Ragini MMS 2, Queen: why low budget films are faring well

It seems 2014 is the year for women-centric and small-budget films in Bollywood. With no big releases (except Jai Ho, which did average business) so far, low-cost films have used the opportunity well.

It seems 2014 is the year for women-centric and small-budget films in Bollywood.



With no big releases (except , which did average business) so far, low-cost films have used the opportunity well. Trade experts try to decode the trend.



"A film like is an exception as it changed people’s perception towards films. Not all small films work, but if they connect with the audience, then they will work even if critics trash them. That’s the case with Ragini MMS 2, which the common man will watch," explains trade analyst Taran Adarsh.



Another expert, Amod Mehra, notes that in the last few months, only some films have stood out among the 20-odd that have released, owing to their content. He says, "When you have films talking about liberation of women and others whose music sells, they are bound to recover costs. Plus, there’s no big competition right now."

; ; Video Platform Video Management Video Solutions Video Player

Eventually, it boils down to the entertainment factor, according to exhibitor Akshaye Rathi. He says, "If a film can provide enough entertainment and engage the audience, why won’t it work? Yaariyan,

Highway

, Queen and

Ragini MMS 2

are from tried-and-tested genres. Their music has been a hit too."

Highway

Budget:

Rs 18.25 crore

Collections:

Rs 27.25 crore

Yaariyaan

Budget:

Rs 19 crore

Collections:

Rs 40 crore

Queen

Budget:

Rs 16-17 crore

Collections:

Rs 48 crore (still running)

Ragini MMS 2
Budget: Rs 12-14 crore
Collections: Rs 32.91 crore (still running)