"R... Rajkumar"
A Bollywood scene of action and romance
In 2013, the vibrant world of Bollywood witnessed the exciting release of 'R... Rajkumar', initially known as 'Rambo Rajkumar'. Directed by director Prabhu Deva and penned by Shiraz Ahmed, the film features stellar performances by Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles.
A story of love, strength and redemption
Set in the small town of Dhartipur, the film revolves around Romeo Rajkumar (Shahid Kapoor), an aimless young man who falls into the trap of two drug lords, Shivraj Gurjar (Sonu Sood) and his arch enemy Manik Parmar (Ashish Vidyarthi). The mafia, led by formidable don Ajit Takya (Srihari), controls these drug lords. Rajkummar's life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Chanda (Sonakshi Sinha), an orphan who has been raised, without her knowledge, by her uncle Manik Parmar. While Rajkumar falls in love with Chanda, their budding romance faces a huge challenge when Manik decides to marry her to Shivraj Gurjar against her will.
A battle for love and justice
Enraged, Rajkummar confronts Shivraj, declaring his intention to marry Chanda. Unbeknownst to him, Shivraj and Ajit Takya hatched a plan to manipulate Rajkumar into stealing an empty truck, resulting in a brutal attempt on his life. However, Rajkumar survived and discovered the nefarious plot. A captivating scene unfolds as Rajkumar confronts Shivraj and prevails, rescuing Chanda and ensuring their eternal happiness.
Outstanding acting and performance
Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of Romeo Rajkummar resonated with audiences, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Sonakshi Sinha adds depth to the narrative with her convincing performance as Chanda, while Sonu Sood and Ashish Vidyarthi deliver strong antagonistic roles. The chemistry between the lead couple contributes to the film's emotional resonance.
Production highlights
'R... Rajkumar' faced initial challenges, including a title change from 'Rambo Rajkumar'. Shahid Kapoor's dedication to performing some action scenes without a double and the inclusion of special appearances by actors like Charmi Kaur and Ragini Dwivedi added to the film's appeal. It is noteworthy that the film entered the archives of the prestigious Oscars, in recognition of its fame and international success.
Financial victory and public acclaim
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, 'R... Rajkumar' was a hit at the box office, generated high revenues and was widely appreciated by the audience. The film's engaging story, energetic performances and dynamic action sequences contributed to its success in the Bollywood scene.
The film's music is composed by Pritam Music Tapestry in "R... Rajkumar"
The captivating score of 'R... Rajkumar' is composed by maestro Pritam. Prabhu Deva's intense desire to collaborate with Pritam has materialized into a musical masterpiece. The film's soundtrack, a melodic journey consisting of six mesmerizing tracks, was released on 6 November 2013, featuring lyrics written by Anupam Amode and Mayur Puri.
Rhythmic delights
The musical journey began with the release of two dynamic tracks on October 16. 'Gandi Baat', a high-energy track performed by Mika Singh and Kalpana Patwari, quickly resonated with the audience. This was followed by the infectious beat of 'Saree Ke Fall Sa', an upbeat number sung by Antara Mitra and Nakash Aziz. Both tracks received widespread acclaim, showcasing Pritam's ability to create melodies that connect with listeners.
Lyric poetry with depth of art by Anupam Amode and Mayur Puri
Anupam Amode and Mayur Puri's lyrical prowess added depth and emotion to each composition. Their collaboration with Pritam resulted in lyrics that blend seamlessly with the film's themes, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Highlights of the album
The album's diverse tracks capture the essence of the film's narrative, from vibrant dance beats to emotional melodies that highlight pivotal moments. Pritam's musical expertise shines through, creating a harmonious blend that elevates 'R... Rajkumar' beyond a mere cinematic experience.
Cash reception:
Upon its release, 'R... Rajkumar' faced lukewarm response from critics. Reviews from major publications reflect diverse opinions. The India Times gave the film a rating of 3/5, acknowledging its commercial appeal but noting the lack of a coherent story. Tusshar Joshi of DNA praised the film's commercial aspects but criticized its lack of substance, giving it 3 out of 5 stars. The Indian Express was more harsh in its criticism, calling the film "mercilessly terrible" and giving both Prabhu Deva and Pritam half a star.
Box office success and awards:
Box office in India:
- First day: 87,500,000 Indian rupees
- Second day: 82,500,000 Indian rupees
- Third day: 105,000,000 Indian rupees
- Fourth day: 50,000,000 Indian rupees
- Day 5: 45,000,000 Indian rupees
- Day Six: 40,000,000 Indian rupees
- Seventh day: 30,000,000 Indian rupees
- First week: 450,000,000 Indian rupees
- Day 8: 25,000,000 Indian rupees
- Day 9: 32,500,000 Indian rupees
- Day 10: 37,500,000 Indian rupees
- Day 11: 20,000,000 Indian rupees
- Day 12: 17,500,000 Indian rupees
- Second week: 172,500,000 Indian rupees
- Third week: 10,000,000 Indian rupees
- Fourth week: 5,000,000 Indian rupees
Total in India: INR 647,500,000
Box office outside India:
- Total: INR 96,000,000
Non-cinema revenues:
- Video, TV and Internet: INR 431,500,000
Total revenue:
- Grand total: 1,175,000,000 Indian rupees
Awards:
Screen Weekly Awards 2014:
- Best Actor (Popular Choice): Shahid Kapoor (nominated)
- Best Actress (Popular Choice): Sonakshi Sinha (nominated)
Zee Cinema Awards 2014:
-Best Playback Singer: Mika Singh (nominated)
-Best Choreography: Prabhu Deva (nominated)
-Best Work: Ravi Verma (nominated)
Despite mixed critical reviews, 'R... Rajkumar' was a hit at the box office, both in India and internationally. The film's soundtrack and performances were honored with nominations at prestigious award ceremonies, reflecting its impact on audiences and the entertainment industry.