'Ra. One' fights negativity, weekdays to decide it's fate

  • IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,November 01 2011]

Finally the day arrived that was being awaited with bated breath for last couple of years at the least. As an event, 'Ra.One' was pretty much akin to it's Hollywood counterpart 'Avatar' which had arrived last year after being in the making for a decade. It took 'Ra.One' half of that duration to be made but curiosity was manifold as it was a film on the top of everyone's mind on the eve of it's release.

As is known by now, fortunes for 'Ra.One' continued to fluctuate right through it's opening weekend. While the opening day was far lower than the record holder 'Bodyguard', it was still the highest ever for a Diwali release. On the other hand the second day, when audience were through with Diwali celebrations and arrived in huge numbers, was a record creator and brought the film back on the path of a huge success in the offering. Rest of the weekend - from Friday to Sunday - didn't see huge escalation in collections. However even stable numbers at least defied all the negativity coming the film's way, hence ensuring that first five days brought home over 80 crores at the box office.

Of course it is not a blockbuster in the making due to costs involved. Also, by no stretch of imagination would it now reach the 200 crores mark, something that seemed till the eve of film's release. However, it would still be the third highest grosser ever at the least, the position where 'Ready' sits currently at 120 crores. While that milestone would definitely be crossed by the time second weekend is through, all eyes are on whether 'Ra.One' would be able to surpass 140 crores milestone set by 'Bodyguard'. Now if at all that happens, it would be merely touch and go but not beyond that.

As for the other two releases of the week, 'Damadamm' has managed face saving collections at the least with over 2 crores coming at the end of first weekend. Though many wondered whether the film would manage to sustain at all in theatres due to 'Ra.One' euphoria, decent word of mouth and reviews coupled with support from those select few who saw the film ensured that 'Damadamm' continued to find some decent footfalls coming it's way. Made at a nominal budget, it could well turn into a fair earner if it manages to sustain itself for second weekend as well.

On the other hand 'Tell Me O Kkhuda' can't expect even that as it has turned out to be an all around disaster. With less than 1 crore coming over the weekend, the film lost out on critical acclaim, audience appreciation as well as industry support, hence fading away entirely with no spark whatsoever.