Showing posts with label Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Show all posts
Top 10 romcoms; Tanu Weds Manu Returns the only film with 1 cr plus footfalls
10:08 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
COCKTAIL 2 released this week and has done so so business till date though it will not feature among the top ten Rom Com films of all time. However, in terms of cost, its probably the second biggest rom com ever after TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR. The genre is one which came to the fore in the last thirty years as before that there were hardly any rom com films made.
Basically comedy films and rom coms gained traction at roughly the same time because in the 50's 60's 70's and 80's, there were not many comedy or rom com films as North, East and Central India was very unkind to these genres most of the time. It is actually hard to divide which is Rom Com and which is a love story for a film but if a film has drama which is stronger than the comedy and forms much of the film then that goes towards a love story. Drama on the lighter side means Rom Com.
The biggest Rom Com till date is TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS and it is so far ahead of the rest that it makes you doubt that is this film actually a Rom com but a Love Story. It is not for sure as comedy dominates through the film. This film got 1.5 crore footfalls while no other Rom com has even picked up 1 crore. The footfalls of COCKTAIL (2012) are under 90 lakhs.
There is sure to be something different with TANU WEDS MANU RETURNS compared to the other Rom Com films and it could be characterization, relatability or authenticity whereas most Rom coms tend to go the filmy/urban route which limits the business. If big films are still to be made in the genre, then this film is the one at as it stands above all by a margin. Otherwise the genre probably has to be made at a lower cost with possibly smaller casts.
The top ten Rom Com films of all time by footfalls are as follows. There could be some missings from the earlier years but that will not matter much in the context of business today.
1. Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015)
2. Cocktail (2012)
3. Chhoti Si Baat (1975)
4. Tere Mere Sapne (1996)
5. Dostana (2008)
6. Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994)
7. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan (2011)
8. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)
9. De De Pyaar De (2019)
10. Luka Chuppi (2019)
Had even 1 song worked, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri's opening would not have been so bad-Raj Bansal
9:15 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; December 29, 2025)
This Christmas, romance arrived on the big screen in a quintessential Dharma-esque manner, but audiences have refused to reciprocate love for the story. The Kartik Aaryan-Ananya Panday-starrer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri collected only Rs 8.46 crore on opening day, with a four-day total of around Rs 28 crore.
Bihar-based exhibitor Vishek Chauhan isn’t surprised. He told mid-day, “I don’t think the film had any chance from day one. It looks like a stale product, which people have seen umpteen times throughout the previous decade. It is basically the genre that came into being with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone-starrer Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013). And then Ranbir milked it to great effect with many films. He even managed to get some kind of success with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023). The audience has seen enough of this genre. Theatrical entertainment works on the basic principle of the ability of the content to create the fear of missing out (FOMO). If your content is not able to do that, the audience will not come to the theatres. If you feel that you will make anything random, then don’t expect numbers.”
Chauhan added lessons for Karan Johar, the co-producer of the film: “Two of his productions this year — Tu Meri Main Tera and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari — were stale products. We need intense romantic love stories on the big screen, that’s what people are watching right now. People want dark, intense lovers. No matter how good a film you make, the public will not come to see a romantic comedy. People are saturated with it.”
Timing also worked against the release. Rajasthan-based exhibitor Raj Bansal told mid-day, “The film has terribly low collections so far. The opening day (Dec 25) was low. Then a Friday (Dec 26) drop was natural. But Saturday’s (Dec 27) collections showed that it would trend poorly. The movie got sandwiched between Dhurandhar and Avatar: Fire And Ash, which is doing well at my theatre. Its lifetime looks like around Rs. 40 crore. What the film lacked was hit music. Had even one or two songs worked, the opening would not have been so bad. The movie’s star cast is also not a big draw.”
Shraddha Kapoor might headline film backed by rumoured beau Rahul Mody, who wrote Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
8:16 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; April 29, 2024)
After having only one release in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar in 2023, Shraddha Kapoor, in a fan meet-and-greet session earlier this year, revealed that she was working on a few projects that included a mythological adaptation and a time-travel story.
Now, mid-day has learnt that she has also liked a drama to be backed by her rumoured beau, Rahul Mody, who co-wrote Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. If things work out, the actor will not only headline the film, but also turn producer with it.
Little is known about the movie’s plot at present as the makers are keeping details under wraps. A source reveals, “The talks are in the nascent stage, so it can’t be determined whether this will be her next project. But Shraddha has liked the central idea. She plans to co-produce it along with Rahul’s production house.”
Director Luv Ranjan’s romantic comedy was Kapoor’s first release in three years since the action fare, Baaghi 2 (2020). This year, we hear the actor wants to keep the momentum going with Stree 2, the sequel to Rajkummar Rao-led horror comedy, Stree (2018).
The source adds, “Stree 2 is one of the year’s most-awaited films. Going forward, Shraddha wants to carefully select her projects, choosing ones that evoke a similar kind of buzz. She also doesn’t want long gaps between her films.”
Star Positions 2023: Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani, Shraddha Kapoor lead the way
8:42 AM
Box Office India Trade Network
The box office has been back for two years now and now enough films have been released to get an idea of star positions post the pandemic. As far as female leads go, Alia Bhatt is the undisputed number one being the main force driving for the success of GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI and ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI. She is probably the only female star who is a a box office draw and can carry a film alone.
The box office numbers of films featuring Alia Bhatt have always been better in Mumbai city and Pune even when the content is more of a North type of film like 2 STATES or RAAZI and this has continued with GANGUBAI KATHIAWADI and ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI. So, when a heroine has a few places always outperforming, it really helps at the box office though it will be tougher ahead as these two centres are very unpredictable at the moment.
There are probably three other female leads that can be called stars today and they are Deepika Padukone, Kiara Advani and Shraddha Kapoor. So the ranking today is as follows and its difficult to put someone in fifth place as either no one is able to make much of an impact or other female leads don't hold the same value as before.
1. Alia Bhatt
2. Deepika Padukone
3. Kiara Advani
4. Shraddha Kapoor
There was a time when Deepika Padukone was well clear of the field but there were not many films towrds the end of the last decade just before the pandemic and the attempts to succeed in films where the female lead is the driver did not work like FINDING FANNY and CHHAPAAK. The last named was a huge downer just before the pandemic. PATHAAN came post the pandemic and it probably undid some of the CHHAPAAK damage which was a mistake of epic proportions for a heroine like Deepika Padukone..
Kiara Advani had made huge strides just before the pandemic with films like KABIR SNGH and GOOD NEWWZ and even in the pandemic, she had a blockbuster song Burj Khalifa and the film LAXMII (2020) which is probably still the only genuine HIT to be premiered on digital. The run continues post the pandemic and at the moment, she is that quintessential Hindi film heroine who fits well into all genres and is also able to pair up with most leading male stars. In popularity with the youth, she could actually be ahead of Deepika Padukone at this point of time.
Shraddha Kapoor is the fourth genuine female star today and actually should probably be doing better but there are so few films and this is just not the case over the last few years but even now post pandemic it will be only two releases in around four years with TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR and STREE 2. The popularity is there but films have to come to prove this.
After these four, it would probably be names like Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Disha Patani. Katrina Kaif had TIGER 3 which did well and that is the zone she fits into well but there are very few films made like that. But the issue is that its difficult to slot her into that so called female content film zone unless its action genre but those films are also very less if any.
Kareena Kapoor has had LAAL SINGH CHADDHA and a television film but has face value and the talent still to work at the box office given the right film. But obviously too many television films will dilute the equity as far as theatrical value is concerned which will only make box office success harder especially in a female led film.
Kriti Sanon was on a upward curve before the pandemic hit and just behind Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani as fas as the girls who made an entry in the last decade were concerned. Post pandemic, the audience has not been that kind with major duds and now its about whether this trend can reverse with the right films.
Disha Patani is similar to Shraddha Kapoor with so little work. There is some credit to go to her for the initial of EK VILLAIN RETURNS. So, there is some popularity there but again, you need back to back films to reach that genuine star status.
Generally there is dearth of popular heriones for the youth hero/heroine film as Alia maybe has become too big for this zone, Deepika will not pair well with the younger actors while Shraddha hardly does films leaving Kiara. But with her run at the box office, she will probably have the choice of the bigger films and there are four female stars who actually make a difference.
This makes it even more difficult to make that medium budget comedy/action /love story as the younger male stars have not hit huge heights at the box office, Hence, you need a pairing with a popular heroine to make it a package to get that initial audience out but those heroines are limited in supply.
Ranbir Kapoor helped me when I got stuck during scenes-Anubhav Bassi
8:25 AM
Kanksha Vasavada (THE TIMES OF INDIA; July 31, 2023)
On his journey of becoming a stand-up comedian
After getting my BA (LLB) degree, I was hoping to crack the UPSC exams, but that didn’t work out. Then I worked at the Supreme Court for some time, later started a business but I felt there was something amiss. I used to visit the comedy clubs where I performed once, and I was told I should do more sets as humour comes naturally to me. So, I started doing gigs and gained great response and love from the audiences.
On creating jokes relatable to all
I believe in creating content that entertains all. My acts comprise anecdotes, so the language might have a couple of phrases from my birthplace and workplace, Meerut and Delhi respectively, but the content is relatable to all. If a joke must be changed according to each city, it is not even worth performing, or uploading online.
On performing on a script written by someone else
When I signed the film (Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar), I thought it would be a challenge to perform a comic role with lines and punches written by someone else. But it turned out to be easy as Luv sir’s (director Luv Ranjan) writing and his way of delivering a punch is quite like mine. Our thought process was in sync, so he gave his best punches to my character.
On working with Ranbir Kapoor
I acted in a couple of theatre plays in school, but never had any other training in acting. When we began shooting, Ranbir (Kapoor) was my biggest supporter and taught me a lot during the scenes. Since most of my scenes were with him, he used to help me wherever I got stuck. Even off-screen, we shared a good rapport.
Ahmedabad sheher he alag hai
This city’s craze for entertainment is unbelievable. I don’t know if there are any other cities where we have had shows that begin at 9 pm. And the love people shower us with is so immense and warm, I love coming to the city and perform.
Tips up and coming stand-up comics
1. Write a lot of content. Try and test it in front of friends or at open mics
2. Don’t rush. One video rarely makes a stand-up comedian an overnight sensation, it takes years of performances to get there
3. Know your audience. If a joke you feel is brilliant but doesn’t work with the people, let it go
Boney Kapoor on short screen time in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar: "Yeh aap director se poocho"
9:05 AM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 8, 2023)
Even as all eyes are on his youngest daughter, actor Khushi Kapoor, stepping into the industry with the web film Archies, producer Boney Kapoor recently made his acting debut with Luv Ranjan’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar where he played the role of Ranbir Kapoor’s father.
The 67-year-old, who hasn’t watched the film out of “nervousness” yet, says, “Main ghabra raha hoon, samajh nahin aa raha ki maine kaam theek kiya ya nahin.” He adds that a lot of people calling him to congratulate him for his performance have also asked about his short screen time.
Reacting to that, Kapoor quips, “Dialogues ya scenes kum kyun thhe, yeh toh aap director ko poochiye. Write a letter to Luv Ranjan and ask, ‘Aapne itne achche artiste ko waste kaise kar diya?’ But mujhe toh mazaa aaya karke. It was a good and happy unit.”
Kapoor credits his children — Arjun, Anshula, Janhvi and Khushi — for encouraging him to take the plunge into acting. “They pushed me to try acting and said, ‘Papa yeh karna hi hoga’. Unn logon ki wajah se hi main ghus pada acting mein and kar liya,” says Kapoor.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 789
10:51 AM
ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI HAS A GREAT TREND; SET TO HAVE A LONG RUN
The much-awaited Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was released last Friday, July 28. Shockingly, it had a shaky start. Though it was directed by reputed filmmaker Karan Johar and had a great star cast, the audiences didn’t come in large numbers on the day of release. The first-day collections were Rs. 10.50 crores. There were reports that the makers did some block bookings in order to get a double-digit opening. Thankfully, on Saturday, the collections jumped to Rs. 15.50 crores. Sunday was even better at Rs. 18.50 crores.
On Monday, the film had an obvious drop, when it earned Rs. 6.75 crores. Interestingly, the collections were the same on Tuesday as Monday. This is a feat and it shows that the film is set for a long run. The mass areas are not performing that well. But the collections in the major cities are encouraging.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’s first week collections are expected to be Rs. 70-71 crores. Since the weekdays are strong, there’s a possibility that the second Friday collections might be as much or more than the first Thursday’s collections. If that happens, by Sunday, August 6, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will earn around Rs. 94-95 crores or maybe even more. It’ll cross Rs. 100 crores mark in the weekdays. It’ll face huge competition from Gadar 2 and OMG 2, which will release on Friday, August 11. But since the film has been accepted, it’ll continue to do well, albeit at lower levels, from August 11.
As discussed in last week’s edition, the target of the makers should be to cross Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar's lifetime earnings of Rs. 128.12 crores, which is possible. Before the pandemic, it would have been a cakewalk for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani to earn more than Rs. 150 crores. But in the present era, such non-action films don’t get the desired opening. Viewers adopt a wait-and-watch policy and only after hearing about positive reports do they throng to the theatres in hordes. But in the process, the opening day number turns out to be low and this affects the overall collections too.
The much-awaited Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani was released last Friday, July 28. Shockingly, it had a shaky start. Though it was directed by reputed filmmaker Karan Johar and had a great star cast, the audiences didn’t come in large numbers on the day of release. The first-day collections were Rs. 10.50 crores. There were reports that the makers did some block bookings in order to get a double-digit opening. Thankfully, on Saturday, the collections jumped to Rs. 15.50 crores. Sunday was even better at Rs. 18.50 crores.
On Monday, the film had an obvious drop, when it earned Rs. 6.75 crores. Interestingly, the collections were the same on Tuesday as Monday. This is a feat and it shows that the film is set for a long run. The mass areas are not performing that well. But the collections in the major cities are encouraging.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’s first week collections are expected to be Rs. 70-71 crores. Since the weekdays are strong, there’s a possibility that the second Friday collections might be as much or more than the first Thursday’s collections. If that happens, by Sunday, August 6, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani will earn around Rs. 94-95 crores or maybe even more. It’ll cross Rs. 100 crores mark in the weekdays. It’ll face huge competition from Gadar 2 and OMG 2, which will release on Friday, August 11. But since the film has been accepted, it’ll continue to do well, albeit at lower levels, from August 11.
As discussed in last week’s edition, the target of the makers should be to cross Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar's lifetime earnings of Rs. 128.12 crores, which is possible. Before the pandemic, it would have been a cakewalk for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani to earn more than Rs. 150 crores. But in the present era, such non-action films don’t get the desired opening. Viewers adopt a wait-and-watch policy and only after hearing about positive reports do they throng to the theatres in hordes. But in the process, the opening day number turns out to be low and this affects the overall collections too.
We need more solo songs, say female playback singers
8:27 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 2, 2023)
While Bollywood has always had a significant number of talented female singers who have made remarkable contributions to the music industry, the number of solo female songs in Hindi films, overall, has been much lesser in comparison to the number of solo male songs and duets. And, in the last few years, this discrepancy has only increased.
Even duets often feature the female vocalist for the last one minute of a three-minute song, case in point -- the recent popular number Tere Pyaar Mein from Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar sung by Arijit Singh and Nikhita Gandhi. The song sparked a debate on this subject, and many female singers believe that, ‘It’s the society, more than the film or music industry, that is responsible’.
‘Still a long way to go for female solo songs’
While Nikhita Gandhi has had two solo Bollywood songs this year, she believes that there is definitely a disparity. “There is a slight tilt towards male songs in Bollywood playback. There is usually a lot of male-centric music in Bollywood. Having said that, I wouldn’t say that there isn’t any female song at all, because I just sang Mushkil from the film Blind (for Clinton Cerejo and Bianca Gomes) and Banjaare from Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat. There is still a long way to go for female solo songs.”
‘There is some kind of a subconscious choice which a creator has’
Shreya Ghoshal, who has sung the maximum solo songs in Bollywood in the last three years, says, “I think somehow there is some kind of a subconscious choice which a creator or producer has, which stems from the society we live in. But now, things should change. There are girl bosses everywhere. It’s the time for women, but the same is yet to reflect in our films, stories and music.”
‘Songs depend on the importance a female lead has in the narrative’
Music composer Jeet Gannguli agrees that there is a dearth of female-led songs in the Hindi film industry. “It all depends on the heroine’s character and the importance she has in the narrative. In all of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s works, female solos are beautifully used because they have significant roles. And female-oriented action films do not have much scope other than background music and title songs.”
‘Female singers want to explore various kinds of songs’
Shilpa Rao is among the few female singers who recently had a big solo hit, Besharam Rang from Pathaan, but understands the need for change. “We need to have more voices, and by voices, I mean perspectives. Every gender has its own voice that needs to be represented. The story will be incomplete otherwise.”
‘Films are male dominated, so more songs are sung by men’
Harshdeep Kaur explains that the lack of female voices is because there aren’t enough female protagonists in our movies. She says, “Most films generally are male dominated and that’s why there are many more songs that are sung by men. Unless an entire film is women-centric, with women protagonists, there won’t be many solo songs for female vocalists. Even at big music festivals and music concerts, the headliners are usually male singers.”
‘Even if it is just four lines, the male perspective is prioritized’
Composer Shantanu Moitra says, “In most Bollywood films, directors, producers and scriptwriters are male, and therefore, the narratives are from the male perspective. Today, the overall usage of songs has anyway reduced in films, even in that limited space, the point of view given out is that of a male, hence, you are listening to more male songs. Even if it is just four lines, the male perspective is prioritized. There are exceptions of course, but it all depends on the subject of the film. And that is the snapshot of India – for the average woman in non-urban India, the narrative is controlled by the man. And the representation of a voice comes from there. Sickening but true.”
Bollywood has about four-five songs in the film albums these days and female songs are much lesser than before. But it all depends on the heroine’s character and the importance she has in the narrative
Jeet Gannguli, composer:
Today, the usage of songs has reduced in films, and even in that limited space, the point of view given out is that of a male, hence, you are listening to more male songs
Shantanu Moitra, composer:
Most films generally are male dominated and that’s why there are many more songs that are sung by men. Unless an entire film is women-centric, with women protagonists, there won’t be many solo songs for female vocalists
Harshdeep Kaur:
I think narrative-wise, people tend to just adhere to more male vocals. A lot of it is also due to the fact that our society, in general, is like that. In India, we are sort of just pre-conditioned to listen to the male voice, including ads and documentaries. I think that it’s society, more than the film or the music industry, that is responsible
Nikhita Gandhi:
We need to have more voices, and by voices, I mean perspectives. Every gender has its own voice that needs to be represented. The story will be incomplete otherwise
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 788
10:29 AM
WILL ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI EMERGE AS A HUGE HIT?
The month of July was mostly dominated by Hollywood films. Satyaprem Ki Katha, which was released on June 29, was the last major release from Bollywood. And now, the lull will end with the release of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film releases tomorrow, July 28, and there’s considerable excitement for the film due to various reasons.
To begin with, it is directed by Karan Johar. This is his seventh directorial venture and coincidentally, it’s releasing in the year when he completes 25 years as a director. It has an ensemble cast, comprising Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The film’s teaser was cut solely on the background score and the song ‘Tum Kya Mile’. The song became a rage from the teaser itself. The makers then released the song after which the trailer was unveiled. The trailer gave a fair idea about the film’s plot. What is appealing is also that the film looks like a clean family entertainer and is mounted on a huge scale. Hence, it can be an ideal flick to be watched in cinemas.
However, the film has faced challenges. Except for ‘Tum Kya Mile’, none of the songs have worked as intended. Even with ‘Tum Kya Mile’, a few people had reservations about the not-so-electrifying chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The advance booking hasn’t been upto the mark and this is chiefly because the music score is not enticing enough for the audience. Many are opting for a wait-and-watch strategy.
There have been reports of block bookings happening for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. It has raised eyebrows but these bookings will help the film get a double-digit opening. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is expected to open at Rs. 11-12 crores. It’ll release in more than 3000 screens. On the other hand, Karan Johar’s last directorial Ae Dil Hai Mushkil opened at 2850 screens, clashed with Shivaay and came on the dry pre-Diwali Friday. Yet, it had an opening of Rs. 13.04 crores. It remains to be seen if Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani manages to open better than the Ranbir Kapoor-Anushka Sharma starrer. From the bookings, it seems doubtful. But if word of mouth is positive and it spreads faster, the footfalls can increase by tomorrow evening. Also, if the reports are encouraging, it can see a huge jump on Saturday.
If all goes well, the weekend earnings of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani can be around Rs. 55-60 crores. It has no competition until August 11. Hence, it has the potential to collect in the range of Rs. 75-90 crores in the first week. It is in the same zone as the romcom, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, which was released earlier this year and starred Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. It had lifetime earnings of Rs. 128.12 crores. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani should target a lifetime that should be better than that of this romcom.
The month of July was mostly dominated by Hollywood films. Satyaprem Ki Katha, which was released on June 29, was the last major release from Bollywood. And now, the lull will end with the release of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The film releases tomorrow, July 28, and there’s considerable excitement for the film due to various reasons.
To begin with, it is directed by Karan Johar. This is his seventh directorial venture and coincidentally, it’s releasing in the year when he completes 25 years as a director. It has an ensemble cast, comprising Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi. The film’s teaser was cut solely on the background score and the song ‘Tum Kya Mile’. The song became a rage from the teaser itself. The makers then released the song after which the trailer was unveiled. The trailer gave a fair idea about the film’s plot. What is appealing is also that the film looks like a clean family entertainer and is mounted on a huge scale. Hence, it can be an ideal flick to be watched in cinemas.
However, the film has faced challenges. Except for ‘Tum Kya Mile’, none of the songs have worked as intended. Even with ‘Tum Kya Mile’, a few people had reservations about the not-so-electrifying chemistry between Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. The advance booking hasn’t been upto the mark and this is chiefly because the music score is not enticing enough for the audience. Many are opting for a wait-and-watch strategy.
There have been reports of block bookings happening for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. It has raised eyebrows but these bookings will help the film get a double-digit opening. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is expected to open at Rs. 11-12 crores. It’ll release in more than 3000 screens. On the other hand, Karan Johar’s last directorial Ae Dil Hai Mushkil opened at 2850 screens, clashed with Shivaay and came on the dry pre-Diwali Friday. Yet, it had an opening of Rs. 13.04 crores. It remains to be seen if Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani manages to open better than the Ranbir Kapoor-Anushka Sharma starrer. From the bookings, it seems doubtful. But if word of mouth is positive and it spreads faster, the footfalls can increase by tomorrow evening. Also, if the reports are encouraging, it can see a huge jump on Saturday.
If all goes well, the weekend earnings of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani can be around Rs. 55-60 crores. It has no competition until August 11. Hence, it has the potential to collect in the range of Rs. 75-90 crores in the first week. It is in the same zone as the romcom, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, which was released earlier this year and starred Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. It had lifetime earnings of Rs. 128.12 crores. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani should target a lifetime that should be better than that of this romcom.
Advance booking of Oppenheimer has exceeded that of many Hindi biggies this year
8:43 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 20, 2023)
Who would’ve thought the advance booking of a film about a theoretical physicist could topple that of Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (KKBKKJ) or Ranbir Kapoor’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (TJMM)? But Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is doing just that, in the unpredictable times that Bollywood finds itself in.
The Cillian Murphy-led drama has so far sold more than 1.5 lakh tickets for the opening day alone in the three national chains—PVR, Inox and Cinepolis. In comparison, KKBKKJ had reportedly sold 57,000 tickets in advance booking in the three multiplex chains, while TJMM stood relatively higher at 73,000.
Oppenheimer has surpassed the advance ticket sales of all Bollywood films released in the past six months, except Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, which reportedly sold 5.15 lakh tickets.
Exhibitor Vishek Chauhan says the huge advance sales of Oppenheimer is a testament to Nolan’s popularity in India. “Christopher Nolan has built a loyal audience; he is the only selling point of his films in India. He has made blockbusters for an intelligent audience, he doesn’t dumb down his films. That’s how a true brand gets created,” he says.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says these numbers not only reiterate the director’s fan following, but also the audience’s keenness to head to theatres. “Nolan has a strong fan base among the metro audience. That’s the reason for the phenomenal advances. Also, there is a scarcity of big films. This shows that people are ready to go to theatres, if you give them larger-than-life entertainment.”
Despite a limited release of 800 screens across the country, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has so far sold more than 50,000 tickets for the opening day. A trade source notes, “It’s important to note that Barbie is limited to only national chains, with fewer screens. That’s what makes this number so big. By Friday, it should close at over 65,000 tickets.”
In six months, Bollywood delivers 2 blockbusters, 1 surprise super-hit
3:32 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
The first half of the year continued from where we left in 2022 with most films biting the dust. PATHAAN hit it out of the park with record numbers edging past BAAHUBALI 2: THE CONCLUSION though in GROSS terms the Prabhas-starrer remains ahead. PATHAAN saw Shah Rukh Khan in the action genre which should have happened 10-15 years ago as a lot of his non performers were down to genre not being correct at the time of release for such a big star.
THE KERALA STORY was the surprise of the first six months as it racked up huge numbers for what the actual film as worth and the collections were more organic than last year's THE KASHMIR FILES which was on similar lines. Both these films are very low cost films with huge returns and are compared to biggest low cost film ever JAI SANTOSHI MAA (1975). But the box office success of these films is a notch lower as the reach is less than that film.
ZARA HATKE ZARA BACHKE was another big HIT and it is actually the most important film of the year as it is basically the bread and butter type film for the industry and it can still work. The film shows the audience profile has changed from upper middle/middle class to lower middle/middle class as nothing else in this zone has worked. But generally those films were more like pre pandemic aiming at the upper middle/middle classes. This film scored strongly in A centres of the Hindi belts pushing the box office over 80 crore nett with the help of super hit music.
The other moderate successes were TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR and SATYAPREM KI KATHA but today even moderate is good. Actually today even a FLOP tag is pretty respectable as its one disaster after another. TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR had a lot going for it with a strong cast and good music. As the film had a story and milieu which was very urban, the reach got limited and that reflects in collections. SATYAPREM KI KATHA is another film which has done well for what its worth. The film did not have much going for it and its managed a decent run till date and should end up around that 70 crore nett mark or near. The AVERAGE mark is disappointing for TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR but you take it for SATYAPREM KI KATHA.
Last year there was support from the South with KGF: CHAPTER 2 and RRR but so far there has been nothing this year. Hollywood had some successful films with JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 being the surprise with collections of 50 crore nett. FAST X did a bigger number but expectations were also much higher.
There are flop theatrical films put in the list but as mentioned above, a flop is not bad as most films are disasters at the ticket counters today. The classifications of the first half of 2023 is as follows.
All Time Blockbuster
Pathaan
Super Blockbuster
The Kerala Story
Blockbuster
-
Super Hit
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Hit
John Wick: Chapter 4 (Hollywood)
Semi Hit
Fast X (Hollywood)
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (Hollywood)
Average
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
Satyaprem Ki Katha
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (Hollywood)
Below Average
Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway
Ponniyin Selvan - Part 2 (South)
Flop
Adipurush
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
Bholaa
Analyzing the first six months of 2023 from box office perspective
8:35 AM
The last six months saw a number of small as well as big-banner films release, of which some hit the B-spot while most missed the mark
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 4, 2023)
The year started off with a bang as actor Shah Rukh Khan’s big comeback, Pathaan, lived up to its hype. However, it’s been a mixed bag in terms of the releases that followed. Trade expert Atul Mohan says, “Pathaan was an emotional hit. People just wanted to watch it to show support to Shah Rukh, who was going through a rough patch personally.”
A handful of films worked, but a bigger number didn’t. Family films and those in the romcom space, such as Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and now, Satyaprem Ki Katha — which is still in its first week — worked. This hints at the fact that mid-segment movies are back to support tentpole films such as Pathaan.
“That was necessary, as mid-segment films are what keep the box office in the green. They keep people coming to cinemas till the time a big film releases,” says exhibitor Akshaye Rathi.
While the Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon-starrer Shehzada didn’t meet expectations, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan — led by Salman Khan — made on a production cost of Rs. 150 crore, also didn’t earn as expected.
But, trade expert Taran Adarsh feels the “biggest disappointment of 2023 has been Adipurush”. The Prabhas-led epic, which incurred a production cost of Rs. 500 crore, had its fate sealed from the big drop on its first Monday after release, clouded by controversy and backlash over its dialogues.
Star-led projects such as Akshay Kumar’s Selfiee and Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa also disappointed. But, then came The Kerala Story on May 5 that proved to be a winner. Its director, Sudipto Sen, says: “Small, realistic films are creating a new ecosystem. People are connecting more to them. The ones with an organic connection are the ones working.”
HITS
Pathaan
Budget: Rs. 240 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 512 cr
The Kerala Story
Budget: Rs. 30 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 211 cr
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
Budget: Rs. 160 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 128 cr
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Budget: Rs. 40 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 83 cr
MISSES
Adipurush
Budget: Rs. 500 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 270 cr
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan
Budget: Rs. 150 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 101 cr
Selfiee
Budget: Rs. 100 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 17 cr
Kuttey
Budget: Rs. 35 cr
Lifetime: Rs. 4 cr
(ALL INDIA FIGURES ACCORDING TO BOX OFFICE INDIA AND TRADE ESTIMATES)
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 773
10:09 PM
2023’S FIRST QUARTER ENDS ON A FINE NOTE THANKS TO PATHAAN
The first three months of 2023 were a mixed bag. But the industry is breathing easy thanks to the super-success of Pathaan. Also, 2022 saw a lot of flops and ended on a low with the debacle of Cirkus. Hence, the few hits and average grossers in the first quarter spread smiles.
2023’s first release was Kuttey, starring Arjun Kapoor, Tabu, Radhika Madan and Kumud Mishra. The film carried limited buzz and failed due to average word of mouth. Pathaan, meanwhile, broke records left, right and centre. The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer was expected to do a business of Rs. 250-300 crores. But it managed to collect around Rs. 515 crores, thereby breaking the long-standing record of Baahubali 2.
A week after Pathaan came two small releases, Faraaz and Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat. Both sank without a trace, though Faraaz got acclaim, more so after its Netflix premiere. Shehzada was released on February 17 and a lot was expected from the Kartik Aaryan-starrer. But it opened below expectations and flopped. Selfiee, starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi, shocked the trade and industry with its very poor opening and lifetime earnings.
March, however, was better. Ranbir Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar did quite well, considering it was an urban romcom. Its lifetime collections are expected to be around Rs. 125 crores. These are very good numbers at a time when films are struggling to cross Rs. 40 or Rs. 50 crores mark. However, due to high costs, it’ll have to settle for an average verdict.
Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway, starring Rani Mukerji, wasn’t a huge grosser. But despite being a niche film, it trended quite well and the word of mouth was very positive. If all goes well, it’ll cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. It was reasonably budgeted and the makers also recovered the entire cost of production from the sale of TV and OTT rights.
Bheed, directed by Anubhav Sinha, was a major disaster. Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa was released in the last week of March. A lot was expected from this film but it’ll be an average grosser at best due to high costs and mixed word of mouth. What also went against the film is that it was released in the month of Ramzan, which kept a section of the target audience away.
Speaking of Hollywood, the films that were released with expectations like Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania and Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, failed. John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, was a pleasant surprise and it’ll enter the Rs. 50 crores club.
The industry now looks forward to the second quarter. Surprisingly, the month of May might not have a single major Bollywood release. But the industry will compensate for it with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’s release on Eid, on April 21, and also with the releases of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan on June 2, Prabhas’ Adipurush on June 16, Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan on June 23, and Kartik Aaryan-Kiara Advani’s Satyaprem Ki Katha on June 29.
Shah Rukh Khan's Pathaan is the only clean hit in 2023's first quarter
8:17 AM
With Bollywood wrapping up its first quarter, Shah Rukh’s Pathaan remains sole bright spot, Tu Jhoothi doesn’t break even; trade says business down by 30 per cent
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; April 4, 2023)
Can you imagine a better way to start the year than with a blockbuster? In late January, Shah Rukh Khan arrived in cinemas with Pathaan, ready to decimate the box office. The spy thriller, which saw the superstar returning to the big screen after a four-year hiatus, went on to reportedly collect over Rs 500 crores, becoming the biggest hit of Hindi cinema. With it, the film industry and trade circuit felt that the debacle of 2022 was behind them. Three months into the year, however, it’s a different story.
Veteran trade analyst Amod Mehra notes that the Khan-starrer is the only bright spot in the first quarter. “Its success was encouraging, and made everyone feel like things would change. But subsequent films crashed. So, it is back to square one,” says Mehra.
February saw two big Hindi releases, Kartik Aaryan’s Shehzada, and Akshay Kumar-Emraan Hashmi’s Selfiee. The former came with high expectations — it was Aaryan’s first theatrical release since last year’s surprise hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Additionally, it was the remake of Allu Arjun’s Telugu movie, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020).
Producer and film business expert Girish Johar attributes the failure of Shehzada and Selfiee to sub-par content. “Shehzada was a copy-paste remake with no new elements. Selfiee was completely dated, despite having big names and being backed by a big banner [Dharma Productions]. People rejected it from the word go. The Q1 business was down by 30 per cent compared to the pre-pandemic times,” says Johar. While Shehzada’s lifetime domestic collections read Rs 30 crores, Selfiee reportedly ended its run at Rs 14 crores.
Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s March release, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, had better luck at the cinemas. Despite having made approximately Rs 120 crore, Luv Ranjan’s rom-com isn’t considered a hit due to its high cost. Johar, instead, dubs Rani Mukerji’s Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway “a winner” as the small-budget film is heading towards collections of Rs 25 crores.
Ajay Devgn, who delivered a blockbuster in Drishyam 2 (2022), rounded off this year’s first quarter with Bholaa, which collected Rs 44.28 crore (nett) over its four-day weekend. However, Telugu star Nani’s Dasara, which released across India on the same day, has accumulated a cool Rs 55 crore across all languages.
Johar says the two can’t be compared. “Dasara is a reasonably budgeted film, while Bholaa, which released in 2D, 3D, and IMAX has a much higher landing cost. Plus, Bholaa, being an adaptation of Tamil film Kaithi (2019), hasn’t got the audience in south India flocking to the theatres.”
Looking ahead
In the coming months, Manoj Desai, executive director of Maratha Mandir and G7 cineplex, will be banking on Salman Khan’s Eid offering Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Ajay Devgn’s Maidaan, and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan that arrives in June. He says, “The public wants entertainment. They don’t want to go to theatres and get bored. A good film will always work.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 770
9:11 AM
JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 TO SURPRISE THIS WEEK
Last week was a pleasant surprise as Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway held decently at the box office. It surprisingly saw a slight jump in collections on Tuesday as Wednesday was a partial holiday on account of Gudi Padwa. Wednesday collections were also strong and the film will end up with a lifetime of Rs. 15-17 crores, provided it remains steady in the second weekend. The collections aren’t huge but for a film like this, it’s reasonable, especially in the post-pandemic world. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, meanwhile, dropped a bit on Friday but jumped on Saturday and Sunday. This film also did well on the weekdays and it is expected to collect Rs. 120-125 crores in its lifetime.
And this week, too, will bring smiles. John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to release today evening and the advance sales are very encouraging. It has proved to be a surprise as the earlier three films weren’t that big in India. John Wick 3 had collected around Rs. 11 crores while the first 2 parts had collectively earned Rs. 4 crores only. John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, can collect as much as John Wick 3’s lifetime collections by Sunday or even by Saturday. It has the potential to cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. What will benefit the fourth part is that it’ll also release in Hindi. Moreover, the reviews from the West are very positive. It’s difficult to say how the series became this big all of a sudden but the studio and the exhibitors are not complaining for sure.
The other major release of the week is Bheed. It is directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, Kritika Kamra and Ashutosh Rana. It is set during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and hence, it’s releasing on the eve of the first lockdown.
Bheed, however, has been in the news due to its controversies. The teaser of the film drew sharp reactions as it compared the lockdown with the partition. Interestingly, T-Series was involved with the film then. But the criticism towards the teaser and also the belief that the film is ‘anti-government’ reportedly made T-Series back out of the film. Hence, the posters and assets that came later on didn’t bear the name of the production house. The trailer was then released and some days later, it was pulled down. It was up again but this time the voiceover of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was edited out, as were a few more references.
A section of people, however, is providing full support to Bheed. But the number of such people is very few. The film is meant for niche audiences and on top of it, it is in black and white. A large section of the audience will stay away from the film. Also, the lockdown is a painful memory which people probably don’t want to revisit.
Anubhav Sinha’s last film Anek opened at Rs. 1.71 crores. Bheed is expected to have a lesser opening. Good word of mouth can help the film to grow over the weekend.
Last week was a pleasant surprise as Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway held decently at the box office. It surprisingly saw a slight jump in collections on Tuesday as Wednesday was a partial holiday on account of Gudi Padwa. Wednesday collections were also strong and the film will end up with a lifetime of Rs. 15-17 crores, provided it remains steady in the second weekend. The collections aren’t huge but for a film like this, it’s reasonable, especially in the post-pandemic world. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, meanwhile, dropped a bit on Friday but jumped on Saturday and Sunday. This film also did well on the weekdays and it is expected to collect Rs. 120-125 crores in its lifetime.
And this week, too, will bring smiles. John Wick: Chapter 4 is set to release today evening and the advance sales are very encouraging. It has proved to be a surprise as the earlier three films weren’t that big in India. John Wick 3 had collected around Rs. 11 crores while the first 2 parts had collectively earned Rs. 4 crores only. John Wick: Chapter 4, meanwhile, can collect as much as John Wick 3’s lifetime collections by Sunday or even by Saturday. It has the potential to cross the Rs. 25 crores mark. What will benefit the fourth part is that it’ll also release in Hindi. Moreover, the reviews from the West are very positive. It’s difficult to say how the series became this big all of a sudden but the studio and the exhibitors are not complaining for sure.
The other major release of the week is Bheed. It is directed by Anubhav Sinha and stars Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Pankaj Kapur, Dia Mirza, Kritika Kamra and Ashutosh Rana. It is set during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and hence, it’s releasing on the eve of the first lockdown.
Bheed, however, has been in the news due to its controversies. The teaser of the film drew sharp reactions as it compared the lockdown with the partition. Interestingly, T-Series was involved with the film then. But the criticism towards the teaser and also the belief that the film is ‘anti-government’ reportedly made T-Series back out of the film. Hence, the posters and assets that came later on didn’t bear the name of the production house. The trailer was then released and some days later, it was pulled down. It was up again but this time the voiceover of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was edited out, as were a few more references.
A section of people, however, is providing full support to Bheed. But the number of such people is very few. The film is meant for niche audiences and on top of it, it is in black and white. A large section of the audience will stay away from the film. Also, the lockdown is a painful memory which people probably don’t want to revisit.
Anubhav Sinha’s last film Anek opened at Rs. 1.71 crores. Bheed is expected to have a lesser opening. Good word of mouth can help the film to grow over the weekend.
(Crisp) Movie Review: TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKAAR by FENIL SETA
9:35 AM
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is a fun-filled ride and kudos to the makers for not giving out the story in the trailer. Hence, one has no idea where the film will head. The issue it touches upon is very relevant and relatable in today’s times. Also, the conflict in the story is truly a masterstroke and hats off to Luv Ranjan for coming up with such a plot. His direction has also evolved and he has grown as a storyteller. A few emotional and dramatic sequences are well-written and helmed. On the flipside, after the entry sequence, the film drops for around 20 minutes. Some jokes and monologue-style one-liners don’t have the desired impact. The second half drags and also the unequal duration of the first and second halves spoils the joy to some extent. Speaking of performances, Ranbir Kapoor is in top form and he shines in the emotional scenes. Shraddha Kapoor looks gorgeous and gives an equally fine performance. Anubhav Singh Bassi and Dimple Kapadia are great in supporting parts. Boney Kapoor sadly has been wasted. Monica Chaudhary (Kinchi), Hasleen Kaur (Mickey's sister Minny), Inayat Verma (Mickey's niece Sweetu) and Jatinder Kaur (Mickey's grandmother) are lovely. Songs are memorable. Hitesh Sonik’s background score is impactful. All in all, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar is a well-made entertainer.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 768
8:14 PM
WILL TU JHOOTHI MAIN MAKKAAR BRING GOOD NEWS FOR THE INDUSTRY?
The month of January was rocking thanks to the blockbuster success of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan. However, February spelt doom thanks to the back-to-back flops in the form of Shehzada and Selfiee. But with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, the smiles have finally returned among the industry members. The advance booking of the film has been encouraging till now.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar stars Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor and is directed by Luv Ranjan of Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety fame. The film’s trailer has clicked well. Ranbir and Shraddha have been paired for the first time and their chemistry seems electrifying. Shraddha, meanwhile, looks her hottest best in the film. Songs have also become chartbusters. Moreover, the film has a youthful appeal. Luv Ranjan’s films have a fan base of their own and all these factors have contributed to the hype.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar has a mid-week release, on Wednesday, March 8. This is because Holi falls on this day. But in a rare phenomenon, the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal have declared the Holi holiday on Tuesday, March 7. The residents of these states will have a working day on March 8, and this can affect footfalls. There were reports that the makers had toyed with the idea of releasing Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar on March 7 but the plan was shelved.
The other challenge for the film is that it looks a bit urban and might not appeal to the masses. But the makers have assured that it’s a complete family film with an earthy appeal. Luv Ranjan’s last film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety also had similarly and initially excelled only in urban centres and that too among the youth. Slowly, word spread that it was an ideal family film and the film picked up so well that it even crossed the Rs. 100 crores mark.
Due to the unique situation, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar will open well in the North while in Maharashtra, the opening will be below expectations as it’s a working day. The opening is expected to be in the range of Rs. 10-15 crores. Thursday is a non-holiday across the country. Hence, the collections might dip or will hopefully, stay the same as day 1, if the word of mouth is positive. From Friday, the collections will improve once again. The makers should target weekend collections in the range of Rs. 75-90 crores. It has limited competition till the release of Bholaa on March 30. As a result, it can emerge as a huge hit and the next Rs. 100 crore grosser of 2023. However, if word of mouth is bad, the mid-week release can backfire as collections will drop rapidly from Thursday.
The month of January was rocking thanks to the blockbuster success of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Pathaan. However, February spelt doom thanks to the back-to-back flops in the form of Shehzada and Selfiee. But with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, the smiles have finally returned among the industry members. The advance booking of the film has been encouraging till now.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar stars Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor and is directed by Luv Ranjan of Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety fame. The film’s trailer has clicked well. Ranbir and Shraddha have been paired for the first time and their chemistry seems electrifying. Shraddha, meanwhile, looks her hottest best in the film. Songs have also become chartbusters. Moreover, the film has a youthful appeal. Luv Ranjan’s films have a fan base of their own and all these factors have contributed to the hype.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar has a mid-week release, on Wednesday, March 8. This is because Holi falls on this day. But in a rare phenomenon, the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and West Bengal have declared the Holi holiday on Tuesday, March 7. The residents of these states will have a working day on March 8, and this can affect footfalls. There were reports that the makers had toyed with the idea of releasing Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar on March 7 but the plan was shelved.
The other challenge for the film is that it looks a bit urban and might not appeal to the masses. But the makers have assured that it’s a complete family film with an earthy appeal. Luv Ranjan’s last film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety also had similarly and initially excelled only in urban centres and that too among the youth. Slowly, word spread that it was an ideal family film and the film picked up so well that it even crossed the Rs. 100 crores mark.
Due to the unique situation, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar will open well in the North while in Maharashtra, the opening will be below expectations as it’s a working day. The opening is expected to be in the range of Rs. 10-15 crores. Thursday is a non-holiday across the country. Hence, the collections might dip or will hopefully, stay the same as day 1, if the word of mouth is positive. From Friday, the collections will improve once again. The makers should target weekend collections in the range of Rs. 75-90 crores. It has limited competition till the release of Bholaa on March 30. As a result, it can emerge as a huge hit and the next Rs. 100 crore grosser of 2023. However, if word of mouth is bad, the mid-week release can backfire as collections will drop rapidly from Thursday.
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 767
2:36 PM
SELFIEE’S DEBACLE PUTS THE INDUSTRY INTO TRAUMA
The year 2023 began on a very rocking note with the blockbuster success of Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan. It was expected that the momentum would continue and that the industry would also deliver a few hits in the month of February. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Shehzada, starring Kartik Aaryan, opened on a poor note and is expected to end its lifetime with around Rs. 32 crores. However, the bigger blow was delivered by Selfiee, starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi. The film always seemed a bit unexciting. Yet, the hope was that it’ll open in the range of Shehzada, that is, around Rs. 5.75 crores.
The advance booking of Selfiee opened very late and with very few tickets sold, one expected that Selfiee will open poorly. But still, the hope was that it’ll get spot bookings. That, however, didn’t happen the way it was intended to. Selfiee opened at a shocking Rs. 2.60 crores. It didn’t grow over the weekend as the word of mouth was not extraordinary. And on Monday, it dropped to around Rs. 1.15 crores. Its first week collections are expected to be around Rs. 14 crores and it won’t even be able to cross the Rs. 20 crores mark.
On top of it, there’s no major release this week. A small film, InCar, is being released in Hindi as well as Southern languages but it carries negligible buzz and awareness. The Hollywood film, Creed III, will get better footfalls. On OTT, Gulmohar, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Sharmila Tagore, will probably make the maximum noise on social media this week. It premieres tomorrow on Disney+ Hotstar.
With few films finding takers in theatres, several multiplexes will keep some screens shut from tomorrow. All eyes are now on Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. It releases on Wednesday, March 8 and is expected to end this dry period in Bollywood.
The year 2023 began on a very rocking note with the blockbuster success of Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan. It was expected that the momentum would continue and that the industry would also deliver a few hits in the month of February. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Shehzada, starring Kartik Aaryan, opened on a poor note and is expected to end its lifetime with around Rs. 32 crores. However, the bigger blow was delivered by Selfiee, starring Akshay Kumar and Emraan Hashmi. The film always seemed a bit unexciting. Yet, the hope was that it’ll open in the range of Shehzada, that is, around Rs. 5.75 crores.
The advance booking of Selfiee opened very late and with very few tickets sold, one expected that Selfiee will open poorly. But still, the hope was that it’ll get spot bookings. That, however, didn’t happen the way it was intended to. Selfiee opened at a shocking Rs. 2.60 crores. It didn’t grow over the weekend as the word of mouth was not extraordinary. And on Monday, it dropped to around Rs. 1.15 crores. Its first week collections are expected to be around Rs. 14 crores and it won’t even be able to cross the Rs. 20 crores mark.
On top of it, there’s no major release this week. A small film, InCar, is being released in Hindi as well as Southern languages but it carries negligible buzz and awareness. The Hollywood film, Creed III, will get better footfalls. On OTT, Gulmohar, starring Manoj Bajpayee and Sharmila Tagore, will probably make the maximum noise on social media this week. It premieres tomorrow on Disney+ Hotstar.
With few films finding takers in theatres, several multiplexes will keep some screens shut from tomorrow. All eyes are now on Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. It releases on Wednesday, March 8 and is expected to end this dry period in Bollywood.
Box-office forecast: What 2023 has in store
8:51 AM
After Bollywood’s cautious recovery and shock and surprises in 2022, this year promises a smorgasbord of hotly anticipated projects. How will they fare?
Ashish Kumar Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 20, 2023)
In 2022, Bollywood came out of Covid crisis and tried to stand up on its feet with films such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Drishyam 2, Brahmastra, The Kashmir Files among others proving to be profitable. Even as the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ brigade marched on social media, pan-India projects including KGF 2, RRR, and Kantara roared at the box office. But will Bollywood be able to bounce back and come out even stronger in 2023?
While the year has an impressive line-up with movies such as Selfiee, Shehzada, Bholaa, Pathaan, Dunki, Sam Bahadur, Fighter and Animal already making noise for all the right reasons, it’ll be interesting to see how they fare at the box office.
Talking of what may or may not work, members of the fraternity feel that 2023 will majorly be about Shah Rukh Khan with his three projects - Pathaan, Jawan and Dunki lined up for release, even though Salman Khan has Tiger 3 and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan dropping back-to-back.
“All eyes will be on SRK. Pathaan is going to be a complete package, thanks to director Siddharth Anand. Also, rumours of cameos by Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff have created a hype,” feels trade expert Atul Mohan, adding that Jawan is expected to succeed at the box office given the record of director Atlee down south.
Looking back, trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “There were a lot of shocks and surprises last year. We are going to see the same in 2023, which is packed with films with very interesting stars and equally interesting subjects.”
After a long time, the year ahead will also see a slew of mainstream actors having multiple releases, from Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor to Kartik Aaryan and Sidharth Malhotra. “Kartik Aaryan and Ranbir Kapoor are in that phase of their careers where they are doing the movies they love. Kartik is definitely going to be in the top three actors this year in terms of popularity,” says Mohan.
As for Ranbir, given that he had a mixed 2022 with Shamshera and Brahmastra, 2023 could be crucial, with Animal and Luv Ranjan’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. “You can expect both to hopefully cross 100-crore mark each at the box-office,” says Adarsh.
Another actor the industry is placing all its bets on, is Akshay Kumar. “Selfiee and OMG 2! are commercial films and will see Akshay in an entertaining manner, something people love,” says director Milap Zaveri, adding that 2023 is going to be about masala entertainers.
“Kartik Aaryan’s Shehzada and Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa will hopefully set the box office on fire. Then, Prabhas and Kriti Sanon’s Adipurush is definitely going to be one of the biggest highlights of 2023. Despite the film facing flak, the movie is going to open big,” Zaveri says.
Actor Ajay Devgn, meanwhile, will follow up the success of Drishyam 2 with Maidaan and Bholaa, feels trade expert Komal Nahta. “Besides the big-budget releases, Fukrey 3 is also expected to draw audiences into theatres. Since it’s the third film in the franchise, so it’ll be bigger and more ambitious,” says Nahta.
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