'Raja Natwarlal' crawls at box office

Despite favourable reviews, Emraan Hashmi-starrer "Raja Natwarlal" has failed to excite the moviegoers and it has impacted its box office collection. In two days, the crime-comedy could rake in just about Rs.11 crore.

Reportedly made on a budget of Rs.35 crore, the UTV Motion Pictures' project hit about 2,000 screens in the country Friday.

"It has earned Rs.11 crore in the first two days. It is quite low. It should cross Rs.20 crore in a week," Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines told IANS.

Directed by Kunal Deshmukh, Emraan's chemistry with his co-star and Pakistani actress Humaima Malick in the film has been criticised too.

"The drama in #RajaNatwarlal is entertaining, but the romance and music are weak. Film doesn't appeal," trade analyst Komal Nahta tweeted.

Another reviewer wrote: "In 'Raja Natwarlal', a con caper with a lot going for it at least on paper, Emraan has little to do that could catapult him to the next level of his career."

Emraan was joined by seasoned actor Paresh Rawal and talented Kay Kay Menon in the cast, but they couldn't do enough to elevate the film.

"Identity Card - Ek lifeline" by Rahat Kazmi and "Trip to Bhangarh" directed by Jitendra Pawar also released Friday, but the two films collected "negligible figures" at the ticket window, says Thadani.