Wishing SRK, Bhansali loads of luck

Wishing SRK, Bhansali loads of luck

How time flies! Diwali 2006 is still so fresh in my mind. The clash of the two mighty extravaganzas, DON and JAAN-E-MANN, the comparisons between the two films, the SRK versus Akshay/Salman 'battle' in the media… This year, SRK [OM SHANTI OM] is 'crossing swords' with Sanjay Leela Bhansali [SAAWARIYA]. On one side is the biggest star of the country. On the opponent's place, this year, is the biggest director of the country.

In a few hours from now, the results would be out. The reports, the prospects at the box-office, the opening show collections and audience feedback, the Day 1 outcome… the media will be covering it much more minutely than anything else in days to come, I'm sure.

From my side, I wish both SRK and Bhansali loads of luck. The two dream merchants have been marketing their respective movies with a vengeance and I salute their passion and determination to reach out to the common man. SRK is the best marketing brain in our industry, while Bhansali is ensuring that his discoveries aren't behind either. What passion!

Various theories are floating around vis--vis who'd win the battle royale. Reminds me of those stats that suddenly surface before an important political election is about to take place. Relax guys, take a chill pill. Irrespective of who wins at the box-office, I am dead sure that anyone and everyone who loves the magic of Hindi cinema would definitely watch both the films. Of course, it's physically impossible to watch two films simultaneously, so there would be preference 1 and then preference 2.

Funnily and strangely, over-enthu journos and self-proclaimed soothsayers are making it out to be a do-or-die match. It's not. There's no release in the subsequent week [16th October], so the two biggies have an additional week as bonus to reap as much as they can. It's only after the first two weeks that we'd know what the actual picture is.

Also, the word of mouth will be the deciding factor on Day 1. If the films are appreciated, the business will only zoom upwards. However, the advantage this weekend is, if you don't get tickets for one film, you'd saunter into the next cineplex, which means the two films would only stand to benefit in each other's company. In the end, I'd only say, let there be a tie. With so much at stake, any genuine industrywala would only wish loads of khushi for both SRK and Bhansali. Let there be light!