It's a JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA wave [typhoon is a better word, actually] across the nation. Like I've always maintained, in such a scenario, the remaining films are bound to get eclipsed. JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA is a one horse race -- the plexes are more than keen to devote maximum play time to this film, while the moviegoers too are only interested in this prem kahani.
When I watch the promos of JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA again and again today, I can see the reasons why this film struck a chord with moviegoers across the globe [it's faring very well internationally too]. Two prime reasons. One, the fresh look. Two, characters you can relate to.
Who's interested in watching 45 + heroes pretending to be 20-year-olds and romancing 16-year-olds? The days are gone! The concept of age-old stories, which worked in the 1980s and 1990s, is passé. Give us new stories, stories we can identify with, characters we can relate to. But some actors still live in ivory towers and continue to romance girls of their daughter's age.
That brings me to MEHBOOBA, the solo Hindi release last week. It boasted of grand production values, but who's interested in watching Sanju and Ajay romance Manisha? The formula may've worked in the 1990s, not today.
Actors need to re-invent themselves. Work in movies that exhibit their hitherto unknown side. I admire Mr. Bachchan [Sr.] for this. And from the 40 + generation, Aamir Khan. Swim against the tide, take risks, you may falter at times, but your movies will enjoy a better shelf life.
MEHBOOBA did okay at single screens of Hindi belt, but slipped downwards from Monday onwards. The producer has invested a fortune in its making and I doubt if he'd be able to recover the investment even after tapping theatrical and non-theatrical avenues.
Let's return to JAANE TU… YA JAANE NA. Now let's talk hardcore business. The first week nett was Rs. 20.01 cr. [PVR has given me the territory-wise break-up]. I expect another Rs. 17 cr. to be added to the booty in its second week, which should take the total to Rs. 37 cr. Which, in turn, indicates that the distributors' share would be anywhere in the range of Rs. 18 cr. and Rs. 21 cr.
In an informal chat with me a day before its release, Aamir Khan, its producer, was gracious enough to discuss the costings of the film. All I can say right now is [which I told Aamir as well and he burst out laughing], unki pancho ungliyaan ghee mein hain aur sar kadhai mein [translated into simple terms it means, When it rains, it pours].
Conversely, the expensive LOVE STORY 2050 has bit the dust. The losses will be huge. The film has failed in India and abroad and when the numbers are unimpressive, you can't demand your price for Satellite and Home Video rights.
Both Ranbir Kapoor and Harman Baweja's second releases are lined up in the coming weeks -- BACHNA AE HASEENO on August 15 and VICTORY on November 14. In an industry that salutes box-office more than it acknowledges talent, it would be interesting to see if Ranbir and Harman emerge second time lucky.
