Positive word-of-mouth makes 'Khoobsurat' a hit

Sonam Kapoor and Pakistani sensation Fawad Khan-starrer "Khoobsurat" might not have minted Rs.100 crore in a week, but the Shashanka Ghosh directorial has managed to earn a profit, thanks to positive word-of-mouth, says its co-producer.

Anil Kapoor and his daughter Rhea had joined hands with Walt Disney Studios to co-produce "Khoobsurat", a remake of the 1980 Rekha starrer "Khubsoorat".

Made at a Rs.12 crore budget, it hit 800 domestic screens Sep 19.

In India, it has collected Rs.19.10 crore in one week.

It also released in 18 international territories like North America, Britain and Pakistan on across nearly 300 screens and minted over $2 million till Thursday.

Amrita Pandey, VP and head marketing and distribution, Studios, Disney India, said in a statement that "Khoobsurat" has appealed to audiences across all age groups, making it a "great family entertainer".

"In India, the movie saw a great growth trajectory at the box office as collections doubled from Friday to Monday. What is even more special is the response the movie has garnered in the international markets, especially like UK, Pakistan and North America, reiterating the fact that the appeal of a great story is universal," she said.

"A well planned release strategy and the positive word-of-mouth has propelled the movie even more. The casting and the treatment of the movie also had a very global appeal, with Sonam being an international fashion icon and Fawad's fan following in Pakistan and India, our modern day fairy tale is truly heading towards a happy ending," she added.

Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines had also told IANS that "Khoobsurat" is picking up because of strong word-of-mouth.