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79 Responses to “Ladies v Ricky Bahl & Dirty Picture (ongoing), the rest of the box office”
Before someone says that my previous “review” was more on Dipanitas “figure” and “poise” and Anoushkas “bikini” rather then the actual film–let me (quickly) add a few words
These sort of films are still a touch better than the kjo facory of escapist mush. Though Ranveer posed too hard to look cool and has a certain Delhi-ish middle class vibe (whoch probably wont change a lot) he still is promising..
Not exactly proud at having seen this on the big screen but feel theres no point in snobbishness and there are worse films around.
–admit the ultra time wastage lol but thats what ine does in “holidays”-got dragged-seen with low expectations& is an okay film-but again “not bad” category
To give it credit –could zzz only for a few minutes intermittently
Till the end when the “standard yashraj romantic compulsions” take over–reasonable fare
People will like Priyanka chopras sisters “acting” but found her blabber mouth act unidimensional beyond a point and she seemed to be competing to put ON weight literally even with the camera on..
Ranveer Singh is not bad and tries hard–&poses too hard to “look cool”-but probably in keeping with the character
Anushka is probably the best actor in this fare but doesn’t get enuf to show her acting prowess
But what she gets to show off is her bikini–must admit she looked very good in the bikini
But felt uneasy seeing her in the bikini–she felt uncomfortable and one could make out this is probably the FIRST time she has worn one on screen (& maybe even in private)
Infact felt a bit embarrassed for her-this is a “good girl” on and off screen and even she had to….
But she justified her presence only by the bikini (according to some)
Coming to the actor of the movie–again a totally different take–though not the central character and was unidimensional but liked dipanita sharma(yes didn’t know her name earlier)–apt casting and she stayed in it throughout. Her looks were variable but on some occasions were quite good.–for me the “standout”
Though both are on the slimmer side: the figures of dipanita and anushka looked good
It’s towards the end when the film loses it in order to take a “safe” stance
Overall “not bad” but a climb down from band baja “standard”
to add–liked some of the (clothing)designer work on dipanita and ranveer
Now recall that Dipanita had an abhishrek connection–news for satyam…
DIpanita was the girl who abhishrek “used and dumped” apparently—just as per reports.
Used to think whats the big deal with her
In this movie–thought she was good—and abhishrek has a good choice with women (obviously ash)
(though karisma remains a “blot” in his womanising “career” lol imo)
Weekend Report: Disappointing Debuts From ‘Sherlock,’ ‘Alvin’ Sequels
by Ray Subers
December 18, 2011
While franchise titles did claim the top three spots at the box office this weekend, it wound up being a very mixed frame for sequels. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked both tallied solid grosses, though they were notably down from their predecessors. On the other hand, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol had a robust start in limited release. Even with all of these established brands entering the marketplace, the Top 12 wound up down roughly 13 percent from the same period last year.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows opened to an estimated $40.02 million, which is way down from the original Sherlock Holmes’s $62.3 million over Christmas weekend in 2009. In what could be an even more concerning comparison, the movie wound up lower than Tron Legacy’s $44 million start at the same time last year. That’s shocking, considering Game of Shadows opened just two years after a well-received original while Tron hit theaters 28 years after a first movie that wasn’t even widely available on DVD or Blu-ray until after Legacy’s release. Distributor Warner Bros. Pictures is reporting that the audience was 59 percent male and 50 percent under the age of 35, and that it received an “A-” CinemaScore.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked debuted to an estimated $23.5 million, or less than half of The Squeakquel’s $48.9 million. It was also significantly off from the first Alvin’s $44.3 million. Distributor 20th Century Fox reports that the audience was 54 percent female and 53 percent under the age of 25. The movie earned a “B+” CinemaScore.
Both Sherlock and Alvin struggled to live up to franchise standards this weekend, albeit for different reasons. The marketing for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows never sufficiently differentiated the movie from its predecessor. While the ads did often briefly mention Holmes’s conflict with Professor Moriarty, the focus was mainly put on the slow-motion action and Holmes-Watson banter that were trademarks of the first movie. While that movie is generally well-liked, it probably doesn’t have the sort of rabid fan base that will eagerly turn out for more of same, which seemed to bear out this weekend.
In comparison, 20th Century Fox did a great job showing that Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked had a unique premise (the Chipmunks get stranded on a desert island) in comparison to the first two movies. Regardless of how interesting the premise is, though, the Alvin and the Chipmunks series probably isn’t looked upon fondly by most adults. While usually this wouldn’t be a huge problem, the generally poor performance of family movies lately indicates that parents are probably being far more judicious in deciding what movies they will take their children to.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was the one bright spot at the box office this weekend. Opening at just 425 locations, Ghost Protocol earned an estimated $13 million for an impressive per-theater average of $30,588. That tops Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason ($8.7 million) for highest-grossing limited debut ever (fewer than 600 theaters). Ghost Protocol’s 300 IMAX locations contributed an estimated $11 million, and it’s $36,667 average was slightly better than that of Inception ($36,548) or Fast Five ($32,787). Of course both of those movies were in nationwide and IMAX release simultaneously, though it still serves to highlight the strong numbers from the fourth Mission: Impossible movie.
By releasing the movie five days early in IMAX and consistently pushing the format’s immersive benefits, distributor Paramount Pictures managed to at least initially turn Ghost Protocol in to an event movie that demands to be seen on the big screen. It probably didn’t hurt that a six-minute prologue for The Dark Knight Rises was attached at around 42 locations, though that also isn’t a large-enough sample to solely account for the above-average performance. It’s tough to say for sure if Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’s success will continue when it makes its nationwide expansion on Wednesday, but for the time being the movie appears to be in very good shape.
Last weekend’s leaders didn’t fare too well in their second outing. New Year’s Eve dropped 43 percent to an estimated $7.4 million for a 10-day total of $24.8 million, while The Sitter plummeted 55 percent to $4.4 million for a total of $17.7 million.
After a decent week in limited release, Young Adult expanded to 986 locations and earned an estimated $3.65 million. That’s not a very encouraging figure, but Young Adult also isn’t the type of movie that’s designed to open big anyway. A solid long-run target now looks to be director Jason Reitman’s first movie, Thank You for Smoking, which wound up with $24.8 million in 2006.
Saw MI4 in IMAX over the wkd and it was clearly the best MI since the first one. Tom Cruise is tolerable. The action was amazing and kept you on edge of your seat. I was into it! One question though…why in the world would Anil Kapoor waste his talent on a crap role like that? That role could’ve been done by Emran Hashmi(hes been taking a beating lately lol) for all people. After a legit performance in SM this was just a stupid role for him to accept. Seems hollywood still has no place for indian actors. It was a clown role really. But anyway, overall the movie was 7/10. Also saw SH2 and it was pretty damn good although MI4 in my opinion was better. SH2 second half was on par with Mi4, it was the first half that was slow and boring.
oh yeah..the TDKR second trailer was absolutely AMAZING. the background music was giving me chills in the theatre. At the end of it…everyone was just speechless. This movie will be huge.
MI4 has burst out of the gates and Paramount has used a strategy Ihave often recommended and it seems to be working.
But, tough road ahad as it faces competition from mega blockbuster Don2. Even the producers of Te Girl with Dragon Tattoo and The Adventures of Tin Tin are reportedly shaking in their boots.
Chennai Box-Office (Dec 9 to 11)
Wednesday, 14 December , 2011, 20:54
STR`s Osthi has taken a thundering opening. The film released on Thursday (Dec 8), which gave it a four day opening. It grossed around Rs 1.34 Crore from 20 Chennai screens, which is fantastic by any yardstick and is in the number one position.
At number two is Selvaraghavan`s Myakkam Enna which is doing 85 to 90 % during weekends especially in multiplexes, where it is rock steady. In the third place is Sasikumar`s Porali which dropped in its second week.
Pawan Kalyan`s Telugu Panjaa has taken a decent opening in a dozen Chennai screens and is at number four. Vidya Balan`s The Dirty Picture continues its hold during its second week and is at number five.
Why Is Don 2 Not So ‘Hot’ In Trade?
December 19th, 2011 by Komal Nahta
Everyone in the trade is talking about the interest in Don 2 waning. Does that mean that it will not open well?
Komal Nahta: There is no doubt that distributors of Don 2 in the different circuits are finding it difficult to book the film on the terms they would’ve liked to because the film is not as ‘hot’ as it was when its teaser trailer was released in July but this does not mean that the film will not open well. The initial this week will be very good.
The all-India nett collection figure of Band Baaja Baaraat for its entire run has been surpassed by Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl in the first four or five days. Then why is the trade calling the latter film poor?
Komal Nahta: Firstly, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahlis a plus fare, not a poor fare. But if the trade is calling it poor, it is because its collections began to slide down fast and furiously from the fourth day onwards. This was in sharp contrast to the collections of Band Baaja Baaraat, which picked up day by day. Also, the investment in LVRB is far more than in BBB.
What Are The First Weekend Expectations For Don 2?
Monday 12th December 2011 09.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Q. Will Players make good money as it has been sold cheaply in India?
A. It has been sold for 33 crore all India theatrical that is a low price for a big film but it is not cheap for a film like Players so recovery will not be easy.
Raj Mahir
Q. What are the expectations for the first weekend of Don 2?
A. It looks a 45 crore nett weekend at the moment. A couple of circuits could see new records for opening day.
lol..the person who asked the question is probably like WTF?
and as for the above comment
“Komal Nahta: There is no doubt that distributors of Don 2 in the different circuits are finding it difficult to book the film on the terms they would’ve liked to because the film is not as ‘hot’ as it was when its teaser trailer was released in July but this does not mean that the film will not open well. The initial this week will be very good.”
yeah Nahata is so much in the tank for SRK that even admitting this much is a big deal. I think Don 2 will just have to be a much sharper film than I earlier thought was necessary. My sense was that if it just stayed at Don level it was probably good for a 100 crores or more. But not as sure of this now. It will have to be a film that audience really likes as opposed to just finding it ok because it won’t sustain in that case.
Looking at all the buzz for Players, it should easily do much more than Don2. I would be surprised if it didn’t. Don2 has almost zero hype. The cintent has to be really good for it to make any money.
If you realy think Don 2 has zero hype or even some version of reduced hype whereas Players has more hype than you are exposing your knowledge on such issues.
Rather than argue, let the collections be the final arbitrator.
Remember that Don even when faced with a Salman/Akshay movies in a head on clash did amazingly well.
Now you may wish Players does better (that is acceptable), But on paper Don 2 is miles and miles ahead.
and more fun here (suddenly Diwali is indeed better than Christmas.. LOL!):
Will Don 2 Beat The Business Of Ra.One?
Tuesday 20th December 2011 09.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Q. Will Don 2 beat the business of Ra.One?
A. Content will decide as opening may not be as strong because Ra.One had a five day weekend and Diwali period was more favourable this year than Christmas with holidays falling on the right days for better business.
They said Diwali period was more favorable than Christmas “this year” — since Christmas and New Year’s fall on a Sunday, apparently in India they don’t get a separate holiday for them, so that cuts down extra theater going days. Also don’t forget that there were several other public holidays this year after Diwali, something like three others, so that, in addition to the five-day weekend, Ra.One also had pretty much ten days of multiple holidays, which is not the case with Don. That is all BOI is referring to in this answer.
Some of this is relative (vis a vis) talk, not an absolute statement. This year Christmas is not as good as Diwali (for the reasons pointed out earlier by another member),
Additionally Diwali as a holiday (from a movie release perspective) is limited by the fact that central to Diwali is Puja. Hence during Diwali, the Puja eats into the potential business.
All said and done someone will still prefer to release during festive Holidays, viz Diwali, Christmas Eid etc than just a regular weekend. But some Christmas are better than others, there are finer points to all this, one has to take into account real Vs effective holidays.
Things are never simple, for example, right now the economical situation in India (and the rest of the world) is once again getting tense. Things don’t look as good as they did back in June/July. This will definitely have some negative impact on the BO.
Hence at any given points there are several issues that weigh in on the BO potential.
Except when Amir releases Dhobi Ghat / Peepli Live.
No movie can rise beyond its potential. Every movie based on its content has a potential. It is the job of the producer to make sure that he gets the movie to rise to its potential. Amir without the content is also nothing. Everyone one needs content.
The flip side is that sometimes the content is there but the lead is the albatross. We have seen that too. The same director can make Delli Belli and Game. Hence yes the lead player is important, but he is just one piece of the puzzle.
Funny is how they are trying to justify TDP collections to saleable stars.
“All these films have had saleable heroes which aids box office in a big way, ”
Naseer, Tussar or Hashmi? Which of the Hashmi’s movies did 70 crore?
they have preceding question
“Q. The trade is now saying that Emraan Hashmi is the second biggest star in single screens after Salman Khan, is this true??
A. In a a couple of areas not at all single screen areas around the country.”
The thing is that when they did all their box office reports on TDP they kept insisting it was Emran Hashmi’s single screen might that was pulling people in! The better the film did the more they stressed on Hashmi when it so foolish to do so given a heroine-centric subject and so on. Now of course they’re arguing for the reverse. Don’t know if they think everyone’s dumb but they’re certainly relying on amnesia!
More recently check out their responses on Players and Don 2.
What happens really is that online this sort of blatantly partisan and dishonest commentary always has a market. Forget the agendas and everything else. the reporting often contradicts flatly what was said by the same source just a few days ago. The verbal contortions and what not. But there is a market because many people are invested in the agenda. The problem with the online universe isn’t that stars have big fans and things get polarized. It is that a lot of these people are out to construct an alternate reality world where history begins yesterday and every narrative is shaped to maximize one’s favorite and so on. so people don’t even agree on a basic set of facts. Everyone comes up with their own ‘source’ because of course on the web you can find support for hourly alien invasions if that is one’s belief. And so while I too constantly take apart BOI it is also true that they have a market. They have a few stars that they support more than others, there is a definitely a Delhi-Punjab centrism and so on, there is an overall ‘anyone but a Bachchan’ agenda (whether it’s Salman at one end or Hashmi on the other everyone can get great or very kind commentary in any situation but not anyone with the Bachchan last name!) but they’re also playing to a market. You’re in safe terrain if you’re positive on everyone but a Bachchan! But also they too peddle these rankings of films and so on where somehow all the biggest hits seem to have emerged over the last few years. They exaggerate the accomplishments of stars in the same way. Again all of this feeds into the aspirations of the present.
And here it’s not just about BOI. Not just about trade figures. It’s also the entire media apparatus. All these things don’t have the power to alter reality altogether specially since the media usually goes with the winner (because they ultimately to play to an audience in some quantifiable sense.. specially the TV media) and the narrative gets splintered but what happens is that the reality can be ‘colored’ a certain way. You will see for example online even people of good faith and not all fans of the same stars who beyond a point also subscribe to these narratives because they’ve imbibed them unconsciously. There’s a reason why propaganda becomes so potent only in the mass media age where the ‘lie’ can become truth by incessant repetition.
To repeat I am never bothered by even the strongest fans of a star who think he’s the best at everything. The problem occurs when basic facts cannot be agreed upon.
I have hesitated to say this for a long time, because I thought it might be construed as a personal attack, but I will risk that now.
On the matter of “constructing alternate realities”, may I just point out that you yourself have summed up Madhuri’s entire career as essentially being an item girl to some hit songs (as opposed to Aishwarya, who, in your view, did many “culturally significant” roles and so is a bigger star), but suddenly when discussing HAHK, she becomes the sole reason for the success of that film! Similarly, a heroine-centric film like Umrao Jaan and its box office fate was discussed by you solely in terms of what it does or does not mean for Abhishek’s star power.
I don’t deny the existence of agendas for many a box office source or discussion. But it is worthwhile keeping in mind that BOI is not alone in this, nor are trade pundits the only culprits. Almost every box office discussion I have read at any site/blog/forum online can be found to have a bias or agenda. With regard to this particular quote, as I pointed out above, the answer was strictly to do with potential for large collections in Christmas 2011 vs. Diwali 2011, not a general commentary on the relative advantage of these two holiday periods.
As Karan Kumar said above, the success of a film depends on a combination of many factors, and the compatibility of the subject matter of the film with the timing of its release are two of the major ones. To take 3 Idiots as an example, the fact that its subject had to do with student life, and that it was released when many students had extended holidays, certainly contributed to its success. If Aamir had released Delhi Belly during Christmas time, it might have reached higher collections than it already has for the same reason. But if he had released Dhobi Ghat or Peeli Live at Christmas time, I doubt that the collections would have been any different than what they are now.
SM, allow me to be a little blunt here (hope this too shall not be taken personally) — I am not sure what one cannot follow in the stuff that I repeat countless times, with great pains to be specific on contexts and with the comprehensiveness to back it up. Now these very long comments might be a pain to read (and that’s certainly understandable) but there’s a reason why I get into such detail.
I never said Madhuri’s career was that of an item girl. In fact the suggestion is preposterous. What I did say was that Madhuri hardly ever got the films she deserved given her gifts. This was not least because she lived through some impoverished times in terms of the kinds of films being produced. But if she nonetheless made her mark it was because of a number of important song and dance moments that often transcended the sheer mediocrity or badness of the films in question. This doesn’t mean she was just an item girl! but those are the moments that are remembered. very few films of hers are truly good let alone great. HAHK was one of those rare moments where she got a film designed around herself. This actually happened with her late in her career (the successful Raja was another one). Her other hits are not heroine-centric even when she might have stolen the show as for example in Beta. Sridevi was very good at landing such projects once she reached a certain level of success. Madhuri was never too bothered about this. Getting back to HAHK with all due respect I was following the media and all the hype surrounding the film in real time. If one could somehow dig up those older pieces one would find as much. Similarly Mr India (which too I was following in real time!) was dubbed Miss India at one point because it was deemed as being a Sridevi show. Tomorrow if Abhishek has a series of hits and goes through years being a very successful star it might take some time to convince some folks about what the media was writing about him when D2 released! And leaving aside the reception HAHK revolves around Madhuri in a way in which it does not around Salman. The same is true for Beta. Doesn’t mean it’s immaterial that Salman was in HAHK or that an in form Anil Kapoor was doing Beta. But all films have some admixture of stars. It’s not as if there’s no one else standing in the film!
On UJ don’t you think the media bore my point out? By making the failure a huge part of the Abhishek narrative?! I don’t believe I ever said it wasn’t a heroine-centric film. But not star has been mauled more for failing in such a venture, and this when Abhishek was otherwise doing well. This too is connected to my other point that the bar has always been placed at ‘special’ points for Abhishek. Others can get away with what he cannot. We can get into the reasons why. But this happens in every conceivable situation.
On the BOI stuff if you read my comment I say there that there is a market for such agendas. But here’s why I am not too interested in what BOI or any of the trade figures says on these holidays and so on. First of all these things are constructed a certain way by these sources. And then when things don’t go their way they come up with very different explanations. This doesn’t mean that there factors aren’t real ones. But one can only debate these when the discussion is a sincere one and is not agenda-driven. I have myself along with some others here looked at these things for years from competition to holidays to what not. This is a genuine debate but it can’t be had in the service of one agenda or the other. Just to get to your 3I point here’s the problem — between this and Ghajini and a number of Salman films you have these massive initials (either the same once you factor in various things or potentially the same.. a film for example might be on track for a few days but then falls behind because of less strong WOM) and these films release at different times and have very different subjects. One could go back some years and look at other films too that would open in the same way today. There are plenty of big ones that do not release on Diwali or Christmas or Eid or whatever. But also there is the other point here — in the US you typically release big films on big weekends because the expectation is the film can justify the volume and the market saturation. It’s not as if any film could take advantage of the holidays or whatever. But it’s also gotten to the absurd point where dozens of festivals are taken as holidays and what not. I doubt most of this stuff makes a difference barring the big holidays. That’s another debate. But the point is that these things are present in such ad hoc fashion and the same sources then contradict what they’ve said a few weeks ago.
But again I should say this as a general matter — CONTEXTS matter. It’s not about whether an utterance is literally right or wrong but about the purpose it serves within a larger narrative. I and you could make the very same statements but intend these very differently. Which is why I take great pains to lay things out so comprehensively. It’s always about contexts. and it’s not just with reference to current stars or films. If you look at any of my pieces on older films or what have you the same issue comes up. One could look at certain comments of mine and think that I wasn’t a fan of that film or what have you when the very opposite would be true. So on and so forth.
And I am not at all taking this as a personal attack. But at the risk of sounding pompous I spend far too much time thinking about this stuff to be so simply open to such a weakness in an argument.
should also add this — stars go through very different seasons in their careers whether they’re successful or not. The problem is that when one just looks at box office figures or on the other hand retrospective accounts the reality is missed in very different ways. By the time HAHK came out Salman’s initial euphoria has definitely started evaporating as a box office matter. Despite HAHK and then KA the following year his trajectory did not really change. Eventually he reinvented himself with Dhawan and then towards the later part of the 90s had some very good years. But over the last decade again he’s had a very indifferent record for the most part till you get to his reinvention in very recent times. This is easily his best phase ever even including the initial one but certainly he has never dominated the conversation as much since that period. Even in the late 90s when he was doing very well he wasn’t where SRK was in terms of driving the debate. So one has to look at these things carefully. One could make different arguments for different stars in this context depending on how how interested one is in really looking at the finer details. It’s not just about hits or flops. There’s a lot else going on either way.
Let’s take Abhishek for example. Had a great 2004/2005, dominated 2005, he was everywhere, and so on. Guru was the last true high point of this phase. Then there were failures and/or mixed results. Nonetheless there were still those important chances with stuff like D6 or Raavan. There was loss of momentum after Guru but for a while it was the usual failure. With time though the audience started turning away. Nonetheless there were these important projects that also confirmed his narrative besides interesting the audience for other reasons as well. With Raavan though a kind of a reset occurred. The most dangerous point for a star isn’t when a film fails but when the larger audience becomes indifferent. This is what Abhishek has been going through for a while and he needs a big one to get some momentum going again. DMD was a positive step at the end of a very rough run but he needs something substantially bigger. But this is also what Salman has gone through in many phases of his career. In his case it was even worse as he wasn’t even getting the prestige films and/or the biggest commercial ventures. There were some other factors here too.
In any case I have on purpose juxtaposed two stars here, one I like a lot and one that I don’t. Either way closer analysis reveals these different career moments which a simple stacking up of hits or flops can never do. For example if you looked at SRK’s hits or flops in his peak period in the latter half of the 90s there are very many more failures than successes. It’s not even close. But he was doing the most iconic films of the age. He was dominating the conversation with the audiences that controlled the Bollywood economy. He was in a unique position with the overseas audience. However I could do a comparison of his hits/flops with Aamir’s or Salman’s (and I have done this in the past) and come up with something that doesn’t suggest much of a gap between him and the other two. But that would not be a true estimation of the era’s cultural flavor. Aamir’s and Salman’s hits even where these grossed a lot didn’t matter as much. The best example here is RH, a massive grosser but it didn’t matter. KKHH did. Because both on the production side and with the audience things were tilting KKHH’s way, not RH’s.
Mahesh Babu has never been where he was after Pokkiri since. Nor has Hrithik quite been where he was after 2006. Not because of the usual hit/flop calculus but because each star lost some essential momentum which could not be made up for even with successes. Or at least not the level of success they’ve had. Whether it’s because they stayed away for too long or because others started doing very well, these moments have to be identified.
And finally my favorite example — Rajesh Khanna in some ways had a better 1974 than Bachchan if one stacks up the hits. But Rajesh Khanna’s game was over at that point and the rest was just the aftermath to what had already been decided.
Online one often encounters fans of one star or the other who are either unaware of the details or too ‘bothered’ by them because these complicate their own preferred narratives on their favorite stars. This too is where BOI comes in. There are agendas of course but the language is also one of platitudes. This appeals to people who are not in it for complicated stuff. They essentially like that one simple message on their star and they want the forums or sites that deliver these. Even for the greatest, most titanic stars there are periods of ‘gray’. They are still head and shoulders above the competition but relative to their own lofty standards there is a lot of stuff that complicates the picture.
and here’s an example of ‘contexts’ once again — I have just said that retrospective accounts don’t provide a true picture of what was actually happening at different points in time with a certain stars. However this does not mean that such accounts aren’t potent. Or that later rewrites cannot be successful. Whether the media was giving it to Madhuri or not for HAHK, whatever Salman was doing at different phases of his career in terms of not being successful scarcely matters to his career today! The ‘fiction’ as so often in life can replace ‘truth’. Which is why the stakes are always clear over a longer time span. of course even the greatest stars are not very likely to survive longer periods of time or lend themselves to such permanent memory archives but within a more limited horizon there is nonetheless time needed. So the retrospective view is potent and absolutely essential to any debate but it cannot take the place of actual history where such a record exists. We have scholars who ask incessantly whether the received Alexander biography is plausible even in a partial sense. Even if these same scholars arrived at a biography that was completed supported by evidence it would in all likelihood not supplant the ‘myth’ of Alexander. That myth too is a part of history, shapes and informs history. But accounting for this is very different from suggesting that things happened exactly as they’re been conveyed in the received biographies over the ages.
Satyam, let me assure you that I do indeed read your lengthy comments before responding to them. The summary I gave was the way I understood them. The “personal” aspect of my comment was that your analyses and interpretations are not necessarily infallible.
At any rate, the main point I wanted to make is that it is well to be aware of the biases of all box office discussions, and not think that one source is more “neutral” than others. I think that point gets lost often here in the bashing of BOI (and, in earlier times, in the championing of IBOS). The point has been made by many that BOI have the best data in terms of box office collections, which they do publish, but that their verdicts or “commentary” need not be taken at face value. But, is this any different than any other news source? Even when reading so-called “prestigious” newspapers of record, one must be aware of their slants, and interpret their news reporting accordingly. With Indian news sites, this becomes even more imperative. I might find The Hindu and The Indian Express more reliable than the Times of India, but that does not mean that they do not have their own particular political bent through which not only their opinion pieces, but their news articles are also filtered. But equally, it is not necessary to invoke conspiracy theories at every turn, nor even to find bias in every statement. On various forums at various times, BOI has been accused of being on the payroll of SRK, Akshay Kumar, and several others that I can’t now recall. But their alleged paymaster changes with the change of fortune in each star’s films. So clearly the evidence doesn’t support charges of systematic bias, and, in any case, since they provide their data, readers are free to make their own interpretations. In this case there was a simple factual statement on the number of holidays available for one film as compared to another. I cannot find any agenda in that. Whether holidays actually matter to a film’s collections is a different matter. I personally find the sheep like latching on to various superstitions by the Bollywood industry quite mind-boggling (i.e., that one festival is “lucky”, irrespective of the quality of the film, and, conversely, that a film’s success has nothing to do with its appeal to the audience, but only depends on being “lucky” to release on this or that holiday). I suppose it is easier than actually trying to analyze what works with the market and what doesn’t.
I would be the last person to say that my interpretation on anything is infallible! In fact I’m sure it’s faulty in very many areas! And one is free to disagree with my remarks in any case. But there’s so much that I make explicit in them.
Don’t disagree with much in the second paragraph here except to reiterate that the factual can be used a certain way if one has an agenda. In other words the truth can be used like a lie as the ancient Greeks full well knew! So I am never moved by the letter of the law (if you will) if I consider the overall narrative suspect.
Incidentally on IBOS I argued against their agenda once on their very site. And more than once. Doubt BOI would give anyone the same opportunity! Leaving this aside the problem with the ‘just look at the numbers’ argument is that it’s hard to do so when these are spun various ways or when figures are presented selectively and what not. They might literally be true (though I don’t even accept this) but they’re being used to deceive. Take the most recent example — for more or less the same numbers consider the difference in coverage on DMD and Ladies V Ricky Bahl. Now of course one can argue, as any sane person would, that whatever Abhishek’s track record he’s hardly the same as Ranveer Singh. But BOI don’t accept that. According to them everyone including Ranveer singh is more of a star than Abhishek. well then why are his numbers in a more audience-friendly genres more impressive than Abhishek? Sure they accepted they weren’t as good as they might have been but they were very kind overall. Abhishek doesn’t get this commentary even when it’s Guru! You can’t have it both ways. Either Abhishek is bigger in which case yes DMD is a poorer result. Or else he’s not as big in which case DMD is an even better result! You might say, look at the numbers, but many miss this when the narratives are so divergent. And I could go on and on. It’s not just about them. It’s everyone.
Let me try and put some paranoia to bed. For this allow me to use your example of DMD and L Vs RB.
Ranveer Singh is new in Bollywood, he is just two movies old. When he recites “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, it is cute. As opposed to that Abhishek is a little long in the tooth, he is an old goat. If at this point Abhishek takes the center stage and starts reciting “Baa Baa Black Sheep” people will think he is retarded.
Had Abhishek posted L Vs RB kind numbers in his second outing, he would have been considered as the second coming of Christ. But unfortunately for the longest time Abhishek could not reach any desired destination even with help and a road map.
Don’t doubt for a moment that the commentary on RS will change for the worse if he keeps on posting just L Vs RB type numbers a decade from now.
The difference you observe does exists but the reason in not because of some bias against Abhishek.
some of the so called theories are totally laughable….
if film is good it will have merit any time
let me give an exmaple there was thing called 26/11 happened which was worst than so called economic scenario and ghajini immediately did better next timed
things where not complex unless some people try to make them and what is relative and what is absolute depends on logical things not perception ..
btw neither peepli live nor dhobi ghat where mainstream commercial film
Shah Rukh Khan’s Don 2 Will Take A Bumper Opening
December 20th, 2011 by Komal Nahta
Don 2: Box-Office Expectations
Don 2 will take a fantastic opening because of brand Don, Shah Rukh Khan and the promos which have been liked a lot. The music of the film has not become too popular, which will tell on initial collections. But because of the other plus points, the opening of the film will be bumper.
guess Nahata’s trying to make up for what he said the other day!
On that note it’s interesting that BOI also haven’t said anything about the don 2 advance so far when usually they talk about it a lot. Not that in this multiplex saturated age advance means very much but they nonetheless bring this up for many films. They’ve only been willing to say that it will have a 45 crore weekend and the rest is about content!
I recommend that you revisit Nahata ‘s December 19 comment and read it. He was in a way dismissing some idle talk (maybe he keeps a tab on you ) and assuring that the initials will be very good.
Today, definitely he takes a step further, and asserts that it WILL TAKE A FANTASTIC opening.
The difference between his comment yesterday and today is slightly exaggerated in your mind. It is not as if he was negative yesterday, and is positive today. He was positive yesterday and is positive today (maybe a little more positive today).
Indeed 11/26 was a tragedy. The nation was in mourning. People were concerned / scared / apprehensive.
Furthermore I also agree that Ghajini was a very successful movie. AK deserves the success.
But after 11/26 it was SRK and RNBDJ that got people out on the streets and back into the theaters. AK/Ghajini on this count, as it relates to this issue, rode on SRK/RNBDJ’s coattails.
That title sums it up really
Hectic –But we somehow squeezed in MI4(a bit like the lead players!!)
Thnx aamirsfan for the recommendation
Ridiculous but exciting fun ride-back to basics
Easily the best in the MI franchise IMO but feel that 90+ratings go a bit too far–maybe bcos it is too “accessible” even for this genre
Few sequences are really well done -not only the burj khalifa
Budapest/Moscow/ Dubai are v well handled
The Bombay portions lose grip somewhat and somehow the spectre of Bollywood looms large
C’mon: Example left hand drive cars in Bombay for a film of this type?? And those cliched dancing gals
Anil kapoor may have made a good career move on his cv but his role was a let down (for him)
Paula Patton showed a woman doesn’t have to don bikinis /embrace nudity to evoke ….
Impressed somewhat by her(&her body)
And now back to Tom cruise-shows why he is the big star he is
Again: one of the best facial cuts on cinema
Love the way he has aged and is an inspiration really
The other day mentioned about cruise and Diaz -the ageless wonder
In the closing scene: a moist eyed cruise is illustrative of is star power even now
First hand account–MI4 contd
Whilst coming out of the screen after MI4, the viewers encountered a big hoarding of the “king” in don2 In the coridooor
No words exchanged
Most people (young “hep” crowd–many college girls) broke into spontaneous laughter
Overheard some girls saying that MI4 will “screw” don2( surprised me lol)
Just conveying folks-don’t shoot the “unbiased” (&innocent) messenger
Hahaha
Pardon me for not believing your first hand account. It appears too contrived and too self serving. Maybe others do, but unless you have a video clip or something, I don’t buy what you are peddling. No offense bro, it just does not pass the smell test.
Will send u some mms clips lol
Though coming from me they may have explicit unedited content “bro”–are u ok with it
Haha
Btw this hasn’t dissuaded some SRK fans from watching don2(&tagging me along)
MI 4-contd from my comments above
surprisingly even girls seem to have loved this a lot–relatively tepid for this genre usually
satyam –what are your views on MI 4 and on aarakshan
one of the more significant bachchan films in recent times—i had posted this elsewhere—-
Just checked out parts of “aarakshan” on a flight…
Just when one starts feeling that amitabh is now “done”, he comes up with stuff like this.
The other day i was disappointed with BHTB. But not with this one.
#An earnest well intentioned film made with the heart in the right place.
#Think prakash Jha is now metamorphosing into one of the best all round film makers in india (taking everything into account).
#And why the heck did ANY one have issues with this film–atleast the parts i saw.
#Again one of the rare films that does justice to bachchans presence. Could see the bachchan i love in a few scenes–bachchan underplaying some scenes to perfecetion, somewhat differently to how he responded to the challenge in black or paa.
#Bachchan gets the ideal foil in bajpai and was reminded of their last outing –oe of my faves–Aks.
Though felt that certain more “edginess” to bachchans character would have made me more happy .Could sense that abchchan was up and ready in this one and would have given a landmark act had the maker really gone for it
Towards the end the usual sermonising put a dampener somewhat
#Saif does better than expected though there isses remained–remember my famous “ajay devgun as a kashmiri” analogy
#Perhaps her best perfromance by deepika padukone till now
#though the film didnt “lose track” in the second half and stayed true to its well intentions, most bollywood patrons will feel that
#SEL underperformed like never before
#think this should have done much better even box office wise–shameful imo. The first few “confrontation” scenes were handled well both by the director and actors
MI 4-contd from my comments above
surprisingly even girls seem to have loved this a lot–relatively tepid for this genre usually
rare to see gals gushing about action films like this (or was it my company hahaha)
btw the “catfight” wasnt bad
worth checking out the views of gals like amy–perhaps she is busy “studying”(for a change lol–joking)
haven’t seen MI4 yet and might not be able to for another 3-4 days (unfortunately). Did like Aarakhsan. I think the narrative was constantly interesting here but it is politically muddled in some ways. Still this is the sort of film Bachchan should do. One of his better performances in recent times though not quite at the level of truly surprising stuff.
A quick question for you (because you are a thinking type of a person)
When a star, say Amit Ji gives an amazing performance like in Aakarshan/Agneepath and the movie still fails, what does that mean ?
An alternate question , when a star like say SRK misses the intended target (RA-1 could have been better) and the move still makes 200 Cr plus, what does that mean ?
@Satyam, OK, sorry, I just reread your comment and your evaluation of AB’s performance is in line with mine. So I will instead ask you if you’re ever going to write a review of Aarakshan, or, if you did and I missed it, to point me to it.
Don 2 is set for a strong start though it may not be record breaking. The first three day record stands at 53 crore nett set by Ra.One in October while the best Fri-Sun opening stands at 48.80 crore nett set by Dabangg in September 2010.
The 53 crore nett number looks very tough and the film can aim for the Fri-Sun record but even that will be tough. The two reasons why record breaking opening is tough is because Christmas falls on the Sunday so the holiday benefit is minimal. The second being the music has received a lukewarm response especially in the single screen circuits which has meant many single screen exhibitors not taking the film on the terms given to Bodyguard and Ra.One.
The two plusses are a superstar like Shahrukh Khan and it being an action film and these factors will ensure a big start at the box office. Christmas falling on a Friday or Saturday and hit music may have set it up for a record breaking start. The Christmas period is normally strong on the weekdays compared to other weekdays so Don 2 has that in its favour but that depends on content. The film is very hot in West Bengal as it took a great advance there especially in 3D format and that circuit could be record breaking.
Abhishek Bachchan’s upcoming film Players is about to release in the first week of January next year. To promote his film he was in Pink City. He also visited the holy shrine in Ajmer Sharif to offer prayers and seek blessings. It is to be noted that Abhishek has became father of a baby girl a month ago and after the birth of the baby he went to Ajmer for the first time.
The team of Players are on a promotional tour before the release of the film Players. Abhishek Bachchan and Abbas Mastan addressed the press and pariased their upcoming film. The film also casts Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bobby Deol, Sikendar Kher and Omi Vaidya. Abhishek twitted about this visit: “Had the morning off so drove down to Ajmer Sharif. Went back there after almost 7 yrs. It’s always wonderful to go there and seek blessings. Driving back to Jaipur after visiting Ajmer Sharif Darga.”
The father of the most celebrated baby of bollywood Abhishek said that the baby looks like her mother and not like him. He said humorously, ‘I thank god Beti B does not resembles me otherwise she wouldn’t turn pretty.’ He said that till now name has not yet been finalized and she is still called Beti B.
Talking about the film he said that the film is an out and out action thriller. It is the remake of Hollywood film The Italian Job which was released in 2003. Players is one of the most expensive films of Bollywood. Initially the film was supposed to feature Saif Ali Kahn, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka as the lead characters but then it was replaced by Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Bipasha Basu.
Year 2011 brought little success in terms of hit movies as Abhishek’s two main releases Game and Dum Maaro Dum bombed at box office. However, there was every reason to cheer as he became the father of a girl.Players is set to release on January 6 and is expected to get a good opening.
Don 2 – Advance Booking Report At Multiplex Chains
by Shabdita Shrivastav and Aatmi Doshi (December 21, 2011)
Mukesh Unchade, PVR Cinemas
Being the first day of advance booking, it’s been very slow but it will eventually pick up. People are looking forward to Shah Rukh Khan’s next after RA.One.
Satish Kondvikar, Inox
Advance booking for Don 2 is 20 to 22 per cent at almost all Inox properties. But there are still two days left for the film to release. Bookings will shoot up.
Suditpo Pal, Fame Cinemas
Advance booking opened at 10 to 15 per cent. Nowadays, things are very different and advance booking are not an indicator of a film’s potential business. One must go by current bookings. The movie is going to be a super-hit.
Harshad, Cinemax
Advance booking for Don 2 is pretty decent, at approximately 30 per cent. The opening of the film is going to be far better than the advance booking suggests. Being a festive period, the release date is positive for the film, and people will watch it because it’s a Shah Rukh Khan film.
Prakash Narayan Tendurkar, Broadway
Advance booking for the film has only just begun at all Broadway properties. The movie will work only because of its star cast. There are even 3D shows in our Vasai property.
Nitin Tanbat, Big Cinemas
The advance booking of Don 2 is very good, at 60 to 70 per cent. The movie is going to be in the Top 10 hits of the 2011.
Distributors On Don 2 Advance Booking
by Shabdita Shrivastav and Aatmi Doshi (December 21, 2011)
Rajesh Thadani, Multimedia Combines, Mumbai
Advance booking for Don 2 is 60 to 70 per cent. The opening of the film will be great and we can expect 75 per cent booking over the weekend. The hype around the film is good due to its star cast and it’s getting better every day.
Dharam Pal, Mukta Arts, Punjab
Don 2 will take an average opening. So far, advance bookings have been around 10 to 15 per cent only.
Sanjay Ghai, Mukta Arts
Advance booking for the film will open tomorrow and there have already been a lot of inquiries. I expect the film to do well as it is an SRK film.
Ramanathan, Rajshree Pictures, Kolkata
I am not sure what the advance booking is like for Don 2 but the film will receive a good opening in multiplexes. It is difficult to predict its opening in single-screens. Overall, you can expect the film to do well as there is lot of excitement among the audiences about this film.
Ashok Choudhary, Neha Movies, CI
There is no discernable trend in advance bookings here. The film will go down well with the classes but Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t have much of a fan following among the masses. On the other hand, since it is a big-budget film with Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta, it will definitely do great business.
Vasudev Chachan, Sunny Films, Rajasthan
Advance booking has been lukewarm in single-screens. Still, the film will do well due to its release date and star cast.
Ravi Machchar, Sahyog Films, Nizam
The advance booking for Don 2 has been fantastic. Bookings for the 3D shows are more than the regular shows. People have done block bookings too. We can expect the film to earn Rs 100 crore, at least. This is going to be a big film.
Abhishek And His Mammoth Plans
by Box Office India (December 10, 2011)
Having made two films as a producer, Abhishek Bachchan has learnt the knack of promoting a film and he’s created a super buzz around his product. In an interview to Box Office India, Jr Bachchan had told us he had a fantastic plan to promote his next film, Players, and he wasn’t joking.
We’re told that the mammoth music launch of the film held in Juhu yesterday was Jr B’s idea. If the event is any indication of the rest of the promotional plan, we are sure the film’s release and its post-release promotion by Jr Bachchan and his Players will be a smash-hit.
Agneepath Getting Bigger
by Box Office India (December 17, 2011)
A few days ago, we mentioned in this column that ever since Karan Johar announced his intention to remake Agneepath and have it directed by Karan Malhotra, the film has grown bigger with every passing day.
This week, the film was in the news for the item song picturised on Katrina Kaif, Chikni Chameli. And the number is definitely going to be the talk of the town till Johar introduces the theatrical trailer of the film.
We’ve had a dekho of the trailer and mark our words, again, this massy entertainment film will be a money-spinner for one and all. The trailer is very earthy and Sanjay Dutt’s look and expressions; the way Hrithik Roshan emotes; the crudeness in Rishi Kapoor; and last but not the least, Priyanka Chopra, promises that come January 26 and this film will re-create history.
December 16, 2011 at 5:00 AM
Before someone says that my previous “review” was more on Dipanitas “figure” and “poise” and Anoushkas “bikini” rather then the actual film–let me (quickly) add a few words
These sort of films are still a touch better than the kjo facory of escapist mush. Though Ranveer posed too hard to look cool and has a certain Delhi-ish middle class vibe (whoch probably wont change a lot) he still is promising..
Not exactly proud at having seen this on the big screen but feel theres no point in snobbishness and there are worse films around.
–admit the ultra time wastage lol but thats what ine does in “holidays”-got dragged-seen with low expectations& is an okay film-but again “not bad” category
To give it credit –could zzz only for a few minutes intermittently
Till the end when the “standard yashraj romantic compulsions” take over–reasonable fare
People will like Priyanka chopras sisters “acting” but found her blabber mouth act unidimensional beyond a point and she seemed to be competing to put ON weight literally even with the camera on..
Ranveer Singh is not bad and tries hard–&poses too hard to “look cool”-but probably in keeping with the character
Anushka is probably the best actor in this fare but doesn’t get enuf to show her acting prowess
But what she gets to show off is her bikini–must admit she looked very good in the bikini
But felt uneasy seeing her in the bikini–she felt uncomfortable and one could make out this is probably the FIRST time she has worn one on screen (& maybe even in private)
Infact felt a bit embarrassed for her-this is a “good girl” on and off screen and even she had to….
But she justified her presence only by the bikini (according to some)
Coming to the actor of the movie–again a totally different take–though not the central character and was unidimensional but liked dipanita sharma(yes didn’t know her name earlier)–apt casting and she stayed in it throughout. Her looks were variable but on some occasions were quite good.–for me the “standout”
Though both are on the slimmer side: the figures of dipanita and anushka looked good
It’s towards the end when the film loses it in order to take a “safe” stance
Overall “not bad” but a climb down from band baja “standard”
December 16, 2011 at 8:03 AM
Top 5: ‘LVRB’ Rs 24.93 cr, ‘TDP’ Rs 70.5 cr
December 17, 2011 at 1:45 AM
to add–liked some of the (clothing)designer work on dipanita and ranveer
Now recall that Dipanita had an abhishrek connection–news for satyam…
DIpanita was the girl who abhishrek “used and dumped” apparently—just as per reports.
Used to think whats the big deal with her
In this movie–thought she was good—and abhishrek has a good choice with women (obviously ash)
(though karisma remains a “blot” in his womanising “career” lol imo)
December 18, 2011 at 8:09 PM
Weekend Report: Disappointing Debuts From ‘Sherlock,’ ‘Alvin’ Sequels
by Ray Subers
December 18, 2011
While franchise titles did claim the top three spots at the box office this weekend, it wound up being a very mixed frame for sequels. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked both tallied solid grosses, though they were notably down from their predecessors. On the other hand, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol had a robust start in limited release. Even with all of these established brands entering the marketplace, the Top 12 wound up down roughly 13 percent from the same period last year.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows opened to an estimated $40.02 million, which is way down from the original Sherlock Holmes’s $62.3 million over Christmas weekend in 2009. In what could be an even more concerning comparison, the movie wound up lower than Tron Legacy’s $44 million start at the same time last year. That’s shocking, considering Game of Shadows opened just two years after a well-received original while Tron hit theaters 28 years after a first movie that wasn’t even widely available on DVD or Blu-ray until after Legacy’s release. Distributor Warner Bros. Pictures is reporting that the audience was 59 percent male and 50 percent under the age of 35, and that it received an “A-” CinemaScore.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked debuted to an estimated $23.5 million, or less than half of The Squeakquel’s $48.9 million. It was also significantly off from the first Alvin’s $44.3 million. Distributor 20th Century Fox reports that the audience was 54 percent female and 53 percent under the age of 25. The movie earned a “B+” CinemaScore.
Both Sherlock and Alvin struggled to live up to franchise standards this weekend, albeit for different reasons. The marketing for Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows never sufficiently differentiated the movie from its predecessor. While the ads did often briefly mention Holmes’s conflict with Professor Moriarty, the focus was mainly put on the slow-motion action and Holmes-Watson banter that were trademarks of the first movie. While that movie is generally well-liked, it probably doesn’t have the sort of rabid fan base that will eagerly turn out for more of same, which seemed to bear out this weekend.
In comparison, 20th Century Fox did a great job showing that Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked had a unique premise (the Chipmunks get stranded on a desert island) in comparison to the first two movies. Regardless of how interesting the premise is, though, the Alvin and the Chipmunks series probably isn’t looked upon fondly by most adults. While usually this wouldn’t be a huge problem, the generally poor performance of family movies lately indicates that parents are probably being far more judicious in deciding what movies they will take their children to.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol was the one bright spot at the box office this weekend. Opening at just 425 locations, Ghost Protocol earned an estimated $13 million for an impressive per-theater average of $30,588. That tops Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason ($8.7 million) for highest-grossing limited debut ever (fewer than 600 theaters). Ghost Protocol’s 300 IMAX locations contributed an estimated $11 million, and it’s $36,667 average was slightly better than that of Inception ($36,548) or Fast Five ($32,787). Of course both of those movies were in nationwide and IMAX release simultaneously, though it still serves to highlight the strong numbers from the fourth Mission: Impossible movie.
By releasing the movie five days early in IMAX and consistently pushing the format’s immersive benefits, distributor Paramount Pictures managed to at least initially turn Ghost Protocol in to an event movie that demands to be seen on the big screen. It probably didn’t hurt that a six-minute prologue for The Dark Knight Rises was attached at around 42 locations, though that also isn’t a large-enough sample to solely account for the above-average performance. It’s tough to say for sure if Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’s success will continue when it makes its nationwide expansion on Wednesday, but for the time being the movie appears to be in very good shape.
Last weekend’s leaders didn’t fare too well in their second outing. New Year’s Eve dropped 43 percent to an estimated $7.4 million for a 10-day total of $24.8 million, while The Sitter plummeted 55 percent to $4.4 million for a total of $17.7 million.
After a decent week in limited release, Young Adult expanded to 986 locations and earned an estimated $3.65 million. That’s not a very encouraging figure, but Young Adult also isn’t the type of movie that’s designed to open big anyway. A solid long-run target now looks to be director Jason Reitman’s first movie, Thank You for Smoking, which wound up with $24.8 million in 2006.
December 19, 2011 at 1:40 AM
Saw MI4 in IMAX over the wkd and it was clearly the best MI since the first one. Tom Cruise is tolerable. The action was amazing and kept you on edge of your seat. I was into it! One question though…why in the world would Anil Kapoor waste his talent on a crap role like that? That role could’ve been done by Emran Hashmi(hes been taking a beating lately lol) for all people. After a legit performance in SM this was just a stupid role for him to accept. Seems hollywood still has no place for indian actors. It was a clown role really. But anyway, overall the movie was 7/10. Also saw SH2 and it was pretty damn good although MI4 in my opinion was better. SH2 second half was on par with Mi4, it was the first half that was slow and boring.
December 19, 2011 at 1:43 AM
oh yeah..the TDKR second trailer was absolutely AMAZING. the background music was giving me chills in the theatre. At the end of it…everyone was just speechless. This movie will be huge.
December 18, 2011 at 8:16 PM
MI4 has burst out of the gates and Paramount has used a strategy Ihave often recommended and it seems to be working.
But, tough road ahad as it faces competition from mega blockbuster Don2. Even the producers of Te Girl with Dragon Tattoo and The Adventures of Tin Tin are reportedly shaking in their boots.
December 18, 2011 at 10:10 PM
LOL!
December 19, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Midweek: ‘MI4′ dominates, new releases fail
December 19, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Chennai Box-Office (Dec 9 to 11)
Wednesday, 14 December , 2011, 20:54
STR`s Osthi has taken a thundering opening. The film released on Thursday (Dec 8), which gave it a four day opening. It grossed around Rs 1.34 Crore from 20 Chennai screens, which is fantastic by any yardstick and is in the number one position.
At number two is Selvaraghavan`s Myakkam Enna which is doing 85 to 90 % during weekends especially in multiplexes, where it is rock steady. In the third place is Sasikumar`s Porali which dropped in its second week.
Pawan Kalyan`s Telugu Panjaa has taken a decent opening in a dozen Chennai screens and is at number four. Vidya Balan`s The Dirty Picture continues its hold during its second week and is at number five.
http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14985690&cid=13525926
December 19, 2011 at 12:55 PM
bottomline–is MI4 worth a watch provided that will be checking out don2 for sure (and for free…lol)
December 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM
paid 17 bucks for mi4 lol and thought it was worth it.
December 19, 2011 at 4:58 PM
Why Is Don 2 Not So ‘Hot’ In Trade?
December 19th, 2011 by Komal Nahta
Everyone in the trade is talking about the interest in Don 2 waning. Does that mean that it will not open well?
Komal Nahta: There is no doubt that distributors of Don 2 in the different circuits are finding it difficult to book the film on the terms they would’ve liked to because the film is not as ‘hot’ as it was when its teaser trailer was released in July but this does not mean that the film will not open well. The initial this week will be very good.
The all-India nett collection figure of Band Baaja Baaraat for its entire run has been surpassed by Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl in the first four or five days. Then why is the trade calling the latter film poor?
Komal Nahta: Firstly, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahlis a plus fare, not a poor fare. But if the trade is calling it poor, it is because its collections began to slide down fast and furiously from the fourth day onwards. This was in sharp contrast to the collections of Band Baaja Baaraat, which picked up day by day. Also, the investment in LVRB is far more than in BBB.
December 19, 2011 at 5:00 PM
What Are The First Weekend Expectations For Don 2?
Monday 12th December 2011 09.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Q. Will Players make good money as it has been sold cheaply in India?
A. It has been sold for 33 crore all India theatrical that is a low price for a big film but it is not cheap for a film like Players so recovery will not be easy.
Raj Mahir
Q. What are the expectations for the first weekend of Don 2?
A. It looks a 45 crore nett weekend at the moment. A couple of circuits could see new records for opening day.
M Iqbal
December 19, 2011 at 5:00 PM
if someone can unpack the contortions of that response on Players let me know!
December 19, 2011 at 6:16 PM
lol..the person who asked the question is probably like WTF?
and as for the above comment
“Komal Nahta: There is no doubt that distributors of Don 2 in the different circuits are finding it difficult to book the film on the terms they would’ve liked to because the film is not as ‘hot’ as it was when its teaser trailer was released in July but this does not mean that the film will not open well. The initial this week will be very good.”
this does not seem positive.
December 19, 2011 at 7:44 PM
yeah Nahata is so much in the tank for SRK that even admitting this much is a big deal. I think Don 2 will just have to be a much sharper film than I earlier thought was necessary. My sense was that if it just stayed at Don level it was probably good for a 100 crores or more. But not as sure of this now. It will have to be a film that audience really likes as opposed to just finding it ok because it won’t sustain in that case.
December 19, 2011 at 8:19 PM
players shd. do more business than don2 – and that would be a game changer in the industry…..
December 20, 2011 at 1:12 AM
Perhaps that is why Abbas-Mastan are gung ho on Neil
December 20, 2011 at 7:51 AM
Looking at all the buzz for Players, it should easily do much more than Don2. I would be surprised if it didn’t. Don2 has almost zero hype. The cintent has to be really good for it to make any money.
December 20, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Prasad
If you realy think Don 2 has zero hype or even some version of reduced hype whereas Players has more hype than you are exposing your knowledge on such issues.
Rather than argue, let the collections be the final arbitrator.
Remember that Don even when faced with a Salman/Akshay movies in a head on clash did amazingly well.
Now you may wish Players does better (that is acceptable), But on paper Don 2 is miles and miles ahead.
December 20, 2011 at 12:35 AM
and more fun here (suddenly Diwali is indeed better than Christmas.. LOL!):
Will Don 2 Beat The Business Of Ra.One?
Tuesday 20th December 2011 09.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Q. Will Don 2 beat the business of Ra.One?
A. Content will decide as opening may not be as strong because Ra.One had a five day weekend and Diwali period was more favourable this year than Christmas with holidays falling on the right days for better business.
S Sadiq
December 20, 2011 at 1:40 AM
They said Diwali period was more favorable than Christmas “this year” — since Christmas and New Year’s fall on a Sunday, apparently in India they don’t get a separate holiday for them, so that cuts down extra theater going days. Also don’t forget that there were several other public holidays this year after Diwali, something like three others, so that, in addition to the five-day weekend, Ra.One also had pretty much ten days of multiple holidays, which is not the case with Don. That is all BOI is referring to in this answer.
December 20, 2011 at 6:14 AM
what rubbish both welcome and tzp where released on christmas and did fairly well despite clash…3 idiots was released during same time
suddenly diwali became great after all tamasha about lakshmi puja
height of ch*********g******i
December 20, 2011 at 6:36 AM
this is to justify the notion that many people had that its not the favourable time to release movie
yes x mas and new year falls on sunday itself and ra one had so called bhaiyya dooj etc but they to where not official holidays
anyway this commentry only contradicts their earlier claim just like these 2 or 3 people who use to describe a bonnafide failure like ra one a hit
even media is not using even the term sucess for it forget public opinion …
December 20, 2011 at 7:38 AM
Some of this is relative (vis a vis) talk, not an absolute statement. This year Christmas is not as good as Diwali (for the reasons pointed out earlier by another member),
Additionally Diwali as a holiday (from a movie release perspective) is limited by the fact that central to Diwali is Puja. Hence during Diwali, the Puja eats into the potential business.
All said and done someone will still prefer to release during festive Holidays, viz Diwali, Christmas Eid etc than just a regular weekend. But some Christmas are better than others, there are finer points to all this, one has to take into account real Vs effective holidays.
Things are never simple, for example, right now the economical situation in India (and the rest of the world) is once again getting tense. Things don’t look as good as they did back in June/July. This will definitely have some negative impact on the BO.
Hence at any given points there are several issues that weigh in on the BO potential.
December 20, 2011 at 7:56 AM
bottom-line is – when aamir releases his film – xmas, diwali or IPL – that is the best time to release a film
December 20, 2011 at 8:10 AM
Except when Amir releases Dhobi Ghat / Peepli Live.
No movie can rise beyond its potential. Every movie based on its content has a potential. It is the job of the producer to make sure that he gets the movie to rise to its potential. Amir without the content is also nothing. Everyone one needs content.
The flip side is that sometimes the content is there but the lead is the albatross. We have seen that too. The same director can make Delli Belli and Game. Hence yes the lead player is important, but he is just one piece of the puzzle.
December 20, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Funny is how they are trying to justify TDP collections to saleable stars.
“All these films have had saleable heroes which aids box office in a big way, ”
Naseer, Tussar or Hashmi? Which of the Hashmi’s movies did 70 crore?
they have preceding question
“Q. The trade is now saying that Emraan Hashmi is the second biggest star in single screens after Salman Khan, is this true??
A. In a a couple of areas not at all single screen areas around the country.”
Do they think people are dumb?
December 20, 2011 at 12:46 PM
The thing is that when they did all their box office reports on TDP they kept insisting it was Emran Hashmi’s single screen might that was pulling people in! The better the film did the more they stressed on Hashmi when it so foolish to do so given a heroine-centric subject and so on. Now of course they’re arguing for the reverse. Don’t know if they think everyone’s dumb but they’re certainly relying on amnesia!
More recently check out their responses on Players and Don 2.
What happens really is that online this sort of blatantly partisan and dishonest commentary always has a market. Forget the agendas and everything else. the reporting often contradicts flatly what was said by the same source just a few days ago. The verbal contortions and what not. But there is a market because many people are invested in the agenda. The problem with the online universe isn’t that stars have big fans and things get polarized. It is that a lot of these people are out to construct an alternate reality world where history begins yesterday and every narrative is shaped to maximize one’s favorite and so on. so people don’t even agree on a basic set of facts. Everyone comes up with their own ‘source’ because of course on the web you can find support for hourly alien invasions if that is one’s belief. And so while I too constantly take apart BOI it is also true that they have a market. They have a few stars that they support more than others, there is a definitely a Delhi-Punjab centrism and so on, there is an overall ‘anyone but a Bachchan’ agenda (whether it’s Salman at one end or Hashmi on the other everyone can get great or very kind commentary in any situation but not anyone with the Bachchan last name!) but they’re also playing to a market. You’re in safe terrain if you’re positive on everyone but a Bachchan! But also they too peddle these rankings of films and so on where somehow all the biggest hits seem to have emerged over the last few years. They exaggerate the accomplishments of stars in the same way. Again all of this feeds into the aspirations of the present.
And here it’s not just about BOI. Not just about trade figures. It’s also the entire media apparatus. All these things don’t have the power to alter reality altogether specially since the media usually goes with the winner (because they ultimately to play to an audience in some quantifiable sense.. specially the TV media) and the narrative gets splintered but what happens is that the reality can be ‘colored’ a certain way. You will see for example online even people of good faith and not all fans of the same stars who beyond a point also subscribe to these narratives because they’ve imbibed them unconsciously. There’s a reason why propaganda becomes so potent only in the mass media age where the ‘lie’ can become truth by incessant repetition.
To repeat I am never bothered by even the strongest fans of a star who think he’s the best at everything. The problem occurs when basic facts cannot be agreed upon.
December 20, 2011 at 3:08 PM
I have hesitated to say this for a long time, because I thought it might be construed as a personal attack, but I will risk that now.
On the matter of “constructing alternate realities”, may I just point out that you yourself have summed up Madhuri’s entire career as essentially being an item girl to some hit songs (as opposed to Aishwarya, who, in your view, did many “culturally significant” roles and so is a bigger star), but suddenly when discussing HAHK, she becomes the sole reason for the success of that film! Similarly, a heroine-centric film like Umrao Jaan and its box office fate was discussed by you solely in terms of what it does or does not mean for Abhishek’s star power.
I don’t deny the existence of agendas for many a box office source or discussion. But it is worthwhile keeping in mind that BOI is not alone in this, nor are trade pundits the only culprits. Almost every box office discussion I have read at any site/blog/forum online can be found to have a bias or agenda. With regard to this particular quote, as I pointed out above, the answer was strictly to do with potential for large collections in Christmas 2011 vs. Diwali 2011, not a general commentary on the relative advantage of these two holiday periods.
As Karan Kumar said above, the success of a film depends on a combination of many factors, and the compatibility of the subject matter of the film with the timing of its release are two of the major ones. To take 3 Idiots as an example, the fact that its subject had to do with student life, and that it was released when many students had extended holidays, certainly contributed to its success. If Aamir had released Delhi Belly during Christmas time, it might have reached higher collections than it already has for the same reason. But if he had released Dhobi Ghat or Peeli Live at Christmas time, I doubt that the collections would have been any different than what they are now.
December 20, 2011 at 3:30 PM
SM, allow me to be a little blunt here (hope this too shall not be taken personally) — I am not sure what one cannot follow in the stuff that I repeat countless times, with great pains to be specific on contexts and with the comprehensiveness to back it up. Now these very long comments might be a pain to read (and that’s certainly understandable) but there’s a reason why I get into such detail.
I never said Madhuri’s career was that of an item girl. In fact the suggestion is preposterous. What I did say was that Madhuri hardly ever got the films she deserved given her gifts. This was not least because she lived through some impoverished times in terms of the kinds of films being produced. But if she nonetheless made her mark it was because of a number of important song and dance moments that often transcended the sheer mediocrity or badness of the films in question. This doesn’t mean she was just an item girl! but those are the moments that are remembered. very few films of hers are truly good let alone great. HAHK was one of those rare moments where she got a film designed around herself. This actually happened with her late in her career (the successful Raja was another one). Her other hits are not heroine-centric even when she might have stolen the show as for example in Beta. Sridevi was very good at landing such projects once she reached a certain level of success. Madhuri was never too bothered about this. Getting back to HAHK with all due respect I was following the media and all the hype surrounding the film in real time. If one could somehow dig up those older pieces one would find as much. Similarly Mr India (which too I was following in real time!) was dubbed Miss India at one point because it was deemed as being a Sridevi show. Tomorrow if Abhishek has a series of hits and goes through years being a very successful star it might take some time to convince some folks about what the media was writing about him when D2 released! And leaving aside the reception HAHK revolves around Madhuri in a way in which it does not around Salman. The same is true for Beta. Doesn’t mean it’s immaterial that Salman was in HAHK or that an in form Anil Kapoor was doing Beta. But all films have some admixture of stars. It’s not as if there’s no one else standing in the film!
On UJ don’t you think the media bore my point out? By making the failure a huge part of the Abhishek narrative?! I don’t believe I ever said it wasn’t a heroine-centric film. But not star has been mauled more for failing in such a venture, and this when Abhishek was otherwise doing well. This too is connected to my other point that the bar has always been placed at ‘special’ points for Abhishek. Others can get away with what he cannot. We can get into the reasons why. But this happens in every conceivable situation.
On the BOI stuff if you read my comment I say there that there is a market for such agendas. But here’s why I am not too interested in what BOI or any of the trade figures says on these holidays and so on. First of all these things are constructed a certain way by these sources. And then when things don’t go their way they come up with very different explanations. This doesn’t mean that there factors aren’t real ones. But one can only debate these when the discussion is a sincere one and is not agenda-driven. I have myself along with some others here looked at these things for years from competition to holidays to what not. This is a genuine debate but it can’t be had in the service of one agenda or the other. Just to get to your 3I point here’s the problem — between this and Ghajini and a number of Salman films you have these massive initials (either the same once you factor in various things or potentially the same.. a film for example might be on track for a few days but then falls behind because of less strong WOM) and these films release at different times and have very different subjects. One could go back some years and look at other films too that would open in the same way today. There are plenty of big ones that do not release on Diwali or Christmas or Eid or whatever. But also there is the other point here — in the US you typically release big films on big weekends because the expectation is the film can justify the volume and the market saturation. It’s not as if any film could take advantage of the holidays or whatever. But it’s also gotten to the absurd point where dozens of festivals are taken as holidays and what not. I doubt most of this stuff makes a difference barring the big holidays. That’s another debate. But the point is that these things are present in such ad hoc fashion and the same sources then contradict what they’ve said a few weeks ago.
But again I should say this as a general matter — CONTEXTS matter. It’s not about whether an utterance is literally right or wrong but about the purpose it serves within a larger narrative. I and you could make the very same statements but intend these very differently. Which is why I take great pains to lay things out so comprehensively. It’s always about contexts. and it’s not just with reference to current stars or films. If you look at any of my pieces on older films or what have you the same issue comes up. One could look at certain comments of mine and think that I wasn’t a fan of that film or what have you when the very opposite would be true. So on and so forth.
And I am not at all taking this as a personal attack. But at the risk of sounding pompous I spend far too much time thinking about this stuff to be so simply open to such a weakness in an argument.
December 20, 2011 at 4:06 PM
should also add this — stars go through very different seasons in their careers whether they’re successful or not. The problem is that when one just looks at box office figures or on the other hand retrospective accounts the reality is missed in very different ways. By the time HAHK came out Salman’s initial euphoria has definitely started evaporating as a box office matter. Despite HAHK and then KA the following year his trajectory did not really change. Eventually he reinvented himself with Dhawan and then towards the later part of the 90s had some very good years. But over the last decade again he’s had a very indifferent record for the most part till you get to his reinvention in very recent times. This is easily his best phase ever even including the initial one but certainly he has never dominated the conversation as much since that period. Even in the late 90s when he was doing very well he wasn’t where SRK was in terms of driving the debate. So one has to look at these things carefully. One could make different arguments for different stars in this context depending on how how interested one is in really looking at the finer details. It’s not just about hits or flops. There’s a lot else going on either way.
Let’s take Abhishek for example. Had a great 2004/2005, dominated 2005, he was everywhere, and so on. Guru was the last true high point of this phase. Then there were failures and/or mixed results. Nonetheless there were still those important chances with stuff like D6 or Raavan. There was loss of momentum after Guru but for a while it was the usual failure. With time though the audience started turning away. Nonetheless there were these important projects that also confirmed his narrative besides interesting the audience for other reasons as well. With Raavan though a kind of a reset occurred. The most dangerous point for a star isn’t when a film fails but when the larger audience becomes indifferent. This is what Abhishek has been going through for a while and he needs a big one to get some momentum going again. DMD was a positive step at the end of a very rough run but he needs something substantially bigger. But this is also what Salman has gone through in many phases of his career. In his case it was even worse as he wasn’t even getting the prestige films and/or the biggest commercial ventures. There were some other factors here too.
In any case I have on purpose juxtaposed two stars here, one I like a lot and one that I don’t. Either way closer analysis reveals these different career moments which a simple stacking up of hits or flops can never do. For example if you looked at SRK’s hits or flops in his peak period in the latter half of the 90s there are very many more failures than successes. It’s not even close. But he was doing the most iconic films of the age. He was dominating the conversation with the audiences that controlled the Bollywood economy. He was in a unique position with the overseas audience. However I could do a comparison of his hits/flops with Aamir’s or Salman’s (and I have done this in the past) and come up with something that doesn’t suggest much of a gap between him and the other two. But that would not be a true estimation of the era’s cultural flavor. Aamir’s and Salman’s hits even where these grossed a lot didn’t matter as much. The best example here is RH, a massive grosser but it didn’t matter. KKHH did. Because both on the production side and with the audience things were tilting KKHH’s way, not RH’s.
Mahesh Babu has never been where he was after Pokkiri since. Nor has Hrithik quite been where he was after 2006. Not because of the usual hit/flop calculus but because each star lost some essential momentum which could not be made up for even with successes. Or at least not the level of success they’ve had. Whether it’s because they stayed away for too long or because others started doing very well, these moments have to be identified.
And finally my favorite example — Rajesh Khanna in some ways had a better 1974 than Bachchan if one stacks up the hits. But Rajesh Khanna’s game was over at that point and the rest was just the aftermath to what had already been decided.
Online one often encounters fans of one star or the other who are either unaware of the details or too ‘bothered’ by them because these complicate their own preferred narratives on their favorite stars. This too is where BOI comes in. There are agendas of course but the language is also one of platitudes. This appeals to people who are not in it for complicated stuff. They essentially like that one simple message on their star and they want the forums or sites that deliver these. Even for the greatest, most titanic stars there are periods of ‘gray’. They are still head and shoulders above the competition but relative to their own lofty standards there is a lot of stuff that complicates the picture.
December 20, 2011 at 4:18 PM
and here’s an example of ‘contexts’ once again — I have just said that retrospective accounts don’t provide a true picture of what was actually happening at different points in time with a certain stars. However this does not mean that such accounts aren’t potent. Or that later rewrites cannot be successful. Whether the media was giving it to Madhuri or not for HAHK, whatever Salman was doing at different phases of his career in terms of not being successful scarcely matters to his career today! The ‘fiction’ as so often in life can replace ‘truth’. Which is why the stakes are always clear over a longer time span. of course even the greatest stars are not very likely to survive longer periods of time or lend themselves to such permanent memory archives but within a more limited horizon there is nonetheless time needed. So the retrospective view is potent and absolutely essential to any debate but it cannot take the place of actual history where such a record exists. We have scholars who ask incessantly whether the received Alexander biography is plausible even in a partial sense. Even if these same scholars arrived at a biography that was completed supported by evidence it would in all likelihood not supplant the ‘myth’ of Alexander. That myth too is a part of history, shapes and informs history. But accounting for this is very different from suggesting that things happened exactly as they’re been conveyed in the received biographies over the ages.
December 20, 2011 at 3:32 PM
sm
I agree with you on this post. of yours.
December 20, 2011 at 3:55 PM
Sm–an intelligent post vvvv
“I have hesitated to say this for a long time….”–sm don’t hesitate-believe in action lol
December 20, 2011 at 4:55 PM
Satyam, let me assure you that I do indeed read your lengthy comments before responding to them. The summary I gave was the way I understood them. The “personal” aspect of my comment was that your analyses and interpretations are not necessarily infallible.
At any rate, the main point I wanted to make is that it is well to be aware of the biases of all box office discussions, and not think that one source is more “neutral” than others. I think that point gets lost often here in the bashing of BOI (and, in earlier times, in the championing of IBOS). The point has been made by many that BOI have the best data in terms of box office collections, which they do publish, but that their verdicts or “commentary” need not be taken at face value. But, is this any different than any other news source? Even when reading so-called “prestigious” newspapers of record, one must be aware of their slants, and interpret their news reporting accordingly. With Indian news sites, this becomes even more imperative. I might find The Hindu and The Indian Express more reliable than the Times of India, but that does not mean that they do not have their own particular political bent through which not only their opinion pieces, but their news articles are also filtered. But equally, it is not necessary to invoke conspiracy theories at every turn, nor even to find bias in every statement. On various forums at various times, BOI has been accused of being on the payroll of SRK, Akshay Kumar, and several others that I can’t now recall. But their alleged paymaster changes with the change of fortune in each star’s films. So clearly the evidence doesn’t support charges of systematic bias, and, in any case, since they provide their data, readers are free to make their own interpretations. In this case there was a simple factual statement on the number of holidays available for one film as compared to another. I cannot find any agenda in that. Whether holidays actually matter to a film’s collections is a different matter. I personally find the sheep like latching on to various superstitions by the Bollywood industry quite mind-boggling (i.e., that one festival is “lucky”, irrespective of the quality of the film, and, conversely, that a film’s success has nothing to do with its appeal to the audience, but only depends on being “lucky” to release on this or that holiday). I suppose it is easier than actually trying to analyze what works with the market and what doesn’t.
December 20, 2011 at 4:58 PM
I would be the last person to say that my interpretation on anything is infallible! In fact I’m sure it’s faulty in very many areas! And one is free to disagree with my remarks in any case. But there’s so much that I make explicit in them.
Don’t disagree with much in the second paragraph here except to reiterate that the factual can be used a certain way if one has an agenda. In other words the truth can be used like a lie as the ancient Greeks full well knew! So I am never moved by the letter of the law (if you will) if I consider the overall narrative suspect.
Incidentally on IBOS I argued against their agenda once on their very site. And more than once. Doubt BOI would give anyone the same opportunity! Leaving this aside the problem with the ‘just look at the numbers’ argument is that it’s hard to do so when these are spun various ways or when figures are presented selectively and what not. They might literally be true (though I don’t even accept this) but they’re being used to deceive. Take the most recent example — for more or less the same numbers consider the difference in coverage on DMD and Ladies V Ricky Bahl. Now of course one can argue, as any sane person would, that whatever Abhishek’s track record he’s hardly the same as Ranveer Singh. But BOI don’t accept that. According to them everyone including Ranveer singh is more of a star than Abhishek. well then why are his numbers in a more audience-friendly genres more impressive than Abhishek? Sure they accepted they weren’t as good as they might have been but they were very kind overall. Abhishek doesn’t get this commentary even when it’s Guru! You can’t have it both ways. Either Abhishek is bigger in which case yes DMD is a poorer result. Or else he’s not as big in which case DMD is an even better result! You might say, look at the numbers, but many miss this when the narratives are so divergent. And I could go on and on. It’s not just about them. It’s everyone.
December 20, 2011 at 9:15 PM
Satyam
Let me try and put some paranoia to bed. For this allow me to use your example of DMD and L Vs RB.
Ranveer Singh is new in Bollywood, he is just two movies old. When he recites “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, it is cute. As opposed to that Abhishek is a little long in the tooth, he is an old goat. If at this point Abhishek takes the center stage and starts reciting “Baa Baa Black Sheep” people will think he is retarded.
Had Abhishek posted L Vs RB kind numbers in his second outing, he would have been considered as the second coming of Christ. But unfortunately for the longest time Abhishek could not reach any desired destination even with help and a road map.
Don’t doubt for a moment that the commentary on RS will change for the worse if he keeps on posting just L Vs RB type numbers a decade from now.
The difference you observe does exists but the reason in not because of some bias against Abhishek.
December 20, 2011 at 9:36 PM
well as I said BOI has a market!
December 20, 2011 at 6:09 AM
bar has been raised pretty high by mi4 even for most of indian multiplex audiences
on to mi4 has to say its easily the best ….technically superb and anyway who has the thing for technogy and gizmos for them its a visual delight
anil kapoor hit new low with the portrayl of his character and sadly he deserved something better ….its pretty sad to see his portrayl
tom cruise has proved many people wrong(including myself)…he has defied age for this franchise
as for wannabe mi series like don its better if they show something original rather than cheap imitation
December 20, 2011 at 9:45 AM
roflmao
some of the so called theories are totally laughable….
if film is good it will have merit any time
let me give an exmaple there was thing called 26/11 happened which was worst than so called economic scenario and ghajini immediately did better next timed
things where not complex unless some people try to make them and what is relative and what is absolute depends on logical things not perception ..
btw neither peepli live nor dhobi ghat where mainstream commercial film
December 20, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Shah Rukh Khan’s Don 2 Will Take A Bumper Opening
December 20th, 2011 by Komal Nahta
Don 2: Box-Office Expectations
Don 2 will take a fantastic opening because of brand Don, Shah Rukh Khan and the promos which have been liked a lot. The music of the film has not become too popular, which will tell on initial collections. But because of the other plus points, the opening of the film will be bumper.
December 20, 2011 at 12:49 PM
guess Nahata’s trying to make up for what he said the other day!
On that note it’s interesting that BOI also haven’t said anything about the don 2 advance so far when usually they talk about it a lot. Not that in this multiplex saturated age advance means very much but they nonetheless bring this up for many films. They’ve only been willing to say that it will have a 45 crore weekend and the rest is about content!
December 20, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Satyam
I recommend that you revisit Nahata ‘s December 19 comment and read it. He was in a way dismissing some idle talk (maybe he keeps a tab on you
) and assuring that the initials will be very good.
Today, definitely he takes a step further, and asserts that it WILL TAKE A FANTASTIC opening.
The difference between his comment yesterday and today is slightly exaggerated in your mind. It is not as if he was negative yesterday, and is positive today. He was positive yesterday and is positive today (maybe a little more positive today).
The hype appears to be increasing by the day.
December 20, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Rockstar
Indeed 11/26 was a tragedy. The nation was in mourning. People were concerned / scared / apprehensive.
Furthermore I also agree that Ghajini was a very successful movie. AK deserves the success.
But after 11/26 it was SRK and RNBDJ that got people out on the streets and back into the theaters. AK/Ghajini on this count, as it relates to this issue, rode on SRK/RNBDJ’s coattails.
December 20, 2011 at 11:03 PM
ya it was but emphasis on release date which can’t be worst and proves the point
alex: mi 4 released last week in india is alsao getting extremely getting positive acclaim from everyone and has raised the bar very high technically
December 20, 2011 at 3:23 PM
MI4-Blue is glue and when it is red:dead
That title sums it up really
Hectic –But we somehow squeezed in MI4(a bit like the lead players!!)
Thnx aamirsfan for the recommendation
Ridiculous but exciting fun ride-back to basics
Easily the best in the MI franchise IMO but feel that 90+ratings go a bit too far–maybe bcos it is too “accessible” even for this genre
Few sequences are really well done -not only the burj khalifa
Budapest/Moscow/ Dubai are v well handled
The Bombay portions lose grip somewhat and somehow the spectre of Bollywood looms large
C’mon: Example left hand drive cars in Bombay for a film of this type?? And those cliched dancing gals
Anil kapoor may have made a good career move on his cv but his role was a let down (for him)
Paula Patton showed a woman doesn’t have to don bikinis /embrace nudity to evoke ….
Impressed somewhat by her(&her body)
And now back to Tom cruise-shows why he is the big star he is
Again: one of the best facial cuts on cinema
Love the way he has aged and is an inspiration really
The other day mentioned about cruise and Diaz -the ageless wonder
In the closing scene: a moist eyed cruise is illustrative of is star power even now
December 20, 2011 at 3:33 PM
First hand account–MI4 contd
Whilst coming out of the screen after MI4, the viewers encountered a big hoarding of the “king” in don2 In the coridooor
No words exchanged
Most people (young “hep” crowd–many college girls) broke into spontaneous laughter
Overheard some girls saying that MI4 will “screw” don2( surprised me lol)
Just conveying folks-don’t shoot the “unbiased” (&innocent) messenger
Hahaha
December 20, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Alex
Pardon me for not believing your first hand account. It appears too contrived and too self serving. Maybe others do, but unless you have a video clip or something, I don’t buy what you are peddling. No offense bro, it just does not pass the smell test.
December 20, 2011 at 3:50 PM
Will send u some mms clips lol
Though coming from me they may have explicit unedited content “bro”–are u ok with it
Haha
Btw this hasn’t dissuaded some SRK fans from watching don2(&tagging me along)
December 21, 2011 at 12:33 PM
MI 4-contd from my comments above
surprisingly even girls seem to have loved this a lot–relatively tepid for this genre usually
satyam –what are your views on MI 4 and on aarakshan
one of the more significant bachchan films in recent times—i had posted this elsewhere—-
Just checked out parts of “aarakshan” on a flight…
Just when one starts feeling that amitabh is now “done”, he comes up with stuff like this.
The other day i was disappointed with BHTB. But not with this one.
#An earnest well intentioned film made with the heart in the right place.
#Think prakash Jha is now metamorphosing into one of the best all round film makers in india (taking everything into account).
#And why the heck did ANY one have issues with this film–atleast the parts i saw.
#Again one of the rare films that does justice to bachchans presence. Could see the bachchan i love in a few scenes–bachchan underplaying some scenes to perfecetion, somewhat differently to how he responded to the challenge in black or paa.
#Bachchan gets the ideal foil in bajpai and was reminded of their last outing –oe of my faves–Aks.
Though felt that certain more “edginess” to bachchans character would have made me more happy .Could sense that abchchan was up and ready in this one and would have given a landmark act had the maker really gone for it
Towards the end the usual sermonising put a dampener somewhat
#Saif does better than expected though there isses remained–remember my famous “ajay devgun as a kashmiri” analogy
#Perhaps her best perfromance by deepika padukone till now
#though the film didnt “lose track” in the second half and stayed true to its well intentions, most bollywood patrons will feel that
#SEL underperformed like never before
#think this should have done much better even box office wise–shameful imo. The first few “confrontation” scenes were handled well both by the director and actors
December 21, 2011 at 12:36 PM
MI 4-contd from my comments above
surprisingly even girls seem to have loved this a lot–relatively tepid for this genre usually
rare to see gals gushing about action films like this (or was it my company hahaha)
btw the “catfight” wasnt bad
worth checking out the views of gals like amy–perhaps she is busy “studying”(for a change lol–joking)
December 21, 2011 at 1:15 PM
haven’t seen MI4 yet and might not be able to for another 3-4 days (unfortunately). Did like Aarakhsan. I think the narrative was constantly interesting here but it is politically muddled in some ways. Still this is the sort of film Bachchan should do. One of his better performances in recent times though not quite at the level of truly surprising stuff.
December 21, 2011 at 6:57 PM
Satyam
A quick question for you (because you are a thinking type of a person)
When a star, say Amit Ji gives an amazing performance like in Aakarshan/Agneepath and the movie still fails, what does that mean ?
An alternate question , when a star like say SRK misses the intended target (RA-1 could have been better) and the move still makes 200 Cr plus, what does that mean ?
December 21, 2011 at 6:59 PM
Did you think AB’s performance in Aarakshan was “amazing”? Why?
December 21, 2011 at 7:08 PM
sm
Kindness has it virtue. I am hoping that by being kind to Amit Ji, I might trap Satyam into answering
December 21, 2011 at 7:11 PM
@KaranKumar — for that strategy to succeed, you’d have to be “kind” to Abhishek, not his father.
December 21, 2011 at 7:24 PM
My simple response: let’s be serious.
December 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM
OK, Satyam, I’m serious. Did you think Amitabh gave an “amazing” performance in Aarakshan?
December 21, 2011 at 7:41 PM
@Satyam, OK, sorry, I just reread your comment and your evaluation of AB’s performance is in line with mine. So I will instead ask you if you’re ever going to write a review of Aarakshan, or, if you did and I missed it, to point me to it.
December 21, 2011 at 7:41 AM
https://twitter.com/#!/pakshalsanghvi
Bad news for all srk fans
( … Don 2 disappoints ….
December 21, 2011 at 10:15 AM
u watched it?
December 21, 2011 at 12:53 PM
tony i guess it started in some film festival and press screenings
December 21, 2011 at 4:38 PM
Someone posted about it here
http://www.bollywhat-forum.com/index.php?topic=34070.0
December 21, 2011 at 6:17 PM
This one is rather lukewarm. There are a couple of very glowing reviews posted at Naachgaana.
December 21, 2011 at 6:19 PM
Sorry, I should have given the link: http://www.naachgaana.com/2011/12/22/don2-initial-reactions-from-uk-great-fun-slick-nail-biting/#comments
December 21, 2011 at 3:40 PM
then why in the name of merlin are you ‘disappointed’ with the news, when you were on a rampage posting about SRK coming up with another bad film ?
screwed up..
December 21, 2011 at 6:49 PM
Aadmi
He is dissapointed because there is (thank God) some humanity left in him. The day he rejoices someone’s misfortune, that day all hope is lost.
Fortunately his information is wrong. The consenus from UK is that Don 2 is perhaps the best movie of year 2011.
December 21, 2011 at 4:33 PM
totalyy positive response from UK..this one will be bigger in india..considering western audiences have a higher bar for such films!!!
December 21, 2011 at 1:09 PM
Folks- paula patton from MI4–somewhat different
Is she next halle berry
December 21, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Don 2 Set For A Strong Start
Wednesday 21st December 2011 11.00 IST
Boxofficeindia.Com Trade Network
Don 2 is set for a strong start though it may not be record breaking. The first three day record stands at 53 crore nett set by Ra.One in October while the best Fri-Sun opening stands at 48.80 crore nett set by Dabangg in September 2010.
The 53 crore nett number looks very tough and the film can aim for the Fri-Sun record but even that will be tough. The two reasons why record breaking opening is tough is because Christmas falls on the Sunday so the holiday benefit is minimal. The second being the music has received a lukewarm response especially in the single screen circuits which has meant many single screen exhibitors not taking the film on the terms given to Bodyguard and Ra.One.
The two plusses are a superstar like Shahrukh Khan and it being an action film and these factors will ensure a big start at the box office. Christmas falling on a Friday or Saturday and hit music may have set it up for a record breaking start. The Christmas period is normally strong on the weekdays compared to other weekdays so Don 2 has that in its favour but that depends on content. The film is very hot in West Bengal as it took a great advance there especially in 3D format and that circuit could be record breaking.
December 21, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Junior Bachchan in Jaipur
Abhishek Bachchan’s upcoming film Players is about to release in the first week of January next year. To promote his film he was in Pink City. He also visited the holy shrine in Ajmer Sharif to offer prayers and seek blessings. It is to be noted that Abhishek has became father of a baby girl a month ago and after the birth of the baby he went to Ajmer for the first time.
The team of Players are on a promotional tour before the release of the film Players. Abhishek Bachchan and Abbas Mastan addressed the press and pariased their upcoming film. The film also casts Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bobby Deol, Sikendar Kher and Omi Vaidya. Abhishek twitted about this visit: “Had the morning off so drove down to Ajmer Sharif. Went back there after almost 7 yrs. It’s always wonderful to go there and seek blessings. Driving back to Jaipur after visiting Ajmer Sharif Darga.”
The father of the most celebrated baby of bollywood Abhishek said that the baby looks like her mother and not like him. He said humorously, ‘I thank god Beti B does not resembles me otherwise she wouldn’t turn pretty.’ He said that till now name has not yet been finalized and she is still called Beti B.
Talking about the film he said that the film is an out and out action thriller. It is the remake of Hollywood film The Italian Job which was released in 2003. Players is one of the most expensive films of Bollywood. Initially the film was supposed to feature Saif Ali Kahn, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka as the lead characters but then it was replaced by Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor and Bipasha Basu.
Year 2011 brought little success in terms of hit movies as Abhishek’s two main releases Game and Dum Maaro Dum bombed at box office. However, there was every reason to cheer as he became the father of a girl.Players is set to release on January 6 and is expected to get a good opening.
December 21, 2011 at 1:42 PM
unrelated
but adore this song–worthy of sharing
hope folks like it here–feedback welcum
Rahman and nusrat @ the top of their games
December 21, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Don 2 – Advance Booking Report At Multiplex Chains
by Shabdita Shrivastav and Aatmi Doshi (December 21, 2011)
Mukesh Unchade, PVR Cinemas
Being the first day of advance booking, it’s been very slow but it will eventually pick up. People are looking forward to Shah Rukh Khan’s next after RA.One.
Satish Kondvikar, Inox
Advance booking for Don 2 is 20 to 22 per cent at almost all Inox properties. But there are still two days left for the film to release. Bookings will shoot up.
Suditpo Pal, Fame Cinemas
Advance booking opened at 10 to 15 per cent. Nowadays, things are very different and advance booking are not an indicator of a film’s potential business. One must go by current bookings. The movie is going to be a super-hit.
Harshad, Cinemax
Advance booking for Don 2 is pretty decent, at approximately 30 per cent. The opening of the film is going to be far better than the advance booking suggests. Being a festive period, the release date is positive for the film, and people will watch it because it’s a Shah Rukh Khan film.
Prakash Narayan Tendurkar, Broadway
Advance booking for the film has only just begun at all Broadway properties. The movie will work only because of its star cast. There are even 3D shows in our Vasai property.
Nitin Tanbat, Big Cinemas
The advance booking of Don 2 is very good, at 60 to 70 per cent. The movie is going to be in the Top 10 hits of the 2011.
December 21, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Distributors On Don 2 Advance Booking
by Shabdita Shrivastav and Aatmi Doshi (December 21, 2011)
Rajesh Thadani, Multimedia Combines, Mumbai
Advance booking for Don 2 is 60 to 70 per cent. The opening of the film will be great and we can expect 75 per cent booking over the weekend. The hype around the film is good due to its star cast and it’s getting better every day.
Dharam Pal, Mukta Arts, Punjab
Don 2 will take an average opening. So far, advance bookings have been around 10 to 15 per cent only.
Sanjay Ghai, Mukta Arts
Advance booking for the film will open tomorrow and there have already been a lot of inquiries. I expect the film to do well as it is an SRK film.
Ramanathan, Rajshree Pictures, Kolkata
I am not sure what the advance booking is like for Don 2 but the film will receive a good opening in multiplexes. It is difficult to predict its opening in single-screens. Overall, you can expect the film to do well as there is lot of excitement among the audiences about this film.
Ashok Choudhary, Neha Movies, CI
There is no discernable trend in advance bookings here. The film will go down well with the classes but Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t have much of a fan following among the masses. On the other hand, since it is a big-budget film with Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta, it will definitely do great business.
Vasudev Chachan, Sunny Films, Rajasthan
Advance booking has been lukewarm in single-screens. Still, the film will do well due to its release date and star cast.
Ravi Machchar, Sahyog Films, Nizam
The advance booking for Don 2 has been fantastic. Bookings for the 3D shows are more than the regular shows. People have done block bookings too. We can expect the film to earn Rs 100 crore, at least. This is going to be a big film.
December 21, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Abhishek And His Mammoth Plans
by Box Office India (December 10, 2011)
Having made two films as a producer, Abhishek Bachchan has learnt the knack of promoting a film and he’s created a super buzz around his product. In an interview to Box Office India, Jr Bachchan had told us he had a fantastic plan to promote his next film, Players, and he wasn’t joking.
We’re told that the mammoth music launch of the film held in Juhu yesterday was Jr B’s idea. If the event is any indication of the rest of the promotional plan, we are sure the film’s release and its post-release promotion by Jr Bachchan and his Players will be a smash-hit.
Way to go, players!
December 21, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Agneepath Getting Bigger
by Box Office India (December 17, 2011)
A few days ago, we mentioned in this column that ever since Karan Johar announced his intention to remake Agneepath and have it directed by Karan Malhotra, the film has grown bigger with every passing day.
This week, the film was in the news for the item song picturised on Katrina Kaif, Chikni Chameli. And the number is definitely going to be the talk of the town till Johar introduces the theatrical trailer of the film.
We’ve had a dekho of the trailer and mark our words, again, this massy entertainment film will be a money-spinner for one and all. The trailer is very earthy and Sanjay Dutt’s look and expressions; the way Hrithik Roshan emotes; the crudeness in Rishi Kapoor; and last but not the least, Priyanka Chopra, promises that come January 26 and this film will re-create history.
December 21, 2011 at 1:48 PM
“Only you”–one of the lesser known gems of arr
Enjoy
not sure whats better here–the lyrics, the musical arrangement or the vocals–
can anyone help!!
by the way–these lines are worthy of being used lol