The period after Diwali is going to be one that will keep trade experts on their toes. With the marquee of films that is going to release, the audience too is very excited about the same. Firstly, we will have Salman Khan's Prem Ratan Dhan Payo releasing on Diwali, which is November 12. Post that, the much-loved pair of Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor will scorch the screens on November 27 in Tamasha. The month of December will be an action-packed one with Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani reportedly clashing at the ticket windows. Here is what some industry people have to say...
Komal Nahta, trade analyst
The industry is very upbeat especially about the three biggies – Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani. All the three films are eagerly awaited by the audiences. I would say around Rs 400-500 crore is riding on these films. The budgets are like Prem Ratan Dhan Payo Rs 90 crore, Dilwale Rs 95 crore and Bajirao Mastani Rs 70-80 crore without marketing expenses.
Girish Wankhede, distributor
The mood is very upbeat. I feel Prem Ratan Dhan Payo will break every record. The film will touch Rs 300 crore. The prospects of Rohit Shetty’s SRK-Kajol-Varun Dhawan starrer are equally bright. Both these films should make Rs 300-350 crore. I am little doubtful about the opening of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani as it is clashing with Dilwale. It will affect the industry’s business. I feel a change of date will be better for the film and industry as a whole.
Akshaye Rathi, exhibitor
This last quarter of 2015 has the potential to be the highest grossing quarter in the history of Indian cinema. Just look at the line up of films, Tamasha, Shaandaar, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Bajirao Mastani, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and Dilwale, it is a highly interesting one. I feel the earnings from these four films Tamasha, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani will be around Rs 1,000 crore (net) in India only. The landing cost of Sooraj Barjatya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is around Rs 100 crore. They have made it quite cost-effective. The landing cost of Bajirao Mastani is also similar. Dilwale is also an expensive product. We know that Red Chillies is a very generous production house. The film has been shot in exotic locales with top class team. I feel that Prem Ratan Dhan Payo will make a minimum of Rs 300 crore at the box office. It is the only film that can break P.K’s record. Dilwale will also take a humongous opening. We know that Shah Rukh Khan is a marketing genius. As far as Bajirao Mastani goes, I feel every film succeeds on its merit and content. Dilwale might open at 4,000-5,000 screens but people who want to see Bajirao will see it irrespective of the situation. It is a very prestigious project for Eros and they are very convinced about it.
With these figures, Bollywood will witness glittering times ahead. Don't you agree? Post your thoughts in the comments section below!
