People’s Verdict

Jung off to promising start
After last week’s dull start to most new releases, the controversial film, Jung took off to a good start in the major circuits. Its opening response in East Punjab was terrific though its distributors released only 27 prints as against the promised 40. However, the film is yet to open in Bihar and Nepal, because the distributor on the circuit withdrew at the last minute. Though the producer was willing to give delivery of prints on a deferred payment basis, the Bihar distributor did not give a written commitment to this effect.

Bihar continues to be a problem territory for the producers. The distributors there seem to not only pull out of commitments at the last minute, but also withhold paying overflows to the producer, in case of profits.

Some good films are due in June and as in the previous year, June releases may well bring the hits the industry is so desperately waiting for.
Chal Mere Bhai

In Mumbai, the film registered 94 per cent in the first week but in Delhi, its collections were 74 per cent, 67.7 per cent in Ahmedabad, 48 per cent in Allahabad, 60 per cent in Vadodara, 89 per cent in Lucknow and 91 per cent in Jalgaon. The film has not done well in East Punjab.

Dahshat
The first week collections of the film in Mumbai came to 25 per cent from five cinemas in Mumbai, three of which were on fixed hire.

Gang
In Mumbai, the film has done a business of 24 per cent.

Hadh Kar Di Aapne
The Govinda starrer registered 40 per cent business in Mumbai in its fourth week, from 6 cinemas, three of which were on fixed hire.

Hera Pheri
From nine cinemas in its 6th week, it registered a collection of 58 per cent in Mumbai.

Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge
In its seventh week, the film collected 40 per cent from four cinemas while six other cinemas were on fixed hire.

Kaho Naa... Pyar Hai
The film has not picked up viewership, partly because of the rampant video and cable piracy all over the country. Its 17th week collections were poor at 55 per cent in Mumbai. Elsewhere too, it has done no better. Therefore, on the theatrical circuit the film seems unlikely to go beyond the 25 week barrier.

This week:
The major film opening this Friday is Tips’ Kya Kehna!, produced by Ramesh Taurani and directed by Kundan Shah. The film stars Saif Ali Khan, Chandrachur Singh and Preiti Zinta.

MSM Desai