Vivah

Infobox_Film
name = Vivah


caption = Movie poster
director = Sooraj R. Barjatya
producer = Ajit Kumar Barjatya
Kamal Kumar Barjatya
Rajkumar Barjatya
writer = Aash Karan Atal
Sooraj R. Barjatya
narrator =
starring = Shahid Kapoor
Amrita Rao
Anupam Kher
Alok Nath
music = Ravindra Jain
cinematography = Harish Joshi
editing = V.N. Mayekar
distributor = Rajshri Productions
released = 10 November2006
runtime = 162 mins
country = India
language = Hindi
budget =
gross =
preceded_by =
followed_by =
website =
amg_id =
imdb_id = 0494290

"Vivah - A Journey From Engagement To Marriage ..." (Hindi: विवाह, Urdu: وواہ, English: "Marriage") is a romantic drama, set in Madhupur, Jharkhand and Delhi, released on November 10 2006.cite web | title=http://www.bbc.co.uk | work=Vivah on bbc.co.uk|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/09/vivah_preview.shtml|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] The story is about the engagement between Prem, an upper-class business manager, and Poonam, a college student, from Madhupur. The film was written and directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya and stars Shahid Kapoor as Prem, Amrita Rao as Poonam and Alok Nath, as well as Anupam Kher as their fathers. Seema Biswas and Amrita Prakash have supporting roles.

"Vivah" was released on November 10 2006 all over India and received a Telugu dub as "Parinayam".cite web | title=http://rajshriproductions.com/ | work=Rajshri News|url=http://rajshriproductions.com/news.php|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] cite web | title=www.indiafm.com | work=Cast & Crew for Vivah|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/cast/12731/index.html|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Production

Director Sooraj R. Barjatya noted that the story of "Vivah" is based upon a newpaper article his father read sixteen years ago, in 1988.cite web | title=www.rediff.com | work=I'm waiting for Salman to see Vivah|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/09sooraj.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] Like in all of Sooraj R. Barjatya's previous movies, the male lead is, once again, called "Prem". Filming took place during the first months of 2006 - in May 2006, eightyfive percent of the filming was done.cite web | title=www.rediff.com | work=First look: Amrita-Shahid's Vivah|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/may/08vivah.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] The jewellery Poonam receives from Prem during the movie was created by Indian jeweller "D’damas",cite web | title=www.telegraphindia.com | work=Of rings and relationships|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061211/asp/calcutta/story_7094029.asp|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] while Amrita Rao's costumes were created by Indian designer Anna Singhcite web | title=www.telegraphindia.com | work=Vivah is not another Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061027/asp/etc/story_6906647.asp|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] and Shahid Kapoor's clothes were created by Shabina Khan. Both designer were part of a crew of 166 people.cite web | title=www.rajshriproductions.com | work=Vivah: Official Homepage|url=http://www.rajshriproductions.com/vivah/index.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Filming took place is the small town Madhupur, in Mathura, as well as in Jogeshwari, Almora,cite web | title= http://www.hindu.com | work= When Cupid strikes|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/10/stories/2006111001150100.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] Nainital, Delhi, Mumbai, the Filmcity in Goregaon, as well as Madh Island, Lonavla, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Moradabad and Ranikhet.cite web | title=www.rajshriproductions.com | work=Vivah: Official Homepage|url=http://www.rajshriproductions.com/vivah/index.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Synopsis

Poonam (Amrita Rao) lost her parents, when she was very young. She was brought up by her uncle Krishna Kant (Alok Nath) and her aunt Rama (Seema Biswas). However, Rama is jealous of her and barely talks to her, since Poonam is more beautiful than her own daughter Rajni (Amrita Prakash), who is lively and friendly. Bhagat-ji (Manoj Joshi), a jeweller, and a friend of Krishna Kant, likes Poonam very much and decides to matchmake her with Prem (Shahid Kapoor), Mr. Harish Chandra's (Anupam Kher) son, as Bhagat-ji is friends with Mr. Harichandra.

Mr. Harichandra informs Prem of his plans to matchmake him, as he believes Prem is of proper age, young enough to adapt to someone else, and, Prem's brother, Sunil (Samir Soni), was about the same age when he married Bhavna (Lata Sabharwal). Prem, however, is hesitant to marry, since he thinks himself to be too young and wants to focus on his career first. Harichandra convinces him to meet Poonam first. They visit Poonam's family and let Prem and Poonam to get to know each other. Though their first conversation is awkward, Prem and Poonam decide to get married, as they are instantly attracted to each other. The two families agree to meet each other again, so Prem and Poonam get the opportunity to know each other better. Krishna Kant invites Prem's family to their summer residence in Som Sarovar and Harishchandra accepts.

Poonam anxiously awaits Prem to come to Som Sarovar, however, until Bhavna arranges a meeting between the two, they barely have the chance to talk to each other. After several carefree days, Harichandra and his family has to leave again because of the family business, which leaves Poonam and Prem only the opportunity to communicate via telephone, internet or letter. Despite the distance between them, they grow closer and Prem, before going to a business trip to Japan, tells Poonam on the phone that he has fallen in love with her. When Prem comes back from Japan, Poonam is there to greet him on the airport, gets to spend some time at his house and finally returns to her own family on order to prepare for the wedding.However, two days before the actual wedding, a fire emerges at Krishna Kant's house. Poonam gets heavily burned, because she saves Rajni. Prem, occupied with his own wedding preparations, is informed by Bhavna of Poonam's accident and goes to see his fiancée at the hospital. She is very unsure if Prem will marry her, now that she has been scarred. The doctor (Mohnish Behl) informs the family that there is hope, however the operation to save Poonam may be dangerous and Poonam will take much time to recover. Harichandra arranges for specialists to be flown in from Delhi and Prem, despite her injury, still wishes to marry her and accepts her as a wife by bringing sindhoor to her at the hospital. The operation is successful and the wedding commences.

Reception

Infobox movie certificates
India = U
United_States = PG
United_Kingdom = PG

Box Office and Ratings

Like "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun", Rajshri Productions released limited number of prints for the film and eventually increased prints with increasing popularity.cite web | title=www.indiafm.com | work=Vivah continues to grow|url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/12/16/8454/index.html|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] The film was declared a blockbuster, after earning Rs 22.22 crore net gross after seven weeks of running. As on 06 March2007 the film has earned Rs 30.91crore in box office earning cite web | title=wwww.boxofficeindia.com | work=Boxoffice India News|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] By the end of November, it was reported that there had been over 4 million(4,000,000*$9.99=Approx.Rs.18Cr.) online streams of Vivah. [ [http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archives/1095/4-million-watched-vivaah-online.html 4 million watched Vivaah online - RS Bollywood Online ] ] Running into its thirty-fifth week, its position still remains in the top 10 at the Indian box office despite its limited release and competition from some of year's and industry's most successful movies including Dhoom 2, Bhagam Bhag, Guru (2007 film), Namastey London, all being released after Vivah's debut. [ [http://www.indiafm.com/trade/top5/index.html Box Office Top 5 :Midweek: 'R.R.K.H.D.' poor, 'Sunday' steady at places ] ]

Vivah Grand total stands at large 48.91 crore for a film made at an honest budget of 10 crores.

Critical

"Vivah" received a mixed response by critics: Taran Adarsh of "IndiaFM" generally compliments the actors by calling Shahid Kapoor a "tremendous actor", Amrita Rao "splendid all through" and compliments the strong supporting cast, he criticises the first half as "ordinary/routine".cite web | title=www.indiafm.com | work=IndiaFM.com Vivah Movie Review|url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/12731/index.html|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] Raja Sen of "Rediff" gave a generally negative review of "Vivah", calling it "a nightmare" and "unforgivably regressive".cite web | title=in.rediff.com | work=Vivah needs Salman and a script|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/nov/10vivah.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] Deepa Ghalot of "Sify.com" called "Vivah" "close to being regressive" and "syrupy sweet", however, she complimented Shahid Kapoor's acting.cite web | title=sify.com | work=Sify.com movie review|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/review.php?id=14328028&ctid=5&cid=2425|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] The "Hindustan Times" called "Vivah" "boring" and an "utopia", but complimented Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao on their acting, calling the first one "good", but "lacking charisma" and the latter "sweet".cite web | title=sify.com | work=Sooraj R Barjatya|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1841157,00110003.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] "The Hindu" however called "Vivah" "lovable" and a "choice unlikely to regret".cite web | title=The Hindi | work= Game for deja vu?|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/11/11/stories/2006111118460200.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] "BBC.co.uk" complimented Shahid Kapoor as being "playful", called them movie itself however "sickeningly sentimental".cite web | title=BBC movie review | work= Vivah - A Journey from Engagement to Marriage|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/11/13/vivaah_2006_review.shtml|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] "The Telegraph" criticised "Vivah" for "lacking plot", "flat characters" and mentioning that the story is "rather weak" and "improbable".cite web | title=Telegraph India Review | work= Made By Rajshri|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061117/asp/etc/story_7010890.asp|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Cultural Impact

Indian painter M. F. Husain, who has painted Madhuri Dixit, the female lead of Sooraj R. Barjatya's "Hum Aapke Hain Koun", decided to create a series of pictures inspired by Amrita Rao and "Vivah". He announced to create "an entire exhibition around her" and noted her "tremendous potential".cite web | title=Hindustan Times | work= Now, Amrita has entered by canvas: M. F. Husain|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1861304,001100030001.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] He organised a private screen for 150 friends and press attendees to "convey his interest for the film" at Dubai’s Plaza cinema.cite web | title=Sify.com | work= M. F. Husain immortalizes Amrita Rao & Vivah|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14345653|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] cite web | title=Hindustan Times | work= Now, Amrita has entered by canvas: M. F. Husain|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1861304,001100030001.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] The Regent, a theater in Patna, Bihar, has put up a huge "paandal" (festive banner) in order to promote the movie. The "paandal" reads "Poonam weds Prem" and the theater has been getting inquiries if they entered the wedding business. Several movies have been highly successful in Bihar and their protagonists have been emulated by the movie goers; in "Vivah"'s case, it has become fashionable to wed like Poonam and Prem from "Vivah".cite web | title=MumbaiMirror.com | work= The Marriage Circle|url=http://www.rajshriproductions.com/img/Mumbai%20Mirror.jpg|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Promotion

To promote the movie, Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao have sold tickets themselves at the "Fame Malad Theatre" in Malad, Mumbai.cite web | title=Shahid, Amrita enthrall patrons at Fame Malad | work= Shahid, Amrita enthrall patrons at Fame Malad |url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/11/16/8212/index.html|accessdate=6 January | accessyear=2007] Also, there have been sarees, bindis and free ticket give-aways in several theatres where the movie ran.cite web | title=Vivah marketing: Sarees, train tickets, bindi packets | work= Vivah marketing: Sarees, train tickets, bindi packets |url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/12/16/8455/index.html|accessdate=6 January | accessyear=2007]

Internet Release

"Vivah" is the first Indian movie to be simultaneously released in cinema and on the production company's official site.cite web | title=Rediff on Vivah's internet release | work= Now, watch new Hindi films online!|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/nov/24inter.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] "Rajshri Media Limited", the digital arm of the Rajshri group is responsible for the release. The company hopes to marginalise piracy.

"Rajshri.com" has served one million streams within seven days in association with limewire networks i.e.one stream is priced at $9.99 roughly it makes Rs.4.5cr. in the first week it self, and Rajjat A. Barjatya, managing director of "Rajshri Media Limited" claims that "Vivah" has done "very well" being streamed online.cite web | title=Rediff on Vivah's internet release | work= Now, watch new Hindi films online!|url=http://www.rediff.com/money/2006/nov/24inter.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Soundtrack

Album infobox
Name = Vivah
Type = soundtrack
Artist = Ravindra Jain


Background = gainsboro
Released =

November 10, 2006 (India)
Recorded = Unknown
Genre = Film soundtrack
Length =
Label =

Saregama
Producer = Ravindra Jain | Reviews = [http://www.indiafm.com/movies/musicreview/12731/index.html Music Review at IndiaFM.com]
Last album = "Bhaggmati - The Queen Of Fortunes"
(2005)
This album = Vivah
Next album = Unknown
"Soundtrack includes a Bonus CD from Ustad Bismillah Khan."

Ravindra Jain, the music director of "Vivah" has put together a soundtrack of old world charm, with a full orchestra behind some of the best known voices of the Hindi movie scene. The orchestra combines with classical Indian instruments, like the sitar, sarod, violin, dholak and tabla to produce a blend between classical western and classical Indian music. The music has, however been criticised due to its monotony, with the range of singers, choice of instrument and music arrangements being very similar.cite web | title=Rediff on Vivah's music | work= Vivah's music disappoints|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/03vivah.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006] "Rediff.com" wrote in its music review that "Vivah's music disappoints".cite web | title=Rediff on Vivah's music | work= Vivah's music disappoints|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2006/oct/03vivah.htm|accessdate=30 December | accessyear=2006]

Cast

*Prem (Shahid Kapoor). A young man from Delhi, just to about to start his career at his father's enterprise. He gets engaged to Poonam and falls in love with her.
*Poonam "Bitto" (Amrita Rao). A young woman from Madhupur with very traditional values. She is an orphan and lives with her uncle, aunt and cousin Rajni and gets engaged to Prem.
*Mr. Harischandra (Anupam Kher). Prem's and Sunil's father, a kind man and head of his own enterprise. Bound to traditional values and very loving to his family, he urges Prem to get engaged to Poonam.
*Krishnakant "Chacha" (Alok Nath). Rajni's father and Poonam's uncle. He loves his niece very much and only hesitantly agrees to let her leave his house.
*Rama "Chachi" (Seema Biswas). Rajni's mother and Poonam's aunt. She is barely talking to Poonam and very jealous of her, as Poonam is more beautiful and elegant than her own daughter, and will get such a great opportunity to marry into a rich and kind family. She and her husband argue often.
*Sunil, Prem's brother (Samir Soni). Prem's brother and Mr. Harichandra's son. He works at his father's enterprise and is always seen reading newspapers. Though sometimes seemingly cross, he very much loves his family.
*Bhavna, Sunil's wife (Lata Sabharwal). Sunil's wife. She is a warm, kind and humorous person and takes care of her husband's and father-in-law's household. She arranges the meetings between Prem and Poonam.
*Rajni "Choti" (Amrita Prakash). Krishna Kant's and Rama's daughter, and Poonam's cousin. Humorous and a little bit mischievous, she does everything for her cousin and Prem to meet and fall in love with each other.
*Bhagat-ji (Manoj Joshi). A jeweller and trader. He knows both the families of Prem and Poonam and arranges a meeting and the engagement of the children.
*Munim-ji (Dinesh Lamba). Krishna Kant's secretary and occasional answering machine to Prem's calls for Poonam.
*Rahul (Ameya Pandya). Bhavna's and Sunil's son. A lively, but mischievous young boy.
*Doctor Rashid Khan (Mohnish Behl in a guest appearance). The doctor Poonam gets treated by. An able and very concerned man.

Crew

* Story, Screenplay & Direction: Sooraj R. Barjatya
* Dialogue: Aash Karan Atal
* Cinematography: Harish Joshi
* Editing: V.N. Mayekar
* Art: Sanjay Dabade
* Sound Designer: Jitendra Choudhary
* Re-Recording: Anup Dev
* Choreography: Jay Borade
* Thrills: Kaushal-Moses
* Costume Designer: Anna Singh for Amrita Rao, Shabina Khan for Shahid Kapoor

References

External links

*
* [http://rajshriproductions.com/vivah/index.htm Official site]
* [http://www.hindimoviesonline.net/ Watch Vivah (2006) Online]
* [http://www.bollyfm.net/bollyfm/mid/1222/movie-mp3.html Vivah (2006) Soundtrack Listing]