... And the debate continues!

Article Updated 04 June, 2005 11:07:13 AM IST

... And the debate continues!

Bollywood in 21st century has taken a very different turn, especially so in 2005. While practically every movie released this year has been accompanied by a controversy (you name it and you have it - 'Zeher', 'Kaal', 'Bose', 'JBSN', 'Nazar', 'Naina'), another interesting angle associated with most major releases this year are their box office results. As soon as a movie gets ready for its release, trade predictions by reputed journalists, trade magazines, portals, chat forums, self proclaimed soothsayers, numerologists and the common man on the street begin full throttle. One waits with bated breath for the first day reviews to be out and from then on starts widespread speculations about how the movie will fare in the long run. 'Page 3', 'Black', 'Kaal', and 'JBSN' - each of these movies that met with mixed results at the box office went through this 'trial-by-fire' phase for the first week. First came the weekend reports, then the crucial Monday reports (that actually decides the direction the movie is heading towards) and finally the complete week report. The fluctuations of predictions continue like a game of ping-pong until the movie enters its second weekend and the picture starts to become clearer.

Except for 'Page 3' and 'Black' that consolidated their position week after week with tremendous word of mouth, 90% of the movies released followed the typical trend as expected after the first 9 days of their release. 'Kisna', 'Bewafa', 'Lucky', 'Waqt', 'Kaal', 'KKHH', and 'JBSN' - none of these were exceptions, as the majority of predictions across various media channels were on the same page. So what has gone wrong with 'Bunty Aur Babli' this time around? Why are different sections of media divided over the box office status of the movie? Why are massive debates happening (yet again) around the true status of the movie's fate? Is it because on one side you have loyal Bachchan fans while on the other there are high expectations associated with a Yash Raj film?

BAB is probably one of the select few films in recent times where the clear cut status is not yet out despite the fact that one whole week has passed. While the media was divided from day one with reactions ranging from sure shot flop to another feather in cap for Yash Raj banner, the current scenario has a different story to tell. The verdict seems to be taking a middle of the road path that brings to light at least one positive aspect - no one seems to be running down BAB as the flop of the year anymore. Recovery of the entire investment is a foregone conclusion while the only debate left now is around the distance BAB can go. The collections have remained healthy throughout the week, at least in the multiplexes (and this is where the moolah lies!) with coming weekend bookings looking healthy as well. Overseas as well, the first four-day collections have been steady on the good side.

The million dollar question that strikes the mind is whether an average cinegoer is actually interested in knowing about a movie's status being above-average, hit, super hit or an all time blockbuster? Or the interest lies more towards hearing word of mouth on whether the movie is entertaining and engaging or not? It has to be the latter, because without that 'Page 3' and 'Black' would have been disasters. Also, 'Waqt' wouldn't have had its continued dream run at the box office. Not that BAB is being touted as the next big thing to have happened to Bollywood this year but the fact still remains that there is hardly a segment of audience that is calling the movie a trash. Feedback ranges from 'excellent' to 'different' to 'a good family entertainer' to at the least 'time pass'. That, in itself is a positive sign for the movie to have a decent run at the box office.

That shouldn't be difficult either as in the next 3 weeks, there are only two films that could potentially make impact BAB's collections. First to come is RGV's 'D' that should begin on an average note with chances of collections to pick up based on the movie's actual merits. Next week it could be Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Parineeta', but again it is not one of those movies that takes 80% plus initially and continue to make merry throughout the week. It should be an average starter, as in the beginning it may attract only niche audience, only to solidify its prospects at the box office with good word of mouth. 'Silsiilay', coming later this month is surprisingly the most 'thanda' product (with 'Jeena Sirf Merre Liye' coming close) from Vashu Bhagnani and until and unless the maker creates a buzz around SRK's presence in the movie, it hardly seems to have any chances at the box office.

The dark horse here could be Mallika-Rekha combo in 'Bachke Rehna Re Baba' that may just gallop away towards the winning post. With a glamour quotient and ample dose of comedy by Paresh Rawal and Satish Shah, BRRB too has a theme similar to BAB - a couple who are experts in 'conning' people. Is that a mere coincidence?

'Con' banega favorite 'con'? In a couple of weeks, that should be another interesting topic for the media.

...And the debate will continue!!

About the author: An IT guy by profession, 1977 born Joginder Tuteja loves to hear, see and write about Bollywood. Having watched more than 2000 movies in his short life span so far, he charms himself in hearing every music album and watching every movie that releases in Bollywood. He believes that there is no entertainment industry that can beat the Hindi movie industry. Completely fascinated by the moving images on the silver screen, he dabbles in writing and loves doing previews, reviews and features that appear on numerous websites and newspapers. Have a thought to share? You can contact him by clicking Here.

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