Fan to release in 3,000 screens in India

After 3.5 years, Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) is back with the studio largely responsible for his rise to stardom — Yash Raj Films (YRF), for the April 15 release Fan. Before this, Khan starred in YRF founder Yash Chopra’s swansong directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan in 2012 which went on to make more than Rs 100 crore at the box office.

Times have changed now however, and a Rs 100 crore collection figure is no longer a recipe or assurance of profitability. In this case, the movie will need to cross the double century mark, since the cost of production and marketing is around Rs 105 crore. In order to make profits, Fan will need to make more than Rs 210 crore.

Releasing in 3000 screens in India and 700 screens abroad, analysts believe that the film can make around Rs 8 to 20 crore on the first day, it being a bank holiday and summer vacation time at schools and colleges. However collections from the second day will depend on word of mouth and social media response. If all goes to plan, the film should be able to make around Rs 55-60 crore in the first weekend say trade pundits.

Suniel Wadhwa, independent distributor and box office analyst says, “SRK-YRF are teaming up forFan after Jab Tak Hain Jaan directed by Yash Chopra. Fan is the fourth film under banner of YRF which is being directed by Maneesh Sharma. The teaser and main trailer have attracted the audience and looks promising as it has already created a buzz among moviegoers and diehard SRK fans.” This will beShah Rukh Khan first thriller after Don 2 which released in 2011. Fans and audiences in general seem to be looking forward to seeing King Khan in a role that is not only romantic and/or slapstick.

Shaaminder Malik, an independent distributor and trade analyst for North India, however is sceptical of the film’s chances. “Being the solo release on a festival weekend, the film will get a decent opening. But beyond that, it is tricky. Barring one song, the music hasn’t really taken off. With The Jungle Book doing so well, the content offering of Fan will have to be very good to draw more audiences. Let’s wait and see how it goes.”Read More.

The Force is strong with this one

The new instalment in the Star Wars franchise comes a decade after the last film (Revenge of the Sith in 2005) and three decades after the original trilogy (Return of the Jediin 1983). Directed by J J Abrams - famous for his Star Trekmovies and TV show Lost - the film features Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, who also starred in the original trilogy. Besides, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley,John Boyega and Oscar Isaac appear in lead roles.

Ever since the prequels were released, the fans of the saga were divided into two segments: one for whom the original trilogy constitutes the franchise and the other that does not discriminate and loves all six films equally. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens hoped to please both segments.

The Force Awakens begins where Return of the Jedi left off, set 30 years after the events of the latter. The film features nostalgic elements synonymous with the franchise, such as lightsabers, Death Stars and the Skywalker family. However, for those new to the franchise, certain concepts need to be grasped: the Force, an energy that flows through all living beings, can be used for both good and bad and is measured through the number of midi-chlorians, a fictional microorganism, in one's body. There are two monastic orders in the cinematic universe - the Jedi (the light side) and the Sith (the dark side) - who are also at war with each other.

Box office may see Rs 400-cr collection as Bajirao clashes with Dilwale

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.