Everybody is curious to know the fate of LAKSHYA. Let's go step by step and unravel the facts -
- This Hrithik Roshan starrer took a stupendous start almost everywhere. The opening was at par with the biggest opening of this year so far, MAIN HOON NA. The terrific start didn't come as a surprise, primarily because the film starred Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta together after KOI… MIL GAYA, besides it was the second film of Farhan Akhtar after DIL CHAHTA HAI. Of course, the presence of Big B also added to the glory.
- While the advance booking at metros was fabulous [it ensured almost 100% collections in the opening weekend], the opening at smaller centres [where the system of advance booking doesn't exist] was mind-blowing as well. The opening weekend throughout the country was highly impressive, despite the fact that the collections had started falling at several centres.
- The audience feedback after the opening weekend was crystal clear: The cinegoers have liked the first half, while the second half has come in for sharp criticism. Viewers are finding the war scenes an extension of L.O.C. Even the slow narrative has proved a deterrent.
- So, what is the future of films based on Indo-Pak themes? In the present scenario, when the Indo-Pak relations are at a new high, Indo-Pak war films are an absolute no-no. Films that abound in jingoism or those indulging in Pak-bashing are sure to get a cold response from the paying public.
- Hrithik Roshan has been appreciated by one and all. Even his harshest critics have admitted that the youngster is pure dynamite. However, the feedback is not too flattering for the Big B. A sizeable section of the audience is wondering what actually prompted Mr. Bachchan to accept this film. Frankly, any character actor could've essayed this role. For Preity Zinta, it's been a mixed response. Some have liked her, some haven't!
- While Farhan Akhtar's second film has won all-round praise for its technique and visuals, writer Javed Akhtar's script has met with its share of criticism. The script is a downer and a sore point for sure!
Monday onwards, the film is holding on very well at select theatres/multiplexes of big centres, but the collections have taken a dip at smaller centers, as expected. While the collections at Mumbai, Delhi [certain theatres] and Kolkata continue to be rock-steady, the business at smaller centres isn't encouraging.
The verdict is clear: The film is faring well at big centres. While the film should fare the best in Mumbai, distributors who have acquired the film for fabulous prices will stand to lose a substantial sum due to three factors - one, the film has not been liked by the hoi polloi; two, it lacks repeat-value, so important to recover the high investment and three, the coming week witnesses a big opposition in DEEWAAR, which is expected to take a fantastic start and cut into the business of LAKSHYA.
