Misplaced Pages

Cheeni Kum: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 11:08, 11 November 2008 edit64.154.26.251 (talk) The only similarity between the two movies is that the main character is a chef. The stories are unrelated.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 04:53, 30 October 2024 edit undoDareshMohan (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users97,068 edits ce 
(260 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|2007 film by R. Balki}}
{{Infobox_Film
{{EngvarB|date=January 2014}}
| name = Cheeni Kum
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
| image = CheeniKumPos1.jpg
{{Infobox film
| name = Cheeni Kum
| image = Wall800CheeniKum.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = ] | director = ]
| producer = ] | producer = ]
| writer = | writer = R. Balki
| narrator = | narrator =
| starring = ]<br />]<br />]<br />] | starring = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]
| music = ] | music = ]
| cinematography = ] | cinematography = ]
| editing = ] | editing = ]
| studio = MAD Entertainment Ltd.
| distributor = ]
| released = ] ] | distributor = ]
| released = {{Film date|df=yes|2007|5|21|]|2007|5|22|]|2007|5|25|India}}
| runtime = 136 mins
| country = ] | runtime = 140 minutes
| language = ] | country = India
| budget = | language = Hindi
| budget = {{INR|11}} ]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/ADrgBs9MHftTRFv5N2PmsL/Cut-the-fluff-just-love-me.html |title=Cut the fluff, just love me |website=] |date=19 May 2007 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref>
| gross =
| gross = {{Estimation}}<!--DO NOT ADD FIGURES PUBLISHED BY STUDIO PER PRIMARY-->{{INR|32.03}} crore<!--Do not remove sourced figures without consensus--><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/cheeni-kum/box-office/ |title=Cheeni Kum Box Office |website=] |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref>
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| website =
}} }}
'''''Cheeni Kum''''' ({{translation|Less sugar}}) is a 2007 Indian ]-language ] film directed by ] and starring ], ], ], ], and ].


''Cheeni Kum'' premiered at the ] on 21 May 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/05/asian_news_06.shtml |title=Cheeni Kum to premiere at Cannes 2007 |website=] |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref> and premiered at the ] on 22 May 2007<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/25celeb.htm |title=Spotted: Amitabh at a premiere in London |website=] |date=25 May 2007 |access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref> and it was released theatrically on 25 May 2007. Made on a production budget of {{INR|11}} crore, it grossed a total of {{INR|32.3}} crore at the box office, thus proving to be a commercial success. It received positive reviews from critics upon release, with praise for its direction, story, screenplay, dialogues, soundtrack and performances of the cast.
'''''Cheeni Kum''''' (literally, ''less sugar'') is a ] film made by advertising executive and debutant director ]. It is an unconventional love story between a 34 years old woman and an older man. This film released on ], ].


At the ], ''Cheeni Kum'' received 1 award – ] (Tabu).
==Plot==


== Plot ==
The film opens in the kitchen of Spice 6, an (fictitious) Indian restaurant in London. Waiters, busboys and chefs are busy at work taking orders, preparing food and serving up a storm. At the center of this restaurant is an ornery head chef, Buddhadev Gupta (]), presiding over "London's best Indian restaurant". He is quick to fire a sous chef on the spot for making a small mistake. And he launches into a grand speech about the rise of the restaurant to prominence, about the art of cooking and how it stirs all the senses, and about the discipline and commitment required to maintain its stature.
Buddhadev Gupta (]) is the 64-year-old owner and executive chef of Spice 6, London's top Indian restaurant. He lives with his 85-year-old mother (]), and his only friend and confidante is his 9-year-old neighbour, 'Sexy' (]), who is diagnosed with cancer. Buddha is arrogant and egocentric, often rude to his chefs and sarcastic to those around him. His confidence is crushed when during a dinner service one evening at his restaurant, a hyderabadi zafrani pulao gets sent back for being 'sweet', leading Buddha to humiliate the woman who ordered the dish, arguing that his restaurant is the finest in London. When she sends her pulao to Buddha's restaurant, made arguably better than at Spice 6, Buddha eventually finds the chef who prepared the dish incorrectly and fires him.


Buddha runs into the woman once again after she decides to come back to his restaurant, 34-year-old Nina Verma (]) from India. He tries to apologize but is unable to. They slowly fall in love despite their glaring contrast in age, character, and attitude. They decide to get married, and Buddha goes to ] to meet Nina's father, Omprakash Verma (]), conveniently leaving out the detail that Buddha is older than him. He quickly finds out and is horrified, and he attempts to dissuade his daughter from marrying Buddha by going on a Gandhi-inspired hunger strike until she relents. Buddha and Nina argue over this constantly, being the main hang-up in their relationship, and Buddha leaves their home feeling heartbroken, only to also find out that Sexy has now passed away from cancer. In the meantime, Omprakash has begrudgingly agreed to Buddha and Nina's relationship, at which an overjoyed Nina comes to find Buddha at the ], where she finds out about Sexy as well. She consoles Buddha while he grieves his best friend and gently lets him know that her father has changed his mind.
One of the waiters, affectionately called Colgate (reference to the toothpaste) and incessantly teased because of his protruding front teeth, brings back a Hyderabadi Zafrani Pulao. The patron sent it back because she claims it has too much sugar: "cheeni zyada hai". As a meat dish, it is not supposed to have any of the sugar that unbeknownst to Buddhadev a sous chef had accidentally put in. The great Buddhadev is enraged. He brings it back to the table and lays out the patrons. The patrons quietly leave. Buddhadev returns to the kitchen muttering about low air fares bringing planeloads of bloody tourists who simply cannot appreciate his art.


The final scene shows Buddha and Nina having brought Buddha's mother and Nina's father to Spice 6, and Buddha bonding with Omprakash over a cricket match playing near them.
The next day Colgate brings back another Zafrani Pulao. Buddhadev tastes it and rattles off its ingredients. He pronounces it, the child of his kitchen, the best Zafrani Pulao in town. Colgate meekly informs him that it was not sent back, but cooked specifically for him by the previous night's patron.

That patron is Nina Verma (]).

Over the next few days Buddhadev and Nina run into each other a few times. Nina, a 34-year old software engineer, is intelligent, charming, playful, and strong willed, all under a quiet external demeanor. Buddhadev is every bit the pompous, irritable and lonely old man he portrays. The film takes us into his life. He returns, night after night, to his lodgings and to his aged mother (]). The bright spot in his life is his quick-witted 9-year old neighbor Sexy (]). She teases him, checks up on him and dispenses advice (with apparent wisdom way beyond her age) about his problems. For all her wit and wisdom, Sexy suffers from ]. She also laments that she is not able to watch A-rated (analogous to R-rated films in America) films. Buddhadev offers to bring her DVDs. (Later in the film, she says there is nothing in them she didn't already know. She fast-forwards through them in an attempt to finish watching them all as quickly as possible.)

Buddhadev gradually gets closer to Nina. There is constant lively banter between them. She asks him why he fired yet another sous chef; if he is pleased to accept compliments about the food prepared by the sous chefs then he should gracefully accept criticism (and in this case fire himself!) too. Buddhadev is gradually summoning the courage to ask her out; she playfully suggests that he should come right out and ask without fear. Ask her name, she says, with a coy smile.

At some point during the next week, Buddhadev asks her if she will marry him. She accepts. When she goes to talk to his mother, she gets a phone call about her father, in Delhi, being admitted to the hospital. Right around this time, Sexy's condition worsens and she is admitted to a local hospital.

Buddhadev arrives in Delhi to meet Nina's father, Mr. Verma (]). Mr. Verma is a typical old Indian retiree. He spends his life in ''Bhajan'' (devotional songs, mainly focused on Gandhi), ''Bhojan'' (food) and ''Bhaji'' (A reference to cricketer Harbhajan Singh, representing his love for cricket). Nina informs Buddhadev that her father, at 58, is 6 years younger than him! After a few false starts, Buddhadev asks Mr. Verma for his daughter's hand in marriage.

Mr. Verma is shocked and disgusted. He flatly refuses. Over my dead body, he raves at Nina. She immediately, yet quietly, asks him when he plans to go! He calmly tells her that he is concerned about her. Buddhadev is already and old man; how much longer can he live? She says she prefers spending a few years with a man she loves instead of a lifetime with some man she does not love.

It is a stalemate. Mr. Verma puts up a ''bhookh hartal'' (hunger strike, something commonly employed by Gandhi as a means of peaceful disobedience). Buddhadev arrives at the denouement. What is Mr. Verma's problem? He lays out the facts and addresses Mr. Verma's fears. He is adequately covered by insurance; Nina need not worry.

Mr. Verma finally relents. No sooner than Buddhadev hears this, he receives word from London that Sexy has passed away.

The film ends with Buddhadev, Nina, Buddhadev's mother and Mr. Verma having dinner at Spice6. Buddhadev offers to fulfill one of Mr. Verma's life goals: watching England v India cricket match at Lord's stadium.


==Cast== ==Cast==
*] as Buddhadev Gupta *] as Buddhadev Gupta
*] as Nina Verma *] as Nina Verma
*] as Omprakash Verma *] as Omprakash Verma, Nina's father
*] as Buddhadev Gupta's mother *] as Mrs. Gupta, Buddhadev's mother
*] as Sexy *] as Sexy
*] as Sexy's Father *] as the English waiter


==Soundtrack== ==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
Music Composer ] has composed 7 tracks. The reaction towards this album is generally positive. Fans of the maestro have praised Raja's efforts in spreading the acclaimed Tamil and Kannada tunes and modernizing it in Hindi. Although some fans have panned that Raja should've created some more tunes and should've created an original soundtrack rather than recycle his classic Tamil and Kannada tunes. Reviewers such as Indiafm has rated "Cheeni Kum" 3 stars out off 5 with Joginer Tuteja quoting ''"'Cheeni Kum' turns out to be an enjoyable album which has its moments throughout its 7 track duration. While one never expected a musical from a film which told a love story that had never been seen before, 'Cheeni Kum' manages to throw in a nice-n-little pleasant surprise."'' Other sites such as Planet Bollywood, Sulekha, and fellow internet bloggers have praised Raja's melodious tunes in comparison's to today's music given by ] or ].
| name = Cheeni Kum
| type = Soundtrack
| artist = ]
| cover =
| alt =
| released = 2 May 2007
| recorded = 2006–2007
| venue =
| studio =
| genre = ]
| length =
| label = ]
| producer = Ilayaraja
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}


The score and soundtrack were composed by ]. The songs had their tunes re-used from the composer's earlier songs in other languages, while the arrangements were fresh.
Similarly ] gave the album a 3/5 rating and mentioned that "sounds of the instruments and Vocals blend in harmony to provide a simple yet powerful score. This album is a must have, especially to play in between all those generated scores we are usually subjected to."


{| class="wikitable"
However, Rediff.com reviewer, Sonia Chopra has given the album a 2.5 out 5 stars quoting ''"The music is largely monotonous; only one or two voices have been used throughout. Not that Shreya Ghosal is not a good singer, she's terrific; but three songs one after the other, with the same voice, does begin to grate on your nerves. Plus, all the songs sound similar. Even lyrics by Sameer and Manoj Tapadia are disappointing and mediocre. When people say that they appreciate simple lyrics, they don't mean lyrics without any imagination whatsoever!"''
|-
{{Album infobox |
! Track No !! Song !! Singer !! Notes
Name = Chenni Kum |
|-
Type = soundtrack |
| 1 || "Cheeni Kum"(Female) ||] || based on "Mandram Vantha Thendralukku" from '']''
Artist = ] |
|-
Cover = Wall800CheeniKum.jpg|
| 2 || "Baatein Hawa"(Duet) ||], ] || based on "Kuzhal Ootham" from '']''
Background = gainsboro |
|-
Released = <div style="white-space: nowrap;">May, 2007 (India) |
| 3 || "Jaane Do Na" ||] || based on "Jotheyali" from ]
Recorded = Unknown |
|-
| 4 || "Sooni Sooni"(Male) ||] ||
|-
| 5 || "Baatein Hawa"(Solo) ||] ||
|}


==Reception==
Genre = ] |
Length = |
Label = <div style="white-space: nowrap;"> |
Producer = ] |
Reviews = |


===Critical reception===
Last album = '']''<br />(2007)|
Martin D'Souza of ''Glamsham'' gave the movie 4/5 stars, concluding that "There's a dash of sweetness (Tabu), the right amount of spice (Amitabh Bachchan), a proper dose of lime (Paresh Rawal), the perfect quantity of salt (Swini Khara) and a spoonful of ''tadka'' (Zohra Sehgal). A clean entertainer which can be watched by the entire family."<ref>{{cite web |last1=D'Souza |first1=Martin |authorlink1=Martin D'Souza |title=Cheeni Kum Movie Review |url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/cheenikum.asp |website=glamsham |accessdate=2020-01-25 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515231657/http://www.glamsham.com/movies/reviews/cheenikum.asp |archivedate=2008-05-15 |url-status=unfit}}</ref> Raja Sen of ''Rediff'' gave the movie 3.5/5 stars, stating that "This isn't a groundbreaking film, but it didn't set out to be. It's a maturely written film with great characters, tremendous performances and some fantastic moments. It could have been perfect, but the lesser said about that end the better. Watch it. A brilliant sequence involving the chef, a chemist, chhatris and chachas is absolute movie magic, and in itself well worth the price of admission. Bravo."<ref>{{cite web|title=BigB-ittersweet Symphony|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/25cheeni.htm|author=Raja Sen|publisher=Rediff}}{{Rating|3.5|5}}</ref> Naresh Kumar Deoshi of ''Apun Ka Choice'' gave the movie 3/5 stars, saying that "The movie, featuring Amitabh Bachchan in yet another brilliant performance, not just entertains you with its sarcastic humor, it also touches your heart with its emotional moments. Do not miss this sugar-free spread."<ref>{{cite web|title=CHEENI KUM MOVIE REVIEW: Sugar-free Sarcasm|url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/titles/che/cheeni-kum/mid_744/reviews-editor/|author=Naresh Kumar Deoshi|publisher=Apun Ka Choice|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721084741/http://www.apunkachoice.com/titles/che/cheeni-kum/mid_744/reviews-editor|archivedate=21 July 2012|df=dmy-all}}{{Rating|3|5}}</ref> Taran Adarsh of ''Bollywood Hungama'' gave the movie 3/5 stars, concluding that "On the whole, ''CHEENI KUM'' is absorbing in parts. A lackluster first half gets a boost with a much energetic second half and that elevates the film to the watchable level. At the box-office, ''CHEENI KUM'' is targeted at the multiplexes mainly. Clever promos and feel-good vibes should ensure a positive run at the multiplexes."<ref>{{cite web|title=Cheeni Kum Hindi Movie Critic Review by Taran Adarsh – Bollywood Hungama|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201684|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106032331/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/201684|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 January 2014|author=Taran Adarsh|website=]}}{{Rating|3|5}}</ref> On the contrary, Rajeev Masand of ''CNN-IBN'' gave the movie 2/5 stars, stating that "So I'll go with two out of five for R. Balki's ''Cheeni Kum'', it's an average entertainer at best. If you're a die-hard Bachchan fan, do give it a shot because he doesn't disappoint. How you wish the film didn't either!"<ref>{{cite web|title=Masand's verdict: Cheeni Kum|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-cheeni-kum/41331-8-1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107013504/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-cheeni-kum/41331-8-1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-11-07|author=Rajeev Masand|publisher=CNN-IBN}}{{Rating|3|5}}</ref>
This album = ''Cheeni Kum''|

Next album = '']''<br />(2007) |
===Box office===
}}
''Cheeni Kum'' was a hit at the box office, grossing {{INRConvert|237.5|m}}, despite taking a poor opening. The movie collected {{INRConvert|169.7|m}} net in its lifetime.<ref>{{cite web |title=Box Office 2007 |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw== |publisher=Box Office India |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115223235/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=214&catName=MjAwNw%3D%3D |archivedate=15 January 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"

|- bgcolor="#d1e4fd"sdfsdfsd
== Accolades ==
! # !! Title !! Singer !! Other notes
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|- |-
! scope="col"| Award{{efn|Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.}}
| 1 || ''Cheeni Kum'' || ] || ''Adapted from "Mandram Vantha" from the Tamil film ]''
! scope="col"| Date of ceremony{{efn|Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.}}
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Recipient(s)
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|- |-
! scope="row"| ]
| 2 || ''Sooni Sooni'' || ] || ''Adapted from "Mandram Vantha" from the Tamil film ]''
| ]
| ]
| rowspan="2" | {{sort|Tabu|]}}
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/02/23/3610/index.html|title=Winners of 53rd Annual Filmfare Awards|date=23 February 2008|work=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122012020/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/02/23/3610/index.html|archivedate=22 November 2011|agency=Bollywood Hungama News Network}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" | ]
| 3 || ''Baatein Mein''|| ],] ||''Adapted tune from Kuzhaloodhum kannanukku’ from the Tamil film ‘Mella thirandhadhu kadhavu’''
| rowspan="3" |]
| ]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="3" |<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/16/3780/index.html|title=Nominations for the IIFA Awards 2008|date=16 April 2008|work=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308032548/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/16/3780/index.html|archivedate=8 March 2010|agency=Bollywood Hungama News Network}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
| 4 || ''Jaane Do'' || ] || Adapted from ‘Jotheyali Jothe Jotheyali’ from ] film, Geetha(1980). A later version of the same is "Vizhiyile Undan vizhiyile" from ] film, Nooravadu Naal(1984)
| {{sort|Sehgal|]}}
| {{nom}}
|- |-
| ]
| 5 || ''Baatein Mein Without''||] ||''Adapted from 'Kuzhaloodhum kannanukku’ from the Tamil film ‘Mella thirandhadhu kadhavu’'
| {{sort|Balki|]}}
| {{nom}}
|- |-
! rowspan="5" scope="row" | ]
| 6 || ''Theme Music''|| Various ||
| rowspan="5" | 30 March 2008
| ]
| ''Cheeni Kum''
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="5" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/03/14/3674/index.html |title=Nominations for 3rd Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards |last=Bollywood Hungama News Network |date=14 March 2008 |website=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921064836/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/03/14/3674/index.html |archive-date=21 September 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref>
|- |-
| ]
| 7 || ''Saxophone Instrumental''|| Various ||''Adapted from 'En Iniya Pon’ from the Tamil film ‘Moodupani’
| {{sort|Bachchan|]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Tabu|Tabu}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Story
| rowspan="3"| {{sort|Balki|R. Balki}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Dialogue
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="5"| ]
| rowspan="5"| ]
| Most Promising Debut Director
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="5"| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/01/02/3422/index.html|title=Nominees for 14th Annual Screen Awards|date=2 January 2008|work=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429081517/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/01/02/3422/index.html|archivedate=29 April 2009|agency=IndiaFM News Bureau}}</ref><br /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/01/11/3466/index.html|title=Winners of 14th Annual Star Screen Awards|date=11 January 2008|work=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023075703/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/01/11/3466/index.html|archivedate=23 October 2011|agency=Bollywood Hungama News Network}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| rowspan="2"| {{sort|Bachchan|Amitabh Bachchan}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
| ]
| rowspan="2"| {{sort|Tabu|Tabu}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="5"| ]
| rowspan="5"| 25 January 2008
| Hottest Young Film Maker
| {{sort|Balki|R. Balki}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="5"| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/25/3391/index.html|title=Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2008|date=25 December 2007|work=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023081753/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/25/3391/index.html|archivedate=23 October 2011|agency=Bollywood Hungama News Network}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Bachchan|Amitabh Bachchan}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Tabu|Tabu}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Sehgal|]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Khara|]}}
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="4"| ]
| rowspan="4"| ]
| ]
| {{sort|Balki|R. Balki}}
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4"| <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/01/3729/index.html|title=Nominations for the Zee Cine Awards 2008|date=1 April 2008|work=Bollywood Hungama|accessdate=30 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323104004/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/01/3729/index.html|archivedate=23 March 2010|agency=Bollywood Hungama News Network}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Bachchan|Amitabh Bachchan}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| ]
| {{sort|Tabu|Tabu}}
| {{nom}}
|-
| Most Promising Debut Child Artist
| {{sort|Khara|Swini Khara}}
| {{nom}}
|- |-
|} |}


==Reception== ==Notes==
{{notelist}}
"Cheeni Kum" mostly met with an average feeback. The acting has been universally praised. Also, the film's bold theme met with critical goodwill. However, the rather slow story lead some part of the audience to label the film "boring" and the rather repetitive final part of the film met with some concern from reviewers and audiences alike.


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}
*
* at
*


== External links == ==External links==
*{{IMDb title|id=0976026}}
*
* Bonobology.com:
* at BharatMovies.com
* at
{{Bollywood}}


{{Authority control}}
]
]
]


]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 04:53, 30 October 2024

2007 film by R. Balki

Cheeni Kum
Theatrical release poster
Directed byR. Balki
Written byR. Balki
Produced bySunil Manchanda
StarringAmitabh Bachchan
Tabu
Paresh Rawal
Zohra Sehgal
Swini Khara
CinematographyP. C. Sreeram
Edited byChandan Arora
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
company		MAD Entertainment Ltd.
Distributed byEros International
Release dates
  • 21 May 2007 (2007-05-21) (Cannes)
  • 22 May 2007 (2007-05-22) (Leicester Square)
  • 25 May 2007 (2007-05-25) (India)
Running time140 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget₹11 crore
Box officeest.₹32.03 crore

Cheeni Kum (transl. Less sugar) is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by R. Balki and starring Amitabh Bachchan, Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Zohra Sehgal, and Swini Khara.

Cheeni Kum premiered at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2007, and premiered at the Leicester Square on 22 May 2007 and it was released theatrically on 25 May 2007. Made on a production budget of ₹11 crore, it grossed a total of ₹32.3 crore at the box office, thus proving to be a commercial success. It received positive reviews from critics upon release, with praise for its direction, story, screenplay, dialogues, soundtrack and performances of the cast.

At the 53rd Filmfare Awards, Cheeni Kum received 1 award – Best Actress (Critics) (Tabu).

Plot

Buddhadev Gupta (Amitabh Bachchan) is the 64-year-old owner and executive chef of Spice 6, London's top Indian restaurant. He lives with his 85-year-old mother (Zohra Sehgal), and his only friend and confidante is his 9-year-old neighbour, 'Sexy' (Swini Khara), who is diagnosed with cancer. Buddha is arrogant and egocentric, often rude to his chefs and sarcastic to those around him. His confidence is crushed when during a dinner service one evening at his restaurant, a hyderabadi zafrani pulao gets sent back for being 'sweet', leading Buddha to humiliate the woman who ordered the dish, arguing that his restaurant is the finest in London. When she sends her pulao to Buddha's restaurant, made arguably better than at Spice 6, Buddha eventually finds the chef who prepared the dish incorrectly and fires him.

Buddha runs into the woman once again after she decides to come back to his restaurant, 34-year-old Nina Verma (Tabu) from India. He tries to apologize but is unable to. They slowly fall in love despite their glaring contrast in age, character, and attitude. They decide to get married, and Buddha goes to Delhi to meet Nina's father, Omprakash Verma (Paresh Rawal), conveniently leaving out the detail that Buddha is older than him. He quickly finds out and is horrified, and he attempts to dissuade his daughter from marrying Buddha by going on a Gandhi-inspired hunger strike until she relents. Buddha and Nina argue over this constantly, being the main hang-up in their relationship, and Buddha leaves their home feeling heartbroken, only to also find out that Sexy has now passed away from cancer. In the meantime, Omprakash has begrudgingly agreed to Buddha and Nina's relationship, at which an overjoyed Nina comes to find Buddha at the Qutub Minar, where she finds out about Sexy as well. She consoles Buddha while he grieves his best friend and gently lets him know that her father has changed his mind.

The final scene shows Buddha and Nina having brought Buddha's mother and Nina's father to Spice 6, and Buddha bonding with Omprakash over a cricket match playing near them.

Cast

Soundtrack

Cheeni Kum
Soundtrack album by Ilaiyaraaja
Released2 May 2007
Recorded2006–2007
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LabelEros Music
ProducerIlayaraja

The score and soundtrack were composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The songs had their tunes re-used from the composer's earlier songs in other languages, while the arrangements were fresh.

Track No Song Singer Notes
1 "Cheeni Kum"(Female) Shreya Ghoshal based on "Mandram Vantha Thendralukku" from Mouna Ragam
2 "Baatein Hawa"(Duet) Amitabh Bachchan, Shreya Ghoshal based on "Kuzhal Ootham" from Mella Thirandhathu Kadhavu
3 "Jaane Do Na" Shreya Ghoshal based on "Jotheyali" from Geetha
4 "Sooni Sooni"(Male) Vijay Prakash
5 "Baatein Hawa"(Solo) Shreya Ghoshal

Reception

Critical reception

Martin D'Souza of Glamsham gave the movie 4/5 stars, concluding that "There's a dash of sweetness (Tabu), the right amount of spice (Amitabh Bachchan), a proper dose of lime (Paresh Rawal), the perfect quantity of salt (Swini Khara) and a spoonful of tadka (Zohra Sehgal). A clean entertainer which can be watched by the entire family." Raja Sen of Rediff gave the movie 3.5/5 stars, stating that "This isn't a groundbreaking film, but it didn't set out to be. It's a maturely written film with great characters, tremendous performances and some fantastic moments. It could have been perfect, but the lesser said about that end the better. Watch it. A brilliant sequence involving the chef, a chemist, chhatris and chachas is absolute movie magic, and in itself well worth the price of admission. Bravo." Naresh Kumar Deoshi of Apun Ka Choice gave the movie 3/5 stars, saying that "The movie, featuring Amitabh Bachchan in yet another brilliant performance, not just entertains you with its sarcastic humor, it also touches your heart with its emotional moments. Do not miss this sugar-free spread." Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama gave the movie 3/5 stars, concluding that "On the whole, CHEENI KUM is absorbing in parts. A lackluster first half gets a boost with a much energetic second half and that elevates the film to the watchable level. At the box-office, CHEENI KUM is targeted at the multiplexes mainly. Clever promos and feel-good vibes should ensure a positive run at the multiplexes." On the contrary, Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN gave the movie 2/5 stars, stating that "So I'll go with two out of five for R. Balki's Cheeni Kum, it's an average entertainer at best. If you're a die-hard Bachchan fan, do give it a shot because he doesn't disappoint. How you wish the film didn't either!"

Box office

Cheeni Kum was a hit at the box office, grossing ₹237.5 million (US$2.8 million), despite taking a poor opening. The movie collected ₹169.7 million (US$2.0 million) net in its lifetime.

Accolades

Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Filmfare Awards 16 February 2008 Best Actress (Critics) Tabu Won
International Indian Film Academy Awards 6 – 8 June 2008 Best Actress Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Zohra Sehgal Nominated
Best Story R. Balki Nominated
Producers Guild Film Awards 30 March 2008 Best Film Cheeni Kum Nominated
Best Actor Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Best Actress Tabu Nominated
Best Story R. Balki Nominated
Best Dialogue Nominated
Screen Awards 10 January 2008 Most Promising Debut Director Nominated
Best Actor Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Best Actor (Critics) Won
Best Actress Tabu Nominated
Best Actress (Critics) Won
Stardust Awards 25 January 2008 Hottest Young Film Maker R. Balki Nominated
Actor of the Year – Male Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Actor of the Year – Female Tabu Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Zohra Sehgal Nominated
Breakthrough Performance – Female Swini Khara Nominated
Zee Cine Awards 26 April 2008 Most Promising Debut Director R. Balki Nominated
Best Actor – Male Amitabh Bachchan Nominated
Best Actor – Female Tabu Nominated
Most Promising Debut Child Artist Swini Khara Nominated

Notes

  1. Awards, festivals and organizations are in alphabetical order.
  2. Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

  1. "Cut the fluff, just love me". LiveMint. 19 May 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  2. "Cheeni Kum Box Office". Bollywood Hungama. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  3. "Cheeni Kum to premiere at Cannes 2007". BBC. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  4. "Spotted: Amitabh at a premiere in London". Rediff.com. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  5. D'Souza, Martin. "Cheeni Kum Movie Review". glamsham. Archived from the original on 15 May 2008. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
  6. Raja Sen. "BigB-ittersweet Symphony". Rediff.
  7. Naresh Kumar Deoshi. "CHEENI KUM MOVIE REVIEW: Sugar-free Sarcasm". Apun Ka Choice. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012.
  8. Taran Adarsh. "Cheeni Kum Hindi Movie Critic Review by Taran Adarsh – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014.
  9. Rajeev Masand. "Masand's verdict: Cheeni Kum". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012.
  10. "Box Office 2007". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013.
  11. "Winners of 53rd Annual Filmfare Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama News Network. 23 February 2008. Archived from the original on 22 November 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  12. "Nominations for the IIFA Awards 2008". Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama News Network. 16 April 2008. Archived from the original on 8 March 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  13. Bollywood Hungama News Network (14 March 2008). "Nominations for 3rd Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 21 September 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  14. "Nominees for 14th Annual Screen Awards". Bollywood Hungama. IndiaFM News Bureau. 2 January 2008. Archived from the original on 29 April 2009. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  15. "Winners of 14th Annual Star Screen Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama News Network. 11 January 2008. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  16. "Nominations for Max Stardust Awards 2008". Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama News Network. 25 December 2007. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  17. "Nominations for the Zee Cine Awards 2008". Bollywood Hungama. Bollywood Hungama News Network. 1 April 2008. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 30 May 2022.

External links

Categories: