Last week, Ghanchakkar failed to live up to expectations, but that trend didn’t continue with Lootera, which released last Friday. The Ranveer Singh-Sonakshi Sinha starrer has collected an impressive Rs. 21.25 cr so far.
'Lootera is not your typical commercial venture. It wasn’t expected to take the box office by storm anyway. So considering that, its business is more than justified. On Monday too, the film was stable at the box office. The makers must be happy with it,' says exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi.
Since the budget of the Vikramaditya Motwane film is around Rs. 26-27 cr, the trade is confident of a profit for the makers. Apparently, the satellite rights have been sold for Rs18 cr.
Producer Ekta Kapoor says, 'As a studio (Balaji), we back diverse cinema and Lootera is among our prized possessions. For its cost, release size and audience, it has worked well for everybody.'
On the other hand, the week’s other release, Sanjay Dutt-starrer Policegiri has made only around Rs. 11.50 cr.
'The problem is that it’s too routine a movie. And today, people always want something new. If they don’t get that, they will immediately reject the film,' says trade expert Komal Nahta.
As per trade reports, Policegiri has been saved in single-screen theatres but it did not fare well in multiplexes. It’s believed that it suffered due to lesser shows in multiplexes.
'Dutt is no longer a star who can draw in audiences in droves,' says Rathi. The film was reportedly made at a budget of Rs. 35-40 cr.