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===Special appearances===
===Special appearances===

Revision as of 15:57, 4 February 2009

Luck by Chance
Movie poster for Luck By Chance.
Directed byZoya Akhtar
Written byZoya Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar
Produced byFarhan Akhtar
Ritesh Sidhwani
StarringFarhan Akhtar
Hrithik Roshan
Konkona Sen Sharma
Rishi Kapoor
Dimple Kapadia
Juhi Chawla
CinematographyRavi K. Chandran
Edited byA. Sreekar Prasad
Music byShankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Distributed byExcel Entertainment
Big Picture
Release date
January 30, 2009
Running time
156 Mins
Country India
LanguageHindi

Luck By Chance is a 2009 Bollywood film by by first-time feature director Zoya Akhtar. It stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Farhan Akhtar, with Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Juhi Chawla, Hrithik Roshan, Isha Sharvani and Sanjay Kapoor in supporting roles. Indian film icons Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan individually make cameo appearances as themselves.[1] The film is about the journey of an actor named Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar) who arrives in Mumbai to make it big as a film star. [2][3] The movie released on January 30, 2009.

Plot

Young actor Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar) arrives in Mumbai to make it as a Bollywood film star with the help of Abhimanyu (Arjun Mathur) an actor friend from his hometown, and their mutual friend Sameer, who works in a studio props department. Vikram befriends Abhi's neighbor, young actress Sona Mishra (Konkona Sen Sharma), with whom he eventually becomes romantically involved. Sona, the mistress of small-time producer Satish Chowdhury (Alyy Khan) who for three years has promised her a leading role in his dream project, meanwhile works in regional films and bit parts. When star Zaffar Khan (Hrithik Roshan) walks out on a movie being made by old-school producer Romy Rolly (Rishi Kapoor) as a star vehicle Nikki Walia (Isha Sharvani, the newcomer daughter of famous older actress Seena Walia (Dimple Kapadia), a search for an unknown to replace Zaffar lands Vikram the role. As Vikram becomes increasing crafty and manipulative, his on-set affair with Nikki becomes leaked to the tabloid press, ending his and Sona's already all-but-over relationship. Bollywood stars including Aamir Khan Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan, and John Abraham make cameo appearances as themselves.

Cast

Special appearances

Appearing as themselves

Production

Development

Zoya Akhtar, sister of Farhan Akhtar, said in an interview that she wrote the first draft seven years ago, lying on Palolim beach in Goa. In an interview she said "I hand wrote it and it was some ridiculous, epic-length when I came back and transcribed it on my laptop. The first film is the easiest to write because it's usually what the person knows their personal graphs, milieu and feelings. Luck By Chance is not about established actors, but those who are waiting for things to happen. Farhan's character is fresh off the boat, while Konkana's does bit roles, looking for a big break." The production team went through a host of names, like Madhuri Dixit, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol, Karisma Kapoor and Tabu. Zoya and director Reema Kagti approached so many actors for their movies, it became a running joke between them.[4] According to her “This was quite an easy film for me to write. It was a very smooth process. From start to finish, it took me no extra research to pen the story down. It is so because I’ve seen a lot of strugglers who come to Mumbai make a living out of Bollywood. Also, I have friends who came from Oman and Assam and are doing fairly good work for themselves.” Zoya was inspired for penning this movie after a lot of Bollywood inspired movies like Guddi, Rangeela and Om Shanti Om.[5] According to Farhan, principal photography for the film was completed in October.[6] Farhan had to reportedly train to get six pack abs for the film, where he plays a struggler. He was trained by Cheetah Yagnesh, who appeared on the film as Farhan's character's trainer. Isha Sharvani, who had a hanging ring sequence in the movie was reportedly in a sore condition due to all the diamonds that were attached to her dress.[7] Javed Akhtar wrote the dialogues for the film, incorporating, as Zoya puts it, his bizarre sense of humour. [4] Filming faced lot of problems including the unpredictable Mumbai rains which played a major spoil sport during a song shoot, being shot with Hrithik Roshan, where the rains washed out the entire set. The situation became so bad that the entire tent started to leak and Zoya was afraid that this would lead to short-circuit. Hence, all the lights had to be switched off and there was a black out.[8]

Casting

Zoya Akhtar cast her brother Farhan to play the lead role after it was suggested to her by director Reema Kagti. She became convinced after seeing Farhan's performance in Fakir of Venice She said in an interview, "Farhan was the perfect choice for the role in Luck By Chance because he knows the industry in and out. He is smart and bright and both of us have been working together for years".[citation needed] Problems arose with the huge casting of the film. Zoya said, "I had to really think it out when I was deciding on these multiple actors that I wanted in the film. It was tough to decide especially because I wanted the right actors who could play themselves and still look believable as part of the film. Then there are other good actors like Boman Irani and Saurabh Shukla, who are playing characters in the film".[5] Next to be cast were her parents, Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi, along with such veteran stars as Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.[6] Zoya said, "We could have had Shabana (Azmi) as the diva, but I needed a mainstream heroine. Only a leading lady would do. Dimple has played it edgy. She's all warm, soft sunshine and then there's a flip and she's hard, cold, steely".[4] Isha Sharvani teams up again with Hrithik Roshan after appearing together in an ad.[7] Juhi Chawla joined the cast playing Minty, the wife of producer Rommy Rolly.[9]

Promotion

File:Farhanzoyapromotion.jpg
Farhan and Zoya (right) at Big 92.7 FM radio station office promoting the movie

The producers decided to go with subtle promotion for the movie, while letting audiences explore the film by themselves.[10] The main trailer for the movie was released on the last week of December. The trailer introduced the main characters and set the pace for the what the movie was about.[11] BigFlix, a part of Reliance BIG Entertainment Ltd, was given the task of promoting the movie. The first bit of promotion came from the music album wherein winners were given signed music albums by Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma. They promoted the whole movie across the nation in all 112 stores in 10 cities in the country as well to the international audiences through its Video-on-Demand (VOD) site. The pre-release promotional activities included online marketing and publicity of the film’s music videos, trailers, downloads, movie previews, preview shows, contests and continue with other promotional activities post the movie release like meet-n-greet events with the star cast at select cities.[12] A unique promotional campaign was launched by producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani called "Auto By Chance". They have introduced 10 ‘Auto by Chance’ three-wheelers in suburban Mumbai suburbs that will transport people free of charge to the destination of their choice in the suburbs. The promotion is being run in conjunction with Big FM radio station and Godrej. One passenger will be interviewed live by an RJ and go on air with his experience of getting lucky and enjoying the free ride.[13][14] India's leading gaming portal Zapak.com has created a microsite for the movie with a game, "Luck by Chance - Lucky Break"..[15]

Release

The movie was initially scheduled to be released on 23rd January alongside Raaz - The Mystery Continues, but was later pushed to 30th January for release.[16] According to the release statements by Big Pictures, the movie is getting a massive release across 900 screens worldwide in 27 countries in the first stage. Of this, over 700 screens would be in India and the rest in the overseas markets key of which are the US, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.[15]

Reception

Critical reception

Early reviews for the movie was mostly positive. Neil Genzlinger of The New York Times said, "It might seem as if Bollywood couldn't possibly satirize itself — the genre is already so over-the-top — but Zoya Akhtar manages the trick deftly in Luck by Chance. Ms. Akhtar, who also wrote the screenplay, shows herself to be a master of extremes. A fabulous circus-theme musical number pulls out all the stops, but a scene in which an acting teacher explains why Hindi stars have to be more talented than those in Hollywood is a subtle comic gem". [...] [I]t is Mr. Akhtar whose understated performance holds together this far-ranging, cameo-filled film. He manages to remain sympathetic even while wreaking romantic havoc".[17] Anupama Chopra of NDTV wrote, "Zoya pokes fun at Bollywood but she does it with a great affection. There are some lovely little moments like the star daughter in a super short skin-tight outfit struggling to touch her producer's feet without splitting a seam. But what makes Luck By Chance compelling is the layers beneath the laughs. Though the first half wobbles precariously as the script struggles to find a momentum, but thankfully the narrative flows better in the latter half and culminates in a satisfying, bittersweet end".[18] In the review at UAE Daily the United Arab Emirates reviewer said, "One of the prime reasons why Luck By Chance works is because [of] the writing. [...] Right from the characters, to the individualistic scenes, to the way Zoya puts them in a sequence, Luck By Chance is easily one of the most cohesive scripts this side of the Atlantic. If Zoya's writing is superb, her execution of the written material deserves distinction marks".[19] The Times of India said, "Luck By Chance highlights how the film industry give regards to everything else but the story when making a movie and ironically weaves a fascinating story using that paradox".[20]

Music

Untitled

The music of Luck By Chance was released on 30 December 2008. It had an early release through iTunes on 23 December 2008.[21] The album is composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and the lyrics written by Javed Akhtar. Unlike expected, Farhan Akhtar didnot lend his voice to the soundtrack like Rock On!!.[5] The promotion of the music was done keeping the digital platform in mind. The music of Luck By Chance was made available directly and through partner sponsors on mobile, Internet and physical markets.[22] Midival Punditz also did some remix of the tracks of the album, which will supposedly feature in the movie.[23] The first music video for the album "Baawre" was released on 12th January 2009, which showed a circus-eque setting where Hrithik Roshan and Isha Sharvani are seen performing along with a whole bunch of Russian circus performers. Followed were the video for the song "Sapnon Se Bhare Naina" which showed Farhan and Konkona facing their trials and tribulations in the film industry. The final video released was for "Yeh Zindagi Bhi" which was a romantic interlude.

Reception

MSN India gave a positive review, saying, "The album has a robust mix of songs of different genres, a trademark of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy that will enthrall audiences and at the same time give them sensible renditions to hum. On the whole, Luck By Chance stands for quality like most of the albums by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. A perfect soundtrack with medium-paced songs, great singing and hummable lyrics, the album is a sure shot hit. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, reinforces one's faith in good music. The composers also prove that Bollywood musicians aren't shy of experimenting. [24] Rediff also gave good review saying "The bottom line is that Luck By Chance's music is aimed at the Dil Chahta Hai generation of Bollywood viewers - it's definitely urban and the music rocks![25] Hindustan Times gave a modest review saying "Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy come out of their comfort zone of lilting romantic melodies and wallop out unusual tracks here. Check out Shankar Mahadevan’s masterful jugalbandi with a Rajasthani ensemble in Baawre or the dark, fast-paced Sapnon se bhare naina, which are reason enough to buy the soundtrack."[26]

Tracks

The tracklisting for the soundtrack.

Track Song Singer(s) Duration Notes
1 Yeh Zindagi Bhi Loy Mendonsa , Shekhar Ravjiani 6:39 Opening Credits of the Film
2 Baawre Loy Mendonsa , Shankar Mahadevan 5:13 Picturised on Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Isha Sharvani
3 Pyaar Ki Dastaan Amit Paul , Mahalaxmi Iyer 5:21 Picturised on Isha Sharvani & Farhan Akhtar
4 Yeh Aaj Kya Ho Gaya Sunidhi Chauhan 3:25 Picturised on Konkona Sen Sharma
5 Sapnon Se Bhare Naina Shankar Mahadevan 4:59 Picturised on Farhan Akhtar
6 O Rahi Re Shankar Mahadevan 4:27 Ending Credits of the Film
7 Baawre (Remix) Loy Mendonsa , Shankar Mahadevan 4:27

References

  1. ^ 'Luck By Chance' brings Aamir, SRK togetherRetrieved on 2009-01-22
  2. ^ IANS (January 5th, 2009). "Farhan Akhtar doubly anxious for sister's film". Thaindian News. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ A tale set in a world desperate to escape its own reality
  4. ^ a b c Shradha Sukumaran (2009-01-04). "Zoya Akhtar on Luck by Chance". Mid-Day. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
  5. ^ a b c IANS (January 20th, 2009). "Farhan was the perfect choice for 'Luck By Chance': Zoya Akhtar (Interview)". Thaindian News. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ a b IANS (August 19th, 2008). "Zoya Akhtar ropes in Javed, Shabana for 'Luck By Chance'". Thaindian News. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b IANS (January 16th, 2009). "None can match Hrithik shaking a leg: Isha Sharvani". Thaindian News. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Luck by Chance turns unluckyOne India Retrieved on 2009-01-30
  9. ^ IANS (January 21st, 2009). "Juhi Chawla dons blonde look for 'Luck By Chance' (Film Snippets)". Thaindian News. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Farhan Akhtar: LUCK BY CHANCE is absolutely commercial
  11. ^ Hrithik Roshan First Look Trailor In Luck By ChanceRetrieved on 2009-01-22
  12. ^ IVALSH (January 14, 2009). "BIGFlix to invite Luck by Chance participants to get lucky". IBOS. Retrieved 2009-01-22.
  13. ^ 'Luck By Chance' makers launch unique publicity driveMasala.com Retrieved on 2009-01-29
  14. ^ Luck by Chance: Radio DuniyaRetrieved on 2009-01-29
  15. ^ a b 'Luck By Chance' to release in 900 screens worldwide in 27 countriesNew Kerala Retrieved on 2009-01-30
  16. ^ Luck By Chance Shift to 30 January Next Year
  17. ^ Neil Genzlinger (January 30, 2009). "Luck by Chance:- A Bollywood Satire". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-01-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Anupama Chopra (January 30, 2009). "Movie Review: Luck By Chance". NDTV Movies. Retrieved 2009-01-30. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ Exclusive Movie Review: LUCK BY CHANCERetrieved on 2009-01-30
  20. ^ Gaurav Malani (29 Jan, 2009). "Movie Review: Luck By Chance". Times of India. Retrieved 2009-01-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ "Luck by Chance music". iTunes. Retrieved 23 December. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Music of LUCK BY CHANCE ruling all world music portal chartsRetrieved on 2009-01-22
  23. ^ Archana Jahagirdar (New Delhi January 25, 2009, 0:53 IST). "Luck by Chance". Business Standard. Retrieved 2009-01-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ 'Luck By Chance': A perfect soundtrack!MSN
  25. ^ "Luck By Chance: The music rocks". Rediff.com. 6th January 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Nikhil Taneja (January 07, 2009). "Music Review: Luck By Chance". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2009-01-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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