By Hindustan Times
Akshay Kumar’s mainstream action flick Rowdy Rathore have been chosen by trade experts because the most awaited commercial film within the ongoing quarter. Though the discharge dates of some films is also reshuffled within the time to come, the industry is eagerly awaiting the spate of around 23 commercial in addition to offbeat films scheduled to hit the box office this summer.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “Approximately Rs. 250 to Rs. 300 crore is riding at the next crop of releases. Rowdy... is Akshay Kumar’s return to action and it’s being directed by Prabhudheva, famous for his Wanted (2009). That’s an excellent combination.” Siddharth Roy Kapoor, CEO, UTV Films agrees that from the impending line-up, he expects Akshay’s film to do the most efficient business. He says, “The distribution strategy remains to be being finalised, but we plan to release the film in 2,300 screens in India and shut to 400 screens abroad.” Made at an approximate budget of Rs. 40 crore, trade experts feel the film may cross the Rs. 100 crore mark. Industry pundit Amod Mehra adds, “This film, with its rural to metro appeal, may bring Akshay Kumar his biggest opening ever.”
The film also stands to realize because it’s the primary film to release (June 1) after the continued Indian Premier League (IPL) ends on May 28. Siddharth adds, “Not many films release through the IPL, so the audience’s appetite is whetted for a large film. The primary film after the IPL always sees an important response. You don’t need to take care of cricket anymore, so the evening shows also are not affected.”
Taran points out that Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur could also be being awaited enthusiastically, since the Dev D (2009) director promises so as to add masala to his new age cinema with this one. Then there’s the Arjun Kapoor – Parineeti Chopra vehicle Ishaqzaade, which reportedly cost Rs. 25 crore.
Trade expert Komal Nahta says, “Ishaqzaade’s songs are quite catchy and are doing well. I'M also waiting for Dibakar Banerjee’s Shanghai as a result of its combination of massy Emraan Hashmi and offbeat Abhay Deol coming together.” Dibakar is meant to have spent Rs. 30 crore at the production and promotions of the film.
Mehra makes a pitch for Ferrari Ki Sawaari, which he claims is being underestimated because it’s a low budget film. He says, “The incontrovertible fact that it’s from the Vinod Chopra Productions banner that made 3 Idiots (2010) and directed by Rajkumar Hirani’s assistant, Rajesh Mapuskar, might make it a kicker.” Sunil Punjabi, CEO, Cinemax says, “Since Ferrari... is releasing within the period right before schools reopen, it fits well within the fertile family slot. Expectations are huge from this one.”
