EBolly

Has Saawariya lost to Om Shanti Om even before the release?

It was earlier expected to go either way and with public opinion divided, both the films were anticipated to great major opening this November. But, of late, the stats and the pre-release bookings have scared the life out of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and not to miss the starry debutants.

Saawariya was more hyped and written about a month back due to the mystery factor in its promos, introduction of star kids: Sonam and Ranbir Kapooor and of course, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. From the music launch to the media revealing of the debutants, the film made headlines all the way. And where was Om Shanti Om?

But with the unveiling of the Kapoors, it was clear that Saawariya is a love story again, that too a Hindu-Muslim affair. Yes, Salman and Rani have different roles to play and people love the cinematic finesse of the filmmaker. But, like Black, is this another target audience bound film?

The promotion of Saawariya from the extravagant sets to music launch to small screen appearances took a dip with Om Shanti Om coming in full swing with hidden surprises for everyone to look forward too. There’s comedy with SRK trying Hyderabadi and Rajnikanth style in the 70’s look, there’s curiosity over the style depicted in the first half, there’s anticipation over the stories of re-creating heroes of that era who are not with us anymore, there’s the swift change to the 2000 era with SRK’s six-pack, there’s the 31-stars’ song and there’s the debutant, the whole nation is swearing by. So, did Om Shanti Om manage to entice the audience just a little more?

Saawariya has its own scoring points in terms of crowd pulling. But like always, Bhansali films take a slow start and sometimes refuse to start at all. He is a critics favourtite and cinema lover’s magician at work but is he your fav? Can Saawariya move beyond cinematic beauty and soulful music? Can a love story really strike cord due to beautiful execution? And do newcomers stand a chance against the genius of the King Khan?

And the latest is that Om Shanti Om has already registered a record 18,000+ ticket bookings even before the ticket windows opened for the pre-release booking section. So, may be Om Shanti Om has drawn the first blood. The film definitely gave more to the people to talk about and look forward too.

Many of you including me, will watch Saawariya if given a preference over Om Shanti Om, mainly because of the visual treat and the expectations from the maker of Black. But, the stats have it that Om Shanti Om is a movie for all generations and has a wholesome package for everyone of you. Come this Friday and the verdict will be out!

Tanushree Chatterjee

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