Bollywood brags of interesting number of hits despite losses
Despite losses, half way through the year, Bollywood can still brag of an interesting number of hits
The promising success of the two most recent releases at the BO has brought smiles not only to their producers, but has also heralded a wave of optimistic cheer in Bollywood.
With the cricket fever and the examination season taking a heavy toll on the BO collections, the industry suffered losses close to Rs 150 crores, say trade analysts. Of the near 47 theatrical releases in the first half, about 11 have been declared hits, while only one, Salman Khan-starrer Ready has been tagged a superhit.
“It was a bad season for Bollywood, but in comparison to the previous years, I would say it was a good first half with some interesting films during the period. The industry was well-aware that with cricket reigning for as long as three months and then the exam periods in between too, the films would suffer, so this much loss was expected,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, adding that the year began on a good note with the films No One Killed Jessica, Yamla Pagla Deewana and Tanu Weds Manu being declared hits in the first two months itself.
Trade analyst Amod Mehra points out, “The losses would’ve been higher had more big budget films been released and not done well,” he explains adding, “Most films that released didn’t stand a chance had they released alongside the biggies in the second half of the year, so it made sense to release them then even if it was cricket season.”
But despite the disappointing collections in the first half, trade analysts say that the out-of-the-box films like Shor, Dhobhi Ghaat, No One…, and even horror flicks the 3D Haunted and Ragini MMS kept the audiences interested.
All hopes are now rivetted on the second half, as the industrywallahs are gearing up to rake in the moolah. “The second half has begun on a good note with Delhi Belly doing exceptionally well and Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap doing decent business too,” informs Amod.
And things will hopefully only get better with all the biggies lined up one after another. “Yes, the interesting phase will begin now and hopefully will make up for the dismal first half too,” they share on an optimistic note. “Yes the industry has it’s fingers crossed,” says Taran.