5 questions by Indicine readers answered by Film Critic and Trade Analyst Joginder Tuteja
Q. Is Ranbir in Top 3 now after the super success of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani? – Shruti
If one looks at the kind of reach he has managed to show with ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, it is tempting to place him in Top-3. However, there are so many other factors involved before an actor can consolidate his positioning amongst the bigwigs. While consistency is of course one major factor, it is also the kind of business that an actor brings to industry as a whole which makes him tower over anyone else. Fortunately for the industry, there are men in the Top 3 who have been doing quite well for more than 20 years with their current run being terrific. Ranbir is doing quite well but would have to wait for the crown.
Q. What would be the opening of Chennai Express and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara? – Rizwan Khan
With the clash being prevented and both films arriving on a holiday, sky is the limit for both films to open exceedingly well. It is still early days to put a number against the opening day or weekend though since only theatrical promos are out yet and songs are yet to be unveiled, except for a bit or two. It can be safely said though that Eid record of ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ (33 crores) would be most definitely challenged by Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Chennai Express’. As for ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara’, it would be the second best opening ever for a film released on the Independence Day (last being ‘Ek Tha Tiger’ itself).
Q. How is the response to Satyagraha teaser? – Nakul
It has been ordinary. Since the entire revolution angle, which is (currently) the USP of the film has died down (post Anna Hazare’s disappearance), need of the hour is to bring in newer angles to the film’s promotion. These are still early days though and it is possible to bring a huge turnaround since there are quite a few strong pillars (Prakash Jha, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Manoj Bajpai, Arjun Rampal) that the film enjoys. Once the theatrical promo is unveiled, there could be a huge perception change in the offering.
Q. Is Aditya Roy Kapur in big league now? Especially since he has been signed by YRF? – Kavitha
These are early days to make any such declarations. Yes, he has obviously taken huge strands from the ‘supporting actor’ tag that he had against his name since his ‘London Dreams’, ‘Action Replayy’ and ‘Guzaarish’ days. Blockbuster success of (particularly) ‘Aashiqui 2’ and (bonus) ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ has brought to him the kind of recognition that is truly well deserving. In fact Yash Raj signing him for a film is an icing on the cake. Now if he manages to score a success in that and also bags at least two or three more solo hero films, he would indeed be in the big league.
Q. I just heard that Roshans have moved Krrish 3 to 4th Nov as it is Diwali on 3rd. Will that help the movie? – Zubeir
First and foremost the final release date of ‘Krrish 3’ is not yet decided. It is all hearsay and Roshans are yet to close on one. Releasing the film on Diwali i.e. 3rd November is definitely not a good move. Though the film will still enjoy the best Diwali day ever, it would not be a record making day by any distance. In the times when so much business is driven based on screaming headlines around ‘Best Day’, ‘Best weekend’, ‘Best holiday release opening’ etc., it would be sacrilege for a biggie like ‘Krrish 3’ to aim for anything lesser. The film should release on either 4th November or even better, on Friday i.e. 8th November.