WILL MADRAS CAFE ATTAIN COMMERCIAL SUCCESS?
John Abraham has regularly given a shot at the so-called experimental and parallel cinema. While Kabul Express worked, films like No Smoking and Aashayein didn't. But that hasn't deterred the actor for not only acting in but also producing Madras Cafe. It's his second production after the tremendously successful Vicky Donor. Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Madras Cafe deals with the Civil war that hit Sri Lanka and also touches upon the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. Nargis Fakhri is back after Rockstar and features as a war journalist in the film.
The theatrical trailer gives a strong indication that they have tried their level best in portraying an authentic depiction of RAW and their covert operations. But at the same time, the promo makes it loud and clear that though it's an action thriller, it's not purely 'commercial' fare. Hence, excitement is not tremendous for the film and same goes for the buzz. As a result, a huge opening is ruled out. But good word of mouth can work wonders. Moreover, Madras Cafe is the solo Hindi release of the week and if all goes right, it can earn decent amount at the box office!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MADRAS CAFE AND WHY? DO LET ME KNOW!
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YOU DON'T BECOME AN INTELLECTUAL BY RIDICULING CHENNAI EXPRESS' SUCCESS!
The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chennai Express refuses to halt! The film is doing brisk business and hasn't got impacted despite the release of a biggie like Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara. Moreover, the makers came up with a unique 'buy-two-tickets-and-get-one-ticket-free' offer on Raksha Bandhan that further helped the film. The result: Chennai Express has become one of the biggest hits ever! If all goes well, it can cross the 202-crore collection of 3 Idiots, the biggest hit of Indian Cinema. 3 Idiots released in 2009 and post it's release, Bollywood has churned plenty of money spinners and blockbusters like Dabangg, Dabangg 2, Ek Tha Tiger, Bodyguard, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and SRK's own Ra.One, Don 2 and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. But none managed to cross 202 crores.
In fact, SRK's last 3 releases greatly underperformed, leading many to believe that 'his time is over'! Obviously, now everyone is silenced! However, one thing to note is that Chennai Express is not a perfect film. It has its flaws and few jokes fell flat. However, the word of mouth is positive because for one, it's a family entertainer. There are no below-the-belt jokes, the item song is not in any way suggestive or vulgar and the film teaches some important lessons of life and women empowerment. Some hard-nosed 'intellectuals' (read: Firstpost!) are churning out post-after-post criticizing the success of the film. Unfortunately, they want change to happen overnight and that people should move away from such entertainers and back edgy and intellectual cinema. What they fail to realize each and every time is that an average moviegoer is stressed out and looks for entertainment and escapist fare and that he might necessarily not be interested in arthouse films. Also, one must realize that some beautiful and hatke films are slowly becoming mainstream. Hence, in future, films in the league of Ship Of Theseus and Shanghai would be made often and audiences would throng happily to see such films as they do now for a Chennai Express! The change has started and it'll take some more time to bloom. Till then, let's not deride huge success of Chennai Express because ultimately, films are made for audiences and it's the audience that makes or breaks a film!
SRK was right when he said, Don't underestimate the power of a common man!
