besides various other intelligent features like auto-trouble shooting and auto call logging to the nearest service center.

    Watch the action on Colors on 10 July, 18:00 hrs onwards.

    List of the IIFA Award Winners

    • Best Story- Juhi Chaturvedi from Piku
    • Best Performance in a Leading role (Male) Award – Ranveer Singh from Bajirao Mastani
    • Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Award – Deepika Padukone from Piku
    • Best Direction- Sanjay Leela Bhansali from Bajirao Mastani
    • Best Picture- Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Producers – Salman Khan, Rockline Venkatesh
    • Debut Male- Vicky Kaushal for Masaan
    • Debut Female- Bhoomi Pednekar for Dum Laga Ke Haisha
    • Best Lyric Writer: – Varun Grover for Dum laga Ke Haisha in the film Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
    • Best Female Playback Singer Award is Monali Thakur for Dum Laga Ke Haisha for the film Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
    • Best Male Playback Singer Award: is Papon for Moh Moh Ke Dhaage in the film Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
    • Best Music Direction- ‘Roy’ Meet Bros, Anjjan, Ankit Tiwari, Amaal Mallik
    • Best Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee for Bajirao Mastani
    • Best Screenplay: Kabir Khan, Parveez Shaikh, V. Vijayendra Prasad for Bajrangi Bhaijaan
    • Best Editing: A Sreekar Prasad for Talvar
    • Best Performance in a Comic Role Award: – Male Deepak Dobriyal from Tanu Weds Manu Returns
    • Best Performance in Negative role Award – Darshan Kumar for NH 10
    • IIFA Jodi of the Year- Athiya Shetty & Sooraj Pancholi
    • Best Performance in a Supporting role (Male) Award – Anil Kapoor from Dil Dhadakne Do
    • Best Performance in a Supporting role (Female) Award: – Priyanka Chopra from Bajirao Mastani
    • IIFA Woman of the Year- Priyanka Chopra

  • Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend to air on Colors on 10 July

    Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend to air on Colors on 10 July

    MUMBAI: The most awaited Bollywood extravaganza, Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend is all set to woo the viewers with its official television telecast. The evening of glitz and glamour brought together by Videocon and IIFA has raised the heat for its viewers with some mind blowing and scintillating performances. Hosts Shahid Kapoor and multi-talented Farhan Akhtar took the audience on a laughter riot with their everlasting wit and humor. From the glamorous stars that graced the green carpet to the crazy fans following for selfies, it truly was an affair to remember.

    In its 8-year long-standing relationship, Videocon and IIFA have been growing from strength to strength, delivering nothing but excellence. Right from their inception, both have striven to deliver the best to a larger spectrum of audience. Both believe in constant innovation, adding variety and evolving in the field of entertainment.

    Speaking on the occasion Videocon director Anirudh Dhoot, Director said, “It is an honor for us to present the IIFA Weekend for the 8th consecutive year. Videocon and IIFA share a bond that strengthens with each passing year. We look forward to adding many more years of togetherness and constant innovation, bringing in variety and evolving in the field of entertainment.”

    This year at IIFA Weekend, Videocon showcased its commitment to deliver the best of technologies. Familiarizing the audience to its latest offering, heartthrob Fawad Khan and Karan Johar introduced the audience to Videocon Aryabot. The first Satellite AC, Aryabot runs on a platform that enables the device to align itself to one’s usage patterns and preferences, surveillances home and office premises, talks out the commands to the AC, and keeps check on power consumption on its own, besides various other intelligent features like auto-trouble shooting and auto call logging to the nearest service center.

    Watch the action on Colors on 10 July, 18:00 hrs onwards.

    List of the IIFA Award Winners

    • Best Story- Juhi Chaturvedi from Piku
    • Best Performance in a Leading role (Male) Award – Ranveer Singh from Bajirao Mastani
    • Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) Award – Deepika Padukone from Piku
    • Best Direction- Sanjay Leela Bhansali from Bajirao Mastani
    • Best Picture- Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Producers – Salman Khan, Rockline Venkatesh
    • Debut Male- Vicky Kaushal for Masaan
    • Debut Female- Bhoomi Pednekar for Dum Laga Ke Haisha
    • Best Lyric Writer: – Varun Grover for Dum laga Ke Haisha in the film Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
    • Best Female Playback Singer Award is Monali Thakur for Dum Laga Ke Haisha for the film Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
    • Best Male Playback Singer Award: is Papon for Moh Moh Ke Dhaage in the film Moh Moh Ke Dhaage
    • Best Music Direction- ‘Roy’ Meet Bros, Anjjan, Ankit Tiwari, Amaal Mallik
    • Best Cinematography: Sudeep Chatterjee for Bajirao Mastani
    • Best Screenplay: Kabir Khan, Parveez Shaikh, V. Vijayendra Prasad for Bajrangi Bhaijaan
    • Best Editing: A Sreekar Prasad for Talvar
    • Best Performance in a Comic Role Award: – Male Deepak Dobriyal from Tanu Weds Manu Returns
    • Best Performance in Negative role Award – Darshan Kumar for NH 10
    • IIFA Jodi of the Year- Athiya Shetty & Sooraj Pancholi
    • Best Performance in a Supporting role (Male) Award – Anil Kapoor from Dil Dhadakne Do
    • Best Performance in a Supporting role (Female) Award: – Priyanka Chopra from Bajirao Mastani
    • IIFA Woman of the Year- Priyanka Chopra

  • IIFA Awards prepped up for glamorous night; tickets available for IIFA Rocks

    IIFA Awards prepped up for glamorous night; tickets available for IIFA Rocks

    MUMBAI: The most spectacular celebration of Indian Cinema worldwide, the 17 Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend 2016, which is all set to be held in the capital city of Spain- Madrid from 23 to 26 June 2016 has received an unprecedented response from the fans of Bollywood across the globe. As the excitement is growing with each passing day, it is no surprise that the tickets for the NEXA IIFA Awards 2016 are already sold-out in less than 3 weeks!

    If you’ve missed the chance to grab a seat for the grand awards night, you can still book tickets for IIFA ROCKS which is certainly the greatest musical entertainment extravaganza! Hosted by Bollywood’s multitalented personality Karan Johar, along with heart-throbFawad Khan, the IIFA ROCKS stage will include a plethora of musical names such as noted Music Director-Composer-Singer Pritam, Singing duo Meet Brothers featuringKanika Kapoor with Benny Dayal and Neeti Mohan. National-award winner Monali Thakur and Papon too will be performing and Bollywood’s leading lady Parineeti Chopraand actor Sooraj Pancholi will also join the stellar-line up.

    Alongside the gamut of musical acts and dance performances, the distinguished Indian fashion designer Vikram Phadnis will showcase a breathtaking fashion show marking his 25 years in the fashion industry. IIFA Rocks will also be attended and enjoyed by a number of stars, including Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Shilpa Shetty and many more.

    Over the years, the highly-anticipated Bollywood extravaganza, IIFA Weekend & Awards, has been known to be a truly engaging experience for all. As this year, the show will be hosted in Madrid for the first time, the event will surely be a unique experience for the city as Bollywood fans will get to see some of their favorite celebrities descend to the city and get a chance to witness a glamorous night to get the chance to experience firsthand the magic of Indian cinema.

    For those who want the ultimate experience to live like a star at the VideonD2h IIFA Weekend, the organizers have also announced special sales of 100 exclusive VIP hospitality packages. For more details on VIP hospitality packages log onto www.iifa.com or email viphospitality@iifa.com.

  • IIFA Awards prepped up for glamorous night; tickets available for IIFA Rocks

    IIFA Awards prepped up for glamorous night; tickets available for IIFA Rocks

    MUMBAI: The most spectacular celebration of Indian Cinema worldwide, the 17 Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend 2016, which is all set to be held in the capital city of Spain- Madrid from 23 to 26 June 2016 has received an unprecedented response from the fans of Bollywood across the globe. As the excitement is growing with each passing day, it is no surprise that the tickets for the NEXA IIFA Awards 2016 are already sold-out in less than 3 weeks!

    If you’ve missed the chance to grab a seat for the grand awards night, you can still book tickets for IIFA ROCKS which is certainly the greatest musical entertainment extravaganza! Hosted by Bollywood’s multitalented personality Karan Johar, along with heart-throbFawad Khan, the IIFA ROCKS stage will include a plethora of musical names such as noted Music Director-Composer-Singer Pritam, Singing duo Meet Brothers featuringKanika Kapoor with Benny Dayal and Neeti Mohan. National-award winner Monali Thakur and Papon too will be performing and Bollywood’s leading lady Parineeti Chopraand actor Sooraj Pancholi will also join the stellar-line up.

    Alongside the gamut of musical acts and dance performances, the distinguished Indian fashion designer Vikram Phadnis will showcase a breathtaking fashion show marking his 25 years in the fashion industry. IIFA Rocks will also be attended and enjoyed by a number of stars, including Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Anil Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Dia Mirza, Shilpa Shetty and many more.

    Over the years, the highly-anticipated Bollywood extravaganza, IIFA Weekend & Awards, has been known to be a truly engaging experience for all. As this year, the show will be hosted in Madrid for the first time, the event will surely be a unique experience for the city as Bollywood fans will get to see some of their favorite celebrities descend to the city and get a chance to witness a glamorous night to get the chance to experience firsthand the magic of Indian cinema.

    For those who want the ultimate experience to live like a star at the VideonD2h IIFA Weekend, the organizers have also announced special sales of 100 exclusive VIP hospitality packages. For more details on VIP hospitality packages log onto www.iifa.com or email viphospitality@iifa.com.

  • Kapoor & Sons full of good performances, but will World T20 mar its box office?

    Kapoor & Sons full of good performances, but will World T20 mar its box office?

    MUMBAI: Kapoor& Sons is a family drama. One can slot it as a contemporary family drama extending to three generations. The title of the film does not quite convey the theme as it unfolds on the screen. It is about a dysfunctional family where just about everybody is at crossroads and has a reason to grudge the other, except the fun-loving patriarch, Rishi Kapoor. 

    Rishi Kapoor, an ex-army man, has settled in the picturesque hill station of Coonoor in the South with his elder son, Rajat Kapoor, and daughter in law, Ratna Pathak. On the verge of his 90th birthday, Rishi Kapoor wishes that his two grandsons, Fawad Khan and Sidharth Malhotra join him. While, Fawad is a successful writer based in London, Sidharth tends a bar in New Jersey while also aspiring to be a writer. This also sort of establishes that the two brothers are poles apart. 

    Fawad is Mr Proper and organized, Sidharth is a drifter who can’t stick to one task. He lives an uncharted life. Both plan to land in India at about the same time and head to Coonoor. Rishi Kapoor has this habit of faking his death. But, when the brothers reach, Rishi Kapoor is actually admitted into a hospital having suffered a heart attack. He is heavily made-up to look 90, and that takes some time accepting for a viewer. 

    As you go along, you see the difference in the way the brothers are treated, especially by Ratna and Rajat; Fawad gets most of the attention and priority in everything. Sidharth catches up with an old friend and, through him, meets Alia Bhatt. Alia is an orphan having lost both her parents in a plane crash. She is in Coonoor to deal with her family property. Fawad visits her property and meets Alia. Out on a dinner date with Fawad, Alia ends up kissing him. However, she spends most of her time with Sidharth and finds his company more comforting.

    Sidharth and Alia exchange notes and he tells her about how the manuscript of his book resembled Fawad’s bestseller. He is not ready to believe this was a coincidence. The gap widens between brothers when Alia confesses to kissing Fawad.

    In this family, the brothers are not the only ones at war. Rajat and Ratna are always at loggerheads too. Rajat’s business is in doldrums and he has added to the problems by getting involved with another woman. Everything comes together to spoil the 90th birthday celebrations of the patriarch. Kapoor may be 90 but his interest in women is intact and his pinup girl is Mandakini under a waterfall in film Ram Teri Ganga Maili. He relishes sweets, which he is barred from, porn films and an occasional puff of pot.

    When the skeletons start coming out of the closet, it creates rifts between brothers, mother and ends up costing the life of one. 

    Kapoor& Sons breezes through its first half, but the attempt to cram too much into the second half makes it heavy as well as jerky, as attention shifts from one character to another. There is a sort of happy ending as the family comes together once again on Kapoor’s request but it is not all that happy a moment as Kapoor has not only lost a family member, but also his verve and humour.

    The film gives the feeling of being stretched. Except for Kapoor’s earlier exploits, there is little to entertain. Besides, music too does not help. The romance is kind of there and not there. ShakunBatra’s direction is generally good as he tries to keep this a real life kind of narration. The dialogue is effective. Shot on lush Coonoor locations, visually the film is pleasing.

    Actually, this film is all about performances. While all the actors playing the main characters excel, Fawad gets the best part to play, which adds to his fan following. Rishi Kapoor, being the only one providing light moments, is very good. Sidharth, Alia, Rajat and Ratna too do well.
    Kapoor & Sons is a slow starter. Its appeal will be limited to a certain section of audience with single screen patrons ruled out. World T20 is bound to affect its prospects, especially during India Pakistan tie on 19th.

    Producers: HirooYashJohar, Karan Johar.

    Director: ShakunBatra

    Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak, Rajat Kapoor.

  • Kapoor & Sons full of good performances, but will World T20 mar its box office?

    Kapoor & Sons full of good performances, but will World T20 mar its box office?

    MUMBAI: Kapoor& Sons is a family drama. One can slot it as a contemporary family drama extending to three generations. The title of the film does not quite convey the theme as it unfolds on the screen. It is about a dysfunctional family where just about everybody is at crossroads and has a reason to grudge the other, except the fun-loving patriarch, Rishi Kapoor. 

    Rishi Kapoor, an ex-army man, has settled in the picturesque hill station of Coonoor in the South with his elder son, Rajat Kapoor, and daughter in law, Ratna Pathak. On the verge of his 90th birthday, Rishi Kapoor wishes that his two grandsons, Fawad Khan and Sidharth Malhotra join him. While, Fawad is a successful writer based in London, Sidharth tends a bar in New Jersey while also aspiring to be a writer. This also sort of establishes that the two brothers are poles apart. 

    Fawad is Mr Proper and organized, Sidharth is a drifter who can’t stick to one task. He lives an uncharted life. Both plan to land in India at about the same time and head to Coonoor. Rishi Kapoor has this habit of faking his death. But, when the brothers reach, Rishi Kapoor is actually admitted into a hospital having suffered a heart attack. He is heavily made-up to look 90, and that takes some time accepting for a viewer. 

    As you go along, you see the difference in the way the brothers are treated, especially by Ratna and Rajat; Fawad gets most of the attention and priority in everything. Sidharth catches up with an old friend and, through him, meets Alia Bhatt. Alia is an orphan having lost both her parents in a plane crash. She is in Coonoor to deal with her family property. Fawad visits her property and meets Alia. Out on a dinner date with Fawad, Alia ends up kissing him. However, she spends most of her time with Sidharth and finds his company more comforting.

    Sidharth and Alia exchange notes and he tells her about how the manuscript of his book resembled Fawad’s bestseller. He is not ready to believe this was a coincidence. The gap widens between brothers when Alia confesses to kissing Fawad.

    In this family, the brothers are not the only ones at war. Rajat and Ratna are always at loggerheads too. Rajat’s business is in doldrums and he has added to the problems by getting involved with another woman. Everything comes together to spoil the 90th birthday celebrations of the patriarch. Kapoor may be 90 but his interest in women is intact and his pinup girl is Mandakini under a waterfall in film Ram Teri Ganga Maili. He relishes sweets, which he is barred from, porn films and an occasional puff of pot.

    When the skeletons start coming out of the closet, it creates rifts between brothers, mother and ends up costing the life of one. 

    Kapoor& Sons breezes through its first half, but the attempt to cram too much into the second half makes it heavy as well as jerky, as attention shifts from one character to another. There is a sort of happy ending as the family comes together once again on Kapoor’s request but it is not all that happy a moment as Kapoor has not only lost a family member, but also his verve and humour.

    The film gives the feeling of being stretched. Except for Kapoor’s earlier exploits, there is little to entertain. Besides, music too does not help. The romance is kind of there and not there. ShakunBatra’s direction is generally good as he tries to keep this a real life kind of narration. The dialogue is effective. Shot on lush Coonoor locations, visually the film is pleasing.

    Actually, this film is all about performances. While all the actors playing the main characters excel, Fawad gets the best part to play, which adds to his fan following. Rishi Kapoor, being the only one providing light moments, is very good. Sidharth, Alia, Rajat and Ratna too do well.
    Kapoor & Sons is a slow starter. Its appeal will be limited to a certain section of audience with single screen patrons ruled out. World T20 is bound to affect its prospects, especially during India Pakistan tie on 19th.

    Producers: HirooYashJohar, Karan Johar.

    Director: ShakunBatra

    Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak, Rajat Kapoor.