Ormax predicts an opening around 11 crore on Day 1 for this Friday's release, Manikarnika. Now, that's not bad. But considering the fact that Zee Studios and Ease My Trip have pumped in loads of money to shoot and reshoot (after Krrish, Sonu Sood and Swati Semwal went out from the film) and made its budget approximately 100 cr, the film might turn out to be a liability in terms of returns unless and until it is very well received at the ticket windows, so much so that it pulls back at least 150 cr in totality if not 200.
ALSO READ: Swati Semwal's EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW why she walked out of Manikarnika
The content and performances look good, at least from the trailer, and it is very much possible that this Kangana Ranaut directed flick receives huge critical acclaim. But is it an easy task for this film to romp home as a winner when it comes to commercials? The Queen star's biggest grosser till date Tanu Weds Manu 2 garnered 150 cr. Thus, Kangana needs to beat her own record if the financers of this film have to remain unscathed.
ALSO READ: Dr Ram From Kokilaben Hospital On Manikarnika Producer’s Health, “Kamal Jain Is On Ventilator In ICU. It’s A Neurological Disorder”
Also, let's not forget that it's a fight to the finish when two movies lock horns on a Friday. These are the days when rarely people see more than one movie a week. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Thackeray, which releases alongside, is also likely to eat into Manikarnika's share to a certain extent. Trade expert Amod Mehra says, "It's a tall order for Manikarnika to be a profitable venture, but nothing in Bollywood can be ruled out. I estimate it to register 10-12 crore on Friday, the balance will depend on the word of mouth. And yes, Thackeray will be big in Maharashtra at least."
Taran Adarsh gives a thumbs-up to Manikarnika, saying, "I think it will be a very good film. It's looking good from the trailer, for sure."
ALSO READ: Swati Semwal's EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW why she walked out of Manikarnika
The content and performances look good, at least from the trailer, and it is very much possible that this Kangana Ranaut directed flick receives huge critical acclaim. But is it an easy task for this film to romp home as a winner when it comes to commercials? The Queen star's biggest grosser till date Tanu Weds Manu 2 garnered 150 cr. Thus, Kangana needs to beat her own record if the financers of this film have to remain unscathed.
ALSO READ: Dr Ram From Kokilaben Hospital On Manikarnika Producer’s Health, “Kamal Jain Is On Ventilator In ICU. It’s A Neurological Disorder”
Also, let's not forget that it's a fight to the finish when two movies lock horns on a Friday. These are the days when rarely people see more than one movie a week. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Thackeray, which releases alongside, is also likely to eat into Manikarnika's share to a certain extent. Trade expert Amod Mehra says, "It's a tall order for Manikarnika to be a profitable venture, but nothing in Bollywood can be ruled out. I estimate it to register 10-12 crore on Friday, the balance will depend on the word of mouth. And yes, Thackeray will be big in Maharashtra at least."
Taran Adarsh gives a thumbs-up to Manikarnika, saying, "I think it will be a very good film. It's looking good from the trailer, for sure."
Manikarnika Poster
However, exhibitor Akshaye Rathi forecasts only Rs 7-8 crore as its Day 1 collection. "You never know the fate of any film, especially in today's times- but yeah, it might not be easy for Manikarnika to recover the expenditure that went into its making."
Ravi Sibbal of PVR Cinemas says, "Thackeray has generated a larger buzz than Manikarnika. Thackeray will dominate in Western India, while Manikarnika may clinch it in other parts of the country. As far as dividing shows is concerned--- we might have either a case of 50:50, or a case of 60:40 in favour of Thackeray."
We bet Zee Studios, Kangana Ranaut and Ease My Trip will have a few sleepless nights. If only they had made this extravaganza into a medium-budget film!
Image Source:-Amarujala, Youtube/zeestudios