If Wake Up Sid was the most talked about film, it is certainly also the most awaited home video release. Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Supriya Pathak, and Rahul Khanna in power packed performances, directed by debutant Ayan Mukerji, the film has bowled over critics and the public alike.
Wake Up Sid’s strength lies in its refreshing screenplay and believable performances. Sid (Ranbir Kapoor) enjoys his own childishness, lack of direction and Mumbai with such earnest indifference, that the audience develops an actual empathy & sympathy for him.
Aisha (Konkona Sen Sharma), a mix of ambition and maturity, is a complete contrast to Sid. But the comfortable chemistry the unlikely duo share is a treat to watch.
Taran Adarsh gave the movie a ‘Thumbs Up’, noting that Ranbir Kapoor has given an ‘award-worthy performance’. Anupama Chopra gave it 3 stars for the movie’s ‘honesty, freshness and some genuinely tender and moving moments’. Rajeev Masand identifies ‘the casual, conversational style of dialogues that makes it easy to relate to the film and its characters’. Bollywood.com rated Wake Up Sid as a ‘delightful affair’ while commending Ayan Mukerji’s script sense and direction. Rediff movies recommended the movie as one which has ‘its heart in place’.
In case these reviews and the film itself were not enough, BIG Home Video has launched a premium collector’s edition – a 2-DVD pack. Apart from the film, the ‘Special Features’ disc is full of exclusive, never- before-seen content. The disc contains specials like ‘Making of the Movie’, ‘Making of Iktara’, ‘Making of Life Is Crazy’, ‘Making of Wake Up Sid’, ‘Making of Kya Karoon’, ‘Wake Up Sid (remix) music video’, ‘Making of Wake Up Sid remix video’, ‘Bloopers’, ‘Deleted Scenes’ and ‘Date with Sid’. The DVD pack has been released at Rs. 399 and 2 VCD pack at Rs. 149.
Kulmeet Makkar, Chief Executive Officer, BIG Music and Home Entertainment says, “Wake Up Sid is one of the rare movies that is a combination of commercial success and critical acclaim and we are proud to be associated with it. The film’s concept, direction, screenplay, music and indeed all other technical aspects are among the finest. With our pan-India distribution network we ensure that our products reach the right audience. We are sure that the Wake Up Sid home video, with its exclusive and special features will make it a true collector’s copy.”
Karan Johar, Dharma Productions, said, “Wake Up Sid, is an extremely special film to all of us at ‘Dharma’. It marked the debut of Ayan Mukerji who is dear to us and made a film full of heart & soul. The ‘coming of age’ genre is rarely tapped in Indian cinema and we are glad to have ventured into new cinematic territory.”
Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures says, “Wake Up Sid has been a huge commercial and critical success for us and we are sure that movie fans will enjoy and appreciate this movie at home as they have in the theatres. Universal admiration and appeal for Wake Up Sid makes this DVD the perfect gift for the 2009 holiday season.”
The launch will be supported by an all encompassing marketing campaign across TV, Radio, OOH and Internet along with a strong focus on retail activation and on-ground promotion. Contests as well as paid promotions will ensure that there is a fine balance of reach and frequency optimization.
Wake Up Sid has been termed as a ‘slice of life’ movie. And there is no better way to experience the movie but in the comforts of one’s home. For all movie lovers, the Wake Up Sid home video is an essential addition to their library collection.
