Bollywood Hungama

Forget Rs. 1000 cr, trade feels Ramayana can collect Rs. 2000 cr in its lifetime: It is in sync with the current mood in India; Gen Z, Gen Alpha are much more spiritually inclined compared to millennials

Earlier this year, Dhurandhar The Revenge rewrote records as it became the first film to collect Rs. 1000 crore nett domestically. We asked trade experts whether Ramayana can also do the same, considering the hype and curiosity over its casting and visual appeal. Trade analyst Atul Mohan said, Yes, why not? If we can have 4 films collecting Rs. 500 crores in 2023, why cant we hope for two Rs. 1000 crore grossers? Itna toh laalchi banna hi chahiye na dhande mein (laughs)? Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, I hope so. This year has been a glorious one for the Hindi film industry and the success of Ramayana will be another feather in the cap. Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal predicted, I believe it can happen. It all depends on the content and presentation. This is a great time to bring a mythological film in cinemas, especially one based on Lord Rama. So, there will be frenzy for it in cinemas. Meanwhile, our own fraternity members are busy doing negative publicity against the film on social media. That would not affect the film much. We all know its content and so, if the presentation is strong, the business of the film would be on another level. Itll rewrite history. Meanwhile, Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, remarked, Ramayana has the potential to do Rs. 2000 crore plus in India. It is in sync with the current mood in India. The Gen Z and Gen Alpha are much more spiritually inclined compared to millennials. This is reflected in the business of films like Hanuman Ansh, Karuppu, Irumudi, etc. It is not a one-off thing. It is a trend. Hence, people want to watch films like Ramayana. Gaav-gaav uthar kar aa jaayega yeh film ko dekhne! Part 2 expectations Ramayanas part 2 is scheduled to release in 2028. We have seen in the past how the sequel does bigger business, especially when part 1 has become popular. Hence, the experts feel that if Ramayanas first part does historic business, the potential of Ramayanas sequel at the box office is unimaginable. Raj Bansal explained, I have always maintained that if a film is a hit and if it has a sequel or part 2, it gets 50% advantage of the predecessor in terms of opening. We saw that with Dhurandhar, Drishyam, etc. in recent times. Taran Adarsh said, It all depends on the content of the first part. Also, the cliffhanger is going to be very important. Atul Mohan agreed, They shouldnt delay much. Baahubali 2 was keenly awaited as viewers wondered, Katappa ne Baahubali ko kyun maara?. In Pushpas climax, we see the protagonist giving a tough fight to the cop, making us excited about what would happen next. Dhruandhar also ended at a decisive point. In Ramayana, we all know what is the start and end. Hence, there wont be the curiosity element that was present in the (aforementioned films). However, if its a visual spectacle, that would be an advantage. People would feel, Yeh dekh ke maza aaya. 2 saal baad part 2 aayegi toh it would be even better since there would be technological advancement by then. Vishek Chauhan remarked, Firstly, part 1 needs to be very successful. Whether it does Rs. 700 crores or Rs. 800 crores or Rs. 1500 crores, it needs to have a positive word of mouth. People should not feel hurt. The makers are walking on a very thin line. The film has a subject of faith. We all know how social media functions today. People will be minutely watching the film to find loopholes. So, if Ramayana flies despite the challenges and comes out with flying colours, I think itll be their biggest victory. If staunchest religious people give it a thumbs up, that will also be very significant and will set part 2 up beautifully and will be on a record-breaking spree. He signed off by stating, Therell be a section of the audience wholl watch Ramayana for entertainment. But therell be a bigger audience that will be going for faith. You know how strong devotion to Lord Rama is in this country. Also Read: Ramayana Day 1 box office PREDICTION: Trade expects an opening of Rs. 60-70 cr in Hindi and Rs. 100 cr in all languages: Yashs mere presence and the fact that hes playing such a strong character will ensure Rs. 40 cr from South