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Although an author of novels, Chetan Bhagat has managed to make a big impact in Bollywood. His best-selling novel The 3 Mistakes of My Life was the influence in making one of 2013's Hit films KAI PO CHE. Of course, the biggest impact though was through his other best-selling novel Five Point Someone, which influenced the creation of 3 IDIOTS which remains one of the biggest Blockbusters of Hindi cinema.
Now, this Friday, there comes yet another film influenced by the author! This time, the novel and the film are of the same name: 2 STATES.
The film 2 STATES has generated curiosity for a long time now. Initially, the film was rumoured to have Shah Rukh Khan as the lead actor in the film, Then, Ranbir Kapoor's name was rumored. Finally though, it was announced that Arjun Kapoor would play the lead hero, while Alia Bhatt would be the heroine. Furthermore, the film is being produced by big names like Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala, further adding to the hype!
Will 2 STATES live up to the hype that has been created?
The theatrical trailer of the film was released in February. To be honest, when I saw the trailer, it was different than what I thought it would be like. After hearing the original big names rumoured to be in the film and looking at the canvas, I thought that the film would give a feeling of being a huge film. Instead, it seemed like another Dharma rom-com. It doesn't seem to have bothered the public though, as the trailer has received a good response, which does work in favor of the film. Some of the songs have been appreciated too.
The film being an adaptation of a bestselling novel is a plus point as long as director Abhishek Varman is able to translate it well on screen. There is always a risk of that going wrong, especially as the director is new.
The supporting actors have gotten praise from the film and judging from the reaction of people who have seen the trailer, it seems that they may be scene-stealers in the film, with Amrita Singh in particular getting a lot of praise.
There is a kiss scene in the film between Arjun Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, which has been publicized. Although this may draw more interest from the youth, it could keep the family audience away.
The film will very likely do it's best business in North and South India as the film's leading characters are represented by the two different sections with Arjun Kapoor being from the North and Alia Bhatt being from the South. One thing that must be noted though is that in North India (especially in Punjab) there is a film that was released last week called DISCO SINGH that is doing terrific business there and if it continues it's run, it could put a dent on the business of 2 STATES in North India.
The film should have a decent opening day for a film starring two lead actors who are still fairly new as the film has built solid hype with it being an adaptation of 2 States novel, Arjun-Alia pairing with Arjun coming off of GUNDAY (huge opening) and Alia coming off of HIGHWAY (she got a lot of appreciation for her performance), the trailer/songs getting some appreciation, and with it being produced by big names like Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala. There is also Good Friday holiday this week which will help the opening day collections further.
What could dent the opening collection of the film in metros though is two Hollywood releases coming this Friday as well: TARZAN 3D and TRANSCENDENCE (starring Johnny Depp). Also, as mentioned before, if DISCO SINGH continues it's great run in North (especially Punjab), it will also dent the opening collection of 2 STATES.
Given that the film is an urban rom-com aimed at the youth, the opening and the lifetime run of the film at the box office will be a lot better at multiplexes in big cities where I think the film will perform well. At smaller centres, mass-dominated areas, and single screens, I don't think the film will work as this is an urban film, has an English title, lacks massy ingredients and has two leading stars who may not be able to pull audience to the theatres yet on the basis of face value at single screens.
I think that the film's WOM will lean more towards the positive side, but nothing outstanding though.
My Box Office Predictions for 2 STATES:
Opening Day: 6 crores net
Opening Weekend: 20+ crores net
Lifetime Collections: 45+ crores net
Overall Box Office Verdict: Semi Hit
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