Madhuri Dixit in a still from 'Aaja Nachle'. Photo Credit: Yash Raj Films4 December 2007 (Sawf News) - Madhuri Dixit comeback film Aaja Nachle had a disappointing opening with multiplexes reporting 30 - 40% capacity crowds over the weekend.
Though the film has been panned by critics, Madhuri fans are flocking to the theatres and savoring the simple dance and musical extravaganza with rapt attention, even when it stretches the story line and credulity very thin.
The problem of course is there just aren't too many Madhuri fans, at least not the variety that finds the time to go to multiplexes.
Whether the disappointing opening ends with a disappointing run is yet not known. If it does, it should come as no surprise to the producers of the film. They must have known they were taking a huge risk making just Madhuri the USP for the film.
There is no actress in Bollywood who can sell a film all by herself. There has never been.
There is no doubt Madhuri put her heart and soul into the film, something that is evident from her superb and vigorous dance moves. But while her passion for dancing is heart warming and touching, its appeal is not broad based enough.
While speaking to the press recently, Madhuri alluded to running a dance school in India, something that she is shown doing in New York City in Aaja Nachle. That made us wonder how she is going to find the time to resume her film career, while running a family and a dance school!
Perhaps, it is no surprise Aaja Nachle came through as a good one off indulgence rather than a serious comeback effort.
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Hello,
What excatly does the South Asians Womens Forum have against Madhuri Dixit? I am wondering why you have done nothing but attack the idea of her comeback to films since it was announced - from the idea that a woman of her demograph should make a film at all, to suggesting that she has had botox or plastic surgery if she looks good.
I think its quite sad that you are marketing yourselves as the voice of South Asian women, but you have shown no support for a married actress, with children making a comback to cinema. If you were really representing South Asian women, you could have at least supported the idea that a big producer has cast a female lead in her 40's without the need to rely on a male star - however you have chosen to take the 'married women of a certain age should play nothing but Bhabhis or Mothers' approach to this positive move for women in Bollywood.
I find this statement from a women's forum particularly alarming -
"There is no actress in Bollywood who can sell a film all by herself. There has never been." Surely you of all forums should be saying that this is an injustice in Bollywood, not suggesting that this is something that the producers or Madhuri Dixit are idiots for challenging.
Thank you for proving that you are not the voice of South Asian women and their progress in any way shape or form.
R. Chohan., 04 Dec 2007
I totally agree with this person above (R. Chohan)! Well said! Madhuri still is the best actress in Bollywood, and she could totally carry a movie alone! Aaja Nachle was a great movie, and I too blame the media for its failure to do well... I don't know when people will stop believing stupid reviews from the media and will start forming their own opinions! I can't believe that in today's age stupid movies like Om Shanti Om still do well, but a gem like Aaja Nachle failed... unbelievable!
Savoera, 28 Dec 2007
your statement "There is no actress in Bollywood who can sell a film all by herself. There has never been." is totally false. Madhuri's film used to run for her presence, it is a historical fact and you cannot change it. Take "dil", "beta" or "raja", all ran for her and only for her, she overshadowed all the male actors. Nobody even noticed Salman in "Hum Apke hain Koun". And for your information today no star can run a film, for last 5/6 years only films with good script run well at BO, that is why we see even srk, askshay, salman's film fails if they are bad. Aaja nachle was not well made and it did not do justice to madhuri's talent. When you say she does not have many fans that is a lie, " she still is the most popular actress" because of the bad review many fans got scared to watch the movie and thought they would wait to see it later.
Madhuri is the best actress ever and badmouthing about her cannot defame her.
Anonymous, 29 Dec 2007