January is always a crucial month when it comes to film releases and box office performances with the first few releases setting the pace for the year ahead. This year setting the pace will be the Amitabh Bachchan - Farhan Akhtar starrer WAZIR which is the first release of 2016. While the film has managed to generate quite a bit of interest surrounding its rather dark story, not much promotion was evident in the run up to its release. Will WAZIR make an impact at the box office, or will it succumb to competition from last year's release BAJIRAO MASTANI is the question.
Reports suggest that, WAZIR which has received mixed reviews from the critics has opened on a sluggish note with the occupancy rate during morning shows being pegged at 30%. With little buzz surrounding the film, WAZIR faces an uphill task of enticing the audience to venture into theatres. On the other hand however, BAJIRAO MASTANI that is currently in its fourth week continues to hold strong with an occupancy rate of 35%.
On the whole, BAJIRAO MASTANI will pose stiff competition for WAZIR, while the other releases CHAURANGA and CHHOTA BHEEM (a film that caters to children) that feature a limited release pose no competition for either of the two. However WAZIR will have to rely on good word of mouth to post decent weekend figures.
