Joined: Sun Jul 21, 2002 5:31 pm
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Bachchan fails to draw crowds for Armaan
By: Mayank Shekhar
May 24, 2003
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WRONG DIAGNOSIS?: Amitabh Bachchan plays a doctor in Armaan
Amitabh Bachchan no longer single-handedly opens films. Which is in keeping with a 60-year-old performer in Bollywood.
What has been path breaking though in Bachchan’s case is that his films, since the television show KBC made him an eternal cash cow, have commanded near cent per cent openings — even if the movies in question have failed in the long run.
The phenomenon definitely powered by the sight of the sexagenarian on the films’ posters and television promos.
Bachchan’s first cinema outing in 2003, Armaan, however has broken the record string of A-grades on his report card, registering an abysmally low 56 per cent first week draw.
The available figures are for the Bombay territory that covers besides major parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the entire state of Gujarat.
But as Indu Mirani, editor, Box Office puts it, “Armaan, has fared equally bad nation-wide, so the numbers are representative of the whole country. Also, Agni Varsha may have had a similarly low opening, but in that film, Amitabh merely made a guest appearance.â€
So what went so drastically wrong with Armaan, despite the Bachchan logo in white wig embossed on its posters?
Analyses Mirani, “It has more to do with the film that seemed so boring to begin with in its promos, than Amitabh — who I think has passed the stage when a film’s success or failure can be solely attributed to him.â€
Adds Taran Adarsh, editor, Trade Guide, “It is surprising, but on second thoughts, an Anil Kapoor-Amitabh Bachchan combination would have generated curiosity a decade ago, not today.â€
Bachchan’s next film in line is the ‘experimental’ venture, Kaizad Gustad’s Boom, not a sort of film that necessarily generates buzz in the trade.
Is the actor’s run this year likely to meet disappointing fates repeatedly then? Rebuts Mirani, “Each film takes its own graph and if Boom has something better to offer, its openings may not necessarily be affected.â€
In 1988, after a spectacular comeback, Bachchan had encountered his first flop — Ganga Jamuna Saraswati. Three more box-office duds followed, sparking rumours that he’d lost his Midas touch.
This is his first no-show in a while. However, writing this never-say-die actor’s career obituary as history suggests is an eternally foolhardy proposition.
Bachchan’s first week in BOMBAY territory
• 2000 Mohabbatein — 99.89 per cent
• 2001 Aks — 76.41
• 2001 Ek Rishtaa — 88.89
• 2001 Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham — 100
• 2002 Aankhen — 94.55
• 2002 Hum Kissi Se Kum Nahin — 82.59
• 2002 Kaante — 89
And the loser is…
2003 Armaan — 56
Source: Box Office (trade journal)
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my god! i knew armaan was doing bad - but 56 PERCENT!! that's third rate movie numbers!
anyways, so what do you think? is amitabh finished? does his acting in a movie not draw crowds anymore???
(faddy plz comment )
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