There is need to acknowledge the tremendous amount of voluntary work done by the fan clubs BigB

Jalsa , Mumbai      July 1/2 , 2011       Fri/Sat  12:09  AM

There is need to acknowledge the tremendous amount of voluntary work done by the fan clubs, the EF, the TwFmXt and all other admirers and well wishers for the phenomenal work done by them all for the promotion and awareness of BHTB ! There is a very insignificant but most meaningful expression created for it in the English language - Thank you ! It is inadequate, I know, but one that has no other alternative. And so my sincere thanks to each and every individual that went out beyond the call of duty to express solidarity with the cause … the movie ..

There has been an endless barrage of compliments and good wishes coming along. From friends, from the Industry, from senior journalists and even from Shobha De ..!! I told her coming from you means that the film will succeed .. Ha ha ! She responded back by saying she and her husband were celebrating that with a drink ..

But last night in Hyderabad it was madness ! Police escort vehicles, sirens blaring .. mounted police to control the crowds … and the enthusiasm of the public for the film .. It had been some time since I had sat inside a theatre to see one of my own films and I must say the experience was altogether different. To be one with the audience, to feel their palpitations, their screams and yelps and comments, the cheering at every incident of value in the film, the applause … just another world …

And then the presence of the great Chiranjeevi, the revered and superstared member of our fraternity in Telugu cinema .. his speeches on stage, his humbleness and his dynamic presence, in his part of the world were all an incredible dream moment.

All in all a most delightful meet and a moment to be cherished forever ..

I am back this morning as you may see to the land of Mumbai and have been doing more tv channel interviews … there is great acknowledgement and joy expressed every other minute and for this I am truly honored and blessed ..

The audience reactions to me have been the ultimate judge of merit of film .. there are several pundits, both self styled and appointed to give the gory details of why particular films run or not, or what their prospects shall be in the future. By the fact that they are the yard sticks, or considered yardsticks that mould opinion in the market, they are a revered lot. Posterity shall bear witness to what they shall conclude and confirm. For an Industry that still has not been able to account for its accountability, it is quite strange to know that there are a few ‘good men’, who can actually claim to have overcome this impediment. In an almost 100 year Industry filled with so many makers artists producers, to have a couple of gentlemen that decide fate and success factors of the national cinema, does sound a bit incongruous. But there it is. Its those few and scattered designers of Italy France and USA perhaps that dictate what the fashion shall be in the coming season. They stipulate the color of the season to be black or red or grey and an entire universe follows them.

For me though the people and the masses are the true trade guiders. They make or break us. They go and spend the kind of money that gives them access to our work and therefore, they get all my acceptance marks when judgement is to be confirmed. Its what the Tv industry faces as far as their Trp ratings are concerned. The meter gauges in the shape of electronic boxes are used to give indication of which programme does what visibility in order that the ad., revenue be assessed and generated. In a population of 1.2 billion, it is shocking to learn that around 1200 boxes ( not entirely sure of the right figure, but a close approximation would be correct ) are placed throughout the country to gauge who watches what tv programme etc - viewership preference !

So what is surprising for me is that two individuals or three or even thirty have the power and capability of being able to assess the choice, likeness and dislikeness of a billion people ??!! A recognized Tv channel that runs a programme through a recognized anchor, shall review a film and give it 1.5 stars. That is bad, really bad. It spells doom for the film at the box office. But the film goes on to become the biggest successes of all time ! So where the review, where the anchor and where the genuine state !!

They tell me that perception in these exercises builds a temperament for any film and that, what emantes from reviews, needs to be paid attention to. Give an individual the semblance of being the ultimate voice and it is generally seen that they seem to choke on their own words at times. I may be entirely wrong and unguided in this matter, but does not the integrity of the reviewer come under a scanner, when it is determined that the particular review could form the commercial result of any venture. Power corrupts they say and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Would there then be elements of corruption here. Can perception and thereafter fate of the product, be subject to practices that would not entirely be above board. Would not those that depend on the verdict of these merry few, be tempted to seek approval from them at any cost. Or am I thinking that in this very closed and puritanical league there are those that do not at any cost encourage misinformation or corruption ??!! I hope that I am wrong, for in a creative world nothing even remotely smelling of such bad odor, would ever be accepted or encouraged …

In France, and I think I may have touched upon this subject before, they do not judge the success of a film by their collection in dollars or francs or rupees - they judge them by the number of footfalls there were for a particular venture .. I found that to be a more realistic practice … appreciation reflected through the number of people that visited, rather than an amount of money that it generated. Someone could buy up an entire theatre and sit alone and see a film … the money generated would go down as a collection for the bottom line .. but surely one individual against a full house capacity of 600 humans would necessarily change the equation as far as viewership value is concerned.

And moreover how do these pundits ever come to know the financials of a particular project. The accountability of every venture is under question and there is no detail fit enough to be accurate there, yet the ventures internal financials are confirmed and authenticated ?? Strange !!

I am not prepared to believe that human weakness in assessments of such order are and must be not prevalent. And which then brings me to the fact that film making gets a lot more complicated than just rolling a script through a whirring camera. The management, marketing, perception and publicizing has now begun to take over the process of creativity. It could be a welcome practice, or an ailing process. And so to the ultimate argument. Would it not be wise then to succumb to the immoral ness of the moment, rather than suffer the ignominy of perceived failure .. ??

I listen and hear and get my ears filled with talk of such substance often enough. I wish it away as inconsequential gibberish … but somewhere somehow it has begun to have meaning and value … and that for me is a very sad day. Do all creative successes carry with them the unhealthy burden of unwanted manipulation ???!! And if so how far do they assure us that they shall be successful.

Sholay has been recognized and rightly so, as one of the biggest  films ever in the history of Indian Cinema. But few shall know that on the same day another film was released called ‘Jai Santoshi Maa’, which in relative costing terms was a much bigger hit. But no one talks of it. No one even mentions it. No one cares. Is it because it has been taken care of … ? I wonder ..

And there shall be endless stories and realities and facts that shall remain unsaid and unspoken. Sometimes deliberately, sometimes with cause …

It would suit some I guess to keep facts away. Others would not accept that. And that I believe is the dichotomy that we all share our lives in …

Think about it …

Amitabh Bachchan

Vintage Big B Return of the Angry Young Man

Wanted to prove Big B is not old: Director

Director Puri Jagannath, who is returning to Hindi films after seven years withBbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap in which Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan plays a bold and flamboyant role, says he made the movie to tell the people that the 68-year-old actor is still young.

"I'm a big fan of Amitabh Bachchan since childhood and I used to watch all his movies. But then came a time, when he started doing films that I didn't like him in," Jagannath said in an interview.

"After Mard I didn't see his films till he did Sarkar and that was perfect for him," he said.

"I wanted to make a film just for him and make it in a way that I can tell people that he is not old. He still has that fire, he still has that charisma. Hence was born the idea of this film," he added.

In Bbuddah...Hoga Tera Baap, Bachchan is seen as an angry man who wears bright, bold, over-the-top clothes and hates it when someone calls him old. The films also stars Hema Malini, Raveena Tandon, Sonu Sood and Sonal Chauhan and is slated for release thid Friday.

The 44-year-old director, who had a grim beginning at the Bollywood box office in 2004 when he made Shart, is confident about success this time and believes that people will like Big B in the new image.

"I have been confident about this character from the very beginning. Bachchan is very good with every emotion, whether its's drama or comedy, and he is truly an entertainer. So I'm sure people will like him in this image as well," Jagannath said.

The Telugu director, who has made successful films like Badri, Pokiri, Chiruta andNeninthe, among others, said working with Bachchan was one of the best experiences he has ever had.

"It was a wonderful experience working with Bachchan. He is a very cool and calm person and very co-operative. I learnt a lot from him," he said.

"Sometimes he even used to give his opinion. He is very committed and focused. He will practice the scene at home, will tell me how he will do it and if I make some last-minute changes, he would incorporate them," he said.

"He used to always be fully prepared. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him," he added.

After Bbuddah... Hoga Tera Baap, Jagannath is looking at making a stronger presence in Bollywood and planning to start working on three Hindi films next year.

"I want to do more Hindi films now. I have three scripts. I want to start working on them next year. However, the cast and other things are not confirmed as of now," he revealed.

News IBN

Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap Movie Reviews BH

Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap Movie Reviews BH


By Taran Adarsh, June 30, 2011
Flashback 1970s and 1980s. An Amitabh Bachchan film was considered an event. A sea of people would make themselves comfortable outside the theatre premises on Sunday night itself, although the advance booking counters would open only on Monday morning. Most theatres would be packed for the entire week in a matter of hours. Most Bachchan starrers ran for 25 weeks, 50 weeks, even 100 + weeks those days. Films helmed by Yash Chopra, Manmohan Desai, Prakash Mehra and Ramesh Sippy were adored and revered and even those helmed by not-too-successful names or relative newcomers were greeted with similar enthusiasm. The Hindi film industry was referred to as a one-man industry then. The Bachchan mania was invincible and indestructible.By Taran Adarsh, June 30, 2011 - 16:14 IST

Write your own movie review of Bbuddah...Hoga Terra Baap

Considering the iconic status that Bachchan Sr has achieved, every film-maker aspires to work with him at least once in his lifetime. Puri Jagannadh, the man behind many a successful film in Telugu, pays homage to the veteran in his debut film in Hindi, BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP. This film relies entirely on the persona and charisma of this iconic actor of Indian cinema.


BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP has the 69-year-old Bachchan enacting the role of a defiant, flamboyant hitman in his inimitable style. With BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP, the angry young man of the 1970s and 1980s re-surfaces to re-live various roles that he enacted in those memorable films. This one's a masala film all the way. Right from a medley of Bachchan hits to the expertly crafted action sequences to the by-now-famous Bachchan baritone, this one has it all.

Frankly, masala films and path-breaking story don't go hand in hand. It's the moments that make a film. And BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP is no different. This one also rests on a skeletal plot. But that one man makes a world of a difference -- Amitabh Bachchan. He's angry [dare not call him 'Bbuddah'], but has a soft side too. He bashes the baddies, squeezing them like oranges. He gets the best lines to deliver and believe me, it makes the fan in you clap and cheer on several occasions. Let's face it, no Hindi film actor has ever had the opportunity to portray a part that Bachchan gets to portray at the ripe age of 69. Besides saluting the actor for delivering an electrifying performance, I would also like to salute the indomitable spirit and energy of this iconic actor for essaying the role with gusto and zest.

Final word? Bachchan fans -- especially those who have grown up on his movies -- are sure to relish it. Even if you're not a Bachchan fan, watch this one for one simple reason: They don't make them like Amitabh Bachchan anymore!

Viju [Amitabh Bachchan], an ex-gangster, arrives in Mumbai on a mission. He is flamboyant, wears loud clothes, is arrogant and hits back when people call him 'Bbuddah'. At first, everyone thinks that he's on a mission to assassinate the ACP [Sonu Sood], but there's a hidden agenda, which is revealed much later.

BUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP is a Hindi film packaged like a well-made South Indian fare: the style of narrating the story, the slick edit, the fast pacing, the stylized action scenes, the larger-than-life characters… The film commences on a pulsating note [Bachchan's intro is smashing], but the first hour works sporadically. While the portions involving Bachchan are exhilarating, there are multiple tracks in this hour which get on your nerves. The scenes in the coffee shop, for instance, are most irritating. Also, the track involving Raveena Tandon comes across like an unwanted guest. If the intention was to evoke laughter, sorry, it doesn't work.

The story actually takes off at the interval point, when an unexpected twist startles the viewer completely. From this point onwards, BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP only scales higher and higher, reaching the peak towards the action-packed finale and the subsequent emotional reunion. I'd like to single out the confrontation between Bachchan and Prakash Raj in the final moments of the film and also the soaked-in-emotions sequence between Bachchan and Hema. It's the perfect icing on the cake!

While the written material banks too heavily on the tried and tested formula, director Puri Jagannadh ensures that he doesn't disappoint the hardcore fans of the icon. Bachchan is known for, besides his acting potential, larger than life roles and witty/smart dialogue. Puri presents Bachchan like a true superstar and gives him lines that would garner ceetees andtaalis, especially when he's confronting the baddies in the movie.

Vishal-Shekhar do a super job while composing the medley of Bachchan hits, 'Go Meera Go', the soft and soothing 'Haal-e-Dil' and the title track, which comes at the very start of the film. Amol Rathod's cinematography is perfect, while Vijay's stunts are stylish.

Bachchan is truly the Baap and this film reiterates this fact yet again. His character, his attitude and the dialogue he delivers will remain etched in your memory for a long, long time. His attire may raise eyebrows initially, but once into the film, you will realize it gels well with his character. Hema Malini is, as always, graceful. The chemistry between the senior actors is refreshing. Raveena is saddled with an ill-defined role and that's the prime reason why she doesn't leave an impact. Sonu Sood is first-rate, confident at every step. Not once do you feel that he's overawed by Bachchan's towering presence. Sonal Chauhan looks pretty and acts well. Charmee Kaur is likeable and contributes to the funny moments.

Prakash Raj is super. In fact, it's a treat to watch powerful actors like Bachchan and Prakash Raj embroiled in a confrontation. Makrand Deshpande is wonderful. Shahwar Ali is okay. Rajeev Mehta irritates. Again, this track seems completely unwanted. Rajeev Varma has a half-baked role. Vishwajeet Pradhan and Atul Parchure are passable.

On the whole, BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP is a must-watch for Bachchan fans. Even if you're not a fan of this iconic actor, watch it for a simple reason: They don't make them like Amitabh Bachchan anymore. A masala entertainer all the way, BBUDDAH HOGA TERRA BAAP may get affected by the omnipotent and unstoppable DELHI BELLY and TRANSFORMERS wave on Friday [although single screens would perform better than plexes], but the business should multiply on Saturday and Sunday due to Bachchan's bravura act and rock-solid post-interval portions. The producers [A.B. Corp, Viacom18] have already recovered the cost of production by selling the Satellite rights for a hefty sum and recovering the balance amount [P&A] from theatrical business should be a cakewalk, ensuring good profits to the investors in the final tally. 


* * * *

In the hustle and bustle of life, when was there time to sit and think Big B

Jalsa , Mumbai          June  29/30 , 2011    Wed/ Thu  12:17 AM

शब्द ही के

बीच में दिन-रात बसता हुआ

उनकी शक्ति से , सामर्थ्य से -

अक्षर -

अपरिचित मैं नहीं हूँ .

किन्तु , सुन लो ,

शब्द की भी ,

जिस तरह संसार में हर एक की ,

कमज़ोरियां, मजबूरियाँ हैं -

शब्द सबलों की

सफल तलवार है तो

शब्द निबलों की

नपुंसक ढाल भी है .

साथ ही यह भी समझ लो ,

जीभ को जब - जब

भुजा का एवज़ी माना गया है ,

कंठ से गाना गया है .

In the hustle and bustle of life, when was there time to sit and think - that what I did, say and believed in, was either good or bad .. the moment my consciousness was revealed to me, I saw myself standing in the midst of this world feria.. Latin for the word ”fair’ as in the amusement park .. for a moment I stood there amazed and wonder struck … where have I come, what do I do, where do I go .. when all at once there came across a tidal push … and I did swim and sway along with this play …

I am questioned often as I move from station to station, from anchor to anchor, from a set of lights to another, on how I ‘deal’ with, what I deal with and have been dealing for the last four decades. What motivates me to keep this act going .. how I manage my time and interest in all that I do .. and I have really no answer for it. I have no answer because I have never realized whether it would be of any interest to make question of it in the first place. What answer then to irreverent question ? My state and my act may seem questionable to others, but only if it breaks custom in general social or moral terms. But it does not and never did. If I have never shown or even remotely suggested that I need attention on this score, then perhaps the demand for a response is legitimate. But not having done so and not desirous of any either, does not make it a contentious subject ! Or does it ?

If it causes worry to another. If it slumbers them. If it disturbs their otherwise demarcated existence. Can it then be assumed that it be put up for public debate ? I would imagine not.

Wanting to disclose secrets of existence, or should I say alleviated existence to some, would touch borders of great private intimacy. I may be public in some respects but never too public to disclose all. Or would that not be a consideration ? And … in many ways this is not a disclosure of privacy at all .. it is a desire to know, in a funny way, why I possess the kind of genes I possess …

I think I rant too much !! Intellect shall have to play an important part in conversation, which wants to delve within the layers of such subjects. This is not to assume that intellect does not exist. Its just that at times where it is going, may lack the propensity.

When you wish something and then decide to wish it away does it affect. Would it be the same were it to be fulfilled another day. Does it contribute to ineffectiveness. Does the virtue of its intent fade away. Will its ultimate result be the same as when conceived. I struggle with it at times. It disturbs me that I am in such condition. It reeks of lethargic acute tendencies. Almost disrespectful in word and deed to the cause. I must take heed. This must be avoided. It causes grief and discomfort in bearings. Watch it Mr B ! Watch it !!

Did I realize for it to be the time to disperse …

Good night then … till another city, another world, another wind and culture, another people .. yet all the same and within …

My love -

Amitabh Bachchan