Salman's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' seems set to shatter all box-office records

July 18, 2015

Mumbai, Jul 18: With only two films having made their way into the 100-crore club this year so far, all eyes are on the box-office collections of Bajrangi Bhaijaan starring Salman Khan, one of the most bankable stars in the industry today. Nearly 5000 screens have been allotted to the Kabir Khan film across the country and on the first day, most theatres witnessed 90-95 per cent occupancy.

bajarangi

An industry source says, “In several big and small cities, the film ran to full houses throughout the day while in Mumbai, popular cinemas recorded good sale of tickets. The fact that Salman managed to get a solo release is a huge advantage. It has even recorded the highest number of advance bookings with tickets for first three days almost sold out in many places. Moreover, it has received positive reviews and is being recommended for a family watch, which will attract more people to the theatres.”

Cashing in on the Sal-mania, exhibitors are said to have increased ticket rates — regular ones that cost R110-R150 in a suburban multiplex in Mumbai have been revised to R250-300. The price for a gold class seat varies between Rs 750 and Rs 900 in the city instead of Rs 500. The scenario is more or less the same in other major cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore, etc. Reportedly, in a few Delhi theatres, tickets were sold in black for as much as thrice the actual cost.

Trade expert Taran Adarsh says, “The film’s business will be huge, considering the heady combination of Salman’s stardom and Eid’s festive spirit. Theatre owners have, therefore, raised the ticket costs to capitalise on the Salman craze. It is anticipated that Bajrangi will cross the R100-crore mark in the opening weekend itself.”

Distributor Girish Wankhede, however, asserts that the rise in ticket prices is but “marginal”. “In case of anticipated blockbusters, the ticket rates are hiked, but this time round, it is marginal. Bajrangi Bhaijaan has released at an apt time and the solo release is working wonders for it as there is no Hollywood film either for competition. Friday was a weekday, so the business might have been slightly hit, but today onwards, you see how the footfalls increase,” he adds.

Manoj Desai, executive director of Gaiety Galaxy and Maratha Mandir, echoes Wankhede. “The film has had a fantastic opening. Bajrangi Bhaijaan might just surpass all expectations over the weekend. About the ticket pricing, the rates at our theatres remain the same,” he states.

In his tweet, trade analyst Komal Nahta said: “Waiting for Eid ka chand? But Eid has already arrived at the b.o. #BajrangiBhaijaan takes a fantabulous opening all over. Unprecedented rush.”

As far as the overseas market is concerned, the film released on 800 screens in over 30 countries. A trade source based in Dubai suggests that the movie has had a rousing opening across the UAE. “Salman has a huge fan following here and he seems set to break all records at the box-office. In fact, the number screens for Bahubali has been slashed considering the Salman wave. Advance booking figures were exceptional and will surely translate into big figures,” adds the source.

There were apprehensions of a delayed released across the border as the Pakistani authorities allegedly wanted to avoid the film clashing with two of their big-ticket releases. However, it hit the theatres there as scheduled with the chairman of censor board reportedly having certified that there is no negative element about the country in the film.

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News Network
June 29,2020

New Delhi, Jun 29: Actor Bhumi Pednekar on Monday pledged to feed over 550 impoverished families as a mark of tribute to late Bollywood actor and her 'Sonchiriya' co-star Sushant Singh Rajput.

Pednekar made the announcement through an Instagram post where she shared a picture of the departed actor and penned down a note along with it.

"I pledge to feed 550 impoverished families through the Ek Saath Foundation in the memory of my dear friend. Let us show compassion and love towards everyone that is in need, now more than ever," Pednekar wrote.

The two actors shared screen space in the Abhishek Chaubey directorial which continues to be a critically acclaimed film.

Rajput was found dead at his Mumbai's Bandra residence earlier this month. The detailed post-mortem report has also confirmed that he died by "asphyxia due to hanging."

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News Network
June 10,2020

Mumbai, Jun 10: Bollywood actors Sushant Singh Rajput and Varun Sharma's former manager Disha Salian reportedly committed suicide by jumping off the 14th floor of her apartment in Malad on June 8 night.

Varun Sharma mourned the demise on Instagram, sharing a photo with his former manager and friend.

"Am at a loss of words. Speechless. Numb. It all looks unreal. So many memories. Such a lovely person and a dear friend. You always wore that smile everyday, and with such kindness you dealt with everything that came your way. You will be deeply missed. Prayers and Strength to the Family. I still can't believe Disha you're gone. Gone too Soon," wrote Varun.

The young celebrity manager was reportedly with her fiance when she took the drastic step on June 8 night. She was declared dead on being rushed to a hospital in Borivali.

The police have started an investigation. As per reports, they have recorded the statement of the deceased's parents. Her fiance might also be asked for a statement.

Apart from Sushant Singh Rajput and Varun Sharma, Disha has managed comedian Bharti Singh in the past.

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Agencies
March 24,2020

Los Angeles, Mar 24: In a bizarre video shot from her rose petal filled bathtub, pop star Madonna has called the coronavirus pandemic "a great equaliser".

The music icon said the virus doesn't discriminate between rich and poor.

That's the thing about COVID-1. It doesn't care about how rich you are, how famous you are, how funny you are, how smart you are, where you live, how old you are, what amazing stories you can tell.

It's the great equaliser and what's terrible about it is what's great about it. What's terrible about it is that it's made us all equal in many ways, and what's wonderful about is, is that it's made us all equal in many ways, Madonna said in the video while having a milky bath in tub full of roses.

The 61-year-old singer, who had to cancel two of her concerts in Paris due to coronavirus outbreak, also referenced her 1995 song Human Nature in the video saying we are all going down together .

According to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker, the death toll from the virus globally has risen to 14,641 with 336,000 cases reported in 173 countries and territories.

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