/> There were doubts about the box office prospects of Akshay Kumar starrer 8X10 TASVEER even before it's release.

Reason? The film had seen the least hype for an Akshay Kumar starrer in last 3-4 years and the actor too was underplaying the promotion of the film. As the release date got closer, it was quite obvious that it won't take a thunderous opening as expected from an Akshay starrer.

Instead it would settle down for a 50-60% opening only and see an increase in collections only if the word of mouth is good.

Well, the box office performance has followed exactly as per the script except for the fact that word of mouth has been poor, something which is bound to adversely impact the final collections of the film.

As of now, the film is on extremely shaky grounds with barely average opening at the box office. It could have been acceptable had the film being liked but unfortunately, that hasn't quite happened with the film's finale coming in for quite some criticism.

Moreover, what has further worked negatively for 8X10 TASVEER is the very fact that it has neither turned out to be realistic nor hardcore commercial.

This means that at the end of the day, neither does the film carry a trademark Nagesh Kukunoor stamp to it nor does it see Akshay Kumar go completely commercial here. To his credit, he does try out something different at this stage of his career where he can afford to experiment.

However, what surprises is his acceptance of a script like 8X10 TASVEER where the finale is completely incomprehensible. It is hard to believe how he or Nagesh could have actually okayed the suspense element in the film?

In any case, now that the film is out, it can only lead to ifs and buts. The fact though is that majority of audience has given a Thumbs down to this film which could have possibly bridged the gap for Akshay when it came to choosing between out and out commercial films and experimental cinema.

Remainder of the week will show whether the film will meet a fate similar to that of CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA or come up with a face saving outcome at the least.