By Hindustan Times
Mumbai, April 6 -- Bollywood's usually lack-lustre first quarter has ended on a surprise high in 2012 with Kahaani emerging because the biggest earner with net collections of R55.50 crore on an investment of R5 crore. "It currently ranks No. 5 at the IMDB box-office list of all-time biggest grossers," says the film's director Sujoy Ghosh, attributing its entice the worldwide format that has worked with the audience that may be more exposed to world cinema today.
Kahaani, however, Sujoy admits, is everything a commercial Bollywood film should not be. It has no big names except Vidya Balan. It has come during, what's traditionally considered an infertile period with exams keeping young audiences away. And this can be a thriller, which typically doesn't lure in crowds for second viewing because the mystery was revealed.
But its success has busted some popular trade myths and superstitions, says Sunil Punjabi, CEO, Cinemax. "It continues to accomplish in its fourth week, breaking records around the country. In some theatres, it's getting much more footfalls than Ready (2011)."
Agneepath has also made it to the hit list way to a powerful opening. Its sustaining power has helped it gross R125 crore so far. "Karan Johar (producer) has proved that you just need not remake hits. You'll remake flops and by ensuring you do not repeat the shortcomings, you can also make a blockbuster out of a debacle," points out trade analyst Komal Nahta.
The selection of hits in this three-month period has not been too high, but three films Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (EMAET), Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya and Paan Singh Tomar have managed to spring some pleasant surprises. Says Gaurav Verma, VP, India theatrical distribution, UTV, "Paan Singh Tomar, which was made on the cheap of R4.50 crore with an extra R3.50 crore spent on print and publicity has, to date, done a business of R20 crore on theatricals. EMAET has grossed R53 crore so far". Says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "IT HAS BEEN good with these types of three films; the 2 major setbacks being Players and Agent Vinod."
Hollywood too hasn't had a really perfect run thus far with only The Artist from the Oscar list finding some takers among film connoisseurs. But there is a lot to appear forward to with big franchises just like the Men In Black, Spider-man, Bond and Total Recall at the way. Meanwhile, it's still Kahaani spinning a brand new box-office story and, as Sujoy puts it, proving that content is not only king, but queen too!
