<i>Don</i> leads, <i>Jaan-e-Mann</i> trails

By: Taran Adarsh, IndiaFM

Monday, October 23, 2006

The opening weekend verdict was loud and clear on Friday itself. Don had fetched a good to excellent start [80%-90%], while Jaan-E-Mann, another biggie this Diwali, sent shock waves with a tepid start [25%-40%]. Those expecting the Salman-Akshay starrer to fetch a hurricane-like start were surely disappointed.

While the audience feedback to Don ranges from average to below average, Jaan-E-Mann enjoys better reports. A section of the industry feels that the business of Jaan-E-Mann would show an increase [good word of mouth] for this reason. Also, everyone's hoping that Jaan-E-Mann would consolidate its position after Idd, since Salman is a major draw with a section of the movie-going audience.

Day 2 [Saturday] was weak for both the films, since Laxmi pooja affects the business of all releases. With most Hindus offering prayers on this day, the attendance at movieplexes takes a complete beating. This year was no exception. The collections of both Don and Jaan-E-Mann slided downwards practically everywhere. In fact, at some centres, the collections were as low as 15%-20%, which, frankly, didn't come as a surprise.

Sunday went in favor of Don again, while Jaan-E-Mann did show an increase but it didn't perform to its optimum capacity.

A section of the film industry feels that the pre-Diwali dull phase [on Friday] affected the prospects of Jaan-E-Mann. If one were to take this rationale seriously, then why did Don fetch a good start? A section is also of the opinion that the promotion of Jaan-E-Mann, although aggressive, didn't have the required garmi to compel the moviegoers to rush to the nearby cinemas.

Meanwhile, the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Ganga [Bhojpuri] is faring very well in Uttar Pradesh, with several shows registering 100% collections.