Finally, after years, sorry decades, the film industry is seeing such good times. 2011 has proved a significant year for Bollywood. Right from the onset of this year to BODYGUARD last week and MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN last Friday, the business has witnessed a major turnaround. Not too long ago, a film-maker/Studio would find it excruciatingly difficult to recover the investment, but the right economics, coupled with choosing mass-friendly scripts, have done the trick. Of course, the invaluable contribution of the stars cannot be overlooked either.
Last week's BODYGUARD will ensure profits of at least Rs 40 cr to Rs 45 cr [yes, you read it right!], while the new release, MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN, has attracted ample baaraatis [read moviegoers] as well. The trade is gung-ho about MAUSAM too. It should start with a bang. There's a flipside, but we will talk about that later.
First, let's see where MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN stands as far as its business is concerned. Having collected an impressive Rs 25.6 cr nett in its opening weekend, the film has already ensured profits for its producers, who are also its distributors - Yash Raj. Having cost YRF close to Rs 30 cr [inclusive of P & A], the Studio has already recovered a big chunk of its investment - close to Rs 20 cr - from sale of Satellite Rights. Which means, the balance amount of Rs 10 cr has to be recovered from the whole of India, entire Overseas, Music Rights and of course, Home Video.
In view of the fact that MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN has had a super weekend, the 3-day share itself works out to close to Rs 12 cr +, from India theatrical business alone. Which means, YRF are in profits from Monday itself. Mind you, I am not accounting the business it has accumulated in Overseas markets, since the business from India alone would suffice.
Now the flipside. There's no breathing space for films anymore. You have to score in the opening weekend itself and pack decent numbers on weekdays. Else, a new biggie would not only eat your share of screens at cineplexes, but also gobble away a substantial chunk of your revenue in the next weekend. While BODYGUARD had an extensive release during Eid, the cineplexes had to make way for MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN last Friday and now, the screen count of MERE BROTHER KI DULHAN would be reduced considerably to accommodate MAUSAM when it releases. This would be regular occurrence in times to come.
In a scenario like this, the question is, how will medium-budget or low cost films find an outlet? The right shows and right screens? Your guess is as good as mine!
