Agneepath gets its math correct

Karan Johar's Agneepath remake is already a winner even before its worldwide release on January 26.

Sources indicate that the film that has reportedly costs its makers around 62 cr with print and publicity has already recovered around 35 cr from the sale of satellite rights; 15 cr from the overseas rights given to Eros International and also approximately 10-12 cr from music, home video and other rights.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh who saw the film at a special screening last night says, "It is a fitting tribute to the masterwork made in 1990. The movie has all the potential to scale dizzy heights of victory and catapult Hrithik Roshan as the newest member of the 100 cr club. Here comes the first giant blockbuster of 2012."

Karan Johar himself is unduly concerned about the math. He says, "I want people to like my film." Agneepath that is being distributed worldwide by Karan himself through the offices of his distributor friend Anil Thadani, known in the film industry as Raveena Tandon's husband. Our source confirms, "Agneepath is in profit from the first rupee earned from the Indian box office."

Currently there is heavy duty betting on whether the first day collections; by virtue of the fact that the film releases on 'Republic Day' that is a National holiday, will cross Bodyguard's opening day figures of 21.5 cr. "Betting on big films has become a national pastime," confirms a bookie. "Here the important thing is that the film has got its arithmetic correct and will be in a profit from the day of release," says our source.

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For Hrithik Roshan everyone is competition!

Actor Hrithik Roshan is in the middle of many things as we catch up with him at his plush Juhu apartment. Caught between the promotional touring for his upcoming film, prepping for the second two-month long schedule for Krissh 2 in Hyderabad, it’s easy to expect the actor to be all worked up and nervous with the amount of pressure building up as the release date of Agneepath draws close. “Judgement Day is approaching, of course, I’m nervous, but anxious in a very positive way,” says Hrithik, explaining his surprisingly calm exterior. “Excited, knowing that what you’ve worked on so hard could be worth something and petrified hoping that it gets accepted the way you were hoping it to be,” he adds, as he insists on settling down for a tete-a-tete on a special chair meant to ease his back trouble.

Is the back still that bad?
It’s much better now, but I’m not taking any chances with it anymore. I’ve been working non-stop for the past 11 months now, so I won’t even be signing any new film till August for sure, till I wrap up Krissh 2 that is. I just hope to spend time with family and give my back some rest too, before I take on any new project.

Buzz was that you are holding a special screening of Agneepath for Amitabh Bachchan?
Well, that’s a call that the filmmakers will take. I know comparisons are inevitable and I’d personally love to get his feedback for sure, but I also know that five minutes in to the film, it won’t be tough to see that it’s no remake.

Sanjay Dutt’s look is being much-talked about too. Was there any kind of ‘who’s the bigger star bit’ happening on the sets too?
I may not be the best actor, but I’m certainly not insecure. As for Sanjay, if anything, he’s still very inspiring. So, there’s no who’s-the-bigger-star. I never let myself forget that as actors we are only parts of the bigger picture, not the, be it all and end it all. The film can only work in totality. At the end of it, no star is bigger than the film.

What do you feel about the number game?
I feel there’s place for everyone at the top. There can well be 500 number ones, why not?

What about competition?
Healthy competition is always good. I myself look at everyone as competition. In fact, I’m always trying to learn and imbibe something from others and work on what might be my shortcoming. But I don’t adhere to benchmarking my life depending on the success or failure of my films at the BO or this number game. That’s not what competition is for me.

And what about the cold war and campism talks, especially with actor Salman Khan?
Well, there’s enough drama in my own life, for me to want any additional drama with others. I think they are petty and the last time I indulged in that was when I was in school. I can’t say about others, but I know that as you mature, you look at how silly worrying about such issues can be. Like I’ve said earlier, I’m a peaceful warrior. I am armoured, but I will always tread the peaceful path. Just don’t try me too hard (smiles).

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Big jitters for Duggu ahead of Agneepath

 

He is one of the most bankable stars in B-town. But, even Hrithik Roshan gets jittery at the prospect of being compared with the Shahenshah of Bollywood - Big B. As the release date of Agneepath is nearing, Duggu is getting nervous.

Much before the release of the film, people have started comparing him with Amitabh Bachchan, who played the lead in the original film. Duggu has told everyone that in the remake the character of Vijay Dina Nath Chauhan is entirely different from the one portrayed by Big B. "I cannot be compared to Amitabh Bachchan. I don't think I am a very good actor. I need to get into the skin of the character and it was not an easy task for me," the humble Hrithik said.

The industry has been thriving on remakes for a while, but the makers of Agneepath beg to differ. Hrithik too voiced his opinion on the issue. He said: "I am very much against remakes. I feel, why spoil the earlier films? Instead, the original films should be left untouched. Initially I had refused to do the role." But Karan coaxed me to listen to the script. And I realized that his take was very different from the original version.

It hit me so hard that I decided to take up the challenge. The premise of the film is the same but the journey of each character is different," Duggu signed off.

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Vivek impresses Hrithik Roshan in Krrish 3

 

Hrithik Roshan, who has been focusing solely on his superhero sequel Krrish 3, reveals that until he saw Vivek Oberoi step into the shoes of the villain, he was quite enticed to play the role himself. “When I heard the script I wanted to play the villain too, which would mean doing a double role. I pushed my father (director-producer Rakesh Roshan) to give me that role,” laughs the actor, adding, “I’d tell him that no other actor would be able to play it. But when I saw Vivek giving his shot on the first day, I was amazed.

He is so good at his role that I wouldn’t have been able to do justice to it.

Hrithik himself was almost bed ridden after suffering a slip-disc before the shoot was about to begin, and Rakesh had even considered putting the project on hold for a year.

The actor had gained so much weight that he thought he’d never be able to play the part of a superhero, but he worked hard and got into shape to ensure it took off as per schedule.

“It took us two years to come to a position where we could start the film. Technicians from across the world had been given dates, so I thought that if we can’t start now, it will never happen,” says Hrithik, adding, “Trainers came from UK to get my body in shape. It was a 10-week program that reduced my waist from 36 inches to 30 inches.”

The actor also quashes news that he has signed a film with Sajid Nadiadwala, asserting that until the shoot of Krissh 3 finishes in September, he isn’t going to take up any offers.

Ask how different Krrish 3 is from its prequel and he says, “For me, this is my father’s best script till date. The songs, item song, action, looks of the characters and everything else are just decorations. I am very confident about this script everything else will fall in place.”

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'Krissh 3' may have issues with Animal Welfare Board of India

Hrithik Roshan starrer 'Krissh 3' may have had issues with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) which has questioned the use of animals in the film. However, AWBI has approved use of five rats in a scene of the film.

As per the AWBI website, "The board has approved use of five rats after the producers promised to provide photos and proof of computer graphics used for the shot at the time of seeking the NOC."

Earlier, AWBI had considered not approving the use of animals after media reports mentioned that director Rakesh Roshan was shooting with scorpions, rats, frogs and other animals.

'Krissh 3' went on floor recently and has Hrithik Roshan playing a father (Rohit) and son Krishna, who becomes superhero Krissh to save people. The others in the cast are Priyanka Chopra, Kangna Ranuat and Vivek Oberoi.

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What Hrithik Roshan's doing on his birthday

On Sunday, Hrithik Roshan completed his dubbing and it was a wrap for Agneepath. “It’s overwhelming because we give a huge chunk of ourselves to every film we do,” says the actor, admitting that it’s been a pretty satisfying journey so far with debutant director Karan Malhotra. “Every character you see on screen, from Vijay and Kancha Cheena to Kaali and Lala, comes from the mind and heart of this man.”

The Bollywood superstar, who turns 38 today, is ready for a 'working birthday'. But there is a dinner planned for the evening with friends and extended family. “I haven’t spent time with all of them in a while and a birthday is the best time to catch up,” Hrithik smiles, remembering how this time last year, he was looking forward to his January 20 date with his waxen lookalike at Madame Tussaud’s museum. “This year, I’m hoping to top that with Agneepath, which will be unveiled on January 26. Hopefully, it will be Happy Republic Day.”

Hrithik’s Vijay had earlier invited comparisons with Amitabh Bachchan’s National Award-winning performance in the 1990 original. “I think it’s absurd that anyone would think I was trying to ape the Vijay Dinanath Chauhan of the original,” he retorts. “The only way I can do justice to a movie is to make it mine, and (make) the character me. I’ve played Vijay straight and simple, without any swagger or style. He is someone who would otherwise merge with a crowd if the camera hadn’t picked him out to tell his story.”

For the first time, his co-star, Priyanka Chopra, has been posting intimate film stills of the two of them together on Twitter. Hrithik reacts with a laugh, “May be she likes me more than her other heroes.”

Last Saturday, even Shah Rukh Khan joined his rave club, tweeting, “Saw Hrithik’s worked out body on his fone (cellphone)...Noticed even the ‘telefone’ looked open mouthed and overawed!!” The actor responds with, “It’s Shah Rukh’s greatness that he can acknowledge and compliment a younger actor. For me, it’s reassuring to know that that I have friends like him who care for me.”

Hrithik himself had agreed to a guest appearance in Shah Rukh’s just-released Don 2. Will we see him in a bigger role, may be even the lead, in future Don sequels? “There can only be one Don and one Krrish,” he asserts. “For now, I’m happy being Vijay.”

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Bollywood Agneepath's new song released

After the peppy Chikni Chameli and a sensual O Saiyyan, Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra exude scintillating screen chemistry in the latest song Gun Gun Guna from Karan Malhotra's Agneepath.

Looking bright and chirpy in a red saree, Priyanka Chopra shakes a leg while Hrithik looks on.

Priyanka Chopra has an amazing screen presence and is completely in sync with her character. She has got ample scope to play with her myriad expressions. Hrithik too gets his act right as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. His role looks even more intense than his Guzaarish stint.

The combination of right cinematography, choreography and good music makes the song watchable.

More about Agneepath
Agneepath is the remake of the 1990 Hindi film of the same name. It is produced by Karan Johar and directed by Karan Johar's former assistant Karan Malhotra. Hrithik Roshan will play the role originally played by Amitabh Bachchan. Priyanka Chopra will be the female lead.

The character played by Mithun Chakraborty has been totally done away with in the remake. The main villain will be played by Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor will play another negative character. It has been reported that Zarina Wahab will play Hrithik's mother. Shooting took place in Mumbai's film city and Diu, India.

 

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Hrithik-Priyanka: The next hot jodi?

Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra may have shared screen space in the past - Krissh, for example. And they are all set to sizzle in Agneepath, too.

Priyanka Chopra was recently seen with Shah Rukh Khan, and many spoke of their chemistry. However, the satellite rights acquisition of 'Agneepath' maybe proof that Hrithik-Priyanka starrer is being more looked forward to than the SRK-PC Don 2.

Sattelight rights of Don 2 may have been sold Rs. 32 crores, and that of Krrish 3 for Rs. 37 crores. The rights of Agneepath, we hear, has been acquired for a whopping Rs. 41 crores.

A trade analyst tells us, "It's not just the lead stars acting in it but also the director and the whole gamut. Agneepath is a Karan Johar film, with Hrithik and Priyanka in the lead. Also, it's a remake of a product that has been extremely successful, so it has a brand attached to almost everything. But yes, people seem to be quite positive about the Hrithik-Priyanka jodi going by the promos. Also, Katrina's item number has only added to the already existing list of things working in favour of it."

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Agneepath expected to cross Rs 100cr mark at box office

Within hours of the theatrical launch of Hrithik Roshan starrer Agneepath, Filmtrac (audience tracking) and TradeTrac (tracking tradewallahs) saw a major spike. Judging by the film tracking data this is just the beginning the film is expected to cross the magical Rs 100cr mark.

Agneepath is also been rated as the most awaited film of 2012. According a twitter poll done by Ormax Media , Agneepath scored 30, followed by Yash Chopra's directoral venture with Shah Rukh Khan, Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg-2 and Rowdy Rathore.

Trade journal editor Vajir Singh says, "By virtue of the fact that the film comes in the first month of the year and because it has bankable names in it, is on top of the list of the most exciting films of next year."

Karan Johar has reportedly topped the satellite rights for Agneepath. The film has been sold for a whopping Rs 41 crore, the highest ever. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, "I'm not shocked with this piece of information or the reported price because as I said earlier Hrithik's movie rights including that of Kites was picked up for a huge amount. The actor is one of our most dependable superstars and obviously there is a rush to buy the rights of his movies. To me, the month of January is looking exciting because of Agneepath."

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Move over 'Sheila', 'Chikni chameli' is here

Katrina Kaif can move, and how! The Britain-born actress might have taken time in perfecting her Hindi accent, but Bollywood's latka-jhatkas is something she has mastered, and proves with her latest item song "Chikni chameli".

Industry members are smitten with the song. They feel it will definitely be a USP of Karan Johar's remake of his father's classic "Agneepath", and overshadow "Munni", "Sheila", "Shalu" and "Jalebi bai" item numbers.

Composed by national award-winning duo Ajay-Atul, the spicy song, sung by Shreya Ghoshal, is the Hindi version of their own Marathi hit "Kombadi palali".

The lyrics of the number, penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya, are as cheesy as they could get, but the rhythm is extremely peppy and catchy. And Katrina's vigourous moves and sensual expressions, choreographed by Ganesh Acharya, go in total sync.

The 26-year-old had set a benchmark with "Sheila ki jawaani" last year, but with this song, she has surpassed it with her killer desi look.

"Agneepath" director Karan Malhotra is all smiles and believes Katrina has done full justice to the song.

"I think the way the song was made, it was so wonderful, that only a topmost actress could have done justice to the song. And as far as Katrina is concerned, her USP is that she has never been seen in any film in that kind of zone that 'Chikni chameli' is in...which is why she also stands out in that atmosphere and that is why the song is catching a lot of eyeballs," Malhotra said at the music premiere of "Agneepath".

As much as he avoids talking in media about Katrina, even Salman Khan, her former beau, couldn't stop raving about the song.

"I love the song! I saw it a few days back and I am completely smitten by it. A lot of hard work has gone behind it and it is visible on the screen. Hats off to Katrina. She has come a long way," Salman said at a recent event in Mumbai.

A 30-second promo of the song was first launched, followed by an over two minutes-long video on YouTube. The video has registered over 3 million hits so far, and producer Karan Johar is ecstatic.

"The nation is singing and dancing to 'Chikni chameli', so I am really excited about it. It is already an established big hit song," Johar said.

According to Atul Gogavale, "Katrina spent eight days in rehearsal before starting to shoot the song. It took nine days to finish the shoot, and her energy levels never saw a dip."

"This song has a very high tempo and requires speed in steps. Even if I or someone else wants to dance to it, you cannot match up to the tempo for more than two minutes. But Katrina just took it to another level. She has left us speechless," he said.

Celebrities from the film fraternity feel Katrina has raised the bar of item numbers with her energetic dance steps.

Writer Milap Zaveri tweeted: "Katrina's dance steps in 'Chikni Chameli' are too brilliant and energetic! But there should be a disclaimer saying 'Don't try this at home!'"

"'Chikni chameli' from 'Agneepath' is just outstanding. I have never seen an actress dance like Katrina does - she raises the bar to another level," tweeted Ritesh Deshmukh, who recommended Ajay-Atul as composers for the film.

Even choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, who has choreographed item numbers like "Kajra re" says she is in awe of Katrina's effort.

"Katrina is looking very good in 'Chikni Chameli' and I told Karan (Johar) about it. I really loved it and whenever Katrina comes and does a song like this, you know what the effect is," she said.

The action-drama slated for a Jan 26, 2012 release, features Hrithik Roshan as Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, originally played by megastar Amitabh Bachchan in Chandan Barot's directorial venture of the same name.

Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt and Rishi Kapoor will also be seen in key roles in the movie.

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Trailer: Watch Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan in 'Agneepath'

Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra have tweeted about the second trailer to their next film, ‘Agneepath.'

‘Agneepath’ will be a remake of Karan Johar’s fathers 1990 hit film. Still holding onto the same titled, while Amitabh Bachchan played the main protagonist in the original, heartthrob Hrithik Roshan aims to re-create the same magic in the remake.

The film marks the debut of director Karan Malhotra and stars Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Sanjay Dutt in main lead roles, supported by yesteryear's charming actor, Rishi Kapoor.

The second trailer is full of exciting scenes, Hrithik looks like an angry young man, while villain Sanjay Dutt appears as deadly as ever. Priyanka is a small town girl and plays Hrihik’s love interest. Rishi Kapoor’s character is a new addition and will be interesting to watch as it unfolds.

Though ‘Agneepath’ is not a typical Karan Johar film, we can see glimpses of his leading lady, Kaali played by Priyanka bringing in a bit of song and dance.

Take a look at the second trailer of ‘Agneepath’ right here, and let us know what you think!

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Hrithik, Priyanka get wet and naughty

The on-screen couple sizzles in a romantic song for KJo's Agneepath
He has the intensity of a wild cat, while she has the vulnerability of a trapped deer. In a slow, romantic number in Agneepath, their wet clothes accentuate the raw physicality, and the downpour on screen is hardly enough to keep the smouldering temperatures at bay.

It's a no-brainer why Karan Johar decided to cast Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra together in Agneepath. The filmmaker knew he could recreate the magic of their 2006 mega-hit Krrish; the five years they'd stayed away from each other only enhanced the magic of this sensual screen pair.

Commenting on their pairing, trade guru Taran Adarsh says, "Hrithik has a raw appeal that is yet to be tapped. Even in his father's masala movies, he comes across as being polished. But in Agneepath, director Karan Malhotra has managed to bring out untapped aspects of Hrithik's persona. Priyanka has already proved her versatility. From Fashion to Saat Khoon Maaf, one has seen a wide oeuvre. She is not only a glamorous girl; she's an actress of substance too.'' Leading film critic Rajeev Masand feels Hrithik and Priyanka are perfectly matched physically. "Both are tall and lean... he is fair, she is dusky... they make a very striking couple. Theirs is the perfect casting because they are physically very compatible on screen. I really liked them together in Krrish.''

Vajir Singh, editor of a film trade magazine, says, "In Krrish, PC didn't have much to do except be ornamental. She was younger then, and roles weren't being written for her. Now it's a different ball game. Whether a cameo or a full-fledged role, PC is capable of stealing the show. As for her and Hrithik, even in Krrish, you couldn't help but notice that whenever she was on screen with him, she complemented him in every sense. Both actors take their craft beyond just being attractive lookers. They are both powerhouse performers."

Since public opinion is totally in their favour, Rakesh Roshan too has chosen this screen couple for his Krrish sequel.

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Of course, I want to work with Hrithik Roshan: Kareena Kapoor

Apparently actor Kareena Kapoor was offered an item song in the Hrithik Roshan starrer Agneepath, but refused the offer. The actor however, reveals that nothing was finalised ever. “Karan (Johar) and I had casually spoken about it, but we never discussed it after that. Karan is like family to me and I will do whatever he asks me to do,” she says without batting an eyelid. And what about doing a film with Hrithik? “Of course, Why not?” Kareena says.

“I would love to work with Duggu, but the real thing is that we haven’t been offered anything substantial together yet. If and when anything that we like comes up, I would love to work with him,” she adds.

On a professional high after her last release with actor Salman Khan, she is now looking forward to her Diwali release with actor Shah Rukh Khan and is excited about her song getting rave reviews. Kareena says that she was always confident that the song would be a hit. “Honestly, I always knew the song would be a hit, right from the first time Shah Rukh made me listen to it. It has a catchy tune to it and it has a mass appeal with Akon singing. I am happy with the way it has turned out.”

While she is awaiting her Diwali release, she is also set to unveil her wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London. She says it hasn’t yet sunk in that she will be joining the likes of actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. “It is the culmination of everything that I have worked hard for. I will only believe it once I see it for real,” she says.

Besides that, the actor was recently in the news for apparently having problems with beau Saif Ali Khan’s co-star Deepika Padukone. She was reportedly not happy with the way the duo was bonding on the sets. Ask her about it and she rubbishes it.

“Saif is free to work with whoever he wants and likes. Usually I don’t even know who his co-star is because we don’t discuss these things at all. I don’t have any problems with any of his co-stars.”

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Hrithik Roshan beats Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan

The dancing superstar’s forthcoming film Agneepath pocketed Rs. 41 crore for the satellite rights, the highest so far, beating RA.One and Dhuan

The recent news is that the satellite rights of Karan Johar’s Agneepath were sold for a staggering amount of Rs. 41 crore to Zee Network, beating the Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor-Rani Mukerji-starrer Dhuan – bought for Rs. 38-40 crore by Sony Entertainment – and Shahrukh Khan’s RA.One, purchased for Rs. 35 crore by Star Network. In fact, the dancing superstar breaks his own record at this game. Hrithik’s last film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara pocketed Rs. 31 crore for its satellite and music rights combined, and the film he did for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Guzaarish, made Rs. 20 crore from satellite rights. However, it is best not to mention the over-hyped Kites here. Coming back to Agneepath, according to sources, apart from the fact that the film’s promo is generating a lot of curiosity and showing great promise, Zee shelled out the hefty price to break successful filmmaker Karan Johar’s strong affiliation with rival broadcasting channels. Television is the new battleground now where the war of numbers is fought every time a big film is releasing. Since there are only a handful of big stars and TV networks, every one scampers for a share of the big pie. Meanwhile for filmmakers, the satellite rights’ moolah is crucial as it decides the film’s success ratio. So does this mean Hrithik’s Agneepath is already on it’s way to success? We’ll reserve our judgment till the film releases.

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