Amitabh Bachchan’s Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap (BHTB) and Aamir Khan’s Delhi Belly released yesterday and within hours were the most talked films by the 100-million internet audience in India on social networking sites.
Twenty-four hours before his film’s release, Bachchan wondered on Twitter, “If Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap is a success, it would be my first solo hit after two decades, and that too by a Telugu film director.”
As far as online marketing goes, Bachchan seems to have thwarted the competition. He had not only recorded the promotional videos of his film in five Indian languages but also had special interactions on websites like Twitter and blogs, where he has a strong following. Delhi Belly today opened across 1,200 screens as against BHTB that opened in nearly 1,000 screens.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted his release day verdict, “Delhi Belly takes a big lead. Multiplexes in major centres have reported 70-90 per cent occupancy while single screens have recorded 50-60 per cent occupancy. Youth seem to be endorsing the film.”
Bachchan’s home production has reportedly invested Rs 10 crore in BHTB, while Khan’s production has said to have budgeted its film at Rs 35 crore. “Delhi Belly has had a terrific start compared to Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap. Occupancies are around 70-80 per cent for Delhi Belly,” listed a senior multiplex official. According to trade analysts, BHTB managed just 15 per cent occupancies.
