Is it a mere coincidence? Or is the first week of January really jinxed as far as new releases are concerned?
Like previous 11 years, the first week of 2005 also didn't start on an optimistic note. The week witnessed the release of two medium-budget films - ROG and YEHI HAI ZINDAGI - and the opening day figures of the two films were enough to send its distributors into a state of gloom.
I am not including VAADA in the list of January 7 releases, for Vashu Bhagnani informs me that he had released the thriller on December 31 in one theatre of Kolkata [Pari cinema in Metiabruz]. So, technically speaking, VAADA was released on December 31, not January 7. Since the film did have a wide release on January 7, we'll throw light on its prospects in this article for sure.
JISM clicked. PAAP didn't. Pooja Bhatt and Shreya Creations' third baby ROG is the weakest of the lot. In terms of merits as also box-office takings. It doesn't come as a surprise that the cinegoers accorded a cold response to this supposedly hot film because ROG is marred by a apathetic script [Mahesh Bhatt] and substandard execution [Himanshu Brambhatt].
The failure of ROG also drives home the point that the audiences have had enough of skin-show and sleaze-fest in movies. First Mallika Sherawat [KIS KIS KI KISMAT], then Antra Mali [NAACH], later Diana Hayden [AB… BAS!] and now Ilene Hamann [ROG] failed to arouse the interest of the hoi polloi, despite the provocative posters/promos.
The second release, YEHI HAI ZINDAGI, was also greeted with near-empty halls. Besides low-key promotion, one of the key factors that went against it was its not-too-exciting star cast. In today's times, when the ticket prices at multiplexes are quite steep, the business shows an upward trend only if the film enjoys an all-round positive feedback.
Also, YEHI HAI ZINDAGI suffered because not many people were aware that the film has been released. Besides, the film had nothing fresh to offer!
And now VAADA…
Vashu Bhagnani can easily be referred to as one of the prolific film-makers of our times. Vashu not only believes in making quality cinema, but the passion with which he promotes his films make you respect him tremendously.
Like all Vashu Bhagnani films, VAADA was aggressively promoted prior to its release. And one did expect the terrific pre-release promotion to translate into an above average opening for the film. But, contrary to expectations, VAADA had a shaky, below-the-mark start at several centres.
The collections were steady at a few theatres of Mumbai till Monday, but Tuesday onwards, it slided downwards completely. A similar trend was noticed at other metros as well. At smaller centres, the verdict was crystal clear during the opening weekend itself.
All said, the first week of 2005 didn't do much for the film industry, but let's hope and pray that the two biggies [scheduled to open this week] - INSAN and ELAAN - do the trick!
