I've often been asked a pertinent question. Does the release period play an integral role in the success/failure of a film? Can the fate of a weak film change for the better if released, say, in a holiday period? Or vice-versa, can a good film fail at the turnstiles if released during, say, examinations?
That is a a tricky question, no doubt. But I've observed over the years that a good film can face any number of oppositions, while a weak film cannot survive even during the best phase. There have been so many instances, but let me recall three.
Way back in 1989, Rajshri's MAINE PYAR KIYA was released at the peak of winter, but that didn't stop the film from becoming a blockbuster.
Another Rajshri fare, HUM AAPKE HAIN KOUN, was released during the monsoon season, which, a few industrywallahs insist, always make a dent in the collections when it pours heavily. But that didn't stop the film from emerging one of the biggest hits of Hindi cinema.
Ditto for BIWI NO. 1, which was released during the World Cup cricket matches. Even though the know-alls of the industry predicted doom for the film, the multi-starrer emerged one of the biggest hits of the year, with the cricket matches making no dent in its box-office collections.
So what about KRANTI? Where did it go wrong? There are so two factors that went against the film. First and foremost, the film had nothing novel to offer and its fall was imminent. And two, the examination period and the current scenario within the country did make a dent in its collections.
But had KRANTI released during the vacations, would it have helped? Marginally, in my opinion, but the film would've still been rejected looking at its poor content.
Let's have a look at how KRANTI is faring in various circuits. An exclusive mid-week report by Indiafm.
MUMBAI CITY & SUBURBS :
The film had a dull start at several cinemas. However, a drop was noticed on the second day itself. The film has not found any appreciation.
DELHI, UTTAR PRADESH :
The film has not gathered heat in Delhi or Uttar Pradesh. The Deols have an edge in this circuit, but KRANTI has not managed to bring any revolution at the ticket window. The collections of the film are weak.
KOLKATA CITY & SUBURBS :
The reports are poor and the collections are not up to the mark.
C.P. BERAR :
At Nagpur, the film had a shaky start and the collections dipped further subsequently.
RAJASTHAN :
At Jaipur, the film started on a slow note and as the days progressed, the collections continued to remain on the lower side.
SOUTH :
At Hyderabad, the collections are comparatively better, mainly because the film has ample doses of action.
