JTW’s most awaited films of the year 2013

I know I’m a bit late to give this post, but better late than never I suppose. So here’s my list of the most awaited films of 2013 (or those which are expected to be released in 2013; knowing big-budget … Read More

JTW’s analysis of the Oscars 2013 – Silver Linings Playbook

The 85th Academy Awards (colloquially known as the Oscars) concluded on February 24, 2013 at the lavish Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking the end to the highly-publicized awards season and to the intense lobbying that marks the pre-Oscars period. And as is the case with every year’s edition, the 2013 Oscars witnessed their share of expected wins and surprises (both pleasant and unpleasant). So here’s my recap of this year’s Oscar-nominated films. NG members may or may not have seen these films; for those who haven’t, consider this as a recommendation/warning against the said films.

NOTE : I have not seen all the Oscar-nominated films, and will give my views only on those which I have seen.

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

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JTW’s analysis of the Oscars 2013 – Lincoln

The 85th Academy Awards (colloquially known as the Oscars) concluded on February 24, 2013 at the lavish Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking the end to the highly-publicized awards season and to the intense lobbying that marks the pre-Oscars period. And as is the case with every year’s edition, the 2013 Oscars witnessed their share of expected wins and surprises (both pleasant and unpleasant). So here’s my recap of this year’s Oscar-nominated films. NG members may or may not have seen these films; for those who haven’t, consider this as a recommendation/warning against the said films.

NOTE : I have not seen all the Oscar-nominated films, and will give my views only on those which I have seen.

LINCOLN

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JTW’s analysis of the Oscars 2013 – Les Miserables

The 85th Academy Awards (colloquially known as the Oscars) concluded on February 24, 2013 at the lavish Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking the end to the highly-publicized awards season and to the intense lobbying that marks the pre-Oscars period. And as is the case with every year’s edition, the 2013 Oscars witnessed their share of expected wins and surprises (both pleasant and unpleasant). So here’s my recap of this year’s Oscar-nominated films. NG members may or may not have seen these films; for those who haven’t, consider this as a recommendation/warning against the said films.

NOTE : I have not seen all the Oscar-nominated films, and will give my views only on those which I have seen.

LES MISERABLES

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JTW’s analysis of the Oscars 2013 – Django Unchained

The 85th Academy Awards (colloquially known as the Oscars) concluded on February 24, 2013 at the lavish Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking the end to the highly-publicized awards season and to the intense lobbying that marks the pre-Oscars period. And as is the case with every year’s edition, the 2013 Oscars witnessed their share of expected wins and surprises (both pleasant and unpleasant). So here’s my recap of this year’s Oscar-nominated films. NG members may or may not have seen these films; for those who haven’t, consider this as a recommendation/warning against the said films.

NOTE : I have not seen all the Oscar-nominated films, and will give my views only on those which I have seen.

DJANGO UNCHAINED

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JTW’s analysis of the Oscars 2013 – Argo

The 85th Academy Awards (colloquially known as the Oscars) concluded on February 24, 2013 at the lavish Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking the end to the highly-publicized awards season and to the intense lobbying that marks the pre-Oscars period. And as is the case with every year’s edition, the 2013 Oscars witnessed their share of expected wins and surprises (both pleasant and unpleasant). So here’s my recap of this year’s Oscar-nominated films. NG members may or may not have seen these films; for those who haven’t, consider this as a recommendation/warning against the said films.

NOTE : I have not seen all the Oscar-nominated films, and will give my views only on those which I have seen.

ARGO

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Some Box Office stuff

Despite freezing fingers and a temporary Internet shutdown here at IIT, I would like to write a bit about the box office of Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar. I’ll be taking only Box Office India numbers since I do not trust the numbers of other sources. Also, box office numbers will be rounded off, wherever necessary, for easier calculation.

Let’s compare this Diwali with last Diwali – a.k.a Ra.One.

Ra.One released on 3,000 screens and grossed 15 crores on its first day, followed by a 23 crore haul on its second day. By most estimates, the total release size of the two 2012 Diwali releases is 4,200 screens (the exact break-up is still under a bit of dispute). So, ideally inflating Ra.One‘s first day as per screen count increase :-

2012 Ra.One first day = (4200/3000)*(15) = 21 crores.

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My take on the word-of-mouth of JAB TAK HAI JAAN

I returned yesterday night from a Kolkata screening of Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Out of four screens, three were devoted to Jab Tak Hai Jaan while one was given to Son of Sardaar. To top that, all three Jab Tak Hai Jaan screens were nearly housefull but the Son of Sardaar screen was practically empty (I could see because INOX does not have security outside every individual screen, at least for the one I went).

I won’t give my review of the film here (you can look it up in my blog by today), but I will try to gauge the audience reactions.

For one, there was no mass hysteria upon SRK’s entry in the film, which is unlike several other centres. Second, the one thing I noticed very clearly is that the dialogues reached straight to the audiences; they laughed at all the right places and were emotionally silent in the requisite sequences. In particular, the Ishq Dance-Ishq Shava sequence got a lot of surprised and excited murmuring. There were, however, exasperated sounds being made at some of the ridiculous portions of the film (not unexpected).

The climax seemed to satisfy though not really amaze; I am guessing that the predictability let it down a bit. After the film, the reaction could be best summed up as good to pretty good (my friend who accompanied me from Kharagpur went ga-ga over the film, though that’s understandable considering that he really likes romantic films). I could judge that sentiment and soulfulness had won over a lot of the audience, but few (if any) would be thinking of it as some classic or great film.

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JAB TAK HAI JAAN overseas theatre count

Below is an overseas theatre count of Jab Tak Hai Jaan, as per official releases from Yash Raj Films. Please note that this list is, in all probability, not exhaustive.

United Kingdom                               –          89

United States of America               -         115

United Arab Emirates                     -           56

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Film Review – Skyfall

Here’s my latest update from my blog. Again, my humble request that you comment on it (in the blog).

http://jtwmovieworld.blogspot.in/2012/11/film-review-skyfall.html

I’ll give the first few paragraphs.

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That Sam Mendes has proved himself as a quality filmmaker is in absolutely no doubt. With titles like Road to Perdition and the Academy Award-winning American Beauty, he has carved himself a solid brand recognition without being splashily famous like Christopher Nolan or James Cameron. So when he was announced as the director of the (then untitled) Bond project, everyone was up in the air. An Academy Award winner would definitely turn around the franchise after the faltering step that was Quantum of Solace. Right?

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Music Review – Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Guys, please comment on my blog; its a part of a competition and I need it to get a large number of comments.

My music review of Jab Tak Hai Jaan can be found in this link (from my blog) … Read More

Supposedly, kids were not on the field. Some contradictions to that.

This photo has just about appeared in The Telegraph, and it quite clearly disproves the rather illogical comments from some of our esteemed members who claimed that there were no kids on the field simply because nobody talked about it. The above photo is enough to show quite the opposite. Additionally, here are some more details :-

The root of the quarrel appeared to be the way guards and officials shooed away a group of children, including Shah Rukh’s daughter and son, who wanted to play on the outfield of the Wankhede after the KKR game against Mumbai was over.

Applied strictly, rules may or may not allow such concessions to children. But it is not unknown either.

In Calcutta, Biswarup Dey, the joint secretary of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), said allowing some activity on the green after matches was “a matter of courtesy” and “in the sprit of the game”.

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The Avengers breaches the coveted $1 billion mark

In what was being expected for some time right now, the Disney-distributed Marvel-produced superhero combo film The Avengers breached the highly coveted $1 billion mark worldwide, becoming only the 12th film in Hollywood history to do so. In the process, … Read More

Updates : Martin Scorsese’s Xtrme City set to happen; pre-production of Happy New Year announced

Last year, a huge buzz was created with reports that actor Shah Rukh Khan might play a role in Hollywood filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s Xtrme City.  But when Shah Rukh refused to confirm it, the news died down. Now, after several months, the actor says he’s keyed up about the project and is keen to meet Scorsese; surces say that the film may start rolling soon after Khan finishes the YRF film that he is doing with Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

“I had been very caught up with Ra.One, Don 2 and then I straightaway got into Yashji’s film. So, I could not take any time off for Xtrme City. I haven’t spoken to anyone for a long time (regarding the project). A couple of days back though, I was informed that I need to send an email (about the film),” says Shah Rukh. He adds, “Yes, maybe when I am in the US next time, I plan to go and meet Mr Scorsese to see what development has happened to it. I haven’t been in touch with Mr Scorsese. But I am sure it will be an interesting film whenever we start it. It’s not a project that you can start immediately without thorough preparation,” he says.

To be produced by the multiple Oscar-winning Scorsese, Xtrme City is to be directed by screenwriter Paul Schrader of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull fame. SRK’s friend Mushtaq Sheikh has co-written the script of the film. The film is a cross-cultural thriller, a tale about two men from radically different worlds. While SRK is likely to essay the role of an underworld gangster, makers are trying to rope in Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio to play a New York cop. Producer David Weisman has also been working on the project, and described the film as a “blend of the cinematic traditions of Bollywood and Hollywood.”

It is to be noted that despite Khan’s optimism regarding the film’s start date, there are a number of projects lined up for him which he has to commit to after the YRF film, not the least of which include Chennai Express and Happy New Year. It has been reported that director Farah Khan had been very busy with the project, and that the film’s pre-production is due to start in June 2012. In addition, reports have emerged saying that Khan is very interested in a friend’s script titled A for Apple, B for Ball on which he may start work some time later.

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Salman’s Bodyguard sequel on the cards

Salman Khan has just confirmed a sequel to Bodyguard, his Eid release in 2011 that became the year’s highest grosser. While no details are available on Bodyguard 2 yet, the buzz is that Kareena Kapoor, who played the heroine in the first film, may not return as the leading lady in the sequel.

Salman’s brother-in-law, actor Atul Agnihotri, and sister Alvira Khan, the producers of Bodyguard, will produce the sequel too. But Salman is undecided on repeating director Siddique. “Salman might rope in a new director for Bodyguard 2. Just like Dabangg 2, he reportedly plans a whole new image for his character, bodyguard Lovely Singh, in the sequel. He would like a new creative team to ensure a fresh look for the film,” said a source.

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Respect Shah Rukh, but Salman more dear: Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan

Actor Aamir Khan is both anxious and excited as he makes his TV debut today. “I can’t wait to see how the response to the show is,” he says. Though with the buzz that Satyamev Jayate has generated, trade is already betting on it opening to high TRPs, but Aamir insists that those ratings are the last things on his mind.

Interestingly, apart from his show’s TRP being compared to that of senior actor Amitabh Bachchan’s show, Aamir’s show is likely to be compared to that of good friend, actor Salman Khan as well as that of rival actor Shah Rukh Khan.

“Why only them, there’ve been so many other actors on TV. But, you know, I am really not looking at breaking anyone’s record. That’s not my or my show’s motive,” says the actor when asked about the expectations of his show opening to higher TRPs than that of his B-Town peers. “Had that been the case, then I would have agreed to do the first game show that came my way and made my money,” adds Aamir.

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The Avengers destroys Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2; takes $200.3 million in opening weekend

The Avengers set the box office ablaze in its opening weekend, snaring a record-breaking $200.3 million in its opening weekend, ahead of the previous record holder Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 ($169 million) by a very wide margin.

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The Avengers set for $175 million opening, receives A+ CinemaScore

Though it’s still trailing a little bit behind Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on its way to setting any all-time records, The Avengers had a phenomenal Friday at the North American box office, bringing in $80.5 million, including $18.7 million from … Read More

Agneepath, Housefull 2 enter Top 10 Worldwide grossers; Don 2 worldwide tally drops

My commentary on the figures is given after the list, provided by Box Office India.

The biggest Worldwide grossers in the history of Hindi film industry are listed below. One film has crossed 300 crore. Six films have hit the 200 crore mark while 38 films have hit the 100 crore mark. Both of the big 2012 grossers Agneepath and Housefull 2 are amongst top ten of all time All figures are worldwide gross figures.

1. Three Idiots (2009) - 385 crore

2. Bodyguard (2011) - 230 crore

3. Dabangg (2010) - 215 crore

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Aishwarya Rai sports a double chin

Yes, you read it perfectly right. Actress Aishwarya Rai was recently spotted, and was shockingly seen to have a prominent double chin. The former Miss World, who was once considered a diva of high standards, seems to be losing her … Read More

Tezz Crashes Totally On Monday

The collections of Tezz crashed completely on Monday as it collected around 1.30-1.40 crore nett which takes its four day business to around 12.75 crore nett.

The fall from Friday is 60% which is massive considering the levels it opened … Read More

Shah Rukh Khan & Abhishek in Farah’s next film

Mirror has learnt that Bachchan Jr in all probability will join the cast of Farah’s next starring Shah Rukh, tentatively titled Happy New Year. Now, SRK and Abhishek have never been sworn enemies. However, the two actors have never been good friends either.

Interestingly, Abhishek, despite the cold vibes shared with SRK has always maintained that the elder actor was like a big brother. A source close to the film explained, “SRK and Abhishek share a rather curious equation. However, now they are all set to work together. The project Happy New Year is turning out to be a reunion of sorts. First Farah and SRK made up and now SRK will work with Abhishek.”

According to industry insiders, Boman Irani will also play a pivotal role in the film. And while the two leading ladies have not been decided yet, Vidya Balan may bag the role opposite Shah Rukh.

And though the exact date for the film to go on floors is not known, industry insiders revealed that Farah may get a five-six day window to shoot her first schedule with SRK before the actor moves on to Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express this October.

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Around-the-World Roundup: ‘The Avengers’ Assemble $178.4 Million Overseas Debut

A week ahead of its U.S. debut, Marvel’s The Avengersopened in 39 foreign territories and scored a truly heroic $178.4 million. The movie took first place in all of its markets, and set new opening weekend records in a dozen of them as well.

The Avengers had its top start in the United Kingdom ($24.7 million), though that only ranks 16th all-time there. In Australia, the movie’s $19.7 million is the second-highest opening ever, while its $15.9 million debut in Mexico is a new record. It also set records in Brazil ($11.3 million), Taiwan ($7.7 million), the Philippines ($6.5 million), Hong Kong ($4.6 million) and seven other smaller markets.

While not quite reaching all-time levels, the movie also had very strong starts in South Korea ($12.9 million), France ($12.7 million), Italy ($10.4 million), and Spain ($7.3 million). Oddly, it only opened to $6.7 million in Germany, though looking at past Avengers movie grosses it doesn’t appear the Germans are as fond of the team as the rest of the world.

Across the 12 markets where estimates are available, The Avengers opened over twice as high, on average, asIron Man 2, which currently holds the team’s overseas record with $311.5 million (a number The Avengers is going to annihilate within the next few weeks).

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RMS TITANIC – 100 years after the Doomed Wonder

RMS Titanic

The ship of dreams. The unsinkable diamond. The resplendent wonder. An array of names have described the RMS Titanic, one of the world’s earliest engineering challenges and a true modern wonder of the early 1900s. With a full capacity of over 3,500 passengers and over 1,000 crew men, the Titanic was easily the largest ship on the seas at that time, and even today takes top spot as the most luxurious and splendor-filled ship of all times. Built by the White Star Line, which had envisioned the Titanic as the “last word on luxury”, the ship took over four years of non-stop toil to construct and set new records for construction size.

The expense of the Titanic is absolutely staggering. Adjusted for inflation, the ship would have required tens of billions of dollars to construct, and no points for guessing that advancements in technology would push up costs even further. Designed by Harland and Wolff’s Thomas Andrews, the Titanic was actually a commercial war: basically built to put the White Star Line back into the top of the game, after increasing losses to Cunard. The ship’s construction faced a number of delays and witnessed many unfortunate deaths of workers, who dubbed the Titanic as “the black death”.

The famous Grand Staircase

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Housefull 2 Vs Don 2: First Week Circuit Comaparison

The a comparison of first week figures from some circuits of Housefull 2 and Don 2 is as follows. Bothe films had seven day first weeks.

East Punjab

Housefull 2 – 5.17 crore

Don 2 – 6.20 crore

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