First things first! After weeks of non-performance [after KAMINEY and LIFE PARTNER, to be precise], the domestic box-office showed a spurt last weekend. The footfalls at cineplexes/single screens proved that the viewers were starved of entertainment and were awaiting the biggies with bated breath.
The weekend gone by was also an acid test for Salman Khan [WANTED] and Rani Mukheri [DIL BOLE HADIPPA]. The two actors were facing rough weather since the past few months with their past few films failing at the ticket window. Salman can now heave a sigh of relief!
WANTED performed exceptionally well at single screens and some multiplexes on Friday. But the business was not encouraging at certain plexes. The business didn't show a big jump on Saturday, but Sunday was rocking. Monday was terrific [Eid] and so was Tuesday [not a holiday, but Eid festivities continue].
Salman enjoys tremendous popularity amongst Muslim audience and the extra-ordinary figures on Monday and Tuesday have only strengthened the prospects of this film. Industry experts feel that the first week should end anywhere between Rs. 35 crores to Rs. 38 crores. Wow!
DIL BOLE HADIPPA, on the other hand, had a decent to ordinary weekend. Certain plexes were better [North especially], but the single screens were dull. Shahid Kapoor's KISMAT KONNECTION and KAMINEY had embarked on a superb start at the ticket window, but DIL BOLE HADIPPA didn't. That's because the junta was aware that Rani was in the driver's seat, while Shahid was on the backseat this time.
The reports of DIL BOLE HADIPPA were ordinary as well and that explains why its business never showed a remarkable jump, except on Sunday. Monday was mixed, despite Eid. The advantage with DIL BOLE HADIPPA is its reasonable costing, but, again, it all depends on how it fares in its second weekend.
The theatrical and non-theatrical revenues might be able to see the film to safety. But it's a wait and watch situation right now. One definitely expected much more from Yash Raj, from the business point of view, post RAB NE BANA DI JODI and NEW YORK.
As for WANTED, the film has caught on with the masses big time. But, of course, the second weekend is crucial for this film as well. Fingers crossed!
