It's all smiles in the Kapoor khandaan today. Sonam Kapoor's much ambitious pet project Neerja has finally hit theatres and has created a storm. In its own little manner. Now, it doesn't matter if the film gate-crashed into all pre-existing box office records or not. What matters is how a carefully budgeted content-driven film like this has worked wonders at the theatres yet again.
Sonam's terrific performance along with Shabani Azmi's flawless stint and obviously, Ram Madhvani's brilliant screenplay and direction has made Neerja a must watch. In a matter of two days itself, the film has emerged victorious at the BO. Why? Neerja had a small budget of Rs 20 crore (Rs 13 crore main budget plus 7 crore promotions). It had recovered almost its entire investment from theatrical revenues. Now, the catch was whether the film will work at the BO. Neerja isn't working, it's flying!
Story of brave-heart Neerja Bhanot, Madhvani has kept it crisp and sharp. A little over two hours, this one's a stunner. Not only does it evoke levels of emotions within you, it chokes and move you in the same amount. The beauty of the film lies in the way the director and its stellar cast take you through an extraordinarily valiant journey in an extremely passionate yet ordinary fashion.
After raking in around Rs 5 crore on day 1 at the box office, the film received tremendous growth, courtesy a brilliant word of mouth that has ensued for the film. Respect for Sonam has increased by leaps and bounds and the film brought in an outstanding figure of Rs 7.60 crore at the box office on day 2. With that, the 2 day total stand at Rs 12.30 crore which is fantastic for a film of this budget.
Neerja is expected to grow even further on Sunday (being a holiday) and might add in another 9-10 crore in its kitty. Given the pace of the film, it would not be surprising if it goes to rake in over Rs 50 crore and pose a challenge to Raanjhanaa's collections as well. After all, this story of this forgotten hero needs to be watched, shared and told...
