Madgaon Express collects 13.10 cr in Week 1; Swatantrya Veer Savarkar collects 10.10 cr

Madgaon Express vs Swatantrya Veer Savarkar box office collection day 1: Kunal Kemmu, Randeep Hooda's films open decent
Box Office India Trade Network

MADGAON EXPRESS and SWATANTRYA VEER SAVARKAR did poorly in the first week with collections of 13 and 10 crore nett respectively. Its bad enough that there are so many Hindi films catering to only urban centres. Here you have a MADGAON EXPRESS just for the urban centres of Maharashtra. SWATANTRYA VEER SAVARKAR pretty much caters to the same audience but you can add a few of the other A centres of Maharashtra like Nagpur and Nasik. 

The collections of both films are better in Maharashtra but cannot be called good. Its just they are better than other circuits and respectable numbers in the state while other areas are dull. MADGAON EXPRESS has fared better in other circuits as compared to SWATANTRYA VEER SAVARKAR and that's why the all India collections are a little better..

The target for these smaller films, which are not opening, is to collect a second week total that is around the the same as first week which does not look the case here as collections post Holi are too low. The best case is to hold at very low levels.

The collections of MADGAON EXPRESS are as follows.
Friday - 1,50,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 2,50,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 2,75,00,000 apprx
Monday - 2,50,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 1,35,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 1,25,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 1,25,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 13,10,00,000 apprx

The collections of SWATANTRYA VEER SAVARKAR are as follows. 
Friday - 1,00,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 2,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 2,35,00,000 apprx
Monday - 2,00,00,000 apprx
Tuesday -  1,00,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 90,00,000 apprx
Thursday - 85,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 10,10,00,000 apprx

arun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh to play double role in No Entry sequel

Single ticket, double entry

With Varun, Arjun and Diljit replacing No Entry’s leading men in the sequel, trio to play double role in the ensemble comedy
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 29, 2024)

Twenty years is a long gap between a movie and its sequel. But we’re not complaining as director Anees Bazmee has put No Entry Mein Entry, the sequel to his 2005 laugh riot No Entry, back on the table and plans to roll it next year. Last month, it was reported that it would star Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor and Diljit Dosanjh instead of original cast Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor and Fardeen Khan. Now, we hear the second part will be a case of double trouble—Dhawan, Arjun and Dosanjh will be seen in double roles, which will be the source of confusion and comedy in the narrative.

Producer Boney Kapoor and the director had finalised No Entry Mein Entry’s script as early as 2019. However, over the past five years, the two were unable to get the comedy off the ground due to casting and date issues.

A source close to the project reveals, “Earlier, there was talk of Salman, Fardeen and Anil doing the sequel. While that did not materialize, they have now been replaced by Arjun, Varun and Diljit. The trio will step into the roles played by the original stars in the 2005 film that revolved around three philandering men, but it will be an entirely new setting and fresh dynamics. The double roles and mix-ups will add to the film’s humour. Varun, Arjun and Diljit loved the script, and are eager to explore their on-screen camaraderie.”

The next obvious question is: who will be the leading ladies? That will have to wait as Bazmee is currently busy shooting Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and will begin casting for the female leads only after the horror comedy’s release.

The source adds, “A few months ago, rumours were rife that the second part would feature 10 actresses, including Kriti Sanon, Kiara Advani, Disha Patani and Rashmika Mandanna. But the script has been tweaked since then. Anees will zero in on the leading ladies by the year-end and take the film on floors by early 2025.”

Apparently, producer Boney, who is busy with Maidaan, is keen to release No Entry Mein Entry in 2025 to mark 20 years of the original.

Ila Arun blasts remix of Choli Ke Peechhe: "When you destroy the mystery of a song, it turns vulgar"

CHOLI KE PEECHE KYA HAI? ILA ARUN KI NARAZGI!

The OG singer of Choli Ke Peechhe is ‘unable to digest’ the recreation of the classic track; finds it ‘aesthetically’ off
Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 29, 2024)

Singer Ila Arun’s classics Ghagra and Choli Ke Peeche (Khalnayak; 1993) have been recreated for the film Crew. While they have got mixed reactions, the veteran is confused. “Some people are telling me to be grateful that the songs have been recreated and this generation is loving them. But I am confused. I don’t know if I should be proud or unhappy, as I am unable to digest them aesthetically. Younger generation ko pasand hoga, mujhe nahin,” she says.

Arun adds, “Choli Ke Peeche was like an answer to the teasing by men who’d ask, ‘Choli ke peeche kya hai?’. It was about telling them to look beyond the obvious. But the newer version has a captain’s announcement at the starting, saying, ‘Your captain speaking, please tighten your choli’. I don’t like it. When you destroy the mystery of a song, it turns vulgar.”

Sharing how she was informed about the recreations, the 70-year-old says, “My terms with the recording label are good. But I was told just five minutes before the release that they needed my blessing. I don’t have the rights to Choli Ke Peeche, but Ghagra is my intellectual property. I would have appreciated if I was asked beforehand. They could have called me; I would have sung them and given a few suggestions.” Arun feels “if there is a recreation, there should be royalty and payment”, which she plans to ask for “later”.

When people say that they won’t watch a film because I’m in it, that makes me feel bad-Ananya Panday

Not easy being critiqued

On Neha’s chat show, Ananya says she alternates between being unaffected and deeply hurt by criticism
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 29, 2024)

With her latest season of No Filter Neha, host Neha Dhupia hopes to bring stars’ authentic and vulnerable side to the fore. Ananya Panday features in the upcoming episode of the JioTV offering. The actor may have initially battled criticism and social media hate, but she has slowly come into her own, giving mature performances in Gehraiyaan (2022) and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023).

In the episode, Panday reflected on how she dealt with criticism, saying, “If [the critics] are giving constructive feedback, then I don’t think it’s anything to bother with. On some days, the nastiest of things [said by trolls] wouldn’t bother me because I was having a fine day and feeling confident. [But] when I’m having a bad day, then [even a remark] about my hair being greasy will freak me out. When people say that they won’t watch a film because I’m in it, that makes me feel bad, not for myself, but for the hundreds of other people who have worked on the film.”

The first few years weren’t a smooth ride for Panday as she was scrutinized for her choice of films. When Dhupia asked her about her first few movies, she said they shaped her as an artiste. “I don’t think I would be the actor I am, if not for the lows. Ups and downs make you.”

Farida Jalal joins the cast of Welcome To The Jungle

Farida Jalal joins the cast of Welcome To The Jungle

Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 29, 2024)

Farida Jalal, 75, will be next seen in the upcoming Akshay Kumar-starrer Welcome To The Jungle, we’ve learnt. The veteran actor has already joined the cast of the comedy for the shoot in Mumbai. It’s the third instalment of the Welcome franchise. Kumar returns to the franchise after 2007.

“Farida ji takes up fewer projects nowadays due of her age and because she’s selective about the work she does,” says a source, adding, “However, she was on board when she heard the script and found it to be a family entertainer. She has maintained one thing all these years — she always stars in films that a family can sit and watch together, right from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) to Batti Gul Meter Chalu (2018).”

Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts of a cast comprising comedy veterans, including actors Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade and Johnny Lever, along with actors Raveena Tandon, Jacqueliene Fernandez and Disha Patani.

Farida Jalal joins the cast of Welcome To The Jungle

Govinda joins Shiv Sena; in the reckoning for the Mumbai North West seat

 ‘Govinda in reckoning for Mum NW seat’

Chaitanya Marpakwar (THE TIMES OF INDIA; March 29, 2024)

Mumbai: Actor Govinda, who emerged as a giant killer defeating BJP veteran Ram Naik in 2004 LS polls on a Congress ticket, has resurfaced on the political scene after a decade-and-a-half, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.

Hitching his bandwagon to Shiv Sena this time around, the 60-year-old actor best known for his comic timing shared a stage with CM Shinde. He is touted to be a contender for the Mumbai North West seat though both Shinde and he claimed he had not joined the party for a ticket.

“When I left politics in 2009, I did not think I would come back. But after a 14-year vanvaas, I am coming back to a party where there is Ram Rajya,” Govinda said.
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Mumbai: Govinda who joined Shiv Sena on Thursday would work for the party and be a link between the film industry and govt, chief minister and party head Eknath Shinde said, adding that the actor had not joined Sena for a ticket.

Govinda’s speech at the CM’s official residence, delivered both in Marathi and Hindi, dwelt on the work done by the Shinde govt to give the city a facelift. “I grew up seeing a different Mumbai. Now the city is looking beautiful, its roads are cleaner. The focus on beautification by the respected chief minister has made a mark,” he said, drawing a smile and nod of appreciation from the CM.

Govinda aka Govind Ahuja entered politics in 2004 after his career went into decline with a series of flops. But the stint in Parliament proved far from memorable: he was ranked among the most absentee of MPs. During the LS term his graph as a mass entertainer revived and eventually led to his exit from politics.

Sources said the Sena is currently in touch with a prominent Marathi actor for Mumbai North West; any other name would be considered only if talks with the Marathi actor fail to materialise, said sources. However, Govinda is in the reckoning. The party has reached out to him, said sources. “I will carry out any responsibility given to me honestly…I will do well in the arts and culture department,” the actor said in his speech. “Maharashtra is a blessed land, it is land of saints. Film City is a place of art and culture. It can make a mark the world over,” he added.

The Sena (UBT) has announced Amol Kirtikar as its candidate from Mumbai North West, which comprises the six assembly segments of Jogeshwari E, Dindoshi, Goregaon, Versova, Andheri W and Andheri E. Two of the six segments are with the Sena (UBT) and three with the BJP. With Ravindra Waikar, the Shinde Sena now has one MLA from this area.

State NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil took a dig at the development saying, “Shinde faction should have taken at least some working actor who was doing well,” Patil said.

I started valuing my family more after my son’s health scare-Emraan Hashmi

 ‘I started valuing my  family more after my  son’s health scare’

Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; March 29, 2024)

One of the toughest phases in Emraan Hashmi’s life was when his son Ayaan was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. He was four years old then and was declared cancer-free in 2019. Looking back, Emraan says, “I would say that I started valuing family a little bit more.”

Emraan adds, “I realized that you can’t take anything for granted. Just take one day at a time and live life to the fullest. You don’t know what the future entails. Don’t have any regrets. I have become a little more disciplined about my health and my family’s health. Our diet used to be extremely unhealthy before Ayaan’s diagnosis. We realized that and made many changes to our lifestyle.”

Over the years, the actor, who used to work on projects back-to-back, has slowed down. Did that phase make him realise the importance of work-life balance? “I have always wanted to strike a balance, so it isn’t a result of any particular upheaval in my life,” says Emraan, adding, “I tried doing that after we got married and had Ayaan. Your life gets affected when you become an aggressive workaholic, but I made deliberate efforts to ensure that I could make time for my family as much as possible.”

Ask Emraan if his son has watched any of his films, and he shares, “He saw Tiger 3 and Selfie recently. He liked Tiger 3 more for its big-screen experience. He likes watching all things expansive in theatres with heavy-duty action, spectacular sets and stunning VFX.”

Many actors let go of the part in Yes Papa-Ananth Narayan Mahadevan

Ananth Mahadevan: ‘Many actors let go of the part’

Initially scared to portray a sexually abusive father in Yes Papa, Ananth says he gave his nod to the film to highlight the issue
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 29, 2024)

How do you play a character you despise? Approach it without judgment, and remain honest to the story. That is how Ananth Mahadevan played a sexually abusive father in Yes Papa, directed by Saif Hyder Hasan. Walking into the role, the senior actor knew that it would take an emotional toll on him. 

“I am told many actors let go of the part. It’s eerie to play such a character. But as an actor, it’s your job to look for challenges,” starts Mahadevan. His apprehension regarding the role was outweighed by the need to shed light on the issue.

“You do the film because the subject needs to be highlighted. To some extent, the role scared me, but [you overcome it].” 

What helped him in his portrayal was having a supportive director and the knowledge that the film had the right intent. “The reason why I could pull off the four scenes that depict abuse is because the director handled them sensitively. The idea and intention wasn’t to entice. The abuse is never depicted; you leave it to the audience to understand.”

It’s not often that mainstream films deal with such pressing subjects. Mahadevan says that through his role, the movie highlights how seemingly innocent-looking men can be capable of heinous acts. “We had to fight stereotyping. The character is soft-spoken, sings and doesn’t look menacing. He is your typical man-next-door. We tried to give him touches of a regular man who is capable of monstrous things.”

Yes Papa, which also stars Geetika Tyagi, was recently screened for the National Human Rights Commission.

I was told Indian audiences don’t like seeing pregnant women on TV-Mini Mathur

‘I was told Indian audiences don’t like seeing pregnant women on TV’

Akash Bhatnagar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 29, 2024)

Mini Mathur has been a popular face on the small screen, having hosted several reality TV shows like Indian Idol, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Sirf Ek Minute Mein and Yeh Shaam Mastani to name a few. Recently, the actor-host took to Insta Story to criticize makers who choose popularity over credibility in their hosts. “Years of working on your craft cannot be substituted by social media following… You pay peanuts, you get monkeys,” she wrote.

Ask what prompted the outburst and Mathur says, “We stayed true to the reality of human drama. We had no playbook on how to manipulate audiences. We did what a TV host was supposed to do. Our connection with the contestants was real. It wasn’t scripted.”

Having been a host for 28 years, Mathur recalls the time when she was pregnant: “A producer told me Indian audiences don’t like seeing pregnant women on TV and that broke my heart a little.”

The 48-year-old insists there was a time when the industry invested in forming TV host personalities. “There seems to be zero skills required [now]. You pick [someone] who has a large social media following or is acting in a popular daily, shove scripted words into teleprompters and prop them up. And because these presenters aren’t primarily committed to being TV hosts, the show producers need to constantly populate their shows with noise and low-brow gimmicks that appeal to the lowest common denominator,” she ends.

There are days when I’m craving a sound sleep in my own bed-Mrunal Thakur

‘SLOWING DOWN ALLOWS ME TIME FOR INTROSPECTION’

Mrunal Thakur feels regular breaks are essential to upskill as an artiste and make ‘thoughtful choices’
Mimansa Shekhar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 29, 2024)

Mrunal Thakur has had a busy few months. With six releases in 2023 alone, the actor acknowledges the importance of taking timely breaks from work. She tells us, “I have been working non-stop over the past two years. There are days when I’m craving a sound sleep in my own bed!”

This is perhaps why the Jersey (2022) actor recently took time off and visited a lake town near Mumbai with her family. “A vacation is definitely a luxury at the moment. But, it is important to take small breaks and for me, family precedes all. I cannot put a value on the time I spend with them,” says the 31-year-old, who believes “slowing down should be a key part of an actor’s life”.

She elaborates, “Taking a step back from the relentless pace of the industry gives me the opportunity to work on my skills, make thoughtful choices and deliver more nuanced performances. Otherwise, in a rush, you could make incorrect decisions. Slowing down allows me time for introspection.”

However, this does not have to be at the cost of work — and Thakur is a prime example of that. In the last year alone, she was seen in projects such as Gumraah, Lust Stories 2, Aankh Micholi, Pippa and Hi Nanna. Looking back, she shares, “I got to do one unique genre after another. It was a year of extreme challenges.”

When it comes to experimenting and challenging herself, Thakur says she has only just begun. For instance, her next project, Pooja Meri Jaan, reportedly touches upon the issue of stalking. “It’s a unique experience for me. I consider it an important subject that the audiences may resonate with,” says the actor, who has worked across genres, languages and mediums over the past decade.

Having made a switch from television to now films and OTT, Thakur is of the opinion that content, and not the medium, should drive one’s decisions. She adds, “There’s no difference in the portrayal of a character [ across mediums]. They are just ways to reach a wider audience.”