Latest news with #Andaaz2
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Andaaz 2 movie review: I watched this Suneel Darshan film alone in a theatre so you wouldn't have to
Andaaz 2 movie review Cast: Aayush Kumar, Aakaisha & Natasha Fernandez Director: Suneel Darshan Rating: ★.5 When the characters cry on screen, but you laugh, you know something is terribly wrong. But when you feel absolutely nothing, it has to be Andaaz 2. Banking on the name of the 2003 original starring Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta, this one has all newcomers, none of whom have main character energy. Andaaz 2, directed by Suneel Darshan, is a disappointing sequel lacking chemistry and a coherent plot. What is the plot? The story? There is no story. A guy falls in love with a girl, whose sister lusts after him too. She tries to separate the two, then inexplicably changes her mind, and it is suddenly a happy ending. Which leaves me questioning not how this film was made, but why. There is absolutely no connection to the original. Aayush Kumar plays an aspiring musician who performs for an audience exactly once in the entire film, yet by the end, he has a contract worth a crore. The girl who falls in love with him (Akaisha Vats) would rather make out with him in a garage than go to the United States for higher studies. Natasha Fernandez, playing Akaisha's rich sister, kisses the guy she likes on their very first drive. Cliches abundant This randomness and ridiculousness is Andaz 2. Suneel Darshan, once the maker of films like Jaanwar and the now meme-fied Mela, has clearly not kept up with the changing times, because this film feels stuck in the late 1990s, from its mediocre production value to its outdated dialogues. The age-old tropes are all here: ghar ki beti paraya dhan hoti hai, the father opposing his son's music career, two girls falling in love with a man who is jobless, penniless and, more importantly, witless. Add to that an elder woman harassing a younger man, just for laughs. Haha. It is the kind of plot that might have just about worked in the single-screen era, when audiences had limited choices and suspension of disbelief came cheap. In 2025, it feels laughably out of place. Watching it in an empty hall, I could almost hear the sound of my own regret echoing off the walls-- a soundtrack far more compelling than anything the film offered. No one acts well here. The music by Nadeem Saifi (yes, of the Nadeem-Shravan duo) is surprisingly decent. The cinematography by Chetan Dholi is below average, and the leads are presented rather tackily. In the end, Andaaz 2 is less a sequel and more a relic- a reminder of everything Bollywood should have left behind two decades ago. With zero chemistry, wafer-thin plotting and a theatre emptier than its screenplay, it is a film best remembered for proving that some names are better left in the past.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
I'm done chasing stars: Sunil Darshan opens up on choosing newcomers
Veteran filmmaker Sunil Darshan, known for crafting several commercial blockbusters in the 90s and early 2000s, is now taking a bold step away from star-led projects. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the director opened up about his current mindset and why he prefers to bet on fresh for launching and collaborating with major names like Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, among others, the director now feels more driven by the potential of actors rather than their in my first film 'Inteqam', I cast Kimi Katkar, she was a relative newcomer, only done 'Tarzan' back then. There was initial hesitation, but when a filmmaker has conviction, people eventually believe in you. So somehow, I'm at a stage today where I'm not really looking to reach out to stars. Actors, yes. I am willing to bend down, lie down, and do a namaskar to them if there is an actor there,' he told us. 'But when you have to procrastinate before stars, I think I'm past that stage. That's why I, some time ago, I decided to make films with newcomers. Bring in new stars, new actors, give chances to people who don't usually get them,' he asked if it's difficult to cast established actors, he said, "It was never easy, but it wasn't too difficult either. Back then, actors would speak directly with the filmmaker, with the director, with the producer. The team was about them. Now, it's not the producer, nor the director, nor the actor, it's a team of managers and PRs making decisions. And that's where it's falling short."A New Chapter with 'Andaaz 2'Currently gearing up for 'Andaaz 2', the sequel to his 2003 hit, Darshan is doing things his way, with fresh faces and a focus on storytelling. The film stars newcomers Ayush Kumar, Akaisha Vats, and Natasha Fernandes, all of whom he discovered through instinct.'Ayush came in to audition for a friend's role,' he recalls.'But I looked at him and thought, 'This isn't a friend.' He had warmth, vulnerability, innocence, and a powerful structure. Launching a new boy is hard, not just making the film, but playing the whole game. I faced it with Akshay Kumar too, he had seniors ahead of him.'As for the female leads, Darshan chose based on gut. 'Akaisha had done a few Punjabi videos. She wasn't working in films. Thirty seconds into speaking to her, I knew she was the one. It's instinctive,' he says. 'And Natasha—she's worked with me before, but I felt she deserved this particular role. It's a little unusual, but she fit like a glove.'Betting on the UnconventionalFor Darshan, the decision to work with newcomers wasn't just creative, it was philosophical. 'It's very difficult for a newcomer to get an opportunity today, especially with an established filmmaker,' he notes. 'Everyone wants to make a film. But is it really a film? The parameters have changed, commercial viability is everything. But real penetration isn't just featuring on the surface, it's about seeping through.'advertisementHaving worn multiple hats in the industry, from producer and director to distributor (he's distributed over 500 films)—Darshan feels it's his duty to give back. 'I want to share those experiences with this new lot—the new generation.'Interestingly, 'Andaaz 2' wasn't planned as a franchise sequel. 'Cinema isn't like a proposal—unless you run into a story that demands a triangular love plot and also has socially relevant issues. During Covid-19, I had time to sit, write, scrap, and this story was born then,' he filmmaker is equally excited about the music in the film. 'It has Nadeem of Nadeem–Shravan fame and Sameer writing lyrics. This time, we've slightly upgraded the format. People are so used to Nadeem's sound, so the soul is the same, but the presentation has evolved.''I Make Films Universally' No longer part of the corporate studio system, Darshan believes in staying true to his cinematic roots. 'I aspire to make my films that way, because I believe India has so much to offer. Our subjects must be oriental at heart,' he says. 'People ask if my film will work in high-end cinemas. I say, 'No, my film works universally.' That's my parameter.'advertisementHe also voices concern over the widening gap between actors and filmmakers today. 'One day I was a newcomer, and those actors believed in me, Karishma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Lara, Priyankathey, didn't even ask what the subject was. That belief in the filmmaker used to be so strong,' he reflects. 'Today, go-betweens have created a vacuum in communication. I wish that could be better.'Beyond the Box Office RaceIn a time when box office numbers often dictate the fate of a film, Darshan remains rooted in conviction. 'A good project isn't about just Friday–Saturday–Sunday,' he insists. 'A film may not take off on a Friday, but it can become a house full on Monday. Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit's Hum Aapke Hain Kaun released in a restricted number of cinemas and became the biggest blockbuster. That conviction of a filmmaker in his own ability—that's most important.''Today, people only look at the Friday figure. Yes, a star might give you Friday—but what about Saturday and Sunday?' he adds pointedly.'Andaaz 2'is set to release on 8th August.- Ends
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Suneel Darshan recalls first meeting with Priyanka Chopra for 'Barsaat'; says ‘Yeh kaunsi heroine ki tarah hogi?'"
Suneel Darshan , who introduced Priyanka Chopra in his film 'Barsaat' alongside Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta , recently shared how it all began. While promoting his upcoming film 'Andaaz 2' in an interview, recalled meeting Priyanka for the first time. He said she didn't fit the typical image of a Bollywood heroine like Kareena or Karisma Kapoor, but there was something unique about her that stood out. That's how she ended up being the lead in 'Barsaat'. Priyanka to lead opposite Lara Dutta When asked how he decided to cast Priyanka opposite Lara in 'Barsaat', Suneel shared with Bollywood Bubble, 'She came to meet me with her secretary/manager, Prakash Jaju. Haan. So since I got a call from my accountant, you know, from the reception, asking me to come down, it was right here. And my cabin was upstairs. So I asked him to come in, and he said, 'I've brought this girl along, I want to introduce you to her.' I was looking at her and I said, 'Oh… she's not a conventional heroine. ' Woh conventional heroine nahi thi, woh ek alag si lagti thi. Hamari jo typical heroines hoti thi, Karisma, Kareena — unka ek alag look, ek alag approach hota tha.' Describing the look 'Yeh wheatish toh nahi kahunga… chocolate-ish thi, thodi darker tones mein thi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things Women Should NEVER Wear! Undo Toh maine socha, 'Okay, guest hai.' Phir Miss World jeeti. I said, 'Chalo, baith ke baat toh karte hain.' Kaam karein na karein, let's at least talk, let's try, let's discover. What she showed instantly was respect. Maine use bithaya, do teen minute baat ki — mujhe uski awaaz bohot achhi lagi. Aur thoda aur jab conversation stretch hua, toh jo tareeka tha jismein woh aankhon se baat karti thi, she knew how to captivate you. That's the word I'll use: captivate. And within 15 minutes, I kept thinking, 'Yeh kaunsi heroine ki tarah hogi?' Then I said, 'Oh… Rekha ji. Aane waale kal mein yeh Rekha ban sakti hai.'' he added. Suneel reflects on casting in 'Barsaat' The producer shared that while everyone on his team believed Lara would be the standout, and she indeed brought grace and professionalism to the set, Priyanka ultimately proved to be something entirely different. He felt she had a unique presence that set her apart and believed she went on to become an icon for the newer generations—something that, in his view, made her journey even more remarkable. About the film 'Barsaat' is a 1995 Hindi romantic action film directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. It marked the acting debuts of Bobby Deol and Twinkle Khanna, who played the lead roles in the movie. Priyanka Chopra's Cryptic Post for Rekha Stuns Fans: 'Better Be A B*tch Than A Bichari'
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
4 Hindi films releasing in theatres this week: Heer Express to Andaaz 2
A new week has begun, and as we approach Friday, the excitement and confusion among movie lovers are on the rise. This week, four Bollywood films are hitting the theaters, and if your weekend plan is to watch a film with your family, then keep scrolling to look at the list that will help you pick one out of them. 1. Heer Express Heer Express is set to release on August 8, 2025, across India. The director is Umesh Shukla, who has also created films like OMG and 102 Not Out. It is a family entertainer suitable for all age groups, debuting Divita Juneja as Heer Walia. The story revolves around her, who plays a young chef striving to fulfil her mother's dream by moving abroad. Pritt Kamani plays her love interest. The film also stars Ashutosh Rana, Gulshan Grover, Sanjay Mishra and Meghna Malik. 2. Andaaz 2 Andaaz 2 is a sequel to the 2003 hit film starring Priyanka Chopra, Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta. This film features an entirely new cast, with debutant Aayush Kumar, Akaisha and Natasha Fernandez. The film centers around a struggling musician whose journey becomes complicated by a love triangle. 3. Udaipur Files Starring Vijay Raaz, the film was originally titled Gyanvapi Files: A Tailor's Murder Story. It was earlier supposed to be released on July 11, but after the Delhi High Court's stay order, the film was not released. This was due to the concerns over communal harmony and the ongoing trial associated with the case. The film dramatises the real-life June 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur. 4. Zora Zora is directed by Rajiv Rai, who is known for directing thriller films like Gupt, Mohra, Tridev and Vishwatma. It stars Ravinder Kuharas, Karanveer Khullar, Sofia Parveen and Nikhil Dewan. This film also marks the comeback of Rajiv Rai in Bollywood. ALSO READ: Disha Patani gives a bold twist to Jiya Jale with her sensuous moves – Netizens say 'You set me on fire'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Suneel Darshan on not replacing Priyanka Chopra in Barsaat after Akshay Kumar's exit amid personal turbulence: 'Shaadishuda aadmiyon ko zyada responsible hona chahiye'
Filmmaker Suneel Darshan , who is known for directing hit collaborations with Akshay Kumar in the early 2000s, has addressed the actor's sudden exit from his 2005 film Barsaat. While promoting Andaaz 2, Darshan recalled the behind-the-scenes turbulence and explained why he chose to retain Priyanka Chopra as the lead, even as Akshay backed out. 'There was a lot of turbulence in his personal life' Responding to whether Akshay was initially cast in Barsaat before being replaced by Bobby Deol , Suneel Darshan confirmed, 'Ab toh gaana YouTube pe hai. Maine Akshay aur Priyanka ka shoot... woh film shoot hui thi, I know. Haan, woh shoot hui thi film. Aur ek point aisa aaya ki uski personal life mein kaafi turbulence aa gayi thi.' Darshan said Akshay himself approached him with the request to exit the film. He told Bollywood Bubble, 'Usne mujhe poocha ki, 'Bhai, agar yeh mere bina ho sake, personal issues ki wajah se...' Toh main toh yeh maanta hoon ki actors ko bohot responsible hona chahiye, aur shaadishuda aadmiyon ko toh aur bhi zyada responsible hona chahiye.' Reflecting on how these personal choices affect a film's fate, he added, 'Lekin kya hota hai, galti karna insaan ki fitrat hoti hai — aur producer ko maar khana uski taqdeer mein hota hai.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 13 Celebrities Who Struggle With Mental Illness Undo 'I didn't want Priyanka to bear the burden' Despite the rumoured fallout between Akshay and Priyanka Chopra, Darshan chose not to replace the actress in the film. 'Yeh mera faisla tha, kyunki main chahta tha ki Priyanka Chopra ko us haadse ki responsibility ka onus na doon,' he said. 'Aur main sochta tha, bhai, jiska mere se gehra sambandh tha — jitna bhi tha — woh toh Akshay hi kehta tha ki 'main tujhe apna kya samajhta hoon'... Woh toh us waqt shayad kisi tape mein mil bhi jaaye.' 'Maine socha ki yeh hi better hai ki Priyanka ko continue karein, aur jisne mujhe option diya hai, usse replace karein.' Priyanka Chopra's Cryptic Post for Rekha Stuns Fans: 'Better Be A B*tch Than A Bichari' A professional split sparked by personal rumours? Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra had once been one of Bollywood's most bankable onscreen pairs, delivering hits like Andaaz, Aitraaz, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. However, rumours of a romantic relationship between the two began circulating around the time of Barsaat, reportedly causing strain in Akshay's marriage with Twinkle Khanna . As per reports, Twinkle even considered divorce, prompting the actor to distance himself from Priyanka professionally. Their on-screen collaborations abruptly ceased following the incident. Over the years, Priyanka Chopra has largely remained silent on the matter. However, she has subtly acknowledged making the choice to step away to avoid causing tension in anyone's personal life. Most recently, in July 2025, while promoting her Hollywood film Heads of State, the actress briefly addressed her past professional dynamics, praising both Akshay Kumar and Tom Cruise for their action abilities, marking a rare mention of her former co-star.
