Trade pundits give their opinion on the response to BhoothnathAs compared to the last few years, the first quarter of this year in Bollywood has shown a pretty dismal picture. Not only have there been limited releases but also very limited hits.
Until March 2008, only Jodhaa Akbar and Race could make a mark. Everyone was anxiously waiting with bated breath for the release of Tashan to break the jinx, but the super flop of the Yash Raj biggie has made matters worse.
Also, in the vacation period, barring BR Chopra's Bhoothnath there is not a single film with a big star cast that can draw the viewers to the theatres. All are now anxiously awaiting the release of Bhoothnath, which is scheduled for a May 9 release.
A few reasons why the audiences are waiting for Bhoothnath are: the summer vacations; a film from the makers of Baghban and Baabul and the fact that Amitabh and Shah Rukh are coming together again after Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, the controversy apart.
Film journalist and critic, Abhijit Mhamunkar feels, "With all its promos specifically targeting kids, Bhoothnath has indeed managed to generate a good interest amongst the bachcha company, which is for long thirsty for a good entertaining film aimed at them. Amitabh Bachchan in a comic role after a long time coupled with some really good special effects in the film may also bring in a lot of footfalls."
"SRK's special appearance is an added bonus. With Tashan proving a dud and nothing else exciting to compete with Bhoothnath, the Bachchan-starrer might prove to be a winner this summer," he adds.
Trade pundit Vinod Mirani is of the opinion, "If the film is interesting and not very lengthy then it should do well. The plus point is, Amitji is very popular with the children. You can't judge the film with the promos because the promos are made by one person and the film is made by another."
Manoj Desai of the G-7 Complex in Mumbai says, "Tashan has given us a bad example. What can we say about Bhoothnath? Let's wait and hope this film brings us good luck."
Trade analyst Atul Mohan says, "It's a vacation period and the banner is also big. If Taare Zameen Par could run, I think Bhoothnath will do so too. Plus, Big B and SRK both are there. Let's hope the film will do a good business."
J Popat, GM of the late NN Sippy's Janata Films Distributors, says, "The minus point of Bhoothnath is it's a solo star film. SRK is just doing a cameo. The promos are also not up to the mark as expected from the house of BR Films."
After seeing the most awful response to Tashan, which is from a banner like Yash Raj and a big star cast like Akshay, Saif, Anil and Kareena, I don't think Bhoothnath will get a good opening. The promos of Tashan were better than Bhoothnath and you can see the response," he added in a practical tone.
As for a comparison, the promotions of U Me Aur Hum and Krazzy 4 were far better but than Bhoothnath, but the movies still didn't fare well at the box-office.
There are two more factors, which might kill the collections of Bhoothnath – first is the IPL series and second, SRK's show Paanchvi Pass. But the plus point are the summer holidays.
Jhonny Vaz
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