How the business has grown. Four years back when Ghajini had broken the barrier and turned out to be the founding member of the 100 crore club, one wondered whether this was the beginning of something magical or just a spike. Circa 2012 and we have over 180 crores coming in just 10 days. Now that’s what one would call magical. Fair enough, so there will always be talks of increased number of multiplexes, increased screen count, higher ticket prices and more spending power. However all said and done, any and every film needs to have that ‘something’ to it that makes it succeed. JTHJ and SOS have shown that.

Anushka Sharma & Shah Rukh Khan from Jabn Tak Hai Jaan and Ajay Devgn & Sonakshi Sinha from Son Of Sardaar
Anushka Sharma & Shah Rukh Khan from Jabn Tak Hai Jaan and Ajay Devgn & Sonakshi Sinha from Son Of Sardaar

Yes, of course none of them is either a classic or a quintessential rollicking masala movie respectively. They aren’t as entertaining as some of the best films (and possibly revenue generating movies) released this year. They aren’t even finding universal acclaim coming their way. However, a part of this universe has at least stepped in to check out what the hype is all about. That has been good enough for both films to stay steady during the weekdays as well after a very good extended weekend of six days. As a result, both films have succeeded and turned out to be clean hits at the box office.

There were expectations of Jab Tak Hai Jaan to be achieving the 100 crore mark in its first 10 days itself but the film fell short by a couple of crores. Still, at 98 crores, the film is now the third highest Shah Rukh Khan grosser till date and would soon be highest ever by the end of second full week, hence putting behind Ra.One and Don 2. At 83 crores, Son Of Sardaar is also second consecutive success for Ajay Devgn and he is all set for a hat trick of 100 crore successes with Himmatwala as his next release in March 2013. Meanwhile it would be interesting to see how the film scores at the new single screens where it has just been released.

Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder

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