The Kareena Kapoor-starrer Heroine has got a moderate response and mixed reviews from movie-goers and trade pundits across the country. According to trade analysts, at some places, multiplexes were better, while single screens were leading at some mass-dominated centres.
With a 2,400-screen release, and on the basis of early estimates and trends for advance sales of evening and night shows, the first day collection looks in the range of Rs 7.5-8 crore.
Many trade analysts feel the credit for the opening, as far as female-oriented films at the box-office go, can be attributed to the high level of curiosity, marketing and promotions. The fact that the film is directed by Madhur Bhadarkar, who has made female-oriented films his brand equity, has added to expectations.
A few trade analysts believe Heroine has taken a jump-start at the box office on its release and could rake in Rs 30 crore in the opening weekend. However, senior trade analyst Vinod Mirani holds a completely opposite view. “The opening reports are not very good. The basic plot of this Madhur Bhandarkar film remains the same as his earlier films. The problem here is there is no story, as such, in Heroine to hold a viewer’s interest. This was the film for Kareena Kapoor to show her acting skills, but that does not happen, because of her ill-defined character. The character lacks consistency, due to which one fails to identify or empathise with her. Even if it makes Rs 8 crore, it is too little compared to such a wide release,” Mirani opined.
However, the producer of the film, UTV Motion Pictures, is happy with the response. “The first-day response from across the country has been stupendous. The buzz on Heroine has been exceptional and with the right release strategy that we have implemented across the country, we are confident of a great weekend,” said Gaurav Verma, director of India theatrical distribution, studios, UTV Disney.
Among female-oriented films, The Dirty Picture had collected Rs 9 crore on the first day, while Kahaani had collected just 2.8 crore. Interestingly, Heroine has opened very well in Dubai, where it released on Thursday. The film collected $140,000 with 19 screens yet to report.
These numbers are approximately five times the that of all recent female lead movies.
“Heroine has seen a phenomenal opening in Dubai! This was a highly anticipated movie and our marketing and promotional visit has helped pull in massive crowds to theatres. No other female lead movie has seen such a response in recent years,” said Amrita Pandey, executive director of syndication, international distribution & Disney media distribution, studios.
