Bangalore Days - 2nd Biggest grosser of All time !!

Bangalore Days - 2nd Biggest grosser of All time !!

Bangalore Days finally over took Mayamohini & T20 to reach 2nd spot (from 4th) in the list of all time biggest Malayalam grossers, a table lead by Drishyam which is miles a head. According to latest reports the film has grossed about 25 crores with distributors share crossing 10 crores mark. In the rest of Kerala, Overseas markets also its the 2nd biggest grosser following Drishyam, but the gap here is not as huge as its the case in Kerala, thanks to the presence of subtitle and lack of competition from other language movies. Drishyam had to battle with Dhoom 3, Jilla, Veeram, Jai Ho etc during its Outside Kerala run. BD has crossed Drishyam in Hyderabad, where the film had extraordinary run, and is still playing there, which is unbeleivable. The film has also beaten Drishyam in selected markets outside Kerala like UK. Even though exact reports from other locations are not available according to a leading distributor BD will not be crossing Drishyam considering Rest Of India & Overseas final total. 

The collections for Bangalore Days hit rock bottom during the Ramzan fasting period, but most of the screens chose to continued with the film due to lack of options. But the film has picked up since EID, largely thanks to the not so encouraging reports for EID releases. The film might add couple of more crores to its kitty and wind up under 30 crores.

 With 2 record breakers inside 6 months its booming time for Malayalam films, especially in outside Kerala markets.

Top 5 Grossers

1. Drishyam

2. Bangalore Days*

3. Twenty 20*

4. Maya Mohini

5. Classmates*

* - Multistarers

Bangalore Days - All Songs Copied ??

 Bangalore Days - All Songs Copied ??

Is what the Facebook page  'Cut Copy Paste' is asking the viewers. The video edited and uploaded by the group brings 3 of the songs from the movie and the much appreciated climax BG under the spotlight. Gopi Sunder songs have always been accused of being inspired from other versions and the video also has his explanation to why he do that, sometimes on purpose... !!! Social Media activists have given him the nickname Copy Sunder, but copied or not his songs and BG have worked most of the times. 




Check the video here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=682699545137077

The longer version of climax BG and its original can be found in youtube.

61st Idea Filmfare Awards (South) - Celebrity Gallery

Image Credits: Filmfare @ Twitter

Kerala Box Office - 2014 Half Year Exclusive Report

Kerala Box Office - 2014 Half Year Exclusive Report

6 Months into 2014, lets look at how how Kerala Box Office performed so far this year. Total 91 Malayalam film released till June 27th including 10 Dubbed ones. The Top grossers are

1. Bangalore Days

The first blockbuster of the year is the mega multi starrer Bangalore Days. The film is also the first and biggest success in Malayalam by a Women Film Director. With Ramzan fasting beginning from tomorrow June 29th) it will be interesting to see whether the film will beat Mayamohini & T20 to grab the 3rd or 2nd biggest hit of all time title.The film is a huge success in 'Rest of India' markets too grossing around 6 crores, becoming the 2nd biggest hit following Drishyam.

Gross - 19.61 crore in 29 Days 

Distributors Share - 8.64 crore

2. Ring Master

Another summer vacation, another Dileep hit. The film was made for ladies and Kids and it worked out well thanks to the target audience. As usual critics thrashed it and mass audience accepted it. The film didn't take a great opening but sustained through out as the Vishu releases slowly faded out.

Gross - 14.56 crore 75 days

Distributors Share - 6.15 crore

3. How Old Are You HOAY

Ladies were queuing up for the film from FDFS. Even though competition with Mr Fraud hurt the film in the initial days later the film picked up as Fraud went down. Thanks to the strong support from Family, especially Women, audience the film attained Super hit status. Its also the biggest grossing Women oriented film in Malayalam.

Gross 12.25 crore 42 days

 Distributors Share - 5.15 crore 

4. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana OSO

2014 is a rare year for Mollywood as two Women oriented film attained huge success, first OSO, then HOAY. The film made Nazriya a household name and the most popular Malayalam actress since Manju Warrier, looking at the response she is getting in theaters.

 Gross - About 10 crores

5. Mr Fraud

The film took a thunderous opening and had the biggest 1st week of the year (which BD later broke). Fighting social media activists and critics the film attained success thanks to the mega opening. Unlike Grandmaster the film was a disappointment at Outside Kerala markets. 

Gross - about 9.5 crore

 Distributors Share - 4.25 crore

6. Jilla

Film featuring 2 of the biggest mass super stars @ Kerala Box office raked in 2.63 crore, the biggest ever, on day 1. But the insignificant role Mohanlal got proved to be a curse for the film. The Drishyam Tsunami also affected it greatly as the film couldn't create life time records as far as Tamil films are concerned.

Gross - about 9.5 crore

 Distributors Share - 3.5 crore 

7. 7th Day

The film surprisingly took a huge opening, Prithviraj's biggest, despite low key promotions and not even a trailer being released.  The film got mixed reviews and couldn't sustain the early momentum.

Gross - 9-9.5crore

Distributors Share - about 3.75 crore

8. 1983 

The film got tremendous reviews which helped the film which began in a low key manner to acheive HIT status in the long run. The successful run of Nivin Pauly in 2014 began with this film.

Gross 7.5 crore

Maan Karate - the biggest Tamil hit of 2014 so far, in Kerala,  based on Returns on Investment. The rights were purchased for 15 lakhs and the total gross is about 1 crore. 

Among dubbed films Bhaiyya (Yevadu) was average while Lucky The Racer (Race Gurram) did above average business, while all others where wash outs.

Among Hindi films 2 States was a huge hit, and now Ek Villain took good opening.

Among Hollywood films X-Men Days of Future Past is the biggest hit of 2014 so far.



* Figures are approximate values and may not necessarily be exact. Actual Figures might be slightly different

Bangalore Days - YouTube JukeBox - Official Audio Songs

Bangalore Days - YouTube JukeBox - Official Audio Songs

The links given here are of the songs from the movie 'Bangalore Days' officially uploaded in YouTube by Music247 & Anwar Rasheed Entertainment who owns the copyright.

Ente Kannil Ninakkaai 

Thumbi Penne



Ethu Kari Raavilum
 
   

Nam Ooru Bengaluru

  


Video Songs 

 Wedding Song - Maangalyam  

Thumbi Penne

   

Nam Ooru Bengaluru

 

Bangalore Days - Record Smashing Opening Week - Box Office Report

Like noted in the review the biggest star ensemble since 'T20', 'Usthad Hotel' reunion etc worked out perfectly for 'Bangalore Days'. The film even though had a slow start in small centers all major centers were witnessing mad rush from morning shows. The reviews were also extremely positive. The fact that film catered to the Multiplex-Youth audience, happening after a gap in Mollywood, helped the film as the film grew from strength to strength. The first day was not a record breaker, but definitely was the biggest of the year (Malayalam). The film showed its full potential on Saturday & Sunday helping its way into the biggest opening weekend ever. Despite Schools, Colleges reopening on Monday the drop showed at small centers were covered by the extraordinary trending at major centers and multiplexes. Most of the evening shows Outside Kerala also remained sold out through out the week. With the film covering 90% of the business done by most of the year's top grossers, looks like Bangalore Days in all likely hood will remain the biggest grosser of the year when year-end reports comes out in January [Unless something like a Drishyam happens]

Budget - 9 crore+

Day 1 - 1.61 crore

Opening Weekend - 4.81 crore

5 Days - 6. 70 crore

First Week Gross - 8.45 crore 

First Week Nett -  6.65 crore

Week One Distributors Share - 3.91 crore

Bangalore Days - Malayalam Movie Review

 Bangalore Days - Malayalam Movie Review

Crew

Directed by     Anjali Menon
Produced by     Anwar Rasheed, Sophia Paul
Written by     Anjali Menon
Music by     Gopi Sunder
Cinematography     Sameer Thahir
Editing by     Praveen Prabhakar
Studio     Anwar Rasheed Entertainment. Weekend Blockbusters
Distributed by     A & A Release through August Cinemas
Release dates   May 30, 2014
Running time     171 Minutes
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

Cast

    Dulquer Salmaan as Arjun aka Aju
    Parvathi as RJ Sarah
    Fahadh Faasil as Das
    Nazriya Nazim as Divya Prakash
    Nivin Pauly as Kuttan
    Isha Talwar as Meenakshi
    Nithya Menen as Natasha
    Vijayaraghavan
    Maniyanpilla Raju
    Sajid Yahiya
    Kalpana
    Praveena
    Prathap Pothen
    Vinaya Prasad

One of the biggest multi starrer to release in Mollywood since 'T 20' the BAAP of all Multi starrers. Usthad Hotel team [Anjali Menon, Anwar Rasheed, Dulquer, Gopi Sunder, Nithya] reuniting after 2 years, there were plenty to look forward to 'Bangalore Days'. The trailer, song, posters also increased the expectations.

The basic plot of 'BD' deals with 3 characters, Arjun, Kuttan, Divya, who are not only cousins but thickest of friends. Even though their families have issues and egos between them these 3 gel like anything & were inseparable. In the course of time, like Most of the Malayali youth now a days, the 3 end up in the land of techies, Bangalore, even though for different purposes. Certain characters like Das, Meeenakshi, Sarah enters the lives of these 3. How all these change their character, friendship, attitude toward life etc forms the rest of the story.

'Bangalore Days' is not your typical candy floss youthful romantic film, it deals with complex relations, emotions as well. but if you are expecting a 'Manjadikkuru' or an 'Usthad Hotel' you might be disappointed. The film doesn't have memorable dialogues & the heartwarming scenes are few and far in between. The film in the beginning felt like to feed on the nostalgia of youth, deviates from that path few reels later. The main issue with the film is that its too lengthy and the pace is horribly uneven especially in the second half. Had the length been on the shorter side the emotional sequences, even though few in number, would have had greater impact. The climax was predictable. There are also in brand promotions, few of them prove to be distractions, while few have been used efficiently. Youth might be able to connect more with the film (or those who have gone through such a phase) than others.

Even though made to look like for comic relief its Nivin Pauly's characters and story that makes the film engaging and provides clap/whistle worthy moments and he has done a Good job in that too. What could have been a usual role for Dulquer gets saved with the introduction of Sarah and the story provides few touching moments too and their relationship has been etched out beautifully. Parvathi has done a great job and Dulquer hasn't disappointed either. Fahadh gets scope to perform in the later half, which he does brilliantly. In the initial half he is just confined to look a 'Uninterested husband' and he successfully manages to irritate viewers too. Nazriya too has done a good job a bubbly girl in her early 20s forced to get married and entering the serious business of 'house making'. Nithya in a cameo and Isha in an extended cameo appearances were Okay.

Direction of Anjali Menon was okay Script couldn't meet the promises or expectations her other two films created. Dialogues were good. Cinematography was outstanding. Songs except the wedding song act as speed breakers. There were much expectations from Gopi Sunder's Background score, much more than the songs, due to which it feels tad disappointing. Film should have been shorter by at least 20mins for better box office prospects. But if you have greater patience and come with out expecting a candy floss, through out entertainer or the baggage's of Anjali's previous attempts you might find the time invested worth.

So in all even though it doesn't quite match up to the expectations it created, Bangalore Days is definitely a decent watch, for the performances and some nice touching moments and visual splendor.

Verdict: A Generous, Good

Rating; 3/5

Last Word: Have a feeling that film might appeal more on the 2nd watch

Bangalore Days - All India Theaters List

'Samsaaram Aarogyathinu Haanikaram' is an interesting watch - Malayalam Movie Review

 'Samsaaram Aarogyathinu Haanikaram' - Malayalam Movie Review

Crew

 Directed by     Balaji Mohan
Produced by     S. Sashikanth
Varun Manian
Screenplay by     Balaji Mohan
Story by     Balaji Mohan
Starring     Dulquer Salman
Nazriya Nazim
Music by     Sean Roldan
Cinematography     Soundararajan
Editing by     Abhinav Sunder Nayak
Studio     Y NOT Studios
Radiance Media
Country     India
Language     Malayalam

Cast

    Dulquer Salman as Arvind
    Nazriya Nazim as Anjana
    Madhoo as Sreedevi
    Maniyanpilla Raju as Prabhakaran Thanchappuzha
    Arjunan as Sathish
    John Vijay as Boomesh
    Ramesh Thilak as Ramesh
    Vinu Chakravarthy as Thambidurai
    Chemban Vinod
    Dinesh Nair

 'Thenmala' is a hill range village situated in Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Aravind- a sales rep, who likes to talk a lot, Anjana- a Junior Doctor, who prefers silence, Nulear Star Bhoomesh, his fans who are gathered in the village showing support against the protest organized by Drinkers Association, Prabhakaran- Health Minister, Madhoo- Writer cum house wife & Anjana's step mom, Thambidurai- a rich landlord are the major characters in SAH. Each of them have different kinds, ways and reasons for talking, One day a new kind of disease called 'Dumb Flue' spreads through out the Village which prevents people from talking. What changes happens to these characters when everything gets settled forms the rest of the story.

The story may not be unique but the film do offer a good enough message. So special credits to Balaji Mohan for the daring attempt. Watched the film after reading many reviews about both SAH and Vaayai Moodi Pesavum, its Tamil version, which were extremely contrasting. So went to watch the film with a clean mind and was some what satisfied with the output. 

'Talking' can solve almost all problems, people sitting up with their egos bottled up and refusing to talk are the root cause for most issues is what the film is trying to tell us. The director uses candy floss romance, satire etc to deliver the message, which is where the film falters a bit. Sticking entirely to a satire format would have worked more I think. 

The film has a Tamil flavor too, too much detailing, hero with heart of Gold and delivering good old quotes and messages every now and then, separate comedy track etc could have been avoided. The news reading also gets irritating after a point, if it was meant to be funny , failed miserably. The ticker news too failed to raise laughs, apart from 1/2. 

Even though failed with Male lead, the way female lead character has been portrayed is pretty impressive. Kudos to Nazriya too. With out much dialogues, was able to draw out the character perfectly, esp Nazriya's intro scene and the scene after 'Talking' becomes prohibited. 

Its the 2nd half that people have harsh opinion about, where there are no conversation for major porion of the time. But I thought that too was beautifully handled. Reading all the reviews also kinda help me prepare for the 30-40 mins of 'no dialogues' and just actions [Subtitling could have helped those scenes I guess] 

Nazriya's initial conversation with Dulquer after this, Fans and Drunkard meeting [on 2 Occasions] etc were 2 of the noticeable scenes in that portion.

For Dulquer, it was a cake walk of a role. Nazriya for a change gets a completely contrasting character and she has done a great job, repeating her 'OSO' feat. Madhubala's much hyped comeback turned out to disappointing one and she was struggling with Malayalam too. Chemban Vinod rocked as the head of Drunkards while RJ Shaan disappointed in his big screen debut (?). Should have used somebody else for 'Satish's' role as like the character think he messed up. Maniyanpilla Raju, Vinu C etc were Okay.

Balaji Mohan did a great job of directing the movie, but his writing faltered.May be few lines got lost in translation too. There are many cliches which could have been avoided. Cinematography was good. Background score which was loud and at times disrupting dialogues in 1st half proved to be a blessing in 2nd half. BG had a great helping hand in making the 2nd half interesting (at least for me). Editing could have been better as the film lacks pace.

I liked the movie, reviews are out, so make up your own mind, but personally don't think it deserves the harsh criticism it has been receiving especially when the Tamil version have released with glowing reviews. It will be a nice watch if do like experiments.

Rating: 2.75/5

Verdict: Above Average

Kerala Box Office First Quarter 2014 - Exclusive Report

Kerala Box Office First Quarter 2014 - Exclusive Report

Like 2013 it has been a slow start for Malayalam Film Industry in 2014. 2 of the biggest earners of the 1st quarter of this year are 2013 Hold Overs [meaning released in 2013, no the other HO]. So lets look at the top 5 performances at Kerala Box Office in the first 4 months of 2014.

1. Drishyam

Undoubtedly the film that grossed most in 2014 from Kerala Box Office is Drishyam. Releasing on Dec 19th, the majority of the film's total gross came this year. In Outside Kerala, Overseas markets too the film had extraordinary run in 2014.

Kerala Gross: 41 crores (Approx) Worldwide: 60 crores (approx)

All Time Mega Blockbuster

2. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana

The biggest hit amongst 2014 releases so far.

Kerala Gross: 10 crores (approx) Rest of India 1 core+

Mega Hit

3. 1983

Cricket based movie did exceedingly well and made Nivin Pauly part of 2 successful films in 2014.

HIT

Kerala Gross: 7.25 crores

4. Oru Indian Pranayakatha

Released on December 20, 2013 the film worked due to Fahad Faasil's impressive performance, his chemistry with Amala Paul & Sathyan Anthikkadu brand

Super Hit

Kerala Gross: 9 crores (approx)

5. Jilla

The Presence of Mohanlal even though helped the film to take the biggest opening ever for any movie in the state, the very same became the factor that pulled down the movie in the following days, as most of the Audience felt that Mohanlal was made to play a second fiddle to Vijay, only to boost up his character.

Hit

Distributors Share: 3.60 crore (approx)

Bangalore Days First Look Posters - Dulquer Salmaan, Fahad Faasil, Nivin Pauly, Nazriya, Nithya, Isha, Parvathy, Anjali

Bangalore Days First Look Poster

Direction & Script:Anjali Menon
Cinematography: Sameer Thahir
Produced by: Anwar Rasheed

Cast:

Dulquer Salmaan
Fahad Faasil
Nivin Pauly
Nazriya Nazim, Nithiya Menon,
Parvathy Menon & Isha Talwar

 Click on images to view them in full size