It was touted as the film that would consolidate Abhishek Bachchan's standing at the box-office. But, unfortunately, the film arrived without a bang and could not create any ripples at the turnstiles.
On face-value, MUMBAI SE AAYA MERA DOST had a number of plus factors going for it. The look of the film in the promos had generated tremendous curiosity. Plus, the fresh pairing [Abhishek, Lara] added zing to the film. A couple of songs had also caught on with moviegoers prior to its release. But the most advantageous factor was its solo release, with no big film clashing in the same week.
Yet, MUMBAI SE AAYA MERA DOST met with a dismal response at the box-office from its very first show. What would you attribute the failure to?
ANCHAL
Mumbai Distributor
"I am grossly disappointed with the response the film has met with. I don't think the failure can be attributed to Abhishek's low phase in his career. No doubt, his past few releases have met with a cold response, but we were banking upon M.S.A.M.D. to resurrect his position.
"I think the script was mainly responsible for the film's downfall. The slow and tedious pace of the narrative only made things worse. Another factor was the rural backdrop. LAGAAN had a rural backdrop as well, but it had an outstanding subject and a strong undercurrent of patriotism that drew audiences in hordes. In fact, the comparisons with LAGAAN also worked against the film.
"As for the dull opening response, the heavy rains affected the film in Gujarat, with the heavy downpour killing the initial prospects of the film. In Mumbai too, the incessant rains affected its business on Day 2 [Saturday], while the blasts on Day 4 [Monday] added the final nail."
MANOJ DESAI
Exhibitor
"I am completely disillusioned with the response. I feel extremely bad for Abhishek because he has come up with an excellent performance in the film. In fact, the film is an eye-opener about his acting potential.
"I would attribute the failure of the film to three factors. The first was the shallow storyline about a village without electricity, which suddenly wakes up to television. It was hardly convincing. Besides, the pace was too slow at places and the goings-on boring.
"The comparisons with LAGAAN [due to the similarity of the cast and the rural backdrop] also worked against the film. The film, in no way, can be compared to LAGAAN."
