Powerful script, stellar performances, hard hitting storyline and a plethora of euphoric circumstantial boundaries made way for the relatively less budgeted films do a surprisingly delightful business this year. With Kahaani and Vicky Donor being the ultimate pioneers that triggered such a movement last year, let’s take a look at the Surprise Hits of the running year (2013)!

ABCD – Any Body Can Dance: Super Hit

ABCD – Any Body Can Dance Movie Poster

The Indianised version of Hollywood’s ‘Step Up’, ABCD: Anybody Can Dance set the balls rolling with some brilliant and exciting edge of the seat dance sequences, dancing its way to glory, as the film, made at a stark budget of 12 crores opened up to a mammoth response, incurring 5.50 crores on the opening day, having a steady 18 crore weekend and ultimately netting in 45.50 crores, snatching away the Super-hit tag!

Not to forget the heavy competition from an otherwise star-struck big budgeted Special 26 could have little effect on ABCD’s fate! And a positive thumbs up from both the critics and the masses set the cash registrars ablaze.

Murder 3: Hit

Murder 3 Movie Poster

A Valentine affair of sorts, love might have got murdered in a brutal manner but what came as a surprise was the film, despite having lesser known stars scoring big at the box office front. While its only competitor Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story fell totally flat, Murder 3 collected over 20 crores and its satellite rights helped the film take a huge turn towards the ‘Hit’ brigade!

But the movie did relatively well at single screens, earning some rave reviews, courtesy some carefully strategized promotional campaign.

Kai Po Che!: Hit

Kai Po Che Movie Poster

Call it the flavour of the season, bromance got revolutionized with Kai Po che! setting standards for its other contemporaries to match upto, thereby lifting the tag from its precursor Dil Chahta Hai. A story of three friends woven into a magical masterpiece of sorts, Kai Po Che! stood out as a critic’s darling, and people’s love showered upon the team with the producers raking in a steady 50 crore run at the box office. Stealing away the thunder from Zila Ghaziabad that released alongside, Kai Po Che! had a successful run for weeks until a certain Jolly LLB occurred!

Jolly LLB: Hit

Jolly LLB Movie Poster

The biggest surprise of the year would definitely have been this Arshad Warsi starrer, which in spite of a poor marketing plan earned accolades for its effective treatment to the sensitive issue of justice in India and the corruption involved alongside. Jolly LLB had a dream run for weeks, clubbing in a 19.50 crore opening week, following up with a lifetime of almost 32 crores. The thunderous response was worth it! Made on a stringent budget of a meager 10 crores, Jolly LLB raced past Mere Dad Ki Maruti, which boasted of a powerful Yash Raj Y-films banner!

Chashme Baddoor: Hit

Chashme Baddoor Movie Poster

When comedy king David Dhawan decided to recreate the magic of the 1981 original of the same name, stakes were sky rocketing. But this utterly delicious and lovably loud take on the original charmed the audience, helping the director have his first hit film after ages. With an opening week as big as 30 whooping crores, the film made a smooth 40 crore lifetime, while the producers were left grinning at their profits. No wonder coz this was supposedly made within a moderate 17 crores!

Aashiqui 2: Super Hit

Aashiqui 2 Movie Poster

There was the buzz, there was the hysteria regarding this sequel and there were some oh-so-hummable soulful melodious numbers. Voila! What resulted was a super successful stint of a film that neither boasted of some powerful faces nor had an awe struck plot of sorts. But the entire hoolaboo and probably the emotional connect to the content helped the film sail through more than just smoothly collecting in a mammoth 54.50 crores and still continuing its successful run at the box office. Aashiqui 2 made an opening week business of about 38.50 crores and setting in a perfect example for all other small budgeted films.

With mega heavyweights and star studded films failing to deliver, will the films made at stringent budgets be the new Flavour of the Season? Given the current scenario, one would wonder why not? Move over the gibberish item numbers, the illogical stunt sequences and the starry names, lets witness some beautiful films this year, even if they aren’t as hyped and publicized as any other Khan or a Kapoor starrer!

Brothers Mukesh Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt can easily be considered the Masters of Bollywood trade. Placing their finger on the right vein, they have their trade structure in right place. Their films are concretized such that it adheres to mainstream box office formula. With making distinct sequel films for their popular franchise like Aashiqui, Raaz, Jism and Murder, the films despite a slim plot and melodramatic screenplay work at the Box Office quite easily.

Taking a closer look at every Bhatt film, Koimoi lists out the most popular money spinning franchises of this production, their high profit margins on low investment and mostly delivering the most consistent hits for Bollywood!

The Aashiqui Franchise

Aashiqi And Aashiqi 2 Movie Poster

A bitter sweet romantic saga, the prior was directed by the maverick Mahesh Bhatt. The film remains as one the most striking classics of the 90s with the most melodious album of the decade. The recent stint from the same franchise is a mellowed version of the same. With a disappointing climax, the earlier Aashiqui always scores. However what matters here is that both films went on to become humungous hits. The budget for Aashiqui 2 was less than 10 crores, yet the film with all its fresh faces, and a brilliant frame album has collected 54.50 crores at the domestic box office so far, bearing bravely the brunt of stauncher competitors like Shootout At Wadala.

The Raaz Franchise

Raaz, Raaz 2 And Raaz 3 Movie Poster

One of the most popular horror films that has come out of India, the Raaz franchise has successfully managed to spook people with every edition of its. First released in 2001 starring Bipasha Basu in the lead role, the succeeding films too cashed in on the vast concepts of paranormal and supernatural, with its latest film strictly traversing the ideas of black magic. Each of its films were immensely successful and did a great business at the single screens. Raaz 3 that starred Bipasha Basu and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles did an insanely raging business of 70 crores, despite spending a very limited budget on the film.

The Jism Franchise

Jism And Jism 2 Movie Poster

Introducing to Bollywood, the inerrant chemistry of John Abraham and Bipasha Basu, the story of Jism was about sexual gratification harboring on feelings of passion, lust and deceit. Jism 2, which starred Randeep Hooda and Arunoday Singh in lead roles, was the debut vehicle of popular adult star Sunny Leone in Bollywood. Though, keeping the success of Jism in mind, Jism 2 was an average film that somehow managed to recover its investment.

The Murder Franchise

Murder, Murder 2 and Murder 3 Movie Poster

A psychological mystery bundled in an erotic thriller, the premise of this series is extremely risky and mostly controversial. When the first edition of the film was released, actress Mallika Sherawat and director Anurag Basu ran into a verbal spat with righteous prudes over the film’s material. The film opened to great box office collections and ran for many weeks successfully. Even the critics gave the film thumbs up. Years later, in 2011 when Murder 2 released, it kept up the good performance of the earlier stint. Opening up to a good occupancy, the film did excellent business at the box office. Earlier this year, when Murder 3 released, it was declared a hit with its total collections hitting the 21 crore mark. Made on a small budget, the film despite the lack of a loaded script did well, for its ability to deliver foolproof entertainment.

The Jannat Franchise

Jannat AndJannt 2 Movie Poster

Jannat, a crime thriller, was typical of Bhatt’s trademark style of making thriller. However, the movie made on a small budget of approximately 15 crores, became a hit by earning large profits. Its sequel Jannat 2 that released four years later in 2012, was less of a success than its earlier film. The film collected a total amount of 42 crores and was declared a quasi hit by most.

Bhatt’s recipe of hit or super hit films is based on the basic formula of entertainment. Packing together a script with good concept, popular stars and catching music, their brand of cinema is mass appealing. Though the films are often flakily executed, it is the Bhatt’s overall structure of films that is a hit idea with the audiences making each of their films a distinct money spinner repetitively.

The multi-starrer Race 2 made the maximum opening weekend collection of 51.30 crores and then went on to join the 100 crore club.

Sajid Khan’s over inflated disaster Himmatwala, while still under the influence of its futile hype managed to rake up a whooping 31 crores in its opening weekend. Though a negative word of the mouth slaughtered the film’s business later and could barely manage any more earning, it still can boast of the second best box office opening weekend collection of 2013.

Akshay Kumar starrer Special 26 had an opening weekend earning of 25.75 crore which places the film at the third most profitable box office beginning.

Race 2, Himmatwala, Special 26 Movie Posters

Vishal Bharadwaj’s poignant commentary on SEZ impressed critics and failed the audiences. Collecting an income of 22.40 crore in its opening weekend, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola rested as the fourth biggest opening weekend at the domestic box office in 2013.

Upping its class by manifolds, Vishesh Films’ Aashiqui 2 has earned a opening weekend amount of 20 crore. The film, which had measly expectations despite being a sequel to the 90s’ money spinner, is already an unexpected hit. Vishesh’s last release Murder 3 despite carrying more known faces of Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hydari did not start up as miraculously as Aashiqui 2.

Keep watching this space as more movies will fight it out at the Box Office to occupy the Top position in this list.

Koimoi.com Bollywood Box Office – Top 10 Highest Opening Weekend Indian Movies 2013

(all-India net collections) (in Rs. crores)

Emraan Hashmi

For Emraan Hashmi, Ek Thi Daayan has marked a kick-start to an eventful year that would also see the arrival of Ghanchakkar and Ungli. One gets into a tête-à-tête with Emraan as he gears up for completion and continued rounds of promotion for his upcoming films.

Are you in primarily for hardcore commercial cinema now or are you happy to be getting into an experimental zone as well?

See, as much as you want to reach dazzling heights at the box office, sometimes you have to do films, which are for the other kind of audience. These films may not be necessarily perceived as the kind that come with the capability of clocking high numbers. Still, they have to be done, a case in point being Shanghai. Yes, in such films too you have to make sure that there is no loss.

How do you ensure that though? After all, a star also comes with a burden of heavy price tag.

In such cases, I make an exception. I may slash my fees. I may even make it one fourth of my market price. After all, I cannot be burdening a film with the same price that is otherwise tagged to a star- driven project. I have to see a project and be sure of the economics because at the end of the day it’s also my brand at stake. I am here for long term associations.

You also have an association with Bhatts. However, recently Murder 3  released and you were not a part of it. Obviously, there were constant talks around the film not really covering a greater distance due to your absence. Were you flattered for yourself or felt sad for your family?

I don’t see any reason why I should feel flattered. Eventually, it is my brother (Vishesh Bhatt) who made the film. He had a vision, filmed the plot his way and put in his best. It is a victory no less that he wanted to change the way the ‘Murder’ franchise worked.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

After collecting 13.31 crores in its 1st weekend, the movie made a steady business in the week days. Its week’s collection break up is as follows – Monday- 2.25 Cr, Tuesday- 2.05 Cr, Wednesday-1.75 Cr , Thursday- 1.50 Cr. Murder 3 now stands at a Domestic total of about Rs. 20.86 crores nett.

Coming to its Overseas Box Office business, Murder 3 collected 2.02 crores in 1 Week at the International arena, taking its worldwide collection to Rs 22.88 crores.

Still from Murder 3 Movie

To establish the profitable equation – Murder 3 had already recovered 15 crore from satellite and music even before the day of the release and hence made money from Day 1. The film has recovered its cost and will deliver a good ROI as its theatrical run continues.

Murder 3 made an average business of Rs. 1.60 crores on its 1^st Tuesday and Rs. 1.20 crores on its 1st Wednesday at the Domestic Box Office. The movie now stands at a Domestic total of about 18.01 crores at the Box Office.

Aditi Rao Hydari and Randeep Hooda in a still from Murder 3 Movie

“A debutant director along with a non A lister star cast, Murder 3 had its odds staked up from Day 1. Yet, it did exceedingly well over the weekend. It will be unfair to compare it with Murder 1 and 2 figures because Murder 3’s premise is different and it is a woman’s oriented subject,” said Sanjay Ghai, COO Mukta Arts.

A U/A certified film, directed by debutant Vishesh Bhatt, son of producer, Mukesh Bhatt, Murder 3 has a strong women centric core that  has connected well  with its women audience as well.

Mukul tweets @mksmukulsharma

The movie’s opening weekend exacts were 13.31 crores thereby giving handsome profits to the distributors, exhibitors and to all the stakeholders including Vishesh Films & Fox Star Studios from the project. Murder 3, now stands at a domestic total of about 15.21 crores nett at the box Office.

Sara Loren and Randeep Hooda in a still from Murder 3 Movie

Meanwhile, Arvind Chapalkar, owner of City Pride adds, “Emraan Hashmi has been the face of Murder franchise, however, despite there being no Emraan this time around, the audience came out in good numbers to see Murder 3. It goes on to show the power of Murder franchise and also, the rising stardom of Randeep Hooda.”

And it’s not just Randeep, even Aditi’s performance has come for a praise, Anant Verma, Business Head, DT Cinemas sums up, saying, “Women showed particularly greater interest in Murder 3. That’s because of its connect with women who responded well to Aditi’s character, Roshni, who has done a great job in the film.”

Mukul tweets @mksmukulsharma

Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story, performed extremely poor at the Domestic Box Office as well as in the Overseas market. Rather, the movie saw a disaster collections at the international arena and didn’t even release in U.K. and U.S.A.. Box Office collections of this Vivek Oberoi starrer was just 35 lacs in its 1^st weekend at the Overseas Box Office.

Still from Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story and Murder 3 Movie

On the other hand, Murder 3 too couldn’t make ‘good’ business at the Overseas Box Office. However, the film managed to make comparatively better business than the former. Murder 3,did not release in Australia and New Zealand and collected average moolah from U.K and U.S.A. It’s Overseas Box Office total stands at 1.87 crores in its 1^st weekend.

Seems tough for both the movies to survive at the Overseas Box Office for more than a week!

Still from Murder 3 Movie

Let’s talk about Murder 3 first. One thing was a given that brand Murder would manage to bring some audience on the face value itself. This is exactly what happened as the film managed to score over 13 crore weekend for itself. While this is decent for Randeep as well as Aditi Rao Hydari (who hadn’t enjoyed as much luck with her London Paris New York last year), for Bhatts it has turned out to be a safe outing. Yes, the occupancy was a little lesser than at least 50% that one was expecting but a wide release ensured that collections still looked okay.

There are a few who opine that Emraan Hashmi’s presence would have added to the film’s fortunes. Yes of course it would have but then one has to look at the story and decide whether the film would have required the presence of someone like Emraan who has turned out to be quite a heavy weight today and warrants a much pivotal part in each of his films. Murder 3 was clearly an Aditi Rao Hydari show and hence ‘an expensive’ leading man would have unnecessarily added to the film’s budget, which could now afford to be under control. In fact it is this budget that will save the film since the collections have been just about average.

Still from Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Movie

That won’t really be the case with Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story which has failed at the box office. The film opened to negligible collections and with just around 2-2.5 crores coming over the weekend, the writing is clear on the wall. Considering the fact that the film’s content was at least decent, some form of opening would have at least raised hopes around its eventual run. However with lack of screen space, poor show timings, non-existent opening, average word of mouth and passable reviews, the film is looking at an early exit from theatres.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hydari in a still from Murder 3 Movie

As said earlier, this low cost movie will be a profitable venture for the Bhatts, who have mastered the art of making profitable cost controlled movies. This Randeep Hooda, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sara Loren starrer has chances to do better business today, i.e. on 1st Sunday.

Mukul tweets @mksmukulsharma

The movie saw a dull opening in the morning shows with 30-40% occupancy. However, it picked up really well in the evening and night shows. Interestingly, the film’s opening day collections are the highest ever for any solo Randeep Hooda starrer.

Randeep Hooda and Aditi Rao Hydari in a still from Murder 3 Movie

The film, which is certified U/A by the Censor Board, has chances to do better business over the weekend on the basis of strong word of mouth publicity and its connect with the female audience. Murder 3 released across 1350 screens in India and having been made on a small budget, it is sure to emerge a hit pretty soon.

Mukul tweets @mksmukulsharma

Check out what Mr. Bhatt has to say about the film right here:

Mahesh Bhatt

“Then I went to his office to sign the contract and there it was written ‘Murder 3‘. I asked why is that written? And he (Vishesh) laughed and said, ‘You are doing ‘Murder 3.’ I was shocked, I never thought I would do ‘Murder 3′. I feel very privileged to be a part of the film,” the 34-year-old said here Thursday in an interview.

Aditi Rao Hydari

Murder 3, earned mixed reviews from the critics, on the contrary Jayantabhai was almost thrashed by all. The former’s domestic box office collections in the mass belts are better than that in the major cities and metros. Multiplexes are doing lesser business as compared to the single screens for Murder 3, as per early eatimates.

Murder 3 and Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Movie Poster

Coming to Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story, this flick is showing no signs to sustain a longer Box Office journey. Rather, both the movies will be needing a huge turn-around to survive at the box office.

Mukul tweets @mksmukulsharma

Murder 3 Movie Poster

Rating: 2.5/5 stars (Two-and-a-half stars)

Star cast: Randeep Hooda, Sara Loren, Aditi Rao Hydari

What’s Good: The gripping story; the songs & music.

What’s Bad: The screenplay drags a bit; Randeep Hooda & Sara Loren’s acting.

Loo break: Any in the first half.

Watch or Not?: Give this thriller a chance, it will keep you hooked to your seat.

User Rating:

As another member of the Bhatt family takes the director’s seat, they also have a list of foreign counterparts to thank for official/unofficial rights of the story, poster etc.

A namesake sequence shows us that lovebirds Roshni (Aditi Rao Hydari) and Vikram (Randeep Hooda) only have eyes for each other. While Vikram is still struggling to get his act as a photographer together he lands a big gig in Mumbai. Blinded in love, Roshni quits her job in South Africa and the couple comes to The City That Never Sleeps.

We find out that Roshni has walked out on Vikram, leaving him brooding and hooked to the bottle. After he gets into trouble during one of his drinking sprees, a waitress, Nisha (Sara Loren), takes him home. It’s not long before Nisha ends up in Vikram’s bed. Vikram’s house gives Nisha the creeps, especially the bathroom. She keeps hearing noises, seeing ripples and gets scalded in the shower.

Meanwhile, the cops are searching for the missing Roshni with no luck and one of them also happens to be Nisha’s ex-lover. Though they suspect Vikram, his girlfriend seems to have vanished without a trace. Nisha has a hard time dealing with the empty house/poltergeist and Vikram’s mood swings.

Is Vikram responsible for Roshni’s disappearance? Who or what is behind the spooky happenings in the house? Will they find Roshni before it is too late?

Randeep Hooda and Sara Loren (Murder 3 Movie Stills)

Murder 3 Review: Script Analysis

Murder 3 is the official remake of the Colombian thriller, The Hidden Face. Arturo Infante and Hatem Khraiche’s story gets just about satisfactory justice in the pens of Mahesh Bhatt and Amit Masurkar The script is quite good and will keep you on the edge of your seat. But the first half is rather slow. Also, the characters are not etched out well. The character of the cop-ex-boyfriend is an interesting addition but has not been used well. The part of the story of Roshni doubting Vikram should have been handled better.

Some might find the ending a bit unforgiving, but it’s a very intriguing twist. Sanjay Masoom’s dialogues are rather bland and disappointing.

Murder 3 Review: Star Performances

A bad hairstyle takes away some of Randeep Hooda’s suave that he should have had as Vikram in the film. The rest of it goes away with his lazy acting. It’s sad to see someone of his caliber disappoint with a shoddy performance. Sara Loren (last seen as Mona Lizza in the Himesh Reshammiya starrer Kajraare) is okay. The rest of the cast lend able support.

Aditi Rao Hydari’s role as Roshni is the pillar for this movie. Though she comes across as meek and squeaky at the start, her character develops quite well. She is just marvelous in her breakdown scene.

Murder 3 Review: Direction, Music & Technical Aspects

Vishesh Bhatt’s direction is good for his debut but he leaves you with the feeling that something much more could have been done with a script like this. Raju Singh’s background music is alright. There’s nothing memorable about Pritam, Anupam Amod and Roxen Band’s songs but they suit the moment well. Cinematography by Sunil Patel is ho-hum. Devendra Murdeshwar’s editing is good.

Murder 3 Review: The Last Word

Murder 3 is an interesting movie where the suspense will keep you hooked. Worth a watch.

Murder 3 Trailer

Murder 3 released on 15th February, 2013.

Share with us your experience of watching Murder 3.

“I am very conscious about dancing, I am stuck in that Haryana’s Jat, macho mindset that men don’t dance. So, that is still there in my mind, hopefully, I will get rid of it soon,” the 36-year-old said here Tuesday on the sets of dance reality show “Nach Baliye 5.”

Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda

For Randeep Hooda the path to success was not easy. After making his debut in Monsoon Wedding in 2001, it took him four years to bag his next project. But now, when he has got a place for himself in the industry, he is not bragging.

“Right now it all looks fine, but that was not the case some years back. It was bleak, dark. The success right now is just a step in my journey. I don’t think I have reached my destination yet,” Randeep told IANS.

“I am just accumulating more and more. All my choices of work are half chances, and my half chances have been working well, but I am not over the moon and shouting from rooftop about it because when I was down and out, I wasn’t grovelling. So I think I have found a balance of not getting too elated with success and not too disappointed with failures,” added the 36-year-old.

Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai in 2010 came as a breakthrough in Randeep’s career, when he was appreciated for his performance.

It was followed by his performance in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster in 2011 and three releases last year – Jannat 2, Jism 2 and Heroine – gave his career graph a push. Even his cameo in Cocktail was noticed.

He too admits that his “last six films have been successful whether I was in lead role, a small role. And it has been a good run for me.”

But he has bigger plans.

“I want to do lots of things…I have bigger dreams. I want people not only in India, but also across the world, wanting to see my work and appreciating it. Hopefully, I will reach out to entire world,” said Randeep, who is sleep deprived nowadays.

“I am doing double shifts and because of lack of sleep I do forget my dialogues on the sets, but it has never been work for me, I really enjoy it, so no issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, Randeep is looking forward to his next film Murder 3, in which he will be seen as a photographer. Releasing Friday, the movie will see him romancing Aditi Rao Hydari and Pakistani actress Sara Loren.

Directed by Mukesh Bhatt’s son Vishesh Bhatt, movie has ample erotica, says Randeep.

“I play a talented fashion photographer in the film. There is more than enough of erotica in the movie because it has to go with the theme of ‘Murder’ (franchise) of having great music, story and erotica,” he said.

Murder 3 Movie Poster

The film benefits from the franchise factor and that should help the connect factor with the audience. Murder as a brand has worked in each of the two instalments so far. Though an overall run would be decided by the eventual content (which promises to be good, considering the fact that original Spanish thriller was a decent success and Bhatts have time and again picked on something that is indeed riveting), controlled costs should ensure that this is another plus film for the makers. With an opening of around 40%-50% expected for the film, this should be biggest solo starrer till date for Randeep Hooda.

Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story Movie Poster

On the other hand Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story seems like a fun outing but surprisingly its promotion has been low. At its launch as well as the making, it had appeared that the makers would go the whole hog in pitching the film in a major way. However that hasn’t quite happened which means from the opening standpoint, the film would have to really wait and watch for the audience word of mouth to set in. Pairing of Vivek Oberoi and Neha Sharma is looking good and while one does expect the film to be a fresh outing, it would have to see some real good escalation over the weekend to bring on good numbers.

Moreover with Special Chabbis (26) as well as ABCD – Any Body Can Dance continuing to do well, it won’t be a clean run for either Murder 3 or Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story since audience would be spoilt for choices.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

Sara Loren

Edgy, classy and superhot, that’s Sara Loren for you. The sexy supermodel who has awed the audience at large with her scintillating maneuvers in the Murder 3 trailer has set temperatures soaring nationwide. For more, we caught up with the bombshell for a lively chat.

Originally starting off as a supermodel, getting into films must have been the clichéd way of the entry into tinsel town. But was the metamorphosis easy for you?
I love the camera, I feel like I was born to do this even though I never planned any of it. Everything happened by chance, but I have enjoyed every minute of it and I work very hard. Moving from modeling to films might be clichéd, but it works, so why not.

You debuted in Bollwood with Kajrare back in 2010. What took you three long years to be a part of another Bollywood film?
There was a lot that was keeping me busy, film that I was working on in Pakistan, theater etc. Plus it was important for me do something that challenged me, that excited me and that would be memorable- Murder 3 did all of that.

You convinced the Bhatts in the very first meeting that you can well be a part of Murder 3. What was the first meeting like?
It was really very interesting! Their confidence in me blew me away. Most people said that being sexy, confident and outspoken didn’t fit in the normal framework of the Bollywood Heroines, but the Bhatts liked that about me. They didn’t want to change me or package me neither did they want me to be apologetic about who I am. They saw me for who I was and told me that this is what will work for me. They then offered Murder 3 to me, so clearly I am doing something right. I just needed the right guidance and platform, and that is what the Bhatt family gave me.

What made you say yes to Murder 3?
Who wouldn’t say yes To Murder 3? It’s a part of a blockbuster franchise, it’s a Bhatt film, and Randeep Hooda is a phenomenal actor and my role was fantastic. I loved Nisha when they told me about her. She has this edge to her that is special. She is not your usual bubbly sunshine girl. She is beautiful, passionate, dark and mysterious. She works hard, gets what she wants, and is all heart

What are your expectations from the film, as an actress?
We all worked really hard, but now it is up to the audience. It’s a typical Bhatt film- sexy, entertaining and thrilling. This entire experience has helped me grow as an actress

Taking over from Mallika and Jacqueline, what new traits have you tried to put in your character to make it look different from what your previous actors did for the Murder franchise? Or did you imbibe anything from any of your contemporaries?
Well it’s not a continuation of the previous stories. It a new plot, new characters but I knew comparisons would be made. Mallika and Jacky both brought their distinct styles to the film, I brought mine. It had to be bigger, better and hotter.

How were your equations with your costars from the film, Randeep and Aditi?
Aditi Rao Hydari is a lovely girl, we didn’t have many scenes together but my interaction with her has always been pleasant. Randeep  Hooda is a friend. From day 1 he was warm, and helpful. We have great chemistry which shows on screen. He is a phenomenal actor

After Murder 3, what is keeping you busy?
The response has been great so far, the film is just about releasing and just with the first look the buzz has been great. I now have a team that is already looking into endorsement inquiries , and scripts . The next film I sign has to be even better than Murder 3 so I am going to be very patient and careful with that decision.