This Friday is indeed looking a very Good Friday. Scheduled to release this week is, Ajay Devgn and Tamannaah Bhatia’s Himmatwala, directed by popular director Sajid Khan. Sajid has already created for himself an undisputable reputation following the humongous success of his films from Hey Babby to Housefull 2. Sajid, who has always worked fondly with Akshay Kumar, often deemed to be his lucky charm, to much surprise of others signed Ajay Devgn for the lead role in Himmatwala. In interviews Sajid Khan gave out in the past few weeks, he made clear of his conviction for the deliberate choice he made for Devgn, rekindling an old college friendship he shares with the actor.
Himmatwala is an immensely special film for the director who holds it in a nostalgic memorabilia. The 1983 Himmatwala which had Jeetendra and Sridevi, was instrumental in launching Sridevi’s stable Bollywood career which stretched till English Vinglish last year. The film was her first hit and did wonders for her as it hopes to do the same for the remake’s lead actress Tamannaah as well.
Himmatwala 1983 and Himmatwala 2013
Evidently an all in all masala entertainment film, Sajid pioneers at, Himmatwala looks promising for the sheer retake it attempts at a bygone era of films. Making the celluloid look adequately glossy, Himmatwala is designed lustrously which invites huge audiences from single screens as well.
Releasing on an official holiday, the film has a huge chances of raking vastly in its first day itself. With no other significant competition at the box office, it is rather secured of its start. Himmatwala is expected to release at over 3000 screens in India.
The media reports of the film were recently flooded with Sajid Khan making the tall promise of his Himmatwala being better than the 1983 one. Refusing to settle as the scum of mindless films et al, Sajid expects a good review from critics and audiences alike. The 1983 Himmatwala directed by K Raghvendra Rao, had Jeetendra and Sridevi in the lead roles. The film went on to be the second largest hit of the year. The film opened to 95% occupancy even more than that’s largely expected of Sajid Khan’s film. The film was surpassed only by Amitabh Bachchan’s legendary comeback film following a long illness from an accident incurred on the sets of the same film, Coolie which had a 100% occupancy rate following the superstar’s enigma and his will power which revived him back.
The film became the fourth highest box office grosser of the year with a lifetime earning of 6 crore. The other highest earners of the same year were Amitabh Bcahchan’s Coolie which had a lifetime collection of 9 crores, Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh’s Betaab which earned approximately 6.75 crore and Jackie Shroff’s iconic Hero with earnings of 6.25 crore.
Himmatwala (1983) was a super hit in its own right and hence recreating the same magic by Sajid Khan who is rather good at his work, one can expect the same magic from Himmatwala (2013). Yet one can assume it won’t manage to attain the position of top 4 of the year as its predecessor. This year 3 major upcoming revenue raking films are yet to go on screens namely Dhoom:3 scheduled for a Christmas release, Krrish 3 for a Diwali release and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again which releases on Eid, besides Race 2 which has well en-cashed the Republic Day this year, are all expected to earn more and open to greater occupancy.
This Friday is crucial to the brand image of both Sajid Khan and Ajay devgn. Devgn who recently signed a 400 crore deal with Star India has a magnanimous reputation to maintain with the performance of his films, which determines his overall market value. Sajid, who is back after Housefull 2, which did tremendous business, has his share of things to prove all over again. The highest stake is for Tamannaah who is kick starting a Bollywood career in the times when leading ladies are fiercely competitive and unaccommodating to competition. As for the audiences, hope Himmatwala gives a Good Friday indeed.
