Tip # 3: The Producer

By Anant Mathur (October 25, 2011)

A producer is usually the first person involved in getting a story to the screen, it's his vision. It is the producer who finds a script worthy of being made into a film. Sometimes he gets an existing script from a writer, other times it's an idea he has or a book which is adapted into a film by a writer. But until the producer is on board not a single frame of any script can be shot, no matter how brilliant it is. Once the producer has decided on a certain script it is his job to set a budget and hire the best actors and technicians (the budget will allow) for the job. Once he has the primary star cast and technicians in place he approaches investors for the film. Based on the talent attached to the film he is able to attract money from various investors.

No matter what anyone tells you, the most important person involved in the making of a film is the producer. I know that most people believe the director is the most important person associated with a film, but the fact is, that's not true. I'm not sure who made it possible for directors to get so much importance in the making of the film, the truth is a good cinematographer (or director of photography) is more important for a film than a director. The director's job is fairly easy (if the writer has done his job correctly) it's all in the script. The director just has to... wait for it... direct! He has to get the best possible performance out of his actors based on the instructions in the script. The rest is the responsibility of the other technicians on the sets.

You may have heard many producers say that they don't like to interfere with the director and are very hands-off when the film is being shot. This is the wrong approach, a producer needs to be heavily involved in the daily shooting of his film. The producer works very hard to get money for the film from a variety of investors, when a director asks for more money a producer needs to know exactly where it's going and if his vision for the film is being met.

For example, when a producer is hands-off, a director might want to re-shoot a scene several times if he's not happy with it, and may delay the film by several days because he's unable to get the performance out of his actors. If the producer lets this director be in control, chances are there will be many such situations, the film will be significantly over budget, won't meet the producer's expectations and won't work at the box office. At this point the producer has only one option - firing the director. Had the producer been involved in the day to day shooting of the film - the film wouldn't have gone over budget and he would've realized the director is wrong right from the start. A producer who is hands-off is a bad producer and is not doing his job correctly.

The award for Best Picture is the most important at any awards function and it goes not to the director but the producer... why?... because he's the most important person involved in the making of a film. A good producer gives the director what is required but keeps track of everything; making sure his vision is being followed. At the end of it all a film needs to be what the producer saw in the script and not necessarily what the director can do. When a director is given too much control there are creative difference. If a director wants to follow his vision he should produce the film himself, but unless he can do that, he has to remember that it's the producer's vision, he's paying the bills and has a right to take a film in any direction he wants.

© Anant Mathur. All Rights Reserved.

Ra.One Going The Enthiran Way?

By Anant Mathur (October 23, 2011)

Well, looks like most of the posts this month are going to be about the biggest release in the history of Indian Cinema - Ra.One.

As was done with Rajnikant's film Enthiran, theatrical chains are raising ticket prices for both the 2D and 3D versions of Shahrukh Khan's Ra.One. At this time, I must inform my readers that Ra.One is not shot in 3D, they have converted the 2D version into 3D so they can charge a higher price. Converting 2D films to 3D is a recent trend. Hollywood film The Green Hornet recently tried the same conversion tactic and failed miserably at the box office - the film was criticized for having badly added 3D.

Depending on what part of the country you are in the ticket price for the 2D & faked 3D version may range between Rs. 200 and Rs. 750.

I've said many times that you can bet a film is going to be bad when they raise ticket prices & release it in more than 1500 screens (because it shows the producers have no faith the film will generate box office revenue beyond the first weekend and want to earn as much as possible). Both these facts are now true for Ra.One. Ra.One is being released on more screens in India than both 3 Idiots and Dabangg combined. Considering it will have a 5 day weekend, like Bodyguard, the producers/distributor are releasing Ra.One in a record number of screens. 

When I watched the first promos of Dabangg and Yamla Pagla Deewana, I immediately wanted to see these films. Sadly, the promos of Ra.One have not been able to entice the same feeling. Even if Ra.One breaks any records it won't be a fair comparison to any film(s) because it's ticket prices are higher and it will inflate the revenue generated by the film. A fair comparison would be to compare the total tickets sold to those of other films, only then can we determine how it fares against other films.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, PLEASE VISIT MY POSTS ON: 
Deflating Ra.One...

Ra.One Won't Be No.1, Here's Why...
Calm Before The Storm!
Ra.One - Critic's Choice??

© Anant Mathur. All Rights Reserved.

Calm Before The Storm!

By Anant Mathur (October 19, 2011)

The last few weeks have been rather busy with multiple films releasing each week - as many as 13 films were released in the last three weeks alone - all possibly trying to avoid a clash with the biggest Diwali release in the history of Hindi cinema.  

Ra.One, at a cost of 175 crores, is set to release next week and it's no surprise that this week is going to be quite calm with only one film "Be Careful" releasing this Friday. 

Come next Wednesday (Oct. 26th), the trade pundits will tell you, the box office will be on fire. Ra.One should take an excellent start at the box office considering that it will be the first Shahrukh Khan release in more than 20 months. Although, his last release (My Name is Khan) didn't really prove to be a winner at the box office - there has been a drastic change in the industry over the last year which may help Ra.One become the highest grossing Shahrukh Khan film. One of these factors is the 5 day weekend. As we witnessed with Bodyguard, a five day weekend can be crucial in the success of a film. Another factor is Shahrukh Khan is the biggest star attraction in the overseas market (9 of 10 highest grossing films in the overseas market belong to him). This is the reason why Shahrukh Khan is holding 3 premieres of the film next week in Dubai (Oct. 24th), London (Oct. 25) and Toronto (Oct. 26) - at a cost of $100 per ticket this should help recover some of the cost. 

2011 is the first year where we have already had, a record, 3 films (Ready, Bodyguard and Singham) each crossing 100+ crores in collection. With Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara generating 86 crores and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan & Yamla Pagla Deewana crossing the 50 crores mark and Murder 2 becoming one of the most profitable films of the year - collecting over 46 crores - you realize what an incredible year it has truly been. You, also, can't help notice that all this has happened before the Diwali and Christmas releases.

Made at a cost of 175 crores, Ra.One has a gigantic hill to climb, it will need to generate almost 400 crores nett at the box office in order to break even (click here for a detailed analysis). Ra.One is releasing on 3500 screens (in India alone), so, as we witnessed with Bodyguard which released on 2700 screens - the film did 90% of it's business in the first week - similarly, Ra.One will make a majority of it's money in the first week. But a 5 day weekend and no major releases this week may help it get well on its way.

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, PLEASE VISIT MY POSTS ON: 
Deflating Ra.One...
Ra.One Going The Enthiran Way?

Ra.One Won't Be No.1, Here's Why...
Ra.One - Critic's Choice??

© Anant Mathur. All Rights Reserved.

Ra.One - Critic's Choice??

By Anant Mathur (October 10, 2011) 

I always find it interesting how the top critics in the country vary in their opinion about a certain film. Over the years I've realized many Bollywood critics are paid for their reviews and some develope a genuine dislike or love for a star which effect their reviews. Taking all this into account, I will predict how I believe these top critics will rate Ra.One, arguably the biggest film of the year, when it's released this Diwali (Oct. 26, 2011).

After Ra.One is released I will post the actual rating given by these critic so you can compare how close I came to understanding how these critics think. So be sure to come back to this post after the film is released. Here we go...


Taran Adarsh (Bollywood Hungama)

Taran Adarsh has reviewed many Shahrukh Khan films in the past. Below is a list of films he has reviewed. He is also one of those critics who get paid for their reviews - It's pretty obvious when you note that all the films produced by Karan Johar's (Dharma Productions) or Shahrukh Khan's (Red Chillies Entertainment) have averaged over 4/5 stars while all other producers fare much worst. Karan Johar recently admitted to paying for reviews (see this article for more on that) so it's not all that surprising Karan's films get such high ratings from Mr. Adarsh and others.

My Prediction is Taran Adarsh (if paid in time) will give Ra.One 4 or 4.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Taran's Rating (as predicted): 4.5/5 stars. 

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed by Taran Adarsh:

 
My Name is Khan (Red Chillies Entertainment/Dharma Productions) - 4.5/5
Billu (Red Chillies Entertainment) - 3.5/5
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (Yashraj Films) - 2/5
Om Shanti Om (Red Chillies Entertainment) - 4/5
Chak De India (Yashraj Films) - 2/5
Don - The Chase Begins Again (Excel Entertainment) - 3/5
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (Dharma Productions) - 4.5/5
Paheli (Red Chillies Entertainment) - 4/5
Kaal (Red Chillies Entertainment/Dharma Productions) - 4/5
Swades (Ashutosh Gowariker Productions) - 1.5/5
Veer-Zaara (Yash Raj Films) - 4.5/5
Main Hoon Na (Red Chillies Entertainment) - 4/5
Yeh Lamhe Judaai Ke (R G Nayyar Films) - 1/5
Kal Ho Naa Ho (Dharma Productions) - 4/5
Chalte Chalte (Dreamz Unlimited) - 3.5/5
Shakti - The Power (Sridevi Productions) - 2.5/5
Devdas (Mega Bollywood) - 1.5/5
Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (K C Bokadia) - 1/5
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Dharma Productions) - 4.5/5
Asoka (Arclightz & Films) 2.5/5
One 2 Ka 4 (Glamour Films) 1/5
Mohabbatein (Yash Raj Films) - 3/5


Nikhat Kazmi (Times of India) 

Nikhat Kazmi is the most difficult critic to predict - while he gave Hrithik Roshan's Kites a 2.5/5, he also gave Guzaarish a 4/5 and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara a 3.5/5 rating. 

My Prediction is Nikhat Kazmi will give Ra.One 3 or 4 out of 5 stars. 

ACTUAL: Nikhat Kazmi's Rating: 3.5/5 stars.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed by Nikhat Kazmi:
 

My Name Is Khan - 5/5
Billu - 3/5
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - 3/5
Om Shanti Om - 3.5/5
Chak De India - 4/5
Don - The Chase Begins Again - 3.5/5
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - No Rating (Verdict: Too long. Too tedious. And strangely plastic.)


Khalid Mohamed (HindustanTimes)

Before turning film critic Khalid Mohamed was a filmmaker. So one would think if there's one critic who know about how to rate a film honestly, it's him.

My Prediction is Khalid Mohamed will give Ra.One 3.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Khalid Mohamed's Rating: 4/5 stars. 

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Khalid Mohamed:

 
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - 3.5/5
Om Shanti Om - 4/5
Chak De India - 3.5/5
Don - The Chase Begins Again (Reviewed for Daily News and Analysis) - 2/5


Mayank Shekhar (HindustanTimes/(Mumbai Mirror)

Mayank Shekhar has been pretty consistant with his reviews of Shahrukh Khan films in the past, one would think he has built up a certain opinion of SRK.

My Prediction is Mayank Shekhar will give Ra.One 3 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Mayank Shekhar's Rating: 2/5 stars.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Mayank Shekhar:

My Name Is Khan (HindustanTimes) - 3/5
Billu (Mumbai Mirror) - 3/5
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (Mumbai Mirror) - 3/5
Don - The Chase Begins Again (Mumbai Mirror) - 4/5
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (Mumbai Mirror) - 3/5


Komal Nahata (Koimoi)

Komal Nahata is probably the most hated critic in Bollywood for he low ratings to film. But I feel he judges a film in totality and will probably give a more honest review and rating than all the others. 

My Prediction is Komal Nahata will give Ra.One 2 or 2.5 of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Komal Nahata's Rating: 3.5/5 stars (He calls it a Business Rating).

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Komal Nahata:

My Name is Khan - No Rating (Verdict: Far from entertaining and also too boring.)
Billu - No Rating (Verdict: Dull.)
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - No Rating (Verdict: a hit film, hit music and SRK’s superlative performance.)


Sarita Tanwar (Mid-day)

I'm not too familiar with Sarita Tanwar, but I find her reviews to be too uncritical for a critic. I mean someone who gives My Name Is Khan 4.5 out of 5 can't really be relied upon considering she works for what has been described by many as a tabloid and Karan Johar admitting that he pays for reviews.

My Prediction is Sarita Tanwar will give Ra.One 4.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Did Not Review. 

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Sarita Tanwar:

My Name Is Khan - 4.5/5
Billu - 3/5
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - 3/5


Rajeev Masand (CNN/IBN)

Rajeev Masand is synonymous with film reviews at IBN. Each Friday he's ready with his next review telling us whether the film is worth watching or not.

My Prediction is Rajeev Masand will give Ra.One 3.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Rajeev Masand's Rating: 2.5/5 stars.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Rajeev Masand:

My Name Is Khan - 3.5/5
Billu - 2/5
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - 2/5    
Om Shanti Om - 3/5
Chak De India - 4/5
Don - The Chase Begins Again - 1/5
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - 4/5


Raja Sen (Rediff)

Raja Sen has been with Rediff for a great many years. He may not be the best critic out there, but he sure tries hard.

My Prediction is Raja Sen will give Ra.One 3.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Raja Sen's Rating: 1.5/5 stars (He must've read this post... I'm kidding of course). 

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Raja Sen:

My Name Is Khan - 3.5/5
Billu - 2.5/5
Om Shanti Om - 3.5/5
Chak De India - 3.5/5
Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna - 2/5
Paheli - No Rating (Verdict: A breathtaking dream)


Subhash K. Jha (Now Running)

Subhash K. Jha has been around for a very long time. Hopefully this time around he will give an honest review of Ra.One - one can always hope.

My Prediction is Subhash K. Jha will give Ra.One 3.5 or 4 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Did Not Review. 

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Subhash K. Jha:

My Name is Khan - 5/5
Billu - 3/5
Om Shanti Om - 1/5
Chak De India - 3.5/5
Don - The Chase Begins Again - 2/5
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna - 4/5
Paheli - 4/5
Kaal - 3/5
Swades - 4/5
Veer-Zaara - 2/5


Aniruddha Guha (DNA)
 

Anirrudha Guha is slowly becoming quite popular amongst the critics in Bollywood. Anirrudha's reviews are pretty honest and can be usually relied upon.

My Prediction is Anirrudha Guha will give Ra.One 2.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Anirrudha Guha's Rating: 3/5 stars.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Anirrudha Guha:

My Name is Khan - 3/5
Billu - 2/5

Martin D'Souza (Glamsham)

Martin D'Souza has been around for many years and although it's sometime difficult to say how he will rate a film you can be sure if it's a Shahrukh Khan film it will likely get a rating which is around 3/5.

My Prediction is Martin D'Souza will give Ra.One 3 out of 5 stars. 

ACTUAL: Martin D'Souza's Rating: 3/5 stars.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Martin D'Souza:

My Name is Khan - 3.5/5
Billu - 4/5
Om Shanti Om - 2.5/5
Chak De India - 4/5


Anupama Chopra (NDTV)

Anupama Chopra has been with NDTV's entertainment division for quite a long while and is one of the few honest critics out there. 

My Prediction is Anupama Chopra will give Ra.One 2.5 or 3 out of 5 stars. 

ACTUAL: Did Not Review.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Anupama Chopra:

My Name Is Khan - 3/5
Billu - No Rating (Verdict: strictly average)
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - No Rating (Verdict: Disappointing)


Gaurav Malani (Indiatimes)

Every Friday Gaurav Malani passes judgement on the latest releases. Here's hoping he will do justice to the review of Ra.One and not be pulled into all the hype surrounding it.

My Prediction is Gaurav Malani will give Ra.One 2.5 out of 5 stars.

ACTUAL: Gaurav Malani's Rating: 3/5 stars.

Previous Shahrukh Khan Films Reviewed By Gaurav Malani:

My Name Is Khan - 3.5/5
Billu - 2/5
Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi - 2/5 

IF YOU ENJOYED THIS, PLEASE VISIT MY POSTS ON: 
Deflating Ra.One...
Ra.One Going The Enthiran Way?

Calm Before The Storm!
Ra.One Won't Be No.1, Here's Why...

© Anant Mathur. All Rights Reserved.