Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai
| Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai | |
|---|---|
| File:BT Full Page AJAY.jpg Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Milan Luthria |
| Written by | Rajat Arora |
| Produced by | Ekta Kapoor Shobha Kapoor |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Aseem Mishra |
| Edited by | Akiv Ali |
| Music by | Pritam |
| Distributed by | Balaji Motion Pictures ShowMaker Pictures (India) |
Release date |
|
Running time | 135 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Hindi |
| Budget | ₹32 crore (US$4.0 million)[2] |
| Box office | ₹78.5 crore (US$9.8 million) (domestic gross)[3] |
Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai is a 2010 Indian period gangster film directed by Milan Luthria and produced by Ekta Kapoor. It stars Ajay Devgn,[4] Emraan Hashmi,[5] Prachi Desai,[6] Kangna Ranaut and Randeep Hooda.[6][7] The film, produced by Balaji Telefilms and released on 30 July 2010, received positive reviews from critics.Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was declared a "super-hit" by Box Office India.[8]
The film's sequel, titled Once Upon a Time Again, will feature Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Sonali Bendre[9] and Sonakshi Sinha. The filming for the sequel began in August 2012 in Qatar.[10]
Plot
The film opens with a suicide attempt by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Agnel Wilson (Randeep Hooda) on the pretext of the Bombay Bombings in 1993. When questioned by his superior, he breaks down and claims that the recent tragic events are his own fault. Wilson recounts that 18 years ago, when he was posted as the ACP in the Mumbai crime branch, his inability to take the necessary action led to the rise of Shoaib Khan (Emraan Hashmi), who played a central role in the bombings. Throughout the film, Wilson narrates the story of 1970s Bombay, when it was ruled by smuggler Sultan Mirza (Ajay Devgn), and how Mirza's downfall led to Shoaib's rise to power.
After being hit by a flood in his hometown in Madras, a young Mirza arrives in Mumbai, where he lands a job as a coal shoveler. In spite of his meager earnings, the boy never fails to help the poor and needy, which soon gains their respect and admiration. Mirza is given the nickname of "Sultan."
As a grown man, Sultan Mirza becomes the kingpin of Mumbai's smuggling underworld. Through his influence, Mirza peacefully divides the city among four gangsters, thus thwarting police efforts to curb illegal activities. Despite being a criminal, Sultan Mirza is portrayed as a man of principle and a godfather-like figure to the people. He even refrains from smuggling contraband, as it is against his Muslim faith.
Mirza has a crush on Bollywood actress Rehana (Kangna Ranaut) and eventually the two begin dating. Sultan invests black money in her upcoming films. ACP Wilson moves to stop Rehana's films funded by Sultan. Later, Sultan and Rehana frame Wilson to make it look as if Wilson is accepting a bribe, which damages his credibility.
Meanwhile, Shoaib is — even in childhood — a very ambitious person with a dark and daring character. He is frequently involved in petty theft. His father, Hussain Khan (Asif Basra), who is a sub-inspector with the Bombay Police, tries in vain to guide and control his son. Worried, the father turns to Sultan for help. Sultan agrees and helps the young man set up an electronics shop. But Shoaib is unsatisfied, as his only real ambition is to become rich and powerful, like Mirza Sultan.
Shoaib's beautiful girlfriend, Mumtaz (Prachi Desai), works in a local jewellery shop, which Shoaib visits often, to the aggravation of the girl's boss. Shoaib gives her a necklace, which, unbeknownst to Mumtaz, Shoaib had stolen from a lady during a home robbery. Later, that lady comes to the shop with her husband to buy more jewellery. The lady soon recognizes her own necklace being worn by Mumtaz; she then admits to the outraged customer that her boyfriend had given the item to her. The lady and her husband demand she take them to her boyfriend's shop, where they confront him. This enrages Shoaib, who beats up the husband and destroys his own shop.
Shoaib goes to Sultan and asks to be a part of his crime ring. Seeing his potential, Sultan agrees to take him under his wing. Shoaib learns the tricks of the trade and soon becomes Sultan's trusted aide. ACP Wilson hatches a plan to use Shoaib's reckless ambition for quick money and power as a way to cause the downfall of Sultan. Wilson even refrains from killing Sultan and Shoaib when he has the opportunity. Wilson's plan backfires, however. Finally, when Shoaib becomes invincible, Wilson blames himself for the subsequent catastrophe.
Sultan decides to hand over his power to Shoaib, and opts to enter politics. He travels to Delhi to meet the Home Minister of India. Shoaib's unscrupulous ambitions lead him to carry out trades and acts which Sultan himself would strongly condemn. Shoaib starts manufacturing illicit liquor, accepts contract killings, invests in drug peddling and runs extortion rackets. When Sultan returns to Bombay, he learns of Shoaib's misdeeds. He finds Shoaib at a party and slaps him in public for his unethical activities. This infuriates Shoaib and he plots revenge. One day, as Sultan campaigns for his new party, Shoaib appears and assassinates Sultan Mirza whilst addressing the people on the dais, thus ending the saga of a smuggler who was loved by his people.
In his narration, Wilson laments that Shoaib — Mumbai's new underworld kingpin — has since established a global smuggling empire. No government or force could now reach or harm him.
Cast
- Ajay Devgn as Sultan Mirza
- Emraan Hashmi as Shoaib Khan
- Kangna Ranaut as Rehana
- Prachi Desai as Mumtaz
- Randeep Hooda as ACP Agnel Wilson
- Avtar Gill as Home Minister
- Naved Aslam as Patrick
- Sanjeev Wilson as Chandru
- Mehul Bhojak as Javed
- Ravi Khanwilkar as Vardhan
- Asif Basra as Sub-Inspector Hussain Khan
- Gauhar Khan as Special Appearance in Song "Parda"
Inspiration for the film
The film depicts the growth of the Mumbai underworld, from crime and smuggling in its early stages to its connection with international terrorism in recent times. It is believed to be loosely based on the lives of real-life gangsters Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, portrayed by the characters Sultan and Shoaib, respectively.[11][12] Originally Sanjay Dutt was chosen to play the role of Haji Mastan[13] but the role went to Ajay Devgn instead.
Reception
Critical reception
The film is rated 6.0/10 on the Hindi film review aggregator website ReviewGang, indicating generally favorable reviews.[14] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN rated the film 2.5 out of 5 saying, "The film is watchable and enjoyable in parts even, but it doesn't quite pull off the retro chic tone it was going for".[15] Ians rated the movie 3.5 out of 5 saying, "Rajat Arora’s dialogues flow from the storytelling in a smooth flow of poetry and street wisdom."[16] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it 4/5 and called it "An outstanding Cinematic experience".[17] Nikhat Kazmi of the Times Of India gave it 4/5 and stated, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai offers you both substance and soul, even as it dabbles with a slice of reality".[18] Rediff gave it 4/5 and said, "Book your tickets now".[19]
Box office
India
| Territory | Nett Collections (After Entertainment tax) |
|---|---|
| India | ₹58.03 crore (US$7.3 million)[3] |
| Distributor share: ₹29.64 crore (US$3.7 million)[3] | |
| Entertainment tax: ₹20.47 crore (US$2.6 million) [3] | |
| Overseas (Outside India) |
US$3 million(₹18.86 crore) |
| US$1,514,558 (United States) | |
| Worldwide | ₹94.50 crore (US$12 million)[3] |
Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai managed to have a decent weekend despite starting slowly. The film picked up from Friday evening and managed to have good Saturday and Sunday collections. The approximate breakdowns are 5.50 crore (Friday), 7 crore (Saturday) and 7.75 crore (Sunday) for a 20.25 crore weekend.[20] The film grossed Rs.78.03 crore in India at the end of its ninth week.[3] Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was declared a "super-hit" by Box Office India.[8]
Overseas
Awards and nominations
The film received many awards at several award functions. Ajay Devgn and Prachi Desai received accolades for their nominations, while other awards were won for the film's music, playback and technical direction.
Nominated
- Best Actor - Ajay Devgn
- Best Supporting Actor - Emraan Hashmi
- Best Supporting Actress - Prachi Desai
- Best Music Director - Pritam
- Best Male PlayBack Singer - Mohit Chauhan for the Song 'Pee Loon
Nominated
- BIG Star Most Entertaining Film Actor – Male - Ajay Devgn
- BIG Star Most Entertaining Director - Milan Luthria
- BIG Star Most Entertaining Film - Ekta Kapoor
- BIG Star Most Entertaining Song - Pee Loon
- BIG Star Most Entertaining Singer (Male) - Mohit Chauhan for Pee Loon
- BIG Star Most Entertaining Singer (Female) - Tulsi Kumar for Tum Jo Aaye
Won[21]
- Star Screen Award for Best Popular Music - Pritam
Won[22]
- Stardust Award for Best Thriller – Action Film - Ekta Kapoor
- Stardust Award for Best Thriller – Action Actor - Ajay Devgn
- Best Actress in an Ensemble Cast - Prachi Desai
Nominated[23]
- Stardust Award for Best Thriller – Action Director - Milan Luthria
- Stardust Award for Best Thriller – Action Actress - Kangana Ranaut
- Stardust Award for Dream Director - Milan Luthria
- Stardust Award for Star of the Year – Male - Ajay Devgn
- Best Actor in an Ensemble Cast - Emraan Hashmi
- Lions Gold Awards 2010[24]
Won
- Lions Favorite Popular Actor(Male) - Ajay Devgn
- Lions Favorite Actor in Supporting Role - Randeep Hooda
- Lions Favorite Actress in Supporting Role - Prachi Desai
- 6th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards
Won[25]
- Apsara Award for Best Screenplay – Rajat Arora
- Apsara Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Prachi Desai
Nominated[26]
- Apsara Award for Best Film - Balaji Motion Pictures
- Apsara Award for Best Actor - Ajay Devgn
- Apsara Award for Best Director - Milan Luthria
- Apsara Award for Best Dialogue - Rajat Arora
- Apsara Award for Best Choreography - Raju Khan for "Parda Parda"
- Apsara Award for Best Lyrics - Irshad Kamil for "Pee Loon"
- Apsara Award for Best Music - Pritam
- Apsara Award for Best Playback Singer (Male) - Mohit Chauhan for "Pee Loon"
- Apsara Award for Best Playback Singer (Female) - Tulsi Kumar for "Tum Jo Aaye"
- Apsara Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role - Emraan Hashmi
- Apsara Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) - Emraan Hashmi
Won[27]
- Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Female - Prachi Desai
- Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer - Male - Mohit Chauhan for "Pee Loon"
- Zee Cine Award for Best Dialogue - Rajat Arora
Nominated[28]
- Best Actor - Male - Ajay Devgn
- Best Film - Balaji Motion Pictures
- Best Director - Milan Luthria
- Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Song of the Year - "Pee Loon"
- Best Music Director - Pritam
- Best Playback Singer - Female - Tulsi Kumar for "Tum Jo Aaye"
- Best Lyricist - Irshad Kamil for "Pee Loon" and "Tum Jo Aaye"
- Best Supporting Actor - Emraan Hashmi
- Best Supporting Actress - Kangna Ranaut and Prachi Desai(won)
- Best Story - Rajat Arora
- Best Cinematography - Aseem Mishra
- Best Editing - Akiv Ali
- Global Indian Music Awards,2011
Won[29]
- Best Music Arranger & Programmer - Sandeep Shirodkar for the Song Pee Loon
- Best Lyricist - Irshad Kamil for the Song Pee Loon
- Best PlayBack Singer(Male) - Mohit Chauhan for the Song Pee Loon
- Best Song of The Year - Pee Loon
- MTV Hot Pick of The Year - Tum Jo Aaye
Won
Won
- Best Actor in a Lead Role(Male) - Ajay Devgn
- Best Playback Singer(Male) - Mohit Chauhan for the song Pee Loon
- Best Re-Recording - Ajay Kumar
- Best Dialogues - Rajat Aroraa
- Best Art-Direction - Nitin Chandrakant Desai
- Best Costume-Designer - Rushi Sharma & Manoshi Nath
Soundtrack
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
The film's soundtrack was released on 28 June 2010. The music is composed by Pritam and lyrics are penned by Irshad Kamil, Neelesh Misra and Amitabh Bhattacharya.
Track listing
| No. | Track | Singers | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | "Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein" | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Tulsi Kumar | 4:48 |
| 02 | "Pee Loon" | Mohit Chauhan | 4:47 |
| 03 | "I Am In Love" | KK & Dominique Cerejo | 4:47 |
| 04 | "Parda" | Sunidhi Chauhan & Rana Mazumder | 5:23 |
| 05 | "Baburao Mast Hai" | Mika Singh | 4:49 |
| 06 | "Tum Jo Aaye Zindagi Mein" (Reprise) | Rahat Fateh Ali Khan | 4:45 |
| 07 | "I Am In Love" | Karthik | 5:01 |
| 08 | "Pee Loon" (Remix) | Mohit Chauhan | 4:50 |
| 09 | "I Am In Love" (Dance Mix) | KK & Dominique Cerejo | 4:42 |
The song "Parda" is a medley containing samples from the following 1970's Bollywood songs; "Duniya mein logon ko" (Apna Desh), "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja" (Caravan).
Sequel
Due to the film's commercial and critical success, a sequel has been put into production. Akshay Kumar and Imran Khan [30] have been roped in as the main leads. The sequel is currently entitled Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Again.[31] Sonakshi Sinha will play the role of Mandakini.[32] The film is expected to start shooting in August 2012.[30]
References
- ^ "Once upon Time.....Runtime Wogma". Retrieved 2011-02-03.
- ^ "Once Upon... has ticket counters rolling". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2011-01-22.
- ^ a b c d e f "Boxofficeindia.com". Boxofficeindia.com. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
- ^ "Ajay Devgn goes back to being a 'gangster'". Screen India. 1 October 2008. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
- ^ Shah, Kunal M (12 March 2009). "Emraan Hashmi has his way". Times of India. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
- ^ a b JHA, SUBHASH K (March 29m 2009). "Kangna to play Haji Mastan's wife". Times of India. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai: Complete cast and crew details". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 18 June 2010.
- ^ a b "The Hit List 2010". Box Office India. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
- ^ "Sonali Bendre returns to films". 3 July 2012.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar gives Milan's dates to Khiladi 786". 19 June 2012.
- ^ "Smugglers, cabaret – 1970s era comes alive in 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai'". World Snap. 2010-10-26.
- ^ "Movie Review – 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbai'". Retrieved 2011-07-19.
- ^ "Stardust.co.in - SANJU IS HAJI MASTAN!!". Magnamags.com. 2008-08-02. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
- ^ "Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Review". ReviewGang. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
- ^ "Masand: 'Once Upon A Time...' lacks drama". CNN-IBN. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- ^ "WorldSnap News: Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Movie Review". WorldSnap News. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- ^ "Movie Review: Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- ^ Kazmi, Nikhat (29 July 2010). "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai". Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- ^ "Buy a ticket for Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai. Now!". Rediff. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- ^ "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai First Day Business". Box office India. Retrieved 2010-08-02.
- ^ "Winners of 17th Annual Star Screen Awards 2011". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
- ^ "Stardust.co.in - StardustAwardWinner2011". Magnamags.com. 2011-02-09. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
- ^ "Stardust Awards 2011 Nominations". Top10bollywood.com. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
- ^ "Winners of Lions Gold Awards 2010". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
- ^ "Winners of 6th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
- ^ "Nominations for 6th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
- ^ "Winners of Zee Cine Awards 2011". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
- ^ "Nominations for Zee Cine Awards 2011". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 2011-01-07.
- ^ "Global Indian Music Awards (GIMA) 2011 Winners List | Bollywood Movies | Hindi Movies | News | Photos | Videos | Songs | Lyrics". Hindifilmnews.com. Retrieved 2012-07-11.
- ^ a b "Karuna sherestha signed for Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai sequel". Bollywood Hungama. 27 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
- ^ "Akshay Kumar signs OUATIM 2". Bhangra.org.
- ^ "Ileana to play Mandakini in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2". NDTV Movies. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
