:Anjaana Anjaani
{{short description|2010 film by Siddharth Anand}}
{{good article}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Anjaana Anjaani
| image = AnjaanaAnjaani.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| alt = Theatrical release poster depicts two people holding each other and looking towards one another. A snow filled park is in the background. Text at the bottom of the poster reveals the title, tagline, production credits and release date.
| director = Siddharth Anand
| producer = Sajid Nadiadwala
| writer = Siddharth Anand
| screenplay = Advaita Kala
| story = Mamta Anand
| starring = {{plainlist|
| music = {{ubl|Score:|Salim–Sulaiman|Songs:|Vishal–Shekhar}}
| studio = Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment
| distributor = Eros International
| cinematography = Ravi K. Chandran
| editing = Rameshwar S. Bhagat
| released = {{Film date|2010|10|1|df=y}}
| runtime = 147 minutes{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani (2010) |url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/anjaana-anjaani-2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418130103/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/anjaana-anjaani-2010 |archive-date=18 April 2017 |publisher=British Board of Film Classification |access-date=18 April 2017}}
| country = India
| language = Hindi
| budget = {{INR}}38 crore{{cite web |title='Anjaana Anjaani' economics: Eros to book good profits |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/anjaana-anjaani-economics-eros-to-book-good-profits/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710170647/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/anjaana-anjaani-economics-eros-to-book-good-profits/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
| gross = {{INR}}69.85 crore{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/box-office/|title=Anjaana Anjaani Box Office
|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=October 2010
|access-date=20 September 2020}}
}}
Anjaana Anjaani ({{Translation|"Strangers"}}) is a 2010 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy-drama film directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra as two suicidal strangers who meet and make a pact to commit suicide in 20 days on New Year's Eve. In the interim, the couple fulfils their personal wishes and eventually falls in love. The soundtrack of the film, composed by Vishal–Shekhar and lyrics by various artists including the duo themselves, received widespread critical acclaim and was a major commercial success. The film was promoted with the tag-line "All The Greatest Love Stories Are Between Strangers."
Wanting to make an unusual romance film, Anand struggled to find unconventional ideas while he was writing. His wife, Mamta, then came up with the core narrative of the film, which excited him and changed his perspective. Anand approached novelist Advaita Kala who developed the story into a feature-length script, and later co-wrote the screenplay with him. Principal photography was done entirely in New York City, Las Vegas and San Francisco.
Made on a production and marketing budget of {{INR}}380 million, Anjaana Anjaani was released on 1 October 2010, grossing over {{INR}}698 million at the box office, thus emerging as a moderate commercial success. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics, with praise for its novel concept, music, cinematography, humor, costumes and the leads' performances, but criticism for its screenplay and pacing. At the 56th Filmfare Awards, it received a nomination for Best Music Director for Vishal-Shekhar.
Anjaana Anjaani marks Anand's final romantic comedy drama film to date; he has since ventured into the action thriller genre, where he continues to be active. The film also marks his penultimate collaboration with Salim-Sulaiman, as well as his first with lyricist Kumaar, who would eventually become his and Vishal-Shekhar's regular collaborator on their future soundtracks together.
Plot
Akash lives in New York City; he has bankrupted his company and is in need of $12 million for paying the shareholders, but is unable to obtain a loan due to a stock market crash. He decides to jump off the George Washington Bridge. He meets Kiara, from San Francisco, who is also suicidal after catching her fiancé Kunal cheating on her. Akash and Kiara attempt to kill themselves, but are prevented from doing so by the Coast Guard. Still suicidal, Akash deliberately allows himself to be hit by a car, and Kiara falls on the bridge and breaks her neck. Their suicide attempts are unsuccessful, and they end up in hospital together. When they are discharged, Kiara takes Akash to her apartment because his house has been seized by the bank.
The pair try to kill themselves five times, failing each time. Eventually, they make a pact to end their lives on 31 December 2009. With 20 days left before their deadline, they decide to fulfill their unrealised wishes and begin a journey together. Kiara helps Akash find a date and shares with him how Kunal cheated on her. The next day, Akash cleans Kiara's messy apartment. Though he cannot swim, Akash is forced to fulfil Kiara's wish to swim in the cold Atlantic Ocean. However, at sea Kiara falls overboard and Akash rescues her. Their yacht drifts away, stranding them. As the two slowly succumb to hypothermia, Kiara continues telling her story to Akash. They are rescued again by the Coast Guard who intervened on the bridge.
After returning to land, Kiara's depression continues. She attempts to kill herself by drinking bleach and is rushed to hospital. After she is discharged, Akash realises his love for her, and tries everything to make her happy. The two venture to Las Vegas, as Akash has never gone on a holiday, and they end up in bed together. Kiara tells Akash that she still loves Kunal. Akash insists that she move back in with her parents and give Kunal a second chance. He moves in with his friend and colleague Deven, and plans to return to India on the night of 31 December to start afresh.
Akash attends the bank settlement and reconciles with several friends with whom he had fallen out, including his best friend Gaurav, as well as with his estranged father. Meanwhile, Kiara cannot stop thinking about Akash, and on the 31st she realises that she has fallen for him. Kunal discovers this and drops Kiara off at the airport. She reaches the bridge, but finds herself alone, believing she will never see Akash again. Just then he arrives. The pair go out to sea to die. Akash throws a beer bottle with a note in it, which Kiara gets and reads before he proposes to her. Surprised, she accepts, and the couple share a kiss while the Coast Guard rescues them. As the credits roll, Akash and Kiara are shown 2 years later, married with their 2 year old son.
Cast
The cast is listed below:{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaan Cast & Crew |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/cast/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=October 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518015542/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/cast/ |archive-date=18 May 2017}}
- Ranbir Kapoor as Akash Khanna
- Priyanka Chopra as Kiara Kapoor
- Zayed Khan as Kunal Nanda
- Vishal Malhotra as Gaurav Bahl, Akash’s friend
- Joy Sengupta as Deven
- Pooja Kumar as Peshto
- Tanvi Azmi as the Doctor
- Kumar Pallana as the Coast Guard
- Nakul Kamte as Kiara's dad
- Sucheta Khanna as Sapna, Deven's wife
Production
=Development=
After having directed three back-to-back romantic comedies, namely Salaam Namaste (2005), Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007) and Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) (also starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead), Siddharth Anand wanted his next film to be a romantic comedy-drama, yet different from the usual films which were being made at the time.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani doesn't have trappings of commercial pot boiler" – Siddharth Anand |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/anjaana-anjaani-doesnt-have-trappings-of-commercial-pot-boiler-siddharth-anand/ |author=Patel, Devansh |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=10 August 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203800/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/anjaana-anjaani-doesnt-have-trappings-of-commercial-pot-boiler-siddharth-anand/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Anand felt he had run out of plot ideas, believing he was writing just "another story". His wife Mamta then came up with the core narrative concept about "two suicidal strangers meeting and falling in love". Anand revealed that this changed his viewpoint, saying: "It was a scene that got me completely excited and we started writing immediately. It is a scene that dictates the story."
File:Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor at the launch of 'Barfi!' promo 05.jpg and Priyanka Chopra were in talks to star together in another film by Siddharth Anand and Sajid Nadiadwala, which did not happen.]]
Anand then approached novelist Advaita Kala to develop the story into a feature-length script. Although a bit hesitant, she accepted the offer. Intrigued by the premise of the story, Kala started sketching the characters over the next few days, and began writing the script, which she found very different from writing novels.{{cite web |title=Advaita scripts a new chapter |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Advaita-scripts-a-new-chapter/article16049867.ece |author=Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi |work=The Hindu |date=28 September 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203806/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/Advaita-scripts-a-new-chapter/article16049867.ece |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Anand helped her understand the process of writing screenplays and co-wrote with her. Kala wrote the first draft, approaching it like writing a book, and sent it as chapters to Anand, saying: "Writing a screenplay can also be a lonely process like writing a novel, but along the way when others get involved, it becomes a fun, collaborative effort."
In an interview with the Deccan Herald, Anand talked about how the American sitcom Friends influenced the film's two characters revealing he wanted viewers to respond to the titular characters in a similar way.{{cite web |title='Anjaana Anjaani' inspired by 'Friends': Siddharth Anand |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72256/content/216209/archives.php |author=Indo-Asian News Service |work=Deccan Herald |date=29 May 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710170945/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/72256/content/216209/archives.php |archive-date=10 July 2017}} He said: "I remember when I watched Friends I wanted to meet and know every character. That's how I want audiences to feel about Kiara and Akash." He also wanted the two to resonate with the audience the way the characters in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) did. In another interview discussing the film, Anand revealed that he wanted to make it different from his earlier films, aiming for it to be a "subdued romance", which is not sexy. He said: "Everyone is going to be covered up in scarves and mufflers and trench coats and boots. This is a rare instance that you’ll see Indian actors dressed full up without skin show."(sic) In September 2009, it was announced that Sajid Nadiadwala would produce the film as he was highly impressed by the script.{{cite web |title=Siddharth Anand to direct YRF's fourth film |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Siddharth-Anand-to-direct-YRFs-fourth-film/1/59859.html |work=India Today |date=3 September 2009 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203800/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/Siddharth-Anand-to-direct-YRFs-fourth-film/1/59859.html |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor were the original choices for the film and their casting was confirmed by Anand in August 2009.{{cite web |title=Siddharth Anand's Ranbir-Priyanka starrer titled Anjaana Anjaani |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/siddharth-anands-ranbir-priyanka-starrer-titled-anjaana-anjaani-2/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=25 August 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203800/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/siddharth-anands-ranbir-priyanka-starrer-titled-anjaana-anjaani-2/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} After Chopra had starred earlier in Nadiadwala's Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), both had wanted to work together again, but nothing had materialized. Much later, Nadiadwala reached out to her to discuss a film he was developing with Anand and Kapoor.{{cite web |title=Strangers in love |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Strangers-in-love/article15766384.ece |author=Shah, Jigar |work=The Hindu |date=2 October 2010 |access-date=9 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203833/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Strangers-in-love/article15766384.ece |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Chopra met Anand to discuss the script, but the project did not work out. Later when Nadiadwala approached her again with the script of Anjaana Anjaani, Chopra accepted the role. Manish Malhotra designed Chopra's clothes, while Mamta Anand designed Kapoor's.{{cite web |title=A snowy New York Christmas for Ranbir & Priyanka |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/a-snowy-new-york-christmas-for-ranbir-priyanka/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=10 December 2009 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203833/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/a-snowy-new-york-christmas-for-ranbir-priyanka/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Salim-Sulaiman composed the background score, while Rameshwar S. Bhagat edited the film.
=Filming=
Principal photography began in New York City in late December 2009.{{cite web |title=Priyanka-Ranbir left for NY for the shoot of Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/priyanka-ranbir-left-for-ny-for-the-shoot-of-anjaana-anjaani/67746 |work=Mid-Day |date=28 December 2009 |access-date=10 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417160030/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/priyanka-ranbir-left-for-ny-for-the-shoot-of-anjaana-anjaani/67746 |archive-date=17 April 2014}} The setting of the film required filming in winter during the festive season of Christmas leading up to New Year's Eve. Ravi K. Chandran handled the cinematography, while Sharmishta Roy handled the film's production design.{{cite web |title=Nadiadwala announces release date of his musical Anjaana Anjaani |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/nadiadwala-announces-release-date-of-his-musical-anjaana-anjaani/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=15 May 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203833/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/nadiadwala-announces-release-date-of-his-musical-anjaana-anjaani/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Filming was done in various locations in New York City, Las Vegas and San Francisco. Anand wanted to capture the distinct flavor of each city.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani brings varied flavours of USA |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/anjaana-anjaani-brings-varied-flavours-of-usa/664256/0 |author=Sahgal, Geety |work=The Indian Express |date=24 August 2010 |access-date=10 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203833/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/anjaana-anjaani-brings-varied-flavours-of-usa/664256/0 |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
Anand selected the cities to augment the characters' backgrounds. San Francisco was chosen to depict Chopra's character, Kiara, as he thought it was "the right backdrop to highlight her life and character". He chose New York City for Kapoor's character, Akash. Anand described "Blush", the car driven by Chopra's character, as the film's third lead character as it is featured extensively.{{cite web |title=Why's Priyanka blushing? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Whys-Priyanka-blushing/articleshow/6546282.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170710210639/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Whys-Priyanka-blushing/articleshow/6546282.cms |archive-date=10 July 2017 |author=Iyer, Meena |work=The Times of India |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=10 July 2017 |url-status=dead}} After going through several car options, he chose a vintage red 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint, which was later purchased especially for the film as Anand thought the car should represent all of Kiara's attributes. This allowed the art director to modify the car's interior with a lot of detailing to suit Kiara's character.
The ice-skating scenes were filmed at Wollman Rink in Central Park, requiring the rink to close to the public for three consecutive days. Some scenes with the leads were also shot at Cafe Lalo, the same restaurant where When Harry Met Sally... (1989) was shot. The film was also shot at the Rockfeller Center. The producers had earlier scouted for a public bridge in India that they could use for four days, but due to the 2008 Mumbai attacks obtaining permission from the local government was difficult. The search ended in Kuala Lumpur, where a scene of Kiara and Akash attempting suicide was shot. The opening suicide attempt sequence was filmed at the Golden Gate Bridge.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani on Golden Gate Bridge |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/anjaana-anjaani-on-golden-gate-bridge/story-0F1XksXOM8ZY6YQqiGG6xN.html |author=Bhattacharya, Roshmila |author-link=Roshmila Bhattacharya |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 August 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710171157/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/anjaana-anjaani-on-golden-gate-bridge/story-0F1XksXOM8ZY6YQqiGG6xN.html |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Several scenes were shot in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additional filming was done in Malaysia and Thailand.{{cite web |title="Ranbir & Priyanka hardly knew one another before the shooting" – Sajid Nadiadwala |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-priyanka-hardly-knew-one-another-before-the-shooting-sajid-nadiadwala/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=7 December 2009 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203843/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-priyanka-hardly-knew-one-another-before-the-shooting-sajid-nadiadwala/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
Ahmed Khan handled the song choreography of the film. In June 2010, it was announced that a new song would be shot for the film.{{cite web |title=Ranbir-Priyanka all set to shoot for added song in Anjaana Anjaani |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-priyanka-all-set-to-shoot-for-added-song-in-anjaana-anjaani/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710205732/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-priyanka-all-set-to-shoot-for-added-song-in-anjaana-anjaani/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Shooting ended in July 2010 after filming for the club track was completed.{{cite web |title=Ranbir hosts wrap up party of Anjaana Anjaani at his bungalow |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-hosts-wrap-up-party-of-anjaana-anjaani-at-his-bungalow/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709225416/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/ranbir-hosts-wrap-up-party-of-anjaana-anjaani-at-his-bungalow/ |archive-date=9 July 2017}} In September 2010, a promotional video for the remix ballad version of "Tujhe Bhula Diya" was shot in Film City, Mumbai.{{cite web |title=Ranbir-Priyanka starrer 'Anjaana Anjaani' gets a new love ballad |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-priyanka-starrer-anjaana-anjaani-gets-a-new-love-ballad_71603.html? |publisher=Zee News |date=25 September 2010 |access-date=9 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710205845/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranbir-priyanka-starrer-anjaana-anjaani-gets-a-new-love-ballad_71603.html |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
Soundtrack
{{Main|Anjaana Anjaani (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack was composed by the duo Vishal–Shekhar and consists of nine compositions – seven original, and a remix and an unplugged version of two original songs. The lyrics are written by: Neelesh Misra, Vishal Dadlani, Shekhar Ravjiani, Amitabh Bhattacharya, Anvita Dutt Guptan, Kumaar, Kausar Munir and Irshad Kamil.{{cite web |title=Music review – Anjaana Anjaani |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/songs/music-critic-review/ |author=Tuteja, Joginder |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=27 August 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710210022/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/songs/music-critic-review/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} The vocals were performed by: Nikhil D'Souza, Monali Thakur, Lucky Ali, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shekhar Ravjiani, Caralisa Monteiro, Mohit Chauhan, Shruti Pathak, Vishal Dadlani, Shilpa Rao and Abhijit Vaghani. The album was released on 27 August 2010 by T-Series.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/in/album/anjaana-anjaani-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1123355612 |publisher=iTunes |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203800/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/anjaana-anjaani-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/id1123355612 |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
Release
Anjaana Anjaani was one of the most anticipated films of the year due to the debut pairing of the lead actors.{{cite web |title=First look: Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/first-look-anjaana-anjaani-imagegallery-0-bollywood-kihwDLafdbfsi.html |website=Sify |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709225416/http://www.sify.com/movies/first-look-anjaana-anjaani-imagegallery-0-bollywood-kihwDLafdbfsi.html |archive-date=9 July 2017}} Exclusive stills from the film were released to the media on 4 October 2010.{{cite web |title=Ranbir and Priyanka get acquainted |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ranbir-and-priyanka-get-acquainted/90371 |author=KBR, Upala |work=Mid-Day |date=4 August 2010 |access-date=10 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203806/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ranbir-and-priyanka-get-acquainted/90371 |archive-date=10 July 2017}} Chopra released a one-minute teaser trailer on 6 August 2010 on her Twitter account.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani first look, teaser out |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/anjaana-anjaani-first-look-teaser-out/656876/0 |work=The Indian Express |date=6 August 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710210536/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/anjaana-anjaani-first-look-teaser-out/656876/0 |archive-date=10 July 2017}}{{cite web |title=Priyanka Chopra tweets Anjaana Anjaani's teaser |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/priyanka-chopra-tweets-anjaana-anjaani-s-teaser/story-QVcigm75xzvROWvaOZ4pBL.html |author=Babbar, Sonakshi |work=Hindustan Times |date=5 August 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710210640/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/priyanka-chopra-tweets-anjaana-anjaani-s-teaser/story-QVcigm75xzvROWvaOZ4pBL.html |archive-date=10 July 2017}} It received positive feedback from critics and audiences, many calling it "promising" and "intriguing". The Indian Express wrote: "In a single minute, it has pretty much managed to convey the fun mood of this Sajid Nadiadwala-production which appears to come with a good mix of a new storyline, fresh new pairing, catchy music, high production values and a distinct touch of director Siddharth Anand." Following the teaser release, the first trailer appeared on 9 August 2010. The film's first song was released around the same time.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani: Lovely Trailer, Lovely Song |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/the-film-stars-ranbir-kapoor-and-priyanka-chopra-345985.html |publisher=CNN News18 |date=9 August 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710203800/http://www.news18.com/news/india/the-film-stars-ranbir-kapoor-and-priyanka-chopra-345985.html |archive-date=10 July 2017}}
Anjaana Anjaani was initially slated to release on 24 September 2010. It was postponed by one week, just 4 days before the expected date because this would coincide with the controversial Ayodhya dispute verdict, which many anticipated would be disputed and cause chaos in the country.{{cite web |title=Ayodhya verdict pushes Anjaana Anjaani release |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-verdict-pushes-anjaana-anjaani-release-432353 |author=Press Trust of India |publisher=NDTV |date=21 September 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024134239/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ayodhya-verdict-pushes-anjaana-anjaani-release-432353 |archive-date=24 October 2015}}{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani postponed to October 1 due to Ayodhya verdict |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_anjaana-anjaani-postponed-to-october-1-due-to-ayodhya-verdict_1440711 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=20 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922205540/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_anjaana-anjaani-postponed-to-october-1-due-to-ayodhya-verdict_1440711 |archive-date=22 September 2010 | url-status= live}} Trade experts were against postponing the film, and questioned Nadiadwala's decision, as the government had already taken precautionary measures with the Commonwealth Games around the corner. They also felt that the postponement would send mixed signals and confuse viewers as the promotional campaign centered around the 25 September release. Additionally, the film would lose the advantage of being the only new release. Changing the release date would mean Anjaana Anjaani would clash with the big-budget science fiction film Enthiran starring Rajinikanth and Aishwarya Rai, which might affect the film's box-office performance. Despite this, the film was postponed to 1 October 2010. Later, the Ayodhya verdict was itself postponed to 3 days before the film's new release date.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani postponed further? |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/anjaana-anjaani-postponed-further/ |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=24 September 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710170945/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/anjaana-anjaani-postponed-further/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}}{{cite web |title='No change in Anjaana Anjaani release date |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/no-change-in-anjaana-anjaani-release-date-news-bollywood-kkguAnjdhdf.html |website=Sify |date=24 September 2010 |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204151157/http://sify.com/movies/no-change-in-anjaana-anjaani-release-date-news-bollywood-kkguAnjdhdf.html |archive-date=4 December 2010}} Industry insiders started speculating again about the film's release being postponed by another week, causing rumours to spread in the media. However, Sajid Nadiadwala confirmed that the news was false and the film was releasing on 1 October 2010.
Made on a production and marketing budget of {{INR}}380 million, Anjaana Anjaani immediately recovered {{INR}}430 million, slightly more than its entire budget, before its release. This included {{INR}}220 million from satellite rights, {{INR}}80 million from music rights, and {{INR}}130 million from distribution sales in territories other than Mumbai and Delhi, where the film was distributed directly by Eros. Bollywood Hungama noted that "the revenue generated from these territories, besides home video, will add to the profits of the film". The film's box office revenue on its opening day was {{INR}}80 million.{{cite web |title=Box Office: Anjaana Anjaani nets Rs 250 million in opening weekend |url=http://businessofcinema.com/boxoffice/box-office-anjaana-anjaani-nets-rs-250-million-in-opening-weekend/32069 |author=Hetal Adesara |publisher=Business of Cinema |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=30 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027200328/http://businessofcinema.com/boxoffice/box-office-anjaana-anjaani-nets-rs-250-million-in-opening-weekend/32069 |archive-date=27 October 2014}} The film made over {{INR}}257 million at the domestic box office and a further {{USD}}1.7 million from overseas, for a worldwide opening weekend of over {{INR}}382 million.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=80 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222231553/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=80 |archive-date=22 December 2016 |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=18 April 2017}} During its theatrical run, the film grossed over {{INR}}544 million in India, and over {{USD}}3.1 million in the overseas market, for a total of {{INR}}685 million. The film was declared as a semi-hit by Box Office India.
Distributed by Eros International, Anjaana Anjaani was released on DVD on 16 November 2010 in all regions on a single NTSC-format disc.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anjaana-Anjaani-Hindi-Movie-Bollywood-Film-Indian-Cinema-DVD-/222519931165 |publisher=eBay |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710210844/http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anjaana-Anjaani-Hindi-Movie-Bollywood-Film-Indian-Cinema-DVD-/222519931165 |archive-date=10 July 2017}} The film's Video CD was released at the same time.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani VCD (2010) |url=https://www.induna.com/1000017376-productdetails/ |publisher=Induna |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710210928/https://www.induna.com/1000017376-productdetails/ |archive-date=10 July 2017}} A 2-disc DVD edition was also released later, which included a poster autographed by Chopra and Kapoor.{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani |url=https://www.amazon.in/Anjaana-Anjaani-Ranbir-Kapoor/dp/B004AWPDZG |publisher=Amazon |access-date=8 July 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007145452/http://www.amazon.in/Anjaana-Anjaani-Ranbir-Kapoor/dp/B004AWPDZG |archive-date=7 October 2016}}
Critical reception
Anjaana Anjaani received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its novel concept, music, cinematography, humor, costumes and the leads' performances and chemistry, but criticism for its screenplay and pacing.
Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave Anjaana Anjaani a rating of 4 out of 5, calling it "a must-see for its interpretation of modern-day romance... Anjaana Anjaani is an unpretentious romantic saga that revels in the exuberance of newly-found love." He also highly praised the cinematography, styling and cast performances, writing: "The film bears a magnificent look all through and the panoramic and exotic locales of America only make every frame stand out."{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani Review |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/critic-review/anjaana-anjaani-movie-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418140014/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/anjaana-anjaani/critic-review/ |archive-date=18 April 2017 |author=Adarsh, Taran |author-link=Taran Adarsh |website=Bollywood Hungama |date=29 October 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2017}} Daily News and Analysis gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5, saying that it stood apart from "other done-to-death rom-coms in Hindi cinema in the sheer exclusivity of its screenplay and the way the subject is developed ... Here, at last, is a romantic comedy-drama from Bollywood that actually does what rom-coms are supposed to do. Anjaana Anjaani tugs at your heartstrings while at the same time tickling your funny bone."{{cite web |title=Review: Anjaana Anjaani is a romcom with a difference |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-review-anjaana-anjaani-is-a-romcom-with-a-difference-1446051 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418141031/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-review-anjaana-anjaani-is-a-romcom-with-a-difference-1446051 |author=Rao, Renuka |archive-date=18 April 2017 |work=Daily News and Aanalysis |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=18 April 2017}} The review also praised Chopra's performance as "engagingly brilliant".
{{multiple image
| footer = Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor received critical acclaim for their performances in the film.
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| image1 = Priyanka nikon camera.jpg
| width1 = 142
| alt1 = A picture of Priyanka Chopra looking towards the camera
| image2 = Ranbir Kapoor.jpg
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| alt2 = A picture of Ranbir Kapoor looking away from the camera
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The Times of India gave the film a score of 3 out of 5, praising the lead pair and their chemistry as "vibrant, spontaneous, and finely nuanced." However, it criticized the script and narrative for being trite, saying that "all it promises is some fun moments, a peppy music score by Vishal-Shekhar, [and] alluring performances by Chopra and Kapoor."{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/anjaana-anjaani/movie-review/6657206.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170418144915/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/anjaana-anjaani/movie-review/6657206.cms |archive-date=18 April 2017 |work=The Times of India |date=4 May 2016 |access-date=18 April 2017 |url-status=dead}} Subhash K. Jha wrote another positive review, saying that the film "sets off a tender saucy engaging trip. It somewhere loses its way, but still gets to its targeted destination because of the lead players who appear to know all the signposts and U-turns." He particularly cited Chopra's performance as "redeeming the film's flaws", noting that she provided a strong match to Kapoor's talent.{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-anjaana-anjaani/ |title=Subhash K. Jha speaks about Anjaana Anjaani |date=2 October 2010 |website=Bollywood Hungama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418145652/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-anjaana-anjaani/ |archive-date=18 April 2017 |author=Jha, Subhas K. |author-link=Subhash K. Jha |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2017}} Sarita Tanwar of Mid-Day gave a rating of 3 out of 5, noting that although the film might not be "a complicated love story, it's still heartfelt and even heartbreaking at times ... A film of this kind is largely dependent on the screenplay and the chemistry between the lead pair. That's what makes [it] unique in its own way and rather different from what you've seen in the year so far."{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani – Movie Review |url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/anjaana-anjaani-movie-review/96828 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418140557/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/anjaana-anjaani-movie-review/96828 |archive-date=18 April 2017 |author=Tanwar, Sarita |work=Mid-Day |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=18 April 2017}}
Sonia Chopra from Sify also rated the film 3 out of 5, noting that the characters were "written with an over-the-top quirky edge which adds to the fun." She also praised the lead pair's performance writing that "Chopra maintains her cool, effortless acting style and her comic timing is a revelation. Kapoor is suitably restrained and, at times, in keeping with his reticent character, often overshadowed by Chopra's exuberance. Together, the pair is eminently watchable, balancing each other's dispositions nicely."{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani review: From comedy to romance, it has it all |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14957814&ctid=5&cid=2425 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004005843/https://www.sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14957814&ctid=5&cid=2425 |archive-date=4 October 2010 |author=Chopra, Sonia |website=Sify |url-status=dead |access-date=18 April 2017}} Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave the film 2.5 out of 5, complimenting the lead performers who "play well together", but are forced to "boost a partly-limp story."{{cite web |title=Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/anjaana-anjaani/691155/0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418142441/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/anjaana-anjaani/691155/0 |archive-date=18 April 2017 |author=Gupta, Shubhra |work=The Indian Express |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=18 April 2017}} India Today also scored it 2.5 out of 5, calling it "a pastiche of a pastiche ... The comedy is restricted to usual [...] jokes that find their way into most Bollywood comedies."{{cite web |title=Film review: Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-anjaana-anjaani/1/114756.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626014113/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-anjaana-anjaani/1/114756.html |archive-date=26 June 2012 |author=Bamzai, Kaveree |work=India Today |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=18 April 2017}}
Writing for NDTV, Anupama Chopra gave the film 2 out of 5, criticizing the slow screenplay and artificial characters who "are supposed to be unemployed, lonely, and desperately sad, but they always look like they've stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine, which could have been overlooked if there was any depth in their angst, but these two seem like spoilt kids playing suicide-suicide."{{cite web |title=Review: Anjaana Anjaani |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/review-anjaana-anjaani-552 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110094220/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/review-anjaana-anjaani-552 |archive-date=10 January 2014 |author=Chopra, Anupama |author-link=Anupama Chopra |publisher=NDTV |date=1 October 2010 |access-date=18 April 2017}} Rajeev Masand of News18 was also critical of the film, calling it "deathly boring [and] a challenge to sit through for two reasons in particular – the film has no script to speak of, and the characters are hard to sympathize with. It lacks in terms of interesting plot and consistent characterization."{{cite web |title=Masand: 'Anjaana Anjaani' is deathly boring |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masand-anjaana-anjaani-is-deathly-boring/132159-47-84.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004115817/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masand-anjaana-anjaani-is-deathly-boring/132159-47-84.html |archive-date=4 October 2010 |author=Masand, Rajeev |author-link=Rajeev Masand |website=News18 |date=1 October 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=18 April 2017}} The Hindu in its review said "For a film that showed promise, at least in its promos, Anjaana Anjaani is unfortunately not about that beautiful romance between strangers."{{cite web |title=Stranger than fiction - Anjaana Anjaani|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Stranger-than-fiction-Anjaana-Anjaani/article11642818.ece |work=The Hindu |date=9 October 2010 |access-date=17 August 2021}}
Accolades
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb title|1499201|Anjaana Anjaani}}
- {{rotten-tomatoes|anjaana_anjaani}}
- {{Mojo title|anjaanaanjaani}}
{{Sajid Nadiadwala}}
{{Siddharth Anand}}
Category:2010s Hindi-language films
Category:2010 romantic comedy-drama films
Category:Hindi remakes of Telugu films
Category:Indian romantic comedy-drama films
Category:Indian road comedy-drama films
Category:Films shot in Kuala Lumpur
Category:Films set in Kuala Lumpur
Category:Films shot in New York City
Category:Indian films set in New York City
Category:Films directed by Siddharth Anand
Category:Films scored by Vishal–Shekhar
Category:Films about depression
Category:Films shot in the Las Vegas Valley
Category:Films shot in San Francisco
Category:Films set in San Francisco
Category:Films set in the Las Vegas Valley
Category:Films shot in Thailand