Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar is creating a lot of buzz. Be it Ranbir-Nargis' sizzling chemistry, AR Rahman's music or late Shammi Kapoor's guest appearance, there are many reasons to watch the film.
According to trade analyst Komal Nahta, the Imtiaz Ali film’s opening “ranged from good to excellent” with 90-100% occupancy in multiplexes in metros while in smaller towns, it saw a 40-60% sellout. Trade Pundit Taran Adarsh notes that in multiplexes, “the opening was nearly 100%”, even though “the response at single screens was not strong, with several screens opening to 40-50% range”.
Insiders say it may have been the film’s month-long promotional campaign, including a houseful promotional concert in Mumbai with Oscar winner AR Rahman, which led to the anticipation.
Exhibitors are expecting a further boost from Monday, when ticket prices drop. “A huge segment watches films between Monday and Thursday. Today, the first Monday is as important as the opening Friday,” says Gautam Datta of PVR Cinemas. Sanjay Ghai, a Delhi-based distributor of Mukta Arts, describes Rockstar as “complete paisa vasool” and believes it will strengthen Ranbir’s market: “Eros, who bought the film from Ashtavinayak, will definitely not run into losses, but movies like Rockstar take time to grow. With no other biggies competing for attention, it has a definite advantage.”
Tradesmith Amod Mehra, however, feels the film’s slow-paced storyline and two-hour-forty-minute runtime is spoiling its party. “It’s an excellent movie, but not meant for a family audience,” says Mehra, who feels its appeal will remain restricted to only the class audience at multiplexes and thereby mar the film’s overall business.
Ranbir’s report card
Saawariya (2007)
Rs 23.4 cr
Verdict: flop
Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008)
Rs 32.6 cr
Verdict: average
Wake Up Sid (2009)
Rs 27 cr
Verdict: average
Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani (2009)
Rs 64 cr
Verdict: Hit
Rocket Singh —Salesman Of The Year
Rs 18.4 cr
Verdict: flop
Raajneeti (2010)
Rs 94.9 cr
Verdict: Hit
Anjaana Anjaani (2010)
Rs 48.2 cr
Verdict: flop