This Week’s Topic: YOUTHFUL FILMS-THE CROWD PULLERS!
Youngsters, between the ages of 18-35, constitute at least 60% of the total moviegoing audience. And therefore, youth-oriented films easily get its fans and supporters. A classic example is this year’s Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na (JTYJN). When 2008 commenced, the trade pundits of Bollywood got busy churning out a list of expected hits of the year. And none of these guys would have mentioned JTYJN’s name in the list since no one expected this film with a debutant in the lead to become a huge grosser. The film worked for three reasons-Aamir Khan, Imran Khan and thirdly and the most important, the film appealed highly to the youth. The promos suggested that the film would be youthful, energetic one. The songs with catchy lyrics like ‘Kabhi Kabhi Aditi’ and ‘Pappu Cant Dance’ created craze among the youngsters. All this attracted the young to the theatres in high numbers for JTYJN.
Another recent instance is ‘Rock On!!’. The film had a cool, urban look which created a lot of hype amongst the youngsters. The result: ‘Rock On!!’ has turned out to be one of the hits of the year.
In the past too, there has been numerous instances when youth-oriented films have worked inspite of not having big names associated with it. Style, released in 2001, had newcomers starring in it (Sharman Joshi, Sahil Khan, Riya Sen, Shilpi Mudgal). But the title of the film and the promos led the film to take a great start at the BO.
However, if one talks of youth-oriented films, one can’t help but discuss about Dil Chahta Hai (DCH). Released in 2001, DCH marked the directorial debut of Farhan Akhtar. The film had an impressive star cast. But what clicked with the audience were its excellent execution and its youth quotient which worked big time. The film turned out to be one of the finest films of Indian cinema. In fact, DCH is termed as a trendsetter.
And tomorrow, one more such film is all set to hit the screens-Dostana! The film has made waves ever since its first promo was out in August! The promos look fresh and youthful, Abhi-John-Priyanka look hot and the music is just excellent! However, what has kept Dostana in the news is the chemistry between….Abhishek and John! The promo, showing the lead actors dancing together have impressed the viewers and have also made them curious about the film! Also, Dostana, deals with the gay issue in a light manner, which again, has worked in its favour.
With so many factors going in favour of the film, it’ll surely take an electrifying start at the BO. But the film has to be nice and impressive in order to have a long run at the ticket window. Or else, the film will fall like a pack of cards as soon as the opening weekend is over. Let’s just hope Dostana rocks and gives us the much needed entertainment!
P.S.: In my last week, I wrongly mentioned that Aap Ka Surroor had flopped at the BO. While doing research for the post, I misread some of the info available on the net and came to the conclusion that AKS was a flop. AKS, in reality, was a hit. The error is highly regretted.
