It was highlighted in this column last week that word of mouth for 'Talaash' was mixed which means 100 crore milestone was always going to be a challenge.

This was pretty much reflected through weekday collections that kept dipping with every passing day. Leave aside comparisons with Aamir's own biggies from the past that stayed mighty stable over the weekdays, even those films featuring other superstars that went on to be successful enjoyed a much better run and acceptance amongst the audience.

All said and done, the fact remains that much more was expected from 'Talaash' as a product and that didn't quite happen. This means that while the film has managed 68 crores for itself in it's first week (which by the way is a good number when looked in isolation), audience feedback has pretty much conveyed yet again that they are the final 'boss' and it is their verdict which is heard the loudest.

As things stand today, the film would just about reach the 90 crore mark and it would be interesting to see if the 92 crore total of 'Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara', which was released around a year and a half back, would be crossed.

While the film would still fetch a ‘hit’ tag for itself, it has also given many in the trade, industry and 'junta' to question Aamir's standing in Bollywood. ‘Premature’ is what I would term this as and also completely unwarranted. He was very good yet again in a role that actually could have done even without an actor of his calibre.

One 'Dhoom 3' followed by 'P.K.' would ensure that he would be able to swing masses as well as classes back his way all over again. Wait and watch for 2013!