Bhatts' strategy of making moderate-budget films which are strong on drama and content is ensuring them good returns.

The success of Jannat had put Emraan Hashmi in the big league in 2008. After that the actor has seen a consistent spate of success with films like Raaz - The Mystery Continues, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Murder 2 and The Dirty Picture. Jannat 2 only cements his position in the industry with the film taking an unprecedented opening.

Jannat 2 started on a strong note and performed exceptionally well in single screens where it was primarily targeted. The first weekend collection is Rs 24 crores which is a very good figure for this modest-budgeted film from the Bhatt camp. Bhatts' strategy of making moderate-budget films which are strong on drama and content is ensuring them good returns.

The other release of the week, Fatso was lauded for its good story and decent performances but failed to pick up for lack of face value and strong promotions. At best the Ranvir Shorey film will be a hit when it releases on DVD. But theatrical prospects are dull.

The coming week sees four releases. Of that Yash Raj Films' Ishaqzaade will be fighting it out with Vikram Bhatt's Dangerous Ishhq on May 11. Coincidentally, exactly a year back, the two banners had clashed with their respective films releasing on the same day. That time Vikram Bhatt's Haunted 3D had an upper hand to Luv Ka The End (which came under Yash Raj's youth banner Y-Films).

As of now both films are looking strong. Ishaqzaade is looking hot preposition for Arjun Kapoor's debut and Parineeti Chopra starring as the female lead. Dangerous Ishhq holds promise for being Karisma Kapoor's comeback vehicle and also Vikram Bhatt's expertise in the thriller-horror genre.

The other two releases are relatively smaller films. Javed Jaffery-Nandana Sen starrer The Forest is directed by Oscar Award nominated filmmaker Ashvin Kumar. Amol Shetge's Love Recipe is a comedy which introduces some new pair.


Top Hindi Films this Week


Film: Jannat 2

Position: 1

Director: Kunal Deshmukh

Cast: Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Esha Gupta

Upside: Good drama between Emraan-Randeep, good music, smart end

Downside: Dull love story, predictable plot

Running Week: 1

Trade Comments: Started on a strong note and performed exceptionally well in single screens. The first weekend collection is Rs 24 crores which is a very good figure for this modest-budgeted film from the Bhatt camp.


Film: Vicky Donor

Position: 2

Director: Shoojit Sircar

Cast: Ayushmann Khurana, Yaami Gautam, Annu Kapoor

Upside: Fresh story, brilliant performances, good music, superb humour

Downside: Not many

Running Week: 3

Box Office Verdict: Super Hit


Film: Housefull 2

Position: 3

Director: Sajid Khan

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, John Abraham, Mithun Chakravarthy

Upside: Akshay Kumar and Ritiesh Deshmukh's impeccable comic timing, entertaining second half, good music, some good funny moments

Downside: John Abraham's bad comic timing, some silly and slapstick jokes, no plot in first half

Running Week: 5

Box Office Verdict: Super Hit


Film: Fatso

Position: 4

Director: Rajat Kapoor

Cast: Ranvir Shorey, Gul Panag, Purab Kohli, Neil Bhoopalam

Upside: Good story, decent performances, fresh humour

Downside: Potential of plot not explored to the hilt, abrupt ending

Running Week: 1

Trade Comments: Despite good content, the film failed to pick up due to lack of promotions.


Film: Tezz

Position: 5

Director: Priyadarshan

Cast: Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Boman Irani

Upside: Interesting plot, decent performances by Ajay-Anil, good pace

Downside: Less of train action, weak conflicts

Running Week: 2

Box Office Verdict: Flop

Source: indiatimes.com