‘Even Reviews Are Bought': Nikkhil Advani Gets Candid After Stolen Debuts Online
Last Updated:
According to Nikkhil, the main reason behind the distrust is that everything is bought; even reviews are also paid.
Abhishek Banerjee-starrer investigative crime thriller Stolen has now finally premiered on Prime Video. Karan Tejpal made his directorial debut in this film, which is backed by four renowned filmmakers who served as executive producers. Anurag Kashyap, Nikkhil Advani, Kiran Rao, and Vikramaditya Motwane came together to lend their expertise to the film. Stolen revolves around two urban brothers who witness the kidnapping of a baby and decide to help the mother by joining a perilous investigation to search for the baby.
Ahead of the release, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani appeared in an interview with the Hindustan Times as he talked about the film and the current state of the film industry in general. Talking about being associated with the film, Nikkhil stated that although Stolen is a small independent film, it does not need big names to back it. 'Who are we? We are just putting our muscle or credibility behind this film," he explained while asserting that nowadays there has been a growing distrust between the audience and the filmmaker. Talking about this lasting distrust, Nikkhil explained the main reason behind this situation is that everything is bought; even reviews are also paid. 'Audiences today, thanks to social media, have got so much information," said the filmmaker.
Nikkhil, who is known for widely popular films like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Batla House, and D-Day, among others, went on to talk about the difference between commercial and independent cinema. According to the filmmaker, this distinction has existed in the Indian film industry for decades, and nowadays the choices are becoming smaller, whereas the huge demand to conform to the formula is only getting higher. He further explained that when a filmmaker wants to do something out of the ordinary, he has to make it marketable either with the cast, director, or producer. However, Nikkhil is hopeful this notion will turn and a good-quality film will find its audience.
Additionally, while reflecting on the fact that Bollywood is currently facing a decline in revenue in the aftermath of COVID-19, Nikkhil noted that audiences are nowadays more inclined towards spending money on live shows and stand-up comedies and argued that with the help of good-quality films, audiences need to be won back.
First Published:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sunny Pang to debut in an Indian film opposite Anshuman Jha
Following his recent on-screen face-off with Tom Hardy in Havoc , Chinese martial arts star Sunny Pang is set to make his debut in Indian cinema . Pang will join the cast of the sequel to the animal lover vigilante universe led by Anshuman Jha . Internationally recognised for his breakout role as the antagonist in Headshot —one of the few action films to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2017—Pang has built a reputation as a respected figure in martial arts cinema. His appearance alongside Tom Hardy in Havoc has only reinforced his standing as a formidable screen presence in the action genre. With Anshuman Jha's next, Pang steps into the Indian action film space in a sequel that promises a heightened focus on grounded, emotionally driven, hand-to-hand combat. The film is set to feature an intense showdown between Pang and Jha, with both actors undergoing training in Bangkok under the supervision of Kecha Kamphakdee and Jaika Stunts, the action team behind the franchise. Speaking about the casting, Anshuman Jha said, 'I loved Sunny Sir's work in Headshot . Working with him—let alone matching him in a fight—is a dream come true. Sunny Pang brings a legacy of visceral, authentic action. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like US Homeowners: Stairs Becoming a Problem? Here's a Solution Gaining Popularity Fast! Clear Living Undo This sequel is going to be bigger, bolder, and more brutal in the best possible way for Indian action cinema.' For Pang, the project marks not only a new professional milestone but also a meaningful creative choice. 'This is my first time working on an Indian film, and the level of respect and passion I've experienced here has been incredible,' he said. 'Training in Bangkok and shooting in Indonesia—it's been an intense, unforgettable journey for me. I'm truly honoured to contribute to this universe. One thing's for sure—we're holding nothing back.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Swades' star Gayatri Oberoi offers a sneak peek into her ultra-luxurious residence worth Rs 400 crore with husband Vikas Oberoi
Gayatri Oberoi, known for her role in Swades, has re-emerged, showcasing her design expertise in her family's real estate ventures. She offers a tour of her luxurious Mumbai residence, blending Indian materials with European design. Despite a tragic car accident in Italy last year, Gayatri's passion for design and family remains evident. Nearly two decades after she lit up the screen alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Swades, Gayatri Oberoi is back in the public eye—but in a very different role. The former actor, who stepped away from Bollywood after just one film, now leads a quiet yet influential life as a creative force behind her husband Vikas Oberoi's real estate empire. In a rare appearance, Gayatri gives viewers a personal tour of their Rs 400 crore residence in Mumbai's plush Three Sixty West tower, featured in a new video by YouTuber and real estate enthusiast Enes Yilmazer. Gayatri appears poised and passionate as she walks through the 45th-floor home—spanning 16,000 sq. ft with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms—sharing how design, detail, and emotion shape every corner. For Gayatri, design is storytelling. She reveals how Indian materials were blended with a contemporary European sensibility to craft a home that's both refined and deeply personal. While the price tag and setting are undeniably grand, Gayatri's warmth is what stands out most. She says she and Vikas are so invested in their work, it hardly feels like work at all. 'It's something we love,' she says simply. Though she chose to leave films behind after marrying the billionaire businessman, Gayatri's on-screen presence still lingers—elegant, understated, and compelling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Consigue audifonos de alta calidad sin gastar ni un solo centavo Top Audifonos Undo The couple made headlines in 2023 after a tragic car crash in Italy that claimed the lives of two Swiss nationals—a sobering reminder of how unpredictable life can be, even amid immense success and privilege. Gayatri Joshi's recent appearance sparked a wave of nostalgia among Swades fans, where she memorably portrayed a strong-willed schoolteacher who helped steer Shah Rukh Khan's character back to his roots. Though Swades was her first and only film, her graceful performance left a lasting impact, earning her a place among Bollywood's most cherished one-film wonders. While she stepped away from the limelight to focus on her personal life, Gayatri's rare public moments still manage to captivate and charm audiences.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
A Fulfilling Feast Of Refined Flavours: What To Expect At Comorin Mumbai
Comorin, Gurugram's acclaimed all-day restaurant and bar, has opened doors at its second location: a swanky new space in Lower Parel, Mumbai. Situated in Nilaya Anthology within Peninsula Corporate Park, the establishment is here to dazzle the city with its redefined regional Indian plates and award-winning drinks programme. Comorin is a brand by EHV International, a part of the renowned Old World Hospitality Group, which includes restaurants such as Indian Accent, Hosa, and Fireback. The kitchen is led by Chef Dhiraj Dargan, while the bar is helmed by celebrated mixologist Varun Sharma. Comorin Mumbai's striking layout and design elements are the work of Rishiv Khattar (a creative director with the company), London's Russell Sage Studio and Gurugram-based Incubis Consultants. They have established a slightly different identity in terms of colours (as compared to the original location). However, they have followed the overall ethos of Comorin, along with the inclusion of the signature long communal table and deconstructed bar. At the back of the restaurant is a door to the serene Orangery at Nilaya, a small indoor garden with a skylit roof. Comorin's menu is inspired by traditional delicacies from different parts of India. It enhances regional comfort foods with soft, clever never nudges - it doesn't seek to overhaul the familiar completely, nor does it overwhelm diners with elaborate combinations. The first few dishes we happened to order epitomised Comorin's approach to food well. The zingy Lemon Gunpowder Idlis, topped with crunchy cashews, arrived with pretty quenelles of three chutneys at the side. The wholesome Smoked Kathal Galawat delighted us with its meat-like softness. The Tawa Crab Anda Bhurji gave a fun seafood twist to a breakfast staple beloved in this city, and the crisp pieces of Chilli Butter Toast made for the perfect pairing. The message here was clear: there is space for elements of experimentation, but that is not its sole focus. Talking about the process of adapting Comorin's menu for Mumbai, Chef Dhiraj Dragan revealed, "One of the key challenges was accounting for the city's tropical climate - the high humidity, monsoon rains, and the way these factors influence appetite and dining preferences. We aimed to create dishes that felt lighter, fresher, and more in tune with the weather. Another important consideration was the significant vegetarian clientele in Mumbai. We ensured the menu reflected this by developing dishes that weren't just meat-free, but were equally exciting and flavour-forward." We saw part of this reflected in plates like the Dahi Batata Puri with Kachalu, which melts in the mouth and leaves behind a tinge of a fiery sensation derived from an ingredient unexpected in the domain of chaat. Among the non-vegetarian small plates, we also enjoyed the Fried Chicken Bun with Kolkata Mustard and Bheja Fry with Khasta Roti. Whatever their origin, the spotlight was shone on robust flavours expertly and unapologetically. Comorin Gurugram has won multiple accolades for its beverage programme, and we are glad Mumbai can now relish its signature sips. Comorin's cocktails are not only a reflection of technical prowess, but also of the freshness of flavours derived from its various liqueurs, syrups and other drink components that are all made in-house. While we found the Nashik Spritz (Gin, Green Apple, Limoncello, White Wine and Ginger Ale) refreshing, it is the gorgeously smooth Walnut Sour that we would definitely return for. The latter is made by infusing bourbon whiskey with walnuts using a pressure infusion technique. Later, the whiskey is shaken with house-made cinnamon & pineapple oleo saccharum, a touch of apricot and a saline solution. Comorin is also renowned for its Sous Vide cocktails, wherein Varun Sharma adapts the culinary technique generally used for slow-cooking food to create flavour-forward drinks. He explains how he does so: "We take a double shot of spirit (Gin, Tequila, or Vodka) and add the selected ingredients into a sous vide bag, which is then vacuum sealed and placed in a sous vide bath at a set temperature for 90 seconds. After the infusion, the bag is given a 20-second cold bath to chill it instantly. We then pour the liquid directly into a stem glass, top it with tonic or carbonated water, and garnish it with the same fresh ingredients used in the infusion." The method is seemingly simple yet genius. From this section, we tasted and loved the Vodka with Orange and Peach. Comorin also has an approachable wine programme led by Kevin Rodrigues. Every wine on the list (which featured over 50 labels from around the world) is available by the glass. If you're not drinking alcohol, you'll be happy to know that the zero-proof section is far from an afterthought here. Rather, it features a wide range of refined drinks enjoyable in their own right - rather than just being bland versions of cocktails. We suggest starting with something light, like the creamy Coconut Licuado made by blending coconut water and coconut flesh (malai). Next, move to a more layered concoction like the Pomegranate Salted Shrub. Don't miss the opportunity to try the House Sodas too. We sampled all of them, and it was difficult to pick a single favourite. While the Raspberry & Thyme is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, the Saffron Ginger Ale must not be overlooked. In effect, thanks to their superb blend of sweetness, aroma and fizziness, these drinks redefined what a soda means. As with their alcoholic counterparts, technique reigns supreme here. Coming back to the food, note that Comorin's menu has large plates as well as "extra large plates." New offerings like the Amrud Ki Subzi, Aam Ki Kadhi, Keema Kofta Curry, Himachali Cha Gosht, and Paranthe Wali Gali are available only at the Mumbai outpost. We tried some old favourites, including the Comorin Dal Tadka with Chilli Mint Laccha Paratha and the Banana Leaf Bhetki with Chilli Coconut Masala. We can see the dal (featuring five types of lentils) becoming a fast favourite with the corporate diners this restaurant is bound to attract. On the other hand, the soft and spicy Bhetki exudes coastal leisure - we took our time relishing it with rice. As for desserts, note that, except for the famous Cheeni Malai Toast, all are new additions. We highly recommend the innovative and scrumptious Comorin Cassata, with layers of vanilla, mango and jamun ice cream. The seriousness of Comorin's dedication to quality is balanced with the fun of simply delicious food, resulting in a meal that couldn't help but be memorable. It's always reassuring to realise that the question isn't if we're going to revisit a new restaurant like this, but when we're going to come back. Have you made your reservations yet? Address: Comorin@NilayaAnthology, Peninsula Point, Peninsula Corporate Park, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel(West), Mumbai.
