With KAANTE getting a terrific advance, the distributors and exhibitors have heaved a sigh of relief. Until a few days ago, the telephones in Pritish Nandy's office were ringing incessantly, with everyone wanting to verify the release status of the film.
“It was tough trying to handle the speculation,” Nandy says, “But all's well that ends well. The film has opened to a stupendous response everywhere. What more can one ask for? Going by the reports, the film is sure to fetch fabulous shares by the end of the first week.”
The mood in the industry is definitely jubilant with the advance booking figures of KAANTE. Nester D'Souza of Metro – the main theatre of the film – is amongst the exhibitors who're smiling after a very long time. “It's after a long time that a film has opened to a terrific response. Let's hope KAANTE helps us recover what we've lost during the past few months,” he smiles.
LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED
The producers of forthcoming releases are leaving no stone unturned in promoting their films. Take the case of Shobha and Ekta Kapoor, who're going all out to give their creative best to their forthcoming film KUCCH TO HAI.
The mother-daughter team are overwhelmed by the response to the promos of the film. Shobha Kapoor is, however, modest about her contribution. “It's entirely Ekta's brainchild,” she says, “In fact, Ekta sat with the promo makers for almost ten days before she came up with the first promo of the film. I'd say that Ekta is the creative producer, while my responsibility is limited to being the financial producer of the film,” she states.
ANU MALIK ON CLOUD NINE
Anu Malik is on cloud nine these days. Reason? He's made it to the international arena by bagging Gurinder Chadha's forthcoming film. Anu recently recorded a peppy English track for the film, which he defines as a “mind-blowing experience.” Says he, “It's a high for me that a film-maker of Gurinder's stature insisted on signing me for the film. It has opened an all-new avenue, which was the only thing missing in my career.”
So what kind of music will the film boast of? “The songs will be in English, but there would be an Indian feel to them. I'd rather not talk about it now. All I can say is, Gurinder is mighty pleased with my work.”
