Dostana (2008 film)
Encyclopedia
Dostana is a 2008 romantic comedy film. It stars Abhishek Bachchan
, John Abraham
and Priyanka Chopra
in the lead roles. The film was directed by Tarun Mansukhani
who previously was Karan Johar
's assistant. It was produced by Dharma Productions
.
The film explores the story of two men who pretend to be gay
, so that they can rent an apartment from an older lady. Both the men fall in love with the same girl, their roommate, but are unable to express their feelings because she is related to the old landlady.
Dostana was filmed entirely in Miami, Florida. Filming began in March 2008, and the film was released on 14 November 2008. It went on to become the eighth highest grossing film at the Indian box office
in 2008.
), a nurse, and Kunal Chauhan (John Abraham
), a photographer, bump into each other while looking for an apartment to rent. They fall in love with the same apartment; however, the owner refuses to sublet it to them as her niece, Neha Melwani (Priyanka Chopra
), will stay in the apartment alone. When a U.S. soldier mentions how much Sameer and Kunal remind him of his own relationship with his life partner, Sameer tries to convince Kunal to pretend to be lovers so that they may live in the apartment. Kunal initially refuses, but agrees out of desperation. Their plan works and they move in. Neha, Kunal, and Sameer spend time together and become good friends.
One day, Neha's boss, 'M', short for Murli (Boman Irani
), announces that he is resigning his job as the editor of Verve magazine and will decide who should take his position. To impress her editor and get the job, Neha invites M for dinner at her house, telling him that she will introduce him to her gay friends. The evening turns out to be comedic. However, Sameer's mother finds out that her son might be gay and is not pleased. The next day at Neha's office, M announces that Abhimanyu Singh (Bobby Deol
) will be the new editor. Neha, heartbroken, returns home where she is consoled by Sameer's mother. Kunal and Sameer then help Neha with her on a redesign project, given to her by Abhimanyu.
While Kunal is out for a few days, Sameer takes Neha on a romantic outing. Later, he tries to tell Neha about their scheme and admit that he loves her, but Kunal overhears and stops him. While they try to figure out what to do, Kunal suggests that Sameer meet him and Neha that night at a local dance bar. Instead, Kunal takes Neha to a romantic dinner and movie. The next morning, Sameer is furious with Kunal.
Abhimanyu and Neha start dating, and Sameer and Kunal decide to team up to sabotage the relationship. Despite their efforts, Abhimanyu and Neha eventually fall in love. Sameer and Kunal redirect their efforts into frightening Abhi's son, Veer, about his future stepmother.
Neha discovers that Abhi plans to propose to her during a basketball game. She leaves and asks Kunal and Sameer what she should do. Kunal and Sameer are shocked and reveal that they are not gay and are in love with her. Meanwhile, Veer tells Abhi of his fears and begins to cry, asking his father not to marry Neha. During the game, Abhi hugs Neha and ends the relationship, citing Veer's discomfort. Neha tearfully turns out Kunal and Sameer from the apartment and resigns from Verve.
A few months later, Kunal and Sameer go to court to collect their resident permits and realize that they miss Neha. They find her at a fashion show and try to apologize, but she refuses to see them. Abhi shows up, and Kunal asks when their wedding is. Neha tells him that they broke up because Veer wasn't comfortable with her. Kunal and Sameer then admit the truth about their manipulations, infuriating Abhi and Neha.
Kunal and Sameer get on the stage and beg for Neha's forgiveness, with the crowd egging them on and asking them to get on their knees and give flying kisses to Neha. Then they are asked to kiss each other, and the guys adamantly refuse to do so. Neha and Abhi begin to turn away. At the last moment, Kunal forcibly kisses Sameer. Abhi is amazed and tells Neha that the guys were really her best friends, as he wouldn't have done that for her. Neha goes to them and they make up.
Kunal and Sameer propose to Abhi for Neha. He agrees, and Neha and Abhi get married. Two months later, Neha, Kunal, and Sameer are sitting on the apartment's balcony, enjoying themselves. Neha asks them if they felt anything during their charade of pretending to be gay. Kunal and Sam get defensive and Neha leaves saying "sorry touchy topic." Sam and Kunal, now alone, remembering the kiss. In the end, they all remain best friends.
and Race with £341,665. As of 21 December 2008, the film had grossed $1,444,246 after a 37 day run at the UK box office alone with its total production budget of $2 million being almost covered. In the USA, the film had a total gross of $1,243,910 as of 11 December 2008, whereas in countries such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Netherlands and India the total gross was $16,650,664. In India, (as of 12 December 2008) the film had earned $14,718,754 which was 82% of its total gross. As of 11 December 2008, the film had a grossed $17,894,574 (which is just over Rs. 85 crores) worldwide.
gave the movie an aggregate 100% (fresh) rating. Box Office India
gave it 3 stars out of 5, stating, "Dostana is fresh, frothy, naughty & a delightful romantic comedy. It's an ideal date movie". Bollywood Hungama
gave it 4 stars out of 5, with Taran Adarsh
commenting, "On the whole, DOSTANA is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter." The Times of India
gave it 4 stars out of 5, stating, "Just for laughs, with a loose second half, Dostana boasts of some fine chemistry between the two lead players: Abhishek and John". The review at Rediff.com
makes note of the elaborate sequences and the possibility of the film becoming a financial success. However, it also mentions that the film is flawed in its depiction of homosexuality, calling it a "crucial blunder". AOL India gave it 3 out of 5, with Noyon Jyoti Parasara calling Dostana "a fun film".
Among other U.S. critics, Frank Lovece
of Film Journal International
enjoyed it as a "[b]ig, colorful, delightfully dumb Bollywood 'gateway' movie" that "could be a perfect crossover vehicle for U.S. audiences". Referring to the thematically similar film I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Lovece said "this reverse La Cage aux Folles
... is miles above Adam Sandler
's Hollywood take on the topic". Critic and author Maitland McDonagh in MissFlickChick.com, placing the film in a larger context, analyzed that it "trades in stereotypes about swishy queers, shallow horndogs, frustrated career girls, guilt-wielding (s)mothers and overbearing aunties who need to chill out and get laid. And you know what? It's pretty damned funny and oddly subversive. Yes, everyone learns a lesson about tolerance without actually embracing an alternative lifestyle, but any movie that can finagle two macho movie studs into a full-on smooch that doesn't devolve into slapstick gay panic is venturing into risky territory".
. The album met with an electrifying response from potential audiences. According to the statistics published on IndiaFM, Dostana debuted at #4 on its Top Ten Soundtrack Sales Chart. Listeners registered on the website reviewed the album favourably and Dostanas music had an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.
s "It's the Time to Disco".
Another song "Maa da laadla" affirms that Dostana isn't just about soothing, pleasant numbers but also about celebration. Punjabi in flavour, the song has good beats and is sung by Saleem. The lyrics of the song, penned by Kumaar, are noteworthy. The track has a slight humorous essence as well. In contrast to IndiaFM and NDTV, Buzz18's Chandrima Pal gave the soundtrack 2.5 stars out of 5, stating that it "misses out on most of the spunk Vishal-Shekhar had in their previous works". Rediff's Sukanya Verma also gave the soundtrack 2.5 stars out of 5, stating that "although Dostanas music is nice and peppy for the most part, it's nothing extraordinary." She even said that Dostana "certainly wasn't the best from Dharma Productions". ApunKaChoice.com has given it 3 out of 5 stars saying that it features some of the nicest groovy numbers. The Times of India has rated the soundtrack 3 out of 5 and mentioned that its cliche. Later, a video 'Maa Da Laadla - Remix' was released. It was also the ending theme for the movie.
, owner of Pritish Nandy Communications, filed a court case against Dharma Productions
for using the song "Kuch Kum" without his permission. His allegations were that "Kuch Kum" was originally composed by Vishal-Shekhar
for a film to be directed by Tarun Mansukhani
under his banner, but the film never took off. Hence, Vishal-Shekhar used "Kuch Kum"'s composition in Dostana, which apparently made Pritish Nandy
, "livid" and caused him to "raise objections" against the use of the song. Instead of wasting time going to court, Dharma Productions decided to handle the situation mutually by paying Nandy Rs. 3 crores in compensation.
International Indian Film Academy Awards
Stardust Awards
Star Screen Awards
on 14 December 2009.
, Arjun Rampal
and Ritesh Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade
. Ritesh Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade
will play a real gay couple. Bipasha and Aishwarya have been reportedly signed up for playing a cameo. It is believed that John & Abhishek would fall for them but after an item song it would be revealed that they are a lesbian couple. Sources reveal that this track is considered as the replacement of the Shilpa Shetty track for the opening scene.
Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan is an Indian actor and producer. He is the son of Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and is married to actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai....
, John Abraham
John Abraham (actor)
John Abraham is an Indian film actor and former model. After modeling for numerous advertisements and companies, Abraham made his film debut with Jism , which earned him a Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination. This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom...
and Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra is an Indian actress and former Miss World. Before starting her acting career, she worked as a model and gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She is often referred to by the nickname "Piggy Chops", which was given to her by co-stars on the set of the film...
in the lead roles. The film was directed by Tarun Mansukhani
Tarun Mansukhani
Tarun Mansukhani is a Bollywood director and writer. His most popular film to date would be Dostana produced by Karan Johar starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra....
who previously was Karan Johar
Karan Johar
Karan Johar is an Indian film director, producer, screenwriter and Television host. He is the son of Hiroo Johar and Yash Johar. He is one of the most successful filmmakers in Bollywood. He is most known for directing and producing some of Bollywood's highest grossing films in India and the...
's assistant. It was produced by Dharma Productions
Dharma Productions
Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian film company founded by Yash Johar in 1976.- Other projects :Dharma Productions and NDTV recently decided to jointly launch an entertainment television channel called NDTV Imagine.- Controversy :...
.
The film explores the story of two men who pretend to be gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
, so that they can rent an apartment from an older lady. Both the men fall in love with the same girl, their roommate, but are unable to express their feelings because she is related to the old landlady.
Dostana was filmed entirely in Miami, Florida. Filming began in March 2008, and the film was released on 14 November 2008. It went on to become the eighth highest grossing film at the Indian box office
Box office
A box office is a place where tickets are sold to the public for admission to an event. Patrons may perform the transaction at a countertop, through an unblocked hole through a wall or window, or at a wicket....
in 2008.
Plot
Sameer Acharya (Abhishek BachchanAbhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan is an Indian actor and producer. He is the son of Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and is married to actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai....
), a nurse, and Kunal Chauhan (John Abraham
John Abraham (actor)
John Abraham is an Indian film actor and former model. After modeling for numerous advertisements and companies, Abraham made his film debut with Jism , which earned him a Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination. This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom...
), a photographer, bump into each other while looking for an apartment to rent. They fall in love with the same apartment; however, the owner refuses to sublet it to them as her niece, Neha Melwani (Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra is an Indian actress and former Miss World. Before starting her acting career, she worked as a model and gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She is often referred to by the nickname "Piggy Chops", which was given to her by co-stars on the set of the film...
), will stay in the apartment alone. When a U.S. soldier mentions how much Sameer and Kunal remind him of his own relationship with his life partner, Sameer tries to convince Kunal to pretend to be lovers so that they may live in the apartment. Kunal initially refuses, but agrees out of desperation. Their plan works and they move in. Neha, Kunal, and Sameer spend time together and become good friends.
One day, Neha's boss, 'M', short for Murli (Boman Irani
Boman Irani
Boman Irani is an Indian film and theatre actor and photographer. Irani began his acting career in theatre and moved to film in 2000 at the age of 44 with a role in Josh...
), announces that he is resigning his job as the editor of Verve magazine and will decide who should take his position. To impress her editor and get the job, Neha invites M for dinner at her house, telling him that she will introduce him to her gay friends. The evening turns out to be comedic. However, Sameer's mother finds out that her son might be gay and is not pleased. The next day at Neha's office, M announces that Abhimanyu Singh (Bobby Deol
Bobby Deol
Bobby Deol is a Bollywood actor. Deol is the son of the acclaimed Bollywood actor Dharmendra and the brother of Sunny Deol, also a successful actor in the Mumbai based Indian film industry....
) will be the new editor. Neha, heartbroken, returns home where she is consoled by Sameer's mother. Kunal and Sameer then help Neha with her on a redesign project, given to her by Abhimanyu.
While Kunal is out for a few days, Sameer takes Neha on a romantic outing. Later, he tries to tell Neha about their scheme and admit that he loves her, but Kunal overhears and stops him. While they try to figure out what to do, Kunal suggests that Sameer meet him and Neha that night at a local dance bar. Instead, Kunal takes Neha to a romantic dinner and movie. The next morning, Sameer is furious with Kunal.
Abhimanyu and Neha start dating, and Sameer and Kunal decide to team up to sabotage the relationship. Despite their efforts, Abhimanyu and Neha eventually fall in love. Sameer and Kunal redirect their efforts into frightening Abhi's son, Veer, about his future stepmother.
Neha discovers that Abhi plans to propose to her during a basketball game. She leaves and asks Kunal and Sameer what she should do. Kunal and Sameer are shocked and reveal that they are not gay and are in love with her. Meanwhile, Veer tells Abhi of his fears and begins to cry, asking his father not to marry Neha. During the game, Abhi hugs Neha and ends the relationship, citing Veer's discomfort. Neha tearfully turns out Kunal and Sameer from the apartment and resigns from Verve.
A few months later, Kunal and Sameer go to court to collect their resident permits and realize that they miss Neha. They find her at a fashion show and try to apologize, but she refuses to see them. Abhi shows up, and Kunal asks when their wedding is. Neha tells him that they broke up because Veer wasn't comfortable with her. Kunal and Sameer then admit the truth about their manipulations, infuriating Abhi and Neha.
Kunal and Sameer get on the stage and beg for Neha's forgiveness, with the crowd egging them on and asking them to get on their knees and give flying kisses to Neha. Then they are asked to kiss each other, and the guys adamantly refuse to do so. Neha and Abhi begin to turn away. At the last moment, Kunal forcibly kisses Sameer. Abhi is amazed and tells Neha that the guys were really her best friends, as he wouldn't have done that for her. Neha goes to them and they make up.
Kunal and Sameer propose to Abhi for Neha. He agrees, and Neha and Abhi get married. Two months later, Neha, Kunal, and Sameer are sitting on the apartment's balcony, enjoying themselves. Neha asks them if they felt anything during their charade of pretending to be gay. Kunal and Sam get defensive and Neha leaves saying "sorry touchy topic." Sam and Kunal, now alone, remembering the kiss. In the end, they all remain best friends.
Cast
- Abhishek BachchanAbhishek BachchanAbhishek Bachchan is an Indian actor and producer. He is the son of Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and is married to actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai....
as Sameer - Priyanka ChopraPriyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopra is an Indian actress and former Miss World. Before starting her acting career, she worked as a model and gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She is often referred to by the nickname "Piggy Chops", which was given to her by co-stars on the set of the film...
as Neha - John AbrahamJohn Abraham (actor)John Abraham is an Indian film actor and former model. After modeling for numerous advertisements and companies, Abraham made his film debut with Jism , which earned him a Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination. This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom...
as Kunal - Bobby DeolBobby DeolBobby Deol is a Bollywood actor. Deol is the son of the acclaimed Bollywood actor Dharmendra and the brother of Sunny Deol, also a successful actor in the Mumbai based Indian film industry....
as Abhimanyu - Kiron Kher as Sameer's mother
- Boman IraniBoman IraniBoman Irani is an Indian film and theatre actor and photographer. Irani began his acting career in theatre and moved to film in 2000 at the age of 44 with a role in Josh...
as M aka Murli - Sushmita MukherjeeSushmita Mukherjee-Personal life:She was married to director Sudhir Mishra, they later divorced after which she married Actor, Producer and Civil Activist Raaja Bundela and has two children.- Movies :*Rakht Charitra *Christopher Swartz...
as Neha's aunty - Shilpa ShettyShilpa ShettyShilpa Shetty is an Indian film actress and model. Since making her debut in the film Baazigar , she has appeared in nearly 40 Bollywood, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films, her first leading role being in the 1994 Aag. Although she has been through years of decline during her career, Shetty has been...
Special Appearance in the song "ShutUp Bounce"
Box office
Dostana performed well both in India and overseas markets. Its opening weekend gross in the USA was $645,604 whilst in the UK, it was the third biggest opener-only behind Singh is KinngSingh Is Kinng
Singh is Kinng is a 2008 Bollywood comedy film. The film is directed by Anees Bazmee and stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, the film also featured a music video with Snoop Dogg. About 75% of the movie was shot in Australia, around the Gold Coast region and Brisbane using an Australian production...
and Race with £341,665. As of 21 December 2008, the film had grossed $1,444,246 after a 37 day run at the UK box office alone with its total production budget of $2 million being almost covered. In the USA, the film had a total gross of $1,243,910 as of 11 December 2008, whereas in countries such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Netherlands and India the total gross was $16,650,664. In India, (as of 12 December 2008) the film had earned $14,718,754 which was 82% of its total gross. As of 11 December 2008, the film had a grossed $17,894,574 (which is just over Rs. 85 crores) worldwide.
Critical reception
The film review aggregator site Rotten TomatoesRotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
gave the movie an aggregate 100% (fresh) rating. Box Office India
Box office
A box office is a place where tickets are sold to the public for admission to an event. Patrons may perform the transaction at a countertop, through an unblocked hole through a wall or window, or at a wicket....
gave it 3 stars out of 5, stating, "Dostana is fresh, frothy, naughty & a delightful romantic comedy. It's an ideal date movie". Bollywood Hungama
Bollywood Hungama
Bollywood Hungama is a leading Bollywood entertainment website, owned by hungama.com....
gave it 4 stars out of 5, with Taran Adarsh
Taran Adarsh
Taran Adarsh is an Indian film critic, journalist, editor and film trade analyst. He is also a former producer and screenwriter. He is the son of film director and producer, B.K. Adarsh....
commenting, "On the whole, DOSTANA is a winner all the way. In terms of content, it might just prove to be a trendsetter." The Times of India
The Times of India
The Times of India is an Indian English-language daily newspaper. TOI has the largest circulation among all English-language newspaper in the world, across all formats . It is owned and managed by Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd...
gave it 4 stars out of 5, stating, "Just for laughs, with a loose second half, Dostana boasts of some fine chemistry between the two lead players: Abhishek and John". The review at Rediff.com
Rediff.com
Rediff.com India is a news, information, entertainment, and shopping portal. It was founded in 1996 as "Rediff On The NeT" and is headquartered in Mumbai, India with offices in New Delhi and New York City, USA....
makes note of the elaborate sequences and the possibility of the film becoming a financial success. However, it also mentions that the film is flawed in its depiction of homosexuality, calling it a "crucial blunder". AOL India gave it 3 out of 5, with Noyon Jyoti Parasara calling Dostana "a fun film".
Among other U.S. critics, Frank Lovece
Frank Lovece
Frank Lovece is an American journalist, author, comedy performer and comic book writer. He was additionally one of the first professional Web journalists, becoming an editor of a Silicon Alley start-up in 1996....
of Film Journal International
Film Journal International
Film Journal International is a motion-picture industry trade magazine published by the American company Prometheus Global Media. It is a sister publication of Adweek, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and other periodicals....
enjoyed it as a "[b]ig, colorful, delightfully dumb Bollywood 'gateway' movie" that "could be a perfect crossover vehicle for U.S. audiences". Referring to the thematically similar film I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, Lovece said "this reverse La Cage aux Folles
La Cage aux Folles (film)
La Cage aux Folles is a 1978 French-Italian film adaptation of the 1973 play La Cage aux Folle by Jean Poiret. It is co-written and directed by Édouard Molinaro and stars Ugo Tognazzi and Michel Serrault.-Plot:...
... is miles above Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler
Adam Richard Sandler is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, musician, and film producer.After becoming a Saturday Night Live cast member, Sandler went on to star in several Hollywood feature films that grossed over $100 million at the box office...
's Hollywood take on the topic". Critic and author Maitland McDonagh in MissFlickChick.com, placing the film in a larger context, analyzed that it "trades in stereotypes about swishy queers, shallow horndogs, frustrated career girls, guilt-wielding (s)mothers and overbearing aunties who need to chill out and get laid. And you know what? It's pretty damned funny and oddly subversive. Yes, everyone learns a lesson about tolerance without actually embracing an alternative lifestyle, but any movie that can finagle two macho movie studs into a full-on smooch that doesn't devolve into slapstick gay panic is venturing into risky territory".
Soundtrack
The film's soundtrack was composed by Vishal-ShekharVishal-Shekhar
Vishal-Shekhar are a music directing duo for Hindi films and are among the leading music directors in the industry today...
. The album met with an electrifying response from potential audiences. According to the statistics published on IndiaFM, Dostana debuted at #4 on its Top Ten Soundtrack Sales Chart. Listeners registered on the website reviewed the album favourably and Dostanas music had an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.
Reception
The soundtrack received generally positive reviews. Joginder Tuteja of IndiaFM stated that "Dostana is an excellent album from Vishal-Shekhar which does not carry a single number which doesn't work", giving the soundtrack 4 out of 5 stars. NDTV also gave the soundtrack 4 out of 5 stars stating that "that the soundtrack of the film will keep the cash registers ringing, with "Shut Up and Bounce" as an exception." Coincidentally most critics were in favour of every track apart from "Shut Up and Bounce," which they described as a huge disappointment considering it carried the tune played during the first promo of Dostana. Some even said that it lacked originality and because of its familiar tune, comparisons were made between "Shut Up and Bounce" and Kal Ho Naa HoKal Ho Naa Ho
Kal Ho Naa Ho is a 2003 Hindi film set in New York City. It stars Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Saif Ali Khan and Jaya Bachchan. The film was directed by first-timer Nikhil Advani, it was produced by Yash Johar and co-written by Karan Johar, better known as the director of the hit films Kuch Kuch...
s "It's the Time to Disco".
Another song "Maa da laadla" affirms that Dostana isn't just about soothing, pleasant numbers but also about celebration. Punjabi in flavour, the song has good beats and is sung by Saleem. The lyrics of the song, penned by Kumaar, are noteworthy. The track has a slight humorous essence as well. In contrast to IndiaFM and NDTV, Buzz18's Chandrima Pal gave the soundtrack 2.5 stars out of 5, stating that it "misses out on most of the spunk Vishal-Shekhar had in their previous works". Rediff's Sukanya Verma also gave the soundtrack 2.5 stars out of 5, stating that "although Dostanas music is nice and peppy for the most part, it's nothing extraordinary." She even said that Dostana "certainly wasn't the best from Dharma Productions". ApunKaChoice.com has given it 3 out of 5 stars saying that it features some of the nicest groovy numbers. The Times of India has rated the soundtrack 3 out of 5 and mentioned that its cliche. Later, a video 'Maa Da Laadla - Remix' was released. It was also the ending theme for the movie.
Controversy
Pritish NandyPritish Nandy
Pritish Nandy is a Indian poet, painter, journalist, politician, media and television personality, animal activist and film producer. He is Bengali by ethnicity. He was member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament representing Maharashtra based party Shiv Sena...
, owner of Pritish Nandy Communications, filed a court case against Dharma Productions
Dharma Productions
Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian film company founded by Yash Johar in 1976.- Other projects :Dharma Productions and NDTV recently decided to jointly launch an entertainment television channel called NDTV Imagine.- Controversy :...
for using the song "Kuch Kum" without his permission. His allegations were that "Kuch Kum" was originally composed by Vishal-Shekhar
Vishal-Shekhar
Vishal-Shekhar are a music directing duo for Hindi films and are among the leading music directors in the industry today...
for a film to be directed by Tarun Mansukhani
Tarun Mansukhani
Tarun Mansukhani is a Bollywood director and writer. His most popular film to date would be Dostana produced by Karan Johar starring Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra....
under his banner, but the film never took off. Hence, Vishal-Shekhar used "Kuch Kum"'s composition in Dostana, which apparently made Pritish Nandy
Pritish Nandy
Pritish Nandy is a Indian poet, painter, journalist, politician, media and television personality, animal activist and film producer. He is Bengali by ethnicity. He was member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament representing Maharashtra based party Shiv Sena...
, "livid" and caused him to "raise objections" against the use of the song. Instead of wasting time going to court, Dharma Productions decided to handle the situation mutually by paying Nandy Rs. 3 crores in compensation.
Awards
Filmfare Award- Nominated- Best Movie
- Nominated- Best Music Director- Vishal-ShekharVishal-ShekharVishal-Shekhar are a music directing duo for Hindi films and are among the leading music directors in the industry today...
International Indian Film Academy Awards
International Indian Film Academy Awards
The International Indian Film Academy Awards, also known as the IIFA Awards are presented annually by the International Indian Film Academy to honour both artistic and technical excellence of professionals in Bollywood, the Hindi language film industry. Instituted in 2000, the ceremony is held in...
- Won - Best ComedianIIFA Best Comedian AwardThe IIFA Best Comedian Award is chosen via a worldwide poll and the winner is announced at the ceremony.The winners are listed below:-- See also :* IIFA Awards* Bollywood* Cinema of India...
: Abhishek BachchanAbhishek BachchanAbhishek Bachchan is an Indian actor and producer. He is the son of Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and is married to actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai.... - Won - Best ChoreographyIIFA Best Choreography AwardThe IIFA Choreography is a technical award chosen ahead of the ceremonies.The winners are listed below:-...
: Farah KhanFarah KhanFarah Khan is an Indian film director and choreographer. She is best known for her choreographical work in numerous Bollywood films. Khan has choreographed dance routines for more than a hundred songs in over 80 Hindi films. Khan has since become a noted Hindi film director as well...
Stardust Awards
Stardust Awards
The Stardust Awards is an award ceremony for Hindi movies, which congratulate the superstars of the new generation who are making an impact on the future. It is sponsored by Stardust magazine.- Background :...
- Won - Stardust Star of the Year Award - FemaleStardust Star of the Year Award - FemaleThe Stardust Star of the Year Award - Female is chosen by the readers of the annual Stardust magazine. The award honours a star that has made an impact with their acting in that certain film.Here is a list of the award winners and the films for which they won....
: Priyanka ChopraPriyanka ChopraPriyanka Chopra is an Indian actress and former Miss World. Before starting her acting career, she worked as a model and gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She is often referred to by the nickname "Piggy Chops", which was given to her by co-stars on the set of the film...
Star Screen Awards
Star Screen Awards
The Star Screen Awards is an annual awards ceremony in India honoring professional excellence in film. The nomination and award selection is done by a panel of distinguished professional from the industry itself.- History :...
- Jodi No. 1Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1The Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1 was first introduced in 2001. The award goes to a pair that have stood out and been appreciated by the Indian audience. Unlike the other awards this one is chosen by the viewers. The winner is announced in January.-Winners:...
: Abhishek BachchanAbhishek BachchanAbhishek Bachchan is an Indian actor and producer. He is the son of Indian actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and is married to actress and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai....
and John AbrahamJohn Abraham (actor)John Abraham is an Indian film actor and former model. After modeling for numerous advertisements and companies, Abraham made his film debut with Jism , which earned him a Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination. This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom...
Blu-ray release
Yash Raj Films released Dostana on Blu-rayBlu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc is an optical disc storage medium designed to supersede the DVD format. The plastic disc is 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm thick, the same size as DVDs and CDs. Blu-ray Discs contain 25 GB per layer, with dual layer discs being the norm for feature-length video discs...
on 14 December 2009.
Sequel
In 2009 reports came out that director Tarun Mansukhani and Karan Johar are planning for a sequel of the film to cash in on its success. It was reported that along with the existing cast of the film (excluding Priyanka Chopra and Bobby Deol) Johar has roped in Katrina KaifKatrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif is a British Indian actress and former model who appears in Indian films, mainly in the Hindi-language film industry. She has also appeared in Telugu and Malayalam films. She was voted the sexiest Asian woman in the world by Eastern Eye in the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011...
, Arjun Rampal
Arjun Rampal
Arjun Rampal , born 26 November 1972, is an award-winning Indian actor who appears in Bollywood films, as well as a fashion model.- Film career :...
and Ritesh Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade
Shreyas Talpade
-Early life:Talpade was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in a Marathi family. He attended Shree Ram Welfare Society's High School in Andheri-West. He is married to Deepti Talpade. Shreyas met his wife Deepti when he went to her college as a celebrity...
. Ritesh Deshmukh and Shreyas Talpade
Shreyas Talpade
-Early life:Talpade was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in a Marathi family. He attended Shree Ram Welfare Society's High School in Andheri-West. He is married to Deepti Talpade. Shreyas met his wife Deepti when he went to her college as a celebrity...
will play a real gay couple. Bipasha and Aishwarya have been reportedly signed up for playing a cameo. It is believed that John & Abhishek would fall for them but after an item song it would be revealed that they are a lesbian couple. Sources reveal that this track is considered as the replacement of the Shilpa Shetty track for the opening scene.