The mood of optimism in the film industry, which had temporarily subsided after the excitement generated by DEVDAS, has returned with the encouraging advance booking of MUJHSE DOSTI KAROGE. Until a couple of weeks ago, the film hardly figured in the keenly-anticipated list, since the last few Hrithik starrers had not generated much heat in the market. Besides, the producers had deliberately kept a low profile about the film throughout its making. But the advance booking for the film has changed all that.
WAITING FOR KARAN'S OPINION
Film critic-turned-director Kunal Kohli feels that the opening response of the film has proved the strength of the banner and the hero, more than anything else. "The craze for Hrithik starrers remains intact, provided it is backed by the right banner and the right subject," Kohli adds. Kunal is eagerly looking forward to the opinion of Karan Johar, who was instrumental in introducing him to Yash Chopra and is a hot favourite with the banner. "Karan hasn't seen the film yet. He'll be seeing it in London and I am keen to know what he feels about it," Kunal says.
'ENCOUNTER' OPENS WITH LIMITED PRINTS
Another interesting film lined up for release this week is ENCOUNTER – THE KILLING. Knowing their penchant for releasing films with a well-researched marketing strategy, the Shroffs of Shringar Films have worked out a planned release for this film. According to Balkrishna Shroff, ENCOUNTER – THE KILLING is being released in Mumbai and Pune (three theatres in Mumbai and one in Pune), after which they'll gradually release the film in other cities.
"The idea is to gauge the response for the film and increase the number of prints gradually," says Shroff.
'M.D.T.D.' POSTPONED BY A WEEK
Destiny seems to be favouring Rajkumar Kohli's JAANI DUSHMAN. First it was a good chain of distributors, followed by a good chain of theatres and now Rajkumar Kohli will have the added privilege of releasing his film without any major opposition, what with the release of MAINE DIL TUJHKO DIYA being postponed by a week.
According to producer Bunty Walia, the release of M.D.T.D. was postponed by a week at the request of the all-India distributors, who were not getting the right chain of theatres for the film. "We agreed instantly since we felt that the occasion of 'Raksha Bandhan' would prove auspicious for the film. In fact, we are planning to release the film on the 'Raksha Bandhan' day, which falls on Thursday," Walia disclosed.
