Jump to content

Dostana(2008 film)

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dostana
Theatrical release poster depicts a woman sitting on a bed and two men lying on each side, looking forward. Text at the bottom of the poster reveals the title, tagline, production credits and release date.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTarun Mansukhani
Written byStory and Screenplay:
Tarun Mansukhani
Dialogues:
Anvita Dutt Guptan
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyAyananka Bose
Edited byManan Ajay Sagar
Music bySongs:
Vishal–Shekhar
Score:
Salim–Sulaiman
Production
company
Distributed byYash Raj Films
Release date
  • 14 November 2008(2008-11-14)
Running time
139 minutes[1]
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹40 crore[2]
Box office₹87.15 crore[2]

Dostana(transl. Friendship) is a 2008 IndianHindi-languageromantic comedyfilm directed byTarun Mansukhaniand produced byDharma Productions.The film starsAbhishek Bachchan,John AbrahamandPriyanka Choprain lead roles. Set inMiami,the films follows two men who pretend to be gay to share an apartment with a girl; eventually, both fall in love with her.

Mansukhani conceived the film as a tale of 3 friends living together, drawing inspiration by his own experience. Wanting to add something different to the script, he later decided to introducehomosexuality,which he thought was unexplored by Indian films, to shed light on the issue for the Indian audience.Manish Malhotradesigned Chopra's costumes, andAki Naruladesigned costumes for the rest of the cast. The soundtrack was composed byVishal–Shekhar;KumaarandVishal Dadlaniwrote its lyrics, whileSalim–Sulaimancomposed the background score.Principal photographytook place inMiami,Floridaover a two-month period in the first half of 2008.Dostanawas the first mainstream Indian film with a gay element and has been credited for exploring a topic largely ignored byHindi cinema.

Dostanawas released on 14 November 2008 to positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, the chemistry between its three leads and its direction, music, cinematography, humor, costumes and style. A box-office success, it grossed over₹871 million, becoming one of thehighest grossing Hindi films of 2008.At the54th Filmfare Awards,Dostanareceived 9 nominations, includingBest Film,Best Actor(Bachchan),Best Supporting Actress(Kher) andBest Music Director(Vishal–Shekhar).

Dostanawas influential in creatingfashion trends in India,with Chopra's silversari,worn in the song "Desi Girl", becoming popular. Abraham's yellow trunks, Chopra's golden swimsuit and the actors' looks and style also received considerable attention and were popular with youngsters.Dostanais regarded as one of the most stylish and trend-setting of Indian films, withFilmfareranking it #1 in a 2013 poll.

Plot

[edit]

Sameer "Sam" Acharya, amale nurseand Kunal Chauhan, afashion photographerare fun-loving, womanising bachelors inMiami.They first meet at a friend's place after a night out with girls and run into each other again when they are interested in renting the same apartment. The apartment belongs to Neha Melwani, who works forVerve.She lives there with her aunt Ishita "Ishu" Melwani, who refuses to sublet the apartment to either of them since Neha wants girls as flatmates. After meeting a gay soldier, Sam persuades a reluctant Kunal to pretend that they are lovers so they can rent the apartment. They regret their decision when they meet Neha since they are attracted to her. The three become good friends, and Sam and Kunal fall in love with her.

As Sam and Kunal continue the charade, Kunal convinces Sam to apply for adomestic partnershipwith him, as Sam is a US citizen and Kunal is not. Unknown to them, the approval letter is sent to Sam's conservative mother Rani, who lives in London. Neha's gay Boss, Murli "M", resigns asVerve's editor and must choose his successor. Hoping to impress him and get the job, Neha invites him for dinner at her house and asks Sam and Kunal to entertain him. A US immigration agent visits them for a surprise inspection and joins the party. Chaos ensues when Rani arrives from London to confront her son about his newfound sexuality. Sam tries to deny his relationship with Kunal, but the immigration agent affirms that they are a couple. M becomes upset because Neha had told him Sam and Kunal were both single, and leaves.

At Neha's office the following day, M announces that Abhimanyu "Abhi" Singh will be the new editor. Neha, upset at being passed over for promotion, goes home and is consoled by Rani; in turn, she helps Rani accept her son's sexuality. Kunal and Sam help Neha with a project assigned by Abhi, who is impressed with her work. They later take Neha on separate dates, both telling her that they love her. Neha, convinced that they are gay, sees the dates as friendly outings. When Abhi and Neha begin dating, Sam and Kunal sabotage the budding relationship by giving Abhi inappropriate advice; this irritates Neha, and she and Abhi quarrel. When Neha discovers Kunal and Sam's plan, she misinterprets it as jealousy towards her being with Abhi.

Sam and Kunal redirect their efforts into frightening Veer, Abhi's five-year-old son, about his future with Neha. During a basketball game, Neha discovers that Abhi plans to propose to her and asks for Kunal and Sameer's advice. They ask her to turn him down, admitting that their homosexuality is a ruse and they both love her. Veer tells Abhi about his fears, and during the game, Abhi breaks up with Neha. She tearfully evicts Kunal and Sameer from her apartment, and resigns fromVerve.

A few months later Kunal and Sam meet in court, where they are picking upresidence permits.Recognizing the value of their friendship with Neha and each other, they reconcile. They find Neha at a fashion show and try to apologise, but she refuses to see them. Unaware of Neha and Abhi's break-up, they ask about the wedding and Neha tells them about Veer's fears. Kunal and Sam admit that they manipulated the boy, angering Neha and Abhi. Kunal and Sam climb onto the stage and beg Neha's forgiveness. The crowd encourages them to beg on their knees, say that they love her and blow her kisses, but nothing softens her. When the crowd tells them to kiss each other, they refuse. Neha and Abhi turn to leave, and Kunal kisses a reluctant Sam. Abhi and Neha are both amazed by the lengths to which they will go to regain her trust; Neha forgives them. Kunal and Sam then get down on their knees and propose to Abhi on her behalf. Amused, Abhi agrees.

Two months later, Neha playfully asks Kunal and Sam if they felt anything for each other when they pretended to be gay; they say "no", remembering their kiss.

Cast

[edit]

The cast is listed below:[3][4]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

During the production ofKaran Johar's ensemble musical romantic dramaKabhi Alvida Naa Kehna(2006),Tarun Mansukhaniconceived a film about 3 friends who share an apartment.[5]After the production wrapped, Karan Johar told him that Mansukhani was ready to direct a film and should write a script; if Johar liked it, he would produce the film.[5]He set the film inMiami,since he liked its lifestyle and culture: "People in Miami work hard and party harder and I wanted to capture that in my film."[6]Mansukhani worked for eight months on the script; Johar liked it, and asked him about the cast.[5]In an interview, Manuskhani describedDostanaas a story of "how the three strangers come together, live together in an apartment and have their moments of happiness and sorrow."[6]

The director was inspired by his own experiences: "The germ for that comes from my own childhood memories of school-time friends. I have lived in boarding school for most of my childhood and the friends that I have today are the ones whom I got in touch with during 4th/5th standard. I may not speak to them for years but they are a family whom I can call up at 4 am without hesitation."[5][7]Manuskhani soon realised that Bollywood had explored friendship, live–in relationships, marriage and divorce many times, and he wanted to do something different for his debut film. He decided to usesexualityto shed light on the issue, untouched by Bollywood, for the Indian audience.[5]

Mansukhani later added the gay storyline because he thought it was an issue that needed to be touched on. However, the director did not want the film to be serious or preachy: "I also realise that when you preach via cinema nobody wants to hear it".[5][7]"The film has a message, if you get it, great. If you don't, no problem, sit back, relax and enjoy the film", he said about making it a romantic comedy.[5]In February 2008, Johar announced the film's titleDostana;the producer named it after a1980 filmproduced by his father,Yash Johar.Asked if his film was also a love triangle, he replied: "Well, yes and no. Though it's a love story, there's a never-before twist in the tale. All I can say on record is that we've never had a love triangle like this before."[8]The gay storyline was not disclosed until the trailers were released. Manan Sagar was hired to edit the film, and the duoSalim–Sulaimancomposed the background score.[4]

Casting

[edit]
Abhishek Bachchan in dark glasses, with a microphone
A smiling John Abraham, in a white shirt and black coat
A smiling Priyanka Chopra in a strapless dress
(Left to Right):Bachchan, Abraham and Chopra played the lead roles.

Abhishek Bachchan,John AbrahamandPriyanka Choprawere cast in the lead roles.[8]Aishwarya Raiwas originally offered the lead role, but she refused it because she did not want to end up with another man in her first film with her husband (Bachchan) after their marriage. AfterDostana'srelease, she regretted the decision.[9]Saif Ali Khanrefused the role of Kunal because he was uncomfortable with a husband and wife (Bachchan and Rai) playing the other two leads.[10]In early April 2008,Shilpa Shettywas signed for a special appearance in one of the film's songs.[11]

Bachchan said that Sam was his most difficult character to play, and he worked hard on his gestures and mannerisms: "I had to work very hard to portray a straight man acting gay. It could easily have gone over-board. I wanted to avoid making the character caricatural [sic]. Barring one portion... we kept it controlled. "[12]Bachchan and Abraham, who had gained weight for their earlier films, had to lose the weight and become more muscular.[6]Although Chopra agreed to wear aswimsuit,she refused to wear abikini.[13]The actress said that she did not lose any weight (as the media speculated), but worked out for a toned look in her films; she was also filmingFashion(2008) at the time.[13]According to Chopra, "ForFashion,I had to put on six kilos and later had to shed chip by chip as the character progressed in the film. My body structure inDostanais more toned than inFashionas it is a completely beach film. I've worked very hard on my body. "[14]

Costume design

[edit]

Manish MalhotraandAki NaruladesignedDostana'scostumes (Malhotra for Chopra and Narula for the rest of the cast).[15]It was Malhotra's second time working with Chopra; the first was forAndaaz(2003). Since the film was set in Miami, he decided on a holiday look; Chopra's character, a fashion editor, would wear stylish, chic clothes.[16]The actress had "a lot ofshorts,tank tops,tees, formal jackets and bikini tops ", and her wardrobe had a" beach vibe. "[13][16][17]Malhotra gave her a very young, "girlie" look.[15]He designed clean lines with many colours,[15]toning down Chopra's accessories: "You will notice that none of her dresses have any embroidery or designs either. All her outfits are mainly insatin,chiffonandgeorgette."[16]

The designer gave Chopra shorts and singlets with loosesilhouettes.[15]Malhotra said that although the actress prefers grey, black and white, he decided to experiment with bright solid colours like "the ones in thecitrusfamily. "[16]Chopra was initially apprehensive about the colours, but Malhotra changed her mind: "Priyanka has worn colour like never before in this film. There's lime, tangerine, cranberry, pink, yellow, purple... the rainbow."[15]He wanted to design the swimsuit in a metallic gold or silver;[16]he and Chopra settled on gold because of her dusky skin, which they thought a perfect foil for the colour.[13]The golden swimsuit was created by combining two swimsuits; because they were small, Malhotra attached the second one to make the swimsuit seen in the film.[13][18]

Although Johar and Mansukhani wanted Chopra to wear a gown for the song "Desi Girl", Malhotra suggested asari.[17][18]They considered it unsuitable for a character in Miami, but Malhotra said that if they could do a song like "Desi Girl" in Miami, Chopra could wear a sari and "treat it like a dress".[17][18]They later agreed on the sari, Chopra's only Indian costume in the film. Malhotra designed a modern sari, giving it a Western feel with a long, silver-sequined skirt and a bikini-typeblouse.[16][17][18]The designer chose silver because only a silver sari could compete with the golden swimsuit.[17]

Unfamiliar with Miami culture, Aki Narula spent time there before filming began to learn how Miamians dressed[15]and gave Bachchan long cargo shorts and cotton shirts in bright colours.[16]According to the designer, the most interesting parts of his styling were the matching scarves, which resembled extended shirt collars.[16]Narula gave Bachchan cargo and embroidered pants and sunglasses.[16]The embroidery, primarily dragons and palm trees, conveyed a tropical summer look.[16]

Narula gave Abraham (who plays a fashion photographer who works and lives on the beach) cargo and boxer shorts, trunks for swimming scenes,[15]and jerseys and football shorts inwindcheaterfabrics.[16]He also gave him flip-flops, canvas shoes and T-shirts with slogans such as a "Use A Condom", which the designer considered important.[16]Malhotra and Narula collaborated on the colour palette: "If Manish would give Priyanka yellow, then I would go for a green for John and a pink for Abhishek."[15]Narula also designed for Deol, Irani, Kher and Mukherjee. He chose brands such asDolce & GabbanaandGuccifor Deol (theVerveeditor), giving him sleek suits with short jackets and skinny pants with narrow bottoms.[15]Kirron Kher, who played Bachchan's mother, was styled as a typical Punjabisalwar-kameez-clad woman withgotaembroidery.[15]For Sushmita Mukherjee, who played Chopra's aunt, Narula chose animal prints and diamonds, pearls, silver and gold: "When we shopped for her it was like 'oh god, this is so tacky, let's buy it, or oh, I hate it, it'll be fabulous'".[15]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photographytook place over a two-month period from mid-March to May 2008 inMiami.[14][19][20]Dostana'sart directorwas Amrita Mahal. Mahal assistedSharmishta Royfor four years, worked with her onKabhi Alvida Naa Kehnaand became friends with Tarun Mansukhani.[21]When Mansukhani asked her to work on his directorial debut, she jumped at the opportunity. Three large sets were created for the film in Miami: the apartment, theVerveoffice and the "Desi Girl" set.[21]Smaller sets had simple floor plans. The types of houses in Miami were researched, and Mahal described them as "large and spacious compared to cramped apartments in New York."[21]

Aerial view of modern beachfront buildings
Dostanawas filmed almost entirely inMiami.

A three-bedroom apartment with an outdoor pool was created, and the bedrooms were designed to suit their occupants. After toying with colours for theVerveoffice, Mahal decided to make it black and used four colours for the apartment.[21]Her team gave the furniture a Victorian look; Mahal was pleased with the chandeliers, which she considered lavish for an office.[21]Construction of the "Desi Girl" set, the last to be built, was stressful because of its light-generated heat. Over 100 sketches were drawn to reach the final version,[21]which usedplasterof Paris, moulding fibre and wood. A dance floor was surrounded by tables and chairs for a stage-like appearance.[21]

Ayananka Bosewas the film's cinematographer.[22]According to Bose, its location was the big factor in his work: "Dostanais based in Miami and to me, Miami means sunshine and beaches. That is what stayed in my mind. "[22]Bose chose a bright frame because the film was a comedy about friendship, and the bright frame conveyed vibrancy: "That is what automatically gaveDostanaits expression. "[22]He found the office set challenging, since there was nowhere to put lights and the room had glass on one side and a wall on the other. However, Bose enjoyed filming on the apartment and office sets.[22]

"Desi Girl" was choreographed byFarah Khan,andVaibhavi Merchantchoreographed the other songs.[4]Theitem number"Shut Up & Bounce" was shot in Miami in early April 2008;[11]"Desi Girl", with the three lead actors, was filmed in September.[23]Filming ended with a music video, a remix of "Ma Da Laadla", which appears in the closing credits. The video was shot in mid-October 2008 atFilmistanstudio inMumbai,where the lead actors filmed their scenes separately.[24]

Soundtrack

[edit]
Dostana
Soundtrack albumby
Vishal–Shekhar
Released6 October 2008(2008-10-06)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length30:45
LabelSony BMG
ProducerVishal–Shekhar
Vishal–Shekharchronology
Bachna Ae Haseeno
(2008) 		Dostana
(2008) 		Aladin
(2009)

Dostana'ssoundtrack was composed by the duoVishal–Shekhar.Anvita Dutt Guptanwrote the lyrics for three songs, andKumaarwrote two songs.[25]In addition to co-composing the soundtrack and providing vocals on four songs,Vishal Dadlaniwrote the lyrics for one.[25]The album contains six original songs with vocals by Vishal Dadlani,Shankar Mahadevan,Sunidhi Chauhan,Master Saleem,Shreya Ghoshal,Amanat Ali andShaan.[25]The soundtrack album was released on 6 October 2008 bySony Music.[26]

The soundtrack received highly positive reviews from music critics. Joginder Tuteja ofBollywood Hungamarated it four out of five, calling it an "excellent album": "There is not one single number which doesn't work. In fact, if three soft numbers 'Kuch Kum', 'Khabar Nahin' and 'Jaane Kyun' are the pick of the lot, then 'Desi Girl' is a definite must for the dance floors. 'Maa Da Laadla' and 'Shut up & Bounce' have their own place under the sun."[25]Planet Bollywoodrated the album eight-and-a-half out of ten, and called it Vishal–Shekhar's best album of the year: "Whether it be through the touching vocal, musical, and lyrical poetry of 'Kuch Kum', Vishal's riveting vocal performance in 'Jaane Kyun', the soothing depths of 'Khabar Nahin', or the uplifting, feel-good breeze of 'Desi Girl',Dostanahas music for everyone to savor! "[26]

Hindustan Timesalso gave it a positive review, calling it "a surefire chartbuster".[27]According toNews18,"Except for 'Shut Up and Bounce', each song inDostanais wrapped in fun and peppiness on the one hand and melody and rhythm on the other. "[28]According to the Indian trade websiteBox Office India,with around 1,700,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack album was the year's fourth highest-selling.[29]

Track listing[30]
No.TitleLyricsArtist(s)Length
1."Jaane Kyun"Anvita Dutt GuptanVishal Dadlani4:37
2."Shut Up & Bounce"Anvita Dutt GuptanVishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan4:37
3."Desi Girl"KumaarShankar Mahadevan,Sunidhi Chauhan,Vishal Dadlani5:06
4."Khabar Nahin"Anvita Dutt GuptanVishal Dadlani,Shreya Ghoshal,Amanat Ali, Raja Hasan4:19
5."Maa Da Laadla"KumaarMaster Saleem,Sunidhi Chauhan4:05
6."Kuch Kum"Vishal DadlaniShaan5:40
Total length:30:49

Marketing and release

[edit]

Stills fromDostanareleased to the media in late July 2008 were well-received,[23]and the film's first trailer was released in mid-August.[31][32]The trailer received considerable attention because of the film's gay storyline (a first in mainstream Indian film), which was kept secret during production.[8][31][33]Its trailers, music and style attracted advance publicity, aiding the film's marketing.[34][35]

The producers promotedDostanain collaboration withVerve,which dedicated its November issue to the film.[36]The issue, with Chopra on its cover, contained 40 pages of interviews with the actress, Mansukhani and Johar, fashion shoots on the sets, clothing by its designers and fashion and beauty articles based on the film.[36][37]AlthoughMaybellineproducts were not used for Chopra's make-up, the company promoted Chopra's appearance withbehind-the-scenesfootage in their television and print advertisements and invited its customers to mirror the actress.[37]The producers collaborated withFacebook,which featured advertisements with each of the three lead actors urging users to form their owngroup.[37]Pantaloonspartnered with the film to showcase its apparel in 43 outlets across India.[37]

Home media

[edit]

Distributed byYash Raj Films,it was released on DVD on 30 December 2009 in allregionsin a two-disc pack.[38][39]The DVDs include bonus content on the making of the film, deleted scenes, the music video (for "Maa Da Laadla", bloopers, "Date withDostana"(an interview segment presented by Karan Johar), a" Do theDostana"challenge, a theatrical trailer and advertisements.[38]AVCDversion was released at the same time,[39]and a single-disc DVD was also released.[40]The film's Blu-ray version was released on 14 December 2009.[41]

Reception

[edit]

Box office

[edit]

Made on a production and marketing budget of₹210 million,Dostanawas released on 14 November 2008.[42][3]The film opened well, with over 80-percent occupancy in multiplexes and over 60-percent occupancy in single-screen cinemas.[43][44]According toBox Office India,the film earned about₹53 million on its opening day and over₹173 million in its first weekend at the domestic box office.[3]At the end of its first week, it had earned₹267 million.[3]In its second week,Dostanacontinued to do well and was the best-performing film, despite the release of theSalman Khan-Katrina Kaif-starrerYuvvraaj.[45][46]The film was considered a hit in its second week.[45]It also performed well in the overseas market, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States.[47]Dostanagrossed ₹261 million on the overseas market and over ₹610 million at the domestic box office for a worldwide gross of over ₹871 million.[3]The film, a commercial success, was theseventh-highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year.[48]

Critical reception

[edit]

Dostanareceived positive reviews from critics, who praised its performances, the chemistry between its three leads and its direction, humour, music, visuals, costumes and style.

Review aggregatorRotten Tomatoesgives the film an approval rating of 81% based on 16 reviews, with anaverage ratingof 5.50 out of 10.[38]A review inThe Guardianpraised Mansukhani's direction and writing, calling it "a straight victory for gay comedy": "India's convoluted attitude to gayness finally has its cinematic manifestation inDostana,one of the gayest films ever made in any country but in which almost no one is actually gay. It's also a terrific movie – the best and funniest Bollywood film I've seen in a very long time. "[49]Describing the film as a "decent-hearted comedy", Rachel Saltz ofThe New York Timeswrote: "Dostanadeserves credit. It irreverently normalizes a topic that has been virtually absent from screens in India, and does so using contemporary Bollywood's best not-so-secret weapon: star power. "[50]David Chute ofLA Weeklycalled it "a pure star-vehicle, gliding along on charm and timing – exactly the sort of comfort cinema Hollywood now seems incapable of making."[51]

Taran AdarshofBollywood Hungamagave the film a 4 out of 5 rating and called it a madcap comedy which dared to "push the envelope in its own way": "Dostanais a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter. "[52]The Times of Indiaalso rated it 4 out of 5: "It introduces the most outrageous scenes in popular Hindi cinema and manages to get away with it because it's all done with an infectious zest and effervescence that keeps the ribs tickling."[53]Pratim D. GuptaofThe Telegraphrated the film 7.5 out of 10, writing thatDostana"can make you laugh out loud and also strike an emotional chord."[54]Raam Tarat ofFuture Moviesrated the film 3.5 out of 5, praising its performances ( "The lead actors share a great chemistry, are easy on the eye and oh so charming that they, along with beautiful Miami make for a visual treat" ) and calling it "a great, fun entertainer with lots of charm and great music."[55]ForHindustan Times,film criticKhalid MohamedgaveDostanaa 3.5 out of 5 rating: "Good taste, pop colour Miami locations, high-end costumes, make-up styling and the A-gradeDharma Productionsvalues add up to a zingy entertainer ".[56]

Rajeev Masandalso gave the film a positive review, calling it "a barrel of non-stop laughs": "It puts the fun back into the movies. You laugh harder than you have in a long time. It's a film with a one-point agenda – to entertain you while you're in your seat. It achieves that, no two ways about it."[57]Sudhish KamathofThe Hindunoted thatDostana"largely reflects a society in transition and begins to address the issues of acceptance within the Indian framework of marriage": "Dostanais great mass entertainment manipulating the inherent homophobia of a country on the threshold of change, but what's significant is that it will bring parents and children together to share laughs over alternative sexuality and related issues that will no longer remain in the closet. "[58]

Raja SenofRediffgave the film a mixed review. Although he found it "genuinely entertaining", he was disappointed withDostana'streatment of homosexuality. According to Sen, it would set "an already-fragile mindset of Indians" a decade back in its attitudes: "We in India haven't yet matured to sensitive, normalized portrayals of homosexuality, and this film continues to paint them as freaks of nature."[59]

Awards

[edit]
Award Date[a] Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref(s)
Filmfare Awards 28 February 2009 Best Film Dostana Nominated [60]
Best Actor Abhishek Bachchan Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Kirron Kher Nominated
Best Debut Director Tarun Mansukhani Nominated
Best Music Director Vishal–Shekhar Nominated
Best Choreography Farah Khan(for "Desi Girl" ) Nominated
Best Cinematography Ayananka Bose Nominated
Best Costume Design Manish Malhotra,Aki Narula Nominated
Best Scene of the Year Dostana Nominated
International Indian Film Academy Awards 13 June 2009 Best Film Dostana Nominated [61]
[62]
Best Actor Abhishek Bachchan Nominated
Best Performance in a Comic Role Won
Best Supporting Actress Kirron Kher Nominated
Best Music Director Vishal–Shekhar Nominated
Best Female Playback Singer Sunidhi Chauhan(for "Desi Girl" ) Nominated
Best Choreography Farah Khan(for "Desi Girl" ) Won
Producers Guild Film Awards 6 December 2009 Best Actor Abhishek Bachchan Nominated [63]
Best Actor in a Comic Role Boman Irani Nominated
Best Costume Design Manish Malhotra Nominated
Best Choreography Farah Khan(for "Desi Girl" ) Nominated
Screen Awards 14 January 2009 Best Actor Abhishek Bachchan Nominated [64]
[65]
[66]
Best Actor (Popular Choice) Nominated
Best Actress (Popular Choice) Priyanka Chopra[b] Nominated
Best Debut Director Tarun Mansukhani Nominated
Best Music Director Vishal–Shekhar Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Shankar Mahadevan(for "Desi Girl" ) Nominated
Best Choreography Farah Khan(for "Desi Girl" ) Nominated
Best Dialogue Anvita Dutt Guptan Nominated
Best Cinematography Ayananka Bose Nominated
Jodi No. 1 Abhishek Bachchan&John Abraham Won
Stardust Awards 15 February 2009 Best Film Dostana Nominated [67]
Actor of the Year – Male Abhishek Bachchan Nominated
Actor of the Year – Female Priyanka Chopra[b] Won
Hottest New Filmmaker Tarun Mansukhani Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Bobby Deol Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Kirron Kher Nominated
Sushmita Mukherjee Nominated

Impact

[edit]

Homosexuality

[edit]

Dostanawas the first mainstream Indian film to explore homosexuality. The film has been credited with shedding light on a topic sensitive with a majority of Indian population, who were unaware ofsexual orientations.[68]AScreenarticle called it a "giant leap for the gay people in Indian films", and the film sparked debate.[69]According to a Bollywood Hungama report, "The fact that it is a mainstream film with two mainstream heroes taking the plunge to the extent of even showing a prolonged smooch and courtship should have the pink brigade cheering."[69]

Indian journalist and LGBT-rights activistAshok Row KavipraisedDostana:"I am glad, for the first time in Indian popular cinema, gays were not turned into caricatures and made fun of. What the film has done is to bring to notice gays as a concept in [the] Indian family."[70]Its depiction of a homosexual character's acceptance by his mother was seen as encouraging acceptance of gay people.[69]According to aDaily News and Analysisarticle, "gay talk" went mainstream in Bollywood with the film: "Films likeDostanaare playful and funny [and] bring sexuality as a dinner-table conversation piece. Bollywood is open to diversity in terms of subjects, including sexuality, and the audiences are ready to accept diversified subjects ".[68]

About the gay-rights movement, Namita Bhandare ofMintwrote thatDostana"will also shatter more glass ceilings, make homosexuality a little less taboo and bring conversation about gays and sexual orientation out in the open": "Here's a film that is made within the parameters and, therefore, limitations of mainstream cinema. The two lead actors aren't gay; they only pretend to be gay. But despite these limitations, the film brings homosexuality out of the fringe and into the drawing room".[71]Karan Johar said that afterDostana'srelease, he received thousands of emails from "kids, youngsters [and] teenagers" thanking him for making the film because their parents are now aware of homosexuality.[72]In a 2016 interview, Johar said: "There was once a point when we weren't even aware. People criticized me for stereotyping homosexuality inDostana.It's ridiculous how unaware people were before. The film, at least, brought the conversation [about] homosexuality into the drawing room of every urban home. "[72]

Fashion

[edit]

Prior toDostana'srelease, its style and fashions received considerable attention.[73]Chopra's golden swimsuit and Abraham's yellow trunks were noticed by the public, the media and fashion critics.[74]The film influenced fashion trends in India,[75]with its stars' costumes becoming popular[75](particularly Chopra's silver sari in "Desi Girl" ). Her sari's popularity encouraged designer Manish Malhotra to carry varieties of it in his store.[18]The actor's looks and style were popular with youngsters and college students. Bachchan's floral shirts also were popular,[76]and Chopra's look was mirrored by the public.[77]Dostanaranks among the most stylish Indian films of all time, and was voted Most Stylish Film byFilmfarein 2013.[76]Bollywood Hungamaalso ranked it the most stylish Bollywood film of all time.[75]

Shelved sequel

[edit]

In June 2019, Johar announced a sequel,Dostana 2,to be directed by Collin D'Cunha and produced by Dharma Productions.[78]Kartik Aaryan,Janhvi KapoorandLakshyawere announced to star as the leads.[79]The film entered production on 8 November 2019,[80]but ended up inproduction helldue to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[81]In December 2021,Bollywood Hungamareported that the sequel had been shelved indefinitely.[82]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^Linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
  2. ^abAlso for her role inFashion.

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Dostana (2008)".British Board of Film Classification.Archived fromthe originalon 3 March 2017.Retrieved3 March2017.
  2. ^ab"Dostana – Movie".Box Office India.Archivedfrom the original on 25 July 2016.Retrieved13 March2017.
  3. ^abcde"Dostana".Box Office India.Archived fromthe originalon 25 July 2016.Retrieved13 March2017.
  4. ^abc"Dostana Cast & Crew".Bollywood Hungama.Archived fromthe originalon 13 March 2017.Retrieved13 March2017.
  5. ^abcdefgShah, Jigar (20 November 2008)."'There is no gay bashing'".The Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 13 March 2017.Retrieved12 March2017.
  6. ^abcRamani, Nithya (26 August 2008)."'Abhishek, John act gay in Dostana'".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 29 August 2008.Retrieved12 March2017.
  7. ^ab"Karan Johar loves me too much: Tarun Mansukhani".Sify.11 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 13 March 2017.Retrieved13 March2017.
  8. ^abc"Karan Johar's next film is titled Dostana".Sify.7 February 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 12 March 2017.Retrieved12 March2017.
  9. ^Masand, Rajeev."Unsure if opting out of Dostana was right: Ash".RajeevMasand.Archived fromthe originalon 19 March 2017.Retrieved19 March2017.
  10. ^Masand, Rajeev."Would have kissed SRK if we were in Dostana: Saif".RajeevMasand.Archived fromthe originalon 19 March 2017.Retrieved19 March2017.
  11. ^ab"Shilpa to do a song with Abhishek, John".Sify.5 April 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  12. ^Jha, Subhash K. (4 December 2008).""My dad loved Dostana" – Abhishek Bachchan ".Bollywood Hungama.Archived fromthe originalon 13 February 2009.Retrieved19 March2017.
  13. ^abcdeBhattacharya, Roshmila(13 November 2008)."'My wardrobe in Dostana has a beach vibe'".Hindustan Times.Archived fromthe originalon 13 March 2017.Retrieved13 March2017.
  14. ^ab"Priyanka Chopra's Dostana body".Sify.7 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  15. ^abcdefghijkAgarwal, Shradha (6 November 2008)."The brief".The Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 13 March 2017.Retrieved13 March2017.
  16. ^abcdefghijklRamani, Nithya (12 November 2008)."Bikini tops for Priyanka, shorts for John!".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 12 March 2016.Retrieved13 March2017.
  17. ^abcdeNag, Nilanjana (12 April 2009)."Bling is king".Mumbai Mirror.Archived fromthe originalon 7 June 2017.Retrieved13 March2017.
  18. ^abcdeJahagirdar, Archana (2 April 2009)."'There was a tussle between a gown and sari for Desi Girl'".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 13 March 2017.Retrieved13 March2017.
  19. ^"Karan Johar and crew off to Miami for Dostana".Sify.17 March 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 12 March 2017.Retrieved12 March2017.
  20. ^""Fashion is 70% complete" – Madhur Bhandarkar ".Bollywood Hungama.14 April 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  21. ^abcdefgRamani, Nithya (10 November 2008)."When John, Abhishek & Priyanka shared a 3BHK flat!".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  22. ^abcdMehta, Komal (12 November 2008)."Making Dostana gang look fab!".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  23. ^ab"An exclusive look at Dostana".Bollywood Hungama.24 July 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 2 May 2009.Retrieved17 March2017.
  24. ^"I dote on Abhishek: John Abraham".Sify.3 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  25. ^abcdTuteja, Joginder (17 October 2008)."Dostana Music Review".Bollywood Hungama.Archivedfrom the original on 11 March 2017.Retrieved11 March2017.
  26. ^ab"Dostana Music Review".Planet Bollywood.Archived fromthe originalon 19 December 2008.Retrieved11 March2017.
  27. ^Taneja, Nikhil (13 November 2008)."Music review: Dostana".Hindustan Times.Archived fromthe originalon 11 March 2017.Retrieved11 March2017.
  28. ^"Dostana music review: A hattrick for Vishal-Shekhar".News18.20 October 2008.Archivedfrom the original on 11 March 2017.Retrieved11 March2017.
  29. ^"Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units)".Box Office India.Archived fromthe originalon 24 June 2010.
  30. ^"Dostana (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)".iTunes.6 October 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 11 March 2017.Retrieved11 March2017.
  31. ^abHasan, Sheeba (17 August 2008)."Dostana of a different kind".Masala.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  32. ^"Are Abhishek and John gay?".Sify.28 August 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  33. ^Jamkhandikar, Shilpa (19 August 2008)."BLOG – Going gay in Bollywood".Reuters.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  34. ^"Preview: Jolly 'gay' mood sets in with Abhishek and John's 'Dostana'".Zee News.14 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  35. ^"Showcasing Dostan".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 19 November 2008.Retrieved18 March2017.
  36. ^abShah, Gouri (7 November 2008)."Media brands look to Bollywood movies to promote their product".Mint.Archived fromthe originalon 19 March 2017.Retrieved19 March2017.
  37. ^abcdBhandari, Rohini (11 November 2008)."Brands contribute 35% marketing spends for Dostana".Bussinss of Cinema.Archived fromthe originalon 19 March 2017.Retrieved19 March2017.
  38. ^abc"Dostana (2008)".Rotten Tomatoes.Archivedfrom the original on 14 March 2018.Retrieved30 May2020.
  39. ^ab"Double release of DVD & VCD of" Dostana "and" Roadside Romeo "".Yash Raj Films.24 December 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  40. ^"Dostana".Amazon.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  41. ^"Dostana Blu-ray".Blu-ray.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  42. ^Neelam, Verjee (13 November 2008)."Bollywood goes off the straight and narrow path".Mint.Archivedfrom the original on 19 October 2021.Retrieved5 October2020.
  43. ^"Dostana gets lucky".Rediff.17 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 1 December 2008.Retrieved18 March2017.
  44. ^"BO: Dostana has a friendly opening".The Times of India.Archived fromthe originalon 8 June 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  45. ^ab"Top 5 Films at the Box Office".The Times of India.Archived fromthe originalon 8 June 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  46. ^"'Yuvvraaj' box-office collections disappointing ".Daily News and Analysis.23 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  47. ^"'Dostana' continues to dominate ".Bollywood Hungama.10 December 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  48. ^"Box Office 2008".Box Office India.Archived fromthe originalon 14 October 2013.Retrieved18 March2017.
  49. ^Dhaliwal, Nirpal (3 December 2008)."Dostana is a straight victory for gay comedy".The Guardian.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  50. ^Saltz, Rachel (14 November 2008)."Tolerance by Way of Real Estate".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  51. ^Chute, David (19 November 2008)."Movie Reviews: Twilight, Dostana, Eden".LA Weekly.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  52. ^Adarsh, Taran (13 November 2008)."Dostana Review".Bollywood Hungama.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  53. ^"Dostana Movie Review".The Times of India.14 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 7 June 2017.Retrieved14 November2008.
  54. ^Gupta, Pratim D. (15 November 2008)."Shut up and bounce".The Telegraph.Archived fromthe originalon 16 January 2010.Retrieved13 March2017.
  55. ^Tarat, Raam (14 November 2008)."Dostana (2008) Review".Future Movies.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  56. ^Mohamed, Khalid (17 November 2008)."Review: Dostana".Hindustan Times.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  57. ^Masand, Rajeev."Review Dostana".RajeevMasand.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  58. ^Kamath, Sudhish (21 November 2008)."Cool twist to male bonding – Dostana".The Hindu.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  59. ^Sen, Raja (14 November 2008)."Dostana is injuriously entertaining".Rediff.Archived fromthe originalon 2 March 2017.Retrieved2 March2017.
  60. ^"54th Filmfare Awards".Filmfare Awards.8 March 2009.Sony.
  61. ^"Nominations for the IIFA Awards 2009".Bollywood Hungama.29 April 2009. Archived fromthe originalon 7 November 2014.Retrieved14 March2017.
  62. ^"IIFA Through the Year – IIFA 2009".IIFA Awards.Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  63. ^"4th Apsara Awards".Producers Guild Film Awards.Archived fromthe originalon 5 March 2014.Retrieved13 March2017.
  64. ^"15th Star Screen Awards Nominations".Screen.Archived fromthe originalon 21 January 2009.Retrieved14 March2017.
  65. ^"15th Star Screen Awards Nominations (Popular)".Screen.Archived fromthe originalon 16 January 2009.Retrieved14 March2017.
  66. ^Maddox, Georgina (16 January 2009)."Abhishek and John win 'Best Couple' at Star Screen Awards".The Indian Express.Archived fromthe originalon 14 March 2017.Retrieved14 March2017.
  67. ^"Stardust Awards 2009".Stardust Awards.28 February 2009. SET MAX.
  68. ^ab"Gay talk goes mainstream in Bollywood with 'Dostana'".Daily News and Analysis.24 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 17 March 2017.Retrieved17 March2017.
  69. ^abc"Gay is suddenly the new buzzword".Bollywood Hungama.20 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 24 February 2009.Retrieved17 March2017.
  70. ^Sanger, Vasundhara (21 November 2008)."Fashion has demonised gays and lesbians: Ashok Row Kavi".The Times of India.Archived fromthe originalon 8 June 2017.Retrieved17 March2017.
  71. ^Bhandare, Namita (25 November 2008)."Gay rights movement gets aDostanaboost ".Mint.Archived fromthe originalon 17 March 2017.Retrieved17 March2017.
  72. ^ab"Karan Johar: Dostana brought concept of homosexuality into the drawing room".Firstpost.18 August 2016. Archived fromthe originalon 17 March 2017.Retrieved17 March2017.
  73. ^"'Dostana' setting yankee fashion trends with its style! ".Zee News.4 November 2008. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  74. ^"Bid for beachwear".Mumbai Mirror.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  75. ^abc"Most stylish Bollywood movies of all time".Bollywood Hungama.15 March 2016. Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  76. ^abGangwani, Rahul (5 February 2013)."Poll: Most Stylish Film — Dostana".Filmfare.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  77. ^Singh, Prashant (27 February 2014)."'People copied Priyanka Chopra's look in Dostana'".Hindustan Times.Archived fromthe originalon 18 March 2017.Retrieved18 March2017.
  78. ^"Kartik Aaryan and Janhvi Kapoor in Dostana 2, announces Karan Johar".India Today.27 June 2019.Archivedfrom the original on 28 June 2019.Retrieved30 June2019.
  79. ^"Newcomer Lakshya joins the cast of Karan Johar's Dostana 2".The Indian Express.5 September 2019.Archivedfrom the original on 5 September 2019.Retrieved5 September2019.
  80. ^"Dostana 2: Kartik Aaryan begins shooting for much awaited sequel, shares picture on Instagram with producer Karan Johar".Firstpost.10 November 2019.Archivedfrom the original on 15 November 2019.Retrieved20 November2019.
  81. ^Lalwani, Vickey (15 March 2021)."Exclusive! 'Dostana 2' shoot to finally resume from mid-April 2021 in India, not the UK".The Times of India.Archivedfrom the original on 15 March 2021.Retrieved15 March2021.
  82. ^"SCOOP: Karan Johar silently shelves Janhvi Kapoor and Kartik Aaryan's Dostana 2".Bollywood Hungama.14 December 2021.Archivedfrom the original on 6 July 2022.Retrieved14 July2022.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dostana_(2008_film)&oldid=1234104550"