There was a time when filmmakers hesitated to release their films in January. Trade sources were heard echoing the January Jinx myth time and again. And even warning producers not to release their movies, especially in the first two weeks of this month.

However, this superstition not only seems to have lost ground with more and more big-ticket films lining up for release in the first calendar month, it also seems like producers are clamouring for a window in this period. Says a trade source, “Bollywood now believes in starting the year with a bang. And since some January releases in the past have done wonders at the box office, the jinx formula is not even taken into consideration any longer.“

Take this year for instance. January 2015 has four big movies lined up - Tevar (January 9), Alone (January 16), Baby (January 23) and Dolly Ki Doli (January 23) - amongst other small releases. Conservative estimates show that around Rs 200 cr is riding on the January releases, including the above-named big four. Noticeably, the number of big releases in this month has gone up. In 2013, there was Race 2 and in 2014, there were Dedh Ishqiya and Jai Ho. However, this year, we have a clear spike with four big-ticket films occupying almost every Friday of January.

Frankly, if you check the record, you will notice that the month has redeemed itself to becoming a coveted one.

PAST JANUARY HITS
Jai Ho (Jan 24, 2014)
Race 2 (Jan 25, 2013)
Agneepath (Jan 26, 2012)
No One Killed Jessica (Jan 7, 2011)
Rang De Basanti (Jan 26, 2006)
Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai (Jan 14, 2000)