Mumbai:It was crucial for a movie of this genre has a strong start, Dear Zindagi has passed the test on its first day, it collected a good number of ?8.75 crore. For the last weeks due to demonetisation footfalls in theatres were affected, but the Shah Rukh Khan - Alia Bhatt starrer has got the audience back to the theatres.Some movies turn out to be profitable even before release, Dear Zindagi presented by Red Chillies Entertainment in association with Dharma Productions and Hope Productions and produced by Dharma Productions is one such movie.
The film that opened yesterday to a favourable response had what experts call ``a tight release.'' It opened in India in just 1200 screens and overseas in 600 screens. Made cost-effectively at a budget of 22cr with an additional P&A cost of 11cr,The film has earned its producers, Gauri Khan, Gauri Shinde and Karan Johar an immediate return on investment because of the reasonable budget and unique release strategy.
A leading distributor says, ``This is a sensible approach to filmmaking. Knowing fully well that it is a Alia Bhatt vehicle with Shah Rukh Khan being a part of her screen journey, the makers hit on the idea of giving this film that mirrors the dilemma faced by the youth, a unique release pattern. Instead of carpet-bombing like they would with a traditional SRK film, the makers have deliberately chosen to release in a much lesser number of screens globally because they know a film like this needs that kind of nuturing.
And, in doing so, they not only set aside a profit margin for themselves, they also ensured that the interests of those involved in the distribution and exhibition sector are safe-guarded.'' Written & Directed by Gauri Shinde, Dear Zindagi released worldwide on November 25, 2016. (WD)
