By Sonia Chopra
Sequels, experimentative and hard-hitting films, laugh riots and the oh-so conventional big budget dramas… these were the dominant genres that kept the Indian film industry buoyant in 2006. The year gone by can safely be hailed as one of the biggest that Bollywood has ever seen. And why not? Budgets, profits and creativity soared and so did star prices.
Sample this – Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish recently celebrated its silver jubilee run in Mumbai and other circuits. Budgeted around Rs 350 million (Rs 35 crores), the film has crossed more than three times its investment.
UTV’s Rang De Basanti, made on a budget of Rs 250 million (Rs 25 crores), grossed Rs 1.25 billion (Rs 125 crores) overall – Rs 750 million (Rs 75 crores) from the domestic market, Rs 350 million (Rs 35 crores) from overseas and Rs 150 million (Rs 15 crores) from ancillary rights. The film has been nominated as India’s official entry to the Oscars this year.
Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (KANK), made at Rs 500 million (Rs 50 crores) garnered Rs 1.5 billion (Rs 150 crores) overall, and still counting; thus making it the production house’s highest grosser so far.
Yash Raj Films’ Fanaa, made on a budget of around Rs 220 million (Rs 22 crore) has collected more than Rs 1 billion (Rs 100 crores) overall (including Rs 320 million (Rs 32 crores) in the overseas). Its satellite rights have been sold to Sony, and will be aired on the chanel on 24 December.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Lage Raho Munnabhai has made Rs 250 million (Rs 25 crores) overseas, apart from earning the special honour of being the first-ever Hindi film to be screened in the United Nations auditorium. The film has also been entered as an independent entry to the Oscars.
The recently released Dhoom:2 from the Yash Raj Films’ stable, has just entered its third week and is said to have taken the best opening in 2006. The film is expected to cross Rs 900 million (Rs 90 crores) (net) or more by the year-end.
B R Films’ Baabul, which is doing lukewarm business in India, has reaped £290,000 for the first weekend in the UK. Baabul’s has been the fourth highest opening in the UK in 2006 and the film is currently on the eighth position in the UK box-office collections.
Khosla Ka Ghosla, a co-production by UTV, made on a budget of Rs 30 million (Rs 3 crores), made Rs 60 – 70 million (Rs 6 – 7 crores) (net), and its satellite rights are now with Sahara.
Kumar Mangat’s Omkara made on a budget of Rs 200 million (Rs 20 crores), too has done very well. Even a relatively small film like Gangster, made with Rs 60 million (Rs 6 crores), has garnered Rs 210 million (Rs 21 crores) overall, and sold its satellite rights for Rs 30 million (Rs 3 crores).
Malamaal Weekly, Corporate and Dor made at Rs 8, Rs 6, and Rs 5 crores (Rs 80, 60 and 50 million) respectively have all been money earners with Malamaal Weekly making Rs 250 million (Rs 25 crores) overall.
Farhan Akhtar’s Don has crossed Rs 175 million (Rs 17.5 crores) in collections overseas, slated to become one of the top 3 Hindi film grosser of all time, overseas.
The other money earners so far include: Phir Hera Pheri, Taxi No. 9211, Being Cyrus, Tom Dick & Harry, Chup Chup Ke, Golmaal-Fun Unlimited, Vivah, Apna Sapna Money Money, Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Jaan-E-Mann.