Tusshar, Prateik, Harman battle it out as six films vie for Lohri slot

  • IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,November 29 2011]

'Lohri' (Makar Sankranti) may be considered as a festival of song, dance and bonfire but come January and there may well be fire of a different kind at the box office. In an unprecedented turn of events, Bollywood is gearing up with as many as half a dozen films, each of which is aiming to release on Lohri. Though in the past Lohri has been considered to be one of the preferred days for Bollywood due to its auspicious nature, to have six completed films vying for the same date is simply unprecedented.

Yes, as of now 'Chaar Din Ki Chandni', 'Ek Deewana Tha' and 'Chaalis Chauraasi' are confirmed to arrive on 13th January. They have even announced their release plans. On the other hand 'It's My Life', 'Sadda Adda' and 'Staying Alive' have also expressed their desire to occupy the much coveted slot, informs a trade insider.

If this clash indeed happens, it would be nothing less than mayhem. While half of them may hardly get a slot or two to arrive, rest would have to struggle for the right screen space and show timings.

Amongst the six of them, 'Chaar Din Ki Chandni' should in all likelihood be the preferred option for the distributors as well as theatre owners. It is directed by Samir Karnik whose 'Yamla Pagla Deewana' had also released on Lohri last year and was a huge success. He may have Tusshar Kapoor instead of Deols this time around but since the film has a celebration feel to it, it goes well with the festive occasion, says a filmmaker.

On the other hand Prateik's 'Ek Deewana Tha' is a romantic musical and those connected to the film feel that it should manage to make it's presence felt.

'Chaar Din Ki Chandni' is not that big that multiplexes won't be able to accommodate one more film. Also, both films belong to different genre. Those who have had a dekko at the film feel that Prateik would finally manage a solo success for himself after a disastrous 'My Friend Pinto', says a source.

One wonders whether Harman Baweja would have see similar sentiments coming his way for the much delayed 'It's My Life'. On the other hand 'Chaalis Chauraasi' is a macho thriller and is trying to sneak in as well. While these films are still trying to fight it out amongst themselves, rest of the films like 'Sadda Adda' and 'Staying Alive' may well have to hunt for a more suitable slot. With 'Players' releasing a week before and 'Agneepath' and 'Tezz' releasing a fortnight later, it is but obvious that January would get mighty crowded.