But look at the irony! Wags within the entertainment industry are cruelly labelling it "Phata Poster Nikla Zero."
Says a director who not so long ago offered Shahid a solid role in a film that went on to be a runaway success, "Shahid asked me for a hard-bound script. I told him I don't work that way. He said he works in no other way. I want to know what kind of a hard-bound script Santoshi offered him for Phata Poster. . . I can't see any evidence of a script in the film."
A marketing head from a multiplex chain in Mumbai says it's a case of Shahid trying to be what he is not. He is good at comedy. But he is not great at it.
Why has he been made to do what Salman did in Dabangg and Ranbir Kapoor in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani? We got a poor opening for Phata Poster. . . . as low as 40 to 50 percent attendance on the first day. We are hoping the collections would pick up. But we doubt it. Audiences just don't find the film entertaining.
Trade expert Taran Adarsh admits the opening of PPNH has been disappointing. "The numbers are not in-sync with the merits of the film. But Shahid has proved he's a complete all-rounder with a terrific performing ability. I am hoping the film would pick up over the weekend."
Amod Mehra is less hopeful. "Shahid has had quite a few flops recently Furthermore, neither the film's title nor the trailer was exciting. A couple of songs were liked. But before they could become chartbusters the film was released."
Ken Ghosh who has directed Shahid in 3 films thinks there is hope for PPNH. "It had good music, promos, everything. . . . But still, Rs 7 crores on the first day is not so that bad. I hope it picks up during the weekend."
So where does this underwhelming response leave Shahid Kapoor? Every expert in the film trade reveals Prabhdheva's film tentatively entitled Rambo Rajkumar would do the trick.
Raves Prabhudheva, "Shahid is soooooooo good in action scenes. Dancing is already his forte. For the first time audiences will see him as an action star. He is unbelievable."
