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Total turnover last year was 1.95 billion USD…about 3/4th of the BO of just one Hollywood film – Avatar! That kind of puts things in perspective.

” India’s film industry revenues declined by nearly 14 per cent last year, hit by a damaging producers’ strike, swine flu fears and poor quality content, according to a study published on Tuesday.

The sector was worth 89.3 billion rupees (1.95 billion dollars) in 2009, down from 104.4 billion in the previous 12 months, consultancy KPMG said in a report for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

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Nafisa Ali is back in movies after a long stint. She talks to TOI about her latest release Lahore and future projects.

What made you pick Lahore?
When Sanjay narrated the story I connected with it instantly as the film is about kickboxing and I am a national swimming champion myself. I accepted it because I believe when life gives you a golden opportunity, you must grab it. The script was thought provoking and strong.
 
Tell me about your character in the movie?
I play the role of a doting mother who has two sons. My sons are famous sportsmen and they mean the world to me. I share a great camaraderie with my sons and would be daughter-in-law but at the same time I am the grounding force that keeps them rooted. It’s a very challenging role and I am looking forward to the audience reactions. Lahore is one of the most authentic sports film ever made in India.
 
Any new projects after Lahore?
My future project is Guzarish which is directed by my favorite director Sanjay Leela Bhansali where I play Hrithik Roshan’s mother. It will probably be a Diwali release.
 
You will be seen on screen after a long sabbatical. Where have you been?
After Life in a Metro, Lahore is my comeback film. Cinema was never my profession but it’s my passion so I take time to choose a project. Lahore’s script convinced me to come back on-screen and recreate the magic. I have been really busy with my political career as I have been appointed the co-chairman of the hospitality committee for the Commonwealth Games.
 
Did you enjoy shooting for Lahore?
I had an amazing time. Lahore has so many wonderful actors like Saurabh Shukla, Farooque, Sabyasachi and Sushant; their timing was such that we instantly used to give the perfect take. Even as a debutante actor, Aanaahad is focused and sharing screen space with him was a pleasure.

Tees Maar Khan starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif has been acquired by UTV for 55 crore. The deal includes the Worldwide theatrical rights, satellite rights and Home Video rights. Music rights were not included in the deal.

The film has been grabbed at a very fair price and unlike the last few years where many films had to do Super Hit or even Blockbuster theatrical business just to recover costs for distributors this one may well earn for UTV even if it does not do Hit theatrical business in India. This is very rare for major films as they are normally acquired at premium prices which leave little chance for big profits.

Tees Maar Khan is scheduled for a Christmas 2010 release which will be another huge advantage for the film.

BOI

I was hyped for RANN ever since the films original movie promo’s came out. Ram Gopal Varma reuniting with Amitabh Bachchan after the brilliant SARKAR RAJ. I’ll be clear from the outset, RANN isn’t quite the masterpiece I was expecting, however in saying that this is still a must-see for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s quite easily Varma’s most consistent film in a long time, secondly for the sparkling performances. The film is scattered with some remarkable performances which leave a lasting impression, and lastly, because the film comes across as genuine and authentic.

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I enjoyed Aswhin Dhir’s ONE TWO THREE, granted the story was weak, but the humour was superb in parts, and Paresh, Tusshar and Suniel gave some funny performances.

With a bigger script, better budget and bigger cast, Ashwin Dhir gets all the ingredients right with his second film and delivers a winner. The initial misconception that the film is a “remake” of LICENCE TO WED, yes there were similarities in the promotional campaign and promo’s, however ATHITHI does manage to create it’s own identity and goes beyond a remake.

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Ranbir : I´m With Shah Rukh Khan; Bullying of Artistes Has To Stop

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In the days of V. Shantaram, it was an accepted premise to make a film with a strong moral. Those were the years when discipline was a good word, associated with leaders of people, and not with prudes and losers.

So it was possible for a film to preach while it entertained, and the box office clocked a hit. From that point of view, and not merely from that of the vintage cars and the stylised acting reminiscent of pre-talkie days, this film is certainly a period piece.

Also, although it takes up a debate India is still struggling with — the tussle between classical and populist art — it can no longer be depicted the way celebrated dancer-choreographer Gopi Krishna (who also acted as Girdhar) did it. Shantaram made the film when India had been independent only eight years. The explosion of pride in its cultural heritage was still on among the educated elite, but the pulls and pressures of making money were also getting mightier. It was not easy for dancers to make a living.

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