Vicky Donor

Vicky Donor
Theatrical release poster
Directed byShoojit Sircar
Written byJuhi Chaturvedi
Produced byJohn Abraham
Sunil Lulla
Ronnie Lahiri
StarringAyushmann Khurrana
Yami Gautam
Annu Kapoor
Dolly Ahluwalia
CinematographyKamaljeet Negi
Edited byChandrashekhar Prajapati
Music bySongs & Score:
Abhishek-Akshay
Additional Songs:
Bann Chakraborty
Rochak Kohli
Ayushmann Khurrana
Production
companies
Distributed byEros Entertainment
Release date
  • 20 April 2012 (2012-04-20)
Running time
125 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageHindi
Budget15 crore
Box officeest. 68.32 crore

Vicky Donor is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Shoojit Sircar and produced by actor John Abraham in his maiden production venture with Sunil Lulla under Eros International and Ronnie Lahiri under Rising Sun Films. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam, with Annu Kapoor and Dolly Ahluwalia in pivotal roles. The concept is set against the background of sperm donation and infertility within a Bengali-Punjabi household. Both Ayushmann and Yami made their film debut through this film.

Vicky Donor was released on April 20, 2012 at around 750 screens in India. The film opened to universal critical acclaim and performed strongly at the box office. It became a commercial success grossing 66.32 crore worldwide, against a budget of 15 crore.

At the 60th National Film Awards, Vicky Donor won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. At the 58th Filmfare Awards, it received 8 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director (Sircar), Best Supporting Actress (Ahluwalia) and Best Female Debut (Gautam), and won 4 awards, including Best Supporting Actor (Kapoor) and Best Male Debut (Khurrana).

The film was remade in Telugu as Naruda Donoruda (2016) and in Tamil as Dharala Prabhu (2020).

Plot

Dr. Baldev Chaddha is a fertility expert who runs a clinic and a sperm bank in Daryaganj, Delhi that guarantees high-quality sperm for couples. He has more failed cases than successes. He is on the lookout for a healthy and high-performing donor.

Vikram "Vicky" Arora hails from an Arora Punjabi family and is the only son of his widowed mother Dolly, who runs a small beauty parlour in Lajpat Nagar. They live with their grandmother. Vicky is a vagabond who provides no financial support to the household and starts searching for a job that will provide them with a better lifestyle.

Chaddha meets Vicky and likes his happy-go-lucky nature. He believes Vicky is the donor he has been looking for. He stalks him and eventually painstakingly convinces him to become a sperm donor. Though Vicky is hesitant at first, he accepts after receiving a high salary. He hides his career after facing ridicule from his friends, but starts spending wildly, renovating his house and the parlour.

Vicky meets an ambitious accountant Ashima Roy at the bank and they fall in love after going out a number of times. They soon wish to get married, but as a divorced Bengali bank employee wanting to marry a carefree man from a loud Punjabi family, the couple faces backlash from their families eventually managing to get their approval. Vicky continues to hide his occupation, and stops donating sperm after getting married, ignoring Chaddha who continues to chase Vicky as he is his most successful donor.

In an ironic turn, the couple discovers Ashima is infertile. They wish to get both of them tested, but Vicky does not take the fertility test and is forced to admit to being a sperm donor. Taken aback by her husband's strange career, Ashima leaves for her paternal home. Vicky is heartbroken and cuts all ties with Chaddha.

The parlour is soon raided by income tax officers due to their frivolous renovations. Vicky is arrested on suspicion of handling black money but is bailed out by Dr. Chaddha, who reveals his occupation to his family members. Vicky's mother is disgusted and also apologises to Ashima. Vicky's grandmother and Ashima's father make them understand how Vicky's deed has helped many families bear children and ask them to have a progressive take on this.

Chaddha calls Vicky and Ashima to an event he has hosted where all families that Vicky helped bear children are present, and helps Ashima see how his step helped them find happiness. He then tells them that one child is absent. This little girl has lost her parents in an accident. Her grandparents failed to contact Chaddha's clinic and had to send her to orphanage. Dr. Chaddha suggest the couple adopt little girl. Ashima begins to see reason and understands. The couple reunites, adopts the little girl, and Vicky continues to occasionally donate sperm for Chaddha's clinic.

Cast

  • Ayushmann Khurrana as Vikram "Vicky" Arora a.k.a. Vicky Donor
  • Yami Gautam as Ashima "Tuna" Roy, Vicky's wife
  • Annu Kapoor as Dr. Baldev Chaddha
  • Dolly Ahluwalia as Mrs. Dolly Arora, Vicky's mother
  • Kamlesh Gill as Biji, Vicky's grandmother
  • Puja Gupta as Shweta (Vicky's Neighbour)
  • Jayant Das as Mr. Roy (Ashima's Father)
  • Swaroopa Ghosh as Pishi (Ashima's Aunt)
  • Inderpal Singh as Tayaji
  • Bupesh Pandya as Chaman (Dr. Chadhha's Assistant)
  • K.V Rajni as nurse Lata.
  • Paramjyot Singh as Vicky's Mama Ji
  • John Abraham as himself in the song "Rum Whisky Song Item Number Dancer"
  • Vijay Meenu as Parent in Chaddha's hospital

Themes and development

Vicky Donor deals with sperm donation and infertility. When questioned about the risky subject matter, Abraham responded, "Basically, Vicky Donor is a romantic comedy. But the concept is set against the background of sperm donation." Abraham hoped that the film could shed light on a serious issue still considered "taboo" in Indian society.

Sircar said, "I want to take a light-hearted look at the taboo attached to infertility and artificial insemination." Before filming began, Sircar researched the plot themes for three years. Juhi Chaturvedi, creative director at advertising agency Bates, who wrote the screenplay based on her own idea, had stayed in Lajpat Nagar as a student at College of Arts, Delhi. As the script went through several drafts, she met a couple who run a noted fertility clinic in Mumbai.

Production

Despite the usual trend, Abraham did not take up the leading role in the film: "It was a conscious decision to not act in my first production because I believe producing a film is about creating quality content that I believe in." Director Sircar suggested Khurrana, a video jockey and television host, for the role of Vicky; he was considered because he was popular among the youth. He "can read and write Punjabi too." Khurrana turned down three film projects to play the lead in Vicky Donor. To prepare for the role, he met medical experts and donors to understand sperm donation; a major medical consultant specializing in the field was later inducted as a medical adviser for the film. Additionally, Khurrana studied acting and attended workshops with N.K. Sharma in Delhi. It was later reported that Abraham would perform an "item number." Commenting on his performance, Abraham said "I am glad I cast Ayushmann in the lead. He's a complete natural, has all the trappings of a fine actor and has delivered a super performance. It doesn't seem like Vicky Donor is his first film." It was reported that the production crew would feature "the best technicians from Los Angeles" and acclaimed action choreographer J J Perry. Incidentally, Ayushmann who plays the lead role, successfully performed a task on the reality show MTV Roadies: Season 2, which was sperm donation.

Soundtrack

Vicky Donor
Soundtrack album by
Abhishek-Akshay, Bann, Rochak Kohli and Ayushmann Khurrana
Released29 February 2012 (29 February 2012)
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length35:13
LabelEros Music
ProducerJohn Abraham
Singles from Vicky Donor
  1. "Pani Da Rang"
    Released: 1 February 2012

The soundtrack album features eight tracks which were composed by Abhishek-Akshay, Bann, Rochak Kohli and Ayushmann Khurrana. All of them contributed two tracks each. Actor Khurrana also composed and sung the track "Pani Da Rang" which was released as a single on 1 February 2012. The song was well received by music listeners. The song has a female version composed by Khurrana, and it was sung by Sukanya Purkayastha. The entire album released by Eros Music on 29 February 2012.

The soundtrack album received positive reviews from critics. IBNlive.in says "Vicky Donor album tracks are worth listening and contain rawness." Ayushmann Khurrana won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer at 58th Filmfare Awards for "Pani Da Rang."

Track listing

No.TitleLyricsMusicArtist(s)Length
1."Rokda"Akshay VermaAbhishek-AkshayAkshay Verma, Aditi Singh Sharma4:28
2."Kho Jaane Do"Juhi ChaturvediRochak KohliClinton Cerejo, Aditi Singh Sharma4:57
3."Rum Whisky"Kusum VermaAbhishek-AkshayAkshay Verma4:04
4."Pani Da Rang" (Male)Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak KohliAyushmann KhurranaAyushmann Khurrana4:00
5."Mar Jayian" (Romantic)Swanand KirkireBannVishal Dadlani, Sunidhi Chauhan4:48
6."Chaddha"Vijay MauryaRochak Kohli[[rahul sharma ]]3:50
7."Pani Da Rang" (Female)Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak KohliAyushmann KhurranaSukanya Purkayastha4:49
8."Mar Jayian" (Sad)Swanand KirkireBannBann4:14
Total length:35:13

Reception

Critical reception

Vicky Donor received critical acclaim upon release. Blessy Chettiar of DNA India rated the film with 4/5 and said, "Run to the nearest theatre and surrender yourself to charm of Vicky and his team. This "Aryaputra" provides only good quality entertainment." Madhureeta Mukherjee of The Times of India gave Vicky Donor 3.5 out of 5 and said, "It takes a man to make a film like this, literally. Kudos to John Abraham for his brave maiden production. Thankfully, this sperm hits bullseye." Mathures Paul of The Statesman gave the film 3.5/5 and wrote, "Vicky Donor is an admirable movie that is at once simple, emotional, daring and in your face."

Box office

India

The film had an opening at the box office worldwide and collected 18.8 million (US$240,000) on its first day in India. Vicky Donor showed good growth on Saturday as all India collections jumped around 35%–40%; it collected around 26.0 million (US$330,000) nett taking its two-day business to 45.0 million (US$560,000) nett. The film got tough competition from Housefull 2 in its first week of theatrical run in India. Vicky Donor is the 3rd small-budget film of 2012 after Paan Singh Tomar and Kahaani to receive such an acceptance by critics, multiplex goers and urban audience. It grossed 32.5 million (US$410,000) nett on Sunday. Vicky Donor had a decent three-day weekend as it grossed around 77.5 million (US$970,000) nett over its first weekend.

It had a good first week of around 135.0 million (US$1.7 million) nett. Vicky Donor had an excellent second week collecting around 112.5 million (US$1.4 million) nett taking its two-week total to around 255.0 million (US$3.2 million) nett. Vicky Donor continued its strong run into the third week and totally grossed 405.0 million (US$5.1 million).

Overseas

The film had a wide release with close to 125 prints and grossed a decent $350,000 overseas in four days. It has done well in North America and decently in other markets.

Grosses are as follow:

  • UK: £90,329 ($140,600)
  • USA: $466,467
  • UAE: $286,000
  • Australia: $88,682

Total: $1.2 million (65 million)

Accolades

Date of Ceremony Award Category Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Result Ref.
3 May 2013 National Film Awards Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Producer: Sunil Lulla, John Abraham, Ronnie Lahiri and Ram Mirchandani

Director: Shoojit Sircar

Won
Best Supporting Actor Annu Kapoor Won
Best Supporting Actress Dolly Ahluwalia Won
20 January 2013 Filmfare Awards Best Film John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Nominated
Best Director Shoojit Sircar Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Annu Kapoor Won
Best Supporting Actress Dolly Ahluwalia Nominated
Best Male Debut Ayushmann Khurana Won
Best Female Debut Yami Gautam Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Won
Best Story Juhi Chaturvedi Won
12 January 2013 Star Screen Awards Best Supporting Actress Dolly Ahluwalia Won
Best Male Debut Ayushmann Khurrana Won
Best Comedian Annu Kapoor Won
Kamlesh Gill Nominated
Best Film John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Nominated
Best Director Shoojit Sircar Nominated
Best Female Debut Yami Gautam Nominated
Best Lyrics Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
Best Story Juhi Chaturvedi Nominated
Best Production Design Mansi Dhruv Mehta, Vinod Nominated
Best Editing Shekhar Prajapati Nominated
16 February 2013 Producers Guild Film Awards Best Film John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Nominated
Best Director Shoojit Sircar Nominated
Best Actor Ayushmann Khurrana Nominated
Best Male Debut Won
Best Female Debut Yami Gautam Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Annu Kapoor Won
Best Comedian Won
Best Supporting Actress Dolly Ahluwalia Won
Best Screenplay Juhi Chaturvedi Nominated
Best Story Won
Best Dialogue Won
Best Lyricist Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Won
6 April 2013 Times of India Film Awards Best Film Shoojit Sircar|style="background: #FFE3E3; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2 notheme"|Nominated
Best Director Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Annu Kapoor Won
Best Comic Actor Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Dolly Ahluwalia Won
Best Male Debut Ayushmann Khurrana|style="background: #9EFF9E; color: #000; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2 notheme"|Won
Best Female Debut Yami Gautam Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
7 January 2013 Zee Cine Awards Best Male Debut Ayushmann Khurrana Won
Best Female Debut Yami Gautam Won
6 July 2013 International Indian Film Academy Awards Best Film John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Nominated
Best Director Shoojit Sircar Nominated
Best Actor Ayushmann Khurrana Nominated
Best Male Debut Won
Best Female Debut Yami Gautam Won
Best Performance in a Comic Role Annu Kapoor Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Won
Best Supporting Actress Dolly Ahluwalia Nominated
Best Dialogue Juhi Chaturvedi Won
Best Story Nominated
Best Lyricist Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
Best Male Playback Singer Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
31 December 2012 Big Star Entertainment Awards Most Entertaining Film of the Year John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Nominated
Most Entertaining Film (Comedy) Nominated
Most Entertainment Debut - Male Ayushmann Khurrana|style="background: #9EFF9E; color: #000; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2 notheme"|Won
Most Entertaining Debut - Female Yami Gautam Nominated
Most Entertaining Song Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Won
7 February 2013 Mirchi Music Awards Song of the Year Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
Upcoming Male Vocalist of the Year Nominated
Upcoming Music Composer of the Year Donn & Bann (for the song "Marr Jayian") Nominated
Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Won
Upcoming Lyricist of the Year Won
Technical Sound Engineering of the Year Anish Gohil, Biswadeep Chatterjee Nominated
Technical Programmer and Arranger of the Year Abhijit Nalani Nominated
26 January 2013 Stardust Awards Best Film John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Won
Best Director Shoojit Sircar Won
Best Actor Ayushmann Khurrana Won
Superstar of Tomorrow - Male Nominated
Best Actress Yami Gautam Nominated
Superstar of Tomorrow - Female Nominated
New Musical Sensation (Male) Ayushmann Khurrana (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Won
Standout Performance by a New Lyricist Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Nominated
28 January 2013 Bollywood Hungama Surfers Choice Movie Awards Best Debut (Male) Ayushmann Khurana Won
6 January 2013 ETC Bollywood Business Awards Most Successful Small Budget Movie John Abraham, Shoojit Sircar, Sunil Lulla Won
Most Profitable Debut (Male) Ayushmann Khurrana Won
1 October 2012 Global Indian Music Academy Awards Star Plus Hottest Song of the Year Ayushmann Khurrana, Rochak Kohli (for the song "Pani Da Rang") Won

Sequel and remakes

After the major critical and commercial success of the film, producer John Abraham announced that he was encouraged by the response of Vicky Donor and has therefore laid a sequel on the cards. The sequel titled "Vicky Pet Se" is about a man getting pregnant. However, the story was similar to 2022 film Mister Mummy starring Riteish Deshmukh

Dileep has bought the remake rights for the Malayalam version. Telugu director Madhura Sreedhar bought the remake rights of the film for the Telugu version named Naruda Donoruda starring Sumanth. It was remade in Tamil as Dharala Prabhu starring Harish Kalyan.


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