MADNESS AS SIX FILMS TO HIT CINEMAS THIS FRIDAY
Friday, March 1, is neither the beginning of an extended weekend nor is it a National Holiday. Yet, as as many six films will arrive in cinemas tomorrow. The number was going to be more but better sense prevailed and Accident Or Conspiracy: Godhra and Razakar were pushed ahead.
My analysis of these films:
Dune: Part Two: It is the sequel to Dune which released in 2021. It did a business of just Rs. 4.50-5 crores in India. However, that was due to pandemic factors. The sequel is keenly awaited by a section of the audience. The Western reviews are very encouraging. In fact, many has hailed it as a classic. Dune: Part Two releases in IMAX on February 29 and in normal 2D and 4DX on March 1. The IMAX bookings are superb and it might cross the lifetime of the first part in just two days.
Laapataa Ladies: It is directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan. It features newcomers along with Ravi Kishan and promises to tell an amusing story of a missing bride. The team of the film have toured across the country for promotions. They even showed the film to several people weeks before release, which shows their confidence in the product. However, since it looks like a niche film, it’ll not open well. The opening can be less than Dune: Part Two. However, if word of mouth is strong, Saturday’s collections can double.
Operation Valentine: It stars Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar and is a Hindi and Telugu bilingual. The trailer seems interesting but it looks very similar to Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer Fighter, which released last month. The awareness is negligible in the Hindi speaking markets. The makers can only hope that it scores in the Telugu version.
Kaagaz 2: It is the last film of Satish Kaushik. The veteran actor not just featured in the first part but also directed it. The sequel, however, is helmed by V K Prakash. The plot is enticing but there is zero knowledge of this film among the moviegoers.
Fairy Folk: It is an experimental film starring real-life couple Rasika Dugal and Mukul Chaddha. It will get a very limited release and might find takers in select multiplexes.