Apurv Shukla
Seldom does a film starring newcomers generate tremendous buzz and excitement before its release. That enthusiasm in audiences to watch a film is generally reserved for big ticket releases starring established actors.
But ‘Dhadak,’ starring newcomers Jhanvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khattar created box-office history by collection more than Rs 550 million in the first week.
Produced by Karan Johar (a remake of the Marathi blockbuster ‘Sairat’) it was the July release that audiences were keen to watch.
Exciting Film
Multiple factors were at play making Dhadak that released on July 20, 2018 an exciting proposition.
Jhanvi Kapoor is the daughter of the late legendary actress Sridevi and is one of the first actors from the present generation who was already a social media star before she even stepped into films.
There is no denying that her lineage has added substantially to her profile.
The huge outpouring of public grief on Sridevi’s death in February this year showed how big and popular a star she was. It is a given that the love towards her mother would result in people looking at the young actress with a lot of warmth and will be happy to welcome her on screen.
Exciting Co-Star
Jhanvi’s co-star is the half brother of actor Shahid Kapoor –Ishaan Khattar. One film old Ishaan, earned rave reviews for his role as a troubled youth in his debut film –Majid Majid’s -Beyond the Clouds. But that was basically an art house film.
Dhadak is where the 22-year-old actor will get to showcase his skills across the gamut of mainstream Hindi film. Karan Johar is one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema.
His association with a film ensures the product is designed and presented well.
Johar’s sharp marketing skills make each of his films visible and trending.
The biggest factor in Dhadak’s favour is the original film on which it is based.
‘Sairat,’ released in 2016, turned out to be one of the biggest hits of Marathi Cinema.
It was directed by Nagraj Manjule and starred debutants Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar.
‘Sairat’ was a love story set in the middle of hinterland Maharashtra, divided on caste lines. It had its emotions in the right place. The film’s music was very popular.
The Hindi version is based in Rajasthan and directed by Shashank Khaitan of the successful Dulhania franchise films. The makers have used the music from the original, including the wildly popular dance track –Zingaat.
Exciting Critics
Critics of Dhadak will accuse it of being another launch pad designed for children from film families. Johar is labelled as being at the forefront of promoting nepotism.
Film industry though is just the same as any other vocation.
Most parents like their children to follow them in their professions.
At the end of the day, hailing from a film family can only get you that first film easily, after that an actor succeeds or fades away based on their own merits.
For every successful actor with a famous surname, we have two who have been minor footnotes in the history of Bollywood.
Exciting Year
2018 so far has been one of the most successful years in the history of Hindi cinema.
The recent release ‘Sanju,’ looks all set to become one of the biggest hits ever in Bollywood.
The buzz around Dhadak is tremendous.
It looks set to be another addition to the list of hits for this year, and hopefully give Hindi cinema two new stars.
