<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/36005359.cms" /> After a week of great <keyword id="25892" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="box-office">box office</keyword> action, mainly due to the runaway success of Rajinikanth-starrer <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Box-Office-Kochadaiiyaan-Thrives-On-Rajini-Power-Heropanti-Soaring-High/articleshow/35710189.cms">Kochadaiiyaan</a>, <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> is back to a dismal crawl. Last Friday (May 30) saw the release of just two flicks – Hansal Mehta-directed <keyword id="502037" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Citylights">Citylights</keyword> and newbie film-maker <keyword id="1307809" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Aman-Sachdeva">Aman Sachdeva</keyword>’s <keyword id="1444695" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuku-Mathur-Ki-Jhand-Ho-Gayi">Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi</keyword> (well, this one is produced by <keyword id="6354597" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ekta-Kapoor">Ekta Kapoor</keyword>, <keyword id="154993" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Shobha-Kapoor">Shobha Kapoor</keyword> and Bejoy Nambiar). Although both are hatke movies in a way and the former has earned enough critical accolades, none could manage an impressive showing at the <keyword id="827271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-Box-Office">domestic box office</keyword> and recorded only 5-10% occupancy on debut day. 
 
Citylights, however, did considerably well after collecting just Rs 70 lakh on the opening Friday. The movie hit 500 screens and went on to earn Rs 3.57 crore at home in the first three days, according to <keyword id="6356809" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="producer">producer</keyword> figure (trade figure puts it at Rs 3.18 crore). But the crucial first Monday collections dipped again to Rs 60 lakh (approx). However, keeping in mind it is a <keyword id="2289947" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Low-budget-movie">low-budget movie</keyword> and cost around Rs 7 crore including P&amp;A, Citylights may just avoid losses. 
 
On the other hand, <keyword id="2289921" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuku-Mathur">Kuku Mathur</keyword> Ki Jhand Ho Gayi, a rom-com drama with a <keyword id="2289946" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="quirky-title">quirky title</keyword> and an unmistakable <keyword id="2289944" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Delhi-flavour">Delhi flavour</keyword>, has garnered a paltry Rs 1.60 crore over the first weekend, against an estimated budget of Rs 6 crore. In addition, it has landed into further trouble as a resident of <keyword id="6355556" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="bhopal">Bhopal</keyword> has reportedly filed a Public Interest Litigation (<keyword id="6355791" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="PIL">PIL</keyword>) against <keyword id="766823" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Balaji-Motion-Pictures">Balaji Motion Pictures</keyword>, claiming that the film’s title has hurt the sentiments of the Kayastha community. Kuku Mathur was released across 700 screens but going by its performance, it can be a clean washout at the box office. 
 
But what has gone wrong with Citylights? For one, the movie gives you a taste of unsavoury reality that is bound to jolt viewers. Inspired by the British film <keyword id="467511" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Metro-Manila">Metro Manila</keyword>, Citylights by <keyword id="303" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Director">director</keyword> <keyword id="4684" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hansal-Mehta">Hansal Mehta</keyword> (of Shahid fame) pieces together the gripping tale of an <keyword id="2289953" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uprooted-family">uprooted family</keyword> and their desperate struggle to survive in the ruthless city of Mumbai. The <keyword id="1097560" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="storyline">storyline</keyword> unveils a touching human document, superbly portrayed by the lead couple – <keyword id="1946388" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajkummar-Rao">Rajkummar Rao</keyword> (<keyword id="6357110" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="deepak">Deepak</keyword>) and debutante <keyword id="2222926" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Patralekha">Patralekha</keyword>. Even the crime drama blends well with the colourful kaleidoscope – gentle, sombre, harsh and tragic at times. The ending is undoubtedly filmy, but the rest shines with a rare sensitivity that saves Citylights from being a cliché. 
 
 <img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/36005438.cms" /> 
 
In contrast, Kuku Mathur is a <keyword id="2289956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Light-comedy">light comedy</keyword>, telling the story of two fast <keyword id="343" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Friends">friends</keyword> – Kuku Mathur (<keyword id="803840" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Siddharth-Gupta">Siddharth Gupta</keyword>) and <keyword id="2289924" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ronnie-Gulati">Ronnie Gulati</keyword> (<keyword id="2222736" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ashish-Juneja">Ashish Juneja</keyword>) – and their coming of age. This one is Sachdeva’s debut film and there are the usual hiccups in terms of plot and characters. But the lead duo and <keyword id="38050" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Amit-Sial">Amit Sial</keyword> (<keyword id="2289962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Prabhakar-Bhaiya">Prabhakar Bhaiya</keyword>, the baddie uncle trying to influence Kuku) have put in some fantastic acting; the humour is quite <keyword id="678332" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Subtle">subtle</keyword> at times and the <keyword id="2289967" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Delhi-backdrop">Delhi backdrop</keyword> adds some endearing local colours. Kuku’s culinary aspirations bring in a fresh <keyword id="30450" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Touch">touch</keyword>, but a crisper storyline and engaging <keyword id="42057" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Screenplay">screenplay</keyword> could have improved the film vastly. Overall, an average movie with a few ‘wow’ moments and that partly explains the poor box office response. 
 But in case you are longing for another <keyword id="654103" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="smash">smash</keyword> hit like <keyword id="1849408" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kochadaiiyaan">Kochadaiiyaan</keyword> or even <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Box-Office-Kochadaiiyaan-Thrives-On-Rajini-Power-Heropanti-Soaring-High/articleshow/35710189.cms">Heropanti</a>, wait till you get to watch Akshay Kumar-starrer <keyword id="2113212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holiday-A-Soldier-Is-Never-Off-Duty">Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty</keyword>, to be released on June 6. It is a remake of the Tamil hit <keyword id="2289970" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tuppaki">Tuppaki</keyword> and also stars <keyword id="62210" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonakshi-Sinha">Sonakshi Sinha</keyword>. Let us wait and see if ‘Akki’ can break the box office jinx. 
 
Images: Indiatimes

Citylights
Impressive But Tanks At Box Office; Kuku Mathur Doesn’t Take Off

<ul><li><keyword id="128682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="netflix" source="Orion">Netflix</keyword> enters into a longer partnership with Hansal Mehta for more web series like the Scoop.</li><li>Netflix will be engaged in the entire creative process from scripting to marketing and distribution.</li><li>Netflix has had a successful year across series and films with titles such as Khakee - The Bihar Chapter, Rana Naidu, Class, Mission Majnu, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, Kathal among others.</li></ul>After the runaway success of Scoop, a web series based on the life of a crime journalist, Netflix has announced a multi-year series partnership with filmmaker Hansal Mehta. Scoop was Mehta’s maiden series on the streaming platform which was inspired by a court case involving journalist Jigna Vora, who was accused of allegedly conspiring with gangster Chota Rajan in the murder of another prominent journalist in 2011. Taking this collaboration forward, Hansal will create multiple series for Netflix in the coming years. Scoop has been called a genre-defining series inspired by crime reporter Jigna Vora’s book ‘Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison.’ Audiences and critics alike have been captivated by the deeply layered characters and compelling storylines, hailing it as one of the most binge-worthy series of the year. Mehta is a National Award winning director instrumental in delivering many critically acclaimed films and series including Aligarh, Shahid, Citylights and Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story. “As a filmmaker, the idea of creating diverse and dynamic stories constantly keeps me on my toes. What excites me about this partnership with Netflix, which is home to some of the finest talent, is the potential for my work to reach viewers across the world. As was the case with Scoop, Netflix is engaged in the creative process right from scripting, all the way to marketing and distribution which is critical for the success of any creative collaboration. This long-term partnership with them is only going to empower me to dive into a variety of undiscovered stories,” he said. Over the years, docuseries and stories based on real life scams and personalities have captured the imaging of viewers. Another such series by Netflix was Bad Boy Billionaires: India, which documents the major financial scams that rocked India. These included some very colourful personalities like liquor baron <keyword id="14678" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vijay-mallya" source="Orion">Vijay Mallya</keyword>, diamantaire Nirav Modi and Subrata Roy. According to Netflix, the investigative docu series explored the greed, fraud and corruption that built up — and ultimately brought down — India’s most infamous tycoons. Monika Shergill, Vice President - Content, Netflix India, said “Hansal is a master of his craft and has an eye for spotting stories that have a broad appeal and are relevant to a wide audience. Being a nuanced storyteller, he is able to tell these stories like no other. Scoop marks yet another success for our series line-up this year, and with this partnership we look forward to never before seen stories that audiences will love.” Netflix has had a successful year across series and films with titles such as Khakee - The Bihar Chapter, Rana Naidu, Class, Mission Majnu, Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, Kathal and more.

Netflix taps Hansal Mehta for multi-year partnership following success of ‘Scoop’

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/46370454.cms" /> 
 It was a proud moment for A.R. Rahman, also known as the Mozart of Madras, as his band NAFS debuted on the stage in front of the who’s who of <keyword id="369120" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Indian-Music-Industry">Indian music industry</keyword>. 
 The occasion was the fifth <keyword id="476600" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Global-Indian-Music-Awards">Global Indian Music Awards</keyword> (GiMA), presented by Gionee and Star in Mumbai yesterday. The awards ceremony was anchored by Mika Singh and Manish Paul, and had performances from Atif Aslam, Arijit Singh, Pritam, <keyword id="89958" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shraddha-Kapoor">Shraddha Kapoor</keyword>, Benny Dayal, Sonu Nigam, Ankit Tewari, and Shankar Mahadevan among others. 
 
"It has been my privilege to showcase NAFS at GiMA for the first time ever," said Rahman after the sensational debut performance of his band. "For me, to give a platform to the next generation is my mission and this is one of the first initiatives to represent India internationally. The inspiration behind was Stevie Wonder," he added. 
 
Another performance that kept the audience entertained was done by 'The S7- Super 7', which was an act comprising some of the most talented singers of the Indian music industry. 
 
"It has been an absolute honour to bring together some of the world's finest musicians on a platform like GiMA. We've had the privilege of seeing greats like Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Jasraj, Usaat Zakir Hussain and A.R. Rahman on the same stage today," said Sabbas Joseph, director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd. 
 
Following is the list of major wins during the ceremony: 
 
· Lifetime Achievement Award – Classical: Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia 
· Global Musician Award: Ustad Zakir Hussain 
· Wizcraft Honour for Best Live Performer: Daler Mehndi 
· Best Fusion Album in the Non-film Category: A.R. Rahman (Coke Studio MTV Season 3) 
· Special Award for Best Music: Red Bull Tour Bus 
· Best Film Album: A.R. Rahman (Highway) 
· Best Music Director: Pritam 
· Best Music Debut (Film): Armaan Malik 
· Best Film Album: Yaariyaan 
· Best Playback Singer Male – Arijit Singh (Muskrane, CityLights) 
· Best Playback Singer Female – Kanika Kapoor (Baby Doll, Ragini MMS2) 
· Best Music Debut (Non-Film category): Armaan Malik 
· Best Celebrity Singer: Shraddha Kapoor (Ek Villain) 
· Best Devotional Music: Shankar Mahadevan (My Devotional Favourites) 
 
The awards were powered by Hungama.com and Kellogg’s Chocos, and would be telecast on Star Plus on March 15.

You Searched For "Citylights" and got 3 results

Citylights Impressive But Tanks At Box Office; Kuku Mathur Doesn’t Take Off

Sanghamitra Mandal

Netflix taps Hansal Mehta for multi-year partnership following success of ‘Scoop’

BI India Bureau

5th Global Indian Music Awards Held In Mumbai: Highlights

Nandini Sharma