With Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani releasing simultaneously on pre-Christmas weekend, Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are set for a major box office clash. But this is not the first time one of India’s top actors and one of India’s finest directors are fighting it out on the big screen.
In 2007, Khan’s Om Shanti Om, a reincarnation drama with all the trappings of a masala flick, trounced Bhansali’sSaawariya, an interpretation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s White Nights. With Rs 90-crore business, OSO became one of the year’s highest-grossing movies. On the other hand, Saawariya failed to recover money.
While history seems to be in favour of King Khan, no one can rule out Bhansali who has directed blockbusters likeDevdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Both the movies have been mounted on Rs 100-crore-plus budget and both sides have put up unprecedented marketing campaigns, leading to a nail-biting contest.
Analysts believe both the films have what it takes to be a top-grosser in Bollywood. However, Dilwale seems to have an upper hand on the opening day. “It seems very safe to assume that Dilwale will top (Bajirao Mastani) as it offers wholesome entertainment for the masses. Bajirao may appeal more to the urban audience,” said Suniel Wadhwa, an independent distributor and box office analyst.
No comments:
Post a Comment