Will turtles creep past 'hare' at box office this week?

A popular Hollywood franchise will strike the Indian box office this week. Will "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows" prove a fair competitor to the big Bollywood release this week?

Apparently, Paramount and their Indian partners Viacom 18, have full confidence in the 'Turtles' briskly trotting by the 'hare' "Housefull 3".

"Paramount releases the film in 40 countries simultaneously this week. They are pretty sure of finding a market," said a source.

Trade and movie experts are of the opinion that "Housefull 3" -- a true blue Bollywood comedy -- may still have an edge in India.

Film critic Raja Sen said: "I think people are thirsting for some big budget Bollywood tomfoolery and so 'Housefull 3' might get a great opening regardless of quality."

Trade expert Amod Mehra said: "'Housefull 3' is a big franchise and people who have been starved of entertainment this year will ensure the film turning into this years first blockbuster... Irrespective of its merits."

Even trade analyst Atul Mohan feels that "'Housefull' is such a huge brand that it is unlikely to be affected by any new player. 'Housefull' is a successful franchise. It has an interesting ensemble cast, and will be the first out-and-out entertainer of the year.

"Akshay Kumar is in the best phase of his career. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala is the man with a Midas touch. There's great marketing. For 'Housefull 3', a bumper opening is very much on cards and it all depends on how entertaining the film is to take it further."

--IANS

skj/rb/vm