Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor’s Padmaavat has released in theatres today. We may go back to thinking that all is well in the world and that truth has finally triumphed and the film has finally seen the light of day despite all the controversies, threats and protests. But the truth remains that all the negativity around the film has affected its performance at day 1. The film which opened to paid previews last evening, made Rs 5 crore which is lower than expectations and this was due to the ongoing threats and protests against the film.
And now, the first day figures also look bleak, especially when we are talking about a film as grand as Padmaavat, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and made on a whopping budget of Rs 190 crore. We spoke to trade analyst and film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi, who didn’t want to put a number to the film’s first day earnings since the audience behaviour to booking the tickets across the country hasn’t been consistent. Rathi says, “It is very sporadic because of the agitations and the law and order situation at various centres. Some centres are reporting 10 – 15 per cent occupancy while there are some places where shows are houseful. So it totally depends on the situation of the day at that particular place.”
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He also said that it was unfortunate that despite a clearance from the CBFC and an order from the Supreme Court the protests continue. “A lot of people want to watch Padmaavat but they are holding back due to the disturbance right now. It is unfortunate and I feel we should wait for tomorrow to get a better idea of the opening figures. Even if you were to give a ball park figure, you have a bracket of 15 – 100 per cent. So it is difficult.”
Rathi also shared that a lot of theatres have police parked outside to ensure that no harm is done to people coming in to watch Padmaavat or to the property screening the film. As we get into the long weekend, where more cine buffs will step out to watch this magnum opus, let’s hope that the law enforcement agencies are able to contain the tension and ensure Bollywood fans have a happy, safe time at the movies.