Has AYUSHMAN KHURANA failed the SOPHOMORE release? - Page 2

In a week filled with some exciting IPL matches, the much awaited, Bhushan Kumar and Rohan Sippy's Nautanki Saala, starring the nation's latest heartthrob Ayushmann Khurana alongwith Kunal Roy Kapur stood its ground at the box office, with the week's collections at Rs. 19 crores. In a time where its not just collections, but the economics of cinema that matter, the key question is did the film turn profitable for its producers. As we find out the film makers are very pleased with its performance and have indeed made the economics work for them and the trade. Here's how.

Talking to Bollywood Hungama about the film's economics, T-Series' head honcho Bhushan Kumar said, "While Nautanki Saala was made at a budget of Rs. 9 crores, we put around Rs. 7 crores in the promotions, and we got Rs. 9 crores in the recovery. With the satellite rights getting Rs. 9 crores and another Rs. 2 crores from the music rights, the film has proved to be a winner in all the aspects." He added that, "There were rumors floating in the market that the film was made at Rs. 15 - 16 crores, plus P & A, which is totally untrue. Since we had shot the film in just 40 days, it only means that it was a well budgeted film. If you take the economics of the cost versus recovery, the producers, co-producers and distributors are earning from this film. As per the price involved, Nautanki Saala has been a very big hit for us."

When we spoke to T-Series' Vinod Bhanushali about the film's B-O status since it got mixed reviews, he smilingly said, "Despite the film getting mixed reviews, yeh to Commando se upar hi chal rahi hai." Lastly, when asked about the 'secret' to the film's success, he said, "Music, marketing and distribution have played a very important role in the success of the film".

From being the country's largest music company to now a committed film Studio, T-Series' Films is preparing for Nautanki's second week at the theaters, whilst preparing to bring their next franchise, the much awaited Aashiqui 2 to cinema audiences the world over. The music of the film has already hit the top charts and their partnerships with Vishesh Films and the Bhatts is encouraging them to give viewers another delightful cinematic experience in the same month.