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India.com
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayan is being made for Rs 1600 crore, but Ramanand Sagar made superhit TV show for just Rs …, idea was…
Ever since the discussion of Nitesh Tiwari's film 'Ramayan' started, Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' has also started being discussed. Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' was made 38 years ago, and even today it is considered a benchmark for films and shows made on this mythological epic in the world of film and TV. Many films and serials have been made on the saga of Lord Ram, Sita, and Ravana, but they could not even touch Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan'. Despite spending crores of rupees, they did not even come close to 'Ramayan', which Ramanand Sagar shot with Jugaad about four decades ago. What makes Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayan for Rs 1600 crore Now that the teaser of Nitesh Tiwari's film 'Ramayan' has come, Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' is once again in the headlines. 'Ramayan's' special effects and BGM are being praised a lot. The VFX and special effects of this mega budget film of 1600 crores are being prepared by Prime Focus Limited, a company of Namit Malhotra, who has won 8 Oscars, which has prepared VFX for Hollywood films like 'Dune', 'Star Wars', 'Inception' and 'Interstellar'. But here we are telling you how Ramanand Sagar made 'Ramayan' without any technology and VFX. What technology was used in Ramanand Sagar's TV show? In the 80s, when there was no access to CGI and VFX technology, Ramanand Sagar made the most successful and record-breaking serial in the history of Indian television with Jugaad. 'Ramayan' had 78 episodes. Rs 9 lakh was spent on making each episode. According to this, 'Ramayan' was made in Rs 7 crore. It was telecast for the first time on Doordarshan in the year 1987. 'Ramayan' will be released in three parts. Rs 1600 crore will be spent on making these two parts. The film will have amazing VFX and special effects. Its VFX is being designed by Namit Malhotra's company. Namit has won the Oscar award 8 times. What was the jugaad used in Ramanand Sagar? The trick that Ramanand Sagar used for the collision of arrows and weapons in the war scene in 'Ramayan' and the special effects created by it will surprise you. Ramanand Sagar's son, Prem Sagar, told 'ETimes' that when 'Ramayan' was being made, a new machine, SEG 2000, was launched. With the help of that, the special effects of bow and arrow were created. Glass matting and mechanical effects were used for the light that came out when the arrows collided.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kannappa box office collection day 1 early estimate: Vishnu Manchu's mythological epic earns Rs 9 crore
The much-awaited mythological epic 'Kannappa', starring Vishnu Manchu, hit theatres today (June 27), and the film is receiving positive reviews globally upon its release. It has also garnered pan-Indian attention owing to the star-studded cameos, which include , , and Mohanlal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kannappa movie box office collection early estimate According to early reports, the film has reportedly earned Rs 9 crore in India. As per Sacnilk, Kannappa managed to collect Rs 9 crore across the country by 10 pm on its opening day. The official final figures are still awaited. Kannappa - Official Hindi Trailer The film's opening occupancy in the Telugu-speaking regions stands at 51.23 percent, followed by 14.37 percent in Tamil, 12.75 percent in Kannada, 11.08 percent in Hindi, and 5.87 percent in Malayalam. Kannappa has been released on more than 2,000 screens across India. About Kannappa movie Directed by , Kannappa had a box office face-off with Kajol's 'Maa' in the Hindi-speaking regions. Kannappa movie review ETimes' review of the film stated: 'Kannappa is a sincere attempt at retelling revered lore with visual grandeur. While the film opens on a slow and stretched note, it gradually finds its rhythm and builds to a soul-stirring finale. Manchu brings sincerity and steadiness to the lead role. Prabhas makes a dynamic appearance as Rudra, energising the screen with his commanding and entertaining presence. Akshay Kumar makes a confident Telugu debut as Lord Shiva, fitting naturally into the film's spiritual atmosphere. adds elegance as Parvati, while Mohanlal's composed portrayal of Kirata brings a quiet strength to the narrative. is firm and dependable as Mahadeva Shastri, and R. Sarathkumar leaves an impression as Nathanathudu.'
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Kuberaa' box office collection day 1 early estimate: Dhanush, Nagarjuna Akkineni and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer mints Rs 12.98 crore
Dhanush , Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna 's much-awaited collaboration 'Kuberaa' kicked off its theatrical journey on Friday (June 20) with a decent start at the box office. The Sekhar Kammula directorial has been receiving great reviews upon its release, and early estimates of its opening day collection are now out. The first-day collection of the movie stands at Rs 12.98 crore. About Kuberaa's box office perfomance on day 1 According to Kuberaa saw a fair response on its opening day, with Telugu regions registering an average occupancy of 50.19%. Morning shows began on a slower note at 38.94%, but audience numbers picked up steadily through the day—reaching 54.58% in the afternoon and peaking at 57.04% by evening. Kuberaa Review: Dhanush & Nagarjuna Deliver Fireworks | Rashmika's Surprise Act | Fans React social media reaction Dhanush's unconventional portrayal of a beggar has been receiving an overwhelming response from fans on social media. Audiences have also praised Rashmika and Nagarjuna for their choice of scripts. In any case, strong word-of-mouth may prove beneficial for the film over the weekend. The movie is expected to face competition from Aamir Khan 's Sitaare Zameen Par in the Hindi-speaking regions. The Aamir Khan-starrer also released in cinemas on 20 June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Dhanush was spotted watching Kuberaa alongside his son Linga on the first day, and the actor was seen becoming emotional upon witnessing the tremendous response from the crowd. The makers can expect a strong showing on Saturday (June 21), as the film enters its first weekend and second day of release. ETimes' review of Kuberaa reads: 'Dhanush is in top form, delivering a performance that's remarkably restrained yet emotionally resonant. His physical transformation—from a beggar with a photographic memory to a financial ghost—is as telling as his inner conflict. He truly gets under the skin of the character, striking an emotional chord as a compassionate man who cares for both people and animals. Nagarjuna Akkineni surprises with a stoic, subdued act that smoulders beneath the surface. Rashmika Mandanna continues her successful streak, adding innocent humour through her naïve charm. Jim Sarbh commands attention as the antagonist, bringing a quiet menace to the role. The supporting cast adds texture, though some roles could have used more depth.'
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How Ram Gopal Varma's Kaun? starring Urmila Matondkar Became a Cult Psychological Thriller That Changed Bollywood
Bollywood's psychological thrillers, though niche, are gaining traction, with films like 'Kaun?' setting a precedent for minimalist suspense. The genre's struggle for mainstream acceptance stems from its reliance on subtlety, contrasting Bollywood's typical spectacle. OTT platforms are now fostering a renaissance, offering creative freedom and audience openness for these mind-bending stories, signaling a promising future. Bollywood is best known for its colorful musicals, larger-than-life heroes, and high-octane drama. But beneath this glittering surface lies a small, remarkable niche — psychological thrillers that probe the human mind, build suspense through silence and subtlety, and often unfold in confined, claustrophobic spaces. These films, though critically praised, have rarely become mainstream blockbusters. Take 'Kaun?' (1999), for example. Directed by Ram Gopal Varma and starring Urmila Matondkar and Manoj Bajpayee , it is a masterclass in minimalist suspense — set entirely inside a single house, with no songs, and just three characters. The film's taut narrative and eerie tension earned it cult status, yet such gems remain exceptions rather than the rule in Bollywood. Reflecting on what drew her to the role, Urmila Matondkar shared, 'I think as an actor, I have always looked for challenges—bigger and greater than the ones I've faced previously. So, having had a huge hit with Rangeela and carrying the image of a glamour star, I was definitely looking to explore different avenues and try something new. And I think nothing challenges an actor more than a psychological thriller... Everything is literally in the actor's head—you're trying to bring that alive for the audience. ' She added, 'The beauty of 'Kaun?', which is also one of its biggest challenges that people often don't realize, is that I'm alone in the house. There are no lines, no dialogues to show what she's thinking or feeling. It all had to be conveyed through body language, expressions, and the overall energy—just by myself... It was both terrifying and incredibly exciting as an actor. That's what drew me in.' So why has Bollywood struggled to embrace psychological thrillers fully? And is the tide finally turning, thanks to the OTT revolution? 'ETimes' explores the journey of Bollywood's underrated psychological thrillers, their challenges, and their promising future. A Timeline of Bollywood's Psychological Thrillers Psychological thrillers in Bollywood have often come in waves, typically led by visionary directors willing to experiment. Raat (1992): One of Bollywood's earliest blends of horror and psychological suspense, 'Raat was directed by Ram Gopal Varma and starred Revathi. It remains notable for its eerie atmosphere and complex storytelling. Kaun? (1999): A defining psychological thriller made on a modest budget, Kaun? was written by Anurag Kashyap and directed by RGV. With only three characters and no songs or outdoor scenes, it subverted every Bollywood norm. The plot, which begins as a home-invasion scenario, gradually reveals that the supposed victim is, in fact, the true threat. Kashyap explained, "We wanted to create a sense of paranoia not just for the character, but for the audience too. The film had to work purely on atmosphere and suspicion.' Subtle clues — a dead cat, dream sequences, and news of a killer on the loose — only gain meaning after the twist is revealed. The eerie score by Sandeep Chowta and tight 94-minute runtime further amplify the tension. Though underappreciated at the time due to lack of songs and its unconventional form, 'Kaun?' is now regarded as a cult classic that anticipated the minimalism seen in modern digital thrillers. As Matondkar explained, 'In Stephen King 's books, there's often an entire chapter dedicated to describing what a character is going through. Here, I had just one shot. How much more challenging can it get?' She also noted, 'So today, I feel the audiences have seen many more movies and genres like this. And that's why they feel a little more comfortable with this kind of format. And they're ready to explore more. And therefore, it's really beautiful and fabulous to see how much of Gen Z also knows about Kaun? , and they have seen it, and they really are shocked if somebody hasn't seen it—who really likes good movies and, you know, things like that.' Ek Hasina Thi (2004): Directed by Sriram Raghavan and starring Urmila Matondkar and Saif Ali Khan, this film explored revenge and psychological manipulation with a gritty, noir-inspired tone. No Smoking (2007): Anurag Kashyap's allegorical thriller starred John Abraham and boldly mixed surrealism with dark themes of addiction and control. 13B : Fear Has a New Address (2009): This horror-thriller starring R Madhavan combined supernatural elements with psychological tension, marking a crossover between genres. Table No. 21 (2013): Directed by Aditya Datt, this film used the structure of a game to explore guilt and morality, blending thriller elements with social commentary. Phobia (2016): Starring Radhika Apte and directed by Pawan Kripalani, Phobia focused on agoraphobia and trauma, delivering a tightly wound psychological narrative. Andhadhun (2018): Perhaps the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed recent example, Sriram Raghavan's Andhadhun starred Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu in a black comedy thriller that delighted audiences with its unpredictability. Raat Akeli Hai (2020): Directed by Honey Trehan, this crime thriller starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte layered mystery with psychological complexity, gaining praise on OTT platforms. Why Bollywood Has Shied Away Bollywood's traditional storytelling thrives on spectacle: vibrant songs, melodrama, and clear-cut heroes and villains. Psychological thrillers, on the other hand, depend on silence, ambiguity, and nuance — elements that can feel alien to the typical Bollywood formula. Urmila Matondkar noted, 'I definitely feel the reason this genre hasn't traditionally done well in India is because... movies like 'Kohraa', 'Woh Kaun Thi?', 'Bees Saal Baad'—even though they had thriller elements—still leaned heavily on songs, misty visuals, dark bungalows... I think filmmakers were a little wary of pushing boundaries further and diving into a clean-cut psychological horror or thriller format. ' She continued, 'That's also partly why 'Kaun?' didn't do well when it first released. People just weren't ready for a film like that... It was almost too intimate, too intense for audiences at the time.' This hesitancy extends to the market as well. Bollywood stars often avoid such films due to their risky narratives and lack of glamorous 'hero' arcs. However, actors like Urmila Matondkar, Radhika Apte, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Ayushmann Khurrana have bucked this trend, bringing critical acclaim to their performances in this genre. The OTT Renaissance: A New Home for Mind-Benders The rise of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar has sparked a new interest in psychological thrillers. These platforms offer creative freedom to filmmakers, unbound by traditional box office pressures and censorship constraints. Shows like Paatal Lok and films like Freddy and Raat Akeli Hai demonstrate the trend of intelligent thrillers, providing fresh and daring narratives that delve deep into the psyche. Still, not all episodic thrillers have delivered consistently. Several 2023 shows like Kohrra, Guns & Gulaabs, Dahaad, and even Manoj Bajpayee's Killer Soup were praised for their potential but criticized for sagging narratives and overlong formats. In contrast, compact thrillers like Kaun? remind us of the power of brevity and tight storytelling — especially when suspense is the core engine. Matondkar remarked, 'Over the years, the rise of OTT platforms and the variety of genres they offer... have really opened people's minds in ways that weren't possible back when Kaun? hit theaters.' She recalled, 'In fact, I remember it being the biggest risk of my career... One of my producers or directors even told me, 'Thank God it didn't do well,' because I played someone who's almost a psychopath... I was completely amused by that comment.' 'But yes, filmmakers' mindsets have changed, and so have audiences'. Thank God for that,' she concluded. 'Whenever any kind of work is appreciated—no matter when it happens—an actor truly looks forward to that and enjoys it deeply.' The Psychological Pull of Thrillers Psychologists point to the unique engagement psychological thrillers provoke in viewers. Ambiguity and silence create a space where viewers' imagination takes over, making the experience intensely personal and unsettling — a quality that Bollywood is only beginning to explore more consistently. Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era? The appetite for psychological thrillers in India is growing, buoyed by sophisticated audiences and the expansive reach of digital platforms. While Bollywood has only sporadically embraced the genre, the future looks promising. If Kaun? was the spark, today's psychological thrillers could be the flame lighting the way for Bollywood's darker, more thrilling stories to take center stage. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Bhootnii box office collection day 4: Sunjay Dutt and Mouni Roy's horror comedy earns over Rs. 3 crore by the end of its first weekend
Horror comedy is one of the most popular and loved genres of cinema. Coming from the same genre is Sanjay Dutt and Mouni Roy's latest release, 'The Bhootnii.' Released on May 1, the film has completed a four day run at the theatres and after its first weekend, it's box office collection is over Rs. 3 crores. 'The Bhootnii' box office update: Directed by Sidhaant Sachdev, 'The Bhootnii' also features Sunny Singh and Palak Tiwari. Clashing with 'Raid 2,' 'The Bhootnii' opened at Rs 65 lakh net business on Thursday, according to the Sacnilk report. On the second day, i.e., Friday, the horror comedy made Rs. 62 lakhs. On Saturday, the movie saw a rise of 38.71 percent and collected Rs. 86 lakh. The earlier estimates suggest that on Sunday, the movie witnessed a further increase in footfall and was able to mint Rs. 1.06 crore. With this, 'The Bhootnii' made a business of Rs 3.19 crore after its opening weekend. 'The Bhootni' vs 'Raid 2' 'The Bhootnii' and 'Raid 2' locked horns at the box office, and the latter has crossed the half-century mark over the opening weekend. The Ajay Devgn starrer is a sequel to 'Raid', the crime thriller which garnered both love and commercial success. At the same time, it is running parallel to 'Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh,' which is yet another tough competition to beat. 'The Bhootnii' movie review With a rating of 2 out of 5 stars, ETimes' review of 'The Bhootni' reads - 'Sachdev and Vankush Arora's story doesn't tread new ground, though Santhosh Thundiyil's cinematography occasionally lends it an atmospheric touch. The narrative, however, is riddled with inconsistencies—when Mohabbat takes human form to lure Shantanu, she's constantly by his side. But once her identity as the ghost is revealed, she inexplicably starts vanishing for hours, conveniently giving Baba the time to do his work. While some sequences are intriguing, the gimmicky VFX and Mohabbat's sub-par make-up effects dilute the impact.'
