With Failure Of Tubelight, All Eyes On Bollywood’s Next Big Releases
The box-office performances for Bollywood films have been below par for the year 2017. As of July 2017, only five Bollywood films (Raees, Kaabil, Jolly LLB 2, Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Tubelight) have crossed Rs 100 crore mark, if we exclude SS Rajamouli’s magnum opus Baahubali 2: The Conclusion.
Trade analysts, producers and distributors were betting high on Tubelight to bring in great moolah at the box-office, but things did not turn out as expected. Tubelight, defying every expectation sank at the box-office.
According to reports, the distributors of certain circuits have witnessed huge losses due to Tubelight. This is the worst audience turnout for a Salman Khan film in the last 6 years. The film that was expected to go past Rs 300 crore, and be on the likes of Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Dangal, is taking massive beating at the box-office and will rest at a minimal lifetime collection of Rs 120 crore only.
The first six months have been average for the industry, but Bollywood has a lot more to offer for the next six months. Numerous mega budget and highly hyped films will hit theatres in the coming months. Here is a list of upcoming releases that might score big at the box-office:
1. Jagga Jasoos
Release Date - 14 July, 2017
This Anurag Basu film is finally releasing after several delays and shift in release dates. The adventure comedy stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in the lead. Riding on good buzz and chartbuster music, the film looks like a perfect monsoon watch. This is Kapoor’s second collaboration with Anurag Basu, after 2012 hit ‘Barfi’.
2. Jab Harry Met Sejal
Release Date - 4 August, 2017
Imtiaz Ali and Shah Rukh Khan’s first outing looks like a joy ride. The film has created positive buzz with the release of several small teasers, but the official trailer is yet to release. JHMS will get a solo release, after the makers decided to prepone the movie, averting clash with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. The film also stars Anushka Sharma. This is going to be the third collaboration of the actor duos, after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s home production and shot in Prague, Amsterdam and Budapest, JHMS has set some high expectations.
3. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
Release Date - 11 August, 2017
Based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the film is expected to take a big start. This Akshay Kumar starrer has been delared tax-free in all BJP ruled states. The satirical comedy also stars Bhumi Pednekar in the lead and Anupam Kher and Sana Khan in supporting roles. The film has been directed by Shree Narayan Singh. TEPK is gaining good buzz and momentum for all the right reasons. With cheaper ticket rates in majority of the states and a good social message, TEPK will also get an extended Independence Day weekend to add on good numbers.
4. A Gentleman
Release Date - 25 August, 2017
The action comedy starring Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez is an eye catcher. The first look motion poster seems interesting. The film is based on the life of Gaurav (Sidharth Malhotra) who is stuck in a boring 9-5 job, and whose life takes an interesting turn due to identity mismatch. The film promises great deal of action for the viewers. A Gentleman is a fresh take on action-comedy, with the blend of an unpredictable thrill ride.
5. Baadshaho
Release Date - 1 September, 2017
The period action thriller has set the bar high with its hard hitting trailer. The film comprises of some big names like Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Vidyut Jammwal, Illeana D’ Cruz, Esha Gupta and Sanjay Mishra. Baadshaho is the 4th collaboration of director Milan Luthria and Ajay Devgn after Kachhe Dhaage, Chori Chori and Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. The film is set in the emergency era of 1970s. The dialogue and the screenplay of Baadshaho make it more promising. The story of 6 missing people, up for a big heist, compiled with the tense emergency backdrop, definitely takes the movie to the top of priority list.
6. Golmaal Again
Release Date - Diwali 2017
The biggest comedy franchise of Bollywood is back after a gap of 7 years. Golmaal has been a very successful franchise in terms of box-office reception and the same is expected from Golmaal Again. The cult franchise rides on good fan following and is expected to release somewhere around Diwali 2017. Arshad Warsi, one of the lead actors of the franchise, confirmed on Twitter that the film has entered its last schedule of shoot. The 4th chapter of the film marks the entry of Parineeti Chopra and Neil Nitin Mukesh. With the big festive release, Golmaal Again is expected to bring in big numbers at the box-office.
7. Padmavati
Release Date - 17 November, 2017
The highly anticipated and controversial project of Sanjay Leela Bhansali is based on the life of Rani Padmini. Padmavati is a period drama starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in the lead. Ranveer Singh will be seen playing the role of Alauddin Khilji, while Deepika will portray the role of Rani Padmini. Padmavati is made on a budget of over Rs 160 crore. With major controversies surrounding Padmavati, its release in a few circuits are questionable. However, the film has generated great buzz because of these controversies and is the most talked about films of 2017. The film is expected to take a big start at the box-office.
8. Tiger Zinda Hai
Release Date - 22 December, 2017
After the debacle of Tubelight, a lot is riding on Tiger Zinda Hai, for Salman Khan and Bollywood industry. Sequel to the 2012 super hit movie ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, Tiger Zinda Hai marks the collaboration of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif on the big screen. The film is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The film will have a long run at the box-office considering New Year and Christmas holidays.
