Bollywood CalendAr 2012
Star-studded bonanzas, technically supreme projects, creative ventures and Hollywood co-productions — Bollywood offers entertainment in myriad forms and films, says Deepa Karmalkar as she handpicks a list of hot releases of the year

January Jinx

Bollywood, which often relies heavily on chance than creativity, has its own share of superstitions. Lucky mascots, numerologically-enhanced film titles to fortunate locations — film producers use all ploys in order to make the boxoffice jangle. Likewise the Jan Jinx!

"The first release of the year is considered to be jinxed. Take Players, for instance, it is a sure shot dud — lacklustre promos, flop music and low buzz are all indicators of its doom," prophesies N. P. Yadav, editor Entertainment Trade magazine.

But noted film analyst Bhawana Somayaa argues, "They say that the last as well as the first release of the year is jinxed but I don’t believe in it. I am sure that both Don 2 and Players will fare very well. Both are slick productions, high on form — where the directors will score."

The year promises to take off on a high note with Karan Johar production Agneepath, starring Hrithik in the role that won Amitabh Bachchan the National Award originally.

"I’m not Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, I’m simply Vijay, and my Agneepath is the journey of one-man on a mission. I had no reference point for my character in either Mr Bachchan’s role in the earlier Agneepath (1990), nor in the underworld gangster Manya Surve, on whom the original Vijay was modelled," stated Hrithik Roshan in a recent interview.

While it may be recalled that the original 1990 release was a flop as Bachchan adopted a guttural tone for dialogue delivery which didn’t go down well with his fans at all.

"But the remake is destined to be an exciting proposal firstly because of Hrithik’s super performance and secondly owing to Sanjay Dutt’s super villainy as Kancha Cheena," asserts Yadav.

Agneepath releases on January 26, alongside Dibakar Banerji’s political thriller Shanghai, starring Emraan Khan and Abhay Deol. Taking into consideration Banerji’s earlier surprise hits Khosla Ka Ghosla, Oye Lucky Lucky Oye! and Love Sex Aur Dhokha — his fourth venture is bound to rustle up excitement amongst audience. The release of Ajay Devgn-starrrer Tezz directed by Priyadarshan, which is a hi-action movie revolving around the bullet train hijacking where actor Mohanlal plays a dutiful cop of the Scotland Yard Police, with Ajay Devgn and Anil Kapoor in the pivotal roles has been postponed for the second time now, earlier it was pushed ahead to avoid clash with Rockstar.

THE Khan Factor

Of the formidable Khan triumvirate, Shah Rukh Khan will have no release this year, but hotter-than-volcano Salman has YRF’s Ek Tha Tiger, predictably his next Id release. The film supposed to be an international espionage drama in which Salman plays a RAW agent while co-star Katrina Kaif plays an ISI agent. Khan is tipped to have charged an astronomical fee of Rs 32 crore for the film to be shot in Dublin, Istanbul and Cuba!

While Salman rides the crest of popularity, both the trade observers Somayaa and Yadav are skeptical of its BO fate. "How long will this phase of posturing films last? All style and no substance is certainly not enduring cinema. Salman may claim to be doing ‘only hit films and not good films’, but he must try meaningful cinema occasionally," opines Yadav.

While Somayaa comments, "I am not impressed by both of YRF’s recent releases — Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl. Never mind Salman’s star appeal and Katrina’s inability to give a flop hitherto — I am not too sure about this film."

Thinking Khan Aamir’s next release, Reema Kagti’s Kareena-Rani Mukerji-starrer tentatively titled Talaash is supposedly based on "human relationships" is slated for June 2012 release. Although it will be among the most-awaited releases in 2012, Yadav has an interesting take on it, "Aamir is overwhelmed by the stupendous successes of his films — blockbuster Ghajini, then the biggest hit of all times 3 Idiots. Audience expectations are so high that Aamir has become shaky, and for the first time in his career has signed up Dhoom 3 without reading the script. That’s because he wants to play it safe with a proven brand now. He’s also been after director Raju Hirani to churn out a new script for him. That’s unusual for Aamir," he sighs.

The unusual jodi of Imran-Kareena will be seen in ‘witty, slice-of-life rom-com’ Valentine release — Ek Main Aur Ek Tu on February 10. This is reportedly inspired by Hollywood romance What Happens In Vegas and has been shot mostly in Las Vegas. Real-life valentines Reitesh Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza-starrer Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya will be another Valentine release.

Newly anointed Nawab of Pataudi has isolated himself completely from the media, immersing himself in his home production, Agent Vinod. This stylish action-thriller braves numerous delays and releases this February, the real-life sweethearts Saif and Kareena will undoubtedly add extra zing to the film.

According to director Sriram Raghavan, it is a realistic film and not a spoof or comic James Bond. "The title may be boring but this is Saif’s labour of love and it will be definitely crowned with sweet success," sums up Somayaa.

Ranbir Kapoor’s inventiveness is evident in his choice of roles — whether it was Rocket Singh or Rockstar, he has internalised his parts to the delight of legions of his female fans. His forthcoming venture, Barfee directed by Anurag Basu has him playing the role of a speech-impaired person in a murder mystery in which his co-star Priyanka Chopra plays an autistic person. Slated for May 2012 release, this will be as "hat ke" as it gets.

Vidya Balan’s next screen outing as a pregnant woman in search of her missing husband in Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani will be another unusual film to watch out for. "The story better be good because very high expectations are riding on Vidya post-The Dirty Picture," cautions Somayaa.

Another female-oriented film that may stir up the boxoffice is Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine, starring Kareena Kapoor. Thigmanshu Dhulia’s biopic Paan Singh Tomar, with
Irrfan essaying the title role of the steeplechase champion will make an interesting watch.

Oscar-winning director Ang Lee’s Life of Pi starring Tabu, Irrfan Khan and new comer Suraj Sharma based on Yann Martel’s prize-winning novel will be an attraction for the cognoscenti. The first IMAX 3D film by 20th Century Fox after Avatar will be an added attraction.

It is difficult to predict Diwali releases as yet — but as of now Race 2 and Son of Sardar will make it to the theatres in the festive season. But in any case, the wide range of genres that are on offer in 2012, Bollywood is certainly slated to be crackling with excitement.

Quite like James Bond — Dhoom series, Krrish, Race, Ghayal, Dabbang, Khiladi, Raaz, Jannat, Housefull and Hera Pheri will continue to lure in viewers. But Golmaal makers are playing it safe by spacing sequels appropriately as Ajay Devgn pointed out, "Golmaal 4 will happen next to next year. It’s necessary to have two years gap between two Golmaal films. It’s not good if it comes every year." So director Rohit Shetty delayed Golmaal 4, and announced Bol Bachchan also starring Devgn.

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