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ZANJEER, released in 1973, is without a doubt known as one of the most iconic films in Hindi cinema. Besides being a Super Hit at the box office, there is a lot more associated with the film as well. It was the movie that changed the trend from romantic films to action films. It was the movie that gave birth to Amitabh Bachchan's hugely famous "Angry Young Man" persona. It was the film that ended the era of superstar Rajesh Khanna. The film was a showcase of the anger the common man was facing that time in India over the system, and Amitabh Bachchan became the hero of the masses by showcasing it on screen!
Now, 40 years later, we have the remake of the film. ZANJEER, starring Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, Prakash Raj, and others, releases this Friday.
There is something about a film's promos that give us an idea of how the film will fare at the box office. Unfortunately, ZANJEER seems like a dull show!
The trailer hasn't created much waves. The song promos have not excited. Nothing looks interesting about this film. The film has a really low buzz.
It is not right to play with a film that is considered a classic, and film-makers have learnt that in the past. Farhan Akhtar's DON (2006) was a box office success, but the film also received it's share of flak by some due to comparisons with the original. Sajid Khan's HIMMATWALA received huge negativity, partly because of comparisons with the original Jeetendra starrer.
Ram Charan's popularity in the South will ensure a good opening in the South. Also, the star cast, consisting of names like Ram Charan, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, and Prakash Raj, and brand name ZANJEER (due to popularity of original) will ensure a healthy opening in other parts of India as well. But, I don't expect the film to sustain beyond that!
My Box Office Predictions for ZANJEER:
Opening Day: 6 crores net
Opening Weekend: 20+ crores net
Lifetime: 30+ crores net
Overall Box Office Verdict: Flop
For me, this is when I felt more confident that the film will fail at the box office:
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6gYACJItxng[/YOUTUBE]
Ram Charan mouthing the legendary Amitabh Bachchan's dialogues...Priyanka Chopra acting all sexy and urbanish in what is supposed to be remake of an iconic film...these things are sending bad vibes about the film's fate. Sorry, but "I like the way you turn me on" and "kar kar tu mera register" is the last thing people would want from ZANJEER type of film!
Arjun
Anupamaa
153