A few facts to ponder before we discuss the business prospects of the Diwali releases...
JAB TAK HAI JAAN
India biz: 80.73 cr
Overseas biz: 41.74 cr
Worldwide total: Rs 122.47 cr [Tuesday to Sunday]
SON OF SARDAAR
India biz: 66.02 cr
Overseas biz: 10.79 cr
Worldwide total: 76.81 cr [Tuesday to Sunday]
The combined *Worldwide* total stands at 199.28 cr. Note: Weekend total [Tuesday to Sunday].
This has been the biggest and best Diwali for Bollywood. The growth in business has been phenomenal, compared to previous years [Diwali]. Of course, there were hiccups... The controversy pertaining to the theatres... The closure of cinemas on Saturday [evening] and Sunday in Maharashtra [the estimated loss of revenue is Rs 10 cr to Rs 12 cr]... But the overall business was simply fantastic. Achieving the magical figure of approx 200 cr [worldwide] in 6 days only goes to prove the power of Hindi cinema. Notwithstanding the mixed word of mouth, notwithstanding the vicious words exchanged between star fans on various social networking sites, notwithstanding the average/outright negative reviews accorded by known critics, both JAB TAK HAI JAAN and SON OF SARDAAR have packed a solid punch in the opening weekend.
The question is, will JAB TAK HAI JAAN and SON OF SARDAAR cross the 100 cr mark in India? If so, when will the two films achieve the target? Do they have the stamina to continue beyond the second weekend? Although there's no significant Hindi release till TALAASH arrives on 30 November, the two films face stiff competition from two Hollywood biggies that hit the Indian market this Friday. The Hollywood imports are expected to make a dent at major centres, mainly at multiplexes.
A clearer picture, therefore, should emerge after the second weekend. Fingers crossed!
