Sawariya:Houseful everywhere

By Subhash K Jha

Thanks to the inbroglio that Om Shanti Om got caught in over the film's release in the multiplexes, Saawariya has a headstart, at least as far as the advance booking collections are concerned.

Says trade analyst Amod Mehra, "Saawariya is showing 'houseful' signs in every theatre where the advance- booking started earlier during this week.

In fact in some theatres it started as early as last Friday. Saawariya definitely has an edge in the advance booking. It's jam-packed in every theatre, every show. "

Would the imbroglio with the multiplexes affect the ticket sales of Om Shanti Om?

"No!" says Mehra. "It's such a huge film, and much in demand. The moment the multiplexes are expected to open advance-booking on Wednesday the shows will start filling up."

However, Mehra asserts that this Friday- battle is not just about one film getting a headstart in the multiplexes.

"Saawariya's stunning advance-booking proves Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a star even when he works with newcomers. Om Shanti Om has Shah Rukh Khan, his six packs and 32 big stars. So that's a total of 39 stars."

As a movie buff Mehra is more excited by Saawariya. "It promises to be a complete love story with terrific sets and lovely music in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali tradition.

Om Shanti Om is trying to force-feed its entertainment level on me which I'm not comfortable with. It looks like Manmohan Desai revisited.

Only difference is, Manmohan Desai was serious about the 1970s brand of entertainment. Om Shanti Om seems tongue-in-cheek about the decade."