By Hindustan Times
It's 'dangerous' to trust 'players' who don't do justice to their 'department'. That is what happened with probably the most big films that promised lots of entertainment, but gave headache instead. We're talking about films that had stylish packaging, but content that left a sour taste within the mouth.
Here're 6 most disappointing films of 2012.
1. DEPARTMENT
Budget: Rs. 30 crore (approx)
Box office collections: Rs. 10.25 crore (approx) (11 days total)
RGV has had his share of unsuccessful films, but Department is different on many counts. First it's probably the most lowest openers of the time. Second, RGV's unique way of filming has garnered him negative reviews from all quarters and last but not the least, the failure of the film triggered an unsightly spat between Sanjay Dutt and RGV.
What went wrong?: Though Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag is thought of as to be the filmmaker's landmark flop, it's Department that's rendered unwatchable on account of its weird camera angles.
We pity... Amitabh Bachchan who has given a stellar performance on this film and in addition Sanjay Dutt whose money was invested within the film.
Amitabh Bachchan in a still from Department
Director's reaction: “Some critics panning the film doesn’t bother me because I didn’t make the film for them…In Department, it’s the rapid swish pans and a few hitherto unseen movement perspectives which bothered some people, however the same were liked by many others…I don’t believe that there's anything wrong with the script. I'VE always put the similar passion in all my films, be it a Rangeela or Daud. Now lots of people tell me that Daud was prior to its times, but if it came out, it was panned greater than any of my films.”
2. PLAYERS
Budget: Rs. 45 crore (approx)
Box office collections: Rs. 29.75 crore (approx)
The picture perfect trailers and the success record of Abbas Mustan made sure Players generated enough interest. Bipasha Basu's sultry bikini scene was also much mentioned. Sonam Kapoor looked her best within the film.
What went wrong? "A thriller is also fast-paced. However the actors' performances are so lifeless that the pace doesn't come through. Bad music and the 170-minute running time made it worse," says Komal Nahta, acclaimed trade expert.
We pity... the producers and distributors who lost about Rs. 25 crore at the desi version of The Italian Job.
Director's reaction: Not available. But we hear that producers and the director duo locked horns post the film's debacle.
Sonam Kapoor in a still from Players
3. TEZZ
Budget: Rs. 40 crore (approx)
Box office collections: Rs. 16.81 crore (approx)
Looks like Hollywood remakes aren't the most efficient bet for Bollywood filmmakers. After Players' disaster, the remake of Speed also sank with no trace. The film made news for lots of reasons, however the feud between producer Ratan Jain and director Priyadarshan over Mallika Sherawat takes the cake.
What went wrong?
"The ineffective drama within the first half; the dearth of emotional connect between the characters within the film; the below-average visual effects," consistent with Koimoi.com
We pity... Ajay Devgn who trusted Priyadarshan for successful and Ratan Jain who lost his money
Director's reaction: "Ajay trusted me completely. We had earlier worked in Aakrosh and take to each other beautifully. He signed Tezz as a result of me. He could've done any project but he chose mine instead. And that is what happens! I'M deeply ashamed and embarrassed."
Sameera Reddy in a still from Tezz
4. AGENT VINOD
Budget: 60 crore (approx)
Box office collections: Rs. 50 crore (approx)
Saif-Kareena's desi spy thriller was much awaited. Reams and reams of newsprint were wasted at the film, but to no avail. When it came to box office results, the film proved to be a disaster. Even the blockbuster song Pungi couldn't save the film.
What went wrong?
Though the film was good in parts, it did not impress in entirety.
We pity... Saif-Kareena who were expecting atleast one hit together
Director's reaction: "WE HAVE an excellent response. The realm where we have to improve is length. Because it is a fast-action-spy movie, we have to reduce its length. Within the next series, we might ensure the length is of 2 hours only," PTI quotes Sriram on plans of the film's sequel.
5. DANGEROUS ISHHQ
Budget: Twice the budget of Haunted (around 16-17 crore) (approx)
Box office collections: Rs. 5 crore (approx)
The film which was touted to be Karisma Kapoor's comeback vehicle didn't impress. The film was given a thumbs down by critics
What went wrong?
Weak screenplay that gets taxing and boring after a point.
We pity... Karisma whose probabilities of getting meaty roles are hampered
Director's reaction: Not available
6. JODI BREAKERS
Though Bipasha and Madhavan's jodi looked fresh, the film was dull. Performance by lead actors couldn't salvage the film on the box office. Probably Indian audiences are lovers of wedding sagas and never jodi breaking stories.
What went wrong?
The film is a routine, clichéd and formulaic with an unimpressive screenplay.
We pity... R Madhavan who has taken a break from films post the debacle of Jodi Breakers. Though we aren't sure if it is because of the failure of the film.
Director's take: Not available
