Box Office Predictions of PLAYERS

Official remake of Italian Job, PLAYERS directed by Abbas-Mastan is the first film of the new year. It stars Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu, Bobby Deol, Omi Vaidya, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sikander Kher. Lets predict what it may do at box office....

Opening day- 6cr

If word of mouth is good,

Weekend 1- 20.5cr

Week 1- 33cr

Lifetime- 64cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Weekend 1- 19.75cr

Week 1- 30cr

Lifetime- 48cr

If word of mouth is bad,

Weekend 1- 19.25cr

Week 1- 27.5cr

Lifetime- 38cr

5 things bollywood should learn from 2011- Sanket's opinion

When I say bollywood, i mean every single person related to bollywood.

5. DON2- Its the film thats having good run at box office showing good trending. But it is a film that should cater at all and not only at clas audience because its a sequel to a film which was a remake to a total joyride. The "no-songs" strategy isn't a good indication for a film to fetch good amount at mass oriented places.

4. DAMAADAMM - Releasing with Ra.One shows how overtly the producers were over-estimating their film. Making couple of crores at box office, it got immensely unnoticed because of a hurricane called Ra.One.

3. DOUBLE DHAMAAL- Its for distributors- do not judge a film by its cover. The film was purchased by distributors for a very good amount and the all india selling was 30cr theatrical (domestic). But the film had below average reactions from public and failed to collect much after a good opening. The film had share of 24cr only and gave losses nearly 20% to all india distributors.

2. BBUDAH HOGA TERA BAAP- Released with Delhi Belly and Transformers, Bbudah Hoga Tera Baap had to suffer from this opposition. Even at single screens, where this film managed 80% business, it was still a low collections and had to face from Murder:2, which released a week after BHTB's release. Also, Double dhamaal which released in preceeding week collected a 8cr which mostly came from single screens. All in all, BHTB suffered a lot!

1. RA.ONE - Heavy promotions can be on both sides- positive and negative. RA.ONE faced negative side of heavy promotions.

Top 15 films of 2011- Sanket's list.

15. FALTU

14. SHOR IN THE CITY

13. SHAITAAN

12. READY

11. STANELY KA DABBA

10. NO ONE KILLED JESSICA

9. ROCKSTAR

8. DIL TOH BACHCHA HAI JI

7. MUJHSE FRAAANDSHIP KAROGE

6. DESI BOYZ

5. CHALO DILLI

4. DUM MAARO DUM

3. SINGHAM

2. DELHI BELLY

1. ZINDAGI NAA MILEGI DOBARA

Films which missed the list which i liked- Dhobi Ghaat, Patiala House, Yamla Pagla Deewana, Yeh Saali Zindagi, Tanu Weds Manu, Luv Ka The End, Raginni MMs, Double Dhamaal, Chillar Party,  Bodyguard, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, Lover Breakups Zindagi, Don:2.

Sanket's Review: "Don2" is engaging action-thriller

Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Om Puri, Boman Irani, Lara Dutta

Director: Farhan AKhtar

Length: 2.15 hours

After watching DON2, one can easily recognize that how ambitiously the makers wanted to bound this film with lavish and grand presentation. This sequel to an undeserving success, is not only better than the prequel but also high on script value, despite of bleary screenplay at times. From the first scene, you are send to the world of a man who is menacing, and smart dude who has planned a big heist this time around for which he chooses too many people and making too many sub plots for the film.

The film though has Sharukh Khan as its central performance, but Farhan AKhtar involves too many people around in this film, giving very modicum time to guess the name. Farhan Akhtar makes sure, that his film never goes off with slow moments, and thus he picks up only one song in the proceeding. The first hour of DON2 has some glossy cinematography and some thrilling sequences. The scene where SRK offers Boman Irani between the other guilty victims in jail, is one of the best scenes in recent time, for the kind of intense atmosphere the director creates betwen the two antagonists. The first hour is gripping, though with some loop holes. Also, note the edge-of-seat chase sequence between Priyanka Chopra and Shahrukh Khan. Its an admirable work. Its only screenplay that looses its flip, and gets too easy without much conflict.

The second hour however is rounded with some twists and turns, which are not exactly unpredictable, but does take the narration ahead leaving us with more thrills. The heist plan also goes quite within a fast pace without letting you to think about deceiving, if any. Its Farhan Akhtar's sheer brilliance in some scenes which definitely takes DON2 to different level.

The music isn't well made. Zara Dil Ko Thaam Lo is an ordinary song interrupting the pace. Also the screenplay fumbles in mid of first half, pushing down the developed pace. The action is master work, keeping the bollywood standards in mind.

Shahrukh Khan gives a riveting performance and dives in the coat of the brutal character he plays. He remains of the best thing of this film, and he submits the evidence that how dazzlingly he can sing such roles. Its a delightful performance. Boman Irani is amazing to the core in that limited role he portrays. Priyanka Chopra also does it well, where Om Puri and Lara Dutta gets very modicum of space.

DON2 does have its clutches, but as an entire film, its engagin thriller, with marvelous action dose, and classic look of the film. Also it has Shahrukh Khan in one his career best act. Go for it!

Rating- 3/5 (Good)

Under-rated films of 2008

10. MAHARATHI- An humorous thriller, which was smartly made. Surprised me big time.

9. EK VIVAH AISA BHI- A sweet film, which had some brilliant dramatic portions, and also good performances.

8. DE TAALI- A rom-com which easily entertained me for its innocency and its friendship theme.

7. HIJACK- Amazing action sequences, and some good thrilling chips.

6. SUNDAY- The story silently got more better as soon as second half arrived. Good direction, and good acting made it worth a watch.

5. MISSION ISTANBUL-  The chase sequences were treat to watch. Apart from mediocre performances, there was many things better.

4. HEROES- The only culprit was arrangements of events. The Salman-Preity track was the best one, but it was ignored after the two not-so-exciting storie. The Salma-Preity track and their acting were enough to spend the affordable bucks.

3. MERE BAAP PEHLE AAP- What a first half! It literally brought me in splits wtching the amazing and amusing acts by Paresh, AKshaye and Rajpal.

2. THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC- Fairly a very good film, with heart in its right place.

1.MUMBAI MERI JAAN- Thoroughly gripping and thoughtful film, and had Paresh Rawal as the USP. Excellent film.

Sanket's Review: "Pappu Cant Dance Saala" isn't surprising but an watchable affair.

Cast: Vinay Pathak, Neha Dhupia, Rajat Kapoor

Director: Saurabh Shukla

Length: 2.05 hours approximately

In one of the funniest scene in this week's PAPPU CANT DANCE SAALA, Vinay Patahk's role who is man of principles, ethics and culture makes an argument with room-mate Neha Dhupia, who is frank, open and fahionate fgirl. The argument sells us the scene where Vinay pathak argues to sleep on his own bed, and ends up doing that. But soon Neha Dhupia lands up on bed making it awkward for the right guy. Its such silly buoyancy in this film making it a fun film, especially the first half. Its not exactly a good film, though not even miles away from being a good film.

The first half offers too much of banter between Neha DHupia and Vinay Pathak which is relatable argument though its funny. The two finds it hard to search a home and decides to stay in a Sales Tax society where they are not allowed. The film pushes its pace as it goes ahead, also because the narration is fluent and without many glitches. Though not exactly pacy, but still its an enjoyable and entertainig first half.

The problem stuffs up in second half where both the character feels lonely, which our writer has not managed to show in a way which could have been the right one. Also it becomes all of sudden for both to take the decision which separates them. The whole Banaras portion is annoying and over the top. Also the end which comes without any conflicts, becomes just an another end of could-have-been-better rom-com.

Mumbai's lanes have been picturised well by the cinematographer. Also the music works, though the neha Dhupia item song post-interval isnt happening. Still the softness in some songs goes wheel within wheel with first half. Saurabh SHukla does a appreciable job. He handles some scenes truly well like the one when Rajat Kapoor as a choreographer offers the female dancers to take off their tops and skirts or to leave the space. Its dramatically excellent sequence made with utmost intensity.

Vinay Pathak and Neha Dhupia's roles who are inherently decent people are excellently prtrayed by the two respectively. Their arguments are meaningful and humorous and they make them look even better with their skill. Rajat Kapoor is mingled with a cliched character who has no importance in the story.

The worn out second half, does set the boundaries of entertainment, but still on the whole, its still an watchable film, though not surprising.

Rating- 2.5/5 (Above Average)

Box Office Predictions of DON:2

After the failure of Ra.One, SRK's next DON:2 is the one film who can compensate the value that SRK has lost with Ra.One. Starring Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta and Shahrukh Khan, DON:2 is directed by Farhan Akhtar, and it is expected to have an jaggernaut opening at box office this christmas. It is releasing on 23rd December and lets predict the number form of the word "jaggernaut"...

Opening day- 15.5cr

If word of mouth is good,

Weekend 1- 50.5cr

Week 1- 82cr

Lifetime- 145cr

If word of mouth is mixed,

Weekend 1- 48.25cr

Week 1- 72cr

Lifetime- 110cr

If word of mouth is bad,

Weekend 1- 47cr

Week 1- 63cr

Lifetime- 82cr

Sanket’s review: “Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl” lacks what it needed- drama.

Cast: Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, Dipanita Sharma, Pariniti Chopra, Aditi Sharma


Director: Maneesh Sharma


Length: 2.20 hours approximately


The matter in every con film is how genuinely the conmen is smart. Coming off with too many faces, too many names and frequent changing of sim cards is no more an elegant movement from a conmen. In this new venture called LADIES VS RICKY BAHL, there are many big monetary transactions occur, and they occurs so easily that you feel, it’s a child making transaction with an ice cream seller. Its incredibly disappointing to see the same director who made impressive debut with BAND BAAJA BAARAT, has miserably failed this time.


Everything falls very easily on eyes without much conflict in the proceedings. Thus the film entirely lacks what it needed- drama. Also the peppy rhythm of the film may be freshening, but from inner, it’s a film which is devoid of any passion, ambition. What saves the film is the acting of ladies. The writing never takes its plane high as from the first con act its clear that the film badly lacks wit and intelligence. Its not easy to pen a con film, but its not even that tough to miss out on basic levels as well.



The first half submits too much of screen space for the three girls in the story. Conning is a serious business here, but soon it gets tiring. One after other girl is dismissed and no feelings of them are showcased before the story cycles ahead. It’s a regressive and rude tone of pace which keeps on jumping on both, high and low end. Anushka’s late entry do rise some hope


Even second half gets rigid direction from the writer who never goes above a natural thinking. He brings romantic angle in final thirty minutes, and that is when film finally remains consistent till the end, barring some filmy dialogues exchanged between our leads. The scene where Ranveer and Anushka gets closer is very well handled and the silence does evoke. But such moments are very few
in this overlong film.

Music is strictly average with only Aadat Se Majboor doing well. Cinematographer must be appreciated for his job. He takes Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and Goa in very different manner putting some smooth colors in them to suit the tone.


The three fiddle to Anushka Sharma does very fine job and each get enough scope to prove. Anushka Sharma potentates the whole show and makes an engaging character out of her role. Ranveer Singh
remains on backseat with a disappointing and a mediocre act.


In final tally, it disappoints because it comes from the makers who made a cheering BAND BAAJA BAARAT. Romance is just not the theme with this one and still it drives wrong way. But for few well made scenes, and for final few minutes where momentum is gathered, and ofcourse for Anushka Sharma its not entirely unwatchable film. With modest expectations, this may turn out to be well. But the whole plot is clichéd and the concept is just not acceptable.


Rating- 2/5 (Average)

Box Office Predictions of LADIES VS RICKY BHAL

After the unprecedented success of BAND BAAJA BAARAT last year, the same team return exactly one year later with a new product called LADIES VS RICKY BAHL directed by Maneesh SHarma. It features ANushka Sharma and Ranveer SIngh in the lead pair and its releasing on 9th December 2011. Lets predict the numbers...

Opening day- 4cr

If word of mouth is GOOD,

Weekend 1- 14.75cr

Week 1- 23.25cr

Lifetime- 36cr

If word of mouth is MIXED,

Weekend- 14cr

Week 1- 21cr

Lifetime- 29cr

If word of mouth is BAD,

Weekend 1- 13.25cr

Week 1- 20cr

Lifetime- 25cr

Sanket's Review: "The Dirty Picture" is over-ambitious.

Cast: Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Tushar Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi

Director: Milan Lutharia

Length: 2.25 hours approximately

This week's new film THE DIRTY PICTURE based on a south Indian actress Silk, is more of a documentary film with lots of fiction. The film has too much of sex and the director expects depicts this sex-drama under dark lights to bring the feel of reality. Frankly, its just an another project, or an biopic which ends up being over-ambitious.

The clutch lies in the presentation by the director. Its quite an lazy direction from Milan Lutharia which becomes major setback for the film. The idea which seems interesting from promos is very boring if you see it in totality. Also the screenplay looks cliched. The film has watchable and partly enjoyable first half with many whistle-deserving dialogues by Rajat Arora and also the seducive "Ooh La La". The film starts off well but soon, the momentum slowens, though not quicly. The interesting point is interval where you have our female lead providing a healthy monologue about what she is and what she was. In short, the first half doesn't disappoint as much as the post intermission parts does.

When the lights are switched off again, soon the film's remained modicum charm also despises. The drama never just builds up, because its direction which gets lousy. The two songs in second half is surely an endurance test. The written material for Vidya Balan gets boring and pointless. You don't exactly understand why so much of depression is carried on her part, and that too suddenly! Surely its screenplay which fizzles. Emraan Hashmi' heart melting for her comes as a forceful addition. Also the climax isn't convincing.

If there's something to cheer about, than its Rajat Arora who saves this one through some terrific dialogues. His dialogues bridges gap in first half. Music is below Average if you take "Ooh La La" out of it.

Its Vidya Balan and Naseeruddin Shah who performs brilliant.Vidya Balan no doubt is superb. Her remarkable acting stapled with Rajat Arora's amazing dialogues, makes Silk an wonderful and engaging character. Naseeruddin Shah is taken off the screen post-intermission but still he amazes and how! He totally rocks in his character and also he has some witty one-liners. Emraan Hashmi is saddled with uninspiring role and an tad long voiceover. He disappoints with his acting. Tushar Kapoor shows again how to cringe the viewers in embarrasment. His acting is going downhill, if removed out of "Golmaal" series.

If expected entertaining ride from THE DIRTY PICTURE, than you are surely to be left disappointed. Coherency is something that this one desperately needed in its rhythm. Apart from two good acts, Rajat Arora's dialogues and the dance number, there is nothing in the film. And thats why for this three reasons- Its watchable once with zero expectations.

Rating- 2/5