DOTCOM ON FILMI FUNDA
DISTRIBUTOR-exhibitor Nandu Bohra is all set to open a big portal on films soon under the banner of Filmi Funda, which will provide information on everything about film production, distribution and exhibition sectors as well as details about the marketing of films in the overseas market. “Unlike other dotcoms, Filmi Funda will be like a text book on films, advising newcomers how to invest money in film production, how to make viable theatres and how and where to obtain equipment for projection and sound systems, the infrastructure available for production of films and updating of day to day information on box-office collections of films. He is also negotiating with some top names to be associated with the new company with a view to make it the largest portal on the film industry.

A GLADDENING SIGHT
MUMBAI circuit distributor Balkrishna Shroff is so happy to see the big crowds outside Minerva Theatre on the opening day of Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa, that he feels it will be a hit. “It has had 100 per cent collections in every theatre in the circuit. It looks like it is going to be a big hit,” he says.

Santosh Singh Jain, distributor for films in Central India, adds that the mood in distribution circles is upbeat, following the warm reception the film got. “Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa has taken a good initial everywhere. Though the film has been sold at a high price, in the range of Rs 2 crore, it should be a ‘plus’ film if it maintains the same opening collections through the coming days. Dhadkan has also done very well all over. However, Deewane has not,” he added.

NEWS FROM ELSEWHERE
REPORTS reaching Mumbai from other centres regarding the box-office performance of films indicate that most films have not done as well as in Mumbai. Tera Jadoo... has not been upto the mark in the Punjab circuit. All exhibitors in Punjab appear certain to lose the minimum guarantee amount owing to the poor response.

The response to the film in Bihar is not satisfactory either, with the audience hooting at some of the scenes. The film was not released in Karnataka with cinemas remaining closed as a protest against Rajkumar’s abduction by sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.

Dhadkan on the other hand is a hit in Punjab and Bihar. But in Andhra, both Deewane and Dhadkan have not done well.

A MINI TREND
ATTRIBUTE it to the audience becoming broad-minded, if you like. Or call it a mere coincidence. A mini trend seems to be emerging now. Gone are the days when reforming a prostitute by marrying her was considered a daring subject. In the new era, heros accept rape victims as spouses. Kya Kehna had an uncommon subject dealing with the hero accepting the heroine even after knowing that the child she had was born out of rape.

Another film, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, opening this Friday, also deals with a similar subject. The hero accepts the heroine who had two children by a rapist.

DELAYING THE INEVITABLE
POPATBHAI of VK Enterprises regrets that the government of Maharashtra is delaying its decision on multiplexes. Gujarat is far ahead with five more multiplexes coming up soon, thanks to the five-year tax holiday announced for multiplexes. “Maharashtra is yet to announce its policy. This has affected the new multiplex which was to come up in Boisar in Thane district. It has three cinemas and the structure is ready. But the owners are waiting for the government to announce the policy. Boisar is a rich industrial belt with many factories and Tarapore Power Station. Another multiplex in Vashi opened recently, after the exhibitor waited for six months for the government’s policy, and was fed up of waiting. The government is dilly-dallying only because by announcing the policy on multiplexes it will not stand to gain anything. How sad it is,” he says.

TAIL PIECE
THE tenants association of Mumbai’s Naaz Building, home to most trade outfits, has decided not to allow film posters being pasted on the walls, along the staircase and corridors of the building, which have given the premises an ugly look.

MSM Desai

TOP