Phoonk' blows away oppositions

RGV can finally heave a sigh of relief. The maverick film-maker was going through a rough patch and sadly, had become everyone's favourite punching bag. Only goes to show that howsoever talented you may be, if you can't deliver a hit, you're not in the running. Hit hain to fit hain, that's the mantra everyone follows in the industry.

That PHOONK blew away all oppositions and emerged the first choice this weekend is known to all and sundry by now. That it has been maintaining 40% to 50% occupancy on week days is also an eye-opener for many.

What worked? Smart marketing? Well, if smart marketing was the mantra to success then every second Hindi film would've worked at the ticket window. The ratio of flops wouldn't be what it is today. Sure, the Rs. 5 lacs reward for watching it all alone did generate curiosity, but that would've only helped on the opening day. Thereafter, the content did the talking.

Now let's look at the economics of PHOONK. Made at a shoe-string budget by RGV [Rs. 3 cr.], his partner Azam Khan's One More Thought pumped an additional Rs. 3 cr. on prints and promotion, which should easily be recovered in its first week itself. I expect the film to remain steady in Week 2 as well. Plus, the Satellite and Home Video revenue as also the international dubbing rights would only be a bonus.

In terms of investment and returns, PHOONK is a major success story. The talk in the industry is, even a crow can draw in audiences, provided there's a story to tell. How true!