August 15,1975: the day Hindi cinema changed forever!
Yes, that was the day that the monumental classic SHOLAY released. Ever since it's release, there have been many films that have made reference or paid tribute to this Historic All-Time Blockbuster.
From the looks of it, there appears to be another tribute to the film coming this Friday on Valentines Day. Because, it seems that GUNDAY is designed as a modern-day SHOLAY!
Yash Raj Films is the biggest film production house in India when it comes to Hindi cinema. There is no doubt in that. After all, Yash Raj Films have delivered many classics throughout the years that have remained etched in the minds of the viewers. Of course, a great part of that was due to the late great Yash Chopra, but many other directors have also helped build YRF to the level that it is today.
When one thinks of Yash Raj Films, many films come to their mind: DEEWAR, KABHI KABHIE, CHANDNI, SILSILA, DDLJ, DARR, DIL TOH PAAGAL HAI, VEER ZAARA, MOHABATTEIN, RNBDJ, The DHOOM series, CHAK DE INDIA...the list is endless!
Everyone knows that for many years, Shah Rukh Khan has been the favourite of Yash Raj Films. But lately, it seems as if they are grooming two other stars...Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. For both of these stars, GUNDAY is their third film with YRF!
GUNDAY has many factors in it's favor: Ranveer Singh on-screen after the 100 crore Hit RAM LEELA, and after delivering highly acclaimed performances in both RAM LEELA and LOOTERA. Arjun Kapoor, who's ISHAQZAADE is still remembered by many, being paired with Ranveer Singh. Priyanka Chopra coming after the huge Blockbuster KRRISH 3. Irrfan Khan, who's acting is loved by tons of people. Director Ali Abbas Zafar after directing Hit film MERE BROTHER KI DHULAN. A Well-loved theatrical trailer. Hit songs. Similarities to Historic All-Time Blockbuster SHOLAY. Yash Raj Films after one of the biggest Blockbusters of Hindi Cinema and India's current highest grosser ever of Hindi cinema: DHOOM 3.
With SO many positive factors, there is no doubt that GUNDAY will be a huge hit!
The film will take a terrific opening this Friday, due to the above mentioned factors. Also, this Friday is Valentines Day, which will give further boost to business. The youth plays a major factor on opening day Friday collections, and with Friday being Valentines Day, there are young couples who would decide to give school/work a miss to watch GUNDAY. Also, this Friday is Guru Ravidas birthday which means that there will be a holiday for at least some of the people that live in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, thus providing opportunity of further boost to collections on Friday.
I feel that the opening will be strong at both multiplexes and single screens, with single screens faring better. Also, I think the opening will be best in Mumbai circuit and mass-dominated areas such as Rajasthan.
After the opening weekend, I feel that the film will sustain at the box office as I feel the film will be appreciated hugely by the masses and perhaps by the classes as well. In the coming weeks, there is competition for GUNDAY in the form of HIGHWAY and SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS, but both of those films are multiplex films which would allow GUNDAY to continue a rock-solid run at single screens.
My Box Office Predictions for GUNDAY:
Opening Day: 15+ crores net
Opening Weekend: 45+ crores net
Lifetime Collections: 130+ crores net
Overall Box Office Verdict: Super Hit
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Jodha Akbar
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