DNA (September 2, 2017)

In early 2000s, eroticas turned out to be a reasonably popular genre in Bollywood. The likes of Murder and Jism were the trailblazers and films like Julie and Aksar followed suit. In a matter of a few years, however, the genre died down though the only franchise that is still being popular is Hate Story.

Promotion spree
While one looks forward to the fourth installment of Hate Story, in a coincidence of sorts, two erotic films from the past — Aksar 2 and Julie 2 — now making a comeback, and that, too, on the same date. Both films are releasing on October 6. “In fact, the promotion has kick-started at the same time as well. While the theatrical trailer of Aksar 2 has just been unveiled, the teaser of Julie 2 was revealed on the very next day,” observes a trade expert.

Franchise facts
Incidentally, none of them feature its original cast. Aksar featured Emraan Hashmi and Udita Goswami. However, Aksar 2 has Zareen Khan and Gautam Rode. Similarly, Julie featured Neha Dhupia in the lead, but the second part has Raai Laxmi as the central protagonist. The directors are the same though. Ananth Mahadevan directed Aksar and Deepak Shivdasani was the man behind Julie. Both are coming up with the sequels now.

Music minded
Though Julie didn’t really have any chartbuster songs, Himesh Reshammiya’s music for Aksar, especially the track Jhalak Dikhla Ja, was the highlight of the film. Makers of Aksar 2 and Julie 2 are expected to emphasise on the music,” an insider comments.

What would stay on to be the key attraction though is the erotica quotient. After all, Zareen had shown that she can be uninhibited in Hate Story 3. On the other hand, Raai Laxmi has been known for her sensual act in Akira last year.

Box-office battle
“Clash of the two erotica is interesting since it gives the makers of both the films a good platform to publicise their films. It benefits both, since the films would be in news, now, and benefit from all the talks surrounding the sequel as well as the genre factor,” a trade expert opines.

Meanwhile, one wonders what would Saif Ali Khan be thinking currently, considering the fact that his Chef is slated to arrive on the same date as well.