In the 1970s, merely a pic of a top star would ensure house full boards outside theatres. Even if the actor in question was cast in a miniscule role, the initial response would be terrific, most of the times. But times have changed!
Shah Rukh Khan's presence in DULHA MIL GAYA didn't attract many baraatis [read moviegoers] at cineplexes. The paying public was well aware that the superstar had a brief role in the film, hence the enthusiasm was missing for this one.
A lot has changed over the years. I distinctly remember, a veteran film-maker had assembled a plethora of actors in his new film and there was a mad scramble to acquire its rights, even though the distributors were well aware that the stars were merely making 'friendly appearances'. The screen time wouldn't be more than 10 minutes in the film. Today, most actors refrain from making 'friendly appearances' because that would spoil the prospects of their film, which stars them in major roles.
Talking from the business point of view, DULHA MIL GAYA never took off and the Saturday and Sunday figures weren't exciting either. Monday onwards, let's not discuss. The second release, PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE, fared reasonably well at select plexes of metros, that's it. A fine attempt, the business was not in sync with the merits of the film. That's box-office for you, so very unpredictable.
With both DULHA MIL GAYA and PYAAR IMPOSSIBLE not living up to the expectations, all eyes are now on CHANCE PE DANCE. Will the audience dance to its tunes? Only time will tell!
