Sigh of relief

Abhishek Bachchan can heave a sigh of relief. The actor was going through the worst phase in his career, after RAAVAN, KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY and GAME emerged financial setbacks for their respective distributors. But what was worrisome and may have given the actor nightmares was the fact that the opening weekend business of his films had begun to dwindle to alarming levels. KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY and GAME in particular had hit an all-time low as far as Weekend 1, Week 1 and Lifetime Business were concerned.

You may be the most talented actor in the business, but the industry follows just one rule - Hit hain to Fit hain. Your last Friday decides your status. No amount of PR articles/interviews and Page 3 stories rescue or resurrect your status if the box-office numbers are missing. Naturally, Abhishek was in troubled waters. DUM MAARO DUM had to deliver.

Though DUM MAARO DUM hasn't delivered as per expectations and the weekdays have witnessed a decline in business, Abhishek can heave a sigh of relief only because the business hasn't been as low as KHELEIN HUM JEE JAAN SEY or GAME. Of course, DUM MAARO DUM is no success either. The Overseas numbers are below the mark, in view of the fact that it was released with a massive screen count. After adding the revenue accrued from the non-theatrical rights [Satellite Rights - Rs 8 cr, Music + Home Video - Rs 3 cr], Fox Star will have to rely on India theatrical business to do the trick. Will the film make it to the safety zone? The business on weekdays and second weekend will be the deciding factors.