Cost-cutting hits Big B's Boodha, bash cancelled

Cost-cutting hits Big B's Boodha, bash cancelled
Monday, March 07, 2011 11:06 IST
By Subhash K Jha, Santa Banta News Network
/> Small is undoubtedly Big in Bollywood these days. UTV and Reliance, two of the biggest corporate houses operating in Bollywood, reeling under the failure of their big-budgeted juggernauts in 2010-11 are now focusing on cost-effective projects rather than prestigious directorial names.

But the corporate house that has really and truly belled the costly cat is Viacom 18. Their filmmaking affiliate Studio 18 rejoicing in the budget-friendly success of Aanand Rai's Tanu Weds Manu this week has decided to let the axe fall on their biggest project Boodha, bringing together Amitabh Bachchan with Jagannath Puri, one of the hottest directors of Telugu cinema.

Viacom/Studio 18 has cancelled a huge event that was planned last month to introduce the entire cast and director of Boodha to the media in Mumbai.

Says a source, "It was planned by Viacom as the mother of all mahurats. Mr Bachchan was going to appear in his cool-dude tinted hair and dyed-bearded avatar with his leading ladies. Puri Jagannath was going to be introduced as Telugu cinema's hotshot movie-maker. All plans for this mega-event were suddenly aborted.

After the release and success of Tanu Weds Manu Viacom/Studio 18 has realized that it isn't the hype or the budget that sell a film to the audience. They immediately instructed Puri Jagannath to follow cost-cutting measures in Boodha."

Puri who starts shooting in Mumbai this week is reluctant to open up on the issue of the annulled event for Boodha. "Yes Viacom had planned a big event. But it has been called off.You'll have to ask them why."

Vikram Malhotra, the COO of Studio 18 admits the Boodha event has been called off. "But for no particular reason. The dates didn't match as Puri Jagannath was overseas and Mr Bachchan was starting his current film."

Malhotra goes on to add, "I am a firm believer of the fact that right budgets and good content projected big in marketing, is the way to work. Our lineup of movies at Studio 18 will reflect that."

It remains to be seen whether the aborted jamboree for Boodha will herald a new era of sober unostentatious filmmaking in Bollywood. At the moment this cutting down of costs does reflect a new awareness of the changed fortunes in filmdom.
Rajkummar Rao's Gritty Gangster Transformation in Maalik Set to Explode on the Big Screen on This Date!

Get ready for a cinematic storm as Rajkummar Rao steps into the most intense role of his career in the

Friday, April 25, 2025
Fawad Khan's 'Abir Gulaal' Release in Doubt Amid Rising Tensions Post-Pahalgam Attack!

The release of 'Abir Gulaal', the much-anticipated film starring Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor, is now

Friday, April 25, 2025
Shehnaaz Gill's Sweet Reaction to Fan's Kiss at College Event Goes Viral!

Shehnaaz Gill, known for her candid charm and warm personality, recently stole hearts yet again during a

Friday, April 25, 2025
Nushrratt Bharuccha Opens Up About Financial Hardship and Smart Money Habits!

In a candid revelation, Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha has opened up about her early financial

Friday, April 25, 2025
This Actress Was the First Choice for Sita in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana - And It's Not Sai Pallavi!

Bollywood is gearing up for one of its most ambitious mythological adaptations—Ramayana, directed by

Friday, April 25, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT