4 Fridays, 18 releases in Bollywood

Four Fridays: 18 releases! That’s what’s on offer at the BO in the coming few days, starting this week and the cinema-goers can be expected to be spoilt for choice.

The months following Eid in the second half of the year is what’s now considered a ripe period in the industry, when most films line up for release.

And while the first half was ruled by cricket seasons and examinations, the second half is all about bumper releases, in quantity at least. And interestingly, one Friday (September 30) will have as many as seven releases, one of the highest releases on a day this year.

And while films ready to lock horns at the BO, it’s promising to be quite a treat for cinema-goers with the variety being offered too. According to trade analysts, so many films being released together will definitely eat into each other’s business, but feel that it’s something that just couldn’t be avoided.

“It would not have been a wise decision to release films in the first half of this year, as it was predominantly cricket based. Naturally, it’s a risk releasing so many films together now, but a better one in comparison,” explains trade analyst Komal Nahta.

“Besides, the mix is rather interesting, with small budget flicks being released alongside biggies and mainstream cinema jostling for space with zara hatke stuff,” adds analyst Taran Adarsh. “Also the competition will only get fiercer towards year end, with Ra.One, The Dirty Picture, Rockstar, Don 2, so it’s in fact, wise to release films in this period, when essentially there’s only one main biggie releasing on an average,” adds Nahta.

A senior distributor however feels that most of the films will do predictable business, even if they were solo releases. “It’s easy to spot the winners. Of course, there’re bound to be surprises too, but that’s the name of the game,” said the film veteran, adding, “Good films will always find takers.”