First weekend performance of latest release

Two medium budget films released last weekend: RAQEEB and EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL. On paper, it always seemed that RAQEEB had a better chance at the box office due to its better placed star cast in the world of Bollywood. On the other hand EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL wasn't a film with which there were many expectations to begin with.

As the release date came closer, the vibes about EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL started taking good shape while the Raj Kanwar-Tanushree dutta controversy too was expected to gain some revenues for the film. Also speculations were already in place (rightly so) that RAQEEB would work in single screen theatres while EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL would have its chances with the multiplex audience.

It was never expected that the two films would take anything above an average opening. The movies belonged to word of mouth variety. The same happened as EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL grew from strength to strength (across select multiplexes which accounted for the target audience) whereas RAQEEB struggled to find many takers. By the time weekend came to a close, the picture was clear that EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL would end up as a decent earner while RAQEEB would have to struggle a little to break even.

Not that RAQEEB wasn't made decently. In fact it has well been the surprise of the season since there were number of positive reviews for the film, something that wasn't much expected from a 'masala' flick like this. What also turned in favour for the film was that it boasted of a new plot that wasn't witnessed before. Surprisingly, the message wasn't passed on to the audience through promos and good product didn't result into serpentine queues. Each of the actors performed well with Sharman and Tanushree leading the bunch but that didn't quite translate into box office returns.

On the other hand EK CHALIS KI LAST LOCAL surprised in a big way as it turned out to be one of the most original films ever seen on the big screen, at least when it comes to Hindi cinema. A dark comedy, it has been a laugh riot experience with director Sanjay Khanduri exceeding expectations.

Each of the cast members, known or unknown, acted quite well but the film completely belongs to Abhay Deol who has been performing consistently since his SOCHA NA THA debut. The word of mouth is very positive which should take this reasonably priced film well past the safety mark.

Last week's movies

After the first show rumours of a 'flop' film, METRO has turned out to be a winner and shut up it's detractors with it's convincing collections. For a medium budget film released at select theatres across strategically identified show timings, METRO went on to earn in the excess of 6 crores! Now that's quite an achievement since the film has shown consistency over the days and has gone well into the second week too.

The film collected more than 30% of its collections from Mumbai which got it 2 crores. Delhi was good too at 70 lakhs while NCR accounted for 50 lakhs further, hence adding on the booty. Already in a state from where the film should be earning profits, this Anurag Basu film is aiming at being a clean hit.

GOOD BOY BAD BOY started well at the single screens but as the week came to a close, it exhausted itself to a good degree and had to contend with a 5 crore total. With no respite as it entered its second week, the film looks like a loosing preposition, though not by a huge degree. Mumbai wasn't impressive at all with only 75 lakhs coming in while Delhi too read a poor 40 lakhs.

From the past

YATRA is a washout all over as it came up with negligible second week collections to boost its first week collections of 25 lakhs. The film was out of theatres in a matter of a fortnight.

TA RA RUM PUM held on quite well in its third week too to net 5 crores more and hence bring it's total to 31 crore. Confirming once again that there was a mass campaign to pull down the movie even before the first show of the film commenced, TA RA RUM PUM is the second consecutive success of Siddharth Anand and puts him into the big league. Collecting 1 crore + in Mumbai and another 1 crore in Delhi, TRRP ensures that Saif Ali Khan has yet another good solo success to his name while Rani Mukherjee only adds on her repertoire.

Vaah...Kya Super Hit hai! 5 weeks after its release, BHEJA FRY is now a 7 crore + earner and still counting cash. Taking less than 40% fall, the film collected another 50 lakhs + and is now looking at its DVD arriving at the stands. Looking forward to more films by the cast and crew of this hilarious film!

NAMASTEY LONDON now sees it's collections on the lower side as it gets 15 lakhs more in it's 8th week. Near 37 crore mark, the film is now out on DVD and is registering bumper response. VIVAH meanwhile is consistent and refuses to step down with 7 lakhs more in.

In the future

Two completely distinct films, SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA and CHEENI KUM arrive this week. While former is a gritty action drama, latter is a feel good romantic comedy. There is decent buzz and hype for the two films and there is no reason why the two shouldn't open well. Looking safe, both the films have their own target audience and should do well at the box office.