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Khan-tastic year at the box office
Brace for a hattrick as Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh prepare for their big releases together after five years.
It’s a Khan coup ahead. After five long years, the three kings —
,
and
— will all see their films release the same year, and they’ll reclaim their lucky festivals one after the other.
With Salman Khan’s
releasing on the Eid weekend (July 25), Shah Rukh Khan’s
on Diwali (October 24) and Aamir Khan’s
opening in the Christmas Week (December 19), trade analysts expect sparks at the box-office.
“Just these three films are expected to earn anything between `600 and `750crore,” says trade expert Atul Mohan, adding that there are several factors which will ensure that the industry’s expectations are met.
“The number of screens have increased; cost of satellite rights have increased and most probably, the cost of tickets will also go up. And, all three films are releasing on big festivals and people are in a celebratory mood around this time. They wouldn’t mind shelling out the extra money for tickets,” he adds.
Komal Nahta, trade analyst, says that’s not all. “Of course, big films, big names, festive spirit – it can’t get any bigger. You’ll also see new publicity concepts as the movies are releasing in close proximity and all three are known to promote their films innovatively.”
Analysts predict that another potential blockbuster is Hrithik Roshan’s
, so the stakes will get higher.
Fans, on their part, are thrilled. “Although I am a die-hard fan of Salman, I love the other two Khans, too. So, imagine my excitement that I will have a Khan to watch on every festival,” says Swati Singhania, a DU law graduate. Sourabh Singh, a businessman, says, “It’s a ritual on every festival that I take my family out to watch a film, and this is a superb hattrick.”
In 2013, while SRK had Chennai Express and Aamir had
, Sallu didn’t have a release. In 2012, SRK had no film, while Salman had
and
, and Aamir had
. The period between 2009-2011 also saw alternating releases.
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