Latest news with #TheRomantics
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Missing from the frame: Bollywood's female icons
Noticed how Bollywood's leading men are getting the full docu-series treatment lately? The Romantics went back to the chiffon-wrapped dreamscape of Yash Chopra's cinema. The Roshans traced the legacy of a family that shaped both melody and muscle in Hindi films. And Angry Young Men, a series about Salim-Javed, debuted to over 2.3 million views on Prime Video in its first week, becoming the platform's top non-fiction show. Several male stars have gotten the docu-series treatment. Why not Madhuri Dixit Nene or Sridevi? (INSTAGRAM/@MADHURIDIXITNENE) Now, guess how many views the show about Padma Vibhushan Vyjayanthimala Bali garnered? None, because it doesn't exist. You know what else doesn't exist? A deep dive into Rekha's decades of reinvention, a tribute to Waheeda Rehman's or Asha Parekh's craft, a rewind of Silk Smitha's magnetism, a chronicle of Sridevi's eras, or even a global lens on Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Despite more than a century of Indian cinema, no one's telling the women's side of the stories. Film journalist Bhawana Somaaya, 69, has been tracking Indian cinema for almost half a century, and has written 20 books on the subject (including books on the Bachchans and a biography of Hema Malini). She knows there's a bonanza in waiting for anyone who wants to put women's stories on screen. It's the streaming networks that don't seem to be interested. 'Netflix and Amazon Prime are the ones making the documentaries,' she says. 'They think focusing on female power won't work.' Biopics centred on a woman tend to be underfunded. But The Romantics had 35 industry heavyweights. Most decision makers believe that audiences want young faces, recycled plots, the comfort of endless sequels and stories about successful men, Somaaya says. 'The audience is ready to embrace something new.' And done right, a documentary about Parveen Babi's inner world or Helen's impact on today's item numbers can offer new insights into an industry desperately seeking to reinvent itself. The other hitch: Decision-makers in writers' rooms and production houses tend to be under 40. 'Nobody wants to hire anyone over 50. That's a loss of wisdom, perspective and objectivity.' Even if an idea slips past, a biopic centred on a woman tends to be underfunded. Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Mary Kom and Shabaash Mithu struggled to get made. Meanwhile, 35 industry heavyweights featured in The Romantics. Angry Young Men was championed by Salim-Javed's children. The Roshans used their series to give their own brands a future. Somaaya says that women tend not to show similar ambitions. 'Hema Malini also has daughters. They don't have the time to push this,' she points out. We would love a global lens on Priyanka Chopra Jonas or a deep dive into Rekha's decades of reinvention. (SHUTTERSTOCK) It means that the stories we don't tell now, are the stories that the public won't remember years from now. Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, 45, writer-director of Nil Battey Sannata and Panga, says women are still largely invisible in the filmmaking machinery, as they are in other spheres of life. 'Even when a woman cooks a great meal, she'll say that her husband or family liked it, so it must be good. Not that she made something great.' She recalls how, when her first film, Nil Battey Sannata, came out, people assumed her husband Nitesh Tiwari had directed it. He was livid and had to clarify he wasn't even on set. 'For me too, it took time to say 'Yes, I did this. I'm hardworking and good at what I do'.' That silence shapes how women see their own work and how the world sees theirs. Iyer Tiwari won the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the romantic comedy-drama Bareilly Ki Barfi in 2017. She's directing a film about the love story of Narayana and Sudha Murthy. But she routinely gets introduced as, 'Nitesh Tiwari's wife.' No wonder we're not making documentaries about women, we're not noticing their accomplishments in the first place. From HT Brunch, July 26, 2025 Follow us on
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Saiyaara' Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Mohit Suri's film starring Ahaan Panday and Avneet Padda to witness a strong opening
The stage is set for Mohit Suri's much-anticipated film 'Saiyaara' to finally hit theatres. Touted as one of the most talked-about releases of the year, the film is just hours away from its grand debut, and the buzz is palpable. What makes *Saiyaara* especially exciting is its refreshing cast and emotionally rich narrative, which promises to make the film more than just another launch—it aims to be a lasting cinematic impression. 'Saiyaara' marks the Bollywood debut of Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday. Ever since the project was announced, Ahaan has been in the spotlight, and early reactions suggest he brings charm and individuality to the screen. He is joined by Aneet Padda, another fresh face, and their onscreen chemistry has already created a stir through the film's trailer and songs. While the storyline has been kept mostly under wraps, 'Saiyaara' is expected to offer a poignant journey of love, heartbreak, and redemption. The narrative appears to follow a coming-of-age arc with emotional depth—hallmarks of Mohit Suri's signature style. The film's music is already a hit, especially the title track, which has quickly climbed the streaming charts. With a blend of soulful melodies and fresh sounds, the soundtrack has played a key role in building anticipation. Advance bookings have been strong, with 90,000 tickets already sold in national chains. With limited screens and huge buzz, 'Saiyaara' is expected to make a solid box office debut. 07:39 (IST) Jul 18 Ananya Panday pens an emotional note for cousin Ahaan Panday with childhood memories ahead of 'Saiyaara' release - "been obsessed with my brother since day 1 and I can't wait for the world to feel the same ????????????????♥️♥️????" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya 🌙 (@ananyapanday) 07:21 (IST) Jul 18 Did you know 'Saiyaara's idea was originally 'Aashiqui 3'? Mohit Suri, in an interview with a portal, disclosed that Saiyaara was initially intended to be Aashiqui 3. He mentioned that Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt had asked him to draft the project, he told Pinkvilla. However, due to their inconsistent relationship and a hurried announcement plan, he decided to reconstruct the idea on his own. Ultimately, this concept transformed into Saiyaara, Suri also noted that it was filmmaker Luv Ranjan who motivated him to pursue writing Saiyaara. He credited Luv for guiding him towards creating a love story and mentioned that his inspiration grew after watching The Romantics, which evoked memories of the emotional richness found in 80s cinema. He observed a decline in the success of action films, which further encouraged him to delve into a romantic storyline, eventually developing it into a complete screenplay. Additionally, Mohit Suri revealed that Aashiqui 2 was originally meant to be a standalone love story rather than a sequel. Following Murder 2, he was eager to depict romance on screen but encountered rejections—even from Emraan Hashmi—due to the industry's hesitance towards love stories produced by Vishesh Films. Bhushan Kumar later suggested transforming the script into Aashiqui 2, with Mukesh Bhatt proposing a larger budget and the iconic title. Mohit agreed, and the rest became history. 07:18 (IST) Jul 18 'Saiyaara': 'Animal' fame Sandeep Reddy Wanga's words of praise for the Mohit Suri film Sandeep Reddy Wanga, who is famous for films like 'Kabir Singh and 'Animal' shared his thoughts on Mohit Suri's latest film 'Saiyaara.' Almost a week ahead of the film's release, Sandeep took to his social media handle and wrote - "Witnessing a hindi heartland love story completely emphasizing on romance and drama. Waiting to watch it on the first day. Wishing the debutants all the very best :-) It's purely Mohith suri's Magic :-) @mohit11481" 07:15 (IST) Jul 18 Saiyaara's Advance Booking: This Mohit Suri film to perform better than early predictions "Saiyaara," featuring new actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda and directed by Mohit Suri, has surprised many by earning an impressive ₹7.2 crore in advance bookings on its opening day, as reported by Sacnilk. This strong performance highlights a growing interest among audiences, with the film's emotional depth receiving significant acclaim. As the debut project for both lead actors, Saiyaara is off to a strong start, suggesting the potential for substantial overall earnings. Keep an eye out for live updates, reviews, and box-office developments post-release. 07:12 (IST) Jul 18 Saiyaara stands as the 4th highest day 1 for a debutant-led film According to trade reports, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's debut film 'Saiyaara' has made a stunning entry, earning ₹2.59 crore in advance bookings and ₹4.41 crore including block seats on Day 1. With over 97,000 tickets sold across 4,300+ shows, the Mohit Suri directorial now ranks as the fourth biggest opener for a debutant-led film, just behind 'Dhadak', 'Student of the Year', and 'Heropanti'. Backed by strong music, marketing, 'Saiyaara' has outpaced launches like 'Vicky Donor' and 'Saawariya', proving fresh faces can still draw big numbers with the right buzz. 07:08 (IST) Jul 18 CBFC cuts 10‑second intimate scene from 'Saiyaara' The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has cut a 10-second sensual scene from the highly anticipated romantic musical 'Saiyaara,' directed by Mohit Suri. Although the film, featuring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, received a U/A rating, the censors objected to intimate visuals showcasing "body exposure" and flagged four instances of 'objectionable' language. Furthermore, a static helmet-safety disclaimer was required for motorcycle sequences. On Reddit, some users are calling for bold filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga to take the helm at the CBFC, hoping he can promote a more progressive stance on censorship. Many are criticizing what they see as conservative oversight, with comments describing the board as the "Sanskaar Board, not the censor board." The wait is finally over, as Mohit Suri's 'Saiyaara' is all set to finally hit the theatres. It is one of the most talked-about films of the year, which is only a few hours away from making it to the big screen, and fans can't keep calm. With its refreshing cast, emotionally charged storyline, 'Saiyaara' is gearing up to be more than just a debut — it's aiming to be a cinematic moment. The debuts to look forward to - Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda With 'Saiyaara', Ahaan Panday is making his big break in Bollywood. This news has kept the internet abuzz from the beginning. Ahaan is Ananya Panday's cousin, who is stepping into the spotlight with high expectations. The trailer reactions and early reviews suggest Ahaan has managed to carve his own identity. It seems his screen presence has the charm to keep the audience captivated. Joining him is Aneet Padda, another debutante stepping into the realm of Bollywood. Their fresh pairing and raw chemistry have already caught attention through the trailers and songs, adding to the youthful, romantic appeal of 'Saiyaara'. What's the story of 'Saiyaara'? Set against a backdrop of love, heartbreak, and redemption, 'Saiyaara' tells a tale that's emotionally layered and deeply relatable. Though the makers have tried their best to keep the plot details under wraps, the promos hint at a bittersweet love story, tinged with coming-of-age drama and intense moments of self-discovery. Also, it is said to have a typical Mohit Suri touch, which is sure to take the audience on an emotional roller coaster. Music that has already tugged at the heartstrings No Mohit Suri film is complete without a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and *Saiyaara* is no exception. The film's songs — especially its title track — have already topped streaming charts. Composed by a blend of fresh and seasoned talent, the music is playing a big role in driving audience curiosity. Advance bookings and expectations Trade reports indicate a strong start for the movie. The film has already sold 90,000 tickets across major national multiplex chains. According to Sacnilk, early estimates suggest that the film could open in double digits, especially considering it's releasing on just 1,750 screens across India. Stay tuned to this live blog for all updates on 'Saiyaara' — from first-day shows and fan reactions to box office reports, reviews, and more. Don't forget, this is your one-stop destination for all things 'Saiyaara'.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mohit Suri reveals Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda starrer 'Saiyaara's idea was originally Aashiqui 3': 'They were in a hurry... I was not comfortable...'
Mohit Suri is back with a romance film, Saiyaara. The film stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Yash Raj Films will release it on July 18. Suri initially planned the story as Aashiqui 3. He later reworked the idea independently. Luv Ranjan encouraged Suri to write Saiyaara. Suri revealed Aashiqui 2 was also initially a standalone love story. Mohit Suri is returning to the genre he knows best—romance—with Saiyaara, starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda . Set for release on July 18 under Yash Raj Films, the film marks a significant new chapter for the director, who recently revealed that the story was originally conceived as Aashiqui 3. In conversation with Pinkvilla, Mohit revealed that Saiyaara was originally conceived as Aashiqui 3. He shared that Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt had approached him to develop a draft, but due to their fluctuating relationship and a rushed announcement plan, he chose to rework the idea independently. Eventually, the concept evolved into Saiyaara. Suri further shared that it was filmmaker Luv Ranjan who encouraged him to write Saiyaara. He credited Luv for pushing him toward a love story, and said the inspiration intensified after watching The Romantics, which reminded him of the emotional depth of 80s cinema. Observing a dip in action films' performance also nudged him to pursue this romantic narrative, which he eventually developed into a full screenplay. Mohit Suri revealed that Aashiqui 2 was originally conceived as a standalone love story, not a sequel. After Murder 2, he was eager to explore romance on screen, but faced rejections—even from Emraan Hashmi—due to industry reluctance toward love stories under Vishesh Films. Bhushan Kumar then suggested adapting the script into Aashiqui 2, and Mukesh Bhatt offered a bigger budget with the iconic title. Mohit agreed, and the rest became history.
Pink Villa
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: 'Saiyaara's idea was originally Aashiqui 3': Mohit Suri breaks silence on Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda starrer
Come July 18, Yash Raj Films and Mohit Suri are all set to launch Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda to the showbiz with their ambitious love story, Saiyaara. While the music of this film is already starting to gain momentum on several platforms, the team is gearing up to launch the theatrical trailer of the intense musical love story soon. Ahead of the film's release, Pinkvilla got in conversation with director Mohit Suri, who for the first time broke silence on the script of Saiyaara. The director confirmed that he was initially brainstorming on an idea to make Aashiqui 3 with Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt. 'To be honest, they had pitched me to come up with a draft for Aashiqui 3 in the beginning. At that time, Mukesh ji and Bhushan were on better terms. I know, they have a very sensitive relationship. They are friends at times, and then they are not. So, I thought of this idea for Aashiqui 3, which is now Saiyaara. But they were in the hurry and wanted to announce, which is something I was not comfortable with. I prefer in having a script first and then make an announcement. But to sum it up, yes, this idea was originally for Aashiqui 3,' Mohit cleared the air. The filmmaker was quick to inform that Luv Ranjan motivated him to write this script and the energies multiplied after he saw Romantics. 'I largely credit Luv Ranjan to push me to write a love story. He motivated me to write this script, and then simultaneously, I saw some action films not doing as well as expected. Then I saw The Romantics, it spoke about the similar times that existed in the 80s. Then I wrote developed that idea into screenplay completely,' Mohit added. While Aashiqui 3 became Saiyaara, Mohit also shared that in the early days, the script of Aashiqui 2 was in-fact an original love story. 'Aashiqui 2 was also not written as Aashiqui 2. I was dying to make a love story after Murder 2. It was first supposed to have big stars, then Emraan Hashmi but no body wanted to do a love story with Vishesh at that time, including my brother and hero of the company, Emraan. But I was willing to make it no matter what, and that's when Bhushan came to me and said why don't you spin this script into Aashiqui 2. And then, Mukesh ji gave me a deal of having a higher budget with the title Aashqiui. So I agreed, and made the film,' he concluded. Talking of Saiyaara, it marks the first collaboration of Mohit with YRF, and the filmmaker hopes to make many more films for the banner in the time to come. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Aditya Chopra: The businessman Yash Chopra never was
When you Google 'define a good businessman,' the AI assistant doesn't hesitate: 'A good businessman is someone who is skilled and successful in business, demonstrating strong leadership, decision-making, financial acumen, and an understanding of market dynamics.' If anyone in the Hindi film industry fits that definition with surgical precision, it is Aditya Chopra — the heir to a cinematic dynasty, who didn't just inherit the throne but rebuilt the entire kingdom. Born with a silver spoon, Aditya didn't just hold on to it, he forged it into gold. As actor Anil Kapoor aptly put in Netflix documentary, The Romantics, 'Aditya is one of those few sons who, I think, has surpassed his father's legacy.' And that legacy? It belonged to the towering figure of Yash Chopra, a romantic visionary whose films defined Bollywood's golden era. However, his business instincts often lagged behind his artistic flair. Yash Chopra began his career under the shadow of his elder brother B.R. Chopra. After directing five films as a salaried employee, Yash finally stepped out on his own and founded Yash Raj Productions in 1970. Soon, he delivered a smashing hit with Daag (1973). This was followed by a series of classics — Deewar (1975), Kabhi Kabhie (1976), Trishul (1978), Kaala Patthar (1979). But success, like fashion, is seasonal. In 1981, he released his dream project Silsila. It flopped. And so did every film he made through the 80s. The country was changing. India was talking about caste-based reservations, the Ayodhya dispute, civil rights, and social justice. Yash Chopra was still filming tulips in Kashmir. The audience had moved on. The director hadn't. A mistake that Aditya Chopra learnt from. 'He used to have a book in his room. In these books he used to write box office expectation, his analysis, and eventuality. He has done this for decades. He used to have one fat book,' shared Karan Johar as he spoke about Aditya Chopra in The Romantics. Hrithik Roshan added, 'The whole film used to be broken down into categories, column and questions and then he had the box office numbers. He did all this when he was 12 or 13 years old. And he did this over and over again.' 'Now when you look at these things, you know that these are the things that make him the director-producer he is,' said Abhishek Bachchan. In 1989, Yash Chopra returned with Chandni, a hit that revived his career. But he never ventured beyond romance. A comfort zone that Aditya had already begun to challenge. When Lamhe flopped, a young Aditya (who worked as an AD in the film) had predicted it. Not because he knew the box office, but because he understood the audience. ALSO READ | Sharmila Tagore stayed in a chowkidar's room while Simi Garewal got a bungalow during the shoot of Satyajit Ray's Aranyer Din Ratri: 'You cannot imagine how hot it was' 'This was the first film I put so much of myself into, and I realised… I am a slave to the audience. That shaped me. I decided I wouldn't let success affect me, so failure wouldn't break me,' said Aditya in The Romantics. Aditya Chopra first proved his business acumen when he decided to self-finance his debut film Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995). That single decision changed the trajectory of Yash Raj Films. 'Imagine sharing 50% of DDLJ's revenues, I don't think we'd be where we are today', said Aditya Chopra. The decision became the seed that funded YRF's transformation into a full-blown media empire. In 2004, YRF launched its own music label, eliminating third-party licensing. In 2005, the production house launched YRF Studios — a 20 acre facility offering multiple services in filmmaking. Eventually, the director decided to produce multiple films a year. 'We used to do one film in two years,' Aditya said in his rare interview in the docuseries The Romantics. 'I thought, if we know how to produce, why not do more and see where it takes me as a producer?' Yash Raj Films, once synonymous with classic romance, underwent a bold transformation under Aditya Chopra. In 2004, he shocked the industry by announcing a diverse slate: Hum Tum (a fresh romantic comedy), Dhoom (a genre-defining action thriller), and Veer-Zaara (a sweeping cross-border love story). All three released the same year — and all became commercial hits. With this move, Aditya not only expanded the studio's creative horizon but also proved that YRF could thrive beyond its romantic legacy. Apart from direction and production, through YRF Talent, Aditya Chopra also launched the careers of actors Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, and Bhumi Pednekar. He was the visionary, who advised Shah Rukh Khan to not shut doors for romantic films–the advise which made him a global star. He is the man who spotted a filmmaker in Karan Johar (who otherwise was convinced to go to Paris to learn fashion designing). He created the YRF Spy Universe with his Ek Tha Tiger franchise, War and Pathaan. This is the closest India has come to a Marvel-style franchise. While Yash Chopra gave Bollywood its most beautiful dreams, Aditya Chopra made sure those dreams were bankrolled, protected, and owned. Jyothi Jha works as a Copy Editor at the Indian Express. She brings in more than 5 years of experience where she has covered Entertainment majorly for TV9, NDTV and Republic Media. Apart from Entertainment, she has been an anchor, copy editor and managed production team under the Politics and Daily News segment. She's passionate about Journalism and it has always been her first choice, she believes in what George Orwell had once said, " Journalism is printing what someone else does not want you to do, rest everything is public relations". ... Read More
