Triple failure of CC2C, Billu, D-6 alienating audience from Bollywood

I am pained. First quarter of 2009 is turning out to be one of the worst seasons for Bollywood in the current decade. At least in the earlier years, there weren't too many movies releasing at the beginning of January (Bollywood jinx factor) and then late February/early March (school/college examinations). However, 2009 has been an exception with not one, not two but multiple films releasing practically every week. Not worrying at all about the Board examinations being underway and the target audience i.e. youth keeping away from the theaters, Bollywood is witnessing dozen odd releases practically every month.

I am pained because the result has been hardly heartening, as evidenced in the fate of five films that released over the weekend gone by - Firaaq, Aloo Chaat, Barah Aana, Straight and Lottery. None of the films has done well at the box office and performance of some of these films has been pathetic to say the least. Collective theater occupancy of these five films has been less than 50% if one looks at the opening and poor reviews and reports have further marred the prospects.

I am pained because Firaaq got some good critical response coming its way but collections were shocking all over. The film has hardly been seen by the audience which otherwise could have helped it grow with word of mouth. Other than Firaaq though, none of the other films could even gather any good reviews. While Straight and Aloo Chaat have been ripped apart by most, Barah Aana has seen somewhat better response from the critics but equally poor response from the audience. Frankly, there were hardly any out there who had even heard of this Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz and Arjun Mathur starrer. As for Lottery, it didn't see a decent multiplex release and worse, wasn't even reviewed by the critics.

I am pained because there is something really going wrong with the film releases this season. And there is one simple reason for this - 'Money saved is money gained'! Audience is looking at saving money for a film that seems promising from the very onset. On a regular weekend, at least a couple of these five films could have taken a favorable start. However, complete disinterest of audience in movies is stemming from the fact that they are just not in mood of watching small films at theaters.

I am pained because based on my conversations with 'aam junta' as well as industry insiders, I have realized that the absolute turnaround amongst audience when it comes to Bollywood flicks has stemmed from the triple failure of highly hyped films like Chandni Chowk To China, Billu Barber and Delhi 6. 'Aisa lagta hai jaise sabka Bollywood films se vishwas hi uth gaya hai' - is the sentiment amongst all. When one film is a hit, audience loves to visit theaters and watch the next one in subsequent week. And so on and so forth. This was evident in August/September last year when success of Singh Is Kinng followed by Bachna Ae Haseeno had made way for multiple small and medium budget films week after week like Rock On, Welcome To Sajjanpur, A Wednesday, Phoonk, 1920 etc. The free for all run of hits was too good to be true but that was a fact. Of course each of the films, were well made as well but the fact is that audience was 'willing' to spend money in theaters week after week even as the term 'recession' was making a loud announcement all over.

The subsequent months saw a dip with the failure of Karzzzz but 2008 end saw a grand revival with huge blockbusters like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Ghajini. Audience was willing to give Bollywood another chance but as stated earlier, the biggies in Jan/Feb 2009 spoilt the show and it was back to square one.

It's not the audience to be blamed, it's the films!

Junta has given its verdict loud and clear. It has to be really very high quality films that have to arrive at theaters to entice audiences back. And it won't suffice to see just one or two good films coming in; there have to be a line up of interesting projects. No wonder, the months of May/June become crucial because there is a lot riding on films like Kambakkth Ishq, Kaminey, Luck, Love Aaj Kal, Life Partner, Shortkut - The Con Is On and Kal Kissne Dekha, each of which would be arriving one after another.

Here is looking forward to a better season ahead with some quality projects that would make the audience wake up to the magic of Bollywood. Once again!

Fingers crossed!

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Akshay Kumar lost his comic touch

The failure of Nikhil Advani's "Chandni Chowk To China" has put a question mark on Akshay Kumar's comic journey. While some filmmakers say he tends to interfere in the director's job, his staunch supporters in Bollywood feel he should not be written off because of one flop.

There were reports that the comic element in his next big release "Kambakht Ishq" were revamped after the disastrous results of "Chandni Chowk..." at the box office. But "Kambakht Ishq" producer Sajid Nadiadwala shoots down the reports.

"Why would I do that? The film is what it is. I don't work with my actors based on how their last film did. 'Kambakht Ishq' will have a lot to offer," Nadiadwala told IANS.

In "Kambakht Ishq", Akshay is paired with Kareena Kapoor. Some parts of the film were shot in Hollywood and stars like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Brandon Routh feature in the movie.

"It's an out-and-out romantic comedy with stunts of an international order. And why are we jumping the gun just because one of his films hasn't lived up to expectations? There could be so many reasons for it. Why should Akshay be blamed for it? Why so much negativity about him? Is he the first superstar to disappoint audiences?"

On the downside, Akshay's pairing with Kareena has hardly ever worked at the box office. Suneel Darshan's "Talaash", Dharmesh Darshan's "Bewafaa" and Yash Raj Films' "Tashan" are a few examples.

Some filmmakers would like him to end his protracted attempts at comedy.

"Akshay has become progressively active in the process of writing scripts and shooting films. He freely makes suggestions some of which, I've to admit, are good. But quite often he wants to take over the project. When I went to him with another project, he offered to co-produce it and get someone to re-write portions. It's obvious a lot of scenes in 'Chandni Chowk...' were re-written. The result shows," a director said on condition of anonymity.

"It's the Govinda factor at work again," said another director who preferred to remain anonymous. "He did so much buffoonery on screen that Govinda made people forget there was more to him than meets the eye."

However, Akshay's staunch producer-director friends are more than happy to stand by him.

Said Vipul Shah, who will launch his next with Akshay and Aishwarya Rai in March: "I don't think the failure of 'Chandni Chowk To China' means that audiences have rejected him in the comic avatar. The backlash is totally uncalled for. And it looks motivated by reasons other than the box office. Many people have been waiting to pounce on Akshay. This is their opportunity."

But Shah, whose last two films with Akshay - "Singh Is Kinng" and "Namastey London" - were romantic comedies, has decided to keep away from the genre in the next venture.

It is believed that apart from Priyadarshan's "De Dana Dan", which is an out-and-out comedy, the comic element is being cut down or dowplayed in Akshay's forthcoming projects.

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Shekhar Suman says Sorry to Akshay Kumar

When Shekhar Suman made critical remarks about Akshay Kumar vis-a-vis Chandni Chowk To China little did he know it would blow up into such a huge point of debate. In a reconciliatory gesture, Shekhar sent an SMS on Thursday morning apologizing to Akshay.

"It was never my intention to offend Akshay. And if I've done that, then I've no hesitation in saying sorry. Akshay is too much of a good soul for me to hurt him. He should've realized my comments had nothing personal about them."

Shekhar is taken aback by the backlash to his tongue-lash. "I never knew my opinion would matter so much. I reacted as an outraged viewer. I've always admired Akshay Kumar's resilient climb from the bottom rung to the top of ladder. In fact I tell my son Adhyayan that Akshay Kumar is a role model to follow. Self-made superstar." Sadly a section of Akshay's supports including the Chandni Chowk director Nikhil Advani saw Shekhar's comments as below-the-belt attempts to get publicity for Adhyayan's release this week.

Shekhar laughs off this accusation. "My son is talented enough to do without such cheap props. We don't need to use big names to get noticed. Adhyayan's performance in Raaz 2 will speak for itself. I'd say exactly what I did about Chandni Chowk even if my son's film wasn't releasing."

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Nepal bans Chandni Chowk To China

As protests continued to erupt on the streets of Kathmandu on Thursday (January 22) over Bollywood's first Kungfu comedy "Chandni Chowk to China", the new Maoist-led government officially banned the film.

The formal ban by the ministry of information and communications came as cinemas in Nepal had on their own stopped screening the controversial film on Wednesday.

All Kathmandu valley cinemas, from multiplexes like Jai Nepal, Kumari, Gopi Krishna and Barahi, to smaller ones like Guna and Ashta Narayan, hurriedly dropped the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer and began showing the earlier Bollywood release "Ghajini" or waited for another Bollywood film "Raaz" to be released on Friday.

The decision, that would cost the distributors of the films millions of rupees, was taken after angry protests began over the erroneous claim in the film that the Buddha, Nepal's best-known religious icon, was born in India.

"The Buddha was born in Nepal, learn to respect Nepal's identity and sovereignty," students screamed during a protest rally before an engineering college in the valley on Thursday (January 22). In the Lainchaur area near the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, protesters marched in silence, waving placards.

"The trouble was created by the narration in the film," said Nepali film director K.P. Pathak, who heads the Nepal Film Directors' Association that is urging audiences to boycott all foreign films that project wrong messages.

"About five minutes into the film, the narration introduces the hero as someone born in India, the Buddha's birthplace," Pathak told IANS.

The Buddha was born prince Siddharth in Lumbini in south Nepal in 623 BC. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit south Nepal every year to pay their homage to the apostle of peace.

Before being released in Nepal on Friday, "Chandni Chowk to China" was viewed by Nepal's censor board who objected to the dialogue. Subsequently, the distributors deleted it.

But though the offending dialogue was removed, the word got around and students stormed the Jai Nepal cinema on Wednesday, tearing down the posters of the film.

Remembering the violence that flared up in 2000 after wrongly attributed comments to Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan, the distributors of "Chandni Chowk to China" on Wednesday decided to can it.

"It's not just Kathmandu valley," officials at the Gopi Krishna cinema told IANS. "No hall in Nepal will show that film. There is a virtual ban on it."

Despite the cinemas heeding public sentiment, the protests continued on Thursday with students saying that the CDs and VCDs of the film that have reached Nepal still have the offending dialogue.

The controversy has also created bad blood between Indians and Nepalis on YouTube with messages becoming abusive.

However, the most clinching argument comes from someone signing in as Prynka.

"The bottom line is," Prynka says, "the movie is very disappointing and it has definitely angered a lot of Nepalis for disregarding a very important part of our history....

"No one would expect a movie under the Warner Brothers' banner to have such ignorant mistakes."

"Chandni Chowk to China", the first Hindi film to be shot in China, is directed by Nikhil Advani and produced by Sippy Films as well as Warner Brothers.

The Lumbini Development Trust, that manages the Buddha's birthplace, said Indian tourist agencies also misguide travellers into believing that the Buddha was born in India.

"Before the Nepal government changed its visa policies, tourists would be brought to Nepal without being told they were entering a different country," Nepal's official media on Thursday quoted the public relations officer at the trust, Gyanin Rai, as saying.

It also reported the Maoist Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hisila Yami as saying that the spread of such false information should be stopped.

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Chandni Chowk to China creates virtual rift among Asians

Bollywood's much-awaited first Kungfu comedy Chandni Chowk to China has created a rift on YouTube with Indian, Chinese and Nepali members trading insults.

The film, co-produced by Warner Brothers Pictures and directed by Nikhil Advani triggered protests with its statement that the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in India.

While many YouTube members have pointed out the mistake, saying he was born in Nepal, the correction is being opposed by some, creating an abusive environment.

A member signing in as provoked11, says, "Nepal Nepal Nepal!!!... Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. But he got enlightenment in Gaya which is in India. So let's not be confused. He was born in Nepal but he became Gautam Buddha in India."

"Buddha was born in an Indian forest," claims Luckyankraj while Hemantmehndi is more aggressive. "Nepal was born from India," the member says. "Therefore, Buddha is from India. Nepalese people get outta this India movie trailer. Go watch your own movies if they're that great."

The outburst is countered by Chanchaltam, who says: "Your language belies you. You can't be a good cultured Indian. If you go to ancient historical times then people can also argue that India was born from Nepal. Just a case of the son becoming bigger than the father."

Besides the Buddha's birthplace, there is also a growing fight over where Kungfu, the martial art form made famous by Bruce Lee with the 1973 film "Enter the Dragon", originated.

Says bobbzhere81: "India is the birth place of all martial arts. A saint named Bodidama carried this art from Madras (now Chennai) to China."

At this, protests come from lajabo0009, who says: "This is not true. India is the birth place of Buddhism but China is definitely the birth place of Kungfu (martial arts). Without China, Kungfu would have never developed to its current form.

However, the most clinching argument comes from Prynka, who enunciates what the bottom line is.

"The bottom line is: the movie is very disappointing and it has definitely angered a lot of Nepalis for disregarding a very important part of our history....

"No one would expect a movie under the Warner Brothers' banner to have such ignorant mistakes."

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Chandni Chowk to China sparks protest in Nepal

"Chandni Chowk to China", India's first made-in-China film, has angered Nepal for its erroneous references about the Buddha. Enraged students on Wednesday (January 21) tore off the posters of the romantic comedy at Kathmandu's best-known Jai Nepal cinema and the furore caused authorities to shelve the screening of the film.

The protests began over a comment in the film that the Buddha was born in India.

Born Prince Siddharth, the founder of Buddhism, the Buddha was born in Lumbini, in present day southern Nepal, which draws thousands of visitors every year.

Before its release on Friday, the film was vetted by Nepal's censor board which asked for the offending scene to be removed.

The Jai Nepal cinema was screening the movie with the cut ordered by the board but the word got around, triggering public anger.

The protesters are also asking the Maoist government of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to take up the issue with the Indian government.

Protests are not restricted to students. K.P. Pathak, a member of the Nepal Film Development Board as well as chief of the Nepal Directors' Association, has urged Nepalis to boycott the film, the Dainikee.com website reported.

"This film projects wrong information," the website quoted Pathak as saying. "We are asking the audience to boycott all such films."

Directed by Nikhil Advani, "Chandni Chowk to China" is co-producer Warner Brothers' second Hindi film and casts Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone in lead roles.

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I’m not Superman: Akshay

You would have thought with the appalling reviews and public criticism his 2009 non-starter Chandni Chowk To China (CC2C) received in India, Akshay Kumar would have retreated to a corner to sulk and lick his wounds .

Far from it! Bollywood’s action hero who laughs, cries, sings, dances and kickboxes in the film that producer Warner Bros’ American audiences and the Hollywood press (also, Indian kids) actually enjoyed, is standing on his feet having taken the punches squarely on the chin... BT put him on the mat and got him to deliver straight replies to some more punches...

With this flop, it’s being said your golden spell is over...
But my so-called flop has generated Rs 45 crore in the first weekend... it’s the fourth highest, three-day box office collection in the history of Bollywood. Besides, I never said this was the greatest film ever made. I told everyone, ‘It’s a senseless film, leave your brains at home.’ I accept it for what it is, I love it for what it is, and I will stand by it and say that’s the film we wanted to make and we made. I pray you like it, and I’m sorry if you don’t. But I didn’t break my back doing it to have my own fraternity later stab me from behind...

But you’re hugely successful, you had the opportunity to choose ... did you make the right choice?
I accept failure, no problem; failing isn’t the scary part, reading newpapers is what brings me out in a cold sweat! Mistakes I can live with, but regret is one thing I can do without. I did my best, I’m not Superman, if I never fall how will I pick myself up to climb again!

Shekhar Suman says you ought to apologise for CC2C...
Bollywood is a family, if you have a problem come to my house and discuss it with me over tea, don’t poison the minds of our public. Have you ever heard me hurt anyone? But Shekar Suman’s not the only one. His son’s film releases tomorrow and I wish him the very best. I hope no one ever talks about Shekhar’s son the same way he spoke about me.

Where does CC2C leave you?
Thank God I’m not considered number one or anything of the sort. I’m happy being the underdog that has to struggle. It’s what I’m used to doing and it’s where I’m happiest. I can get on with being the dude who just wants to make films. Wish me luck ...

What is the road ahead like?
Bumpy, full of pot-holes, but I’ll reach my destination ... I work hard, I do good things with my money, and all I want to do at the end of the day is go home and play with my innocent son. No film, no money and no amount of success is more precious than that. I’m lucky, every month my son’s dying to see another one of my films!

People say you’ve lost your trademark modesty with success...
No one can ever take away my modesty. I haven’t changed since the day I started, in fact I’m even more mellow now than I used to be. People are dying to pull me down. I understand why. But I won’t become too big for my boots. Have I ever thrown my weight around or abused my position in the industry? Why do you think after all the flops I am still here!

You gave away your Best Actor award in the Popular category to Aamir Khan. People claim that magnanimity was not the reason behind your grand gesture...
Of course they will, you only hear crap about me around release time; they did it to me before Singh Is Kinng and are doing it again now. I gave my award to Aamir because I felt he deserved it. Just because he doesn’t turn up for awards doesn’t mean I can pretend it doesn’t belong to him. I was honoured to be given the award and, to be honest, it took a lot for me to give it away. Aamir knows why I did what I did, he understands me, why can’t people? Everybody’s not corrupt.

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Deepika skipped sister's National Golf Tournament for CC2C premieres

Being a star at 23 is not easy. Deepika has no friends in Mumbai. And she doesn't have any qualms in admitting it.

So busy is the stunning actress that she went off for the North American and London premieres of Chandni Chowk To China just when her sister Anisha was playing at a National Golf Tournament in Pune.

"Yes Anisha who's five years younger to me and the baby of the family was playing in Pune just when I left for my premieres. I'd have definitely liked to watch her," says Deepika wistfully. "But then maybe having family around to watch her play would make her self-conscious. She needs to find her own identity away from the family cocoon. And for that we need to leave her alone to swim in the waters and face the storms. So in a way it was good that I wasn't around when she played."

Deepika has been traveling unchaperoned all through the year. "Both me and my sister have been taught to be self dependent. I am 23 and very proud of it. I'm young and raring to go. Age has nothing to do with maturity. I started traveling alone at a very young age (12) as a badminton player. That made feel responsible from a very young age. I learnt to travel in a team share dormitories and bathrooms. You could say I've roughed it out. My parents made sure my sister and I were brought up with normal working class values."

She says she isn't into celebrations. "I've never been the partying type. I'm not much into celebrations ever since I moved to Mumbai to become an actress. I don't have any friends to call over. Earlier when I was in Bangalore I used to call all my friends over for my birthday and then take them bowling or to watch a movie..."

She trails off. "Now all my free days are spent with my family. My entire family comes down from Bangalore to Mumbai for my birthday every year. It becomes a family reunion time. They came to visit me around my birthday. My Dad, mom and sister were here. We also paid a visit to Tirupathi."

And now Deepika travelled all across the US, Toronto and London, all on her own.

"Why do you say that?" she shoots back. "I had the Chandni Chowk To China team with me. We were hopping from city to city. The only sleep I got was on flight."

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The great fall of 'China'

It could've been a hat-trick, but it isn't. RAB NE BANA DI JODI worked. So did GHAJINI. Had CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA not bit the dust, the industry would've continued its winning streak. We enjoyed the starters [RAB NE BANA DI JODI], we enjoyed the meal [GHAJINI], but the dessert [CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA] left a bitter taste.

By now, everyone knows that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has under-performed in its opening weekend, so let's not waste time crying over spilt milk. Let's highlight the repercussions a biggie like CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has on the industry when it falls flat on its face.

As I pen my thoughts, I can't help but recall the various conversations I've had with several prominent distributors and exhibitors over CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA. Everyone's unanimous that Akshay Kumar is repeating himself. That he needs to reinvent himself. Enacting similar roles in film after film is only going to take him the Salman Khan and Govinda way. He needs to pull up his socks.

Is his popularity dwindling? Not really, but he needs to take stock of the situation and accept roles that defy the stereotype.

Perhaps, Nikhil Advani, the creator of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, may not have come to terms with the fact that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has nosedived. Most film-makers are in complete denial when their movie fails, at least in the initial days. They feel the world has an agenda against them, the world is out to pull them down. But the Daily Collection Reports [with the distributors] should serve as an eye-opener for all film-makers and also actors who shut their eyes to reality.

The kadwa sach is, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA has failed and failed big time. Monday onwards, the business has crashed completely.

The failure of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA should serve as an eye-opener for all producers who sign a star first and hunt for a story later. In this case, Nikhil Advani made a poster first, showed it to Akshay [who loved it apparently] and then wrote the script. Bizarre, isn't it?

The question is, will Warner Bros. lose money on CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA? Looking at its theatrical performance in India as also in the key international markets [U.S.A., U.K.], it's certain that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA will make a hole in the pockets of its investors.

A terrible waste of a terrific opportunity!

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"Suddenly there is a whole mission to 'Kill Akshay'" - Vipul Shah

Chandni Chowk To China may not have taken a huge opening as was expected out of it. However, a large section of media has chosen to target Akshay Kumar and have started writing obituaries about him. Unreasonable as it may sound; the backlash seems to be completely uncalled for, especially for a man who till about a fortnight back was hailed as 'the darling of the masses'. Vipul Shah, Akshay's friend, director and producer, gets into a freewheeling chat with Joginder Tuteja and shares his views about the reasons that have perhaps led to such 'venom being spewed on Akshay Kumar' (in his own language). Over to Vipul!

Mission 'Target Akshay'

"I think the only thing that Akshay has done wrong is that he has never been a part of any camp. He has never picked up any favorites with media or has tied up with journalists (it's a shame that some of them are called journalists). Unfortunately he is not a part of any politics and believes in the policy of 'do your work and go home'. Today, when people are getting an opportunity to tarnish and target him, he doesn't have people to defend him. Everyone is clearly having a field day."

All HITS forgotten?

"And by the way, why are we forgetting that he is the same man who in the last 3 years has seen 21 films of his getting released out of which 17 have been hits. He is the most consistent actor, star and a lot more than that. Just because one film of his doesn't take a kick start as expected, people out there have started making judgments. It's like Sachin Tendulkar failing in one innings and people saying that he should retire! See, these kinds of elements are always there and neither Akshay nor any of his directors or producers would be bothered about it."

Of course Akshay is disappointed!

"Akshay is extremely concerned about the kind of backlash coming towards him and the film. He is feeling at a certain level that despite what media has to say about the film, his audience should not feel let down. It can happen to the best of the people but the way stories are being generated, it seems as if Akshay has almost finished the entire industry with just one film. What are we smoking? It's really sad! People should realize that he is the only actor who does 4 films a year and still sees so much of success. Now today, if you want to crucify him then well, only God can help you."

The 'J' factor at play?

"Jealousy - I guess that too has played a major role in the kind of backlash that is being generated. They feel that Akshay earns a lot of money and I have realized that in my interaction with people. They are jealous about him reaching this position and now they have got a chance to open their mouths. Well, do that as long as you don't misuse the freedom of expression. But please don't jump to conclusions. Otherwise it would be a shameful incident in Indian cinema when so-called underperformance of one film would lead to a select bunch of people trying to finish him off. Well, keep trying because ultimately audience would anyways come to see his next film."

Why are we demoralizing the industry?

"While media and some people with vested interest are targeting a man who has come up to such a level through so many hardships in life and done something that people can only dream to achieve, they are only demoralizing others in the industry. Akshay is a man who has come from nowhere and created a space for himself. Today, you want to ignore all his hard work put for so many years; the ton loads of entertainment he has provided to millions out there. Show me one actor whose film hasn't lived up to expectations. When you see CC2C, Akshay has tried his best. Now may be you like the film or not is a different question but can you say that Akshay hasn't made an effort? There is a limit to what an actor can do!"

Akshay should retire? What nonsense!

"If you want to say that because of one film an actor should retire then I would say that please watch your mouth and language. Because I am so sure that Akshay would deliver a hit next, and that should be soon, and once that happens, the very same people would be touching his feet. That day is not far off! Suddenly there is a whole mission to 'Kill Akshay'. Well, let me tell you that he is much stronger a person that he won't die because of one CC2C. He won't vanish and instead would do a lot more for people. So please save your opinion because tomorrow you would be returning to him for an interview and a front page cover!"

It's not only about Akshay

"Yes, Akshay happens to be a very near person in my life but honestly speaking, Anyone including myself would've been disappointed if people would have talked in the same way. What disgusts me most is the attitude of some people in India who are targeting an actor. It is sad because at the time when the industry is not going through its best patch, we are not supporting each other. Seriously, we don't need enemies from outside when we have a good chunk of them from inside the industry. These are the people who are harming themselves. At the end of the day, this industry sees collective success and failure. If one film does well, it benefits 10 more films that are coming next. And if one fails, it impacts 10 more which are going to be released next."

Am I angry? No!

"I am not angry at the mischief makers; I am just analyzing the situation with a balanced approach and feeling sad at our outlook towards our colleagues. If we continue to have such an outlook in the times when the industry is not going through the best time then obviously our growth should be restricted. We pull each other down rather than supporting, hence we deserve to remain at a lower level. My point is, let's forget about Akshay and think about yourself. You are just damaging yourself!"

Akshay is not alone

"I can recount 100 such cases when someone has been pulled down so badly. A few months back, it happened to Himesh Reshammiya. Earlier, after Saawariya, Sanjay Leela Bhansali was said to be finished. Harman got to hear so much due to Love Story 2050. After Drona, Abhishek was written off and even though Dostana was a success, a large section of media didn't want to believe it earlier on but later relented. This is our cynicism at play and mind you, one film cannot make or break anyone. Forget a superstar; it could even be the case for a newcomer. Yes, I choose to be vocal about it because perhaps this is what the first time when it is not just backlash but venom being spewed out. I have never seen something like this before and I hope I don't see it ever again!"

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Chandni Chowk To China grosses Rs 330 million in India

Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone starrer Chandni Chowk To China has grossed Rs 330 million (Rs 33 crores) in its opening weekend in India, including paid previews.

Speaking to Businessofcinema.com, Warner Bros India director sales Neeraj Goswami says, "We are happy to have crossed Rs 300 million (Rs 30 crores) mark in India, considering that not many films grossed that amount in 2008. We are happy with weekend numbers."

When queried about public reaction towards the movie and Warner's expectations of the first week collections, Goswami said, "Well the reaction towards the movie has been mixed. We'll be able to judge this week's expectations only once Monday's collection come in entirely, which should be by tomorrow. But the movie should manage to do well this week since the coming weekend is long. There are new releases this week but every movie has their niche audience."

Slated to release this week is the much acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire directed by Danny Boyle along with Vishesh Films and Sony BMG's horror flick Raaz - The Mystery Continues. These films will find a good window with Monday (26 January) being a holiday.

Chandni Chowk To China released on 16 January. In the US the film was released in 134 cinemas. At the time of filing this story, the weekend overseas collections of the film were not available with Warner Bros.

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Critics slam Chandni Chowk To China

“Chandni Chowk To China” had generated immense pre-release hype and was predicted to surpass even the record-breaking run of “Ghajini” at the box office.

However, the Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer, which opened in India on January 16, has not impressed film critics.

Almost all the reviews have slammed “Chandni Chowk To China”, with most critics giving the film a low rating of 2 stars or below.

“Not enough light-hearted fun in C2C, you are hardly ever amused," writes Deepa Gahlot.

"One wishes Nikhil Advani had fine-cooked the script and screenplay a bit more before serving it. This comedy film does not evoke any laughs," writes Sarita Tanwar of Mid-Day.

Maynak Shekhar of Mumbai Mirror gave only one and half stars and called the movie, "Such bull in a china-shop!"

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CC2C Breaks Akshay's Winning Streak

The highly publicized Chandni Chowk to China has flopped and how. It is being hailed as the worst film to come out of Bollywood in recent times.

Shekhar Suman is fuming over what a waste the film is. He has been quoted in a tabloid as saying, "Akshay Kumar owes an apology to the nation. For the first time, multiplex audiences were booing a film. I am upset with Akshay for doing such a film. He has lost it after seeing success. Akshay was better when he wasn't in the race. Now his brains have turned topsy turvy. Singh is Kinng was illogical too but at least it was entertaining. I want a refund of all the Akshay Kumar films I have seen. CC2C isn't just disappointing and amateurish; it offends the sensibility of the viewer as well. There hasn't been a film as sad or horrible as CC2C this far! I declare January 16 to be declared National Mourning in India, as it's the day cinema died!"

Akshay's Singh is Kinng got a bumper opening because of the hype but Chandni Chowk didn't manage that either. People who saw the paid previews were so disgusted with the film that they warned all their friends to steer clear of the film. Then critics were unanimous in their decision to pan the movie.

In recent times, movies like Ghajini and Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na have been so successful that multiplexes have had to increase shows to accommodate audiences. But now they are in trouble as the shows of CC2C, a movie that is only three days old, are running empty and they have to reduce the number of shows.

Interestingly, like the incredulous plot of the film, the making of the film also defies any logic and was an act of sheer over-confidence. It seems Akshay liked a poster featuring him with standing with two crossed swords. So he asked Nikhil Advani what was the script of the film. Nikhil replied that there was no story or idea, it was just the poster that they had. So Akshay asked him to write the script based on the poster and that he would work in his film which had a "new way of working" that is the poster is ready before the script.

Nikhil Advani's first flick, Kal Ho Naa Ho, looked so much like Karan Johar's previous flicks: K3G and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that many people believed that KJo had not only produced but also ghost-directed the film. With debacles like Salaam-e-Ishq and Chandni Chowk in his kitty, we know for sure that he didn't direct KHNH.

Tashan, which released in April 2008, was the first monumental disaster of that year. It starred Akshay as well. Now with Chandni Chowk to China, Akshay has raised the bar for how bad a film can be.

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'Chandni Chowk...' gets lukewarm reception from U.S. media

American mainstream media has given a lukewarm reception to Chandni Chowk to China, the largest-ever release of a Bollywood movie in North America, calling it "a genetic experiment" and a "genre-mashup overkill".

"A veggie-slicing galoot from Delhi goes to China to realise his destiny as a martial arts master -- and just from the synopsis, I'm on board with Chandni Chowk to China," says Time magazine reviewer Richard Corliss.

But "the results of this genetic experiment are mixed. Chandni Chowk to China is probably a decent sampler for Americans who've never seen a full-out Bollywood musical since it goes heavy on the action scenes and light on the big dance numbers", he says.

The film "has the feel of one of many Indian glosses on American films, not of something fresh and foreign. For a really thrilling amalgam of Bollywood and Hong Kong, I'm still waiting", says Corliss.

The New York Times says: "Genre mixing is mother's milk to Hindi films, so it's no surprise that 'Chandni Chowk to China' can so seamlessly add Kung Fu to the usual blend of comedy, dance and melodrama."

"Chandni Chowk to China", the first Bollywood movie to be financed and distributed by Warner Brothers, "starts too frantically but settles down to become an enjoyable, if slight Saturday-matinee, picture," says reviewer Rachel Saltz.

To Washington Times, Chandni Chowk to China seems, "in some ways, like a dish at one of those Indian restaurants - its spiciness has been toned down for the American market".

"Still, it's unlike anything Hollywood puts out. The Bollywood film is unapologetically sentimental and silly, and this melodrama is no exception," it says.

Robert Abele of the Los Angeles Times says in Chandni Chowk to China, "Kung fu pounds it out with Bollywood and round after round of gags, chaos and music".

"Sold as a groundbreaking convergence of Asia's leading cinematic influences -- kung fu flicks and Bollywood extravaganzas -- it also sees fit to toss in rap video fantasias, commercial parodies, James Bond tropes and Looney Tunes touches for what can only be termed genre-mashup overkill," Abele adds.

Boston Globe's Michael Hardy calls "Chandni Chowk to China" "Bollywood's all-singing, all-dancing, all-Hindi bid to conquer America".

"Backed by Warner Brothers, which is giving it the largest North American release of any Indian film to date, Chandni Chowk to China could, if successful, forecast a veritable monsoon of Bollywood imports," he says.

"But only if American audiences can accept an action hero who talks to potatoes," Hrady adds.

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"Chandni Chowk to China" gets poor response from the Viewers

Contrary to the expectations, Akshay Kumar's much-publicized movie "Chandni Chowk to China" did not get a huge response from the viewers across India. Unlike, "Singh Is Kinng", "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini", "Chandni Chowk to China" failed to impress the movie-goers because of its weak story line.

Notwithstanding the stunning stunts displayed by Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, the movie falls aprat when it comes to appealing the audience. No doubt, it's a big venture, but nowhere near the movies like "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" and "Ghajini". The movie is full of action scenes and item songs and some humor too, but somewhere it lost the plot.

The biggest disadvantage hold by "Chandni Chowk to China" is its double-role sequence played by Deepika Padukone. The world is changing fast and so are the movie fans in India. They no longer approve the "double role' and "twin siblings" theme. There is no doubt that both Akshay and Deepika worked hard and fully justified in their individual roles. But eventually, they fell victim to a weak plot. the film may still do some business, but won't be a big hit...

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Chandni Chowk To China - Movie Review

In the initial years of his career, Ramesh Sippy made two gems that we remember [and cherish] to this date -- SEETA AUR GEETA and SHOLAY. SEETA AUR GEETA was about twin-sisters -- the docile and the aggressive. SHOLAY, of course, needs no introduction. Yet, to update the unacquainted, Ramgarh is gripped by a terror called Gabbar. Resultantly, Thakur recruits two men to put an end to Gabbar's tyranny.

Nikhil Advani pays homage to Ramesh Sippy's movies by merging SHOLAY and SEETA AUR GEETA. But this concoction called CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is as bland as khichdi.

Come to think of it, Nikhil Advani had everything going for him. It's a dream project, what with heavyweights such as Warner Bros., Ramesh Sippy, Akhay Kumar and Gordon Liu agreeing to be a part of this mammoth project. But Nikhil slips and trips, falling flat on his face.

A masala film is always welcome. In fact, two desi films [RAB NE BANA DI JODI and GHAJINI] have been lapped up by the junta in a big way, but CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is an unbearable masala fare that insults the intelligence of the moviegoer.

The problem with CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is that it lacks a watertight screenplay to keep you glued for those 2.45 hours. Agreed, you don't look for logic and reason in hardcore potboilers, but the least the director and his team of writers could do is provide loads of entertainment. Sadly, writers Shridhar Raghavan and Rajat Aroraa make mincemeat of a plot that had the potential to woo viewers from Chandni Chowk to China to Chicago to Cape Town.

So, what's the verdict then? Enjoy Chinese food instead. This one's a big, big, big letdown!

Sidhu [Akshay Kumar] cuts vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. He longs to escape his dreary existence and looks for shortcuts -- with astrologers, tarot readers and fake fakirs -- believing anything except himself, despite his father figure Dada's [Mithun Chakraborty] best efforts.

The story takes a turn when two strangers from China claim he's a reincarnation of a war hero and take him to China. Thanks to the devious translator, a conman by the name Chopstick [Ranvir Shorey], little does he know that he is being taken to the Chinese village of vicious smuggler Hojo [Gordon Liu].

Therefore, Sidhu blissfully sets forth to China with Chopstick, who instigates dreams of a delicious future and forgets to reveal the perils, which await him. Along the way, he meets Sakhi [Deepika Padukone], who has embarked on a journey to pay homage to the land of her birth and her dead father and twin.

Hojo catches up with Sidhu and eliminates Dada right in front of everyone. Sidhu seeks revenge and finds the one man who will make him a Kungfu expert and set the village free from Hojo's tyranny.

On face-value, what do you expect from CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA? Laughter unlimited, great martial arts, a glimpse of China. But what's served on the platter is so insipid, so lame, so senseless that you wonder if there was a script in the first place. The comic scenes [that make you laugh] are few and far between. The scenes depicting martial arts are hardly exciting. Also, barring the Great Wall of China, don't expect China darshan here!

There are big holes in the script. Sample these... * How and why do the two oppressed Chinese men suddenly land up in Chandni Chowk in Delhi? Also, how do they zero on Ranvir Shorey? No explanations offered. * Deepika's track of visiting China is trite. Wasn't the twin-sister, an infant, thrown off the Great Wall of China? How did Gordon Liu suddenly decide to bring her up? * Similarly, Deepika's father was also pushed from the Great Wall, but he survives. Akshay too is beaten black and blue and thrown off [coincidentally, from the same place -- Great Wall], but is rescued mid-air by Deepika's father. Miracles never cease to occur, must add.

Post interval, Akshay undergoes a gruelling training session, but not once does the preparation give an impression that Akshay is seething with anger and vengeance. That's because the director has injected humour in these scenes and that takes away the seriousness from the plot. The climax is equally contrived and hence, makes no impact whatsoever.

Although the year 2009 has just begun, this film is sure to be a strong contender in Razzies in two departments mainly -- direction and writing. Nikhil Advani goes horribly wrong this time. As for the writers, well, they ought to take a crash course in film writing pronto. The songs are okay, with the title track and 'Naam Hai Sidhu' being the pick of the lot. The stunts [Dee Dee Ku] are plain mediocre. Even the dated martial arts' movies produced in the East offered better stuff. Himman Dhamija's cinematography lacks the picture perfect look.

Akshay Kumar is the sole saving grace, but the director hasn't tapped his potential to the fullest. Deepika Padukone is passable. Gordon Liu is decent. Ranvir Shorey is functional. Mithun Chakraborty is bland. Roger Yuan, Deepika's father in the film, is fair.

On the whole, CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is a brilliant opportunity gone appallingly wrong. The film falls way below expectations and is a major disappointment in all respects. At the box-office, the hype might translate into a bountiful weekend, that's it. Thumbs down!

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B.O. update: 'CC2C' is below expectations!

The much-awaited CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA was expected to fetch a stupendous start, but producer proposes, audience disposes. The paid previews were below the mark at several screens, while the Friday numbers were best in North, Delhi-NCR specifically, but average at best at several places.

A section of the industry [read exhibitors] was of the opinion that CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA would embark on a similar start as GHAJINI and SINGH IS KINNG, but forget being at par with GHAJINI, the film was lower than SINGH IS KINNG almost everywhere. This doesn't go well for a film like CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA, since it stars a hugely popular star, Akshay Kumar, whose standing in the industry is at par with SRK and Aamir Khan today.

The reports of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA are outright negative and a fall in business is expected on Saturday or Monday. But a fall is imminent!

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'Khiladi made me,' says Akshay

Akshay Kumar, the khiladi who’s always game for another movie and more work, is touring the US and UK for the worldwide premieres of Chandni Chowk to China. Akki tells us what Indian cinema’s international connect means to him now...

From an action movie star to being seen as someone who has made commercial Indian movies popular in the West... how does it feel?
Oh, you know, the usual – I get up at the same time, brush my teeth, then I remember, ‘Oh my God, people think I am more than what I am.’ It’s, well, scary, but it’s a part of doing what I do, and if one does something well, they have to suffer the pressure of higher expectations... It is great, though, but living up to people’s expectations is hard. I just want to entertain, but so much else comes with the package.

Which of your movies do you think was the turning point of your career?
Without a shadow of a doubt, it was Khiladi. That’s what made me, and I know that ‘name’ is what took me into the future. I could easily have been left behind, but those films carried me forward to this day.

How was the experience of working with Gordon Liu, Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards, Snoop Dogg and other international artistes?
They are a credit to not only their profession, but to their country and their industry. The people I have had the pleasure of working with, have been incredibly hardworking, respectful, dedicated and very humble. They inspire me, they make me want to learn more, try harder, achieve more. I’m lucky to have worked with them, because I know that there are some difficult people out there, but as usual, God has blessed me very kindly.

What is your take on foreign collaborations in Indian cinema?
I think it’s wonderful, and why not? We all have the same passion in life and that’s to create great cinema. If it needs us to all join hands, then brilliant, we all live in the same world, why not come together?

You have seen international audiences react to our movies, up close and personal. What is it about Indian cinema that appeals to them?
If you hadn’t noticed, Indians are everywhere. There are towns all over the world that are comprised of only Indians. We spread our love and passion to our western neighbours, we’re not exactly quiet about our passions, are we? And in my experience, everyone wants to experience what they don’t have, what they don’t know. That’s why so many foreigners come to India – we are fascinating to them and I don’t blame them... my country still fascinates me!

You have over 80 movies to your credit... How has the industry changed, for better or for worse, over the time you’ve been here?
Over a 100 movies, by the way... The industry’s changed immensely. I had to wear the same pair of jeans for my first couple of films ’coz we couldn’t afford designers! So much has changed and obviously for the better. But even if it hadn’t, I’d still be here trying to make it better.

Do our movies have the same Box Office success rate abroad as they do in India?
I wouldn’t think as yet. Anyway, there are over a billion people in India – that’s a lot of people to visit cinemas in one country! But I’d have to say that the majority of NRIs are Bollywood fanatics, and it’s wonderful to see that. I’ve had a huge success rate at the overseas Box Office, so I would say we are getting appreciation from all over the world.

You have also recently signed Deepa Mehta’s Komagata Maru. This movie required an Indian actor with a permanent resident status in Canada. How long have you had the permanent resident status, and will you be playing the role of a Sikh lawyer in the movie?
Sorry mates, it’s too early into the project to be discussing anything about the movie, I’m afraid, but I have had my residency for a few years now. Toronto is another of my favourite homes away from home.

Anything about your co-actors in CC2C – Mithun Chakraborty and Deepika Padukone?
Oh, the wonderful Mithunda – he was the perfect man for this role. His strength is still unbelievable to me. And Deepika did especially well in this movie, and we are all proud of her. With her drive, that lady will go far.

Is there any particular movie genre that you still haven’t done and would like to do?
Not that I know of... I mean, I’ve never made a horror movie, but that takes an incredible storyline. I suppose I could consider that, but mostly I think I’ve tried my hand at pretty much everything. But I’ll show you more, just wait and watch...

You have your son’s name tattooed on your back. What does Aarav bring to your life?
He made me see the true meaning of life. He made me think, ‘What the hell was I doing in life before he came along?’ Really, that’s what he does to me. It’s amazing how someone so small and tiny, can change a man as big as me – and I’m talking about my height, by the way, not my stature!

In 2008, you were tagged the sexiest man alive. Your comments.
The judges must have been blind or on drugs, I don’t know... I’m honoured, don’t get me wrong. I’m just trying not to blush in this interview, that’s all.

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CC2C works for UK & Toronto but not US

Chandni Chowk to China is this year’s first big budget release. And the production house, Warner Brothers, as well as the cast – Akshay and Deepika – have gone all out to promote the film. Premieres in California,New York, Toronto and London have brought in the crowds and the big wigs.

But the big question is will it also bring in the moolah at the box office? The initial reports suggest the deal is not yet in the bag for Khiladi Kumar who has had a stupendous 2008.

A journalist in the UK says that fans braved the freezing weather to attend the red carpet premiere and media – not just Asian – attended the grand screening. “It was fantastic! The film belongs to Akshay Kumar and he has shined through and through. The audiences here loved the film. Nikhil Advani was being congratulated for the film all through the evening,” says a British journalist.

“In fact no one wanted to leave the conference as there were so many questions that were being asked. We had Asian journalists and mainstream British media going ga ga over the cast and crew. And having both Gordon Liu and Amitabh Bachchan present was a big coup for Nikhil,” adds the journalist.

In fact figures coming up show that the film is already expected to enjoy a bumper opening and the first weekend should rake in big money for Warner Brothers worldwide.

But things aren’t all rosy for Chandni Chowk to China. The film isn’t looking as promising in the US.

A noted distributor who attended the premiere in California says that most guests were squirming in their seats to get out even before the interval drew close.

“See the pull of Bollywood in UK and Middle East is very different to that in the US. Barring say New York and parts of Washington, Bollywood is still not mainstream. And so it will take a very different.. hatkefilm to pull in people. When Hollywood heard of Warner Brothers and Gordon Liu in the film, they came. But they were disappointed because nothing that they hadn’t already seen earlier.

“If it hadn’t been for Akshay Kumar and the Warner Brothers executives’ presence in the room most people would have left,” says one guest from the night.

And it looks like this sentiment is reflecting on the box office as well. Initial estimates from the US reveal that advanced bookings are not getting as strong a response as the paid previews in say India or even the opening days in the Middle East and UK.

However, with the release date not too far, the real fate of CC2C will soon be revealed.

Will it be able to turn the tide in the US for Bollywood or will it sink like Saawariya did for Sony Pictures in 2007?

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Deepika: I trained for 6 months, 8 hours a day for CC2C

CC2C starring Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone and Ranvir Shorey will hit all the theatres this Friday. CC2C shot in China is a kung fu comedy where both Akshay and Deepika will be seen in a double role. The Indo-Chinese princess, Deepika, speaks to us about her much awaited film.

Tell us about CC2C?
Well, I guess all of you must have watched the trailers and they say it all. All I would like to say is that you all must go and watch it as you'll definitely enjoy it.

Which is your favorite song from CC2C?
Tere Naina is my favorite song. It's a beautiful romantic song.

We've heard that you've learnt Chinese for this movie....
Yes, I've learnt little bit of Chinese of which unfortunately I don't even remember a word. (Laughs) But it was a wonderful experience; I had a lot of fun because learning a new language is very challenging and so I loved it.

You've even shot for many action sequences with Akshay Kumar. So how was the overall experience?
It was very difficult for me as I've never done action before. But I was trained for 6 months. I used to train for about 8 hours a day and that was very difficult for me but I think it's all paid off and I just hope you all enjoy all the action scenes in the movie.

Tell us about using glue to get the look in the film
We all were wondering how to get the Chinese look and Nikhil Advani wanted me to wear tapes to get the Chinese look but that however that didn't happen. My make up artist did this technique of using the eyeliner in a way that would make my eyes look slender and oriental.

Your song from 'Billu Barber' is already out and it's getting very positive reactions too. So how was it working with SRK again?
I was really glad that Shahrukh chose me. The fact that I've done my debut with him is very special to me and so I can never say 'NO' to him. And the fact that the entire OSO team was back with Farah, Shahrukh and myself including my costume designer Manish Malhotra who designed my clothes for the song .... so it was a sense of deja vu because it's exactly after one year of the release of OSO that we were shooting for this song so I am very happy.

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