Box Office

Electrifying start to Phir Bhi Dil..., too
As predicted, last week in this column, Rakesh Roshan’s Kaho Naa.. Pyaar Hai has done bumper business, considering its collections in the first week and the overwhelming public response. Trade circles believe that the great initial response to the film may have prompted the attack, by extortionists, on Rakesh Roshan last Friday.

Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s maiden production, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani has also had a 100 per cent opening on the first day. The trade, understandably, is enthused by the fact that these films have at least had good initials. No doubt these big budget films got the benefit of bumper publicity. But it seems unfair to attribute their success to the hype alone. Both Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani are soft romances, which today’s audience seems to have a soft corner for. And the fact that there are no ‘big’ releases in store in the coming week, augurs well for both. So chances are, the near perfect collections may continue into the coming week as well.

Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai:

The film has done a bumper business in all territories. Its first week collections came to 99.81 per cent in Mumbai, 86 per cent in Delhi and 90 per cent in Lucknow. Even on the 8th day, its collections in Mumbai stood at a creditable 98.44 per cent, which, perhaps, proves the film promises to do brisk business.

Mela:
In its second week, the Aamir Khan starrer collected 80 per cent in Mumbai. But it hasn’t done as well at other centres, netting a weak 47 per cent in Delhi and an ordinary 70 per cent in Allahabad.

Bulundi:
The film has been a flop at nearly all centres. Its second week collections came down to 54 per cent in Mumbai and a meagre 25 per cent in Delhi. Chances of the film’s fortunes picking up in the third week appear slim.

Jaanwar:
The Akshay Kumar starrer did 56 per cent business in the third week in Mumbai, but trade reports suggest the film is doing fantastic business in the interiors, not only in Maharashtra but also in Gujarat, and the Northern and Eastern circuits.

Mere Agosh Mein was released in Mumbai last Friday. As also was Blue Streak (dubbed).

This week:
Due for release this Friday are Johanbai Palace and Aatank Raaj.

Pukaar is scheduled for release on Febrary 4. So also is Agni Putra.

MSM Desai