Vicky Donor

Vicky Donor

Theatrical release poster
Directed by Shoojit Sircar[1][2]
Produced by John Abraham,[3]
Ronnie Lahiri
Written by Juhi Chaturvedi[4][5][6]
Starring Ayushmann Khurrana
Yami Gautam
Annu Kapoor
Puja Gupta
Music by Abhishek-Akshay
Bann
Rochak Kohli
Ayushmann Khurrana[7]
Cinematography Kamaljeet Negi
Production
company
Rising Sun Films
Distributed by John Abraham Entertainment
Eros Entertainment
Release dates
  • 20 April 2012
Running time
 125 minutes[8]
Country India
Language Hindi
Punjabi
Bengali
Budget INR50 million (US$790,000)
Box office INR645.0 million (US$10 million)(worldwide)[9]

Vicky Donor is a 2012 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by actor John Abraham.[10] It stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Yami Gautam and Annu Kapoor in the lead roles. It released on 20 April 2012 in around 750 screens across India[11][12] and received positive response worldwide.[11] Vicky Donor opened to critical acclaim and performed strongly at the box office and was declared a 'Super Hit' by Box Office India.[13][14] The storyline is based on sperm donation and infertility.[15][16][17] The story is loosely based on the Canadian French film Starbuck.[18][19]

Plot

Dr. Baldev Chaddha (Annu Kapoor) is a fertility expert who runs a clinic and a sperm bank in Daryaganj, Delhi that guarantees high-quality and specialised sperm for couples. Unfortunately, he has more failed cases to his credit than successes. A healthy and high-performing donor is needed.

While searching for his 'Indian Alexander', Chaddha bumps into Vicky Arora (Ayushmann Khurrana). Vicky is the only son of his widowed mother Dolly (Dolly Ahluwalia), who runs a small parlour from their home in Lajpat Nagar. He lives with his mother and grandmother and provides no financial support to them. Dolly is always nagging at Vicky to go and work for his uncle so he can help with the family's finances. But Vicky wants a job in a multinational company, which will provide him with a better lifestyle. Vicky's neighbor Shweta (Puja Gupta) is infatuated with him, but Vicky doesn't reciprocate which causes friction between the two.

A small brawl in the colony brings Chaddha and Vicky face to face; Chaddha concludes that Vicky could be the donor he has been looking for. From here on, Chaddha's days and nights are spent convincing Vicky to become a donor; he finally gives in. Although Vicky is hesitant at first, he accepts being a sperm donor after seeing the money he could make. He starts to spend money wildly and renovates his home and his mother's beauty parlor. He fulfills all his dreams with the money he is making. At first he openly discloses he is a sperm donor to his friends but, after repeatedly disgusting them, he starts to keep it a secret.

Vicky falls in love with Ashima Roy (Yami Gautam), a Bengali bank employee, whom he meets when he goes to deposit money. At first Ashima is repelled by Vicky and his attitude, but slowly becomes attracted to him. After dating, they admit they are in love and want to get married. Ashima also discloses that she was briefly married to a Bengali, who left her immediately after their wedding because he loved someone else. When she asks Vicky about his status, he hides the fact he is a sperm donor feeling ashamed of it. Despite initial friction between Vicky's and Ashima's families due to conflicting cultures, they convince their families and get married.

After their wedding Vicky stops donating sperm out of faithfulness to Ashima. It is discovered that Ashima is infertile and Vicky, with a heavy heart, takes better care of her. One day while looking at the doctor's reports, Ashima cannot find Vicky's reports and asks him where they are. He admits to not having taken the fertility tests, because of his past as a sperm donor. Ashima becomes extremely upset as her husband has multiple children while she is unable to bear any herself. She is also upset that he lied to her. Ashima goes back to Kolkata to her father's home.

Vicky is very upset as he loves Ashima a lot and cannot live without her. One night he gets a frantic call from his mother who claims that income tax agents have raided her beauty parlor. Vicky rushes to her aid. Once there he is arrested on suspicion of handling black money. While at the police station, Vicky is bailed out by Dr. Chaddha and he clear the air with the police about Vicky's money. He explains that he is a sperm donor and the money was from the parents who used Vicky's sperm. After being released by the police, Dr. Chaddha and Vicky have a chat. Vicky explains that Ashima has left because of his work as a sperm donor and that she is infertile. Dr. Chaddha tells him that he will fix his marriage.

He asks Vicky to bring Ashima to a guest house where he will host an event. Vicky is reluctant because he is not sure if Ashima will be willing to come with him. After Vicky has a chat with Dr. Chaddha he goes to his mother home. She is very upset with him and slaps him. She is angry with him about the sperm donation. While his grandmother is also clearly upset, she points out that Vicky brought happiness and joy to those parents and that's all that matters to her. She then encourages Vicky to go to Kolkata and bring back Ashima, which he does. Vicky then goes to Ashima's father's home and tries to apologize for his deception. Although she is reluctant, Ashima's father sets her straight and tells her that Vicky is a good person, and she should not leave him because she is envious of his being able to have children.

She agrees to go with Vicky to Dr. Chaddha's event. Dr. Chaddha called all the families who received Vicky's sperm to a 25th anniversary party for his clinic. She then sees how Vicky has brought happiness into the families' lives. Dr. Chaddha then takes Vicky and Ashima to an orphanage. He explains that while tracking down two children who Vicky fathered, he came across one child he fathered who lost her parents in a car accident and had to be put in an orphanage. He says that Vicky and Ashima should adopt her. They happily agree and reconcile with each other.

The movie ends with Dr. Chaddha calling Vicky telling him that a request for his sperm has come in, asking if he will donate. With Ashima's approval he agrees.

Cast

Themes and development

Vicky Donor deals with sperm donation and infertility.[25] When questioned about the risky subject matter, Abraham responded, "Basically, Vicky Donor is a romantic comedy. But the concept is set against the background of sperm donation." Abraham hoped that the film could shed light on a serious issue still considered "taboo" in Indian society.

Sircar said, "I want to take a light-hearted look at the taboo attached to infertility and artificial insemination." Before filming began, Sircar researched the plot themes for three years.[26] Juhi Chaturvedi, creative director at advertising agency Bates, who wrote the screenplay based on her own idea, had stayed in Lajpat Nagar as a student at College of Arts, Delhi. As the script went through several drafts, she met a couple who run a noted fertility clinic in Mumbai.[27][28]

Production

Despite the usual trend, Abraham did not take up the leading role in the film: "It was a conscious decision to not act in my first production because I believe producing a film is about creating quality content that I believe in."[29] Director Sircar suggested Khurrana, a video jockey and television host, for the role of Vicky; he was considered because he was popular among the youth. He "can read and write [Punjabi] too."[26][30] Khurrana turned down three film projects to play the lead in Vicky Donor. To prepare for the role, he met medical experts and donors to understand sperm donation; a major medical consultant specialising in the field was later inducted as a medical adviser for the film. Additionally, Khurrana studied acting and attended workshops with N.K. Sharma in Delhi.[26] It was later reported that Abraham would perform an "item number."[31] Commenting on the his performance, Abraham said "I am glad I cast Ayushmann in the lead. He's a complete natural, has all the trappings of a fine actor and has delivered a super performance. It doesn't seem like Vicky Donor is his first film." It was reported that the production crew would feature "the best technicians from Los Angeles" and acclaimed action choreographer J J Perry. Incidentally, Ayushmann who plays the lead role, successfully performed a task on the reality show MTV Roadies: Season 2, which was sperm donation.[29][32]

Reception

Critical reception

Professional reviews
Review Scores
Source Rating
FilmiTadka
IMDB
NDTV
Zee News
DNA India
The Statesman
The Times of India
CNN-IBN
Hindustan Times
Bollywood3
Rediff
The Indian Express
Yahoo
Tehelka
dagger indicates that the given rating is an average rating of all reviews provided by the source

Vicky Donor received near unanimous acclaim from top critics of India. Blessy Chettiar of DNA India rated it with 4 stars and said, "Run to the nearest theatre and surrender yourself to charm of Vicky and his team. This "Aryaputra" provides only good quality entertainment."[33] Writing for FilmiTadka, Janhavi Patel gave it 4 out of 5 stars and wrote in her review, "Vicky Donor is one of the funniest movies in recent times and the most enjoyable cinematic experience you will have in a long time. It proves that an adult comedy can be made with class, ingenuity, and finesse. You can easily watch this twice!"[34] Madhureeta Mukherjee of The Times of India gave Vicky Donor 3.5 stars and said, "It takes a man to make a film like this, literally. Kudos to John Abraham for his brave maiden production. Thankfully, this sperm hits bullseye."[35] Mathures Paul of the The Statesman gave the film 3.5 stars and wrote, "Vicky Donor is an admirable movie that is at once simple, emotional, daring and in your face."[36]

Awards

Box office

The movie made 700% profit at the box office, earning approx INR645.0 million (US$10 million) worldwide.

India

The film had an opening at the box office worldwide and collected INR18.8 million (US$300,000) on its first day in India.[37] Vicky Donor showed good growth on Saturday as all India collections jumped around 35%–40%; it collected around INR26.0 million (US$410,000) nett taking its two-day business to INR45.0 million (US$710,000) nett.[38] The film got tough competition from Housefull 2 and Hate Story in its first week of theatrical run in India.[39] Vicky Donor is the 3rd small-budget film of 2012 after Paan Singh Tomar and Kahaani to receive such an acceptance by critics, multiplex goers and urban audience. It grossed INR32.5 million (US$520,000) nett on Sunday. Vicky Donor had a decent three-day weekend as it grossed around INR77.5 million (US$1.2 million) nett over its first weekend.[40]

It had a good first week of around INR135.0 million (US$2.1 million) nett.[41] Vicky Donor had an excellent second week collecting around INR112.5 million (US$1.8 million) nett taking its two-week total to around INR255.0 million (US$4.0 million) nett.[42] Vicky Donor continued its strong run into the third week and totally grossed INR405.0 million (US$6.4 million) in full run and was declared a Super Hit.[43][44][45]

Overseas

The film had a wide release with close to 125 prints and grossed a decent $350,000 overseas in four days.[46] It has done well in North America and decently in other markets.[47] It was declared a semi hit in overseas markets.

Grosses are as follow:

Total: $1.2 million (65 million)[48]

Sequel and remakes

After the major critical and commercial success of the film, producer John Abraham announced that he was encouraged by the response of Vicky Donor and has therefore laid a sequel on the cards, which is expected to go on floors in mid-2013.

Indian actor Siddharth bought the remake rights for the Tamil version.[49] Dileep has bought the remake rights for the Malayalam version.[50] Telugu director Madhura Sreedhar bought the remake rights of the film for the Telugu version named Danakarna.[51]

Soundtrack
Pani Da Rang (Male)
A 29 second sample of Pani Da Rang (Male) featuring Ayushmann Khurrana
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Vicky Donor
Soundtrack album by Abhishek-Akshay, Bann, Rochak Kohli and Ayushmann Khurrana
Released 9 April 2012
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length 35:11
Label Eros Music
Producer John Abraham
Abhishek-Akshay, Bann, Rochak Kohli and Ayushmann Khurrana chronology

Housefull 2
(2012)		 Vicky Donor
(2012)		 Dostana 2

The soundtrack was composed by Abhishek-Akshay, Bann, Rochak Kohli, and Ayushmann Khurrana. The album was released on 9 April 2012.

IBNlive.in quotes "Vicky Donor album tracks are worth listening and contain rawness."[52] Ayushmann Khurrana won Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer at 58th Filmfare Awards for "Pani Da Rang."[53]

Track listing

No. TitleLyricsArtist(s) Length
1. "Rok"  Akshay VermaAkshay Verma, Aditi Singh Sharma 4:28
2. "Kho Jaane Do"  Juhi ChaturvediClinton Cerejo, Aditi Singh Sharma 4:57
3. "Rum Whisky"  Kusum VermaAkshay Verma 4:04
4. "Pani Da Rang (Male)"  Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak KohliAyushmann Khurrana 4:00
5. "Mar Jayian (Romantic)"  Swanand KirkireVishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan 4:48
6. "Chaddha"  Vijay MauryaMika Singh 3:50
7. "Pani Da Rang (Female)"  Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak KohliSukanya Purkayastha 4:49
8. "Mar Jayian (Sad)"  Swanand KirkireBann 4:14
Total length:
 35:11

References

  1. ↑ Zinia Sen, TNN (2 June 2012). "Sperm’s part of daily vocab now: Shoojit Sircar". The Times of India.
  2. ↑ "Every filmmaker lives for this moment". Rediff.com. 27 April 2012.
  3. ↑ "John Abraham turns producer with Vicky Yadav". NDTV. 10 November 2011. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  4. ↑ So what’s a sperm?
  5. ↑ "Juhi Chaturvedi Filmography". Movietalkies.com. 21 January 2013.
  6. ↑ 'Vicky Yadav' is not about sex education: Writer
  7. ↑ "Vicky Yadav's music scores a hit". The Times of India. 17 April 2012.
  8. ↑ "VICKY DONOR (12A) – British Board of Film Classification". 17 April 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  9. ↑ "Economics And Lifetime Collections of VICKY DONOR". Boxofficecapsule.com.
  10. ↑ "John Abraham proud of his first 'baby'". Hindustan Times. 16 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Hate Story And Vicky Yadav Have Dull Start". Box Office India.
  12. ↑ "Vicky Donor Cast & Crew http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jme-VkIzkoUaccessdate=February 18, 2012". Bollywood Hungama.
  13. ↑ "Vicky Donor Continues Strong Run Emerges SUPER HIT". Box Office India.
  14. ↑ Box Office: 'Vicky Donor' earns Rs 22 crore, becomes a hit
  15. ↑ John’s sperm in demand!
  16. ↑ "Donor’s Circle". The Indian Express. 25 April 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  17. ↑ "Vicky Donor walks away with cake". Daily.bhaskar.com.
  18. ↑ "Starbuck renaîtra en Inde | Isabelle Massé | Nouvelles". La Presse. Canada.
  19. ↑ Perkins, Will (31 January 2012). "‘Delivery Man': Vince Vaughn’s 'Starbuck' remake gets a trailer | Wide Screen - Yahoo! Movies Canada". Yahoo!.
  20. ↑ Subhash K Jha (24 April 2012). "What a saas-bahu pair in Vicky Yadav". The Times of India.
  21. ↑ "Ties of success". The Tribune. 16 April 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  22. ↑ "Meet Kamlesh Gill, Vicky Donor's progressive 'biji'". CNN-IBN. 23 April 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  23. ↑ Vicky Donor's "drinking mom" is a hit among fans
  24. ↑ "'Vicky Donor' is great fun". HindustanTimes.
  25. ↑ "John next production based on sperm donors". Hindustan Times. 17 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Ayushmann's film debut as sperm donor". The Times of India. 7 October 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  27. ↑ "Mr Bachchan has approved one of my new screenplays". The Pioneer. 27 April 2012.
  28. ↑ "Vicky Donor is born". Tehelka. Vol 9, Issue 19, dated 12 May 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2013. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "John Abraham is looking for a Donor". The Times of India. 9 November 2011. Retrieved 19 February 2012.
  30. ↑ "Introducing John’s new hero: Ayushman Khurana". Hindustan Times. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  31. ↑ "John turns producer and item boy for sperm donors!". Daily Bhaskar. 18 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  32. ↑ "`Vicky Donor' Ayushmann Khurranna makes ramp debut". Zeenews.india.com. 28 June 2012.
  33. ↑ Chettiar, Blessy. "Review: Vicky Donor". DNA. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  34. ↑ Patel, Janhavi. "Vicky donor Movie Review". FilmiTadka. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  35. ↑ Mukherjee, Madhureeta. "Vicky Yadav". ToI. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  36. ↑ Paul, Mathures. "Donor 53!". The Statesman. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  37. ↑ "Vicky Donor First Day Territorial Breakdown". Box Office India.
  38. ↑ "Vicky Donor Shows Growth on Saturday". Box Office India.
  39. ↑ "Housefull 2 Is First Choice Again This Week". Box Office India.
  40. ↑ "Vicky Donor Has Decent Weekend". Box Office India.
  41. ↑ "Tezz Has Dull Opening Vicky Donor Heads For Big Success". Box Office India. 28 April 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  42. ↑ "Jannat 2 Opens Well Tezz Is Disaster". Box Office India. 5 May 2012.
  43. ↑ "Vicky Donor Continues Strong Run Emerges SUPER HIT". Box Office India. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  44. ↑ "Multiplex Contribution To Big Hits of 2012". Box Office India.
  45. ↑ "6th Week Box Office Collections of VICKY DONOR". Boxofficecapsule.com.
  46. ↑ "Vicky Yadav Decent Housefull 2 On $5.75 Million in 17 Days". Box Office India. 25 April 2012.
  47. ↑ "Tezz is Very Dull Housefull 2 Top Grosser of 2012". Box Office India. 2 May 2012.
  48. ↑ "Vicky Donor Box Office Collections".
  49. ↑ IndiaGlitz. Siddharth to make 'Vicky Donor' in Tamil, Telugu? CNN-IBN. 6 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  50. ↑ Times of India. Dileep to remake Bollywood hit Vicky Donor in Malayalam, The Times of India. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  51. ↑ "Madhura Sreedhar to direct Telugu version of Vicky Donor | NDTV Movies.com". Movies.ndtv.com. 13 September 2012.
  52. ↑ "Music Review: Rawness forms core of 'Vicky Donor'". Ibnlive.in.com.
  53. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Vicky Donor (Original Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) by Abhishek - Akshay". iTunes Store. 4 April 2012.

External links