There are two ways at looking at the business of AGENT VINOD…
First, the optimistic viewpoint: Having grossed 29 cr nett in its opening weekend, the Saif - Kareena starrer finds itself amidst the formidable openers of all times. Ideally, a 25 cr weekend for a solo Saif Ali Khan starrer would be considered healthy. Let's face it, Saif is yet to penetrate into mass pockets, like Salman and Aamir Khan have. It's the multiplex junta that contributes to the business of his movies and the weekend business of AGENT VINOD reiterates this fact.
Now the pessimistic perspective: Given the quantum of prints in circulation and the number of screens it was released at, AGENT VINOD should have grossed 12 cr, 14 cr and 16 cr in its first three days. The industry expects any and every biggie to cross the magical figure of 40 cr in its opening weekend, since the monies involved are big and a terrific start ensures that half the battle is won. Keeping this thought in mind, AGENT VINOD has performed way below the mark.
Like all biggies, AGENT VINOD has met with extreme reactions. A section of the movie-going audience has liked the effort, but a sizable chunk of viewers have detested it. Sriram Raghavan's earlier movies, whether it was EK HASINA THI or JOHNNY GADDAAR, had met with diverse reactions when released. I distinctly remember a leading distributor telling me soon after its first show concluded that EK HASINA THI would misfire badly because it was a 'dark film'. Ditto for JOHNNY GADDAAR. I guess, it was far ahead of its times.
Now let's look at the economics of AGENT VINOD and see where it stands...
Cost of making: 50 cr + P&A: 12 cr = 62 cr.
Out of the total cost of 62 cr, the producers had sold the Satellite Rights for 20 cr and Music Rights for 9.6 cr [7.2 + 2.4 towards promotion undertaken by the music company]. Besides, the makers got a cool 1.8 cr from brand tie-ups, thus recovering 29 cr prior to the release of the film.
The balance amount of 33 cr has to be recovered from India and Overseas theatrical and also Home Video. Let's see where AGENT VINOD stands in the final tally. Will it sustain on weekdays and also in its second weekend? The forthcoming days will provide the answer!
