WILL KHATTA MEETHA GET ‘MEETHA’ RESPONSE AT THE BO?

It was in Talk No 76 that I had mentioned that Akshay Kumar-Priyadarshan combo has always worked at the BO. Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and even the recent De Dana Dan were all commercial successes. Hence, a lot is expected from tomorrow’s release, Khatta Meetha (KM), directed by Priyadarshan and where Akshay is the co-producer as well.

Usually, biggies begin their promotions 2 months in advance. KM, however, began its promotional journey just a month ago! I wasn’t very impressed initially with the way it was being promoted but soon, they got on track and by now, the film has aroused a huge curiosity! Especially the second theatrical trailer (CHECK OUT HERE!) that was released 2 weeks back has helped create hype from the film. Akshay Kumar seems to be in top form and the Maharashtrian flavor of the film will ensure that the film gets a good opening in Maharashtra for sure! Also, it looks into the issue ofroad mafia and hence KM seems to be a light-hearted film with a nice story as well! Songs aren’t outstanding but have picked up slowly. The film also marks the Bollywood debut of Southern sensation Trisha Krishnan. Urvashi Sharma, who gave a great performance in debut Naqaab and also in Baabarr will be seen in KM!

However, like any other biggie, KM has all chances of turning out to be a turkey! Also, KM might seem to be an out-and-out comic caper but it is not. In fact, Priyan is angry with the producers that the film is being publicized as a laugh-a-minute riot. In his words, “Khatta Meetha is not a comedy like De Dana Dan. It’s a satire on the road mafia. You’ll have to ask the producers why they’re pitching it as a comedy. Probably because Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan equals comedy?” Hence, don’t expect KM to be a complete comic flick!

Since Akshay himself is the producer, the costs of KM should be reasonable and hence commercial prospects are bright. Let’s hope KM gets a meetha and not khatta response at the BO!

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM KHATTA MEETHA? DO LET ME KNOW!

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I HATE LUV STORYS A COMMERCIAL SUCCESS?

A lot is written aboutI Hate Luv Storys (IHLS) being a successful hit at the BO. According to reports, IHLS was filled with80-90% occupancy on the first 3 days, collected Rs 23 crores in its opening weekend and Rs 32 crores in totality in Week 1. The figures seem doubtful since the truth is that majority of viewers hated IHLS and that the film fell drastically from Day 4 onwards. However, none of the significant Bollywood trade websites/papers are talking about it and are just bragging about IHLS as if it’s the next big thing after3 Idiots!

There’s not an iota of doubt that the figures floated around are fake and that makers of the film managed to do so by putting all the Bollywood websites in their pockets! Shocking but true! Only one website came up with the truth-ibosnetwork.com but it was also too negatively biased toward IHLS. Nevertheless, it stood out from the rest of the so-called authentic and reliable trade sources! This is a shameful era that we live in where any kind of truth can be easily suppressed or altered by those who have power to do so! Most unfortunate!

P.S.: A very special thanks to Ms Shalu Dhyani for the IHLS write-up!