In the 1970s and 1980s, Hema Malini called the shots.
In the 1990s, Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit ruled the roost.
Now meet the new Big B. Her sterling act in PAA, ISHQIYA, NO ONE KILLED JESSICA, THE DIRTY PICTURE and KAHAANI makes Vidya Balan the most bankable actress in film firmament today. The name is synonymous with qualitative films. No leading lady from the current lot commands as much respect as Vidya, amongst moviegoers. Her choice of films, her choice of characters, her choice of directors [most of them, except Milan Luthria and Sujoy Ghosh, were relative newcomers] defies the set norms of the industry.
I reiterate, it's not the juicy bytes to TV channels or glam pics on Page 3 that contributes to a solid fan-base. Nor can anyone be adjudged the Numero Uno star on the basis of polls conducted by the media. It's the box-office that decides what your true ranking is. Vidya has been consistent in that respect. She's enjoying both -- critical acclaim and box-office success. Awards and box-office rewards. What more can an actor ask for?
Like last week's PAAN SINGH TOMAR, KAHAANI had a slow start at the ticket window. And like PAAN SINGH TOMAR, KAHAANI had a meteoric rise with each passing day. The film showed 50% jump at several centres on Saturday, while Sunday witnessed another big jump. With no major opposition this Friday, KAHAANI is expected to be the first choice of moviegoers in its second week as well. As you sow so shall you reap. It holds true for PAAN SINGH TOMAR as well as KAHAANI.
KAHAANI has not only won critical acclaim, but is also a commercial success. Let's have a look at its economics... Sold to Viacom18 for approx. Rs 11 cr, the studio spent another 7.5 cr on its P&A, taking the total cost to Rs 18.5 cr. The Satellite Rights and Music Rights have fetched Rs 8 cr. Hence, the Studio has to recover Rs 10.5 cr from India and Overseas theatrical and Home Video. At the rate KAHAANI is faring, the amount [Rs 10.5 cr] will be recovered in its first week itself, that too from India theatrical alone. The revenue from Overseas will only add to the kitty and so will be the revenue generated in its second week.
The second release of the week, CHAAR DIN KI CHANDNI, has been rejected at the ticket window. Despite being an escapist fare that caters to the hoi polloi, the movie never got the mandate from the paying public.
