Let us divide the analysis in two parts – the first quarter [January to March] and the next quarter [April to June]. The first quarter saw just two hits – TUJHE MERI KASAM and JISM. While TUJHE MERI KASAM picked up gradually, faring very well in several circuits, JISM was the first all-India hit of the year. The only similarity between the two films was, both starred fresh faces in lead roles.
The business in the first quarter went haywire with the World Cup making a dent in the business of all new releases. It even prompted several producers to postpone the release dates to April [summer vacations], but the tiff between the producers and distributors in April and the subsequent stand undertaken by the producers to stop all new releases, brought business to a standstill.
But the moment new releases started coming out, the scenario changed. It started with ISHQ VISHK, then ANDAAZ, BHOOT and CHALTE CHALTE. Four successes in a span of five weeks – it was unbelievable!
The success of these four films shattered a lot of myths within the film industry. All the four films belonged to different genres – ISHQ VISHK was set in a college campus, ANDAAZ was a love triangle, BHOOT was a horror flick, while CHALTE CHALTE delved into the husband-wife relationship.
So, those who thought that only horror films were ruling the roost or only love triangles had made it big, were in for a rude shock.
THE NEXT SIX MONTHS
So, what does the future hold in store for the industry? It's looking great, if you ask me. There's so much to look forward to. A number of films are being readied for release and one hopes that the film industry booms like never before!
CLASSIFICATION OF FILMS
A11
[Super Duper Hit]
------
A1
[Super Hit]
* Andaaz (Delhi-U.P., Bihar, Rajasthan; 'A' elsewhere)
* Bhoot (Mumbai, Delhi, South; '+B' elsewhere)
* Chalte Chalte (Mumbai, Delhi; 'A' elsewhere)
A
[Hit]
* Jism
* Tujhe Meri Kasam (Maharashtra, C.P. Berar, C.I., Nizam)
+B
[Overflow]
* Ishq Vishk ('A' in Mumbai)
GOOD B
[Commission/Overflow]
* J2M2 (Mumbai)
* Khwahish (some circuits)
* The Hero (Mumbai, Delhi-U.P.)
B
[Coverage/Commission]
* Chota Jadugar (Mumbai)
Note:- ‘Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon’ has not been included in the classification since it has just released last week and the trends would be clear after 2 weeks.
