Super 30

About the film

Super 30 is a 2019 Indian Hindi-language biographical drama film directed by Vikas Bahl, written by Sanjeev Dutta and produced by Phantom Films, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Reliance Entertainment and HRX Films. Named after mathematician and teacher Anand Kumar's eponymous educational program, it stars Hrithik Roshan as Kumar; Nandish Sandhu in his film debut, Virendra Saxena, Mrunal Thakur in her first mainstream Hindi film, Pankaj Tripathi, Aditya Srivastava and Amit Sadh, in a special appearance, play pivotal roles.

The film marked the last production for Phantom Films before its quick disbandment and later revival under sole surviving partner Madhu Mantena. Principal photography began in January 2018 and wrapped in September 2018. It was released theatrically on 12 July 2019 to a positive critical reception, with Roshan's performance drawing particular praise. Grossing ₹208.93 crore worldwide, the film emerged as the 12th highest-grossing Hindi film of 2019.

Plot

In the present day, Fugga, a highly successful professional, delivers a keynote address in London. He credits his immense achievements to his former mentor, Patna-based mathematician Anand Kumar.

The narrative flashes back to Anand's youth in Bihar. Despite belonging to an underprivileged household, Anand possesses an extraordinary aptitude for mathematics. After winning a local competition, he catches the attention of the state education minister, Shriram Singh, who publicly pledges to support Anand's future educational endeavors. Seeking advanced academic material, Anand frequently smuggles himself into the library of Banaras Hindu University to read foreign mathematics journals. When the library supervisor bans him for lacking university credentials, a sympathetic staff member informs Anand that publishing an original solution in a prominent journal would earn him a free lifetime subscription. Anand successfully solves a notoriously complex problem and receives an admission offer from the University of Cambridge under Professor Richard.

Although his family celebrates the milestone, they lack the finances for his international travel. Anand and his father, Rajendra, a low-ranking postal clerk, appeal to Shriram Singh for the promised financial aid, but the minister dismisses them. Despite trying every avenue to gather funds, they fail. That night, Rajendra suffers a fatal heart attack driven by the stress. Devastated by his father's sudden death and the family's crushing financial debt, Anand reluctantly relinquishes his Cambridge seat.

Production

Principal photography commenced in November 2017.South Indian Actress Sai Pallavi is first choice to play a lead opposite Hrithik Roshan in the film,She would be make her Bollywood debut but later replace by Mrunal Thakur. Mrunal Thakur was cast opposite Hrithik Roshan in the film. The film was shot at Ramnagar Fort; part of the fort was converted to look like the Super 30 institute. The film was also shot for ten days in Sambhar Lake Town which was shown as Kota, Rajasthan and Jaipur. A set was erected in Mumbai at the cost of ₹10 crore to recreate Patna city of Bihar to facilitate shooting. In second schedule of Varanasi shooting, the film was shot at Banaras Hindu University in the end of June 2018. This was the first Hindi film that the university allowed to be shot at its campus. Filming was completed in September 2018. Television actor Nandish Sandhu made his film debut in the film; he played Roshan's younger brother.

Soundtrack

Ajay Atul composed the music for the film, replacing Bahl's norm composer Amit Trivedi and reuniting with Roshan after their successful stint in Agneepath, and lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattacharya. Vipin Nair of The Hindu gave the soundtrack 3.5/5, calling it a "pretty engaging soundtrack". The Times of India based Debarati Sen, in her review, said the composers "do not fail to impress".

Marketing and release

The first look posters of Hrithik Roshan from Super 30 were unveiled on 5 September 2018 to coincide with the Teacher's Day in India. Second poster with new release date was revealed on 12 January 2019. Another look of Hrithik Roshan from the film unveiled in new poster on 2 June. The next day another poster with Roshan soaking in the rain of success with the motto "Misaal Bano, Haqdaar Bano" (Be an example, be qualified) was released. one day later on 4 June official trailer of the film was released by Reliance Entertainment. It garnered 44.99 million views since its release on YouTube.

During the MeToo movement in India in 2018, when Bahl was accused by a former Phantom employee of sexual assault during the promotions of Shaandaar, the ensuing controversy attracted an inquiry against Bahl and he was temporarily suspended from receipt of directorial credit; while Phantom's disbandment after the film's release was confirmed, reports initially stated that Kabir Khan, who was then helming the biographical sports drama 83 for Phantom and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, would be onboarded to replace Bahl and complete parts of the film; Khan, however, denied these reports, and the inquiry cleared Bahl of charges pressed against him seven months later.

The film's producers reported that Hrithik Roshan will be accompanied by Anand Kumar for the promotion of Super 30.

Key details