India's own "Superman" flies high at box office
Wed Jun 28, 2006 11:57 PM ET
MUMBAI (Reuters) - Bollywood's version of Superman has thrown down a box-office challenge to his American counterpart, with trade analysts estimating the film earned an Indian record of $15 million in its opening week.
Almost one-third of the takings for "Krrish" came from overseas, mostly the United Kingdom and the United States where Bollywood fare is an entertainment staple for Indian expatriates.
"These are historic opening collections for a Bollywood film. India's first superhero is a superhit," said Taran Adarsh, a leading trade analyst.
"This is just the first week. Many cinemas are sold out for days."
"Krrish," which cost $10 million, was considered an expensive production in India's Hindi language film industry, the biggest in the world by volume and ticket sales but one which operates on low margins.
The story of a man with special powers who romances his lady love in between saving the world from a mad scientist has hit a chord with children, who love his ability to leap tall buildings at a bound in a black leather ensemble and a Batman-like mask.
"And something which is a hit with children will ensure their parents come along," Adarsh said.
Industry officials say the film is a huge success because the eponymous hero can tackle villains and save the world while singing and dancing -- a feature of Indian films.
"The film is a workable mixture of what the Indian audiences adore -- fantasy, adventure, romance and family values," said film critic Deepa Gehlot.
"The total package is a novelty for them."
The film is a sequel to the 2003 blockbuster "Koi...Mil Gaya" (I Found Someone), considered to be Hindi cinema's first major sci-fi movie.
"Krrish," played by Bollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan, boasts spectacular special effects as well as song and dance.
today.reuters.com |
