The year 2013 draws to a close tomorrow. People generally feel one shouldn't look back... but look frontwards. But if you don't introspect and realize what the year gone by taught us, how would we change for better?
Like most years in the recent past, 2013 has closed on a high. An all-time high, in fact. With DHOOM-3 shattering every record in sight and setting new benchmarks, the industry is ready to embrace 2014 with gusto and enthusiasm. Even otherwise, the second half of the year did prove most lucrative, with film business hitting the roof. Recall CHENNAI EXPRESS [Eid] and KRRISH-3 [Diwali] going ballistic at the BO. Earlier, YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI and RACE-2 [Republic Day] drew spectators in hordes. However, the year wasn't too kind to other biggies. Films like HIMMATWALA, YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA-2, ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA!, BESHARAM, ZANJEER and BULLETT RAJA -- keenly anticipated films all -- sank without a trace, sending shock waves within and outside the film fraternity.
The year had its fair share of surprises too. SPECIAL 26, ABCD - ANY BODY CAN DANCE, KAI PO CHE!, MERE DAD KI MARUTI, JOLLY LLB, CHASHME BADDOOR, AASHIQUI-2, FUKREY, RAANJHANAA, BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG, B.A. PASS, MADRAS CAFE, SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE, GRAND MASTI, THE LUNCHBOX, GOLIYON KI RAASLEELA RAM-LEELA and R... RAJKUMAR -- varied genres all -- were embraced warmly by audiences. Actually, no specific genre dominated this year, which was a positive sign. Conversely, the year witnessed an overdose of masala films, but the good ones were accepted, while the bad ones were rejected. As simple as that!
One myth that lay shattered was that films don't work in the holy month of Ramadan, since a substantial chunk of movie-going audience stays away from films. BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG and B.A. PASS proved otherwise, their success only bringing cheer for their investors.
From the business point of view, the industry grew steadfastly in 2013. The volume of business witnessed an escalation in 2013. While 9 movies featured in Rs 100 cr Club in 2012, 8 films entered the Club this year, but 3 amongst them also made it to Rs 200 cr Club, right? If the volume of business grew in 2013, so did the screen count and ticket rates of movies. And I expect the screen count to increase further in 2014. The question is, will Rs 300 cr be the new benchmark for super success?
It's time to look ahead. To think positively. To make the right decisions. To learn from mistakes. To move ahead with hope and optimism. Here's wishing each one of you a joyous New Year!
