The year started on a disappointing note for distributors - the much-hyped "Elaan" garnered just an average response, and star-studded "Insan" proved a damp squib. Exhibitors are now banking heavily on Subhash Ghai's "Kisna", all set to release this week.

With excellent advance bookings in Mumbai already, the film is expected to open to a thumping response.

"Despite the fact that it is a period film, a Subhash Ghai film invariably draws its share of audiences at the box-office," said Arun Sharma, programming manager of Inox.

"There is definitely a great excitement about the release of 'Kisna'. We are also expecting to cash in on the weekend holiday," he said.

Another important release coming up soon is Madhur Bhandarkar's "Page 3". Even Bhandarkar, after his disappointment with "Aan", is counting on the film to make an impression.

A third release, which is making its small presence felt at the box-office, is the Vikram Chatwal-starrer, "One Dollar Curry".