Anand (2004 film)

Infobox_Film | name = Anand


caption = "Oka manchi coffee lanti cinema"
(English: A nice coffee-like movie)
director = Sekhar Kammula
producer = Sekhar Kammula
writer = Sekhar Kammula
starring = Raja
Kamalinee Mukherjee
Satya Krishnan
Anish Kuruvilla
music = K. M. Radha Krishnan
cinematography = Vijay C Kumar
editing = Marthand K. Venkatesh
distributor = flagicon|India Amigos Creations
flagicon|USA KAD Entertainment
released = October 15, 2004 [cite web|accessdate=2007-10-03|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857300/releaseinfo|title=Release dates for Anand (2004)|work=IMDB]
runtime = 180 min
country = flagicon|India India
language = Telugu
awards = Nandi Award
budget = Rs. 1.5 crores [cite web|accessdate=2007-10-03|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857300/business|title=Box office/business for Anand (2004)|work=IMDB] (15 million) (estimated)
imdb_id = 0857300

"Anand" (Telugu: Audio|AnandPronounciation.ogg|2= _te. ఆనంద్) is a Telugu musical and a romantic film, which was directed, produced and written by Sekhar Kammula, and was released to the Indian cinemas in 2004. According to Kammula, the movie means "..contentment, happiness".cite web|work=Rediff.com|last=Kausar Alam|first=Hina|accessdate=2007-10-04|title='I’m not here to transport people to fantasy land'|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2000/apr/24doll.htm] The lead roles are played by Raja and Kamalinee Mukherjee. The movie was well received by critics and owing to its success at the box office, it was remade in Tamil as "Ninaithale".cite web|accessdate=2007-10-04|work=Chennaivision.com|title=Love beats - Ninathale|url=http://www.chennaivision.com/cinevision/movie_reviews/ninaithale.asp] cite web|work=Musicmazaa.com|accessdate=2007-10-04|title= Ninaithale Movie Cinema Review|url=http://musicmazaa.com/tamil/review/movie/Ninaithale.html] The film's basic story was also chosen as the subject for Sekhar Kammula's thesis screenplay which was as a part of a requirement for his successful completion of his Masters in Fine Arts at Howard University.cite web|work=Howard University|accessdate=2007-10-04|title= Master of Fine Arts in Film Program|url=http://www.howard.edu/SchoolCommunications/RTVF/MFAprogram.htm] cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|title= Anand - Press Meet|accessdate=2007-10-05|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/anand-pressmeet.html] cite web|work=Hindu.com|last=Farida|first=Syeda|accessdate=2007-10-05|title= A different reverie|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/08/03/stories/2004080300710100.htm]

The film begins with the tragic death of the family of a young girl as a result of a character's drunken driving. The film sketches the path of the young girl growing up into a woman who lives her life independently and with self-esteem. The protagonist enters the woman's life and how they fall in love with each other forms the rest of the story.

The film went on to win the Nandi Awards among several other prominent awards. If the award-winningcite web|work=Research, Reference and Training Division|accessdate=2007-10-08|title=National Film Awards 2000|url=http://rrtd.nic.in/HONOURS%20%20CONFERRED%20-2000.htm] "Dollar Dreams" (2000) set the tone, then "Anand" introduced the legacy of successful films made with simple stories.cite web|work=Rediff.com|last=Rajamani|first=Radhika|accessdate=2007-10-06|title=Happy Days -- Go for it!|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/sep/28sshappy.htm] A noteworthy mention is of the film's soundtrack which was well appreciated for its soft melodies.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|last=Sunil|first=Sreya|accessdate=2007-10-06|title=Anand has soft melodies|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/audio/areviews/anand.html]

Plot

of the movie. The kids, Samatha and Srikanth constantly quarrel with each other. Maamma (English: "Grandma"), who lives with Anitha, takes care of Samatha and Srikanth. Along with Anitha, Rupa hangs out with a group of friends Radha, Ram, Ali and Patel.

Rupa begins to pool up money for her marriage. One fine day, she gets to see the domineering nature of Rahul's mother and confides into Anitha about her fears about the marriage. She decides to go ahead with the marriage assuming that Rahul's presence will eventually prevail over his mother's nature. Coincidentally, while they are speak at a temple, they notice a person who seems to be mentally challenged (Anand's father) ogling at them. When Rupa gives him the holy prasadam, he says "Thank you, Rupa". Shocked at how he knew Rupa's name, they quickly exit the temple.

Anand is a happy-go-lucky guy who returns from America. His mother insists on him getting married and on one humorous instance, Anand meets Venkatalakshmi. Unfortunately, Anand doesn't like her attitude towards the poor and this marriage proposal falls apart. All seems well and the day for Rupa's marriage arrives. Incidentally, Anand and his father are also on the list of invitees. Just before the marriage, Rahul's mother creates a fuss about Rupa's marriage attire. Rupa retorts back and this enrages the lady. Rahul suggests Rupa to go according to his mother's wish for the moment and that, he shall take care of her later on. Rupa, in tears, agrees to go ahead and apologize to his mother. On her way, she overhears Rahul convincing his mom that after the marriage, she can exercise control over Rupa. In spite of this, she goes ahead and apologizes. But, Rahul's mother launches a verbal assault on her and embarrasses her. Rupa, unable to bear the humiliation, calls off the marriage. Anand happens to be a silent witness to this. He decides that she's the kind of girl he'd like to marry. Eventually, he moves into a portion of Rupa's house.

Rupa tries to recover while Rahul keeps coming back once in a while asking her to reconsider. Whereas, Anand settles down at his new home. He befriends Samatha and slowly starts making friends with the rest. On one occasion when Rupa's friends, Ali, Ram and Patel get into a fight with the local goons over a game, Anand manages to save them by calling the cops. This helps his attempts to gain friendship with them. Occasionally, Anand makes several attempts in speaking to Rupa, but she doesn't entertain him. Anitha realizes that Anand likes Rupa and suggests him avenues to befriend Rupa.

Late one night, upon the death of Rahul's mother, Anand drives Rupa to Rahul’s house. She comforts Rahul while Anand stays back for her. Rupa is thankful to Anand for being around and driving her back but, she realizes that he is jealous of Rahul. She slowly realizes that she began to like Anand. The story progresses and on Rupa's birthday, a drunken Rahul comes to Rupa's house and tries to sexually assault Rupa. Anand saves Rupa and throws Rahul out of the house. Anand gets angry at Rupa for bringing such a situation. He argues that she could have kept a safe distance from Rahul instead of exchanging regular pleasantries. Anand even brings her a birthday present and takes it back leaving behind a sad Rupa. Anand leaves the house and Rupa is dejected.

After a brief hiatus, Rupa’s happiness sees no bounds when sees Anand at a party. She expresses her love for him and the both rejoice. Anand introduces his parents to Rupa. Anand's father, who's negligent driving killed Rupa's family, is introduced saying that he was rendered mentally challenged after that fateful night. Rupa is devastated to hear to this and ponders on her marriage. Eventually, she realizes that the past can be forgotten as fate had served punishment to the responsible. She embraces her love and all ends well.

Cast

* Raja as Anand. A next door guy who represents the innocence of love and how he goes about marrying his love.
* Kamalinee Mukherjee as Rupa. The love interest for Anand. The character showcases the independent Indian woman with self-esteem.
* Satya Krishnan as Anita. Plays the friend of Rupa first and then Anand. A very "cool" woman with funny overtones.
* Anish Kuruvilla as Anand's cousin. Always to "Anand's" rescue whenever "Anand" is dejected or in need.
* Anuj Gurwara as Rahul. Initially plays the fiancé of Rupa and pursues her even after their engagement is called off.
* Bakhita Francis as Samatha. Naughty little girl who loves to eat toothpaste. At her angry best when she sees "Srikanth".

Production

Financing

After Sekhar Kammula's first venture, "Dollar Dreams (2000)", he began meeting producers with his stories. When he initially told them a story, they felt that it was too simple. Then, he began giving them a bound script of "Anand". Unfortunately, none came forward to produce it. Upon someone's suggestion, Kammula approached National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and they came forward to fund a part of the project.cite web|work=The Hindu: Metro Plus Hyderabad|last=Verma|first=Sujatha|accessdate=2007-10-07|title=Freshly Ground|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/11/10/stories/2004111000380100.htm] This set a precedent because it was the first time that NFDC entered into commercial Telugu cinema.cite web|work=Amigos Creations|title=About the Film|accessdate=2007-10-10|url=http://www.amigoscreations.net/Homepage.swf]

Anish Kuruvilla, who played Anand's cousin in the movie, was the executive producer for the film and Kammula's following film, Godavari (2006).cite web|last=Jeevi|accessdate=2007-10-10|work=Idlebrain.com|title=Movie review - Godavari|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-godavari.html]

Casting and locations

in Hyderabad, a location there made it all the more accessible for him.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|title=Interview with Sekhar Kammula by Jeevi |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/inter_sekharkammula.html|accessdaymonth=24 November|accessyear=2003]

Miscellaneous

Kammula's primary inspiration came from the Indian middle class. He was of the thought that this section of people were wrongly represented in films. He wanted to represent them appropriately and this was achieved with "Anand".cite web|work=Totaltollywood.com|last=Phani|accessdate=2007-10-11|title=An exclusive interview with Sekhar Kammula |url=http://www.totaltollywood.com/interviews/interviews.php?category=6&id=sekhark3]

Kammula sat with Veturi for writing songs for the film. Kammula said that he could see thousands of expressions expressed as a couple of words in lyrics. Eventually, they ended up with six beautiful songs penned by Veturi. For "Anand", Veturi took a month to come up with the Lyrics as against his usual penchant of coming up with lyrics spontaneously.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|title=Interview with Sekhar Kammula by Jeevi |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/inter_sekharkammula.html|accessdaymonth=24 November|accessyear=2003]

Being a Bengali,cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|last=Jeevi|accessdate=2007-10-10|title=Interview with Kamalinee Mukherjee by Jeevi |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/interview-kamalineemukherjee.html] there was a need for someone to dub
Kamalinee Mukherjee's voice for the film.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|accessdate=2007-10-10|title=Anand - Press Meet |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/anand-pressmeet.html] This was provided by a well-known singer and television host, Sunitha. The voice of Sunitha blended so well with the screen presence of Kamalinee that she went on to win an award for it.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|accessdate=2007-10-10|title=Nandi Awards 2004 Response|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2004response.html]

With most of the cast not well-versed in speaking "Telugu", Kammula faced challenges in their dialogue delivery. It just happened that most of the cast couldn't speak "Telugu". The crew had to face a slight loss of the performance owing to this fact. To overcome this handicap, the dialogues were altered slightly to improve the actors' diction.cite web|work=Totaltollywood.com|title=An exclusive interview with Sekhar Kammula |url=http://www.totaltollywood.com/interviews/interviews.php?category=6&id=sekhark3]

Release

Critical acclaim and reviews

"Anand" had a relatively low-profile release unlike the huge banner releases of the Telugu film industry. Made with a modest budget of Rs. 15 million,cite web|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857300/business|title=Box office/business for Anand (2004)|work=IMDB] "Anand" was a refreshing movie of its time. Kammula wasn't sure of the outcome of the film and said "I knew that it would either be a huge hit or a huge flop". [cite web|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.nriinternet.com/Section1/12Movies%20and%20Music/2004/Telgu_Films/Anand_and_Dollar/index.htm| title=Don't call me an NRI: Sekhar Kammula|work=IANS] Rated as "U" (Universal: Suitable for all ages) by the Central Board of Film Certification of India, [cite web|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857300|title=Anand (2004)|work=IMDB] it evoked a decent response from the critics. [http://www.idlebrain.com| Idlebrain.com] , a popular entertainment website for the Indian audiences gave the movie a 3.75/5.cite web|last=Jeevi|accessdate=2007-10-11|work=Idlebrain.com|title=Movie review - Anand|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-anand.html] The website review goes on to recommend this movie to the film-going audiences. On the other hand, [http://www.indiaglitz.com| IndiaGlitz] , another popular movie portal, said that the movie was "good, but could have been better". However, ample praise has been poured into Kammula's abilities.cite web|work=Indiaglitz.com|title=Anand Movie Review|accessdate=2007-10-11|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/review/7194.html] The film released on the same day as Shankar Dada MBBS released. Both these films went on to become box-office successes. Even though latter was a low budget film as compared to the former, Anand managed to give the producers of Shankar Dada MBBS a run for their money by drawing more crowds.cite web|work=Musicindiaonline.com|title='Shankardada' stays top, 'Anand' a surprise hit|url=http://www.musicindiaonline.com/n/i/telugu/516/] It also figured among the top five grossers in the Telugu film industry for the year 2004.cite web|work=Hindu.com|last=Pillai|first=Sridhar|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=Year 2004 — a flashback |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123101620100.htm] The success of the movies in India being measured in the number of days the movie has been screened in the theaters, Anand completed one such milestone. It completed 100 days of screening on January 28, 2005.cite web|work=Totaltollywood.com|title=Anand 100 days - Celebrations|accessdate=2007-10-12|url=http://totaltollywood.com/gallery/function/anand100days/pics60.html] Another website says that the movie was realistic in its depiction and goes on to given instances in the movie that do happen (unlike some of the fictitious and dreamy Indian movies).cite web|work=Passionforcinema.com|last=Om|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=Sekhar Kammula: Passion for cinema? |url=http://passionforcinema.com/sekhar-kammula-passion-for-cinema/]

Awards

The film was awarded with 7 Nandi Awards by the State Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2004.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=Nandi Awards 2004 Response|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2004response.html] The awards that were won are "Best Film", "Best Director", "Best Producer", "Best Actress in a Leading Role", "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" (Satya Krishnan), "Best Child Artiste" (Bakhita) and "Best Female Dubbing Artist" (Sunitha). It was also given the "Best First Film Heroine", "Best Male Singer" and "Best Editing" awards by a popular Telugu magazine, "Santosham", in 2005.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=Santosham Film Awards 2005|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/santoshamawards2005.html] The movie was thoroughly applauded for its story and it went on to win the "Best Family Story Film" and "Best New Music Director" as an appreciation for the lovely soundtracks from the film.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=Vamsee Film Awards 2004 Function|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/2004vamsiawards.html] At another prestigious award ceremony by Maa TV, a popular Telugu entertainment television channel, the film won the "Best Director", "Best Actress Debutant" and "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" awards.cite web|work=Idlebrain.com|accessdate=2007-10-12|title=CineMAA Awards 2004|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/2004cinemaa-awards.html] Stepping out of the stereotype, according to Kammula, seemed to be the formula for success of the film.cite web|work=Greatandhra.com|last=Sirasai|accessdate=2007-10-13|title=An Exclusive Interview With Sekhar Kammula|url=http://www.greatandhra.com/interviews/shekar_anand_interview.html]

DVD and Soundtrack

DVD

The DVD Release is a Special Edition 2 disc pack.cite web|work=TeluguDVDShop.com|accessdate=2007-10-13|title=ANAND (DTS) Special Edition 2 Disc Pack|url=http://www.telugudvdshop.com/productdetails.asp?aspid=66.249.64.589489.1&token=%7BB884E5B1-5787-4AB1-A0A9-98B29F72331A%7D&prod_id=2551]

Disc 1 contains the Theatrical version of the movie primarily with subtitles in English, both in Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS. As an add-on, it also contains the "Director's Cut", 35 minutes worth of deleted scenes.

Disc 2 contains a trivia game about the movie, the saga of the movie, that is, from the movie Dollar Dreams where it all began to conceiving Anand, raising of finances for the movie, selection of the cast and location, dubbing, choice of the music director, lyricist, cinematographer and choreographer. It also has a brief informational biography about the director, actors, about the choice of the caption, the encountered pre-release blues, the day of release, the best scene from the movie, favorite song, memorable moments during the movie, the post release scenario and the "Director's Cut". It also contains the 100 days celebrations of the movie with Dr. Dasari Narayana Rao's congratulatory speech. The movie trailers are also included in this disc.

This film possibly is the first Telugu film to be released in a 2-Disc Special Edition DVD that also features the director's cut version of the movie.

Soundtrack

The film has six songs composed by K.M. Radha Krishnan,cite web|work=Raaga.com|accessdate=2007-10-08|title=Anand - Telugu Movie Songs|url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/A0000416.html] cite web|work=Musicindiaonline.com|accessdate=2007-10-08|title=Anand (2004) Songs - Music india Online|url=http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/telugu/s/movie_name.7310/] and according to one repository of Indian songs, "all the songs but for one assume classical and Carnatic music in it."cite web|work=Musicindiaonline.com|accessdate=2007-10-14|title=Anand (2004) - Music India Online|url=http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/telugu/s/movie_name.7310/]

The six songs are:

* Vachhe Vachhe sung by Shreya Ghoshal. This song is about the rain bringing in joy and happiness.

* Yamunatheeram sung by Hariharan & K. S. Chithra. A song depicting a happy mood in the film.

* Nuvvena Naa Nuvvena sung by Shreya Ghoshal & K.M. Radha Krishnan. A song sung by the lead actors wondering if the other is their love.

* Charumati I Love You sung by Lucky Ali. A peppy song sung by Anand expressing his love for Rupa.

* Telisi Telisi sung by Shreya Ghoshal. This song begins when Rupa suddenly realizes that she might be in love with Anand.

* Yedalo Ganam sung by Hariharan & K. S. Chithra. Song with a similar tune to "Yamunatheeram", but lyrics with sadness.

References

External links

*imdb title|id=0857300|title=Anand
* [http://www.amigoscreations.net/Homepage.swf Anand - Amigos Creations]
* [http://www.raaga.com/channels/telugu/movie/A0000416.html Anand (2004)] songs on Raaga.com
* [http://musicmazaa.com/telugu/lyrics/movie/Anand.html Lyrics Of Anand] Lyrics and Songs On MusicMazaa.com