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[[Category:2006 films]]
[[Category:2006 films]]

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Bommarillu
File:Bommarillu-Movie-poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBhaskar
Written byBhaskar
Abburi Ravi
Produced byDil Raju
StarringSiddharth Narayan
Genelia D'Souza
Prakash Raj
Kota Srinivasa Rao
Jayasudha
CinematographyVijay C Chakravarthy
Edited byMarthand K. Venkatesh
Music byDevi Sri Prasad
Distributed bySri Venkateswara Creations[2]
Release date
  • 9 August 2006 (2006-08-09)
[1]
Running time
170 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTelugu
Budget6 crores[3]
Box office25 crores[3]

Bommarillu (Telugu: బొమ్మరిల్లు, English: "A Dollhouse") (pronunciation) is a 2006 Telugu romantic film directed and co-written by Bhaskar, and produced by Dil Raju. The two leading roles were played by Siddharth Narayan and Genelia D'Souza. The other two significant parts, the parents of one of the leading characters, were played by Prakash Raj and Jayasudha. Following the film's box office success it was remade as the Tamil film Santosh Subramaniam (2008),[4][5] the Bengali film Bhalobasa Bhalobasa (2008)[6] and the Oriya film Dream Girl (2009).[7]

The film primarily revolves around the relationship between a father and son, in which the father's excessive concern for his son, and interference in his life, has led to the latter feeling some bitterness towards his overbearing father. The film opened to Indian audiences on 9 August 2006. On its way to winning accolades and rave reviews, the film went on to win the South Filmfare Awards[8] among other prominent awards. The film's success broke several records at the box office during its prime and is one of the highest grossing Telugu films till date.[9]

Plot

The film begins with a baby taking his initial steps on a beach supported by his father. The narrator in the background (Murali Mohan) states that, it is right for a father to support his child in his infancy, but questions whether the father should continue to hold the child's hand even after he is 24 years old. As the credits roll, a visibly angry Siddhu (Siddharth) begins uttering abuses at all the fathers in the world. When queried about his disgust, he says that his father, Aravind (Prakash Raj), gives him more than what he asks for. He cites instances where his choices of dressing, hairstyle, and many others are overruled by his father's. However, he vows that his career and the woman he marries will be his own choices.

Post-credits, Satti (Sunil), the Aravind household's dutiful servant wakes up Siddhu in the morning. In the background, Siddhu's mother, Lakshmi (Jayasudha), is seen singing a devotional Telugu song while cooking. At the dining table, Aravind, Managing Director of their construction company, asks if Siddhu will join their office for managing their business. When Siddhu deliberates, his father becomes impatient and instead plans for his marriage despite Siddhu's silent protest. The next week, Siddhu returns home to realize that he is going to get engaged to Subbulakshmi (Neha) against his wishes. He speaks with her only to realize that she is a daddy's girl (Tanikella Bharani being the father) and she not being to his liking. However, with Aravind's final say, they eventually get engaged.

While contemplating on his options in a temple, Siddhu accidentally meets Hasini (Genelia D'Souza), an engineering student. Siddhu is attracted by her cheerful nature and energy, and the couple begin to meet on a regular basis. As the days go by, Siddhu grows to admire the ever-friendly Hasini as someone who does what she loves, and he discovers many small things which make him happy to be in her company; he realizes that he has fallen in love with her.

Alongside this, Siddhu applies for a bank loan to start out on his dream of building his career. When his love for Hasini deepens, he wishes to propose to her. He confesses to her that he is engaged to get married to Subbulakshmi against his wishes, but what he really wants is her. On knowing of him being engaged, Hasini gets dejected, but comes back a day later and asks him to do what he wishes for and accepts his proposal. At this juncture, the ecstatic Siddhu is seen by a furious Arvind. Siddhu is admonished back home and he expresses his disinterest in marriage with Subbulakshmi. When asked for his reason to like Hasini, Siddhu replies saying that if Hasini can stay with their family for a week, then all their questions shall be answered. He convinces Hasini to stay at his house after lying to her father, Kanaka Rao (Kota Srinivasa Rao)that she is going on a college tour.

When Hasini is introduced to Siddhu's family, she gets a lukewarm welcome. As she settles down in the house, one after the other begins to like her. Even though getting used to the living habits of the authoritarian Arvind's household was difficult, Hasini stayed put for Siddhu's sake. In the meanwhile, Arvind reprimands Siddhu when he knows of his bank loan and his plans, only to further enrage Siddhu. One day the entire family along with Hasini attends a marriage ceremony. A cheerful Hasini cheers up the ceremony with her playful nature. Coincidentally, Kanaka Rao who happens to be around, recognizes Siddhu as the drunken young man whom he encountered on an earlier occasion. Hasini realizes her father's presence and quickly exits to avoid his attention. After saving their grace, Siddhu admonishes Hasini for her antics at the marriage. A sad and angry Hasini moves out of the house saying that she does not find Siddhu the same and that she cannot put on an act if she stays in their house. After getting back to her house, she rebuilds the trust her father has in her while Siddhu is left forlorn. Lakshmi confronts Arvind on Siddhu's choices and wants. In the process, Siddhu opens up his heart and leaving Arvind to repent on his foolishness. Siddhu requests Subbulakshmi and her parents to call off the impending marriage. While they relent, Arvind manages to convince Kanaka Rao about Siddhu and Hasini's marriage. In return, Kanaka Rao wants to know more about Siddhu by having him live in house for a week. Arvind agrees with this and as the story returns to the pre-credits scene, the viewers are left to assume about the happy marriage of the protagonists.

Cast

  • Siddharth Narayan as Siddu. A well-disciplined young man with dreams of achieving something big of his own. The child in his heart is released when he gets to know Hasini.
  • Genelia D'Souza as Hasini. A very vibrant, effervescent and a happy-go-lucky young woman who loves to live life to the fullest. Her infectious vivacity presents Siddu with a whole new world of liveliness and independence.
  • Prakash Raj as Aravind (Siddu's dad). A father who visions of a happy and dream house after several years of toil. Everything for him should be like a picture that fills the jigsaw puzzle. This steals the house members, especially Siddu, of their individual persona and sheen.
  • Kota Srinivasa Rao as Kanaka Rao (Hasini's dad). A father to Hasini with a severe habit of drinking but very loving father.
  • Jayasudha as Lakshmi (Siddu's mom). A loving mother to Siddu who is instrumental in making her husband realize of his folly.
  • Sunil as Satti (Servant). A comic character who plays the dutiful servant in Aravind's house. His humorous punchline being "Satti...Oka manchi panodu" (English: Satti...A good servant).
  • Neha Bamb as Subbulaxmi. Plays the fiancé of Siddu until he breaks the engagement after he decides to marry Hasini.
  • Tanikella Bharani as Subbulaxmi's father.
  • Ravi Varma as Ravi. Plays the friend of Siddu
  • Dharmavarapu Subramanyam as Kismat Kumar. Plays as the professor at Siddhu and Hasini's engineering school. Another comic relief.

Production

The key elements

The entire production of the film took about three and a half months to be completed.[10] Prior to Bommarillu, Bhaskar assisted Dil Raju in Telugu films such as Arya (2004) and Bhadra (2005).

On the sets of the film Arya, Raju offered Bhaskar a film to direct. Eventually on the sets of Bhadra, Bhaskar narrated the story to Raju and the saga began.[11] Thus, Bommarillu became the first directorial venture for Bhaskar.[11] In an interview, he said that the story for the film began taking shape in as early as 1997 when he wrote about a father and a son's relationship. However, when the plans of making the film arose, an element of love between the protagonists was added. In the interview, he said that the script, up to and extent, is autobiographical.[11] He cites personal examples of some scenes from the film such as the choice of clothes for Siddhu by Arvind, the head-bump between the lead actors and Lakshmi singing in the kitchen.[12]

In an interview, Vijay C Chakravarthy, the eventual cinematographer for the film, said that Dil Raju offered him the position in November 2005. For the film, Vijay said that he made use of Arriflex 435 camera and Hawk lenses.[10] In another interview, Bhaskar said working with Abburi Ravi, his co-writer, was unique. They used to converse in a closed room with a voice recorder, allowing the dialogues in the script to be natural.[12] He also heaped praise on Marthand K. Venkatesh, the film's editor. After filming, the length of the film reel came to 16,200 feet (4,900 m) which amounted to a runtime of 3 hours and 15 minutes. The presence of Marthand brought this down to 15,100 feet (4,600 m). This meant a reduction of the runtime by 25 minutes.[12]

Casting, location and music

The choice of Siddharth was because of the sheer relevance to the character in real life. However, they finalized the choice of the actor only after the script was ready.[11][13] The choice of Genelia was based on her natural vivacity in real life. This and her eyes, according to Bhaskar, made her an obvious choice for her character.[11] More so, she liked the one line story that Raju told and also a few scenes that he narrated to her. She immediately liked the character and consented for the role.[14] The fact that her co-actor, Siddharth and she acted earlier together in Boys (2003), made them more comfortable to work with. The camaraderie that the lead actors shared during the filming, added on to their good performances.[15][16] The choice of Prakash Raj was easy as he befitted the character he portrayed while, Jayasudha was persuaded to play the role of the lead actor's mother.[11]

The palatial house where the entire family stayed in the film is part of Ramanaidu Studios at Nanakramguda, Hyderabad. Several modifications were done by the art director, Prakash.[13] A couple of the songs were shot in a montage, another couple in Frankfurt am Main and other places in Germany and one song each in this house set and at a temple in Kakinada.[13]

For the film's music and soundtrack, Raju renewed his previous association (Arya and Bhadra) with Devi Sri Prasad.[13] Savitha Reddy rendered the voice for Genelia's character in the film.[17] A feature of this film is Siddharth singing one of the tracks from the film.[18][19]

Release

Reception

Bommarillu was released worldwide with 72 reels of the film's print. Owing to the success of the film, the number of reels grew to about hundred.[20] The film was released with a "U" (Universal: Suitable for all ages) certification by the Central Board of Film Certification of India.[21] It collected a distributors share of 5 crore in its opening week in India.[20] Released in six major metropolises in the United States of America, the film collected $73,200 (then approximately 0.3 crore) within the first four days of screening.[20] A September 2006 survey done in the United States by a popular entertainment portal revealed that the film was watched by an Indian expatriate population of 65,000, which generated a revenue of 3 crore at that time.[22] A cumulative gross revenue for the film was reported to be as 25 crore including 3.5 crore from overseas, the largest for any Telugu film at that time.[3]

Critical acclaim, controversies, awards, remakes

The film received rave reviews right from the story to the performances of the actors. One entertainment portal has given a rating of 4.5/5 tagging the film's review with Picture Perfect.[23] Another such portal suggests the film to the entire family. It goes on to applaud Siddharth Narayan, Genelia D'Souza and Prakash Raj, the three prime actors from the film for their performances.[24] Similar reviews were voiced out by other such portals, many of which pointing out no real flaws from the film.[25][26][27]

The film had its own share of controversies. A news report showcased the omnipresent piracy in the Telugu film industry by quoting the cheap prices at which the film was being sold.[28] The film's lead actor, Siddharth even went on to request the audiences to buy the original audio CD.[29] The film's producer, Dil Raju, ensured a special code on each distributed print to track piracy with a warning for copyright violation which would incur a fine or a jail term.[30]

In April 2007, a case of copyright infringement was filed on the film's producer and director that prompted a court to stall the screening of the film. The allegation pointed out that the film was made based on a compilation of short stories that was released in 1997.[31]

The film won the 2006 Golden Nandi, a title given for best feature films at the Nandi Awards, a ceremony native to Andhra Pradesh.[32] While director, Bhaskar, won awards for the best debutant director and screenplay, Abburi Ravi won the award for his dialogues.[33] Actors Prakash Raj and Genelia D'Souza received the best actor in a supporting role and special jury award awards respectively; Savitha Reddy, who lent her voice for Genelia, won an award for her work.[33] At the 2007 Filmfare Awards South for South Indian cinema, the film won awards for the Best Film, Best Actress and Best Director.[8]

Jayasudha's efforts to remake this film in Hindi with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, popular actors from the Bollywood, were unsuccessful, but another producer has recently announced the film titled It's My Life starring Harman Baweja playing the role opposite Genelia D'Souza.[34] The film was remade in Tamil, Bengali and Oriya languages under the titles Santosh Subramaniam, Bhalobasa Bhalobasa[6] and Dream Girl[7] respectively in 2008.

Home media

The DVD version of the film was released on 4 June 2007.[35] This DVD release was distributed by I Dream Dvd all around the world, but for India.[2] It is available in 16:9 Anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, progressive 24 FPS, widescreen and NTSC format.[35][36]

Soundtrack

The film has seven songs composed by Devi Sri Prasad with the lyrics primarily penned by Chandrabose, Ravi Kumar Bhaskarabhatla, Kulasekhar and Sirivennela Sitaramasastri.[37][38] The audio of the film released nationwide on 18 July 2006.[39] A repository of Indian songs has recommended the feel-good soundtracks to the audiences.[40]

Song title Singers Description
"We Have a Romeo" Ranjith & Andrea A peppy and youthful song where Siddhu and his friends are searching for Siddhu's "Juliet".
"Bommani Geesthe" Gopika Poornima & Jeans Srinivas A romantic musical interlude between the lead characters.
"Kaani Ippudu" Devi Sri Prasad A fun song which talks about the lead characters falling in love for the first time.
"Music Bit" Sumangali An interlude with humming in between. This track is heard for a few times during the film.
"Laloo Darwaja" Naveen, Murali, and Priya Prakash A high energy song sung by the entire family and friends at the marriage function. It contains the film's tagline in the lyrics as well.
"Nammaka Thappani" Sagar & Sumangali A romantic track which is both energetic and melancholy. It speaks of the estranged love between the lead characters.
"Appudo Ippudo" Siddharth Narayan Another youthful song where the lead actor expresses his exuberance.

References

  1. ^ "Release dates for Bommarillu (2004)". IMDB. Retrieved 2007-10-13.
  2. ^ a b "RK FILMS distributors bagged overseas rights of Bommarillu movie". Andhravilas.com. Retrieved 2007-10-13.
  3. ^ a b c Narasimhan, M. L. (2006-12-29). "A few hits and many flops". Hindu.com. Chennai, India. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
  4. ^ "Cricketer in Santosh Subramaniam". Yahoo! India.com. Retrieved 2007-10-14. [dead link]
  5. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (2007-08-31). "Another from Telugu". Hindu.com. Chennai, India. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  6. ^ a b "Most expensive Bengali movie". www.tollynewz.com. Retrieved 2009-02-09. [dead link]
  7. ^ a b Chakra, Shyamhari (5 December 2008). "Dream Girl". www.expressbuzz.com. Retrieved 2009-02-10.
  8. ^ a b "54th Filmfare Awards highlights - 1". Indiaglitz.com. Retrieved 2007-10-14. Cite error: The named reference "Indiaglitz_Awards" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ "Trade Story: Bommarillu all the way". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  10. ^ a b "Interview with Vijay C Chakravarthy". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-15. Cite error: The named reference "ID_Cinematography" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ a b c d e f Rajamani, Radhika. "The man behind Telugu hit Bommarillu". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2007-10-15. Cite error: The named reference "rediff1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  12. ^ a b c "Postmortem - Bommarillu by Bhaskar". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-16. Cite error: The named reference "ID_PostMortem" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  13. ^ a b c d Narasimhan, M. L. (2006-07-07). "Home, Sweet Home?". Hindu.com. Chennai, India. Retrieved 2007-10-15. Cite error: The named reference "hinduhome" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  14. ^ Devi, K. Sangeetha (2006-08-19). "'Bommarillu' was a surprise". Hindu.com. Chennai, India. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
  15. ^ "'Bommarillu' Audio CD Launch". Indiaglitz.com. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
  16. ^ "'Siddharth and I are good friends'". Musicindiaonline.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-10-16.
  17. ^ "Movie review - Bommarillu". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-16. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  18. ^ "Audio Launch - Bommarillu". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-16.
  19. ^ "Movie Preview : Bommarillu". MusicIndiaOnline.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2007-10-16.
  20. ^ a b c "Trade Story: Bommarillu rocks". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-16. Cite error: The named reference "ID_Trade" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  21. ^ "Bommarillu (2006)". IMDB. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
  22. ^ "Trade Story: Bommarillu all the way". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-17.
  23. ^ "Movie review - Bommarillu". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-18. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  24. ^ "Bommarillu - A feel good family entertainer". Indiaglitz.com. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  25. ^ Sai, Sira. "Finest Tollywood Film That Can Bang Box Offices". Greatandhra.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ Sreekumaran, P. "Bommarillu' A Fabulous Film". Apunkachoice.com. Retrieved 2007-10-23.
  27. ^ "Bommarillu (2006) - Movie Review". Retrieved 2007-10-23. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  28. ^ Devi, Sangeetha K. "For a few 'cheap' thrills". Hindu.com. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  29. ^ "Audio CD Launch - Bommarillu". Idlebrain.com. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  30. ^ "Dil Raju warns against piracy". Yahoo! India. Archived from the original on March 10, 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  31. ^ Reporter, Staff (2007-04-14). "Screening of Telugu film `Bommarillu' stopped". Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  32. ^ "Nandi Awards 2006". Telugucinema.com. Sify. 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2008-02-13. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ a b "Nandi Awards 2006: Winners List". Idlebrain.com. Sify. 2008-02-13. Retrieved 2008-02-13. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ "Jayasudha plan to remake Bommarillu in Hindi". Nowrunning.com. Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  35. ^ a b "'Bommarillu' DVD". iTalkies.com. Retrieved 2007-10-18. Cite error: The named reference "iTalkies" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  36. ^ "'Bommarillu' - Library Catalog Cincinnati Library". Cincinnati Library. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  37. ^ "Soundtracks for Bommarillu (2006)". IMDB.
  38. ^ "Bommarillu (2006) - Music India Online". Musicindiaonline.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  39. ^ "'Bommarillu' Audio Launch". IndiaGlitz.com. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
  40. ^ "Audio Review : Bommarillu – Something for everybody". Musicindiaonline.com. Archived from the original on 2007-10-12. Retrieved 2007-10-18.
Awards
Preceded by Filmfare Best Film Award (Telugu)
2006
Succeeded by