This Friday, the audience was treated to three diverse releases -- GORI TERE PYAR MEIN! [GTPM], SINGH SAAB THE GREAT [SSTG] and LAST VEGAS. It was the second time pairing of both Imran and Kareena -- in Dharma Productions' film once again. GTPM was expected to fetch a wonderful start at plexes, while the Sunny Deol starrer SSTG was projected to fare well in Northern circuits/heartland. After all, Sunny was teaming up with Anil Sharma [the duo had delivered one of the biggest hits of Indian cinema in GADAR - EK PREM KATHA, more than a decade ago].
In the current scenario, when anyone and everyone in the film fraternity is known by his/her last film, everyone who had a release this Friday certainly had a point to prove, post their last debacle. Imran desperately needed a hit, post the poor BO performances of MATRU KI BIJLEE KA MANDOLA and ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA!. Another comeback in an effort to resurrect lost fame was made by director Anil Sharma, returning three years after his Salman Khan starrer VEER failed at the ticket window. At the same time, Sunny Deol too needed a Hit with SSTG, post the debacle of his last release YAMLA PAGLA DEEWANA-2, a few months ago.
Both, GTPM and SSTG are targeted at different set of audiences and received ample screen space at cinemas. GTPM, which targeted the multiplex-driven audiences, released across 1560 screens [1250 in India and 310 internationally]. SSTG, targeted at North Indian audience and single screens, witnessed a slightly wider release in 2120 screens [1970 in India and 150 internationally]. However, the massive number of screens failed to give the two films the much needed flying start. Although SSTG managed decent biz in Northern territories and mass-dominated circuits, the biz of GTPM was simply dismal, with the film garnering shockingly low figures over the weekend, although it did pick up marginally on Saturday and Sunday.
As expected, GOLIYON KI RAASLEELA RAM-LEELA, now in its second week, continues to rule the roost, faring much better than the new releases. With strong audience reception all through its first week, GOLIYON KI RAASLEELA RAM-LEELA ate into the biz of both GTPM and SSTG in several circuits. At the rate it is faring, GOLIYON KI RAASLEELA RAM-LEELA is expected to touch the Rs. 100 crore mark at the domestic BO.
In the meantime, both SSTG and GTPM have only a week to add to the kitty, since another biggie, Tigmanshu Dhulia's Saif Ali Khan starrer BULLETT RAJA, is expected to grab the attention of moviegoers.
