According to the trade, Arjun Kapoor film fails to live up to expectations in its opening weekend at the box office

Some would say it's a bit odd that some of the most hyped films of this year have failed to make a mark at the box office. While two Hollywood biggies The Great Gatsby and The Reluctant Fundamentalist released last Friday apart from animation film Epic, Bollywood was represented by Arjun Kapoor's Aurangzeb.

The trade says that the last releases including Go Goa Gone and Aashiqui 2 have been the saving grace at the ticket windows.

Exhibitor Girish Wankhede says, `It has been a bit of a disappointment at the box office as none of the four films have been able to live up to their expectations.

Aurangzeb showed 35 to 40 per cent occupancy, Epic stood at 35 per cent while the others commanded only 30 per cent. In fact, Go Goa Gone was holding stronger with 40-45 per cent occupancy. Aashiqui 2 too also had 45 per cent occupancy. A lot was expected from Aurangzeb but somehow the audience didn't find much excitement in the film.`


Distributor Sunny Khanna elaborates, `Aurangzeb raked in just Rs 3.83 cr on Friday, saw a marginal drop on Saturday with Rs 3.76 cr and on Sunday saw a rise with Rs 4.58cr, so that makes it Rs 12.17crore over the weekend. But if you compare the film with Arjun's first release Ishaqzaade, it had a Rs 14-15 cr weekend.`

Khanna feels a lot of factor went against the film including its music and the title. He adds, `From the posters, the film looked straight out of '90s. For Go Goa Gone, despite a limited number of screens, the film still managed to hold good. Shootout at Wadala has collected about Rs 50 crore at the box office and Aashiqui 2 is sitting pretty at Rs 62 crore.`

A trade expert and distributor Suniel Wadhwa informs us, `Aurangzeb clearly lacks music and face value and a proper female lead.

The film cashed in around Rs 12 and half crore at the box office over the weekend but it looks difficult for the film to sustain in the coming week. Even in its fourth week Aashiqui 2 is raking in the money. It has collected approximately Rs 3 crore last week. In fact this 'U' certificate film from the Bhatts has earned much more than the banner's typical 'A' certificate films, in terms of cost versus revenue.`