August 7, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Just like every year, 2010 too has starved of some genuine bona fide hits. The ones that have managed to hit the bull’s eye are Raajneeti, Housefull, My Name Is Khan, and I Hate Luv Storys to name a few. Now add one more to the list, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. In fact, the film took the weakest start of all when compared to the aforementioned films.
The opening shows hovered in 40-50 percent range but the phenomenon that began from Friday evening pretty much stayed on throughout the first week. Result? A film that saw feedback ranging from good to excellent ensured that collections stayed steady till the begining of second weekend as well.
With 34 crores coming in from the first week, the film will now comfortably surpass 50 crores and now comes with the potential to even hit the 60 crores mark. This would be a great win for everyone associated with the film because right from the time it was launched, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was marred by negative energy around it. Bollywood had entered into a period of recession and the period setting of the film meant that pre-production couldn’t be rushed through. Also gangster films aren’t quite considered as a genre which is fit for family viewing. However, through this film, director Milan Luthria and producer Ekta Kapoor have made an ideal follow up to Satya and Company that have otherwise been considered as a benchmark for gangster films.
The box office success of the film means that Ajay Devgn now has a hat trick of successes this year after Raajneeti and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. Emraan Hashmi now has a film which has done business much bigger than his earlier big hits. Kangna has finally managed to get out of her schizophrenic zone. Prachi has kept her success record intact after Rock On and Life Partner. Meanwhile Randeep Hooda too has got a new lease of life after being in oblivion for long.
All in all, a much deserving box office hit for Bollywood.
–Joginder Tuteja/Sampurn Wire
