This week, Hindi releases Gattu, Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baki Hai and Chalo Driver, lost the battle to Hollywood flick The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR). With many big Hollywood releases making a mark in India, TDKR has generated huge expectations and has released at 1,000-odd screens in India. Besides, with the Hindi releases flopping, tradewallahs believe the weekend will belong to TDRK as well as last week’s release Cocktail, which is still doing well.
In Mumbai, Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines says, “All the Hindi releases opened at a mere 5 per cent. The morning show belonged to TDKR, which opened at 85 per cent. It is a very good movie and I expect it to run house full by afternoon. Cocktail will enjoy a decent second week.”
In Delhi-UP too, TDKR is bringing the audience to cinemas by the drove. Sanjay Ghai of Mukta Arts says the film took an opening of 90 per cent in Delhi and the NCR belt. “The morning show started very well for TDKR and it will overshadow all the other films. It was a no-show for the Hindi releases, during the morning shows, at least. In comparison, Cocktail is still going strong.”
In West Bengal, Debashish Dey of Aum Moviez adds, “The Hindi releases are a washout. TDKR opened to 90 per cent almost everywhere in West Bengal. Cocktail enjoyed an impressive first week and started its second week on a positive note.”
Ravi Macchar of Sahyog Films from Nizam says, “TDKR opened to almost 50 per cent during the morning shows, which is very impressive for a territory like ours. By evening, I am expecting cinemas to have 70 per cent occupancy. The other releases took a nil opening here.”
In Assam too, TDKR is ruling ticket counters. “Chalo Driver and Gattu did not release in Assam and Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baki Hai failed to impress. The only multiplex in the vicinity is shut due to renovation. Hence, TDKR had limited shows in Assam. Based on its opening, the film will be allotted more shows,” says Siddharth Goenka of Goenka Enterprise.
In Mysore, B H Basha of Bahar Enterprises says, “The Hindi films didn’t receive a good opening in Mysore but TDKR stole the spotlight during the morning shows. The film opened to a 50-60 per cent response.”
In Orissa, Jeetu Khandelwal of Movie Pioneers reveals, “No Hindi films released in Orissa today. The only film that released was TDKR, which clocked an extraordinary opening of 70 per cent. Cocktail has also benefited as the other Hindi releases have flopped.”
