Farhan Akhtar has managed to build a good branding around himself. With class attached to his name, there is a loyal urban audience which is expected to step in for ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’. The film arrives three years after his last solo release ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’ which was a psychological affair and didn’t really do well. However in the years gone by he has been a part of a successful ‘Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara’ as an actor and ‘Don 2’ as a director that has helped him cover further distance from the visibility perspective.
All of this means that at least in the multiplexes, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ should see a good opening for itself and fetch footfalls in 50%-60% range. In fact the kind of content that the film promises, it even carries potential to penetrate the single screen belt, courtesy the local flavour as well as the positive spirit that the narrative promises.
In fact one has to add that everything is going in favour of this film since it is seeing a solo release for itself and there is no major competition from earlier releases either. Now with such a neat release, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ would have to be a real below average affair to not sustain and bring in moolah on a continuous note. Given the fact that Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is at the helm of affairs as the director, one doesn’t see him doing another ‘Delhi 6’ as a back to back affair. In all, the film is expected to be a safe outing for all involved at the box office and should add on to another mid-budget success of the year.
Meanwhile there are some other under-promoted non-starcast films like ‘Boyss Toh Boyss Hain’, ‘Shorts’, ‘Sixteen’ and ‘Tara – The Journey of Love & Passion’ arriving alongside ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ as well. The first challenge for each of these films would be to get an all-India release for themselves.
Joginder Tuteja tweets @tutejajoginder
