Masala films, generally, are critic proof. After all, it has been proved over and over again that there is a big disconnect between what the audience likes and what the critics rate. There are numerous instances of films getting panned by critics, but which turned out to be huge successes at the ticket window. In the recent past, DAGANGG, EK THA TIGER, ROWDY RATHORE, SINGHAM, AGNEEPATH, CHENNAI EXPRESS, KRRISH-3 and DHOOM-3 were ridiculed by a section of the media, but the audience mandate demonstrated that the audience adores well-made entertainers.
HEROPANTI is the recent example of a masala film that was written off by a section of the media, but the flying start and the impressive weekend business [for a film starring newcomers] clearly indicates that the audience has given it its thumbs up. The curiosity to watch a star-kid coupled with uncompromising promotion, attention-grabbing promos depicting Tiger's stunts and trendy soundtrack ensured a flying start for the film on Friday morning. Also, Aamir Khan launching the first look and praising Tiger's abilities added to the curiosity. Consequently, the positive word of mouth translated into wonderful figures at the ticket window.
First HIGHWAY. Then 2 STATES. Now HEROPANTI. It's a hat-trick for Sajid Nadiadwala and UTV.
While HEROPANTI posed stiff competition for the Rajinikanth starrer KOCHADAIIYAAN in the North circuits [Hindi version], the Tamil version of the film took Tamil Nadu by storm from the commencement of the first show itself. A Rajinikanth film is considered an event in South and the stupendous response, coupled with a strong word of mouth, should ensure a glorious innings for the film at the BO.
Nonetheless, the BO performance of the Hindi version of KOCHADAIIYAAN is below par in the Hindi belt. As highlighted in our 'BO Update' on Friday, the postponement of its release date affected its business to an extent. Also, animation films produced in India haven't found whole-hearted mandate from the audience thus far. Having said that, the enormous business of the Tamil version should compensate for the lack of its Hindi version.
The third release, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, has fared well at the ticket window. Hollywood films continue to grab a substantial share of the pie, thus strengthening their base in the Indian sector and the business of 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2, GODZILLA and now X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST is proof that Hollywood is no longer the second choice.
By and large, the revenues zoomed upwards during the weekend and one only hopes that it's the beginning of achche din for film business.
