Son of Sardaar

Son of Sardaar

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Ashwni Dhir
Produced by Ajay Devgan
N.R.Pachisia
Pravin Talreja
Sunil Lulla
Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Written by Robin Bhatt
Ashwni Dhir
(dialogue)
Screenplay by Robin Bhatt
Ashwni Dhir
S. S. Rajamouli
Story by S. S. Kanchi
Vara Mullapoodi
(story idea)
Based on Maryada Ramanna 
by S. S. Rajamouli
Starring Ajay Devgn
Sonakshi Sinha
Juhi Chawla
Sanjay Dutt
Mukul Dev
Vindu Dara Singh
Music by Songs
Himesh Reshammiya
Guest Composers
Sajid-Wajid
Background score
Sandeep Chowta
Cinematography Aseem Bajaj
Edited by Dharmendra Sharma
Production
company
Ajay Devgan Ffilms
YRV Infra Media
Distributed by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
Eros International
Release dates
  • 13 November 2012
Running time
 141 minutes[1]
Country India
Language Hindi
Budget INR300 million (US$4.8 million)[2]
Box office INR1.50 billion (US$24 million)
(worldwide)[3]

Son of Sardaar, also known by the abbreviation SOS, is a 2012 Bollywood action comedy film directed by Ashwni Dhir.[4] The film features Ajay Devgan, Juhi Chawla, Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles and released on 13 November 2012. Salman Khan appears in a cameo role.[5]

It is a remake of 2010 Telugu film Maryada Ramanna directed by S. S. Rajamouli starring Sunil and Saloni Aswani in lead roles which was based out of the Hollywood movie Our Hospitality released in 1923 and was first adapted in a Kannada film Balagalittu Olage Baa released in 2002 directed by Dinesh Baboo starring S. Narayan. Although competing with the Yash Raj film Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Son of Sardaar managed to do good business at the box office worldwide.[6] Box Office India declared it a Hit in India and an average grosser in the overseas markets.[7][8] It went on to gross INR1.5 billion (US$24 million) worldwide.[3]

Plot

The story revolves around two families, whose patriarch killed each other many years ago. Their respective sons, Jaswinder Randhawa and Balwinder Singh, are sworn enemies. Jaswinder has been in hiding in London, whereas Balwinder is waiting for his return in Punjab so he can avenge the death of his father.

In the present day, Jassi Randhawa (Ajay Devgan) is an unemployed good-for-nothing man who receives a letter from the Punjab government about buying his property in Punjab. To sell the property, Jassi leaves for Punjab. On the train, he meets and falls in love with Sukhmeet (Sonakshi Sinha). In Punjab, Jassi accidentally meets Billu (Sanjay Dutt) and, seeing he is new to the area, Billu invites Jassi to his home, where he treats Jassi like a god. There, Jassi realises that Billu is Sukhmeet's brother. Soon enough, it is revealed that Billu is Balwinder Singh and Jassi is short for Jaswinder. However, Billu's family has to follow one punjabi rule: A guest in the house should never be harmed. Now, Billu must wait for Jassi to leave the house to kill him. Jassi learns about it and comes up with a hilarious plan to foil Billu's shenanigans.

Cast

Development

Son of Sardaar is a remake of Telugu comedy thriller film Maryada Ramanna directed by S. S. Rajamouli starring Sunil and Saloni Aswani in lead roles. In an interview, director Ashwni Dhir replied that it was only the plot that was remade; the rest was changed.

Maryada Ramanna has also been remade in Kannada as Maryade Ramanna starring Komal Kumar and Nisha Shah, and in Bengali as Faande Poriya Boga Kaande Re starring Soham Chakraborty and Srabanti Chatterjee.[12][13] In fact, each and every antic in Son of Sardaar is prominently depicted in the Bengali remake.[14] The movie was also re-made in Tamil Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham starring comedian Santhanam in a hero role with new-comer Asna as the heroine.

Production

INR300 million (US$4.8 million) was spent on making Son of Sardar.[15][16] However, an all-inclusive price tag of INR850 million (US$13 million) was also announced in the media.

The Punjabi Cultural Heritage Board raised disagreements due to some objection regarding certain scenes and dialogues. The producer and lead actor Ajay Devgn understood the objections and edited the scenes.[17] "The creativity of the film has not been affected in any way. Every film is rectified, sometimes it's made even better," said Devgn during a press conference. "The objectionable things were very small. The writer and director of the film is Punjabi and we took care of things. Even the guy who tied my turban was from Punjab", he added.

Marketing

Son of Sardaar actors Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt and Sonakshi Sinha promoted the film on the sets of Big Boss, hosted by Salman Khan in October 2012.[18][19] Ajay and Sonakshi also promoted it at Indian Grand Prix, Buddh International Circuit on 28 October 2012.[20][21]

The main theatrical trailer of nearly 2:23 minutes featuring the film's title was released on 19 July 2012 through Viacom 18 Motion Pictures' official YouTube channel. It received 3 million views till November 2012. The marketing also involved public appearances by Ajay and Sonakshi in a Kaun Banega Crorepati episode, with prize money going to Salman Khan's charity Being Human, which was aired on 18 November 2012 on Sony TV.[22][23][24][25][26] Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha were celebrity guests to promote Son of Sardaar in Diwali special episode of Hero Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012 on 10 November 2012 at 9 PM.[27] The creators have released a set of images with Ajay Devgn's character Jassi posing at several well-known landmarks around the world – Niagara Falls, Big Ben in London, to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and the Sydney Opera House.[28] A special screening of Son of Sardaar was organised in Mumbai on 9 November 2012.[29] Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha promoted the film in Patna.[30] A special screening of Son of Sardaar was done for members of Indian cricket team.[31]

Release

Son of Sardaar released in 2,000 screens in India and 350 screens overseas.[16][32][33][34] Son of Sardaar got 300 more screens in its second week.[35][36]

Controversy

Two weeks before Diwali, Ajay Devgn sent an intimation notice to Yash Raj Films through their lawyer at the Competition Commission of India. The notice accused Yash Raj Films of monopolistic business practices and stated that they used "their dominant position in the Bollywood film market" to secure many high quality single-screens for their release Jab Tak Hai Jaan.[37]

Yash Raj Films responded by saying that they were shocked and questioned Devgn's motives. The studio dismissed Devgn's claim that high-quality single-screens were unavailable by pointing out that they had only booked 1,500 single-screens for Jab Tak Hai Jaan out of the 10,500 available in India. The studio added that Ajay could have changed the release of his film as Yash Chopra announced on 27 June 2011 Jab Tak Hai Jaan would come out on Diwali 2012. Ajay announced the date of Son of Sardaar on 29 May 2012 and finalised distribution deals on 4 October 2012. He had a year to avoid a simultaneous release. Lastly, Yash Raj Films stated it was unfair to say they were in a dominant position. The studio only released a handful of films in 2012 while the makers of Son of Sardaar, Viacom 18 and Eros International, released dozens the same year.[38]

After the statement made by Yash Raj Films, Ajay Devgn responded by saying he only managed to book 600 single-screens for Son of Sardaar and would take legal action if not allotted more. He denied having anything against Shahrukh Khan and said that distributors cannot be allowed to enter into an arrangement which adversely affects competition. Yash Raj Films entered into a tie-in arrangement with exhibitors that made it compulsory for them to show an untitled Yash Chopra film on Diwali and keep it in cinemas for at least two weeks thereafter. Devgn claimed that this violated provisions of the 2002 Indian Competition Act.[38][39] Senior film critic Vinod Mirani said that YRF's move of blocking single screens may not help much. "Single screens watchers will have more affinity towards an action film such as SOS. Moreover, JTHJ's length and the fact that music has still not picked up, will not go down well with the movie goers."[40] The Competition Commission dismissed the case against Yash Raj Films on 6 November 2012.[41] Ajay Devgn has appealed to Competition Appellate Tribunal after rejection of petition against Yash Raj Films.[42] The Competition Appellate tribunal bench headed by chairman Justice V. S. Sirpurkar refused Devgn's stay against Jab Tak Hai Jaan but stated that the case against Yash Raj Films will be reviewed again. Both films would release on 13 November 2012.[43][44]

Reception

Critical reception

Son of Sardaar received mixed to negative reviews. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave it a score of 4 out of 5 stars and said "Son of Sardaar is for lovers of hardcore masala movies. If you liked Wanted, Dabangg and Rowdy Rathore, chances are you will relish Son of Sardaar as well. The North Indian audiences in particular and those residing abroad will be simply delighted by this chatpata, masaledaar fare."[45] Gayatri Sankar of Zee News gave it 3 out of 5 stars while commenting "Certain portions are a bit of a drag, but the comic sequences will make up for the monotony. The cast has put up a good show. Overall, SOS is worth a watch, a complete family entertainer.[46] Rediff gave 2 out of 5 and stated Son of Sardaar has a lot for the masses but it lacks a good story.[47] Filmfare gave 2 out of 5 stars and stated "Comedy is more than just gags and slapstick. Sadly SOS gets it wrong."[48] Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN gave 2 out of 5 stars and stated Son of Sardaar "is only sporadically entertaining, and peddles the same tired stereotypes of Punjab and Sikhs. A cameo by Salman Khan, sadly, doesn’t make up for the film’s many flaws."[49] Hindustan Times gave the film 2 out of 5 stars, describing it as "exhausting, painfully loud and way too long, with too few laughs",[50] while the Telegraph stated that it was "run-of-the-mill", but that it could be a "guilty pleasure" for some viewers.[51] Like the Hindustan Times, IBNLive gave the movie 2 out of 5,[52] with a slightly lower grade coming from Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV, who rated the film 1.5 out 5, stated that it was "A tangled mess that has no way of working its way around the sloppy screenplay."[53] The Hindu stated that there’s nothing more torturous than watching an unfunny film that’s trying so hard to be funny.[54]

Box office

India

Son of Sardaar had opening of around 70% on average at multiplexes, especially in North India. The single screens opening was similar.[55] It earned around INR107 million (US$1.7 million) on its opening day.[56] It shows very good growth of 70% with a collection of around INR160 million (US$2.5 million) net on its second day.[57] It netted INR390 million (US$6.2 million) nett in its first three-day weekend.[58] Son of Sardaar net grossed INR510 million (US$8.1 million) in first five days of release.[59] The film held up well with a collection of INR579 million (US$9.2 million) in its extended week of six days.[60] The movie brought its extended first-week collection to INR830 million (US$13 million) nett.[61]

After its first week, the film continued its successful run and collected INR830 million (US$13 million) nett in ten days.[62] Son of Sardaar had netted INR800 million (US$13 million) after its second weekend.[63] Son of Sardaar dropped in week two, collecting around INR152 million (US$2.4 million) net.[64] The film netted a total of INR1.05 billion (US$17 million) in four weeks.[65] Son of Sardaar has distributor share of 49–500 million.[66]

Overseas

Son of Sardaar grossed $2 million in seven days.[67] Son of Sardaar did a business of around $3 million overseas, which BoxofficeIndia.com called it "average".[8]

Soundtrack

Son of Sardaar
Yes
Soundtrack album to Son of Sardaar by Himesh Reshammiya
Released 1 October 2012
Length 47:45
Language Hindi
Punjabi
Label T-Series
Producer Himesh Reshammiya
Himesh Reshammiya chronology

Oh MY God
(2012)		 Son of Sardaar
(2012)		 Khiladi 786
(2012)

The music of the film was composed by Himesh Reshammiya while the lyrics were penned by Sameer, Shabbir Ahmed, Irshad Kamil & Manoj Yadav. Only one song, "Yeh Jo Halki Halki Khumariya", composed by Sajid-Wajid was also included in the album.[68]

Track listing

No. TitleArtist(s) Length
1. "Son of Sardaar"  Aman Trikha , Himesh Reshammiya 05:23
2. "Rani Tu Mein Raja"  Mika Singh, Bhanvya Pandit, Yo Yo Honey Singh 05:28
3. "Po Po"  Vikas Bhalla, Aman Trikha, Himesh Reshammiya 04:32
4. "Tu Kamaal Di Kudi"  Vineet Singh, Mamta Sharma 05:16
5. "Bichdann"  Rahat Fateh Ali Khan 05:21
6. "Yeh Jo Halki Halki Khumariya"  Rahat Fateh Ali Khan 03:53
7. "Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Ye Sawaal Aata Hai (Funk)"  Ajay Devgan 01:06
8. "Son of Sardaar (Remix)"  Aman Trikha , Himesh Reshammiya 03:31
9. "Rani Tu Mein Raja (Remix)"  Aman Trikha, Himesh Reshammiya 02:15
10. "Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Ye Sawaal (Trance)"  Ajay Devgan 02:15
11. "Bichdann (Reprise)"  Rahat Fateh Ali Khan 02:15
Total length:
 47:45

Soundtrack reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
IBNLive (IANS)
Abid (Glamsham)
Mohit Kapur (Koimoi)
Joginder Tuteja (Bollywood Hungama)

The album received mixed to positive reviews. Joginder Tuteja of Bollywood Hungama gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars and stated that "Son of Sardaar lives up to its promise of a high-on-energy soundtrack with not many dull moments in its 50-odd minutes duration. "[69] Koimoi gave it 3 out of 5 stars and said, "Overall this album is more than a decent affair where Punjabi 'tadka' makes it reasonably happening. While the tracks Son of Sardaar and Bichdann will certainly do well, Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein and Rani Tu Mein Raja also carry potential to make their presence felt."[70] IBNLive gave it 3 out of 5 stars and said, "The album is woven around the theme of the film and manages to justify it well, although the sound gets a bit monotonous at times."[71]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "SON OF SARDAAR (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 10 May 2013.
  2. ↑ "Ajay Devgn sends legal notice to YRF". 1 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Top Ten Worldwide Grossers 2012". Boxofficeindia. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  4. ↑ "Son of Sardaar not an over the top comedy: Ashwni Dhir". Movies.ndtv.com. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  5. ↑ "Ajay Devgn to partner on a 3-D horror flick". 4 June 2012.
  6. ↑ "Ajay Devgn takes on Shah Rukh Khan!". Daily News and Aanlysis. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2012.
  7. ↑ "Jab Tak Hai Jaan SUPER HIT Son of Sardaar HIT". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Jab Tak Hai Jaan BLOCKBUSTER Son of Sardaar AVERAGE". Boxofficeindia. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  9. ↑ "Son of Sardaar: Return of Juhi Chawla as a consummate performer – Yahoo! OMG! India". In.omg.yahoo.com. 26 November 2012.
  10. ↑ "Salman to shoot 'Son of Sardaar' item song by July-end". times of India. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  11. ↑ "Time to workout". Indian Express. 17 August 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  12. ↑ Smitha (26 April 2013). "Movie Review: 'Son Of Sardar' is a rollicking entertainer". OneIndia.
  13. ↑ Smitha (14 November 2012). "Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardar gets mixed reviews from critics!". OneIndia.
  14. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Review". Komalsreviews.wordpress.com. 13 November 2012.
  15. ↑ "Jab Tak Hai Jaan: A mismatch for 'Son of Sardaar'?-Movies News News – IBNLive Mobile". M.ibnlive.com.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Prashant Singh, Robin Bansal and Minakshi Saini (1 November 2012). "Ajay Devgn sends legal notice to YRF". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  17. ↑ Editing of Son of Sardaar (SOS)
  18. ↑ "Salman Khan takes on SRK again, promotes Son of Sardaar on Bigg Boss 6 set : Bollywood, News". India Today. 21 October 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  19. ↑ "In the clash of titans, Salman chooses Son of Sardaar over Jab Tak Hai Jaan : Bollywood, News". India Today. 26 October 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  20. ↑ "Bollywood, sporting stars add to Formula One glamour at Indian GP : Sports, News". India Today. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  21. ↑ Koimoi.com Team. "Son of Sardaar Team at Formula One Indian Grand Prix". Koimoi.com. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  22. ↑ "Ajay Devgan, Sonakshi Sinha in KBC 6 for Salman Khan's Being Human". Newstrack India. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  23. ↑ "Kaun Banega Crorepati: Ajay, Sonakshi on hot seat". The Times of India. 18 November 2012.
  24. ↑ "Sonakshi, Ajay play KBC for Being Human". Times of India. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  25. ↑ "Sonakshi Sinha, Ajay Devgn play KBC for Being Human". Zee News. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  26. ↑ "'BC: Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha play for Salman Khan's 'Being Humen'". IBNLive. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  27. ↑ Shruti Srivastava (6 November 2012). "Ajay, Sonakshi on the set of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2012". TheTimesofIndia. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  28. ↑ "'Son of Sardaar' goes global". TimesofIndia. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
  29. ↑ "Sonakshi Sinha with mother Poonam during the screening of 'Son of Sardaar', held in Mumbai". Photogallery.indiatimes.com.
  30. ↑ Vithika Salomi, TNN (11 November 2012). "Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha vow Patnaites". The Times of India.
  31. ↑ "Celebs at the screening of 'Son of Sardaar' – On-Spot: Special screening of 'Son of Sardaar'". Entertainment.in.msn.com. 12 November 2012.
  32. ↑ Komal Nahta (14 November 2012). "Jab Tak Hai Jaan vs Son of Sardaar – Screen Count". Koimoi.com. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  33. ↑ "Boxofficeindia.com". Boxofficeindia.com. 6 November 2012.
  34. ↑ "taran adarsh tweets: Xclusive: #SonOfSardaar will open in 350 screens in Overseas. Will open in all key markets on 13th November, simultaneously with India. – Nov 06 -26575600". In.tweetwood.com.
  35. ↑ "Son of Sardaar to get 300 more screens – bollywood news". glamsham.com. 22 November 2012.
  36. ↑ "Son of Sardaar to get 300 more screens – Yahoo! OMG! India". In.omg.yahoo.com. 22 November 2012.
  37. ↑ "Ajay Devgn sends legal notice to YRF". Times of India. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "For those asking, YRF confirms that this is indeed their *official statement* on Ajay's court notice on SOS v/s JTHJ". @Tutejajoginder via Twitter. 1 November 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2012.
  39. ↑ "TwitLonger – When you talk too much for Twitter". Twitlonger.com. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  40. ↑ 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' will release in 3,000 cinemas across India. http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/yrfs-jab-tak-hai-jaan-set-to-openclose-to-3000-screens-in-india/492016/
  41. ↑ Shruti Srivastava : New Delhi. "CCI rejects Devgn’s allegation of YRF abusing dominant position – Indian Express Mobile". M.indianexpress.com.
  42. ↑ Shruti Srivastava (5 November 2012). "Ajay Devgn appeals to tribunal after rejection of petition against Yash Raj Films". NDTV. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  43. ↑ Gitanjali Roy (8 November 2012). "Ajay Devgn, Yash Raj Films both claim victory after tribunal's decision". NDTV. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
  44. ↑ "Competition Appellate Tribunal issues notice on Devgn's plea". TheTimesofIndia. 9 November 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  45. ↑ Adarsh, Taran. "Taran Adarsh review". bollywoodhungama. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  46. ↑ Sankar, Gayatri. "Gayatri Sankar review". zeenews. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  47. ↑ "Review: Son of Sardaar is an opportunity wasted". Rediff. 13 November 2012.
  48. ↑ 13 Nov 2012 Rate Story (13 November 2012). "Review: Son of Sardaar is not so funny". Filmfare.com.
  49. ↑ "Singh song | Rajeev Masand – movies that matter : from bollywood, hollywood and everywhere else". Rajeevmasand.com.
  50. ↑ "Son of Sardaar review by Anupama Chopra". Hindustan Times. 13 November 2012.
  51. ↑ "Son of Sardaar". Telegraphindia.com. 14 November 2012.
  52. ↑ "'Son of Sardaar' Review: The film peddles the same, tired stereotypes of Sikhs, Bollywood,". CNN IBN.
  53. ↑ Chatterjee, Saibal. "Saibal Chatterjee review". ndtv. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  54. ↑ Sudhish Kamath (17 November 2012). "Arts / Cinema : Son of Sardaar: Call this humour?". The Hindu.
  55. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Good Opening Excellent in North". Retrieved 13 November 2012.
  56. ↑ "Son of Sardaar First Day Business". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  57. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Day Two Figures". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
  58. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Three Day Territorial Breakdown". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  59. ↑ "Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Son of Sardaar Five Day Business". Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  60. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Extended Weekend Territorial Breakdown". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
  61. ↑ "Top All Time Opening Weeks: JAB TAK HAI JAAN 6th Son of Sardaar 13th". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  62. ↑ "Son of Sardaar ten days Territorial Breakdown".
  63. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Second Weekend Business". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  64. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Week Two Territorial Breakdown". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  65. ↑ "Cigarette Ki Tarah And Myoho Very Dull Khiladi 786 Has Average First Week". Box Office India. 15 November 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  66. ↑ "All INDIA Distributor Shares 2012: Diwali Releases Combined Equal Ek Tha Tiger". Box Office India. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  67. ↑ "Jab Tak Hai Jaan Excellent Son of Sardaar Reasonable". boxofficeindia. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  68. ↑ "Himesh replaces Sajid-Wajid in Son of Sardaar". Screen India. 16 March 2012. Retrieved 17 March 2012.
  69. ↑ "Son of Sardaar Music Review". Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  70. ↑ "Son of Sardaar -music review". koimoi.com. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  71. ↑ "'Son of Sardaar' Music Review: The album manages to justify the film's theme". IBNlive.com. Retrieved 14 October 2012.

External links