Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Saawariya team to attend the Om Shanti Om Book Launch Party tonight
After the success of Om Shanti Om, the film’s cast and crew will be present to launch a book, The making of Om Shanti Om tonight.
The book launch will be followed by a party to celebrate the film’s success. Interestingly, Farah Khan has also invited the entire cast and crew of Saawariya. Given the fact that Saawariya clashed with OSO at the box office, it remains to be seen if Team Saawariya will attend the event.
Mushtaq Sheikh, the co-writer of OSO and also the book says, “I have called all my friends. I want them all to be a part of my celebrations.”
Team Saawariya
When asked that there are reports that he has also called the entire Saawariya team, he refused to confirm the news.
However, a source says, “They have surely invited the Saawariya team. Despite rumours that things are not so well between SRK and Bhansali, the actor has always mentioned that Bhansali has given him one of his biggest hits, Devdas. However, it will be interesting to see if Bhansali comes to the event.”
MumbaiMirror.com
The book launch will be followed by a party to celebrate the film’s success. Interestingly, Farah Khan has also invited the entire cast and crew of Saawariya. Given the fact that Saawariya clashed with OSO at the box office, it remains to be seen if Team Saawariya will attend the event.
Mushtaq Sheikh, the co-writer of OSO and also the book says, “I have called all my friends. I want them all to be a part of my celebrations.”
Team Saawariya
When asked that there are reports that he has also called the entire Saawariya team, he refused to confirm the news.
However, a source says, “They have surely invited the Saawariya team. Despite rumours that things are not so well between SRK and Bhansali, the actor has always mentioned that Bhansali has given him one of his biggest hits, Devdas. However, it will be interesting to see if Bhansali comes to the event.”
MumbaiMirror.com
Labels: Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Sonam Kapoor
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 7:37 PM
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Bhansali's Vitriolic Attack on Shah Rukh Khan
Sanjay Leela Bhanshali seems to have stoked a dormant fire by lashing out against his critics after getting hit by box office blues.
It’s a feud that is spiralling out of control. If you thought that the Saawariya-OSO war would die down with the release of both the films, you got it wrong. In fact the fires have been stoked anew with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vitriolic attack on Shah Rukh Khan in his media interviews post Saawariya.
After SRK announced a few days before Diwali that he would ‘destroy’ the competition, (read ‘Saawariya’), Bhansali has come back with a vengeance, saying SRK had no locus standi to make such comments, and that it was unfair to put down a work of art.
“This is the new era of marketing a film, where even after it has released, the war will continue. Bhansali is obviously hurt by the negative comments that have been made against him and his film and that is why he is coming out in its defence,” says one industry source.
The makers of OSO however do not seem very keen to take this further. When we sms-ed Farah Khan asking for her reaction, she gave us a very tongue-in-cheek reply saying, “I have no reactions whatsoever. Too busy taking congratulatory calls.”
Not everyone is very happy though. Film critic Taran Adarsh, who also found a mention in Bhansali’s tirade is in no mood to sit back and listen.
“I want to tell Bhansali that he should wake up and smell the coffee. If there is a theatre near his house, he should go and count the number of people who are even sitting in the film, let alone liking the film. People have a mind of their own. They don’t need Taran Adarsh to tell them that Saawariya is a bad film and has been rejected by everyone.”
Strong words those. Obviously, we haven’t heard the last of this yet. Its going to be a long drawn out war.
Shilpa Jamkhandikar, DNAindia.com
__________________________________________________________________________
Sanjay Leela Bhansali says SRK has no rights to destroy 150 people!
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has come out fighting in defense of his movie Saawariya, and at the top of his target list is… Shah Rukh Khan.
As Om Shanti Om runs away with the top accolades for the Diwali battle, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has gone on record to ask the Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan some very awkward questions. “Shah Rukh Khan is the king of Bollywood. He can say whatever he likes. But why is he going around saying, ‘I will destroy them?' Where is the dignity of the reigning superstar? Why compare yourself to a film with two newcomers? Who are you to destroy them? Have you created them? Do we eat off your plate? Have we made the film with your money? What gives you the right to say you will destroy 150 people who have invested so much in the film? Let people judge. It's a film with good values, and principles, people should appreciate that,” said an angry Bhansali last night.
He then went on to express his disappointment further, “You feel disappointed. We decided that we'll maintain a certain dignity and not pull each other's films down. But then he started making comments like he will destroy us.”
When asked about the success of Om Shanti Om, Bhansali responded, “I feel that acting is not about six-packs but I've never said it until now. Why ‘destroy' us? It's time for new cinema, cricketers, politicians. Let the newcomers like Ranbir come in. Shah Rukh Khan will remain a king. Just because People love (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, it doesn't mean they will forget Sachin (Tendulkar).”
Maybe positioning Saawariya against Om Shanti Om was not a good strategy, “I've got a big opening. No other filmmaker would've got that against a Shah Rukh Khan film, and it's a big deal. We got the biggest opening for an Indian film with newcomers in the lead. Anyway, why compare two completely different films? My films are about art, and OSO is about commerce. People are walking out of OSO too, so why are we only talking about people not liking Saawariya? There is an agenda to this,” responded Bhansali positively.
When asked about why critics such as Komal Nahta and Taran Adarsh blasted the movie, Bhansali responded, ““Only a handful of critics are trying to influence the audience against the film…Komal and Taran belong to the cinema of the eighties, they are antiquated and I never expected them to understand ‘Saawariya'. Great cinema should be kept away from such reviewers.”
Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget.com
It’s a feud that is spiralling out of control. If you thought that the Saawariya-OSO war would die down with the release of both the films, you got it wrong. In fact the fires have been stoked anew with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s vitriolic attack on Shah Rukh Khan in his media interviews post Saawariya.
After SRK announced a few days before Diwali that he would ‘destroy’ the competition, (read ‘Saawariya’), Bhansali has come back with a vengeance, saying SRK had no locus standi to make such comments, and that it was unfair to put down a work of art.
“This is the new era of marketing a film, where even after it has released, the war will continue. Bhansali is obviously hurt by the negative comments that have been made against him and his film and that is why he is coming out in its defence,” says one industry source.
The makers of OSO however do not seem very keen to take this further. When we sms-ed Farah Khan asking for her reaction, she gave us a very tongue-in-cheek reply saying, “I have no reactions whatsoever. Too busy taking congratulatory calls.”
Not everyone is very happy though. Film critic Taran Adarsh, who also found a mention in Bhansali’s tirade is in no mood to sit back and listen.
“I want to tell Bhansali that he should wake up and smell the coffee. If there is a theatre near his house, he should go and count the number of people who are even sitting in the film, let alone liking the film. People have a mind of their own. They don’t need Taran Adarsh to tell them that Saawariya is a bad film and has been rejected by everyone.”
Strong words those. Obviously, we haven’t heard the last of this yet. Its going to be a long drawn out war.
Shilpa Jamkhandikar, DNAindia.com
__________________________________________________________________________
Sanjay Leela Bhansali says SRK has no rights to destroy 150 people!
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has come out fighting in defense of his movie Saawariya, and at the top of his target list is… Shah Rukh Khan.
As Om Shanti Om runs away with the top accolades for the Diwali battle, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has gone on record to ask the Bollywood King Shah Rukh Khan some very awkward questions. “Shah Rukh Khan is the king of Bollywood. He can say whatever he likes. But why is he going around saying, ‘I will destroy them?' Where is the dignity of the reigning superstar? Why compare yourself to a film with two newcomers? Who are you to destroy them? Have you created them? Do we eat off your plate? Have we made the film with your money? What gives you the right to say you will destroy 150 people who have invested so much in the film? Let people judge. It's a film with good values, and principles, people should appreciate that,” said an angry Bhansali last night.
He then went on to express his disappointment further, “You feel disappointed. We decided that we'll maintain a certain dignity and not pull each other's films down. But then he started making comments like he will destroy us.”
When asked about the success of Om Shanti Om, Bhansali responded, “I feel that acting is not about six-packs but I've never said it until now. Why ‘destroy' us? It's time for new cinema, cricketers, politicians. Let the newcomers like Ranbir come in. Shah Rukh Khan will remain a king. Just because People love (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, it doesn't mean they will forget Sachin (Tendulkar).”
Maybe positioning Saawariya against Om Shanti Om was not a good strategy, “I've got a big opening. No other filmmaker would've got that against a Shah Rukh Khan film, and it's a big deal. We got the biggest opening for an Indian film with newcomers in the lead. Anyway, why compare two completely different films? My films are about art, and OSO is about commerce. People are walking out of OSO too, so why are we only talking about people not liking Saawariya? There is an agenda to this,” responded Bhansali positively.
When asked about why critics such as Komal Nahta and Taran Adarsh blasted the movie, Bhansali responded, ““Only a handful of critics are trying to influence the audience against the film…Komal and Taran belong to the cinema of the eighties, they are antiquated and I never expected them to understand ‘Saawariya'. Great cinema should be kept away from such reviewers.”
Rajiv Dutta, IndiaTarget.com
Labels: Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 7:38 PM
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Saturday, November 10, 2007
Om Shanti Om "Superhit" Saawariya "Average" at the box office
The audiences’ verdict is out. The box office seems to favour Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ in comparison to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much-touted magnum opus ‘Saawariya’.
While King Khan’s film registered 90 percent occupancy across the country on its Diwali release, Bhansali’s love story managed 60 percent.
‘Om Shanti Om’ is director Farah Khan’s tribute to the colourful and vibrant cinemas of the 70s and it has Shah Rukh is a new avatar, going shirtless and displaying his six-pack abs, while Bhansali’s film is a mystical love story set in Shimla and introduces new faces.
The audience response can be gauged from Anirban Basu, a movie buff who saw both the films. ‘’Om Shanti Om’ is much more entertaining than ‘Saawariya’. SRK’s film has a perfect blend of comedy and drama while Bhansali’s film is stale and boring. It is extremely slow. Apart from the lavish sets there is nothing in the film to hold the audiences’ interest.’
The difference of how well both the films would do in the coming days is also evident from the advance bookings.
With both the films in tough competition, the weekend will prove boom time for the multiplexes across the country.
While King Khan’s film registered 90 percent occupancy across the country on its Diwali release, Bhansali’s love story managed 60 percent.
‘Om Shanti Om’ is director Farah Khan’s tribute to the colourful and vibrant cinemas of the 70s and it has Shah Rukh is a new avatar, going shirtless and displaying his six-pack abs, while Bhansali’s film is a mystical love story set in Shimla and introduces new faces.
The audience response can be gauged from Anirban Basu, a movie buff who saw both the films. ‘’Om Shanti Om’ is much more entertaining than ‘Saawariya’. SRK’s film has a perfect blend of comedy and drama while Bhansali’s film is stale and boring. It is extremely slow. Apart from the lavish sets there is nothing in the film to hold the audiences’ interest.’
The difference of how well both the films would do in the coming days is also evident from the advance bookings.
With both the films in tough competition, the weekend will prove boom time for the multiplexes across the country.
Labels: Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone, Farah Khan, Kirron Kher, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Sonam Kapoor
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 8:32 PM
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Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Wishing SRK, Bhansali loads of luck
How time flies! Diwali 2006 is still so fresh in my mind. The clash of the two mighty extravaganzas, DON and JAAN-E-MANN, the comparisons between the two films, the SRK versus Akshay/Salman 'battle' in the media… This year, SRK [OM SHANTI OM] is 'crossing swords' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali [SAAWARIYA]. On one side is the biggest star of the country. On the opponent's place, this year, is the biggest director of the country.
In a few hours from now, the results would be out. The reports, the prospects at the box-office, the opening show collections and audience feedback, the Day 1 outcome… the media will be covering it much more minutely than anything else in days to come, I'm sure.
From my side, I wish both SRK and Bhansali loads of luck. The two dream merchants have been marketing their respective movies with a vengeance and I salute their passion and determination to reach out to the common man. SRK is the best marketing brain in our industry, while Bhansali is ensuring that his discoveries aren't behind either. What passion!
Various theories are floating around vis-à-vis who'd win the battle royale. Reminds me of those stats that suddenly surface before an important political election is about to take place. Relax guys, take a chill pill. Irrespective of who wins at the box-office, I am dead sure that anyone and everyone who loves the magic of Hindi cinema would definitely watch both the films. Of course, it's physically impossible to watch two films simultaneously, so there would be preference 1 and then preference 2.
Funnily and strangely, over-enthu journos and self-proclaimed soothsayers are making it out to be a do-or-die match. It's not. There's no release in the subsequent week [16th October], so the two biggies have an additional week as bonus to reap as much as they can. It's only after the first two weeks that we'd know what the actual picture is.
Also, the word of mouth will be the deciding factor on Day 1. If the films are appreciated, the business will only zoom upwards. However, the advantage this weekend is, if you don't get tickets for one film, you'd saunter into the next cineplex, which means the two films would only stand to benefit in each other's company. In the end, I'd only say, let there be a tie. With so much at stake, any genuine industrywala would only wish loads of khushi for both SRK and Bhansali. Let there be light!
By: Taran Adarsh
In a few hours from now, the results would be out. The reports, the prospects at the box-office, the opening show collections and audience feedback, the Day 1 outcome… the media will be covering it much more minutely than anything else in days to come, I'm sure.
From my side, I wish both SRK and Bhansali loads of luck. The two dream merchants have been marketing their respective movies with a vengeance and I salute their passion and determination to reach out to the common man. SRK is the best marketing brain in our industry, while Bhansali is ensuring that his discoveries aren't behind either. What passion!
Various theories are floating around vis-à-vis who'd win the battle royale. Reminds me of those stats that suddenly surface before an important political election is about to take place. Relax guys, take a chill pill. Irrespective of who wins at the box-office, I am dead sure that anyone and everyone who loves the magic of Hindi cinema would definitely watch both the films. Of course, it's physically impossible to watch two films simultaneously, so there would be preference 1 and then preference 2.
Funnily and strangely, over-enthu journos and self-proclaimed soothsayers are making it out to be a do-or-die match. It's not. There's no release in the subsequent week [16th October], so the two biggies have an additional week as bonus to reap as much as they can. It's only after the first two weeks that we'd know what the actual picture is.
Also, the word of mouth will be the deciding factor on Day 1. If the films are appreciated, the business will only zoom upwards. However, the advantage this weekend is, if you don't get tickets for one film, you'd saunter into the next cineplex, which means the two films would only stand to benefit in each other's company. In the end, I'd only say, let there be a tie. With so much at stake, any genuine industrywala would only wish loads of khushi for both SRK and Bhansali. Let there be light!
By: Taran Adarsh
Labels: Om Shanti Om, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 8:42 PM
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Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Who's Better ? Farah or Sanjay
Farah’s father Kamran Khan’s chances of making it big as a filmmaker, and the family fell on trying times. SLB’s father Navin, too, met with a similar fate in the tricky world of showbiz and took to alcohol, resulting in traumatic childhood memories for the Black director.
Bhansali and Farah went on to assist filmmakers Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Mansoor Khan on Parinda and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander respectively. Interestingly, Farah’s career took an unintentional turn as a choreographer on the sets of JJWS, whereas Bhansali was appointed as the director of a song on Chopra’s bleak story about two brothers and the mafia.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali entered the Bollywood landscape silently, with not-so-successful Khamoshi, but he really hit the marquee with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which went on to become one of the most successful films in the year and put Bhansali at front of successful directors. Bhansali continued his success march with really-mega-budget Devdas, churning out enough money to justify the big budget, even resulting in the selection for India’s official entry to best foreign-language film at Academy awards, only to be ousted too early just like most of Indian films. Strengthening Bhansali as one of looked upon figure of Bollywood, but surprising was yet to come. In 2005, Bhansali came up with “breakthrough cinema”, “critically-acclaimed”, “beautifully crafted” et al BLACK.
Coming to Saawariya, Saawariya is adaptation of Fryodor Dostoevsky’s short story White Nights. Russian authors are known for their dark, depressing love stories about unrequited love, with most of the stories ending in agony, nervousness and depression. As a screenplay, the story is best.
On the other hand,Farah won accolades for her dance directing skills with songs like Dhol bajne laga (Virasat), Chaiyyan Chaiyyan (Dil Se..) and Idhar chala (Koi… Mil Gaya). Her work in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding and Vanity Fair and the Broadway musical, Bombay Dreams, gave her international exposure. The latter also earned her a nomination, along with Anthony Van Laast, at the prestigious Tony Awards in 2004.
Her dream of making films became a reality when buddy SRK decided to produce and star in her debut, Main Hoon Na. Not only did Farah successfully introduce the audience to a ’spoof’, but she also went on to become the first ever lady director to be nominated for a Filmfare award in the Best Director category.
Om Shanti Om is Farah’s second film as opposed to Saawariya , which is Bhansali’s fifth film. Although both directors launch newcomers, model turned actress Deepika Padukone (OSO).Bhansali introduce to Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor’s daughter Sonam, who debut in Saawariya,
So, Let’s see who will be the king of audience heart.
Bhansali and Farah went on to assist filmmakers Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Mansoor Khan on Parinda and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander respectively. Interestingly, Farah’s career took an unintentional turn as a choreographer on the sets of JJWS, whereas Bhansali was appointed as the director of a song on Chopra’s bleak story about two brothers and the mafia.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali entered the Bollywood landscape silently, with not-so-successful Khamoshi, but he really hit the marquee with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which went on to become one of the most successful films in the year and put Bhansali at front of successful directors. Bhansali continued his success march with really-mega-budget Devdas, churning out enough money to justify the big budget, even resulting in the selection for India’s official entry to best foreign-language film at Academy awards, only to be ousted too early just like most of Indian films. Strengthening Bhansali as one of looked upon figure of Bollywood, but surprising was yet to come. In 2005, Bhansali came up with “breakthrough cinema”, “critically-acclaimed”, “beautifully crafted” et al BLACK.
Coming to Saawariya, Saawariya is adaptation of Fryodor Dostoevsky’s short story White Nights. Russian authors are known for their dark, depressing love stories about unrequited love, with most of the stories ending in agony, nervousness and depression. As a screenplay, the story is best.
On the other hand,Farah won accolades for her dance directing skills with songs like Dhol bajne laga (Virasat), Chaiyyan Chaiyyan (Dil Se..) and Idhar chala (Koi… Mil Gaya). Her work in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding and Vanity Fair and the Broadway musical, Bombay Dreams, gave her international exposure. The latter also earned her a nomination, along with Anthony Van Laast, at the prestigious Tony Awards in 2004.
Her dream of making films became a reality when buddy SRK decided to produce and star in her debut, Main Hoon Na. Not only did Farah successfully introduce the audience to a ’spoof’, but she also went on to become the first ever lady director to be nominated for a Filmfare award in the Best Director category.
Om Shanti Om is Farah’s second film as opposed to Saawariya , which is Bhansali’s fifth film. Although both directors launch newcomers, model turned actress Deepika Padukone (OSO).Bhansali introduce to Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor’s daughter Sonam, who debut in Saawariya,
So, Let’s see who will be the king of audience heart.
Labels: Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 7:31 PM
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Monday, November 5, 2007
Shah Rukh - Bhansali Tussle
Sanjay Leela Bhansali presented the story of 'Devdas', for the third time in the history of cinema, with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role.
Cut to the present, and Bhansali is all set to release his movie, 'Saawariya' on the same day as Shah Rukh's 'Om Shanti Om'. Bhansali does not believe it is a collision, just a co-incidence.
There is a reason why Bhansali is launching fresh faces. According to him, "I think the audience is tired and fed up of the 40-year-old hero. They want to see fresh, young faces.
And that is why I am presenting to movie-goers, the chance to see new faces. How long do you think women will swoon over 40-year-old heroes?"
We think he is talking about Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. Intentional or not, this statement is more relevant for SRK, since Salman has stood by Bhansali during bad times, and is a friend.
Bhansali will not send out sarcastic remarks for Salman.
Aamir and Bhansali have never had anything to do with each other, and, anyway, the director never comments on people who are going through a bad phase – Aamir is facing personal problems because of his brother Faisal.
We think Bhansali is being a little insecure about the SRK release on the same day as his movie. Also, the much-hyped SRK-Deepika pair may get more popular than his Ranvir-Sonam pair.
Ironically, Bhansali has stated that he believes in competition, because that inspires you and makes you work harder. If he is mocking Shah Rukh, then it is not a big deal. All is fair in love and war.
Santabanta
Cut to the present, and Bhansali is all set to release his movie, 'Saawariya' on the same day as Shah Rukh's 'Om Shanti Om'. Bhansali does not believe it is a collision, just a co-incidence.
There is a reason why Bhansali is launching fresh faces. According to him, "I think the audience is tired and fed up of the 40-year-old hero. They want to see fresh, young faces.
And that is why I am presenting to movie-goers, the chance to see new faces. How long do you think women will swoon over 40-year-old heroes?"
We think he is talking about Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. Intentional or not, this statement is more relevant for SRK, since Salman has stood by Bhansali during bad times, and is a friend.
Bhansali will not send out sarcastic remarks for Salman.
Aamir and Bhansali have never had anything to do with each other, and, anyway, the director never comments on people who are going through a bad phase – Aamir is facing personal problems because of his brother Faisal.
We think Bhansali is being a little insecure about the SRK release on the same day as his movie. Also, the much-hyped SRK-Deepika pair may get more popular than his Ranvir-Sonam pair.
Ironically, Bhansali has stated that he believes in competition, because that inspires you and makes you work harder. If he is mocking Shah Rukh, then it is not a big deal. All is fair in love and war.
Santabanta
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Eros International, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 9:25 PM
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Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Profit struggles cloud Om Shanti Om & Saawariya
It is a battle that erupts every festive season, and this year is no different.
The multiplex owners and distributors of Saawariya and Om Shanti Om are at loggerheads over sharing the profits from ticket sales. And that has put a question mark over whether the films will release on November 9, the Diwali weekend.
Daily, no-quarters-given negotiations are on even as you read this.
"We are still negotiating with the distributors," admits Vishal Anand, vice president, marketing, Fun Republic cinemas. "We are all having everyday meetings. It is but natural that everyone expects more share of profits when such big films release."
According to our sources, the key point is that both Om Shanti Om and Saawariya [Images] are big-budget films that have been sold heavily to distributors who want to rake in the profit this festive season.
It was reported that Om Shanti Om was sold for Rs 75 crores (Rs 750 million) to Eros and director Farah Khan [Images] had said Shah Rukh Khan [Images] had already made profit of Rs 50 crores (Rs 500 million) before the release of the film.
Shah Rukh Khan's home production, Red Chillies, which has produced Om Shanti Om, denied Farah Khan's statement.
Saawariya is the first Hindi film that a Hollywood studio, Sony Picture Entertainment, has produced.
The distributors of the films are demanding 50 per cent share from multiplex owners from ticket sales in the first two weeks. The multiplex owners don't want to give up their profits for the second week.
Generally, the trend is that in the second week the ratio of the profit falls -- to 38 to 42 percent -- depending on how the film fares in the first week.
What has surprised industry observers is that this problem has not arisen from the Yash Raj camp, which never budges when it comes to sharing profits. Last year, they did not release Dhoom: 2 in certain parts of north India as multiplex owners were not willing to share more profits with them.
"These kind of negotiations are the natural course of business," says Vikramjit Roy, Sony Picture Entertainment spokesperson. "If you want to advertise a product on rediff.com, obviously the client will negotiate with your sales team, isn't it? In the same way we are talking to them."
He emphasises that Saawariya is releasing on November 9 for sure.
Hoardings and promos of both the films were withdrawn from some multiplexes, a major surprise for audiences and industry insiders alike, given that the release date was just two weeks away.
"You have to say no somewhere. The distributors cannot armtwist all the time," said a multiplex owner who did not want to be named.
Syed Firdaus Ashraf, Rediff.com
The multiplex owners and distributors of Saawariya and Om Shanti Om are at loggerheads over sharing the profits from ticket sales. And that has put a question mark over whether the films will release on November 9, the Diwali weekend.
Daily, no-quarters-given negotiations are on even as you read this.
"We are still negotiating with the distributors," admits Vishal Anand, vice president, marketing, Fun Republic cinemas. "We are all having everyday meetings. It is but natural that everyone expects more share of profits when such big films release."
According to our sources, the key point is that both Om Shanti Om and Saawariya [Images] are big-budget films that have been sold heavily to distributors who want to rake in the profit this festive season.
It was reported that Om Shanti Om was sold for Rs 75 crores (Rs 750 million) to Eros and director Farah Khan [Images] had said Shah Rukh Khan [Images] had already made profit of Rs 50 crores (Rs 500 million) before the release of the film.
Shah Rukh Khan's home production, Red Chillies, which has produced Om Shanti Om, denied Farah Khan's statement.
Saawariya is the first Hindi film that a Hollywood studio, Sony Picture Entertainment, has produced.
The distributors of the films are demanding 50 per cent share from multiplex owners from ticket sales in the first two weeks. The multiplex owners don't want to give up their profits for the second week.
Generally, the trend is that in the second week the ratio of the profit falls -- to 38 to 42 percent -- depending on how the film fares in the first week.
What has surprised industry observers is that this problem has not arisen from the Yash Raj camp, which never budges when it comes to sharing profits. Last year, they did not release Dhoom: 2 in certain parts of north India as multiplex owners were not willing to share more profits with them.
"These kind of negotiations are the natural course of business," says Vikramjit Roy, Sony Picture Entertainment spokesperson. "If you want to advertise a product on rediff.com, obviously the client will negotiate with your sales team, isn't it? In the same way we are talking to them."
He emphasises that Saawariya is releasing on November 9 for sure.
Hoardings and promos of both the films were withdrawn from some multiplexes, a major surprise for audiences and industry insiders alike, given that the release date was just two weeks away.
"You have to say no somewhere. The distributors cannot armtwist all the time," said a multiplex owner who did not want to be named.
Syed Firdaus Ashraf, Rediff.com
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 7:16 PM
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Monday, October 22, 2007
Eros, Sony demand more from multiplexes
While film production company Eros International and Hollywood’s Sony Pictures are still battling to grab as many of the 800-odd single screens in the country - for their upcoming films Om Shanti Om and Saawariya - the same isn’t true when it comes to multiplexes.
The two have come together and are jointly negotiating with leading multiplex owners for higher revenue share.
This is the first time that the two production houses are jointly negotiating with theatre chains for a percentage share, which even veteran filmmakers such as Yash Chopra, promoter of Yash Raj Films, has never been able to command.
Sources said that Sony Pictures and Eros International are demanding 50 per cent of the ticket sales in the first two weeks and 40 per cent in the third and fourth weeks.
“Production houses are aware that multiplexes cannot ignore the two biggest films of the year. Therefore, they are in a position to command a high revenue share,” said an top executive of a leading multiplex.
Till date, only Chopra has used his muscle with cinema hall owners while asking for higher revenue share. Early this year, Yash Raj Films struck a deal with movie exhibitors under which the company will get 50 per cent of the revenue earned through ticket sales in the first week, 45 per cent in the second and 40 per cent in the third and fourth week, for five films under the banner of Yash Raj Films.
Industry sources added that the representatives from the two production companies would meet leading multiplex owners on Monday to negotiate revenue sharing terms.
While Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya marks Sony Pictures’ foray into the Bollywood industry, Om Shanti Om’s worldwide distribution rights were bought by Eros International for around Rs 74 crore from Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chilies Entertainment.
The two films are slated to hit the screens on November 9. Recently, Eros International and Sony Pictures announced their alliance to jointly produce and acquire Hindi films.
While Sony Pictures will distribute some of the films in the US, Eros International will make use of its presence overseas to distribute movies in other territories. The two production companies will jointly work in India.
BusinessStandard
The two have come together and are jointly negotiating with leading multiplex owners for higher revenue share.
This is the first time that the two production houses are jointly negotiating with theatre chains for a percentage share, which even veteran filmmakers such as Yash Chopra, promoter of Yash Raj Films, has never been able to command.
Sources said that Sony Pictures and Eros International are demanding 50 per cent of the ticket sales in the first two weeks and 40 per cent in the third and fourth weeks.
“Production houses are aware that multiplexes cannot ignore the two biggest films of the year. Therefore, they are in a position to command a high revenue share,” said an top executive of a leading multiplex.
Till date, only Chopra has used his muscle with cinema hall owners while asking for higher revenue share. Early this year, Yash Raj Films struck a deal with movie exhibitors under which the company will get 50 per cent of the revenue earned through ticket sales in the first week, 45 per cent in the second and 40 per cent in the third and fourth week, for five films under the banner of Yash Raj Films.
Industry sources added that the representatives from the two production companies would meet leading multiplex owners on Monday to negotiate revenue sharing terms.
While Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya marks Sony Pictures’ foray into the Bollywood industry, Om Shanti Om’s worldwide distribution rights were bought by Eros International for around Rs 74 crore from Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chilies Entertainment.
The two films are slated to hit the screens on November 9. Recently, Eros International and Sony Pictures announced their alliance to jointly produce and acquire Hindi films.
While Sony Pictures will distribute some of the films in the US, Eros International will make use of its presence overseas to distribute movies in other territories. The two production companies will jointly work in India.
BusinessStandard
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Eros International, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Sony Pictures
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Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Battle Lines Drawn for Diwali
King Khan is all set to make noise but there is a twist in the tale.
The battle lines are drawn this Diwali. King Khan is all set to make noise but there is a twist in the tale. The distributors of Saawariya and Om Shanti Om have decided to tone down the competition but just a bit.
"I am going to put up a tough fight but in good way, so what if the Americans have invested in Sawariyan I am Chak de India. All Indians will watch Om Shanti Om on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and the Americans can go watch Saawariya," said Shah Rukh Khan, actor.
King Khan in combative mode. He promises to leave no stone unturned in promoting his own production Om Shanti Om. The release of which coincides with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya on Diwali but the mother of box office battles has a twist in its tail.
According to film industry sources, the distributors of the two films Eros Entertainment and Sony Pictures are to collaborate on a series of Hindi films that they will jointly produce and distribute in the future, an announcement is likely soon.
If trade buzz is to be believed the distribution companies are approaching cinemas to push for same number of prints for Om Shanti Om and Saawariya.
More than 150 prints per film will be released in Delhi and UP alone. Eros has paid Rs 72 crore for rights to Om Shanti Om worldwide.
Although trade analysts predict a cent per cent opening for both movies, it is inevitable that they will eat into each others' market share. As expected Shah Rukh has the last word.
"I am only competing with myself," said Shahrukh.
Richa Lakhera, NDTV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that Diwali is just round the corner, the rivalry game is heating up. Obviously a lot is at stake and for the audience, it seems like a tough call between the two…Sanjay Leela’s ‘Saawariya’ and none other than Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’.
While multiplexes obviously will be screening both the films, the question is, which movie are the single screens preferring. It is definitely a toss up between the two biggies and most single screen theatre owners were said to be in a fix over this. But as they say, stronger distributor always survives. Right now, the balance is slightly tipped for ‘Saawariya’, as Sony distributors have gone the whole hog.
A distributor on condition of anonymity said, “‘Saawariya’ has bagged more single screen theatres than ‘OSO’ has, mainly because ‘OSO’s distributor, Eros, has preferred to adopt a wait and watch situation, while Sony Pictures has gone ahead and booked theatres some time back.
Looking at the brighter picture, Eros perhaps is very confident of their product so they are still waiting for the best price.” So, if you don’t get to watch SRK romancing Dipika Padukone in single screens near you, you can always catch it in a multiplex which is never too far away!
According to an exhibitor, “No theater can afford to ignore both the distributors. Eros has been giving profits to theaters since last two years and Sony is the first international production coming up with a hindi movie.”
The exhibitor insists that citywise ‘Saawariya’ might have a better theatre quotient, but nationwide, ‘OSO’ will be more in demand.
DNAIndia
The battle lines are drawn this Diwali. King Khan is all set to make noise but there is a twist in the tale. The distributors of Saawariya and Om Shanti Om have decided to tone down the competition but just a bit.
"I am going to put up a tough fight but in good way, so what if the Americans have invested in Sawariyan I am Chak de India. All Indians will watch Om Shanti Om on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and the Americans can go watch Saawariya," said Shah Rukh Khan, actor.
King Khan in combative mode. He promises to leave no stone unturned in promoting his own production Om Shanti Om. The release of which coincides with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya on Diwali but the mother of box office battles has a twist in its tail.
According to film industry sources, the distributors of the two films Eros Entertainment and Sony Pictures are to collaborate on a series of Hindi films that they will jointly produce and distribute in the future, an announcement is likely soon.
If trade buzz is to be believed the distribution companies are approaching cinemas to push for same number of prints for Om Shanti Om and Saawariya.
More than 150 prints per film will be released in Delhi and UP alone. Eros has paid Rs 72 crore for rights to Om Shanti Om worldwide.
Although trade analysts predict a cent per cent opening for both movies, it is inevitable that they will eat into each others' market share. As expected Shah Rukh has the last word.
"I am only competing with myself," said Shahrukh.
Richa Lakhera, NDTV
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that Diwali is just round the corner, the rivalry game is heating up. Obviously a lot is at stake and for the audience, it seems like a tough call between the two…Sanjay Leela’s ‘Saawariya’ and none other than Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’.
While multiplexes obviously will be screening both the films, the question is, which movie are the single screens preferring. It is definitely a toss up between the two biggies and most single screen theatre owners were said to be in a fix over this. But as they say, stronger distributor always survives. Right now, the balance is slightly tipped for ‘Saawariya’, as Sony distributors have gone the whole hog.
A distributor on condition of anonymity said, “‘Saawariya’ has bagged more single screen theatres than ‘OSO’ has, mainly because ‘OSO’s distributor, Eros, has preferred to adopt a wait and watch situation, while Sony Pictures has gone ahead and booked theatres some time back.
Looking at the brighter picture, Eros perhaps is very confident of their product so they are still waiting for the best price.” So, if you don’t get to watch SRK romancing Dipika Padukone in single screens near you, you can always catch it in a multiplex which is never too far away!
According to an exhibitor, “No theater can afford to ignore both the distributors. Eros has been giving profits to theaters since last two years and Sony is the first international production coming up with a hindi movie.”
The exhibitor insists that citywise ‘Saawariya’ might have a better theatre quotient, but nationwide, ‘OSO’ will be more in demand.
DNAIndia
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 8:23 PM
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Om Shanti Om and Saawariya both have their importance they do not compete with each other
The two pre-eminent films of the year, Saawariya and Om Shanti Om, are likely to rewrite the rules of film marketing in India.
Both the films are releasing Nov 9 and the distributors have waged an aggressive publicity campaign.
Shah Rukh Khan’s 6-pack abs in Om Shanti Om are being used to lure the audience. In Saawariya, Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor, the scions of two illustrious Bollywood families, are touted as the film’s high points.
But the competition to market the films is tough. Because Om Shanti Om, Farah Khan’s second directorial venture, has the backing of Shah Rukh and his Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya has director Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm with Hollywood studio Sony Pictures backing him.
Reportedly, Sony Pictures, the co-producer of Saawariya, has allocated Rs 200 million for the film’s publicity. It is not surprising because Hollywood is known for exorbitant marketing budgets for movies.
Sony had released 750 Saawariya trailers in India and another 800 globally last month. No Indian film has got such a widespread first look.
the marketing budget for Om Shanti Om is not known, the cost of the film is reported to be Rs 350 million while Saawariya has been made at a budget of Rs 400 million.
Both the films are releasing Nov 9 and the distributors have waged an aggressive publicity campaign.
Shah Rukh Khan’s 6-pack abs in Om Shanti Om are being used to lure the audience. In Saawariya, Ranbir and Sonam Kapoor, the scions of two illustrious Bollywood families, are touted as the film’s high points.
But the competition to market the films is tough. Because Om Shanti Om, Farah Khan’s second directorial venture, has the backing of Shah Rukh and his Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya has director Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the helm with Hollywood studio Sony Pictures backing him.
Reportedly, Sony Pictures, the co-producer of Saawariya, has allocated Rs 200 million for the film’s publicity. It is not surprising because Hollywood is known for exorbitant marketing budgets for movies.
Sony had released 750 Saawariya trailers in India and another 800 globally last month. No Indian film has got such a widespread first look.
the marketing budget for Om Shanti Om is not known, the cost of the film is reported to be Rs 350 million while Saawariya has been made at a budget of Rs 400 million.
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Eros International, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Sony Pictures, T-Series
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 5:45 PM
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2000 prints of Om Shanti Om and 1000 prints of Saawariya will Release word wide
On the other hand, the movie that will give company to Om Shanti Om, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed, Ranbir-Sonam starrer, Saawariya, is likely to be released with 1000 prints worldwide
Farah Khan’s ‘Diwali’ release, the Shah Rukh Khan - Deepika Padukone starrer, Om Shanti Om, has been sold at the highest ever price paid for a Hindi movie in Kerala -Tamil Nadu. The rights have been bought by Pyramid Saimira. The distributors plan to have a big release, with 60-70 prints in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Meanwhile, Om Shanti Om is all set to create another record of sorts by going in for an unheard of 2000 prints (worldwide) release. This is the highest number of prints (including digital) for any Indian movie till date.
On the other hand, the movie that will give company to Om Shanti Om, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed, Ranbir-Sonam starrer, saawariya, is likely to be released with 1000 prints worldwide
Farah Khan’s ‘Diwali’ release, the Shah Rukh Khan - Deepika Padukone starrer, Om Shanti Om, has been sold at the highest ever price paid for a Hindi movie in Kerala -Tamil Nadu. The rights have been bought by Pyramid Saimira. The distributors plan to have a big release, with 60-70 prints in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Meanwhile, Om Shanti Om is all set to create another record of sorts by going in for an unheard of 2000 prints (worldwide) release. This is the highest number of prints (including digital) for any Indian movie till date.
On the other hand, the movie that will give company to Om Shanti Om, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed, Ranbir-Sonam starrer, saawariya, is likely to be released with 1000 prints worldwide
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 5:44 PM
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Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Om Shanti Om vs Saawariya : Publicity wars hot up before release
It promises to be the biggest box office battles of all times.
There's still a month left for Diwali and for Om Shanti Om and Saawariya to release. But if you thought there was just a week or so left who could blame you, looking at the publicity blitz.
What's even more interesting is that, separate though both style and story are, the marketing tricks have consistently paralleled each other.
Both have an actor- or two making their much-hyped debuts. Both have directors with muscle and mega hits to their credit. And ironically both have been marketing their films on similar platforms.
If Neetu and Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam made a special appearence on TV reality show Amul Voice of India, then there were the Om Shanti Om stars on rival show Sa re ga ma pa.
On Tuesday King Khan and his costars will walk the ramp for an OSO inspired line of clothes. Think that's a first? Well no, Ranbir and Sonam already launched a line of Saawariya styled merchandise over the weekend.
So what can we expect over the next month? Most likely more of the same.
The distributors Eros for Om Shanti Om and Sony films for Sanwariya are keeping a close eye on the domestic and worldwide box-office and will no doubt be trying to outdo the other in the number of prints they release.
Initial figures reveal that more than 120 prints per film will be released in Delhi and UP alone. Pan India's figures are anybody's guess.
The interesting irony though is that, trade analysts predict a 100 per cent opening for both with or without the incessant hype.
Promotional wars have seldom been this close, and with the finish line in sight its safe to say there'll be little shanti
Richa Lakhera, NDTV.com
There's still a month left for Diwali and for Om Shanti Om and Saawariya to release. But if you thought there was just a week or so left who could blame you, looking at the publicity blitz.
What's even more interesting is that, separate though both style and story are, the marketing tricks have consistently paralleled each other.
Both have an actor- or two making their much-hyped debuts. Both have directors with muscle and mega hits to their credit. And ironically both have been marketing their films on similar platforms.
If Neetu and Rishi Kapoor's son Ranbir and Anil Kapoor's daughter Sonam made a special appearence on TV reality show Amul Voice of India, then there were the Om Shanti Om stars on rival show Sa re ga ma pa.
On Tuesday King Khan and his costars will walk the ramp for an OSO inspired line of clothes. Think that's a first? Well no, Ranbir and Sonam already launched a line of Saawariya styled merchandise over the weekend.
So what can we expect over the next month? Most likely more of the same.
The distributors Eros for Om Shanti Om and Sony films for Sanwariya are keeping a close eye on the domestic and worldwide box-office and will no doubt be trying to outdo the other in the number of prints they release.
Initial figures reveal that more than 120 prints per film will be released in Delhi and UP alone. Pan India's figures are anybody's guess.
The interesting irony though is that, trade analysts predict a 100 per cent opening for both with or without the incessant hype.
Promotional wars have seldom been this close, and with the finish line in sight its safe to say there'll be little shanti
Richa Lakhera, NDTV.com
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Eros International, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Sony Pictures
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Monday, October 8, 2007
The battle between Saawariya and Om Shanti Om this Diwali
A cracker of a contest is in store this Diwali as Sanjay Leela Bhansali Saawariya and the Shah Rukh Khan starrer OM SHANTI OM gear up for release in the festive season.
Diwali 2007 promises to be a cracker of a contest in Bollywood where SRK’s Red Chillies-produced, Farah Khan directed ‘OM SHANTI OM which is the launch pad of Deepika Padukone , will compete with Bhansali’s SAAWARIYA a love story that brings together two newcomers, Ranbir Kapoor , son of Rishi Kapoor , and Sonam Kapoor , daughter of Anil Kapoor .
Bhansali’s favourites Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee make a cameo appearance in SAAWARIYA the first Indian film being produced by a Hollywood major, Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Diwali 2007 promises to be a cracker of a contest in Bollywood where SRK’s Red Chillies-produced, Farah Khan directed ‘OM SHANTI OM which is the launch pad of Deepika Padukone , will compete with Bhansali’s SAAWARIYA a love story that brings together two newcomers, Ranbir Kapoor , son of Rishi Kapoor , and Sonam Kapoor , daughter of Anil Kapoor .
Bhansali’s favourites Salman Khan and Rani Mukherjee make a cameo appearance in SAAWARIYA the first Indian film being produced by a Hollywood major, Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Eros International, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Red Chillies Entertainment, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Sony Pictures
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 8:11 PM
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Thursday, October 4, 2007
The Battle Between Om Shanti Om & Saawariya
Two blockbusters will determine the underperforming industry's fate.
Bollywood is betting on the battle between Eros International and Sony Picturesas they get ready to release their mega Bollywood films,Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, respectively, on November 9.
In a year in which blockbusters have been scarce, the industry is expecting the two films to rake in over Rs 180 crore from the domestic box office alone — 25 to 30 per cent of expected full-year collections from big-banner Bollywood films this year.
“Their success will determine the financial health of Bollywood this year,” said film analyst Taran Adarsh.
Box office collections till date have been around Rs 350 crore. This year’s hits include Abhishek Bachchan's Guru (which made Rs 40 crore), Salman Khan and Govinda starrer Partner (Rs 60 crore) and Heyy Babyy with trio Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh (Rs 45-50 crore).
Eros International hopes to cash in on Shah Rukh’s popularity and the debut of badminton star Prakash Padukone’s daughter Deepika by almost doubling the price for distribution rights.
Eros acquired the movie from Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chilies Entertainment, for Rs 74 crore. The movie had a production budget of Rs 40 crore.
Eros, which declined to comment, has sold the rights for Mumbai territory (which excludes Mumbai but covers other parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, including Saurashtra) for around Rs 9 crore to Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd, against an average price of Rs 5 crore.
It is believed to have sold the West Bengal region to Inox for nearly Rs 1.5 crore (average prices here are between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore) and is talking with individual distributors of other territories.
The battle between the two production houses is also moving towards grabbing as many of the country’s 800 single screens as possible, since most multiplexes will screen both movies.
Eros International recently announced that it would release the film across more than 2,000 screens worldwide but refused to specify the India numbers.
A Sony Pictures executive said it was looking at releasing its film in at least half of the total single screens in the country. The company has already booked almost 30 per cent of single screens.
A single screen is booked by a production house on a “theatre hire basis”. Under this arrangement, a production company pays the theatre owner around 20 per cent of the cinema hall's capacity.
Thereafter, revenues earned through ticket sales go entirely to the production house. Single-screen revenues account for almost 60 per cent of box office collections.
Aminah Sheikh, BusinessStandard
Bollywood is betting on the battle between Eros International and Sony Picturesas they get ready to release their mega Bollywood films,Om Shanti Om and Saawariya, respectively, on November 9.
In a year in which blockbusters have been scarce, the industry is expecting the two films to rake in over Rs 180 crore from the domestic box office alone — 25 to 30 per cent of expected full-year collections from big-banner Bollywood films this year.
“Their success will determine the financial health of Bollywood this year,” said film analyst Taran Adarsh.
Box office collections till date have been around Rs 350 crore. This year’s hits include Abhishek Bachchan's Guru (which made Rs 40 crore), Salman Khan and Govinda starrer Partner (Rs 60 crore) and Heyy Babyy with trio Akshay Kumar, Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh (Rs 45-50 crore).
Eros International hopes to cash in on Shah Rukh’s popularity and the debut of badminton star Prakash Padukone’s daughter Deepika by almost doubling the price for distribution rights.
Eros acquired the movie from Shah Rukh Khan's production house, Red Chilies Entertainment, for Rs 74 crore. The movie had a production budget of Rs 40 crore.
Eros, which declined to comment, has sold the rights for Mumbai territory (which excludes Mumbai but covers other parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, including Saurashtra) for around Rs 9 crore to Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd, against an average price of Rs 5 crore.
It is believed to have sold the West Bengal region to Inox for nearly Rs 1.5 crore (average prices here are between Rs 75 lakh and Rs 1 crore) and is talking with individual distributors of other territories.
The battle between the two production houses is also moving towards grabbing as many of the country’s 800 single screens as possible, since most multiplexes will screen both movies.
Eros International recently announced that it would release the film across more than 2,000 screens worldwide but refused to specify the India numbers.
A Sony Pictures executive said it was looking at releasing its film in at least half of the total single screens in the country. The company has already booked almost 30 per cent of single screens.
A single screen is booked by a production house on a “theatre hire basis”. Under this arrangement, a production company pays the theatre owner around 20 per cent of the cinema hall's capacity.
Thereafter, revenues earned through ticket sales go entirely to the production house. Single-screen revenues account for almost 60 per cent of box office collections.
Aminah Sheikh, BusinessStandard
Labels: Deepika Padukone, Eros International, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Sony Pictures
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 8:03 PM
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Thursday, September 27, 2007
Music Comparison : Om Shanti Om and Saawariya
Om Shanti Om Music
Plus Point :-
This is what you call as the collective power of numero uno superstar, top banner, a successful director and last but definitely not the least, a composer duo which does selective but quality work. All of this ensures that ‘Om Shanti Om’ reaches the top of the charts within a week of it’s release.
Minus Point :-
A section of audience in not too pleased with ‘Dard-E-Disco’ and SRK’s new look
Saawariya Music
Plus Point :-
The title song is already the most hummed around in the weekend gone by and rendition by new find Shail Hada has only come for appreciation by one and all. Pure and gentle, Monty Sharma’s soundtrack of ‘Saawariya’ is high quality. No wonder the music has made a smashing debut in the charts.
Minus Point :-
In totality, music of ‘Saawaiya’ doesn’t cater to all segments of audiences. Those looking for sheer quality don’t have to look elsewhere but initial reactions indicate lack of mass appeal for a man on the street.
Tell us what you think . Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Plus Point :-
This is what you call as the collective power of numero uno superstar, top banner, a successful director and last but definitely not the least, a composer duo which does selective but quality work. All of this ensures that ‘Om Shanti Om’ reaches the top of the charts within a week of it’s release.
Minus Point :-
A section of audience in not too pleased with ‘Dard-E-Disco’ and SRK’s new look
Saawariya Music
Plus Point :-
The title song is already the most hummed around in the weekend gone by and rendition by new find Shail Hada has only come for appreciation by one and all. Pure and gentle, Monty Sharma’s soundtrack of ‘Saawariya’ is high quality. No wonder the music has made a smashing debut in the charts.
Minus Point :-
In totality, music of ‘Saawaiya’ doesn’t cater to all segments of audiences. Those looking for sheer quality don’t have to look elsewhere but initial reactions indicate lack of mass appeal for a man on the street.
Tell us what you think . Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Labels: Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 7:03 PM
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Rivalry between Saawariya and Om Shanti Om on TV
It’s not just the Diwali dhamaka and the fact that two super-big films are being released on the same Friday that makes the competition between Saawariya and Om Shanti Om so hot. Television too has taken to the impending war of the spectacles. This Saturday (Sep 29) while the Saawariya team will be seen on Star’s Voice of India, the Om Shanti Om team will appear at the same time on Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa! Needless to say, the average couch potato’s remote control is going to be in a state of perpetual anxiety!
Says Voice of India producer-director Gajendra Singh, “Having Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the two Saawariya debutants on our show was such a delight. Bhansali is a very musical person, and handpicked all the songs from the great Raj Kapoor epics. When one of the contestants superbly sang the title song from Satyam Shivam Sundaram, he spontaneously came forward to greet him. It was a very emotional evening for us. This was also the first time Ranbir and Sonam recorded for TV show, and they were so confident.”
Your dimand
Meanwhile, the Om Shanti Om special to be telecast simultaneously on Zee features Shreyas Talpade, Deepika Padukone and director Farah Khan. Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t appear on the show because he is contract-bound with Star. “But he sent a list of requests to be performed. Those will be featured in the second half of the show. During the first half, we’ll have the contestants singing Om Shanti Om tracks, since two of our judges (Vishal and Shekhar) are also the music directors of the film,” informs Payaol Patel of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
Says Voice of India producer-director Gajendra Singh, “Having Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the two Saawariya debutants on our show was such a delight. Bhansali is a very musical person, and handpicked all the songs from the great Raj Kapoor epics. When one of the contestants superbly sang the title song from Satyam Shivam Sundaram, he spontaneously came forward to greet him. It was a very emotional evening for us. This was also the first time Ranbir and Sonam recorded for TV show, and they were so confident.”
Your dimand
Meanwhile, the Om Shanti Om special to be telecast simultaneously on Zee features Shreyas Talpade, Deepika Padukone and director Farah Khan. Shah Rukh Khan couldn’t appear on the show because he is contract-bound with Star. “But he sent a list of requests to be performed. Those will be featured in the second half of the show. During the first half, we’ll have the contestants singing Om Shanti Om tracks, since two of our judges (Vishal and Shekhar) are also the music directors of the film,” informs Payaol Patel of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
Labels: Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Ranbir Kapoor, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Shreyas Talpade, Sonam Kapoor
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 10:00 PM
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The Farah Bhansali Fight
Farah’s Om Shanti Om and Sanjay Bhansali’s Saawariya are geared for a big clash on 9th November. But even before the clash on the big screen, the two are clashing off screen. Sanjay Bhansali is apparently angry over Farah Khan for ridiculing his mother on Koffee With Karan show.
When asked by Karan, what name Bhansali would give to Farah’s Om Shanti Om. Farah cheekily replied, ” Maa Shanti Maa“. This apparently had Sanjay Bhansali get angry. ‘Making fun of my 75-year-old mother is really not done. I’m proud to have my mother’s name as part of my name. No civilised human would want his or her parent ridiculed. Even if ‘reliable sources’ decide to make fun of my mother to make mileage they’d still have my mother’s blessings,’ Sanjay Bhansali said.
Sanjay Bhansali‘My mom has shown immense love for Farah and her family although over the years they’ve repeatedly made barbed comments about her in public. On ‘Koffee With Karan’, Farah was heard saying that if I made ‘Om Shanti Om’ it would be called ‘Ma Shanti Ma’.
‘Why bring my mother into this unnecessarily, specially since my mother has always shown so much love and affection for Farah? No matter how much the provocation, I’d never speak like this about anyone’s parents.’
When asked about the supposed competition Sanjay said: ‘I’m here to make a film and believe filmmaking to be an art form. Cinema is not a battlefield. We all work very hard on our films. And I’m sure my film is as dear to me as other people’s films are to them.
‘Let me say at the outset that we had announced our decision to release ‘Saawariya’ on Nov 9 a year ago at a press conference held by Sony Pictures. So we aren’t coming on anyone else’s release date. I’m sure ‘Om Shanti Om’ is a terrific film. And Shah Rukh Khan has a huge draw. In fact, he’s the biggest star of the country. We are very small compared with him. I wish his film all the best.’
‘Shah Rukh and I had come to a moral decision to keep this dignified and not to speak about each other’s film in print. I intend to stick to that decision even if other people on his behalf are eagerly breaking that moral code. There are ’sources’ close to the film making catty comments about me, making fun of me and even my mother to get attention.’
Such provocations won’t affect him and he is not going to retaliate, said Bhansali.
‘I’m not going to be provoked into talking about another person’s film or its cast. Me and my mother wish Shah Rukh and his film all the best from the bottom of our hearts.’
When asked by Karan, what name Bhansali would give to Farah’s Om Shanti Om. Farah cheekily replied, ” Maa Shanti Maa“. This apparently had Sanjay Bhansali get angry. ‘Making fun of my 75-year-old mother is really not done. I’m proud to have my mother’s name as part of my name. No civilised human would want his or her parent ridiculed. Even if ‘reliable sources’ decide to make fun of my mother to make mileage they’d still have my mother’s blessings,’ Sanjay Bhansali said.
Sanjay Bhansali‘My mom has shown immense love for Farah and her family although over the years they’ve repeatedly made barbed comments about her in public. On ‘Koffee With Karan’, Farah was heard saying that if I made ‘Om Shanti Om’ it would be called ‘Ma Shanti Ma’.
‘Why bring my mother into this unnecessarily, specially since my mother has always shown so much love and affection for Farah? No matter how much the provocation, I’d never speak like this about anyone’s parents.’
When asked about the supposed competition Sanjay said: ‘I’m here to make a film and believe filmmaking to be an art form. Cinema is not a battlefield. We all work very hard on our films. And I’m sure my film is as dear to me as other people’s films are to them.
‘Let me say at the outset that we had announced our decision to release ‘Saawariya’ on Nov 9 a year ago at a press conference held by Sony Pictures. So we aren’t coming on anyone else’s release date. I’m sure ‘Om Shanti Om’ is a terrific film. And Shah Rukh Khan has a huge draw. In fact, he’s the biggest star of the country. We are very small compared with him. I wish his film all the best.’
‘Shah Rukh and I had come to a moral decision to keep this dignified and not to speak about each other’s film in print. I intend to stick to that decision even if other people on his behalf are eagerly breaking that moral code. There are ’sources’ close to the film making catty comments about me, making fun of me and even my mother to get attention.’
Such provocations won’t affect him and he is not going to retaliate, said Bhansali.
‘I’m not going to be provoked into talking about another person’s film or its cast. Me and my mother wish Shah Rukh and his film all the best from the bottom of our hearts.’
Labels: Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 9:57 PM
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Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Om Shanti Om vs Saawariya on this Diwali
Shahrukh Khan has been all ‘Om Shanti Om’ of late. Well he might just need a prayer, considering his film is releasing with Saawariya and all that competition can only be good for the movie-goer.
“Saawariya is a huge film. Our film is a secondary film and I will try my best to make it the nicest film of the year. There is no competition; there are enough people to watch a film. I'm very attached to Saawariya also because of my relationship with so many people in Saawariya. Of course, my own child is Om Shanti Om,” says Shahrukh.
While the media hype around Saawariya verses Om Shanti Om builds up considering, both films are releasing on the same day, it looks like SRK is going the reverse psychology route by placing as little expectation as possible on his film. It certainly worked for Chak De India.
Shahrukh is also making sure he doesn't tread on any influential toes and is full of praise for the competition.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a friend, and as a director. His film is being presented by Columbia TriStar; there are many big stars in it. It’s got Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and two youngsters who respect me - Ranbir and Sonam. So I have respect for that film and I wish it all the best,” SRK said.
But while Saawariya may have the star kids and of course Bhansali's genius, Om Shanti Om has another weapon in its arsenal - SRK's six pack - and we just had to ask him how it feels to be rippling with muscles all of a sudden. “I feel good having done this and I would tell all the youngsters to please work out, whether you run, or play sports,” he said.
Besides a buff SRK, what else do we have to look forward to from Om Shanti Om? Is the film as meditative as it sounds? “One is Om Kapoor and one is Om Prakash Makhija. Both of them form the 'Om' Shanti 'Om'. This is not a religious or meditative film,” said SRK.
Well a meditative film it may not be, but we certainly know a lot of fans who are going to be in a state of nirvana when SRK struts his stuff.
Medini Sharmaa & Beverly White, TimesNow.TV
“Saawariya is a huge film. Our film is a secondary film and I will try my best to make it the nicest film of the year. There is no competition; there are enough people to watch a film. I'm very attached to Saawariya also because of my relationship with so many people in Saawariya. Of course, my own child is Om Shanti Om,” says Shahrukh.
While the media hype around Saawariya verses Om Shanti Om builds up considering, both films are releasing on the same day, it looks like SRK is going the reverse psychology route by placing as little expectation as possible on his film. It certainly worked for Chak De India.
Shahrukh is also making sure he doesn't tread on any influential toes and is full of praise for the competition.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a friend, and as a director. His film is being presented by Columbia TriStar; there are many big stars in it. It’s got Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and two youngsters who respect me - Ranbir and Sonam. So I have respect for that film and I wish it all the best,” SRK said.
But while Saawariya may have the star kids and of course Bhansali's genius, Om Shanti Om has another weapon in its arsenal - SRK's six pack - and we just had to ask him how it feels to be rippling with muscles all of a sudden. “I feel good having done this and I would tell all the youngsters to please work out, whether you run, or play sports,” he said.
Besides a buff SRK, what else do we have to look forward to from Om Shanti Om? Is the film as meditative as it sounds? “One is Om Kapoor and one is Om Prakash Makhija. Both of them form the 'Om' Shanti 'Om'. This is not a religious or meditative film,” said SRK.
Well a meditative film it may not be, but we certainly know a lot of fans who are going to be in a state of nirvana when SRK struts his stuff.
Medini Sharmaa & Beverly White, TimesNow.TV
Labels: Arjun Rampal, Deepika Padukone, Farah Khan, Om Shanti Om, Rani Mukherji, Saawariya, Salman Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan, Shreyas Talpade
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 8:48 PM
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Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Om Shanti Om vs Saawariya
It is almost certain now ( barring a miracle) that Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Saawariya’ will come together on 'Diwali'.
And the confidence-of the dual 'Diwali' releases comes from the fact that the cinema bookings for both the big-budgeted extravaganzas have begun in Delhi in right earnest.
There is not much clamour for the multiplexes of the capital city of India because all the multiplexes have multiple screens and are equipped to release both the films on the festive occasion. But the scramble is for single screen cinemas because there are hardly any areas in Delhi with more than one single-screen cinema.
With Shah Rukh Khan not having conceded Bhansali’s request to postpone his ‘Om Shanti Om’ it will now be a clash of two big-budget movies on Diwali. ‘Om Shanti Om’ has reportedly cost Rs.35 crores to make. The budget of ‘Saawariya’ is also said to be in the region of Rs. 40-crores.
Abid, PlanetBollywood
And the confidence-of the dual 'Diwali' releases comes from the fact that the cinema bookings for both the big-budgeted extravaganzas have begun in Delhi in right earnest.
There is not much clamour for the multiplexes of the capital city of India because all the multiplexes have multiple screens and are equipped to release both the films on the festive occasion. But the scramble is for single screen cinemas because there are hardly any areas in Delhi with more than one single-screen cinema.
With Shah Rukh Khan not having conceded Bhansali’s request to postpone his ‘Om Shanti Om’ it will now be a clash of two big-budget movies on Diwali. ‘Om Shanti Om’ has reportedly cost Rs.35 crores to make. The budget of ‘Saawariya’ is also said to be in the region of Rs. 40-crores.
Abid, PlanetBollywood
Labels: Om Shanti Om, Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Shahrukh Khan
Posted By Ivan Me ... at 9:21 PM
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