Will 'Hadippa', 'Wanted' break Ramadan jinx?

Aug 31, 2009 IANS

New Delhi, Aug 31 (IANS) Bollywood might be rejoicing with four back-to-back hits in "New York", "Kambakkht Ishq", "Love Aaj Kal" and "Kaminey", but the film industry usually witnesses a dip in business during Ramadan. Filmmakers and distributors are hoping "Dil Bole Hadippa" and "Wanted" will break the jinx this year.

Both Yash Raj Films' "Dil Bole Hadippa", which stars Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapoor, and Salman Khan-starrer "Wanted" are releasing Sep 18. Trade pundits say the two films might repeat the success story of last year's musical hit "Rock On!" that released during the same period.

"Ramadan has always been a month of gap-fillers and average movies and is not really a good period for business. Filmmakers don't really take risks during the month... so we don't have any powerful movies releasing during this time which eventually leads to low business. Moreover, the 'shradhs' (considered an inauspicious period by Hindus) are also falling with Ramadan this time and it's not considered a good time in the industry," Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan told IANS.

Amit Awasthi, manager (programming and operations) of Spice Cinemas, Noida, agrees with Mahajan.

"Business is definitely going to plummet a bit during this month, as there are no big releases till Sep 18, and mediocre movies don't bring in footfalls. We are hoping post-mid-September will bring in potential business because of the big-budget line-up," said Awasthi.

Added a source from PVR cinemas: "This month will be lean courtesy Ramadan. Though we have many movies releasing every week, none of them has the capability to do business. But we are looking at footfalls with 'Dil Bole Hadippa' and 'Wanted'."

The first weekend (Aug 28) of Ramadan saw an ensemble of releases like "Daddy Cool", "Toss", "Yeh Mera India", "Kisaan", "Love Khichdi" and "Quick Gun Murugun".

And following in quick succession are medium budget films like "Chintu Ji", "Three - Love, Lies and Betrayal", "Aagey Se Right", "Bachelor Party", "Fox", "Mohan Das - A Man Lost In His Own Nation" and "The Great Indian Butterfly" that are releasing Sep 4.

On Sep 11, "Baabarr", "Pankh", "Ruslaan", "Aamras" and "Vaada Raha...I Promise" will reach theatres before the two biggies -- "Dil Bole Hadippa" and Salman's "Wanted" hit the screens Sep 18.

"We generally don't have any major releases during this time because the Muslim belt doesn't generate any revenue. It's a dull period, bringing in close to only 15-30 percent of business. Moreover, with 'shradh' falling in tandem, it's really going to be slim," said Yogesh Raizada, corporate head (cinemas) of Wave cinemas.

"But by the time 'Dil Bole Hadippa' and 'Wanted' release, it will be close to Eid and Navratras and the festive mode will start picking up, and is considered commercially very viable," he added.

After the two biggies, Ashutosh Gowariker's much-talked about "What's Your Raashee?" starring Priyanka Chopra and Hurman Baweja will open Sep 25.

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