Lootera - Exclusive Movie Review

 Lootera - Exclusive Movie Review

Story & Direction by Vikramaditya Motwane

Screenplay by Vikramaditya Motwane & Bhavani Iyer

Produced by Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor & Anurag Kashyap

Music by Amit Trivedi

Stars : Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Dutta, Vikrant Massey, Arif Zakaria & Barun Chanda

Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair

Theater – Al Wahda Cinemas, Abu Dhabi, UAE

04/07/2013 – 8.30pm

Occupancy – 80%

Director Vikramaditya Motwane made an outstanding entry in Bollywood with his critically acclaimed superhit Udaan in 2010. The film was officially selected at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. Lootera is the second film of Vikramaditya Motwane.. Lootera is inspired from 'The Last Leaf', a short story by American author O. Henry. Lootera stars Ranveer Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, Divya Dutta, Vikrant Massey, Arif Zakaria & Barun Chanda.

Story
Lootera is the story of Pakhi (Sonakshai Sinha), the daughter of a wealthy Bengali Zaminda (Barun Chanda). One day an archaeologist, Varun Shrivastav(Ranveer Singh) comes to Zamindar's village to excavate the temple grounds of the village. He is good looking, smart, polite and with his poetry knwoledge, he impresses the Zamindar & Pakhi. An innocent Pakhi easily fall in love with him. But on their engagement day Varun disapperes. Pakhi struggles to move on with her life, determined to forget Varun and their relationship. Until one day, when Varun returns under the most extraordinary circumstances.

Positives
Lootera is the best film of 2013 so far. No doubts on that! From story writing to direction to performance to cinematography to music to costume/sets,  Lootera is an Epic expereince. Vikramaditya Motwane's story telling & direction is just brilliant. It's really surprising to see how a one film old Motwane manages to create such a masterpiece outing like Lootera. Undoubtedly the Best Director of 2013!

Another pluspoint of the movie is outstanding music by Amit Trivedi. All songs have soulful lyrics b and placement of the songs are perfect. Sawar Loon, Shikayatein, Zinda & Monta Re are my personal favorites. Background score of the film is also excellent. Undoubtedly the Best Music of 2013!

Mahendra J. Shetty's cinematography is top class. The costumes and sets used in this film are eyecatching.

Now to the performances...
MARK MY WORDS----> Reserve all the Best Actress 2013 Awards for the Darling Of Bollywood's 100 Crore Club, Ms. Sonakshi Sinha. Sonakshi Sinha's acting as Pakhi is easily the best performance by an actress in recent years. Her acting especially in the emotional scenes & at the climax are just mindblowing. She looks drop-dead-gorgeous and fabulous as the vulnerable lovestruck girl. Every frame of Sonakshi is flawless and you just can't take your eyes from her frame. Her career best performance. Come On Sinha.... Say No To Dabangg/RowdyRathore kinda roles & be prepared for all the awards acceptance speech of 2013, Shotgun Junior!!!

You won't believe that Lootera is Ranveer Singh's third film of his career. It's very difficult for a 2 film old like Ranveer to portray the role of Varun, but his acting is terrific. A sincere & mature acting. A Good Future For Bollywood!

Divya Dutta is superb in a small role. Debutant Vikrant Massey is good. Arif Zakaria is ok. Adil Hussain delivers a stellar performance. Barun Chanda is outstanding.

Negatives

I don't find any minus points in Lootera. Yes, Lootera is not everyone's cup of tea. Some people may find it as little boring since the genre of this film is slow & classy. But if you are a genuine movie lover go watch and experience the Epic, Lootera!

Overall Lootera is undoubtedly the Best Film of 2013! At the box office film is all set to have a decent opening at the multiplexes and average to low in single screens(expected). But I'm sure Lootera will be loved for its content & class. An opening of 6-8crore with a weekend of 20-22cr weekend is on the cards and will be a profitable venture for the makers.

P:S: 2013's Best Film, Best Director, Best Music & Best Actress Awards = LOOTERA

Verdict - LOVE COULDN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!!

Rating - 4.5/5! LOOTERA IS EPIC!!!

Box Office Prediction - 50cr+

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn

Singam 2 - Exclusive Movie Review

SINGAM 2  : Exclusive Movie Review

  Written & Direction by Hari
Produced by S. Lakshman Kumar
Stars : Suriya, Anushka Shetty, Hansika Motwani, Vivek, Santhanam & Rahman

Movie Review by Sree Prasad Nair
Theater – Al Wahda Cinemas, Abu Dhabi, UAE
04/07/2013 – 11pm
Occupancy – Sold Out - 100% (Expected)

Singam 2 is the sequel of 2010 Blockbuster Singam! Singam 2 is riding high on expectations thanks to the superb popularity of the mass superstar Suriya and also the hit 'Singam' franchise. Singam2 is directed by Hari (also directed the prequel Singam). Some of the important characters played by Anushka Shetty, Vivek and Vijayakumar have been retained in Singam 2. In addition Santhanam, Hansika Motwani, Radha Ravi, Manorama and Hollywood actor Danny Sapani have joined the film.

Usually Sequels are very rare in Kollywood. But director Hari  had the idea of a sequel to Singam. Singam 2 is about an Indian cop Dorai Singam who is on a mission to take on crimes overseas. Will he be successful on his mission? Will Singam 2 fare better than Singam ? Or will it follow the disaster "Billa 2" way ? 

Positives

Singam 2 is one of the much awaited movie of 2013 in Kollywood, thanks to the mega popularity of Suriya. Suriya is outstanding as Durai Singam. After a long wait, Suriya's fans will witness him back in action and he is damn good at it. Be it action, dance, dialogue delivery or emotions, Suriya is excellent in all.. No other actor can carry off the role of Durai Singam other than Suriya. Yes, The toughest cop is back in charge!!!

Santhanam's acting is first rate. As usual he is the scene stealer of the movie. His comic timing is unmatchable & his witty one liners provides maximum enertainment. Hanshika Motwani is really good. Vivek is decent. Rahman is strictly ok.

Hari's direction is good, especially in the first half. Infact entire first half itself is a winner.  The first half of Singam 2 is a complete package of all sorts with romance, thrills, comedy, emotions and fights. Another plus point of the movie is cinematography by Priyan, magnificiently captured the exotic locations of Southern parts of India & South Arica. Special credit should go to the action director of Singam 2 for amazing action sequences.

Everything till the first half was great and I was hoping for the same treatment in the second half. Unfortunately, It Is Not!!! Why ???

Negatives

The second half of Singam 2 is very ordinary & predictable. And shockingly too-rushed climax is terrible. A climax is meant to be the highlight of a mass masala movie! Unfortunately climax of Singam 2 is hugely disappointing... Bizzare Stuff!!! Another minus point of Singam 2 is miscasting Hollywood actor Danny Sapani as Villain. His acting and screen presence is nowhere near to Prakash Raj. Anushka Shetty don't have much role and is good only in the songs.. Veteran stars like Nassar & Manorama are wasted in 1-2 scene roles.

Another disappointment is the music by Devi Sri Prasad. All songs are very ordinary and the placement of the songs are horribly wrong. A song at the start and at the end of the film is not appealing. Actress Anjali is not convincing as an item girl in the Vaale Vaale song.

Overall an excellent first half, average second half & pathetic climax! Still Singam 2 will emerge as a winner at the box office, thanks to Suriya's stardom & excellent promotion by the makers. The movie is releasing with more than 2,400 screens all over the world in Tamil &Telugu versions. The film is all set to have a phenomenal opening & the healthy weekend-week1 will help the makers to earn healthy profit.

Verdict - "This Singam Is Safe"

Rating - 3/5! Profitable Venture

This Reviewer can be contacted on Twitter : @i_spn : https://twitter.com/i_spn

Kerala Box Office 2013 - Half Year Report - Top Films

Kerala Box Office 2013 - Half Year Report - Top Films

Last year, the first 6 months was Golden period for Malayalam Cinema, with many Blockbusters, Super hits, hits in 180 days. But in 2013 situation is a bit bad. Without adding Satellite rights most of the films won't even feature in the hit chart. But Since Kerala is a small market where people give equal priority to all language films, its fair to add them too. But the the films that doesn't even collect 60% of its budget can be easily termed as a flop IMO

1. Romans

Last year it was the pair of Kunchako & Biju enon who gave us our first hit & blockbuster. This time around too the situation is the same. Like Ordinary this film too started pretty slow and grew gradually to the biggest hit of the year so far. The film completed 10,000 shows and 100 days run. 

 Budget around 5.5 crore

Distributors Share 6crore+ 

Satellite Rights around 3crore 

Blockbuster

2. Sound Thoma

Eventhough panned by almost all critics the film did remarkable business thanks to the Summer Vaccation. Dileep's unique getup once again attracted kids and families into the theaters even though the film had nothing much in it. 

Budget 5cr+

Distributor Share around 4-4.5cr

 Satellite Rights around 4.5cr

Super Hit

3. Honey Bee 

The biggest surprise of the year so far. Directed by Director Lal's son Jean Paul Lal the film not only took a great opening but even during house full shows registered House Full shows, even in the 2nd and 3rd weekend. A Youth oriented film which family audience also accepted. Its still running in theaters. Made in small budget the film is already in profits just from theatricals.

Distributors share so far, around 3.5 crore
(so far)

Super Hit +

4. Amen

Another surprise hit of the year, the first hit for super talented Director Lijo Jose Pellissey, got an above average opening but with Excellent WOM it went on to become a super hit, eventhough the film was criticized for toilet humor and some crass dialogues. The location, music, camera work where the major plus points apart from acting.

Budget: 5.40 Cr
Satellite Rights : 2.90 cr
Other Revenues : 27 Lakhs
Distributors Share  : 3.5crore +

Super Hit

5. Neram / ABCD

Neram

'Pistah' song made this practically unknown movie into a hot property for distributors. But a viral song alone cannot make a film hit, Neram worked because of the treatment & execution. Thee film was mainly loved by the youth, the Pistah song helped in getting an opening too. Film was a good earner in Tamil too. Other language remake rights are sold for good numbers. Made in a small budget the film raked in profits for everyone associated

Distributors Share around 2.75-3 crore

Super Hit

ABCD

 The film is still running in theaters. The film took an outstanding opening, but fewll in the coming days due to mixed WOM. But still is expected to be a profit earner for makers.

 Budget around 5.5 crore

Distributor Share around 2.75 crore (so far)

Hit+

6. Immanuel

Mammooty's 1st genuine hit since Best Actor (2010) & Lal Jose's hat-trick hit. The feel good family entertainer, even though  very much predictable, was accepted by families. Helped by the summer vacation the film entered hit charts.

Budget : 5.30 cr
Distributor share 3.25 cr
Satellite Rights : 3.62 cr
Other revenues : 60 + lakhs

HIT

7. Mumbai Police

A serious movie with a shocking climax. A bold attempt by Roshan Andrewws was well received by Kerala Audience.

Distributor Share around : 3.15 cr

Satellite Rights : 3.30 cr

Other Revenues: around 65 lakhs
Prod cost : 5.75 cr

HIT

8. Celluloid

One of the best critically acclaimed movies of the year, surprisingly entered the profit charts too. The National & State awards also helped in the Box Office

Distributor Share around 2.5cr

Hit

9. Annayum Rasoolum /  Nee Ko Nja Cha

Nee Ko Nja Cha

This low budget New generation movie, with mostly unfamiliar faces turned out to be a surprise at the box office. 

Distributors Share around 2.25crore

Above Average

Annayum Rasoolum

Film marked the Directorial debut of noted cinematographer Rajeev Ravi. Singer/actress Andreah made her Malayalam debut via AR. The film was noted for its unique songs too. The film was appreciated by hih class audience and got above average run at the box office

Budget: 3cr+

Distributors Share: 2-2.25 crore approximate 

Above Average

10. Bharya athra Pora

From the team of 'Veruthe Alla Bharya' the film got a average opening and had an above average run @ Kerala Box Office

Distributor Share: 2.15 crore (Approx)

Above Average

Some Other Available Info

Dracula is claimed a profitable venture by many media and the makers, since no data is available leaving the film out of the list. The film did have a above average run in the state.

Kammath & Kammath : Budget 8-9cr, Distributors Share 3.5cr, Satellite Rights 4.75cr - Flop

Lokpal : Budget 5-6cr, Distributors Share 1.76cr, Satellite Rights 4cr - Flop

 RED WINE :  Budget 3.75 cr, Distributors Share 1.25cr, Satellite Rights 3.45cr - Average

3 DOTS :  Budget 4.25 cr, Distributors Share 1.75cr, Satellite Rights 3.21cr - Average

Lucky Star : Budget 3.15 cr, Distributors Share 1.65cr, Satellite Rights 2.7cr - Average

Ladies & Gentleman :  Budget 8cr, Distributors Share 3cr, Satellite Rights 4.5cr - Flop

Kili Poyi :  Budget 2.1 cr, Satellite Rights1.75 cr 

Details of Christmas 2012 Releases

Karmyodha: Budget 5cr+, Share 3.25cr Satellite rights 3.5 cr+

Bavvotiyude Naamathil  Budget 5cr+ Share 2.65cr Satellite rights 3.5cr+

I Love Me - Wash Out

None of the other language or dubbed releases in 2013 could make much impact in Kerala. Many biggies are yet to come. Hoping for a better 2nd half to 2013 @ Kerala Box Office

The figures are obtained from various sources and are approximate values, just to give an Idea about Kerala Box Office. Actuals might be slightly different from these. 

Chennai Express - Music Review

Chennai Express - My Music Review

Directed by     Rohit Shetty
Produced by     Gauri Khan
Screenplay by     Yunus Sajawal
Story by     K. Subaash

Music by     Vishal–Shekhar

Lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya

Starring

Shahrukh Khan
Deepika Padukone
Sathyaraj

Audio Release July 1st

Audio Launch July 3rd

Movie Release August 8th

Tracklist

1. One Two Three Four - Vishal Dadlani, Hamsika Iyer, Tamil Rap : Sricharan Kasturirangan -
2. Titli - Chinmayee, Gopi Sunder -
3. Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na - Amitabh Bhattacharya, Anusha Mani -
4. Kashmir Main, Tu Kanyakumari - Sunidhi Chauhan, Arijit Singh, Neeti Mohan -
5. Ready Steady Po - Brodha V & Smokey, Enkore, Natalie Di Luccio, Vishal Dadlani -
6. Chennai Express - S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Jonita Gandhi -
7. Titli (Dubstep) - Phoenyx, Chris Mcguiness, Zoheb Khan -
8. Chennai Express (mashup) - DJ Kiran Kamath

1. One Two Three Four

The only mass number in the album, which is quite strange for a mass film. Didn't quite like the song when heard with video, after repeated hearing of (just) the audio started slowly liking the song. The video quite strangely lacks the zest, with ordinary choreography. The song is sure to be lapped up by the masses

2. Titli

A good romantic number. Soulful sound of Chinmayi. But there are 2 more reasons why the song is favorite to me, shot in Kerala & sung by Gopi Sundar.Outstanding visuals + My current Favorite Malayali music composer, singing for SRK, how can it be a disliked - The Dubstep version of the song is also quite cool

3.Tera Rastaa Chhodoon Na

 Pick of the album. Good lyrics, music & singing. Video of the song is not out yet, so waiting to see the picturisation. A feel good Romantic duet.

4. Kashmir Main, Tu Kanyakumari

A fun peppy song. Another good faster number. Liked it after repeated hearings

5. Ready Steady Po

The only track that I am diasppointed with this in the entire album. Even repeaed hearings didn't help the cause. May be will like it later on with visual, but as if now :-(

6. Chennai Express  

Simply hated when they released a small teaser of the song, but now after listening the entire song it has quite grown on me. The quirky lyrics and jolly-good singing of Legendary SPB makes this a hit.

8. Chennai Express (mashup)

Mix of all the songs, as always done greatly creatively by  DJ Kiran Kamath

With that being said, the film being projected as a mass film and more importantly an SRK starrer the film needed some chart busters foot tapping blockbuster songs like a Muni or Sheila or Fevicol or Character Deela. I think the only song that comes even close is 1,2,3,4.... But considering the fact that Rohith Shetty films, all of which were hits, never had great audio, this one is definitely a plus. 

You may not like the songs in one hearing, but give its time & due, you will start singing and grooving to it

Ma not be one of Vishal-Shekhar's best work, but still its good

Verdict: Good

Raitng: 3.25/5

 Buy Songs @ iTunes or Nokia Music or from CD Shops or Listen it Here in T-Series channel:

Hollywood Box Office 2013 - Half Year Report - Top 10 Films

Hollywood Box Office 2013 - Half Year Report -  Top 10 Films

No.	Name	Domestic Gross	International Gross	Worldwide Gross	Budget
1	Iron Man 3	$405.5 Million *	$804.6 Million *	$1.2 Billion *	$200 Million
2	Man of Steel	$248.7 Million *	$271 Million *	$520 Million *	$225 Million
3	Oz The Great and Powerful	$234 .8 Million *	$257 Million *	$492 Million *	$215 million
4	Fast & Furious 6	$233 .3 Million *	$449 Million *	$642 Million *	$160 million
5	Star Trek Into Darkness	$220.76 Million *	$218 Million *	$438 Million *	$215 million
6	The Croods	$184.5 Million *	$393 Million *	$578 Million *	$135 million
7	Monsters University	$175.5 Million *	$129 Million *	$305 Million *	$215 million+
8	The Great Gatsby	$142.5 Million *	$179 Million *	$321 Million *	$105 million
9	Identity Thief	$135 Million	$39 Million	$174 Million	$35 million
10	World War Z	$124 Million *	$135 Million *	$259 Million *	$190 million

* Still running in theaters
- Data as on June 30 2013



As far as Indian Box Office is concerned, Iron Man 3 took the 2nd best opening ever & is the biggest hit this year so far. Fast & Furious which took the 3rd biggest opening ever is the 2nd biggest hit. Man of Steel, world War z has an above average run. The Croods was the biggest animation hit of the year so far. Epic took one of the biggest opening for an animation movie in India. The much awaited Hang Over proved to be a dud. Last year's Life of Pi continued its tremendous run in 2013 too, completed 200 days in many centers where even local movies didn't had such a long run for quite a while.

Kollywood 2013 Half Year Report - Top Tamil Films So Far

Kollywood 2013 Half Year Report - Top Tamil Films So Far

Let's take a look at the impressive performers from Kollywood this year so far

1. Vishwaroopam

A Flurry of controversies, sympathy wave + a expensive mega hyped project made the film took an outstanding opening [even though a delayed release in Tamil Nadu]. The film had a very good run throughout the country. People from TN flocked to theaters in Kerala t watch the film due to the ban in the home state. 

Blockbuster

2. Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaya

Another film that banked entirely upon Santhanam, but the antics of Power Star were also liked by the audience ensuring it a very good run. 

Super Hit

3. Soothu Kavvum

 After Pizza & Naduvile Koncham.... another Vijay Sethubathy magic. Unique theme nice presentation, good comedy & terrific WOM helped the film.

Super Hit 

4. Theeya Vela Seiyyanam Kumaru

A UTV Rom-Com that hit the bull's eye @ Box Office. Sundar C's packaging made this average movie a time pass entertainer & a succes. Still running to above average crowd

Hit+

5. Ethir Neechal

Super hit music, good first half and rip-roaring comedy helped the movie become a box office success.

Hit+

6. Kutti Puli

Panned by every single critic out there the movie showed who the reall boss is, the paisa payin audien, rather than those who watch it for free without knowing audience pulse. The mass audience received the film well making it a hit. It has tremendous run in B,C class dominated areas.

Hit

7. Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga

Good Marketing helped the film a great deal. An average product earned money for the producers.

 Above Average

8. Neram

A movie which was non-existant for public till 'pistah' song was released online. The hype that song created plus good marketing helped the film get a good run. The Malayalam version in fact is much bigger hit than the Tamil version

Above Average

9. Udhayam NH4

One of the best thrillers to come from Kollywood in years. Fast paced narration and intelligent scripting found fans among city based audience. 

Above Average 

10. Chennaiyil Oru Naal

Remake of Malayalam hit 'Traffic' the film was a moderate success.

Above Average 

Biggest Dud - Alex Pandian 

Poor opening, panned by critics, disastrous theater run, even the powerful distributor couldn't save the movie from leaving theaters after first week


Most of the biggies of the year, Singam 2, Thalaivaa, Thala 53, Kochadiyaan, Pizza 2 etc,  are yet to come, so excepting a lot of changes in the final year ender list. Also expecting lot of surprise hits
 

Bollywood Box Office 2013 - Exclusive Half Year Report

Bollywood Box Office 2013 Half Year Report

Last year by this time we had too many blockbusters and 100 crore movies, this year all probable entrants in those fields are coming in the second half of the year only. The biggest hit of the year is with out a doubt 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani'. Lets look which all other films joins the list

1. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Netting 187 crores just from Indian Box Office the film is the biggest hit of the year and 3rd biggest all time [3 Idiots 202cr & Ek Tha Tiger 198.5 cr].  In Overseas too the film is a huge hit, 9th biggest hit of all time grossing 59 crores. With budget around 45 crores the film joins the elite club of 'All  time Blockbusters'. The distributor share from India alone will be around 90 crores. The film made a lot of revenue from In brand placements, satellite & other rights too. ROI wise this film might end up the biggest hit of the entire year.

All Time Blockbuster

2. Race 2

The first biggie of the year also turned out to be the first entrant of 100 crore club in 2013. With a budget of around 60 crores the film made 102 crores from Indian Box Office.

HIT

3. Aashiqui 2

The real surprise hit of the year. The WOM hit film had an good opening thanks to chartbuster music, but also sustained well in following weeks due to terrificword of mouth. Made in a shoe string budget of 12 crores the film ended up making 82+ crores from Indian Boxoffice ie almost 7 times the investment from theatricals alone.

Blockbuster +

4. Special Chabbis (26)

Another WOM hit of the year the film made about 70 crores from Indian Box Office. The film not being a typical bollywood entertainer was pricey at 42crores. Thus ROI wise the film suffered.

Hit +

5. Shootout At Wadala

Sequel to 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', the film got mixed response from crtics, but got good response from Box Office despite being 'A' rated. The film took the biggest opening ever for an 'A' rated flick. Being too pricey is a negative for the this film too.Budget 47 crores [including P&P] Nett: 62 crores 

Above Average

6. Kai Po Che

Budget around 25 crores. Film starring  new comers opened with terrific reviews and neted 50 crores at Indian Box Office

HIT+

7. ABCD – Any Body Can Dance

India's 1st 3D dance film opened to good reviews and collected good numbers despite competition from special 26. Budget 12crores Nett 46 crores

Super HIT

8. Raanjhanaa

The film which is just 10 days old @ Indian Box Office has already netted 44 crores from Indian box Office & close to 10 crores from Overseas. The budget is around 35 crores. The Tamil dubbed version 'Ambikapathy' which opened this past Friday has taken a good opening too.

HIT+

9. Chashme Baddoor

The remake of 1981 film with same title, the film ended up as a surprise hit. Budget 20crores Nett 40 crores

Hit +

10. Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

The film took the biggest opening ever for a Vishal Bhardwaj film. Met with poor reviews from critics the film Collected 42 crores from Indian Box Office. Budget 33 crores

Above Average

Other Highlights

Himmatwala : Budget 38-40 Crores, Nett 45 cores - FLOP

Jolly LLB - Budget 12 Crores, Nett 32 cores - HIT+

Fukrey - Budget 11 Crores, Nett 31 cores [Still running] - HIT+

Murder 3 -  Budget 7 Crores, Nett 20 cores - Above Average
  
Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 - Budget 20 Crores, Nett 37cores - Average

Nautanki Saala! - Budget 10 Crores, Nett 21 cores - Above Average

Ek Thi Daayan -  Budget 20 Crores, Nett 27 cores - Average-

Aurangazeb - Budget 25 Crores, Nett 23 cores - Flop