A few days ago, I was having this real lonnnnnnnng conversation with a prominent corporate house personnel and while discussing the low turnout at cineplexes these days, he came up with a valid observation that rang a bell. "It's getting increasingly difficult for the common man to shell out Rs. 200 for a ticket. The promos can be deceptive. The outcome of any film is solely dependant on word of mouth these days," he remarked. I endorse this viewpoint.
Come to think of it, the promos of DE TAALI, HAAL-E-DIL and KHUSHBOO were truly eye-catching. Besides, the producers of these films promoted their products to the optimum. But look what happened!
Speaking for myself, I had pinned a lot of hopes on DE TAALI. I looked forward to the film with great enthusiasm. But I was grossly disappointed when I watched the film. The script just didn't hold your attention, it lacked the grip. That's precisely why I am not surprised at its non-happening status at the b.o.
While a few plexes of Mumbai and a handful of cities showed an encouraging start, the opening elsewhere was way below the mark. There weren't sparks on Saturday or Sunday either and like it happens with most films, the business was on a decline from Monday onwards. At mini-metros and smaller centres, it faced rough weather from Day 1 itself.
HAAL-E-DIL went completely unnoticed. It had great music, stunning locales and a fresh cast -- a combo that has worked so well in the past. But the feedback to the film was more than evident at the premiere screening on Thursday night itself.
However, what came as a rude shock was the poor turnout at cineplexes. It was more of a reality check for all those who were of the opinion that good music alone can guarantee an initial at the ticket window. This film is a nightmare for its investors!
As for KHUSHBOO, the film was sidelined completely. It never got the right show timings and worse, it was never the first choice of moviegoers this weekend. The ratio of flops only got bigger last Friday!
