As far as box office collections are concerned, Bollywood is going through some very bad times this year as not even one really big hit was generated and four months have already gone by. So, after Baby, which is the biggest Bollywood grosser in 2015, will Akshay Kumar, this time with Gabbar Is Back, manage to single-handedly pull filmdom out of the doldrums?
Here is what the industry business analysts have to say:
Abhishek Pathak, distributor and filmmaker
I am very confident about Gabbar Is Back as it’s the only big star film coming after a really long time. Since World Cup and now IPL, there haven’t been any major releases. However when a notable film arrives, it works, something that has been proven by Fast & Furious 7 as well as Avengers – Age of Ultron. So yes, fingers crossed for Gabbar Is Back. Akshay Kumar is a star and has a great loyal fan following. Also, the very title Gabbar will do its magic. Moreover, if I go back in time, whenever we have distributed a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, there has been magic, be it Black or Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Take the opinion poll:
[polldaddy poll=8838254]
Girish Johar, distributor and film business analyst
Akshay Kumar films are always awaited with bated breath, despite him doing four to five a year, and that too for so many years. On the other hand, other stars don’t even dare to tread the same path. Every release of his does bring expectations from trade and public alike. Gabbar Is Back is no exception. It has generated good curiosity and audiences are keenly waiting for it. I feel that this time too, Akshay will deliver and provide the much needed pump-effect at the Box Office.
Ramesh Sippy, trade veteran
Every big film brings hope and optimism, but unfortunately each time the industry is left in shambles. Four months of depression creates a dent into the confidence of the biggest optimist. We all keep our fingers crossed for Friday, May 1.
Atul Mohan, trade expert
I hope that does happen. Every big film comes with its fair share of expectations and this is the biggest of the year so far. The biggest challenge is to bring people out of their homes and step into theaters. As an industry person, I would always want a biggie to succeed so that everyone in the supply chain benefits.
Akshaye Rathi, film exhibitor and distributor
While Akshay Kumar may not have had blockbusters of the magnitude of those that Shahrukh, Salman and Aamir have had over time, what he has managed to do consistently over the years is as praiseworthy, if not more! Unlike the other superstars, Akshay Kumar has churned out an average of four films an year, which have a cumulative turnover equal to that of the one or two odd films that other stars release in the same period! This generates anticipation, excitement and most importantly revenues virtually every quarter, keeping the industry’s mood upbeat and kicking!
Rajesh Thadani, distributor
Yes, all hopes are pinned on Akshay Kumar. Gabbar Is Back looks like it should do wonders at the Box Office, considering there are holidays too. But again, the content will matter a lot for a long run which the industry needs.
Harsh Jain, film distributor and exhibitor
Gabbar Is Back is looking good to me. It’s been a while since a hardcore commercial film has released and this is the perfect time for it. The trailer has been appreciated and the song ‘Teri Meri Kahani’ is a chartbuster already. I think the film will bring back the memories of Rowdy Rathore.
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