Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini, a remake of the Tamil film by the same name and inspired by Hollywood film Memento, is breaking all records at the box-office. The film, released with over 1,000 prints all over India, had a paid preview on December 24 of 650 shows pan-India, hosted by all the multiplexes and cineplexes. In comparison, the biggest revenue churner so far this year, Akshay Kumar starrer Singh is Kinng, got 220 paid previews and had more than 1,000 prints released.
The occupancy for the first three shows of the paid preview, where tickets were sold at a premium, was 100%. Film trade analyst Vinod Mirani said that this Rs 50-crore film will pull the crowds to the theatres because of the massive promotion and marketing tactics and the timing of the release on a festival day. Industry sources also claim the paid previews have already collected Rs 7 crore and in addition to that, the housefull weekend is expected to fetch Rs 35 crore as most of the multiplexes are showing at least 11-18 shows of the film. Mirani said in the coming week also, the film is expected to rake in at least Rs 12-15 crore.
Vishal Kapur, chief operating officer, Fun Cinemas, said, ?The advance and bulk booking for the coming weekend for Ghajini is already 80% and throughout the coming week, we are expecting at least 80% footfalls for the film, even on weekdays.?
Meanwhile, Joydeep Ghosh Roy, general manager, sales and marketing, PVR cinemas said, ?The film had a super duper opening pan-India. Aamir Khan has been off the screen for almost a year and his fan base could not wait to watch the movie.?
The other film, released on December 25, is animation film Jumbo with voiceovers done by Akshay Kumar and Lara Datta. The film has already received 20-25% advance booking. According to Kapur of Fun Cinemas, given that till December 31 it is the holiday season, audiences who do not get tickets for Ghajini, will spillover for Jumbo.
As far as the earlier released films are concerned, Box Office trade report reveals, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has done exceedingly well in week one with a business of around Rs 41 crore nett. Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye has a three week total of around Rs 6.30 crore, Dostana has added another Rs 50 lakh to take its five week total to Rs 44 crore.
Also, according to trade sources, the treatment and presentation made all the difference in pulling crowds to the cinema halls. Secondly, if advance booking figures are to be believed, the film is tipped to be one of the biggest blockbusters of this year. Also, the first week collections could be twice to that of this year?s biggest flick, Singh is Kinng.