Till last year, most film-makers would fear releasing their movies during the cricket matches, especially during the IPL extravaganza. It's akin to committing suicide, they felt. But IPL is no longer the dragon that it used to be for film folks. The success of HOUSEFULL 2, VICKY DONOR, HATE STORY, JANNAT 2 and ISHAQZAADE -- all released during the IPL season this year -- just goes to prove that a film with merits can brave and withstand any opposition. In fact, as many as 5 successful films in a span of 54 days [almost 8 weeks] is no mean achievement, what say?
But the best phase is yet to begin. Year after year, the onset of monsoon coincides with the release of big-ticket films and 2012 is no exception. Starting with ROWDY RATHORE this Friday, the forthcoming weeks are packed with films that could change the fortune of the entertainment industry. So far, AGNEEPATH and HOUSEFULL 2 have merited a place in the coveted 100 cr Club and I expect more and more films to hit the ton.
While on ROWDY RATHORE, a section of the industry feels that the film might be the next entrant in the 100 cr Club. Akshay Kumar's last release, HOUSEFULL 2, has been a huge grosser, but it was a franchise of a successful film, with a much bigger cast this time. Therefore, Akshay alone cannot be credited for its dream run at the ticket window. ROWDY RATHORE is the real test for Akshay and whether Akshay has the pull and clout to have a 50 cr weekend will be known soon.
Meanwhile, last week's movies -- all actually -- have sunk at the box-office. Barring MEN IN BLACK 3, which was the first choice of moviegoers and to an extent, UTV's animation film ARJUN, all new releases only added to the tally of flops.
