2010 is the year of big-budget films. Wait, it doesn't mean all biggies will open to a thunderous response, but if one looks at the way some big-budget ventures have behaved this year, especially if one observes the opening weekend numbers of MY NAME IS KHAN, HOUSE FULL and KITES, one should expect RAAJNEETI and RAAVAN to open to an overwhelming response as well. Fingers crossed!
The opening weekend plays a crucial role these days. Like they say in filmi lingo, a terrific start means half the battle is won. But what if the film carries the burden of a heavy price tag? Will the terrific opening weekend business suffice? Barring 3 IDIOTS, which galloped strongly in its first four weeks, most films run out of breath after the initial craze subsides. The weekdays witness a decline, while the second weekend shows a clear slump.
KITES seems to be following a similar trend. The most expensive film ever -- in terms of the price paid by distributors Reliance Big Pictures to producer Rakesh Roshan -- the film had to record terrific numbers in its first two weeks, to recover a substantial chunk of the investment. But the cracks were visible on Day 2 [Saturday] itself and Monday onwards, the negative feedback has resulted in big drops at a majority of centres.
Something seems to be going wrong with most movies these days and that something happens to be the most important aspect of a film -- its script. KITES is a flawed film and the negative word of mouth spread on Thursday night itself, after the paid preview screenings concluded. The writing of this much-hyped film has come in for sharp criticism and a long run was ruled out on Friday morning itself, when negative reports from across the country started pouring in feverishly.
Another factor that goes against most hi-profile films is their pricing. KITES has been sold for a super price, courtesy the enviable track record of Rakesh and Hrithik Roshan. KAHO NAA… PYAAR HAI, KOI… MIL GAYA and KRRISH have been major money spinners [Blockbusters all], which explains why KITES demanded a certain price and got it too. Of course, this film also boasts of an international star and has been made in two versions, hence the price.
But the high price has proved a deterrent, more so now when the business of this film has started declining at a rapid pace. As things stand today, the distributors would lose a major chunk of their investment in this film. Which means a big hole in their pockets. Which also means that the industry will be poorer by several crores at one stroke. Sad!
