Shivaji sets all time booking record!

By: Settu Shankar
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Hold your breath for superstar Rajinikanth's magnum opus Shivaji is going to make you gasp in wonder. Well, the first day (June 10) advance booking collection of Shivaji is a whooping Rs.1.70 crores.

Shivaji, the biggest film ever made in the country with the budget of Rs.85 crores (officially disclosed by the AVM) is on its way to set many new records in the Indian film industry. Now, the market to film is not limited to the state. It is spreading to the four corners of the world. With only a day before the release of the film, Rajini fans and public in general are in jubilant mood to celebrate the release.

Naturally, there is no need to say about the joy of the producers of the film, distributors and exhibitors. The producer must have realised through the sale of the film's distribution rights of Tamil Nadu, other states, overseas and channel that he is on the right track. Apart from this, the production house has got a lump sum amount from its various sponsors too. Abhirami Ramanathan has got the Chennai distribution rights for Rs.6.75 crores. It is a record price paid for an Indian film so far in a city.

The advance booking for the film was opened on June 10 early morning at 5.30 am. All the counters were closed for the day at 5.30 PM. In 12 hours, the collection through advance booking reached Rs.1.70 crores. That too in only 17 theaters located in Chennai.

Abhirami Ramanathan said, "It is an all time record set by an Indian film on the very first day of the advance booking. No other film has not come near to this height. It is a miracle in the industry. This will prove how Rajini is ruling the state through his charisma. There is no politics or groupism involved in this achievement. For fans, Rajini is their evergreen Thalaivar (leader). The ultimate aim for all his die hard fans is to view his film on the very first day, first show and share their joy with other fans. I must thank all his fans for their disciplined approach on the first day of booking."

"In Chennai city (cinema distribution for Chennai city is limited within Ashok Nagar to Thiruvottiyur. Even the main areas of Chennai Perambur and Adayar do not fall into the boundaries of the City!), we will screen the film in 17 theaters. Albert, Devi, Melody, Sathyam, Santham, INOX-1, INOX -2, Udhyam, Mini Udhayam, Sooriyan, Kamala, AVM Rajeswari, Abhirami, Annai Abhirami, Bala Abhirami, Bharath and Maharani are the theaters screening the movie. The Telugu version of Shivaji will also be screened at Casino. Usually, only six or seven theaters are reserved for the release of a new film starring leading heroes but Shivaji is an exceptional film. For the first time in Indian film history, a film will be released in 18 theaters in a City. The purpose of showing the film in large number of theaters is to make it convenient for the people to watch it at their nearest theatres," said Ramanathan.

Ramanathan further said, "Many might have thought that I paid too much for the film's City rights. No, what I have paid is redeemable. Just think of the population of Chennai. It is more than a crore. If 30 lakh people turns up to watch the movie, it will be enough to make profit. This is my simple calculation."