Two months away from the halfway mark of 2007, Bollywood fans are starving for a blockbuster this year. While Guru, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Namastey London, Bheja Fry and most recently Life in a…Metro have done well, audiences are forever hungry.
However, as bleak as 2007 may have seemed so far, Bollywood has quite a bit in store for the rest of the year. In fact, almost every week until Novemeber will see a keenly awaited movie hitting the marquee. BollySpice.com conducted a poll to see which film audiences are awaiting most this year. Consisting of 21 of the most anticipated films, after countless votes, the results are in!
Topping the list with 28.57% of the votes is the UTV and Ashutosh Gowariker collaboration, Jodhaa-Akbar. After brilliant films like Lagaan and Swades, Gowariker returns on October 12th with his magnum opus starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles. Naturally, their sizzling pairing has only heightened the hype. With reports of brilliant costumes and sets, we can be sure the film will be a visual delight as well! In addition, ace composer A.R. Rahman is in charge of the music. Where can this one go wrong?
Tying with Jodhaa-Akbar is Yash Raj Films’ Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. After a fantastic trailer, gorgeous wallpapers and chartbuster tunes, it seems this one ranks high on the moviegoer’s “Most Wanted” list. Shaad Ali Sehgal of Saathiya and Bunty aur Babli fame directs this film which appears to be loads of fun. It also boasts of a casting coup, with Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, Bobby Deol and Lara Dutta essaying lead roles. We’re certainly ready to jhoom this June!
Taking a large dip, three films tied for second place, each with 7.14 % of the votes.
The first is the SRK-starrer Om Shanti Om. Farah Khan’s next after the masala-masti Main Hoon Na, it also stars Deepika Padukone (accross SRK) and Arjun Rampal. In addition, it features a song with a host of top actors and actresses (over 20!).
Pradeep Sarkar’s Laaga Chunari Mein Daag shares space with Om Shanti Om in second place. Another YRF release, LCMD is said to be about a girl’s journey from Benaras to Bombay. The title character played by Rani Mukerji, is supported by Konkona Sen Sharma, Jaya Bachchan, Kunal Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Abhishek Bachchan in a cameo.
Naturally, the brilliant Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next makes it’s mark on the list as well. This time with newcomers Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, SLB tries his hand at a youthful love story. Looking at his track record, expectations are sky high for Saawariya. The film also stars Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji.
The following films tied in third place with 3.57% of the votes:
-Vijay Taneja’s Aap Ka Surroor starring the man-in-the-cap, Himesh Reshammiya
-Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar 2 with the Bachchan family (bahu included)
-David Dhawan’s take on Hitch (rumoured), titled Partner, starring Govinda and Salman Khan
-Harry Baweja’s futuristic Love Story 2050, starring son Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra
-Priyadarshan’s Bhool Bhulaiya with Akshay and Vidya in the lead
-Apoorva Lakhia’s crime story, Shootout at Lokhandwala with a massive cast
Surprisingly, Apne, God Tussi Great Ho, Aaja Nachle, Dulha Mil Gaya, No Smoking, Halla Bol, RGV ke Sholay, Heyy Babyy, Goal and Taare Zameen Par did not make the cut. Still, they are some of the most anticipated films in the coming months!
Keep in mind that this poll only took into account films that have been anticipated for quite some time. There are bound to be small films that emerge winners along the way!
Audiences, look out for the rest of 2007…the fun is yet to begin!
