Features
Let The Tamasha Begin
In just 34 days, we will be treated to the worldwide release of one of the biggest entertainers of the year - Tamasha releasing on November 27, two weeks after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (PRDP). Distributors across India analyse the chances of the Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone starrer hitting the bull's eye. All gung-ho about the movie, they point out that Sajid Nadiadwala is backing the film and that this is a youthful film, which might also turn around Kapoor's dull phase. Add to this the music of AR Rahman and the film's lead actress Deepika Padukone, who is in the best phase of her career, and things look even brighter for this Imtiaz Ali-directed film, in most Indian territories.
Obviously, the USP of this film is the presence of three personalities - director Imtiaz Ali, and lead actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, in various combinations such as Imtiaz Ali-Deepika Padukone; Imtiaz Ali-Ranbir Kapoor; Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Paduone; or Imtiaz Ali with Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.
Well, it was epic enough for us, at Box Office India, to make Tamasha the second article in this new section of our magazine, where we offer distributors from across territories an opportunity to share what they think of a film well before its release.
A platform like this could serve as an eye-opener for filmmakers, who will have a barometer to test the waters well before their film's outing. Depending on the response from the trade, they could tweak their movie or alter their marketing strategy, if necessary, so that they can give it their best shot while attempting to rewrite box-office history.
PS: Here's wishing the extraordinary trio of Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor and Imtiaz Ali all the very best and that they make the audience fall in love with them once again while creating a new milestone at the box office.
But first, a disclaimer. There are still six weeks to go before Tamasha releases, and the views expressed in this column reflect the momentum of the film at present.
Rajesh Thadani, Mumbai
The release options of Tamasha are limited as it comes two weeks after PRDP. This means there will be a major Salman Khan hangover. If Tamasha works, everything will change for Ranbir but, right now, there isn't much hype. One of the plus points of this film is the music of Rahman, which is always a hit.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
Gaurav Ruparel, Gujarat
The key factor for Tamasha is the timing of its release. PRDP is releasing when everybody is in the mood to spend lavishly. Diwali bonuses mean people will not hesitate to fork out for tickets of this Salman Khan movie. Then, on November 20, a week after PRDP, there is Spectre, a Bond film, and that too always finds takers. By the time Tamasha hits cinemas, movie-goers will think twice before spending on tickets. It will be a feat if Tamasha even gets past its first weekend.
Unfortunately, even if is a good film, it will go unnoticed due to the timing of its release. It does not look as promising as Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani did, which also starred Deepika and Ranbir. Tamasha will be followed by Dilwale and Bajirao Mastani in December and people will budget for spending on these two films as one is a Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer and the other a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. If you look at the numbers in the last 15 years, films releasing just after Diwali have never done well and that will apply to Tamasha.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
Brijesh Tandon, Delhi-UP
I think two weeks is sufficient for the PRDP buzz to subside, so Tamasha will not be impacted by that film. Ranbir's films might not have done well but he is a great actor and I think with this film he will be a hit again. Nadiadwala and Imtiaz are big names, and as an actress, Deepika has great value as she doesn't do measly roles. Nowadays, even the best films usually run for only two weeks or so.
Prediction:
First weekend: '6 crore in Delhi-UP
Jaspal Dhingra, East Punjab
Tamasha could face some roadblocks as it is releasing only two weeks after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, which has turned into a huge film even before its release. But I believe that Imtiaz Ali is an excellent director and Ranbir Kapoor's flops in the past will not matter. If this film becomes a hit, Ranbir will be back in the reckoning. The film will definitely hit a six. The power of the youth cannot be ruled out. Look at the huge success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (PKP2). The same youth factor will kick in for Tamasha. Deepika Padukone is the biggest asset Tamasha has and audiences will spend money to watch her perform on the big screen. Imtiaz Ali-Ranbir's Rockstar was experimental but Tamasha is a formulaic film so it will take a good opening at the box office. The key factor here will be its content, just as we saw with PKP 2, which was huge even on its first Monday.
Prediction:
First weekend: '7 crore in East Punjab
Sarang Chandok, CP
Tamasha will only shine in multiplexes and PRDP will capture all the single-screens. Tamasha does have the advantage of Rahman's music, which is always a craze. But the makers should push the release date forward so that they are sure that the PRDP hangover subsides a bit. Ranbir is a big star and Deepika is the numero uno actress in India today.
Prediction:
First weekend: '4 crore in CP
First Weekend, National: '50 crore
Ashok Chaudhary, CI
Producer Sajid Nadiadwala has only delivered superhits. Besides, he is extremely lucky and can also change Ranbir's luck as the actor has been going through a rough patch. The first look fo Tamasha is great and, since the producer is lucky, it will benefit everyone associated with the film. Nowadays, a film does not run as long as they did earlier, so a good run for even a week or two is enough for Tamasha.
Prediction:
First weekend: '3.5 crore in CI
Sunil Bansal, Rajasthan
I believe the all-India trend is uniform and that there are no big differences in collections from one territory to another today. The film industry is a great phase and by the time Tamasha releases, everyone would be done and dusted with PRDP. Ranbir and Deepika have a crackling chemistry. Ranbir might have gone through a rough patch but he is a great performer, so it is only a matter of time before he bounces back.
Music plays a critical role in a film's success and the same is true of Tamasha. The film's song Heer is exteremly interesting and I think the makers will release their best songs and scenes during Diwali, just two weeks before the film is due for release on November 27. As for collections, one just doesn't know. Take, for instance, Bajrangi Bhaijaan. When that film released, it was expected to cross '250 crore but it went on to earn more than '300 crore as collections slowly but steadily kept rising. Similarly, content is king as we saw with PKP 2 and Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
Kamlakar Reddy, Nizam
Releasing just two weeks after PRDP will pose only a minor problem for Tamasha, so the makers of that film don't have to worry. The movie will definitely do well as it is the product of a great banner. Rahman's music is bound to be a hit and the youth will love the film.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
BH Basha, Mysore
Tamasha is the product of a big banner, of Sajid Nadiadwala and Imtiaz Ali. Ali's upcoming film looks far better than his previous movies, Rockstar, which didn't do well, and Highway. Also, it is the holiday season, so times are good and Deepika is a hot favourite with the audience. The film will definitely run as it also has great music from AR Rahman. PRDP will release two weeks prior to Tamasha so business of the earlier film will have settled down by the time Tamasha hits cinemas.
Prediction:
First Weekend: '2.25 crore in Mysore
Arijit Dutta, West Bengal
Tamasha will have no problems at multiplexes but it will face some difficulty getting shows just two weeks after PRDP, in single-screens. So Tamasha will have to be a great product to ensure a strong foothold all over. The film's collections are difficult to predict because a lot will depend on the number of shows the movie is finally assigned.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
Rakesh Singh, Bihar
With PRDP releasing two weeks before Tamasha, the latter's performance will be badly impacted in Bihar. After Diwali, we celebrate Chhat Puja in Bihar, and that's when PRDP will be ruling cinemas. So first, the number of shows and screens for Tamasha will pose a problem. More importantly, the first week's and second week's collections during Diwali and Chhat are usually the same in Bihar and PRDP will benefit from this, especially because it is a family-oriented film from Rajshri, which the audience here loves. Up to now, the buzz around Tamasha has been lukewarm, at best. Imtiaz Ali hasn't delivered any great films after Love Aaj Kal. It's difficult to say how long Tamasha will run or even how much it will earn at the ticket window.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
Siddharth Goenka, Assam
Tamasha will enjoy a good run but if PRDP does exceptionally well, then Tamasha will have a show-sharing scenario in Assam, which will eventually impact its collections. Assam doesn't have too many cinemas and the good ones are only in Guwahati, which are single-screens. After Tamasha releases, we have Dilwale two weeks later, on December 18. So even after it releases there is a threat release. Imtiaz's films are not very popular in small towns but they do well in metros and that's where its makers should focus their efforts. I fear that comparisons will arise after PRDP, and that will affect Tamasha. If Tamasha can catch the attention of the youth, it will have a smooth run. And the chances of this happening are bright thanks to the film's attractive locales and fresh look.
Prediction:
First weekend: No comment
Jeetu Khandelwal, Orissa
It all depends on the agreement between the makers of Tamasha and single screens. In multiplexes, Tamasha won't face a problem. Having the Nadiadwala, Ranbir or Imtiaz stamp doesn't matter; what does matter is that the film should be a complete package with high-value entertainment. The chemistry between the lead pair is great, so it just might work wonders. In multiplexes, it will run for four to five weeks while in single screens, it will run for a minimum two weeks.
Prediction:
First weekend: '40-50 lakh in Orissa.
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