By Hindustan Times
This year, he has delivered two back-to-back blockbusters — Housefull 2 and Rowdy Rathore (RR). And though Akshay Kumar waltzed into the Rs.100-crore club with these two films, the bar’s been set low for his next, Joker.
The film have been sold for a trifling Rs.40 crore to distributors UTV Films. And with an important a part of the money already recovered through satellite and overseas rights, they should make just a little more from the theatre collections to make profits. UTV partnered with Akshay to supply RR, and this appears to be the actor’s way of unveiling gratitude. Joker is produced by Akshay’s Hari Om Entertainment along with.
Three’s Company (owned by Farah Khan and Shirish Kunder), and made on the cheap that’s reportedly between Rs.35 to Rs.40 crore. So, the film has essentially been sold to UTV at par. “Since Joker will attract the youngsters (the tale involves aliens and has numerous special effects), the film is certain to do well. With quite a lot of buzz around it already, the distribution company shouldn’t have any problems recovering the money,” says a source with regards to the film.
However, even before its release, the film is thought to have made around Rs.30 crore from different avenues, including satellite, home video and overseas rights. Insiders believe that satellite rights alone brought in around Rs.25 crore. “UTV has to make just a fraction of the money from theatrical revenues. And Akshay is excited because he doesn’t want anyone to lose money on Joker,” adds the source.
Insiders feel that the move was in order for Joker doesn’t need to make Rs.100 crore to become a blockbuster. “Since it's been sold for around Rs.40 crore, it may possibly become a large hit,” informs the source.Joker also features the similar lead pair as RR, that of Akshay and Sonkashi Sinha. “We are happy if people like our pair,” says Akshay, adding, “Joker is a distinct film because it deals with completely new genre.” The film have been directed by Shirish.
