Two years ago when the Deol family's Yamla Pagla Deewana released, it was announced to be a resounding hit. But after its first weekend, the film's sequel bears no semblance to the first, in terms of the money collected.
While in 2011, when YPD released, the first weekend figures for the film were Rs 22 crore from across 1,300 screens across the country. With 2,000 screens this year, YPD 2 has managed to rake in only Rs 21.50 crore over its first weekend.
In the meanwhile, there's no stopping for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, as the film collected R 29 crore in its second weekend. Its total box office collection stands at Rs 136.61 crore.
Exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi says, `The Deol trio has not been able to rake up the kind of storm that was expected at the ticket windows. But the film's economics will help it sail smoothly to the safety of the shores. The budget of the film is less than the amount earned through the pre-sale of the film's satellite rights. That makes the theatrical revenues an added bonus.`
Rathi also points out that YJHD's great run at the box office has also caused a dent on YPD 2's fate.
According to trade analyst, Amod Mehra, the film has not responded well even in Punjab, considered to be a stronghold of the Deols. Says Mehra, `YPD had a lot of nostalgia value. The second part seemed like a forced comedy. After a point even buffoonery doesn't work.`
Single screen owner Manoj Desai says, `The film had 80 to 100 per cent occupancy across my cinema halls but the audience reaction is not up to the mark. YJHD is still doing good business at major centres.`
