This is something I fail to understand. Why are most producers in a tearing hurry to release their films? Agreed, they have their reasons… But how does the common man cope up with four films in a single week? He may be an avid film buff, he may be the first-day-first-show type, he may be craving to watch his fav stars on screen, but how does he take time out from his busy schedule to watch two, three or four films in a week?
Besides, keeping in mind the high admission rates at most movieplexes, isn't there a strong possibility that the viewer may opt for just one film, neglecting the remaining releases in the process?
The Friday gone by witnessed the release of four films, PYAAR MEIN TWIST, AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE, RAMJI LONDONWALE and DANSH. Obviously, the opening day business was divided. While AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE garnered the best opening, 40%-50% + at several screens, RAMJI LONDONWALE and PYAAR MEIN TWIST had to be content with a 25% + initial. As for DANSH, the opening numbers were shockingly low.
I strongly feel that RAMJI LONDONWALE and PYAAR MEIN TWIST would've fared much better had the producers spaced out their releases. RAMJI LONDONWALE is a genuinely good attempt, but it failed to lure moviegoers partly because it wasn't promoted extensively and aggressively. PYAAR MEIN TWIST, which also enjoyed positive reports, was backed by fantastic promotion [the well-designed promos caught your attention], but an adult story takes time to grow. Had it been a solo release or released alongside another film [a maximum of two releases in a week is okay!], the opening numbers would've been better, more respectable.
AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE, a shoddy desiflication of Hollywood flick TANGLED, was the second choice this weekend [last week's NO ENTRY continues to rein supreme], thanks to its popular music and round-the-clock promotion. But never judge a book by its cover. The word of mouth was so negative [the youth were cracking jokes during the emotional moments, but stayed calm during the comic scenes!] that the numbers fell rapidly.
The business on Saturdays and Sundays shows an upswing during most weekends and the business of RAMJI LONDONWALE and PYAAR MEIN TWIST was upbeat on these two days. AASHIQ BANAYA AAPNE also remained afloat till Sunday, but the business of all films came sliding downwards from Monday onwards.
THIS WEEK, LAST YEAR
Two eerie flicks starring topnotch names hit the marquee last year [September 3-5, 2004]. And both -- RAKHT and HUM KAUN HAI? -- proved a nightmare for their distributors. While RAKHT at least managed a 40% to 60% opening at places, the response to HUM KAUN HAI? sent shock waves throughout the film industry. Its opening ranged from 7% to 10% at several screens.
The promotion of RAKHT was quite low-key, while HUM KAUN HAI? came literally unannounced. The producers started promoting the product [HUM KAUN HAI?] barely 6-7 days before this desi version of THE OTHERS was to hit the screens. Naturally, even die-hard Bachchan fans weren't aware of this flick.
