http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/arti ... d=19011905

Still looking for the elusive hit


TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2002 2:39:05 AM ]

CINEMA distributors and theatre owners in the city suddenly seem to be running scared. Devdas and Raaz are the only big hits this year. And the Devdas fever still seems to be raging strong in the audiences’ consciousness and giving competitors sleepless nights.


Take a look at these facts. Road, originally slated to release in August 23 will now hit theatres only by September 6. Sohail Khan’s Maine Dil Tujhko Diya and the multi starrer Jaani Dushman, which were to release in the second week of August have now been postponed to August 22.


Dil hai Tumhara starring Preity Zinta and Mahima Chaudhary and Sanjay Dutt’s Kaante are among the other postponements.


“Devdas is well unto its fifth week and we are screening three shows. Looks like it will have a century run,” says Prasanth, manager, Ramakrishna 35 mm.


“Whereas, the latest Yash Chopra release Mujhse Dosti Karoge has bombed. The film was released in 11 theatres in the city and did fair business in the first weekend. But from Monday morning, the theatres are practically empty,” he adds.


To manage huge crowds that still throng to see Devdas Manju Cinema has opted to screen the film for a week or two more.


But the industry is not smiling even after the success of Devdas.


“The city’s cinemas need more hits. We are looking forward to the spate of releases in September and October. We don’t have much expectations from even Ram Gopal Varma’s production Road,” says distributor Riyaz.


“Unlike the previous year when we had Gadar and Lagaan, which had overwhelming responses, this year is till bleak,” echoes Prasanth.

as this while Telugu Industry is creating some of the greatest hits ever in Indian Cinema. The current new Chiranjeevi Movie INDRA is expected to collect over 25 crores. So much for being a regional movie!!! I think Rajini's BABA is expected to better than Indra at the box-office due to some strange pricing on tickets in Tamil Nadu.