October (film)

October (film) is a 2018 Indian film directed by Shoojit Sircar and written by Juhi Chaturvedi. The film stars Varun Dhawan, Banita Sandhu, and Gitanjali Rao in key roles, and features music composed by Shantanu Moitra and Anupam Roy. Produced by Ronnie Lahiri and Sheel Kumar under the banners of Rising Sun Films and Kino Works, the film was distributed by NH Studioz and released on April 13, 2018. The film's cinematography was handled by Avik Mukhopadhyay, while the editing was done by Chandrashekhar Prajapati, who has also worked on films like Piku and Vicky Donor.

● Plot

The film's plot revolves around the life of Danish Ali, played by Varun Dhawan, a young hotel management student who is interning at a New Delhi hotel, such as the Taj Mahal Hotel or the The Oberoi. Danish's life takes a dramatic turn when his colleague, Shiuli Iyer, played by Banita Sandhu, meets with an accident, similar to the incidents that occurred at the 2011 Mumbai bombings or the 2008 Mumbai attacks. As Shiuli fights for her life at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences or the Apollo Hospital, Danish becomes her primary caregiver, and in the process, discovers the true meaning of life, love, and relationships, much like the themes explored in films like The Lunchbox and Kahaani. The film's narrative is also influenced by the works of Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak, who are known for their realistic and poignant storytelling.

● Production

The production of the film began in September 2017, with Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu being cast in the lead roles. The film was shot on location in New Delhi and Mumbai, with the production team facing challenges such as the 2017 North India floods and the 2017 Mumbai flood. The film's music was composed by Shantanu Moitra and Anupam Roy, who have also worked on films like Barfi! and Piku. The film's soundtrack features songs like "Theher Ja" and "Tab Bhi Tu", which were sung by Armaan Malik and Rahul Mishra, and have been compared to the works of A. R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja. The film's production design was handled by Rajeev Ravi, who has also worked on films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Udta Punjab.

● Release

The film was released on April 13, 2018, in India and other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The film received a positive response from critics and audiences alike, with many praising the performances of the lead actors, particularly Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu. The film was also screened at several film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim. The film's release was also supported by Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, which have also released other Indian films like Lipstick Under My Burkha and Manto.

● Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising the performances of the lead actors, the direction, and the music. The film holds a rating of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on reviews from critics like Rajeev Masand and Anupama Chopra. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over ₹432.3 million at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films of 2018, along with films like Padmaavat and Sanju. The film's success can be attributed to the performances of the lead actors, as well as the direction and music, which were praised by critics and audiences alike. The film has also been compared to other Indian films like Taare Zameen Par and 3 Idiots, which have also dealt with themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery.

● Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Varun Dhawan as Danish Ali, Banita Sandhu as Shiuli Iyer, and Gitanjali Rao as Professor Vineeta. The film also features supporting performances from actors like Sahil Vedoliyaa and Isha Chhabra, who have also appeared in films like Dil Dhadakne Do and Befikre. The film's cast has been praised for their performances, with many critics noting that the film's success is due in large part to the talented ensemble cast, which has been compared to the casts of films like Lagaan and Gangs of Wasseypur. The film's cast has also been recognized at several award ceremonies, including the Filmfare Awards and the IIFA Awards, where they have been nominated for their performances.

Category:Indian films