WILL LIGER BRING SOME RESPITE AT THE BOX OFFICE?

The much-awaited Independence Day week releases – Laal Singh Chaddha and Raksha Bandhan – failed miserably at the box office. Last week’s Dobaaraa, too, didn't make any mark. Hence, all eyes now are on Liger, a Telugu and Hindi bi-lingual film.

Liger stars Vijay Deverakonda and Ananya Panday in leading roles. Ramya Krishnan, who played Shivagami Devi in Baahubali, also features in the film, in an important role while boxing legend Mike Tyson has a cameo. The film is directed by Puri Jagannadh, whose films Pokiri and Temper were remade in Hindi as Wanted and Simmba respectively. Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has come on board as a co-producer.

Liger’s trailer didn’t give any hint about the storyline. However, the way it has been cut caught attention. Moreover, Vijay Deverakonda has a fan following, especially among females. Though he is relatively a new face in the Hindi market, the excitement to see him on the big screen can go in his favour. Also, the makers have gone all out with promotions and it has helped the film get visibility.

However, the buzz is limited. As is the trend nowadays, viewers are adopting a wait-and-watch strategy. The songs also haven’t worked big time. Lastly, the film is such that it might not appeal to multiplex audiences.

Liger’s Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam versions have got a full-day release from Thursday, August 25. The Hindi version, however, would release only after 8:00 pm on Thursday. Through these night shows, Liger in Hindi is expected to fetch in the range of Rs. 50 lakhs – Rs. 1 crore. On Friday, the film hopefully should collect Rs. 5-6 crores, though as per the advance booking trend, it won’t be surprising if it opens at around Rs. 3 crores. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, however, Liger’s Telugu version has had a bumper start. If word of mouth is positive, Liger’s Hindi version can grow in the weekend and dominate cinemas till the release of Brahmastra on September 9.