The box-office window never ceases to surprise you… or, let's say, it startles you week after week. A majority of times, films starring impressive names/top-of-the-line faces tend to fetch a fantastic opening at the ticket window. But, of late, those starring big names haven't been able to draw big crowds outside cinema halls.
While the fate of KYUN! HO GAYA NA… and FIDA is crystal clear by now, the shockingly low initial of PHIR MILENGE caught a lot of people unaware.
PHIR MILENGE was expected to take a decent start, according to many, and a flying start, according to a few, thanks to the star presence, but its opening only came as a rude shock.
Despite Salman Khan going through one of the best phases in his career presently, the film opened to a lukewarm response not just in India, but also in the U.S. and U.K. Of course, you can't raise a finger at Salman for the poor initial, for the actor is barely there in the film. But one of the reasons for the lack of interest could be attributed to the thanda promos of this issue-based film.
I strongly believe that the promos are the deciding factor these days. The viewer makes his/her mind whether or not to watch the film based on how exciting the promo looks. And in the case of PHIR MILENGE, the promos just didn't appeal.
A small section of the film industry was optimistic that PHIR MILENGE might pick up with word of mouth. But it didn't! PHIR MILENGE has emerged as one of the biggest setbacks in the recent times.
On the other hand, DHOOM, starring not-too-impressive names, took a flying start at the ticket window. How does one explain this? "It's the triumph of the producer. Had the film been made by a non-descript banner, even with the same star cast, it wouldn't have garnered more than 50-60-70% opening," a topnotch producer, who was watching the film with me, opined.
DHOOM has had one of the best initials in the recent times. The film was in the front seat this weekend. The teenage crowd has liked the film immensely, but one sorely misses a cohesive script while watching this flick.
As things stand today, the film will recover its investment and even yield profits, but a clearer picture on its expected business should emerge after its second weekend [weekend business is most important these days].
